Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversidad molecular de candidatos vacunales en Leptospira spp.

The aim of this study was to determine the molecular diversity of OmpL1, LipL32, LipL41, LigA and LigB proteins and that of the genes that encode them using bioinformatic analysis in different pathogenic strains of Leptospira spp. based on the information available in databases. The amino acid sequences of OmpL1, LipL32, LipL41, LigA and LigB proteins were used, as well as the genes encoding them in strains of Leptospira spp. reported at The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The analysis of proteins and genes were performed using the Protein, Nucleotide and Gene resources from the NCBI. The alignment of the consensus sequences was performed using the PSI-BLAST and BLASTn tools. The coverage percentage of the selected sequences of the ompL1 , lipL32 , lipL41 , ligA and ligB genes in pathogenic strains of Leptospira spp. is 100% for ompL1 , lipL32 and lipL41 , 75% for ligA and 99% for ligB with identity percentages of 85, 98, 88, 90 and 80% respectively; the coverage percentage of the selected protein sequences is 100, 77, 99, 100 and 100% with identity percentages of 90, 99, 92, 63 and 60% respectively, indicating that genes and proteins, except LigA and LigB proteins, are highly conserved in various pathogenic serovars of Leptospira spp. According to these results, it is recommended that further analysis of these proteins be made in order to determine the feasibility of its use as vaccine candidates.
Size and longevity of seed banks of alpine gentian (Gentiana nivalis L.)

Summary The alpine gentian (Gentiana nivalis L.) is a mountain rarity found at only two localities in Britain. It is an annual, establishing anew from seed each year and so the size and persistence of its seed bank is important for survival. Seed bank size was measured in summer, before seeds were shed, by sampling from soils at two sites where the alpine gentian is common. As the seeds do not germinate readily in the laboratory, it was assumed that all apparently healthy seeds extracted from the soils were alive and viable. This assumption was corroborated when 95–97% of seeds buried experimentally for 9–12 years germinated after repeated applications of gibberellic acid solution over a period of 6 months. Densities of naturally buried alpine gentian seeds at the two sites ranged from 1.3 to 6.8 × 103 seeds m-2 and they comprised a major component of the community seed bank, disproportionately greater than the abundance of parent plants in the vegetation. The half-life of experimentally buried seeds was estimated as 15 or 32 years, depending on depth of burial and soil type. The findings explain why alpine gentian numbers can recover quickly after a population crash and emphasise the importance of the seed bank to the species' long-term survival in the montane environment.
Effects of Cucurbitacin on the Activity of Nucleopolyhedroviruses Against Pickleworm Larvae2

Abstract The cucurbitacin-containing feeding stimulant (Invite® EC) was attractive to second instar pickleworm larvae in the absence of a food source. Second instar pickleworm larvae also fed preferentially on cucumber fruits that were treated with a 1% (0.01×) solution of Invite EC compared with untreated fruit. However, 1% Invite did not stimulate feeding on artificial diet, squash leaves, or squash fruits. Concentrations of Invite as low as 0.001% were effective in increasing the efficacy of the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, multiply-embedded nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) against second instar pickleworms. A 1% Invite solution also increased the efficacy of the celery looper, Anagrapha falcifera (Kirby), multiply-embedded NPV (AnfaMNPV) against second instar pickleworms.
Modelling the potential impact of climate variability and change on species regeneration potential in the temperate forests of South‐Eastern Australia

