Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecotypic responses to flood and drought in tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Abstract. Plantation-grown Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) is the principal source of tea tree oil in Australia. Upland and coastal ecotypes of tea tree were grown in a common environment to test responses in root, shoot and developmental attributes to four hydrological conditions. Consistent with its wetland origins, tea tree exhibited morphological adaptations for flood tolerance, with both ecotypes possessing a similar maximal capacity for adventitious roots and aerenchyma. Despite adaptation to flood, growth was reduced under prolonged flood relative to a well-watered control, and to a similar degree in both ecotypes. Coastal plants responded more rapidly to flood, suggesting that upland plants may delay costly morphological modifications until flooding is more protracted. Mild water deficit (drought) had a greater impact on growth and development than flooding, and upon coastal than upland plants. Relatively lower impact of drought on biomass and branch whorl number in upland plants was probably due to a constitutively higher root : shoot biomass ratio buffering against retarded development and growth. This study was the first step in identifying genetically controlled abiotic stress tolerances that may be useful for further domestication of tea tree. The potential to improve drought tolerance appeared most promising; however, further work will require consideration of appropriate breeding strategies given the low-resource-adapted population origins of tolerance alleles, and it should be prefaced by a clear definition of the target deployment environment and include testing of yield variables of economic value in target environments.
Genetic and Morphometric Evidence for the Recognition of Several Recently Synonymized Species of Trans-Andean Rhamdia (Pisces: Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

A recent taxonomic revision of the Neotropical catfish genus Rhamdia (Pisces: Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) reduced a number of described species to synonymy, especially under a broadly circumscribed R. quelen. Evidence is presented here from DNA sequence data, external morphology, and morphometrics that argues for the recognition of R. guatemalensis in Central and northern South America and R. saijaensis and R. cinerascens in the Pacific drainages of Colombia and Ecuador, respectively. The DNA data indicate that all trans-Andean samples form a monophyletic group, within which there are separate clades corresponding to R. laticauda and the synonymized R. guatemalensis, R. saijaensis, and R. cinerascens. The morphometric data substantiate the phylogenetic groupings, and in external morphology, each putative species has diagnostic characters. Rhamdia guatemalensis is characterized by insertion of the adipose fin closer to the dorsal fin than to the caudal fin and presence of a conspicuous lateral longitudinal dark band; R. saijaensis is characterized by a small head with head length 20.8–23.4% of standard length and by lacking a lateral longitudinal band; and R. cinerascens is characterized by a large head with head length 25.8–30.1% of standard length, base of the adipose fin 30.3–33.3% of standard length, outer mental barbels extending to the base of the pectoral rays, and presence of a faint lateral longitudinal band. The external morphological differences and phylogenetic relationships indicate that these groups are both recognizable and represent independent lineages, which argue for their recognition as species.
Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge

Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge, written for both microbiologists and engineers, critically reviews our current understanding of the microbiology of activated sludge, the most commonly used process for treating both domestic and industrial wastes. The contributors are all internationally recognized as leading research workers in activated sludge microbiology, and all have made valuable contributions to our present understanding of the process. The book pays particular attention to how the application of molecular methods has changed our perceptions of the identity of the filamentous bacteria causing the operational disorders of bulking and foaming, and the bacteria responsible for nitrification and denitrification and phosphorus accumulation in nutrient removal processes. Special attention is given to how it is now becoming possible to relate the composition of the community of microbes present in activated sludge, and the in situ function of individual populations there, and how such information might be used to manage and control these systems better. Detailed descriptions of some of these molecular methods are provided to allow newcomers to this field of study an opportunity to apply them in their research. Comprehensive descriptions of organisms of interest and importance are also given, together with high quality photos of activated sludge microbes. Activated sludge processes have been used globally for nearly 100 years, and yet we still know very little of how they work. In the past 15 years the advent of molecular culture independent methods of study have provided tools enabling microbiologists to understand which organisms are present in activated sludge, and critically, what they might be doing there. Microbial Ecology of Activated Sludge will be the first book available to deal comprehensively with the very exciting new information from applying these methods, and their impact on how we now view microbiologically mediated processes taking place there. As such it will be essential reading for microbial ecologists, environmental biotechnologists and engineers involved in designing and managing these plants. It will also be suitable for postgraduate students working in this field.
Detection and identification of groundwater bacteria in Sebha City, Libya

