Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of Wheat to Deep Placement of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on a Soil High in Phosphorus in the Surface Layer

Wheat was grown in a series of field experimenls on a sandy red-brown earth that was well supplied with phosphorus in the top 10 cm, and deficient in nitrogen. Nitrogen (0-60 kg ha-') as ammonium sulfate or urea, and/or phosphorus (0-100 kg ha-1) as triple superphosphate were applied at various depths down to 30 cm. In one experiment the response to fertilizer placement was examined under dryland and irrigated conditions. The dry weights and the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the plants were determined, and in one experiment root lengths were also measured. In none of the experiments did placement of fertilizers at depth increase grain yields to a greater extent than placement at 5 cm. While the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the plants were increased by the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers respectively, the depth at which the fertilizers were placed was immaterial. Application of phosphorus fertilizer increased root length, but only at the site of placement. Irrigation increased yields, but there was no interaction with depth of fertilizer placement. The soil disturbance (ripping) associated with deep placement of the fertilizers affected shoot growth in all experiments, but the effects were not consistent. Ripping had no effect on root length. Residual effects of the fertilizer treatments on growth and composition of the wheat were small. Deep placement of fertilizer is not recommended for wheat where the nutrient content of the topsoil is high and the topsoil remains wet during the early part of the season.
Les modèles d'ajustement des courbes de lactation

Les modèles déterministes, linéaires ou non, représentent la grande majorité des propositions publiées dans la bibliographie. Certains d’entre eux permettent d’obtenir de bons ajustements de tout ou partie de la courbe de lactation, ainsi que d’estimer certaines caractéristiques classiques de la courbe (date et niveau du maximum de production, persistance en phase décroissante, production totale). Cependant, l’interprétation des paramètres des modèles les plus complexes est difficile et, dans ces cas, il est impossible de les relier de façon simple à ces caractéristiques classiques. Parmi les modèles déterministes, la fonction Gamma, proposée par Woo D (1967) a été la plus communément employée dans les études portant sur la courbe de lactation. Le succès de ce modèle non linéaire s’explique, d’une part parce qu’il prend en compte la phase ascendante de la courbe, et d’autre part, parce que les paramètres sont faciles à estimer après linéarisation de l’équation. Les modèles déterministes d’ajustement traduisent assez fidèlement la courbe, par conséquent, ils peuvent être d’un usage intéressant pour l’interprétation de résultats d’expérimentation. Mais ils ne sont pas aptes à rendre compte logiquement des variations à court terme du niveau de production autour de la tendance générale. Pour traduire ces variations, quelques auteurs ont cherché à construire des modèles d’ajustement de la courbe de lactation, dits stochastiques, qui s’appuient sur un modèle déterministe de description de l’allure globale de la courbe, et une fonction traduisant le caractère autocorrélatif de la production laitière. De tels modèles ouvrent des perspectives nouvelles, notamment pour l’analyse des résultats du contrôle laitier.
Production of sake lees powder and its effect on sterol metabolism of rat.

Sake lees was dried to prepare new foodstuff with valuable contents and application for many food. The sake lees powder was prepared by freeze-drying after washing with water to remove soluble substances. The product was white and rich in protein and dietary fiber. We investigated the effects of sake lees powder on the hypercholesterolemic rat. Wistar rats were given 0, 10 or 20% of sake less powder containing high cholesterol and high cholic acid semi purified feeds. Rats were bred with experimental feed ad libtum for nine days. Daily fecal weight and fecal protein content increased, and cecal content pH lowered dose dependently with sake lees powder. Serum cholesterol decreased significantly by sake lees powder. (Received Feb. 24, 1999 ; Accepted Oct. 20, 1999)
The Case for New Domestic Animals

You do not grow bananas in the north of Scotland or raspberries in the Serengeti. Similarly temperate-zone cattle are not suited to Africa's semi-arid lands but giraffe and eland thrive. So these and other wild species, says the author, should be domesticated for such lands—40 per cent of Africa south of the Sahara is semi-arid—with cattle farming restricted to the highlands. In addition, research on new systems of management should aim to make use of the wild animals’ preferences for different grasses, bush and browse—from the tree-top using giraffe to the root-digging warthog.
Abnormal Products of the Human Insulin Gene

