Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temperature comparisons for antibody production in vitro by plaque‐forming cells from trout, Salmo gairdneri (Richardson), and mice

Anterior kidney and splenic cells were taken from rainbow trout and splenic cells from BALB/c mice immunized with a T-dependent (sheep red blood cells) or T-independent (DNP-Ficoll) antigen. The cells were incubated at different temperatures in Jerne plaque assays (direct or passive haemolytic plaque assays). The optimum numbers of in vitro plaque-forming cells (PFC) after incubation with homologous complement were directly correlated with normal body temperatures of the respective species. The optimum incubation temperature was 37°C for mouse cells and 10°C for fish cells. Incubation of mouse cells at lower temperatures of 30, 20, 10, 4 or 0°C appeared to yield a direct line reduction in numbers of PFC. Trout cells developed significantly fewer PFC at 4 and 20°C and none at 30°C or above; however, significant numbers still appeared at 0°C. More PFC per million white blood cells were obtained from the anterior kidney; however, related to temperatures, no differences in development of numbers of PFC could be seen between the spleen and anterior kidney cells of trout. When the incubation time was lengthened for both trout and mouse cells held at low temperatures, the numbers of PFC approached those of the cells incubated at the optimum temperatures for 10 h.
A quantitative real-time PCR method for monitoring Symbiodinium in the water column

A simple and rapid quantification system for zooxanthellae released from corals or existing in environmental waters was developed. Real-time PCR with a primer set designed to amplify the nuclear 18S rRNA gene of any genetic clade of Symbiodinium was used with intercalating dye SYBR® Green I to enable the low-cost, simple assay of Symbiodinium density in surrounding waters. With the combination of a simple DNA extraction method developed recently by another group that traps cells onto a filter, the utility of the qPCR system was tested by investigating both the diel release pattern of Symbiodinium from Acropora digitifera in an aquarium and the occurrence of cells in field waters. Results showed that the system was fast and could accurately monitor Symbiodinium densities released from coral, and could possibly be applied to the Symbiodinium occurring in the field water —an outcome that could never be matched by conventional microscopic counts.
Digestibility Experiments with Dairy Cows Consuming Different Quantities of Concentrates

Abstract Two digestibility experiments were conducted with both high- and low-yielding dairy cows (a total of 63 cows). All cows were part of a long-term experiment and were fed 7kg hay, 1kg dry beet pulp, and a crushed concentrate mixture. The quantity of concentrates in Experiments 1 ranged from 3.0 to 13.5kg and in Experiment 2 from 0 to 15.7kg per cow and day. The feces were quantitatively collected for 10 days. There is good fit to a straight line between consumed and digested organic matter, consumed and digested crude protein, consumed and digested nitrogen- free extract even with as high a consumption of concentrates as 15.7kg per cow and day. Cows have digested the concentrates to the same extent regardless of the quantity consumed. There seems no reason to assume a lower digestibility at high feed consumption as long as the animals are adapted to a normal feeding ration with long hat and crushed concentrates.
Molecular Determinants for Modulation of Persistent Sodium Current by G-Protein βγ Subunits

Voltage-gated sodium channels are responsible for the upstroke of the action potential in most excitable cells, and their fast inactivation is essential for controlling electrical signaling. In addition, a noninactivating, persistent component of sodium current, INaP, has been implicated in integrative functions of neurons including threshold for firing, neuronal bursting, and signal integration. G-protein βγ subunits increase INaP, but the sodium channel subtypes that conduct INaP and the target site(s) on the sodium channel molecule required for modulation by Gβγ are poorly defined. Here, we show that INaP conducted by Nav1.1 and Nav1.2 channels (Nav1.1 > Nav1.2) is modulated by Gβγ; Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 channels produce smaller INaP that is not regulated by Gβγ. These qualitative differences in modulation by Gβγ are determined by the transmembrane body of the sodium channels rather than their cytoplasmic C-terminal domains, which have been implicated previously in modulation by Gβγ. However, the C-terminal domains determine the quantitative extent of modulation of Nav1.2 channels by Gβγ. Studies of chimeric and truncated Nav1.2 channels identify molecular determinants that affect modulation of INaP located between amino acid residue 1890 and the C terminus at residue 2005. The last 28 amino acid residues of the C terminus are sufficient to support modulation by Gβγ when attached to the proximal C-terminal domain. Our results further define the sodium channel subtypes that generate INaP and identify crucial molecular determinants in the C-terminal domain required for modulation by Gβγ when attached to the transmembrane body of a responsive sodium channel.
Habitat selection and offspring survival rate in three paracoprid dung beetles: the influence of soil type and soil moisture

