Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The ovary is a source of circulating ecdysteroids in Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

The developmental fluctuations in immunoreactive ecdysteroids in the haemolymph of adult female Blattella germanica (L.) are reported. There is a relatively low titre in freshly ecdysed females, an increase during vitellogenesis to a peak at choriogenesis, and a decrease after ovulation. These fluctuations parallel those of ecdysteroid content in the ovary. In addition, haemolymph ecdysteroid levels are reduced following ovariectomy, and single ovarioles incubated in vitro effectively release ecdysteroids into the medium. The data strongly suggest that the ovaries are a major source of circulating ecdysteroids in adult females of this species. Since the prothoracic gland degenerates shortly after the imaginal moult, the presence of ecdysteroids in the haemolymph of ovariectomized females suggests that there are other tissues that also serve as a source of these circulating hormones during the reproductive cycle of B. germanica.
Modeling of Sequential Batch Ultrafiltration of Red Beet Extract

Sequential batch ultrafiltration of red beet extract was studied by employing membranes of decreasing molecular weight cut-off in sequence. A mathematical model was developed after considering the series of resistances of the polarized layer and the membrane, but not polymer solution interaction. Experimental data indicated that Sperry's type of expression which has been used to describe wine filtration was also valid for ultrafiltration. The data also revealed that in a special case of operation, when polarized layer resistance is considerably smaller than that of the membrane, the model reduces to a Darcy's law type of expression which is widely used in ultrafiltration.
Review of the Order Strepsiptera

The morphology, biology and life history of the immature stages, the free‐living and the neotenic females (of the suborders Mengenillidia and Stylopidia respectively) and the free‐living males of the order Strepsiptera are discussed. Strepsiptera are entomophagous parasitoids and are known to parasitize seven orders and thirty‐five families of Insecta. The morphological and physiological changes they cause to the host insect are outlined. The classification of the order is revised; the geographical distribution, phylogenetic system and keys to the families, subfamilies and genera (when possible) are given. As the sexes are dimorphic, separate keys are provided for adult males and neotenic females.
Response of terrestrial isopods, Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio laevis (Isopoda: Oniscidea) to the ant Tetramorium caespitum: morphology, behavior and reproductive success

Summary Little is known about the effects of predatory stress on reproduction in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Oniscidea). We studied direct and indirect influences of predatory ants Tetramorium caespitum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on the behavior and reproduction of two terrestrial isopods, Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio laevis. A. vulgare females were more cryptic than P. laevis females in both the presence and absence of ants, but in both species control animals were more cryptic than experimental animals exposed to ants. This likely resulted from increased movement in the presence of ants. Both species also avoided ventilated enclosures containing ants, but control animals not previously exposed to ants remained significantly further away. P. laevis also remained significantly further from ants than A. vulgare, suggesting that P. laevis more actively avoids potential predators. This is consistent with morphological differences between the two species: A. vulgare can roll into a sealed ball whereas the morphology of P. laevis permits swift locomotion. Furthermore, mortality rates of P. laevis were greater than A. vulgare when both were directly exposed to ants in the laboratory, and P. laevis suffered significantly more attacks than A. vulgare under experimental conditions. However, the length of the brooding period in A. vulgare was shorter in ant-exposed females than in controls, whereas experimental and control P. laevis females showed no such difference. This could be an adaptive trade-off for A. vulgare because in the late brooding period the distended marsupium can prevent rolling into a closed ball for protection. The results of this study underscore the relationships between morphology, behavior, and reproductive success.
Structure and function of the bacterial Sec translocon (Review)

Bacteria and archaea possess a protein complex in the plasma membrane that governs protein secretion and membrane protein insertion. Eukaryotes carry homologues in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where they direct the same reaction. A combination of experiments conducted on the systems found in all three domains of life has revealed a great deal about protein translocation. The channel provides a route for proteins to pass through the hydrophobic barrier of the membrane, assisted by various partner proteins which maintain an unfolded state of the substrate, target it to the channel and provide the energy and mechanical drive required for transport. In bacteria, the post-translational reaction utilizes an ATPase that couples the free energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to move the substrate through the protein pore. This review will draw on genetic, biochemical and structural findings in an account of our current understanding of this mechanism.
Evaluating internal zinc requirements of grain crops by seed analysis

