Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protozoa, nematodes and N-mineralization across a prescribed soil textural gradient

Summary The increase in protozoan and nematode populations following addition of glucose or barley leaf material to five different mixtures of a sandy loam and a silty clay loam was investigated in 2 experiments. Prescribed soil textures (varying in clay content from 15.6% to 28.6%) were incubated at a matric potential of —10 kPa at 15 °C, and the number of protozoa and nematodes and the amount of inorganic nitrogen were estimated after 0, 2 and 5 weeks. In the first experiment, the effect of amendment with glucose was compared with amendment with barley leaves. Numbers of protozoa increased in soil mixtures amended with both glucose and barley leaves, but nematodes only increased in the treatment with barley leaves. There was a large positive effect of the amount of fine-textured soil on the number of protozoa, whereas the nematodes were not affected by soil texture. In the second experiment, the effect of nematodes on protozoa and nitrogen mineralization was examined. Soil mixtures prepared with sterilised soil were amended with barley leaves and either (1) a soil suspension filtered through a 5 μm mesh to remove nematodes, or (2) a filtered soil suspension and a mixture of nematodes extracted from soil. The nematodes that multiplied in the soil mixtures were almost exclusively bacterial-feeding rhabditids. The nematodes had a significantly positive effect on the number of protozoa but an insignificant effect on N-mineralization. Both protozoa and nematodes were affected positively by the proportion of the fine-textured soil in the soil mixtures, but the positive effect on protozoa was larger than the effect on nematodes.
Efeito da dessecação e armazenamento sobre a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Syzygium jambolanum LAM

O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da dessecacao e do ambiente de armazenamento sobre a viabilidade de sementes de Syzygium jambolanum . Frutos de jamelao foram coletados em tres locais na cidade de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, homogeneizados e despolpados, determinando-se em seguida o teor de agua pelo metodo de estufa. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos. Em um, as sementes foram armazenadas em ambiente de laboratorio (23,0 oC ± 1,1 e UR = 75,6% ± 4,2); e no outro, em câmara fria (12,3 oC ± 1 e UR = 75,6% ± 5,1). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3x7, tres umidades (45%; 38% e 36%) e sete periodos de armazenamento (0; 15; 30; 45; 60; 90 e 120 dias), com quatro repeticoes. No laboratorio, as sementes foram acondicionadas em embalagens de papel e na câmara fria em embalagens plasticas. As sementes, com diferentes teores de agua, foram submetidas aos testes de germinacao e envelhecimento acelerado, em todos os periodos de armazenamento avaliados. A contagem do numero de sementes germinadas foi realizada diariamente por 26 dias. Sob condicoes de laboratorio as sementes de Syzygium jambolanum preservam a germinacao por um periodo maximo de 15 dias; em câmara fria e nao submetidas a secagem, mantiveram o poder germinativo por 120 dias.
VIRULANCE FACTOR OF Staphylococcus sp. ISOLATED FROM SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN ETTAWA GRADE GOAT’S MILK IN SLEMAN REGENCY -YOGYAKARTA