Paracoprid dung beetles build brood chambers in the soil beneath a dung pat and provide them with dung. Onthophagus species lay one egg into each chamber. This paper deals with the influence of soil type and soil moisture on micro-habitat selection and survival of offspring in three middle-European Onthophagus-species (O. coenobita, O. fracticornis and O. vacca). Discrimination between sandy soils with three different loam contents (0%, 20%, 40%) and four different water contents (4%, 8%, 12%, 16%) was tested in the laboratory. During the first 24 h of each replicate beetles which colonized one of the patches did not distinguish between different soil conditions. Emigration rates, measured as time when 50% of all individuals had left the patch, and numbers of brood chambers proved to be species specific and depended on soil moisture and soil type. Survival rates of the larvae in the brood chambers were influenced nearly exclusively by soil moisture. The results are discussed in relation to the ecology of the three species and in context with optimal foraging theories.
Phylogeny and co‐occurrence of mammal species on Southeast Asian islands

Aim Islands have often been used as model systems in community ecology. The incorporation of information on phylogenetic relatedness of species in studies of island assemblage structure is still uncommon, but could provide valuable insights into the processes of island community assembly. We propose six models of island community assembly that make different predictions about the associations between co-occurrences of species pairs on islands, phylogenetic relatedness and ecological similarity. We then test these models using data on mammals of Southeast Asian islands. Location Two hundred and forty islands of the Sundaland region of Southeast Asia. Methods We quantified the co-occurrence of species pairs on islands, and identified pairs that co-occur more frequently (positive co-occurrence) or less frequently (negative co-occurrence) than expected under null models. We then examined the distributions of these significantly deviating pairs with respect to phylogenetic relatedness and ecological differentiation, and compared these patterns with those predicted by the six community assembly models. We used permutation regression to test whether co-occurrence patterns are predicted by relatedness, body size difference or difference in diet quality. Separate co-occurrence matrices were analysed in this way for seven mammal families and four smaller subsets of the islands of Sundaland. Results In many matrices, average numbers of negative co-occurrences were higher than expected under null models. This is consistent with assemblage structuring by competition, but may also result from low geographic overlap of species pairs, which contributes to negative co-occurrences at the archipelago-wide level. Distributions of species pairs within plots of phylogenetic distance × ecological differentiation were consistent with competition, habitat filtering or within-island speciation models, depending on the taxon. Regressions indicated that co-occurrence was more likely among closely related species pairs within the Viverridae and Sciuridae, but in most matrices phylogenetic distance was unrelated to co-occurrence. Main conclusions Simple deterministic models linking co-occurrence with phylogeny and ecology are a useful framework for interpreting distributions and assemblage structure of island species. However, island assemblages in Sundaland have probably been shaped by a complex idiosyncratic set of interacting ecological and evolutionary processes, limiting the predictive power of such models.
Factors affecting the digestion of oesophageal fistula samples and hay samples in nylon bags in the rumen of cattle

SUMMARY Factors affecting the nylon-bag technique, for examination of digestion in the rumen of extrusa and hay samples of low nutritional value, were studied. Effects of: the method of placement of bags in the rumen; saliva in extrusa; drying and milling techniques; a second-stage digestion with acid-pepsin solution; sample size; and losses of particulate matter through bag cloth were studied. Digestion of dry matter (d.m.) and cell walls after 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 h in the rumen were used to indicate treatment effects. Attaching bags with nylon cord to a weight was a better method than enclosing them in perforated jars in the rumen which restricted digestion. Drying technique had little effect on digestion, although frozen extrusa was digested more than oven-dried feed, especially in samples of Heteropogon contortus. Chewing of forage was sufficient to obtain maximum rates of digestion. Milling extrusa through 1 or 2 mm screens did not increase digestion. An extra period of digestion in acid-pepsin solution increased digestion of feed samples more than that of extrusa, but the effects were small. It reduced between-bag variation slightly, but did not alter the significance of differences between treatments. The effect of sample size on digestion was small. Sample weight (3, 6 and 9 g) was kept proportional (42 mg/cm2) to bag cloth area. Digestion of d.m. after 24 h reflected digestion of cell walls. Digestion of cell walls was faster in grasses than in legumes. The higher digestibility of legumes was due to solubilization within 24 h of the greater amounts of cell contents found in legumes. Cell contents were only partially solubilized, and up to 10 g per 100 g original d.m. were not removed. Losses of particulate matter averaged 4·6% (range 0·5–10·6%). Losses were high when samples were finely milled (1 mm screen) but varied between species. Pore aperture of cloth was 25 μm. Methods for determining loss and correction of digestion data for such losses are given.
Cyrtophora citricola (Araneae: Araneidae: Cyrtophorinae), a first record for Turkey

We recorded the tent-web spider Cyrtophora citricola (Forsskal, 1775) (Araneidae: Cyrtophorinae) from Turkey for the first time at two sites. Body measurements and a brief description of the female are presented, as well as information on the sites (olive and orange orchards, shrubs) and the accompanying spider fauna.
REDUCTION OF FUNGI AND MYCOTOXINS FORMATION IN SEEDS BY GAMMA-RADIATION