Drinking water systems supplied by untreated groundwater were examined to determine whether coliform or heterotrophic plate count bacteria are capable of growing. Filterable bacteria were present in 42% of the 46 groundwater sources examined by using nonselective media (R2A and full strength mHPC agars). Pseudomonads were the most frequently identified group of filterable bacteria detected. Flavobacterium, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter and Achromobacter isolates were also identified. Total coliforms were recovered only from six samples taken from wells near the wastewater lagoon, following filtration through 0.45-µm-pore-size membrane filters by using selective M-Endo LES agar or mT7 agar. In addition, none of the isolates identified from nonselective media were coliforms. Similarly, neither total coliforms nor specifically Escherichia coli were detected in these filtrates when Colilert P/A medium was used�
Funktion von Malt1 in der Antigenrezeptor-induzierten NF-κB Aktivierung in T-Lymphozyten

Antigenstimulation-abhangige NF-κB Aktivierung beeinflusst die adaptive Immunantwort durch Induktion von zytotoxischen und Antikorper-vermittelten Abwehrmechanismen. Die zentrale Schaltstelle der NF-κB Aktivierung ist der IKK Komplex. Der Carma1/Bcl10/Malt1 (CBM) Komplex ist die essentielle Komponente fur die Antigenrezeptor-induzierte Aktivierung des IKK Komplexes in T-Zellen. Die Regulation des CBM Komplexes ist daher entscheidend fur die Signalweitergabe aber auch fur das Beenden der Signaltransduktion zu IKK und NF-κB. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es die Malt1-vermittelte Regulation des CBM Komplexes zu untersuchen. Malt1 spielt eine zentrale Rolle in der Rekrutierung des IKK Komplexes an den CBM Komplex und wurde erst kurzlich als Trager proteolytischer Aktivitat identifiziert. Durch einen Yeast-Two-Hybrid Screen sollten neue Interaktionspartner von Malt1 identifiziert und die Interaktion in Zelllinien und primaren Zellen unter nativen Bedingungen bestatigt werden. Weiterhin galt es, die Interaktorfunktion fur Malt1 und den CBM Komplex aufzuklaren. Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit sollte die Bedeutung der unterschiedlichen Malt1 Isoformen und deren Paracaspase-Aktivitat in der Induktion von NF-κB in Zelllinien und primaren Zellen auf genetischer Ebene untersucht werden. In verschieden Spezies sind zwei Malt1 Splicevarianten bekannt und es ist nicht klar, ob die Isoformen Unterschiede in ihrer Fahigkeit zur NF-κB Aktivierung aufweisen. Auch ist die Bedeutung der proteolytischen Malt1 Paracaspase-Aktivitat fur die Antigen-vermittelte Aktivierung von NF-κB nicht geklart
Foaming and Emulsifying Properties of Fractions of Gluten Peptides Obtained by Limited Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Ultrafiltration