Stapphylococcus sp. , is bacteria that caused subclinical mastitis in Ettawa Grade (EG) goat. Thepurpose of this study was to determine virulance factor Stapphylococcus sp. , which was isolated fromsubclinical mastitis EG goat’s milk in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta. A total of 7 isolate Stapphylococcussp. , were isolated from subclinical mastitis EG goat’s milk were determinated by several virulancefactors such as haemolysin, clumping factor, and coagulase. Haemolysin was determinated by culture inblood agar plate and incubated in the temperature of 37°C for 24 hours. Clumping factor wasdeterminated by mixing the rabbit plasma with Stapphylococcus sp. , in the glass objects. Coagulase wasdeterminated by mixing the rabbit plasma and broth culture of Stapphylococcus sp. After incubated inthe temperature of 37°C for 24 hours in tube, then the gel formation was observed. Haemolytic type swas yielded from 5 isolate Stapphylococcus sp. , whereas 2 isolates were not haemolytic. Clumpingfactor and coagulase were produced from 2 isolate Stapphylococcus sp. This study showed that not all ofStapphylococcus sp. , isolate causing subclinical mastitis in EG goat have virulance factor.
Recent progress on molecular mapping and cloning of blast resistance genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Rice blast,caused by Magnaporthe oryzae,is one of the most destructive diseases of rice worldwide.Development and use of resistant cultivars is considered as the most economical,effective and environment-friendly method to control this disease.With the availability of genomic sequences of both Oryza sativa and M.oryzae,the rice pathosystem has become the model system for dissection of interactions of plant-pathogen.Over the past 50 years,eighty-four blast resistance genes and large amount of quantitative trait locus for resistance to the pathogen have been identified through genetic analysis.Of them,eight major blast resistance genes and one recessive gene controlling partial resistance in rice have been cloned.In this review,the recent progress on molecular mapping and cloning of blast resistance genes was summarized.All the resistance genes mentioned were integrated into a genetic linkage map by compiling the information of DNA markers linked to individual resistance gene.The possible allelism relationship between resistance genes in a cluster was further discussed.In addition,the strategy for resistance gene cloning in the post-genome era was also discussed.
Interactions between Campylobacters and their bacteriophages

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of human bacterial enteritis worldwide. Consumption of contaminated poultry meat is considered a major source of infection. The use of virulent bacteriophages as a form of biocontrol to specifically reduce this pathogen in poultry (phage therapy) is a promising intervention that does not rely on antimicrobials and therefore circumvents the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter strains. In order to achieve this, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in phage-host interactions at the molecular level would assist in the development of the strategy and the selection of bacteriophages. The main objective of this study was to therefore examine such interactions between Campylobacter and its virulent phages. To achieve this, the transcriptional response of C. jejuni to phage infection was investigated, along with the role of a Type II restriction-modification system during phage infection of Campylobacter. These studies were conducted using the highly phage-sensitive Campylobacter strain, C. jejuni PT14, in conjunction with a number of group II and III bacteriophages (Eucampyvirinae). Transcriptome studies (RNA-Seq) revealed a phage-induced host response that included a demand for iron and oxygen. This was highlighted by the up-regulation of several siderophore-based iron acquisition genes and down-regulation of genes associated with a number of anaerobic electron transport pathways that utilise alternative electron acceptors to oxygen. In addition, the pattern of gene regulation also suggested apo-Fur regulation of the iron-responsive and flagellar biogenesis genes. This host response has been proposed to occur as a consequence of the reduction of ribonucleotides to form deoxyribonucleotides during phage DNA replication. This process is catalysed by the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase and requires iron and oxygen during the formation of a reactive di-iron centre within the β-subunit of the enzyme. Unusually knock-out mutants of a Type II restriction-modification system had a negative impact on phage replication. The A911_00150 mutant displayed pleiotropic changes in motility, cell based invasion and the ability to colonise chickens. Transcriptome analysis highlighted down-regulation of the genes required for the synthesis of the bacterial flagellum.
Effects of wood:cement ratio on mechanical and physical properties of three-layered cement-bonded particleboards from Leucaena leucocephala.

MARZUKI AR, RAfflM S, HAMLDAH M & AHMAD RUSLAN R. 2011. Effects of wood:cement ratio on mechanical and physical properties of three-layered cement-bonded particleboards from Leucaena leucocephala. Three-layered cement-bonded particleboards (CBPs) from 8and 16-year-old Leucaena leucocephala trees were manufactured in the laboratory and examined for suitability as a construction material. Four wood-cement ratios, i.e. 1:1.75, 1:2.0, 1:2.25 and 1:2.5 were used. A combination of aluminium sulphate and sodium silicate was used as cement accelerator. Wood particles retained at 2 mm sieve size were used for the core layer and a combination of 1 and 0.5 mm were used for the outer layers. The mechanical and physical properties of the boards were evaluated based on MS 544: 2001. The modulus of rupture ranged from 7.68 to 11.22 MPa and modulus of elasticity, 2981 to 4002 MPa. The internal bond ranged from 0.59 to 0.90 MPa. The water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours soaking in water ranged from 12.42 to 19.04% and 0.38 to 0.70% respectively. Generally, the CBPs produced from 8-year-old trees gave better mechanical strength than the 16-year-olds.
Oxidative stability of virgin olive oil