Ninety samples of maize, chick-peas and groundnut seeds collected from the Egyptian market were found to be heavily contaminated by molds. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Eurotium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Rhizopus were the most common fungal genera isolated from nondisinfected seeds. Aspergillus alutaceus, A. flavus, Fusarium verticillioides and F. oxysporum were isolated from all surface-disinfected seeds and were reported to produce ochratoxin A, aflatoxin B 1 and zearalenone, respectively. Irradiation at a dose 4.0 kGy reduced the mold growth greatly relative to unirradiated controls. There was no growth at dose 5.0 kGy. On the basis of the radiation survival data, the decimal reduction values D 10 for A. alutaceus, A. flavus and F. verticilliodies were 0.70. 2.10 and 0.93 kGy in maize. A dose of 5 kGy inhibited the toxigenic molds and mycotoxin formation in seeds. Aflatoxin B 1 and ochratoxin A were detected in maize and chick-peas, whereas zearalenone was detected in maize samples. Application of radiation at a dose of 6.0 kGy detoxified aflatoxin B 1 by 74.3-76.7%, ochratoxin A by 51.3-96.2% and zearalenone by about 78%.
Developmental and myotropic effects of the Led-NPF-I peptide in tenebrionid beetles

Effects of Led-NPF-I peptide hormone (Ala-Arg-Gly-Pro-Gln-Leu-Arg-Leu-Arg-Phe-amide) and its analogues were tested on the contractile activity of the oviduct of two beetle species Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas atratus. The influence of Led-NPF-I on the developmental processes of T. molitor was also examined. The unmodified Led-NPF-I molecule exerts inhibitory effects on contractions of the oviduct in both beetles; however, the efficiency of inhibition was stronger in T. molitor females. Structure–activity studies showed that replacement of Arg residue in positions 2, 7 and 9 in the amino acid sequence by His, D-Arg or Lys led to changes in myoinhibitory properties of almost all of the analogues in both species. In the majority of the analogues, the effect was weaker when compared to the native molecule. In the developmental bioassays, injections of Led-NPF-I peptide delayed the moulting process of T. molitor larvae and accelerated pupal moult. It also increased the growth in pre-starved and non-starved larvae. Our results indicate that short neuropeptides F are involved in the regulation of growth, developmental processes and some reproductive functions in beetles.
Experiment Results on AC Tracking Resistance of ZnO/Epoxy Microcomposites

In order to meet the increased demand for electrical energy, the application of advanced technologies to the power transmission network has increased. Representative examples include HVDC, UHVAC and FACTS. In order to apply such technologies, development and operation of novel power equipment that support fully functionality of such technologies are required. In addition, research on electrical insulation performance is also required to realize safe and stable operation of power equipment. With such background, this paper reports test results of the tracking resistance of epoxy composites filled with micro sized ATH and ZnO particles. Results of the inclined plane test (IPT) showed that micro-composites could show improved tracking resistance performance compared to pure epoxy specimen.
Exposure of mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) to the hepatotoxic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena

Nodularin (NODLN) is a cyclic pentapeptide hepatotoxin produced by the cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena, which forms extensive blooms during the summer in the Baltic Sea. Nodularin was detected in liver, muscle and/or feather samples of several common eiders (Somateria mollissima) from the Gulf of Finland (northern Baltic Sea) in 2002–2005. Published information on the adverse effects of NODLN in marine birds is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of NODLN, and determine the concentrations of NODLN in liver and muscle tissue in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) exposed to N. spumigena. Mallards received a single or multiple exposure via oral gavage with an aqueous slurry containing toxic N. spumigena. Dosages ranged from 200 to 600 µg NODLN per kg body weight (bw). There were minimal histopathological changes in liver tissue, and brain cholinesterase activity did not differ among treatment groups. Concentrations of NODLN measured by LC-MS in liver varied between approximately 3–120 µg kg−1 dry weight (dw) and ducks receiving multiple exposures had significantly greater liver toxin levels than ducks receiving the two lowest single exposures. In muscle, NODLN concentrations were approximately 2–6 µg kg−1 dw, but did not differ significantly among exposure groups. This is the first in vivo lab study examining the effects and bioaccumulation of NODLN from N. spumigena in birds. The mallards in this study were resistant to adverse effects and did not bioaccumulate substantial levels of NODLN at the doses given.
Prospects of forest road infrastructure development in northwest Russia with proven Nordic solutions