Heritable abnormalities in the insulin gene have often been considered in terms of their potential for contributing to diabetes. It is only within the last 5 yr, however, that evidence has demonstrated the existence of insulin gene mutations in man and the secretion of abnormal human insulins in affected individuals. HPLC analysis of insulin purified from serum by immunoaffinity chromatography and detection of insulin by radioimmunoassay have documented abnormal insulins in subjects from three separate families. HPLC analysis of these natural insulins and of semisynthetic insulin analogues have identified the accompanying amino acid substitutions in two of these cases: in one, leucine replaces phenylalanine B25; in the other, serine replaces phenylalanine B24. Both substitutions occur in an invariant tetrapeptide sequence within the active site of the hormone. Studies of the biologic activities of these analogues further suggest that replacements at position B25 result in the loss of an important side chain contact between the hormone and its receptor, whereas those at position B24 result in conformational changes in the insulin molecule as a whole. Two additional individuals have been identified to secrete abnormal intermediates of proinsulin conversion in which the C-peptide remains attached to the insulin A-chain and in which Arg65 has been replaced by a nonbasic amino acid. This result emphasizes the importance of dibasic amino acid pairs at prohormone conversion sites and provides clues about the evolution of hormone precursors. Thus, studies of the products of abnormal human insulin genes have provided insights into subjects as varied as insulin biosynthesis, structure-activity relationships in insulin recognition by receptors, and the physiology of insulin action.
Influence of tidal phase and circulation on larval fish distribution in a partially mixed estuary, Corral Bay, Chile

The influence of circulation on abundance patterns of larval fish was compared at different phases of the tide in the vicinity of an estuarine front in Corral Bay, Chile during austral spring. Greatest differences in water salinity were found across the frontal region on ebb tides. Because rainfall was low, density differences were primarily due to tidal intrusion of salt water. Larval density was relatively low during both sampling periods with Strangomera bentincki, Oodntesthes regia laticlavia, Gobiesox marmoratus and Hypsoblennius sordidus as the most abundant species. Total ichthyoplankton was always higher near the tidal front (Stations 2 and 3). Spatial distribution in relation to tidal phase showed different patterns for the most abundant fish larval species. Circulation and larval distribution revealed that the bay was a source of young fish larvae but older individuals could also be recruited in and retained there. Results show that the front could act as a physical boundary for larvae transported from offshore through specific mechanism of circulation related with the tidal regime.
Transepithelial Transport of α-Lipoic Acid across Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cell Monolayers

α-Lipoic acid (LA) is used in dietary supplements or food with antioxidative functions. The mechanism for the intestinal absorption of α-lipoic acid was investigated in this study by using human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers. LA was rapidly transported across the Caco-2 cell monolayers, this transport being energy-dependent, suggesting transporter-mediated transport to be the mechanism involved. The LA transport was strongly dependent on the pH value, being accelerated in the acidic pH range. Furthermore, such monocarboxylic acids as benzoic acid and medium-chain fatty acids significantly inhibited LA transport, suggesting that a proton-linked monocarboxylic acid transporter (MCT) was involved in the intestinal transport of LA. The conversion of LA to the more antioxidative dihydrolipoic acid was also apparent during the transport process. Keywords: Caco-2; α-lipoic acid; dihydrolipoic acid; monocarboxylic acid transporter; intestinal absorption; transepithelial transport
Effects of Osmotic Shrinkage on the Survival of Mouse Oocytes and Embryos at Various Developmental Stages.