Virgin olive oil has a high resistance to oxidative deterioration due to both a triacylglycerol composition low in polyunsaturated fatty acids and a group of phenolic antioxidants composed mainly of polyphenols and tocopherols. Polyphenols are of greater importance to virgin olive oil stability as compared with other refined oils which are eliminated or drastically reduced during the refining process. This paper covers the main aspects related to the oxidative stability of virgin olive oil during storage as well as at the high temperatures of the main processes of food preparation, i.e., frying and baking. Differences between oxidation pathways at low and high temperature are explained and the general methods for the measurement of stability are commented on. The compounds contributing to the oxidative stability of virgin olive oils are defined with special emphasis on the antioxidative activity of phenolic compounds. Finally, the variables and parameters influencing the composition of virgin olive oils before, during and after extraction are discussed.
STUDIES ON THE GERMINATION, GROWTH AND WINTER SURVIVAL OF GLIRICIDIA MACULATA IN SOUTH-EASTERN QUEENSLAND

SUMMARY Germination of Gliricidia maculata seed was not affected by scarification, or by temperature between 20°C and 32°C. Percentage germination declined above 32°C and became zero at 40°C. Gliricidia maculata seems well adapted to low calcium soils. When grown on podzolic soils (pH 5.6.) in S.E. Queensland, height, growth and dry matter yield were significantly reduced by addition of lime at 500 kg ha-1 but leaf number and survival over winter were not affected. Plants lost all their leaves as night-time temperatures declined to below 15°C in May. Gliricidia maculata must therefore be grazed from March to May and therefore has no value during winter as a Standover legume forage in a sub-tropical environment. The major use of this species is in the humid tropics.
Seasonal changes in tissue elasticity and water transport efficiency in three co-occurring Mediterranean shrubs under natural long-term CO2 enrichment.

Seasonal changes in hydraulic properties and tissue elasticity were evaluated in Erica arborea L. , Myrtuscommunis L. and Juniperus communis L. , three Mediterranean shrubs that differ in adaptations to drought. These parameters were analysed over 12 months under field conditions, by comparing plants grown in the proximity of a natural CO2 spring (about 700 μmol mol-1 atmospheric CO2 concentration, [CO2]) with plants in ambient conditions. Plants at the CO2-spring site have been growing for generations at elevated [CO2]. At both sites, stem hydraulic and structural properties followed the prevailing climatic constraints. However, these shrub species co-occurring in the same environment differed in their capacity to tolerate water deficits, in xylem efficiency, and in strategies for regulating water movement between plant compartments. Either an increase or a decrease in tissue elasticity was effective in promoting resistance to drought stress, depending on the species. Long-term elevated [CO2] influenced all the studied parameters. Species-dependent differences existed in hydraulic architecture between the CO2-spring plants and control plants of E. arborea and M. communis, while J. communis plants rarely showed differences between sites. Less distinct differences between sites were observed for wood structure. The three species showed somewhat lower tissue elasticity under elevated [CO2], in particular during stress periods. The effects of elevated [CO2] on stem hydraulic pathway and structure and shoot elastic properties persist in the long term, but differ in absolute values and sign among the studied species and with the seasonal course, and thus might alter competitive relations between these shrubs.
PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE PINHA (Annona squamosa L.) UTILIZANDO ÁGUA DE REJEITO SALINO