Our study tested the general opinion that foliar tissues are superior to seeds for determining the nutrient status of crops. Zinc requirements of leaves and seeds were estimated from yield response curves based on greenhouse pot culture experiments using two Zn-deficient subsoils (Paaloa silty clay; clayey, oxidic, isothermic Humoxic Tropohumult; and Keahua silty clay loam; fine, kaolinitic, isohyperthermic Torroxic Hapulstoll) of Hawaii. These were fertilized with 0, 1, 3, 9, or 27 mg Zn kg⁻¹ of soil. The order of grain yield response to Zn fertilization was: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) < sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] < rice (Oryza sativa L.) < millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Schumann] < soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr. ] < cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ] < corn (Zea mays L.). Fertilizer Zn requirements for near-maximum grain yield was highest for cowpea (7.5 mg kg⁻¹ soil) and lowest for wheat (0.5 mg kg⁻¹ soil). Zinc concentrations (mg kg⁻¹) in recently matured leaves associated with 95% maximum yields were similar for seven species: corn and millet, 24; soybean, 22; cowpea, 21; sorghum, 20; rice, 19; and wheat, 17. Equivalent concentrations for seeds were soybean, 43; cowpea, 26; corn, 18; millet, rice and wheat, 15; and sorghum, 10. Across all species, fertilizer levels and soils, the range of Zn concentration in leaves was 5 to 115 mg kg⁻¹ (both values for corn); and in grains 6 (sorghum) to 59 mg kg⁻¹ (wheat). Our results indicate that there was little reason to prefer leaves over grain as a diagnostic tissue for Zn; therefore, Zn should be added to the list of elements for which seed analysis may be advantageous. Journal Series no. 3618 of the Hawaii Agric. Exp. Stn. Contribution from Dep. of Agronomy and Soil Science, Univ. of Hawaii. This research is part of a Ph.D dissertation by the senior author while on an East-West Center Fellowship, with additional support provided by the Foundation for Agronomic Research.
Comparative Feeding of Grey (Halichoerus grypus)and Common Seals (Phoca vitulina) in Coastal Waters of Iceland, with a Note on the Diet of Hooded (Cystophora cristata) and Harp Seals (Phoca groenlandica)

During 1992–93, an extensive collection program of seal stomachs was conducted as a part of the Multi-Species Research program of the Marine Research Institute in Iceland which commenced in 1991. The aim of the seal part of the program was to investigate their food and feeding habits and role as top-predators. In total 1 059 stomachs from grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) (737 had food remains), 799 stomachs from common seals (Phoca vitulina) (493 had food remains), 62 stomachs from hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) (47 had food remains) and 72 stomachs from harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) (39 had food-remains) were obtained. The main food species of grey seals in Icelandic waters ordered in percentage by weight, were cod (Gadus morhua), sand eels (Ammoditdae), catfish (Anarhichas lupus), saithe (Pollachius virens) and lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus). Seasonal and geographic variation observed during the period January to September, showed sand eel was the dominant food of grey seals off the south-coast of Iceland, but cod, catfish, saithe and lumpsucker in other areas. During breeding, October to December, sand eel still dominated in grey seals from the south coast of Iceland, while saithe, catfish and lumpsuckers did not occur in the diet in the same amount in the west-northwest-northeast-east coastal area, where bull-rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius) was the main prey. The main food species of common seals in Icelandic waters, ordered in percentage by weight, were cod, redfish (Sebastes sp.), sand eels, saithe, herring (Clupea harengus), catfish and capelin (Mallotus villosus). The most pronounced geographic difference in feeding was between common seals from the south coast and seals from the other coastal areas. Sand eel was the main prey item in the south, but cod in the other areas. There seemed to be no seasonal variation in feeding on cod, however, capelin and herring were more important in the diet in autumn/winter. Sand eel, on the other hand, was more important in the food in most coastal areas during spring/summer, than in autumn/winter. The main food items of hooded seals were, redfish and cod, while harp seals took sand eels, herring, bull-rout and cod. The cod eaten by grey seals were mainly of the 2–5 year-olds, the common seals fed mostly on 0–3 year-olds, hooded seals on 3–5 year-olds, and harp seals on 0–2 year-olds.
Phase-shifting and Entrainment of a Circadian Rhythm in Limulus polyphemus by Ocular and Extraocular Photoreceptors