The sensitivity of early plant regeneration to environmental change makes regeneration a critical stage for understanding species response to climate change. We investigated the spatial and temporal response of eucalypt trees in the Central Highland region of south eastern Australia to high and low climate change scenarios. We developed a novel mechanistic model incorporating germination processes, TACA‐GEM, to evaluate establishment probabilities of five key eucalypt species, Eucalyptus pauciflora, Eucalyptus delegatensis, Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus obliqua. Changes to regeneration potential at landscape and site levels were calculated to determine climate thresholds. Model results demonstrated that climate change is likely to impact plant regeneration. We observed increases and decreases in regeneration potential depending on the ecosystem, indicating that some species will increase in abundance in some forest types, whilst other forest types will become inhabitable. In general, the dry forest ecosystems were most impacted, whilst the wet forests were least impacted. We also observed that species with seed dormancy mechanisms, like E. pauciflora and E. delegatensis, are likely to be at higher risk than those without. Landscape‐ and site‐level analysis revealed heterogeneity in species response at different scales. On a landscape scale, a 4.3 °C mean temperature increase and 22% decline in precipitation (predicted for 2080) is predicted to be a threshold for large spatial shifts in species regeneration niches across the study region, while a 2.6 °C increase and 15% decline in precipitation (predicted for 2050) will likely result in local site‐level shifts. Site‐level analysis showed that considerable declines in regeneration potential for E. delegatensis, E. pauciflora and E. nitens were modelled to occur in some ecosystems by 2050. While overall model performance and accuracy was good, better understanding of effects from extreme events and other underlying processes on regeneration will improve modelling and development of species conservation strategies.
Turgor‐sensitive sucrose and amino acid transport into developing seeds of Pisum sativum. Effect of a high sucrose or mannitol concentration in experiments with empty ovules

Sugar and amino acid transport into empty ovules of Pisum sativum L. cv. Marzia was examined. In fruits containing 4–6 developing seeds, the embryo was removed from four ovules. After this surgical treatment, each empty seed coat was filled with a solution (pH 5.5) containing a low (0, 50 or 200 mM), medium (350, 400 or 500 mM) or high (0.7 or 1 M) concentration of sucrose and/or mannitol. In pulse-labelling experiments with sucrose and α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), transport of sucrose and AIB into an empty ovule filled with a solution containing a high sucrose concentration was the same as transport into an ovule filled with a mannitol solution of similar osmolarity, demonstrating that a high sucrose concentration in the seed coat apoplast affects phloem transport of sucrose and AIB into the seed coat only by the osmotic effect. The osmolarity of a given solution filling the seed coat cavity appeared to be important for phloem transport of sucrose and AIB into empty ovules. In our experiments, 350 mM appeared to be the optimal concentration for sucrose and AIB transport into the cavity within an empty ovule, giving results comparable with transport into intact ovules. A lower osmolarity of the solution induced less transport. Very high sucrose or mannitol concentrations caused a strong inhibition of sucrose and AIB unloading from the seed coat, so that transport into the empty ovules was inhibited. A low (strongly negative) but not too low osmotic potential of the solution in the seed coat apoplast seems necessary to maintain a normal rate of phloem transport into developing seeds. Apparently, the “sink strength” of developing seeds is turgor-sensitive.
EFECTOS DEL CAMBIO DE PRECIOS DE GARANTÍA A PROCAMPO EN PRECIOS AL PRODUCTOR, SIN INCLUIR EFECTO DE IMPORTACIONES EFFECTS OF THE CHANGE FROM SUPPORT PRICE TO PROCAMPO ON PRODUCER PRICES, EXCLUDING IMPORTS EFFECT

RESUMEN En este trabajo se analizo el efecto que ha tenido el cambio de politica de apoyos a la agricultura, de precios de garantia a apoyos directos al productor (PROCAMPO) en el costo de una canasta conformada por maiz, frijol, arroz, trigo y sorgo, al eliminar el efecto depresor en precios de las importaciones, mediante cuatro indices de precios diferentes. Los resultados mostraron que al retirar la politica de precios de garantia, y libre del efecto de las importaciones en los precios, el costo de dicha canasta bajo en 56.38 % bajo pagos PROCAMPO. Palabras clave: Precios de garantia, politica de precios, subsidios directos al productor. SUMMARY This paper studied the cost effect induced by the change in agriculture policy, from price supports to direct payment to farmers on the bundle composed by corn, bean, rice, wheat and sorghum; this analysis was done by means of four index prices while the imports depressing price effect is removed. Once the support price policy ended, results showed that free from the imports effect, the chosen bundle cost decreased by 56.38 % under PROCAMPO. Index words: Support prices, price policies, direct producer’s subsidies.
Critical issues facing New Zealand entomology