To examine the sensitivity of mammalian oocytes and embryos to osmotic shrinkage, which can occur during the process of removal of cryoprotectant from cryopreserved cells, the effect of shrinkage on the survival of fresh and vitrified mouse oocytes at metaphase II and embryos at 1-cell to blastocyst was examined. Oocytes and embryos were suspended in PBS media containing various concentrations of sucrose for 30 min at 25°C. They were then returned to isotonic PBS, and the survival was assessed in vitro. Fresh oocytes and embryos were almost entirely insensitive to shrinkage in a solution with 0.75 M sucrose, but in solutions with 1.0-1.5 M sucrose, oocytes and 8-cell embryos were more sensitive to the hypertonic stresses, whereas 2-cell embryos and expanded blastocysts were less sensitive. Vitrified embryos were more sensitive to hypertonic stresses than were fresh ones, but the sensitivity was reduced when the embryos had been cultured for a short period before subjecting them to the hypertonic stress.
Application of nano-glucan to turmeric rhizome induce defence response against Pythium aphanidermatum

Pythium aphanidermatum is the causal agent of rhizome rot disease in Curcuma longa (L.). We have isolated glucan from the mycelium of P. aphanidermatum and synthesised nano-glucan by ionic gelation method. The synthesised nano-glucan was tested for its efficacy on germination, plant growth and induction of defence enzymes in turmeric rhizomes. Turmeric rhizomes treated with nano-glucan showed enhanced germination and growth rate when compared to control. Application of nano-glucan also induced defence enzymes such as chitinase, chitosanase, protease inhibitors, β-1,3-glucanase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in turmeric rhizomes. Gel electrophoresis revealed new polypeptides of defence enzymes in turmeric rhizomes treated with nano-glucan. Nano-glucan-treated plants also showed a reduced rhizome rot incidence when compared to control. Enhanced activities of defence enzymes may restrict the development of P. aphanidermatum and reduced the rot incidence in rhizomes treated with nano-glucan.
Ecogeographic Patterns of Morphological Variation in Elepaios (Chasiempis spp.): Bergmann's, Allen's, and Gloger's Rules in a Microcosm

Abstract Animals often exhibit predictable geographic variation in morphology, and such ecogeographic patterns reflect local adaptation to varying environmental conditions. The most common of these patterns are termed Bergmann's, Allen's, and Gloger's rules. I studied morphological variation in the Hawaii Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis) and the Oahu Elepaio (C. ibidis), forest birds endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. I measured body size and plumage color of 223 live elepaios captured at 36 sites on Hawaii and 132 live elepaios captured at 23 sites on Oahu, and I examined 132 museum specimens from an additional 22 locations on Hawaii. I used multiple regressions to examine relationships of elepaio body size and plumage color to elevation and annual rainfall on each island. Size of Hawaii Elepaios varied among sites and was related to elevation and rainfall. Wing chord, tail length, and body mass had positive relationships with elevation, as predicted by Bergmann's rule. Proportional bill length and propo.
pH-responsive dendrimers interacting with lipid membranes

Simulations were performed to study the dendrimer–lipid membrane interactions in the context of gene delivery systems via exploring the influence of various pH values. As the pH decreases, dendrimers will adsorb on the negatively charged lipid bilayer, and even induce a hole formation on the membrane. We suggest the fourth generation of dendrimers to be the best candidate for gene delivery because of its low toxicity and high efficiency. Additionally, the hole formation under low pH conditions could lead to an asymmetrical bilayer because it facilitates the flip of the negatively charged lipids in one leaflet of the bilayer. We highlight the importance of the regulable electrostatic interaction by biologically relevant stimuli around the lipid membrane.
Comments on Calverley and Boag's (1977) hypothesis on displaced ducks and an evolutionary alternative

Calverley and Boag's (1977. Can. J. Zool. 55: 1242–1251) analysis of reproductive potential in parkland- and arctic-nesting mallards and pintails does not support their conclusion that parkland-displaced birds breed in the arctic with reduced reproductive output. The different clutch sizes in the two areas may result from selection for a smaller clutch at higher latitudes because of the greater energy expense of travel; however, individual fitness may be similar in parkland- and arctic-nesting populations if the advantage of a large clutch at lower latitudes is offset by higher levels of competition and predation.
Crustose Roccellaceae in The Galapagos Islands, With The New Species Schismatomma Spierii