A agua e uma substância necessaria a diversas atividades humanas, alem de constituir componente fundamental da biosfera e ser solvente universal, sendo essencial a vida. Objetivou-se, com esta pesquisa avaliar a influencia da irrigacao com agua de diferentes salinidades utilizando rejeito salino, sobre a producao de mudas de pinha em experimento conduzido em sacos plasticos sob condicoes de campo na comunidade Boa Fe, zona rural do municipio de Mossoro-RN, entre os meses de outubro de 2010 e fevereiro de 2011. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos inteiramente casualizados, com tres tratamentos e cinco repeticoes, considerando-se como unidade experimental um total de 50 mudas. Os tratamentos constituiram da mistura de agua do sistema de abastecimento (AB) da comunidade (agua dessalinizada) com agua do rejeito do processo dessalinizante (RD), compondo os seguintes tratamentos: T1(100% AB - controle), T2(50% AB + 50% RD) e T3(100% RD) com suas respectivas condutividades eletricas, (1,25; 4,79; e 8,47 dS m -1 ). A taxa de crescimento relativo a altura de planta, diâmetro do caule, numero de folhas, area foliar e a massa seca e fresca da parte aerea da pinha, sao afetados exponencialmente e negativamente pela salinidade da agua de irrigacao a partir de 1,25 dS m-1, mas nao impedindo que as plantas atingissem condicoes necessarias para serem transplantadas.
Prioritizing threat management for biodiversity conservation

Calls for threat management actions to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystem function are rarely coupled with costed and prioritized sets of management actions for use in decision making. We present a cost‐effectiveness approach for prioritizing threat management to maximize the in situ protection of biodiversity per dollar spent. The approach draws on empirical data and expert knowledge of major threats to biodiversity, feasible threat management actions, and likely responses of biodiversity to a set of costed management scenarios. An application assessing 637 vertebrate wildlife species in the Kimberley region of north‐western Australia suggests that the likely functional loss of 45 mammals, birds, and reptiles over the next 20 years can be averted by effectively managing fire, grazing, and invasive species for approximately AU$40 million per year. Our approach is flexible and may be useful for delivering transparent guidance for conserving species and ecosystems in other regions, including those where data is limited.
Evaluation of Bonsmara and Belmont Red cattle breeds in South Africa. 1. Productive performance

The productive performance of progeny by Bonsmara and Belmont Red sires was compared in contemporarily reared groups in South Africa. Measurements on 4279 pedigreed progeny of 96 Bonsmara sires and 18 Belmont Red sires were recorded over 15 years in 4 diverse climatic regions of South Africa. Growth traits were measured on growing stock from birth to 18 months at pasture. Weight gain, feed conversion rate, frame size, scrotal circumference and visually assessed ‘functional efficiency’ scores were recorded on male progeny fed high protein rations. Carcass traits were measured on a subset of the male progeny. Age at first calving, and repeated measurements of calving date and calving interval were recorded on breeding females as indicators of reproductive performance. Tick counts were made on males and females across a range of ages during times of heavy field infestation. There were differences in progeny performance for some traits. Bonsmara sired animals generally scored higher than Belmont Red progeny for functional efficiency. Belmont Red sired calves were lighter at birth (35.9 v. 37.3; P0.05) and cows by Belmont Red sires had a shorter average calving interval (440 v. 455; P<0.05). Sire breed by region interaction was not important. The differences in scored and measured traits generally reflected differences in selection policies adopted by the breed societies. Variation in growth and fertility traits due to sire was greater than variation due to breed and demonstrated the potential for identifying superior individuals. The performance of the sire breeds for the range of traits and environments studied advocated that selected Bonsmara and Belmont Red animals from South African herds would be suitable for inclusion in breeding programs in Australian Belmont Red herds.
p-Nitrophenyl Glycoside-hydrolyzing Activities in Bifidobacteria and Characterization of β-D-Galactosidase of Bifidobacterium longum 401

Bifidobacteria showed higher hydrolyzing activity toward various p-nitrophenyl glycosides (p-NP glycosides) than some other intestinal bacteria. The reactions commonly found in the organisms involved p-NP β-d-galactoside, p-NP α-d-glucoside and p-NP β-d-fucoside. Analysis of the enzyme species suggested that the β-d-fucoside-hydrolyzing reaction, which is undetectable in other bacteria, was catalyzed by β-d-galactosidase in many bifidobacteria and by β-d-glucosidase in some strains. β-d-Galactosidase, which hydrolyzed p-NP β-d-fucoside (with 12% of its reactivity to p-NP β-d-galactoside), was purified to homogeneity from Bifidobacterium longum 401. The enzyme was distinct from other bacterial β-d-galactosidases in its higher activity toward lactulose than lactose and the insensitivity of its formation to the carbon source in the culture medium. Some properties of the β-d-galactosidase are described and compared with those of the lactase from the same organism.
Sex ratio, spawning season and size at maturity of red bandfish in the western Aegean Sea