Illumination of just the telson of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus produced increasing phase-shifts in the circadian rhythm of the ERG amplitudes of the compound lateral eye with increasing length of exposure to light, up to 12 h for 10-h exposures, equal to the phase-shifts produced by illumination of the whole animal or of the anterior photoreceptors alone. Periodic illumination of the anterior photoreceptors or of just the telson entrained the lateral eye rhythm, which reliably re-entrained when the phase of the illumination was shifted by ± 6 h. Illumination for 10 h of one compound eye alone or of the median ocelli alone produced small phase-shifts. Periodic illumination of just one compound lateral eye could be arranged to entrain the rhythm of the other compound eye, but the rhythm did not always re-entrain following a ± 6 h phase-shift in illumination. The apparent redundancy in circadian photoreceptors may be useful to Limulus in dealing with the various photic environments which it inhabits.
Reproductive cycle and gonadial changes in the New Zealand rock oyster Crassostrea glomerata

Abstract The annual reproductive cycle and the cyclical changes in the gonad of the New Zealand rock oyster, Crassostrea glomerata (Gould, 1850), during the breeding period of 1970–71 and 1971–72 have been described. The gonad passes through an intermediate phase, after a post‐spawning period, when sex is indeterminate. Gametogenesis begins in July and August, but follicles ripen mostly during the spring months of October and November. Maximum development is seen in November, and nearly all oysters are in spawning condition in December and January. Major spawning takes place in January or February depending upon water temperature, and spawning continues until the end of March. Larvae may be found in the‐ plankton until late in the season, to the end of April or even May. Following spawning, gonadial regression sets in, with leucocyte infiltration and phagocytosis of residual gonial cells. A greater percentage of oysters more than 1 y old are females. The majority of oysters of age 1 y and below are males.
Total phenolic content of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) rhizomes, leaves, and roots affected by genotype

Abstract The content of total polyphenols (TP) in rhizomes, leaves, and tuberous roots of five genotypes of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) from New Zealand, Germany, Ecuador, and Bolivia cultivated on trial field plots of the University of Agriculture in Prague‐Suchdol under field conditions from the 2003 harvest was determined spectrophotometrically by Folin‐Ciocalteau phenol reagent. Obtained results were compared by means of dendrograms according to cluster analyses based on TP and morphological traits. In four genotypes the content of inulin and fructose was also determined. From the obtained results, on the basis of similarity of obtained dendrograms, a very close agreement between TP content in rhizomes and leaves and origin and morphological traits of yacon genotypes was found. Five yacon genotypes were classified into three groups. The genotype from New Zealand with white coloured flesh (NZLw) and genotypes from Ecuador (ECU) and Bolivia (BOL) were distinguished with high TP content in purple coloured rhizomes and leaves; whereas the New Zealand genotype with yellow/orange coloured flesh (NZLy) and the genotype from Germany (DEU) with white coloured rhizomes with purple striations showed lower TP content in rhizomes and leaves. Also, inulin content in genotypes from Ecuador (ECU) and Bolivia (BOL) was higher in comparison to the genotypes from Germany (DEU) and New Zealand (NZLy). Thus, we found that TP and inulin content was dependent on botanical origin, morphological traits and polymorphisms of individual genotypes.
The Survival of Microbes in Modulated High-Frequency Voltage Fields.