This paper analyses the situation with forest roads in Russia in the context of harvesting, transportation, forest management and forest fire prevention. Russia harvests less than 30% of its allowable harvest potential. Forest fires burn volumes which are equal to half of the annual harvest. One reason is the insufficient density and quality of forest roads. The average density of roads is less than 1.5 m/ha, which is one-tenth of that in Nordic countries. We argue that better access to the forests, utilizing the technology transfer of the proven Nordic forest road solutions (NFRS) under local conditions, might have important effects on the strategy-making processes in forest infrastructure development in northwest Russia. For this purpose, A'WOT analysis is proposed to identify the related strategies and assign priorities to those strategies. According to this study undertaken in Karelia, where NFRS were introduced over 10 years ago, the top priorities regarding the relevant threats are the lack of legal framework under forest land leasing and the low profitability of forestry. The results indicate that the NFRS are viewed positively for the Russian conditions. The forest road market has virtually unlimited opportunities for growth. Together with a favourable policy in terms of national and regional development programmes it can support forest infrastructure development. Forest fire prevention, multiple uses of woodlands, and different environmental service markets are seen as potential opportunities for NFRS. However, the results also indicate that there is substantial uncertainty and scepticism concerning how such markets would be of benefit to leaseholders who would like to adopt intensive forestry.
Regional variation in electromorph frequencies in the tuatua, Paphies subtriangulata, around New Zealand

Abstract Four polymorphic enzyme loci were tested in 13 samples of tuatua, Paphies subtriangulata, from around New Zealand. Statistical analyses of the distribution of electromorphs indicate 3 geographical groups: north, central, and Chatham Islands. One sample from Stewart Island may represent a fourth southern group owing to its geographical isolation and genetic differences with the central group. It is suggested that the genetic differentiation is maintained by current movements which restrict gene flow between regions. Samples from the Chatham Islands showed lower hetero‐zygosities than mainland samples. This offshore island group is beyond the normal limits of larval dispersal from mainland populations.
Flight periodicity and infestation size of Sitona lineatus

SUMMARY Sitona lineatus displays two distinct flight periods; a post-teneral flight in the late summer and a post-diapausal flight in the spring. The late summer flight begins as soon as adults start to emerge from pupal cells during late July and continues until mid-October. Maximum aerial density is observed in late August. Less than 10% of newly emerged adults leave the crop by flight, the rest remain in the soil or move to overwintering sites by walking. Spring flight begins in late March if temperatures are above the 12.5°C flight threshold and reaches a peak in mid-April. Most migratory flight is downwind. Little trivial flight occurs and once individuals have located a crop, redistribution is by walking. Laboratory studies indicate that adults fly most often during the day, particularly at noon. The size of infestations appeared to be independent of the area of legumes grown in a locality with large differences occurring even between neighbouring fields. Examination of the yields of field experiments at Rothamsted demonstrate an unexpected trend for higher yields in later sown spring bean crops. This may be because late sowing avoids infestation by spring migrants.
Cell division, cell death and hepatic DNA in relation to liver hypertrophy and regression in breeding ewes

Summary Lactation in ewes is associated with hypertrophy of the liver, due to cell proliferation and enlargement. The mean diameter of hepatic parenchymal cell nuclei increased after parturition to reach a maximum at 6 weeks, after which there was a decline. The liver regressed in weight after weaning but total DNA declined less than liver weight and remained elevated in comparison with livers of unmated ewes, while DNA concentration increased. Total liver DNA remained relatively high for approximately 6 months. It is suggested that the final fall to control values was associated with cell death and disorganization of the hepatic parenchyma. These results imply that the life span of one type of liver parenchymal cell may be at least 6 months.
Current Status of Economically Important Plant Moringa peregrina (Forrsk.) Fiori in Saudi Arabia: A Review

One of crucial issues that are faced by global community is hunger and food insecurity. M. peregrina is a promising candidate for future crop, especially in arid regions where food insecurity prevalence is high. The tree is known to be drought resistant and have very valuable nutrient and medicinal properties. Saudi Arabia is one of the main native distribution areas of M. peregrina in the Middle East. In this paper, the current status of M. peregrina in Saudi Arabia is reviewed. In the last decades, the study on M. peregrina in Saudi Arabia has increased, leading to better understanding on its distribution and ecology, nutrient content from its various parts and their medicinal properties. The paper also discusses conservation status of M. peregrina and further studies needed to support the conservation of this very valuable tree.
Rethinking stock market integration: Globalization, valuation and convergence

This paper aims to study the extent of integration among developed and emerging stock markets in the onset of globalization through the formulation of a unified conceptual framework that synthesizes the stock valuation model and the convergence hypothesis. Market integration manifests in the convergence of stock valuation ratios of markets in the long run, where valuation ratios are reflective of stock fundamentals driven by common global factors across markets. The spectrum of transition dynamics of markets towards integration is explored with variants of valuation ratios and different notions of convergence. Results reveal the time-varying nature of the global stock market integration process that is characterized by heterogeneous transition experience of markets at both the total market and disaggregated industrial sector levels. JEL classification: F36, G12, G15