Abstract The crustose Roccellaceae, excluding Opegrapha, on the Galapagos Islands were investigated. In total, 24 species were identified, most of which are new records not only for the archipelago, but also for Ecuador. These include Schismatomma spierii, which is described as new to science. Lecanographa laingiana is reported for the first time from the New World and Bactrospora denticulata, Dirina catalinariae, Lecanographa hypothallina, L. illecebrosula, Sclerophyton murex and S. vertex are first records from the Southern Hemisphere. Previous records of Roccellina from the Galapagos are regarded as erroneous. A key to the species is provided.
DNA PROBES AND A RECEPTOR‐BINDING ASSAY FOR DETECTION OF PSEUDO‐NITZSCHIA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) SPECIES AND DOMOIC ACID ACTIVITY IN CULTURED AND NATURAL SAMPLES

Large‐subunit ribosomal RNA‐targeted probes for Pseudo‐nitzschia australis Frenguelli, P. multiseries (Hasle) Hasle, P. pseudodelicatissima (Hasle) Hasle, and P. pungens (Grunow) Hasle were applied to cultured and natural samples using whole‐cell and sandwich hybridization. Testing of the latter method is emphasized here, and technique refinements that took place during 1996–1997 are documented. Application of the sandwich hybridization test showed that the signal intensity obtained for a given number of target cells remained constant as batch cultures of these organisms progressed from active through stationary growth phases. This suggests that cellular rRNA content for each target species remained relatively stable despite changes in growth state. Application of whole‐cell and sandwich hybridization assays to natural samples showed that both methods could be used to detect wild P. australis, P. pseudodelicatissima, and to a lesser degree P. multiseries, but detection of P. pungens was prone to error. A receptor‐binding assay for domoic acid (DA) enabled detection of this toxin activity associated with a particulate fraction of the plankton and provided a context in which to view results of the rRNA probe tests. In one case, the probe for P. australis cross‐reacted with P. cf. delicatissima. The sample that contained the latter species also contained a low amount of DA activity. Under certain field conditions, results of whole‐cell and sandwich hybridization tests disagreed. Detailed analysis of selected field samples illustrates how such situations arose. Collectively, the rRNA probe and toxin analyses suggest that manifestation of DA in the environment is possible in the absence of readily recognizable intact cells.
Genetic variation, its assessment and implications to the conservation of seagrasses

In a study of the widespread Australian endemic seagrass Posidonia australis, allozyme analysis identified a wide range in population genetic structure assessed using the multilocus genotype diversity statistic (DG). Values of DG between zero and one were obtained; however, RAPD analysis generally detected higher levels of diversity, where DG values were all greater than 0.5 (DG = 0.67 – 1). Some populations were allozymically monomorphic using allozyme analysis yet were highly polymorphic using RAPD analysis. The differences observed between methods, particularly among allozymically uniform populations, demonstrate the importance of choosing an appropriate method when assessing genotypic diversity. Different methods may reflect different historical aspects of population processes where allozymes reflect broader‐scale gene flow and population establishment and DNA fingerprinting methods such as RAPDs may reflect fine‐scale local recruitment events and shorter‐term population processes. Using either method alone, particularly in genotypically depauperate organisms such as seagrasses and other clonal organisms, will be problematic in assessing their population genetic potential, a parameter being used by conservation managers to decide upon management strategies in rare and endangered organisms. It is recommended that the impact of disturbance assessed using genotypic diversity measures requires more than one technique to provide the most appropriate information for designing subsequent conservation strategies.
Auf der Suche nach alten Bekannten: Sequenzvergleich durch Alignments

Die laufenden Genomprojekte bescheren den Molekularbiologen einen phantastischen, allgemein zugänglichen Datenreichtum. Sowohl die Erhebung dieser Daten als auch ihre Interpretation stützt sich auf ein in der Biologie althergebrachtes Verfahren, dem Vergleich. Relativ neu ist jedoch der starke Einsatz bioinformatischer Methoden zum genomweiten Sequenzvergleich. Dieser Aufsatz gibt eine Einführung in die Genomik und die sie unterstützende Bioinformatik.
Tillage system and cotton residue management effects on soil physical and chemical properties of an Anatolian clay loam sown within a wheat-cotton sequence