Here, we identify current high-priority issues in New Zealand entomology. These ‘critical issues’ were defined by being of national entomological interest, and in urgent need of research or attention. The issues were derived in consultation with the Entomological Society of New Zealand members and as part of a workshop at the 62nd New Zealand Entomological Society Conference. We present a list of nine priority areas (presented here without any ranking priority). These areas are: 1. conserving indigenous invertebrate diversity; 2. limiting predator pressure exerted by exotic vertebrate predators; 3. limiting the effects of invasive invertebrates, especially Vespula wasps in honeydew beech forests; understanding the influence of pesticides and pathogens on honey bees; 4. maintaining and enhancing efficient biosecurity systems to keep out invasive pests and diseases; 5. enhancing support for taxonomy; 6. enhancing entomological teaching, training and support for entomology graduates; 7. utilising the hidden knowledge of retired entomologists; and 8. supporting amateurs in entomology. For each of these topics we briefly discuss the state of the current situation or knowledge gaps. We consider this a road map to enhance entomology in New Zealand.
Thais (Stramonita) rustica (Lamarck, 1822) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Thaididae), a potential bioindicator of contamination by organotin northeast Brazil

The use of antifouling paints containing the biocide compound tributyltin (TBT) has been shown as an inductor of imposex in neogastropods mollusks. Imposex is characterized by the development of male features in females, mainly the appearance of a no functional vas deferens and penis. Samples of Thais rustica were collected in eight sites in the metropolitan area of Natal city, Rio Grande do Norte state, northeast Brazil, and examined for occurrence of imposex, which was found in many females. The higher imposex levels were presented by samples from sites near city harbor.
Modèles génératifs de rangs relatifs à un algorithme de tri par insertion

Les donn´ees de rang proviennent d'un processus de tri dont la nature est generalement inaccessible au statisticien. Faisant l'hypothese que ce tri repose sur la comparaison entre paires d'objets et que par ailleurs le processus retenu vise a en minimiser le nombre, l'algorithme de tri par insertion s'impose comme l'un des meilleurs candidats. Par l'introduction d'une erreur de Bernoulli sur les comparaisons de paires, on obtient une modelisation generative probabiliste des donnees de rang dont une des originalites est de dependre de l'ordre de presentation initiale des objets a classer. En fonction des hypotheses d'echantillonnage relatives a cet ordre de presentation (inconnu), plusieurs modeles realistes sont obtenus. Des experiences numeriques sur des donnees reelles permettent de comparer ces modeles avec le modele standard Phi de Mallows.
ACREMONIUM ENDOPHYTE INTERACTIONS WITH ENHANCED PLANT RESISTANCE TO INSECTS

Since the discovery of the effects of endophytes in the genus Acremonium on insect resistance, our understanding of these fungi has progressed greatly. However, many interactions associated with the endophytes, their hosts, and insect herbivores affect the use and expression of this resistance. This review centers on these topics, focusing on our current thinking about the use of endophyte-enhanced resistance to insects. A broader perspective is stressed in the belief that this phenomenon is only one example of many microbial-plant interactions that affect insect resistance. I begin with a review of the biology of the Acremonium endophytes, followed by a discussion of other fungal endophytes and fungal-plant interactions that result in increased insect resistance. The status of our knowledge of the effects of Acremonium endophytes on insect resistance is then presented. Finally, plant breeding, resistance management, and other influences endophytes have on agroecosystems are discussed.
Does turgor prevent endocytosis in plant cells

Abstract. The energetics of coated vesicle-mediated endocytosis in turgid plant cells are discussed in terms of the known ATP requirement for clathrin cage dissociation and on the basis of the elementary expression for the energy w = P · v, where P corresponds to the turgor and v to the vesicle volume. The authors' calculations indicate that the possibility for formation of coated vesicles by endocytosis is limited to a rather low turgor range (P below about 0.1 MPa). This view is consistent with reports of well-developed clathrin coats on the plasma membranes in those cells having very low turgor such as root hairs and naked flagellates.
First genome survey and repeatome analysis of Chrysopogon zizanioides based on next-generation sequencing