SUMMARY: Resting suspensions of baker's yeast, Bact. coli, tabacco mosaic virus, and a bacteriophage, were subjected to high frequency electric fields in cells which kept the temperature below 30°, very energetic cooling being necessary. The fields applied were of two kinds: (i) frequency 10 Mc/s. , modulated with a half-sine wave of frequency 50 c/s. ; modulated at frequencies from 10 to 120 Kc/s. with rectangular pulses varied from 1/3 to 1/15 of the complete cycle. The voltage gradients used were up to 2,000 V/cm. and were applied for aggregate periods up to 12 min., but no significant kills were observed. It is computed that any specific lethal effect too small to be detected in these experiments could have little pracrtical value.
Observations on the ecology and evolution of quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides, in the Colorado Front Range

Three protein polymorphisms and annual width increments measured from cores were used to study the ecology and evolution of quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx. , in the Front Range of Colorado. Correlations among elevation, age and diameter of the largest standing ramet, and sex and mean growth rate of 106 clones are reported and discussed. The variance of growth rate was apportioned within and among ramets of a clone; the majority of the variance is environmental, with broad heritability estimated as less than or equal to . 32. Analyses of gene and genotypic frequencies of polymorphic proteins revealed little differentiation with elevation, but substantial differences between the sexes. For one of three pairwise tests, the genotypes are not distributed independently of one another; linkage disequilibrium between a peroxidase locus and phosphohexose isomerase is significantly different from zero. Multiple regression revealed a positive correlation between mean growth rate and degree of heterozygosity.
Bacteriological and physico-chemical quality assessment of household drinking water in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

An investigation on the bacteriological and physico-chemical properties of stored household drinking water in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria was carried out between April and October, 2008. The drinking water sources considered for examination were harvested rain water, tap water and well water stored in plastic water pots for 2 to 4 days. The waterborne pathogens in the samples that were isolated were characterized for antibiotic resistance. Estimation of bacterial loads in the water samples revealed mean total bacterial count (TBC) of 1.17 × 10 5 , 1.30 × 10 4 and 9.70 × 10 4 cfu/ml for rain water, tap water and well water respectively. The mean-total coliform count (TCC) were recorded as 1.57 × 10 6 , 7.40 × 10 5 and 5.70 × 10 5 cfu/ml for rain water, tap water and well water respectively. Seven bacteria genera comprising Escherichia (41.7%), Shigella (75%), Klebsiella (33.3%), Pseudomonas (25%), Staphylococcus (25%), Streptococcus (50%) and Enterococcus (20%) were isolated from stored rain water . Three genera comprising Escherichia coli (8.3%), Staphylococcus (25%) and Pseudomonas (75%) were isolated from stored tap water. In well water samples, nine genera comprising Escherichia (50%), Salmonella (100%) Enterococcus (80%) and Shigella (25%) Proteus (100%) Serratia (100%), Klebsiella (66.6%), Staphylococcus (50%) and Streptococcus (50%) were isolated. The antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that the majority of the bacteria isolated particulaly, Escherichia , Salmonella, Enterococcus and Shigella were resistant to common antibiotics which are still available in Nigerian market. The resistance pattern of the bacterial isolates ranged from 50–100% to amoxicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, cotrimoxazone, erythromycin, gentamicin. In terms of physico-chemical analysis, all the water samples met the WHO standard for drinking water. However, the results obtained revealed that adequate domestic water sanitation and disinfection programmes must be put in place to ensure safety against waterborne antibiotic resistant pathogens especially in developing countries.
PRODUCTION OF FRUCTOSE FROM JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE BY ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS

Using an extracellular β-fructosidase, inulase, which hydrolyzes β-2: 1′-linked fructose polymers, 90% of the total sugar in the extract of Jerusalem artichoke tubers were hydrolyzed to free sugars which consisted of 77% fructose and 23% glucose. Fructose in the hydrolyzate was separated by Dowex 1-X8 ion exchange chromatography and was obtained with overall recovery 61%.
Distribution and morphology of calretinin‐immunoreactive neurons in the intermediate and deep layers of cat superior colliculus