Soil properties are very important for plant growth and soil conservation. Although soil properties can be influenced by agricultural production systems, this influence has seldom been studied in the semi-arid South East Anatolia region of Turkey. Thus, a three-year experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of tillage and residue management systems in wheat (Triticum durum L.) agriculture following cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) on soil properties. A strip plot design with three replications was used, in which two residue management treatments were collecting cotton stalk (SA) and chopping cotton stalk (SB), and six tillage treatments were conventional tillage-I (CT-I), conventional tillage-II (CT-II), vertical tillage (VT), reduced tillage-I (RT-I), reduced tillage-II (RT-II), no-till ridge planting (RP). While there was no difference at 10–20 and 20–30 cm, the penetration resistance was the lowest for CT-I (1.62 MPa) at 0–10 cm. Although tillage treatments had no significant effect on the soil bulk density at 0–10 and 20–30 cm, the lowest bulk density were obtained in RT-II (1.19 g cm−3) at 10–20 cm. Tillage and residue management treatments did not influence the soil organic matter content and pH.
Effect of Dietary Supplemention with Probiotics, Illite, Active Carbon and Hardwood Vinegar on the Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler

We investigated the effects of dietary supplements of probiotics, illite, active carbon and hardwood vinegar on growth performance, feed intake, and pH, shear force, sensory evaluation, meat color and fatty acid composition of meat in broilers. Two hundred broilers were fed diets for five weeks containing 0.2% of probiotics (T1), and 1% of Illite (T2), 1% active carbon (T3), or 1% hardwood vinegar (T4). Body weight gain was higher in T1 and T4 groups fed the starter diet but was the lowest in C and T4 for finishing period (P and yellowness were no difference between the all treatment groups, lightness were higher in T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups than control group (P
Variation in the extra-pair mating systems of Acadian Flycatchers and Wood Thrushes in forest fragments in southern Ontario

The application of molecular tools to studies of avian mating systems has revealed that most songbird species engage in extra-pair matings. However, little is known about the possible effects of habitat fragmentation on extra-pair mating systems. During the breeding seasons of 2002 and 2003, we quantified the frequency of extra-pair matings in Acadian Flycatchers (Empidonax virescens) and Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) nesting in forest fragments in southern Ontario. Acadian Flycatchers are at the limit of their northern range in southern Ontario and occurred at low densities (0.005-0.015 males/ha). Across forest fragments, 14% of young Acadian Flycatchers were the result of extra-pair fertilizations. In contrast, Wood Thrushes were common in forest fragments, with breeding densities ranging from 0.37 to 1 males/ha. Extra-pair mating was common among Wood Thrushes, with 40% of young the result of extra-pair matings. Compared to populations studied in less fragmented habitats in Pennsylvania, rates of extra-pair paternity in Ontario were lower for Acadian Flycatchers and higher for Wood Thrushes. Our results demonstrate that rates of extra-pair mating can vary across landscapes. However, the extra-pair mating systems of Acadian Flycatchers and Wood Thrushes appear to respond differently to fragmentation. We suggest that low breeding densities on fragments may be mediating the low rates of extra-pair mating observed in Acadian Flycatchers in southern Ontario, whereas changes to the behavioral tactics of male and female Wood Thrushes in southern Ontario may explain the high levels of extra-pair mating.
Genetic analysis of resistance to Puccinia striiformis in the wheat differential cultivars Heines VII, Heines Peko and Strubes Dickkopf

One major gene for resistance to isolate WYR 85-22 of race 6E0 of Puccinia striiformis was identified by genetic analysis of the differential cultivars Heines Peko, Strubes Dickkopf and Heines VII. This gene was different from Yr2Yr6 already identified in Heines Peko (Yr2Yr6) and Heines VII (Yr2), was allelic in the three cultivars and also to a gene expressed in the other differentials Reichersberg 42 (Yr7) and Clement (Yr9). In Heines Peko, Strubes Dickkopf and Heines VII, a minor gene was also postulated, which, it is proposed, gave only a low level of resistance by itself but strengthened the expression of the major gene when the latter was homozygous or heterozygous. The genetics of the resistance was analysed using six resistance classes and applying multidimensional analyses. The number of resistance genes was hypothesized using data from F3 families from crosses between the three differentials and the cultivar Heines Kolben, which is susceptible to this race.