Abstract Gluten hydrolysates were prepared by limited enzymatic hydrolysis with a protease having a chymotryptic activity in the presence or in the absence of cysteine during the dispersion phase of the process. The hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration, using two inorganic membranes with different molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), 50 kg/mol and 150 kg/mol. The retentates were enriched in hydrophobic peptides and the permeates were enriched in hydrophilic peptides. The foaming and emulsifying properties of hydrolysates, retentates and permeates were analysed at two pHs (4 and 6·5) and two salt concentrations (0·2 and 2% NaCl). Hydrolysates displayed a foaming capacity, but the foams were not stable. Permeates generated foams at pH 6·5 only, and these foams had a very short life-time. Permeates displayed no emulsifying properties. Retentates yielded foams with a good stability and were more efficient than whole hydrolysates to stabilise emulsions. They provided a strong resistance to coalescence. The functional properties of retentates were only sightly influenced by pH and ionic strength. Neither cysteine addition, which helps gluten dispersion and increases the yield of soluble hydrolysate, nor the MWCO of the ultrafiltration membranes influenced the functionality of the hydrolysate fractions.
Effectiveness of community involvement in delivering conservation benefits to the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Community-based approaches to decision-making in the management of protected areas are increasingly being implemented in many areas. However information on the outcome of these approaches for conservation is often lacking. In this study, the effectiveness of community-based approaches for conservation of biodiversity was examined in Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) (Nepal) through a combination of ecological assessments and social surveys undertaken both within and outwith ACA. Forest basal area and tree species diversity were found to be significantly higher inside ACA than in neighbouring areas outside. The mean density of cut tree stumps was significantly lower inside ACA, associated with a decline in use of fuelwood as an energy source over the past decade. Social surveys also indicated that wild animal populations have increased inside ACA since the inception of community-based conservation. Observations of animal track counts, pellet counts and direct observations of selected species such as barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) indicated higher abundances within ACA. The community-based management has been successful in delivering conservation benefits in ACA, attributable to changing patterns of resource use and behaviour among local communities, increased control of local communities over their local resources, increased conservation awareness among local people resulting from environmental education, and the development and strengthening of local institutions such as Conservation Area Management Committees (CAMC). However, these positive achievements are threatened by the current political instability in Nepal.
Second language phonological acquisition in adults: the interplay between the native and non-native languages

Speakers who acquire a foreign language (L2) in adolescence or later often experience difficulties in the production of non-native sounds. Their L2 speech is easily identified by native speakers as having a foreign accent. This thesis focuses on second-language learners' production difficulties. It attempts, first, to understand the causes of these difficulties with a particular attention paid to L2 perception and native (L1) production. Second, it tests the effectiveness of a new visual articulatory-feedback training method that aimed at enabling L2 speakers to improve their L2 pronunciation. Last, it explores the interaction between the production of native and non-native sounds. In particular, it examines the role of within- and between-speaker variability in L1 production in predicting L2 production and perception performance, and it assesses the effects of learning to produce non-native sounds on L1 production.
RAPD analysis reveals geographic differentiations within Allium schoenoprasum L. (Alliaceae).

Abstract: Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to study the phylogenetic relationships between species in Allium section Schoenoprasum and for the investigation of the intraspecific differentiation of A. schoenoprasum. RAPD analysis of 39 samples representing eight species of sect. Schoenoprasum and one sample of A. atrosanguineum (sect. Annuloprasum) resulted in 233 interpretable RAPD bands. The analysis clearly distinguishes the species of section Schoenoprasum. The arrangement of the accessions of A. schoenoprasum in all dendrograms mirrors the geographical distribution, with a clear differentiation between an Asian and European subgroup. Within the European group, Scandinavian material is clearly distinct from S and E European material. Informally described morphological types of A. schoenoprasum could not be confirmed by RAPD analysis but represent recurrent ecological adaptations. A combination of phenetic (UPGMA, neighbour-joining analysis), cladistic (parsimony analysis), and statistical (PCA) methods of data analysis resulted in clearer phylogenetic interpretations than each of the methods facilitates when used separately.
Barley and Rigid Ryegrass (Lolium Rigidum) Competition Is Influenced by Crop Cultivar and Density