The red bandfish Cepola rubescens is characterized by a normal gonochoristic sexual organization. The overall male: female ratio did not differ significantly (x2=4.57, P<0.05) from the theoretical 1: 1. However, the male: female ratio differed with season and length class and these differences are most probably related to sexual differences in growth rate, natural mortality rate and energetic cost of reproduction. Red bandfish spawns over an extended period, from late spring to mid autumn, with larger females spawning earlier than smaller ones. Males reach maturity at a larger total length, 299 mm, and age, 2.6 years, than females, 219 mm and 1.9 years respectively, a fact most probably indicating the existence of social structure in red bandfish. Finally, red bandfish matures at a comparatively smaller length and age than other fish species.
Nitric oxide and ovarian function

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by three NO synthases, designated as NOS-1, NOS-2, and NOS-3, with distinct features and localization. Nitric oxide and the reactive oxygen species generated from NO react with a wide variety of biomolecules such as DNA, transcription factors, enzymes, cytokines, and membrane receptors in NO synthesized cells and nearby cells to mediate a variety of biological functions. Nitric oxide synthase-2 and NOS-3 are expressed in the ovary during folliculogenesis and luteinization. Nitric oxide functions as an important modulator for folliculogenesis and atresia, steroidogenesis, prostaglandin biosynthesis, ovulation, luteolysis, and oocyte maturation. Nitric oxide synthase-3 is also localized in the porcine oocytes of the primordial follicles as well as in large follicles. It has been proved that NO is involved in intracellular signaling for oocyte growth and maturation at the pre-ovulatory stage.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) is a common genetic and endocrine disorder affecting 5-10% of women at reproductive age. Aim was to assess pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women with PCOs. Subjects and methods: Comparative descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in the labor ward of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qena University and Qena General Hospital. Convenient sample were 120 pregnant women with PCOs and other 600 pregnant women without PCOs. Data collected by structured interview questionnaire, maternal and neonatal assessment sheet. Results of the study found that pregnancy with PCOs was associated with significantly higher rates of maternal complications as hypertension (14.2%), gestational diabetes mellitus (10.8%), preeclampsia (4.2%), preterm delivery (5%) and cesarean delivery (79.2%) versus (0.7%), (0.7%), (2.3%), (1.7%) and (53.8%) in the non PCOs group. Neonatal complications as APGAR score of less than 7 (19.2%), macrosomia (9.2%), respiratory distress (20.8%) and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (4.3%) versus (2.2%), (3.2%), (6.2%) and (20.8%) in the non PCOs group with highly statistical significant relationship among both groups. Conclusions: This study confirmed higher association of pregnancy complications among PCOs group compared with non PCOs group. Recommendations: women with PCOs should be followed up for complications on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Limited Genome Size Variation in Sesleria albicans

The extent and significance of intraspecific genome size variation in plants continues to be a matter of discussion: in some species considerable variation has been described, while no variation has been detected in other taxa. In the present study, intraspecific genome size variation was analysed in a perennial grass Sesleria albicans Kit. ex Schult. (Poaceae). Flow cytometry was used for the analysis of nuclear DNA content in ten geographically isolated populations ofS. albicans . Despite long-term isolation and lack of gene-flow between the populations, only negligible inter-population differences were found. Although the differences between the populations were statistically significant, the maximum inter-population difference reached only 1.6% of the mean 2C value (9.78 ± 0.04 pg). The variation was not correlated with geographical location or with altitude of the populations analysed. The present study clearly demonstrates that S. albicans belongs to the plant taxa with a highly stable genome size.