Calretinin is thought to play roles in calcium buffering. Its site of expression has been extensively studied in the central nervous system. We previously reported (Hong et al., 2002, Neurosci. Res., 44:325–335) calretinin expression in the superficial layers of the cat superior colliculus (SC). In the present study, we studied the distribution of calretinin in the intermediate and deep layers by immunocytochemistry. We found striking differences in calretinin immunoreactivity among the superficial, intermediate, and deep layers. In contrast to the superficial layers, the intermediate and deep layers contained many calretinin‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons. They formed two laminar tiers. The first tier, which was very distinctive, was found within the upper intermediate gray layers and formed clusters of labeled neurons in many sections. The second tier of calretinin‐IR neurons was found in the deep gray layer. However, the second tier was not distinctive compared to the first tier and the labeled neurons did not form any clusters. Calretinin‐IR neurons in the intermediate and deep layers varied dramatically in morphology and included vertical fusiform, pyriform, and stellate neurons. Neurons with varicose dendrites were also labeled. Most of the labeled neurons were small to medium in size. Enucleation appeared to have no effect on the distribution of calretinin immunoreactivity in the contralateral intermediate and deep layers of the SC. The results indicate that calretinin is present in various neurons, at different locations. These results should be applicable for better understanding of the functional organization of the SC.
Megakaryocytic cells synthesize and platelets secrete α5-laminins, and the endothelial laminin isoform laminin 10 (α5β1γ1) strongly promotes adhesion but not activation of platelets

Summary Following vascular injury, basement membrane (BM) components of the blood vessels are exposed to circulating cells and may contribute to hemostasis and/or thrombosis. Laminins 8 (LN-8) (α4β1γ1) and 10 (LN-10) (α5β1γ1) are major laminin isoforms of the endothelial BM, and LN-8 is also secreted by activated platelets. In the present study, we demonstrate synthesis of α5-laminins LN-10 and LN-11 (α5β2γ1) by megakaryocytic cells, and intracellular expression of these laminin isoforms in blood platelets. In contrast to platelet LNα4 chain that had an apparent molecular weight of 180 kDa and associated mostly to LNβ1 chain, platelet LNα5 consisted of 300/350 kDa polypeptides and associated mainly to LNβ2. Both α4– and α5-laminins were secreted by platelets following stimulation. When compared to recombinant human (rh) LN-8, rhLN-10 was much more adhesive to platelets, though adhesion to both proteins was largely mediated via α6β1 integrin. In spite of their adhesive properties, rhLN-8 and rhLN-10 induced neither P-selectin expression nor cell aggregation, two signs of platelet activation. This study demonstrates synthesis/expression of heterotrimeric α5-laminins in hematopoietic/blood cells, and provides evidence for the adhesive, but not activating, role of endothelial laminin isoforms in platelet biology.
A 2-Year Small Grain Interval Reduces Need for Herbicides in No-Till Soybean

Abstract This study measured weed interference in soybean and corn as affected by residue management tactics following a sequence of oat and winter wheat. Residue management tactics compared were conventional tillage, no-till, and no-till plus cover crops. Treatments were split into weed-free and weed-infested conditions; prominent weeds were green and yellow foxtail and common lambsquarters. Grain yield of soybean did not differ between weed-free and weed-infested conditions with no-till, whereas weeds reduced yield 25% in the tilled system. Corn responded inconsistently to treatments, with more than 40% yield loss due to weed interference in 1 yr with all treatments. Cover crops did not improve weed management compared with no-till in either crop. Seedling emergence of the weed community differed between tillage and no-till; density of weed seedlings was fivefold higher with tillage, whereas seedling emergence was delayed in no-till. The initial flush of seedlings occurred 2 to 3 wk later in no-till compared with the tilled system. Designing rotations to include cool-season crops in a no-till system may eliminate the need for herbicides in soybean to manage weeds. Nomenclature: Common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. ; green foxtail, Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. ; yellow foxtail, Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv. ; corn, Zea mays L. ; oat, Avena sativa L. ; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. ; wheat, Triticum aestivum L.