Chrysopogon zizanioides is a perennial C4 grass that has been widely utilized for soil erosion control and ecological restoration. Nevertheless, genomic information of C. zizanioides is currently unavailable. Here, we firstly conducted a genome survey of C. zizanioides to obtain its repeatome information through next generation sequencing (NGS) and RepeatExplorer analysis. As a result, the estimated genome size of C. zizanioides was about 880 Mb, the heterozygosity rate was calculated to be 0.80%, the repeat content was 62.08%, and the GC content was 44.71%. Nine different repeat families were identified in the C. zizanioides genome, Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons represented the dominant family and demonstrated greater diversity than Ty1/Copia retrotransposons, and two C. zizanioides rDNAs displayed high conservation in the genic coding regions and high polymorphism in the intergenic spacer regions. Overall, these results enhanced our understanding of the C. zizanioides genome, and provided a large amount of genomic resources for further excavation and utilization of C. zizanioides.
Doxycycline Usage for Prevention of Leptospirosis among Farmers and Reasons for Failure to Use Chemoprophylaxis: A Descriptive Study from Southern Sri Lanka

Background Leptospirosis causes substantial morbidity and mortality in Sri Lanka. Health authorities have implemented a chemoprophylaxis programme for prevention of disease for farmers who are at a high risk of leptospirosis. Only 39% of general population is aware of chemoprophylaxis. Awareness on chemoprophylaxis and its usage among the risk population and the reasons for non-usage was uncertain. Our aim was to assess the chemoprophylaxis usage for prevention of leptospirosis among farmers and reasons for failure to use such preventive strategy. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on farmers in community setting in Galle District. Multi-stage cluster sampling method was used. Out of the seventeen “Ministry of Health” (MOH) divisions within the Galle district, nine divisions were randomly selected and, subsequently, two subdivisions (“Public Health Midwife” divisions) were randomly selected from each MOH division. From each PHM division (total of 18), a cluster who does farming as the main source of income was selected. From these farmers, details on demographics, knowledge on leptospirosis and knowledge and practice on chemoprophylaxis usage were obtained through an interviewer administered open-ended questionnaire. From those who have not properly taken chemoprophylaxis, the reasons for non-usage were explored by semistructured interviews. Results We recruited 319 (77%-males) farmers to the study. Eighteen (5.6%) have already had leptospirosis. Majority (86.8%) of farmers were aware that doxycycline can be used to prevent the disease occurrence. Only 31% knew about correct recommendations of chemoprophylaxis usage adopted by the national guidelines. Only 28.5% (91) used doxycycline prophylaxis. Out of those, only 60 farmers (65.9%) continued the prophylaxis throughout the contact and followed national recommendations. Themes responsible for non-usage were elicited such as lack of awareness of chemoprophylaxis usage, false sense of security from the disease by perceived “immunity” due to prolong exposure or due to low prevalence of disease, lack of motivation, lack of availability of medication, and fear of side effects. Conclusions Awareness of leptospirosis is better among farmers compared to the general population. Usage of chemoprophylaxis among farmers was highly inadequate. Individual and health system related hypotheses and myths exist for non-usage of chemoprophylaxis. Thus, an urgent concerted campaign aimed at increasing awareness within the target group through education and making medicines effectively distributed is essential for better prevention of the disease.
The effect of ammonia exposure on gill structure of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Gill structure has been studied in fish exposed to various ammonia concentrations. Gill damage resulting from exposure to acutely lethal concentrations was relatively minor and unlikely to have been a primary cause of death. Alternative toxic mechanisms have been discussed. Following long-term exposure to ammonia there were severe histopathological changes in gill structure and oxygen uptake may have been seriously impaired. A high incidence of disease was also observed.
The impact of diffuse sunlight on canopy light‐use efficiency, gross photosynthetic product and net ecosystem exchange in three forest biomes