Abstract Western Australian growers are adopting no-tillage farming systems, which have a greater reliance on integrated weed management systems that include competitive cultivars, high seeding rates, strategic fertilizer placement, and narrow row spacing. At the same time, they are sowing more of their barley area to cultivars with a semidwarf habit. This study compared six two-row, spring malting barley cultivars with different morphological traits at two dates of planting and three crop densities, with nil-added and added rigid ryegrass at five sites. Four cultivars, ‘Buloke’, ‘Flagship’, ‘Hamelin’, and ‘Vlamingh’, had an erect early growth habit; the other two, ‘Baudin’ and ‘Gairdner’, had a prostrate, semidwarf early growth habit. Increasing the density of rigid ryegrass plants from 16 to 125 plants/m2 decreased barley grain yield by reducing crop biomass production, tiller number, grain number, and harvest index. Average grain weight was also reduced at most sites. The impact of competition on grain yield varied across sites and cultivars, but did not interact with date of planting. Baudin, Flagship, and Hamelin were more competitive with rigid ryegrass than Buloke, Gairdner, and Vlamingh. Differences in competitiveness between cultivars did not appear to be strongly related to morphological traits that affect light interception such as canopy closure, plant height, and tiller number. Differences in cultivar competitiveness were cultivar-specific and not generic. Rigid ryegrass productivity (dry matter and tiller number) tended to be lower under the more competitive cultivars. Increasing barley plant density increased grain yield, and reduced both rigid ryegrass dry matter and tiller number. Barley density had a larger impact on rigid ryegrass productivity than crop cultivar. The impact of barley density on reducing rigid ryegrass tiller number was larger with the first planting date than the second, and higher in the added rigid ryegrass plots than the nil-added plots. This study highlights the importance of high barley seeding rate for the integrated management of rigid ryegrass. Nomenclature: Rigid ryegrass, Lolium rigidum Gaudin ‘Safeguard’ LOLRI; barley, Hordeum vulgare L. ‘Baudin’, ‘Buloke’, ‘Flagship’, ‘Gairdner’, ‘Hamelin’, and ‘Vlamingh’
Survival and Growth of Planted Uniola paniculata and Dune Building Using Surrogate Wrack on Perdido Key Florida, U.S.A.

The increasing number of stresses on coastal dune ecosystems requires the use of more effective restoration strategies to enhance dune‐building and increase vegetation reestablishment. In this study, the use of a wheat straw as a surrogate wrack was an effective method to improve growth of spring planted Uniola paniculata (sea oats). Approximately 1,000 U. paniculata plugs were planted within 21 × 4 m plots at six replicate sites. Two weeks later, plantings were divided into 11 × 4 m subplots with half of the subplots receiving five bales of wheat straw and the remaining subplots receiving no wheat straw. This surrogate wrack layer measured approximately 10 cm in depth. Mean aboveground biomass of U. paniculata 6 months after planting with surrogate wrack was 9.25 ± 1.00 g compared with 2.18 ± 0.24 g without surrogate wrack. Number of tillers, tiller height, and basal width were also greater at the end of the first growing season for plants treated with surrogate wrack (p < 0.05). Two years after planting, significantly more inflorescences occurred and aboveground biomass (g/m2) was greater with than without surrogate wrack. Sand accumulation was notably greater with surrogate wrack (11.16 cm) than without wrack (7.78 cm) 8 months after planting (p = 0.1093). However, relative sand accumulation was significantly greater with than without surrogate wrack 2 years after planting. Increased sand accumulation suggests surrogate wrack either directly or indirectly traps more sand by creating an additional obstacle or promoting the growth of dune grasses.
Shoot Architecture and Evolution of Dicentra cucullaria (Papaveraceae, Fumarioideae)

Species of Dicentra have diverse shoot systems, including a group with subterranean shoots that share the evolution of tuberous diaspores. We characterize the shoot architecture of D. cucullaria and compare it with related members of the genus. Ramets of D. cucullaria are sympodial and, at the time when foliage leaves are aboveground, generally consist of three orthotropic modules. The youngest of these three modules is the renewal module, the next oldest bears current foliage leaves and flowers, and the oldest flowered and had foliage leaves during the previous growing season. Renewal buds form 2 yr before their foliage leaves and flowers extend aboveground. Each orthotropic module bears dimorphic tuberous diaspores. We demonstrate that the tuberous diaspores of D. cucullaria are specialized leaf bases. Large tuberous bases are characteristic of foliage leaves and other nonfoliage leaves positioned on the axis distal to the foliage leaves. Smaller tuberous leaves with rudimentary, apiculate laminas are positioned on short branches that form in the axils of scale leaves subjacent to the portion of the module axis where the foliage leaves are located. Both forms of tuberous leaf bases bear multiple, epiphyllous buds. Although both forms of tuberous leaf bases may function in asexual reproduction if detached, only the small tuberous leaf bases borne on the short branches separate easily from the ramet. Some of the short branches that bear small tuberous leaves elongate distal to these leaf positions to form plagiotropic rhizomes that produce new ramets. The shoot architecture of D. cucullaria is very similar to that of its hypothesized sister taxon, D. canadensis. These two species appear to form a monophyletic group with D. pauciflora and D. uniflora based on their shared derivation of tuberous leaf bases. The relationship of this monophyletic group to other species of Dicentra is unclear.
Microstructure of the tarsal attachment devices in the earwig Timomenus komarovi

The biological attachment device on the tarsal appendage of the earwig, Timomenus komarovi (Insecta: Dermaptera: Forficulidae) was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy to reveal the fine structural characteristics of its biological attachment devices to move on smooth and rough surfaces. They attach to rough substrates using their pretarsal claws; however, attachment to smooth surfaces is achieved by means of two groups of hairy tarsal pads. This biological attachment device consists of fine hairy setae with various contact sizes. Three different groups of tenent setae were distinguished depending on the cuticular substructure of the endplates. Two groups of setae commonly had flattened surfaces, and they were covered with either spoon‐shaped or spatula‐shaped endplates, respectively. While the flattened tip setae were distributed at the central region, the pointed tip setae were characteristically found along the marginal region. There were no obvious gender‐specific differences between fibrillar adhesive pads in this insect mainly because the forceps‐like pincers are used during copulation to grasp the partner.
In vitro induction of interferon-like activity from rainbow trout leucocytes stimulated by Egtved virus

Interferon (IFN)-like activity was induced in vitro from blood and kidney leucocytes by infectious or inactivated Egtved virus (VHSV) serotype 1. The IFN activity in the cell culture medium was determined by spectrophotometric assessment of its ability to protect RTG-2 cells against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus infection (virus strain VR299). Characteristics of this protective activity were consistent with those described for IFN α/β of mammals. IFN synthesis was induced by either infectious or inactivated virus. The yield of IFN depended on cell origin (blood or kidney) and donor, while temperature elevation enhanced the kinetics of this synthesis. Induction was abolished by treatment of glutaraldehyde-fixed VHSV-infected EPC cells with a neutralising anti-G protein specific monoclonal antibody (MAb), whereas MAbs specific or other viral proteins had no effect. This suggests that the induction of IFN synthesis in trout could be independent, in part, from Egtved virus multiplication and thus could be triggered by contact between target fish cells and one of the virus surface components. Such a mechanism, acting immediately after the virus entry into the fish, might be involved in the virulence. Passive transfer of IFN-like activity to trout alevins resulted in protection against water borne challenge with Egtved virus. The present results encourage further investigations on the role played by IFN in the pathogenesis of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia.
Avaliação nutricional da casca de soja integral ou moída, ensilada ou não, para suínos em fase de crescimento - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i1.249

An experiment was carried out using 11 crossbred pigs, barrows with body weight of 41.42 ± 0.99 kg. Pigs were allotted in metabolism cages, in a complete randomized design, in a split-plot design, with four treatments in a 2 x 2 (grinding x ensilage) factorial and two replicates. Soybean hull (SH) in the whole form (WSH), ground SH (GSH), WSH silage (WSHS) and GSH silage (GSHS), that replaced (based on dry matter) 25% of the reference diet, were evaluated resulting in four test diets. Enzymatic microbial inoculants were included in the silages production. Crude protein digestibility coefficient of soybean hull ensilage (68.08%) was higher than no silage (59.44%), regardless grinding. Results showed that grinding and/or ensilage do not modify dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy digestibility, as well as energy metabolism. The ensilage process increases the crude protein digestibility coefficient of soybean hull, regardless grinding.