For three forest canopies (a sparse, boreal needleleaf; a temperate broadleaf; and a dense, tropical, broadleaf stand) light‐use efficiency (LUE) is found to be 6–33% higher when sky radiance is dominated by diffuse rather than direct sunlight. This enhancement is much less than that reported previously for both crops (110%; Choudbury, 2001 ) and moderately dense temperate woodland (50–180%). We use the land‐surface scheme JULES to interpret the observed canopy response. Once sunflecks and leaf orientation are incorporated explicitly into the scheme, our simulations reproduce convincingly the overall level of canopy gross photosynthetic product (GPP), its enhancement with respect to diffuse sunlight and the mean 15% reduction in productivity observed during the afternoon due to stomatal closure. The LUE enhancement under diffuse sunlight can be explained by sharing of the canopy radiation‐load, which is reduced under direct sky radiance. Once sunflecks are accounted for the advantage of implementing more sophisticated calculations of stomatal conductance (e.g. Ball–Berry and SPA submodels) is less obvious even for afternoon assimilation. Empirical relations are developed between observed carbon flux and the environmental variables total downwelling shortwave radiation (SW), canopy temperature (T) and the fraction of diffuse sky radiance (fDIF). These relations allow us to gauge the impact of increased/reduced insolation on GPP and net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Overall the three stands appear to be fairly stable within global trends and typical interannual variability (SW changing by <15%). Greatest sensitivity is exhibited by the boreal site, Zotino, where NEE falls by 9±4% for a 15% reduction in SW.
Effect of short photoperiod on some growth traits in Sprague Dawley rats.

Summary The effect of short photoperiod on some growth traits in outbred Sprague Dawley rats was examined. The pups were assigned to two photoperiod groups: long/routin (12 h light/dark: control) and short (9 h light/15 h dark: experiment) lighting, since, in nature, photoperiod may decrease to 9 hours in winters, in subtropical regions. At 15 weeks of ages, body weight, weight of heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, gastear, adrenal glands, testis and ovaries of the rats from experimental group were compared to those in control group. Body growth, weight of heart, liver and spleen and large intestine length in control and experimental rats were not significantly different (P>0.05). No differences were observed in testis and ovary weights between control and experiment groups, statistically. Rats exposed to short photoperiod had lower lung, kidney, gastear, adrenal gland and intestine weight than those of control rats (P<0.01 and P<0.05). In outbred Sprague Dawley rats, short photoperiod had no effect on body growth and reproduction organs and it is concluded that, there may be a chance for some strains of outbred Sprague Dawley rats to be kept under short photoperiod conditions, without reducing body weight and reproductive organ growth.
Studies on the physiology of reproduction in the sheep. I. The ovulation rate of the EWE as affected by the plane of nutrition

The phenomenon of twinning in sheep has occasioned considerable interest on the part of both the sheep breeders and those interested in the physiology of reproduction. As a result of tlieir observations over a long period of time, the practice of increasing the amount and variety of nutrients fed to the ewes some time before breeding has become part of the routine of an efficiently managed flock. The term 'flushing' has been used to describe this practice and it is regarded as a necessary procedure in order to insure a high degree of fertility. OBJECT
Sensory quality of marinated frozen stored chicken thighs as affected by dietary fish fat and vitamin E

The effects of diets containing fish meal (0 or 4%), fish silage (0 or 4%) and vitamin E (60 or 200 mg kg–1) and the processing effect of marinating with sodium citrate (0.24 or 0.48%) or ascorbate (0.31 or 0.62%) have been studied to test the hypothesis that oxidative stability of frozen stored chicken thighs can be improved by such treatments. A trained sensory panel assessed the samples after storage at –25 °C for 1 week, 3 and 6 months. Feed with 4% fish meal resulted in increased fish flavour and odour of the thighs while 4% fish silage had a smaller effect on these attributes. Fish meal and fish silage added together into the feed by an amount of 4% each, caused strong fish flavour and odour in the product and accelerated the rancidity process. High concentration of vitamin E (200 mg kg–1) in the feed reduced rancidity when 4% fish products had been added to the feed, but no effect was noted when 4% fish meal plus 4% fish silage had been added together. High concentration of ascorbate in the brine (0.62%) decreased sensory score for rancidity attributes (hay, grass, soap and paint), while high concentration of citrate (0.48%) increased these parameters in frozen stored chicken thighs.