Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses of semidesert grasses and shrubs to fall burning.

Four O.h most other perennial grasses were not greatly affected. Results suggest that periodic burning can maintain a grassland aspect if the intensity and frequency of grazing allow enough dry herbagefor an effective fire to accumulate between bums. A common question in southern Arizona is: can fire be used to control such plants as velvet mesquite (Prosopis julijoru var. velutinu), cholla and prickly pear cactus (Opuntiu spp.), and burroweed (Applopappus tenuisectus) that now occupy former grasslands (Humphrey 1949)? 1 This report describes the effects of fall (November) burning on velvet mesquite, other shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation in: (1) undisturbed invasion stands of mesquite, and (2) stands of young mesquites that have come in since the invasion stand was killed with sodium arsenite in 1940. The sites were relatively free of mesquite in 1903 whenthe “Range” was fenced out of the Public Domain.
EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK KULIT BATANG AMPUPU (Eucalyptus alba Reinw. Ex. Blume) DALAM MENGHAMBAT PERTUMBUHAN JAMUR Fusarium sp. PENYEBAB BUSUK TONGKOL JAGUNG (Zea mays L.)

The fungal-related diseases were responsible as one of many reasons for low production of maize in Indonesia. Controlling fungal contaminants using chemical is hazardous for human nowadays. Thus the need of environmental friendly vegetative-based fungicide such as from the extract of Ampupu tree bark is important. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal effect from Ampupu tree bark crude extract in response to growth of Fusarium sp , which responsible as the causal agent of corncob rot. The inhibition test on growth of Fusarium sp. by Ampupu tree bark crude extract was performed with diffusion well method on PDA as media. The process involved the infusion of crude extracts at 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5% concentration, respectively, into diffusion well on each Petri disk. The result showed that by in vivo treatment, crude extract of Ampupu tree bark with concentration of 1.5%, 3,0% and 4.5%, were able to inhibit the fungal growth of Fusarium miniliforme as the causal agent of corncob rot with diameter of inhibition zone 0.18 mm, 1.85 mm and 2.01 mm, respectively. The higher the concentration of the crude extract given, the larger the diameter of inhibition zone formed.
Developing an evolutionary roadmap to high lipid accumulating diatoms: A systematic appraisal of Amphora sensu lato

Products derived from microalgal lipids have long been touted as an efficient and renewable alternative to the plant, animal and petroleum based products currently available. The great promise provided by algae as a biomass feedstock stems from their ubiquitous distribution, metabolic diversity, high productivity and ability to be grown on non-agricultural lands utilizing brackish and saltwater sources. Although promising, commercial production of algal products has not reached levels predicted by early investigators. Despite 40 years of algal biomass research, our basic understanding of the diversity and evolutionary history of these organisms remains in its infancy. If the great potential of algal derived products are to be realized, a biologically relevant approach to strain selection must be adopted. Presented here is a systematic investigation into the taxonomic, evolutionary and lipid accumulation diversity within the oleaginous diatom genus Amphora sensu lato . This is approached by first examining the taxonomic diversity of Amphora present within coastal and inland waters. From environmental collections made at these sites, a molecular phylogeny is produced to serve as the backbone for lipid accumulation experiments and comparisons. Based on the taxonomic and phylogenetic results, the Halamphora group within Amphora sensu lato was selected for a phylogenetically based appraisal of lipid production across cultured strains. This appraisal has demonstrated that ecological preference and cellular lipid accumulation within Halamphora exhibits a significant phylogenetic signal and therefore evolutionary relationships can be used as predictors of trait expression. The ecological and lipid data taken together with the taxonomic and phylogenetic data make for a predictive evolutionary based tool for the selection of high lipid accumulating lineages within Halamphora as well as laying the groundwork for future comparative research.
Simultaneous Detection of Pathogenic and Saprophyte Leptospira in Human Plasma by Multiplex Taqman Real Time PCR

Background: Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira species. The clinical and laboratory diagnosis of this infection is complicated. However, timely diagnosis of leptospirosis is essential for treatment of this disease. Conventional laboratory methods are incapable in the early diagnosis of it. Molecular tests such as real time PCR are very efficient when diagnosing it. Objectives: In this study, we designed and developed a multiplex Taqman real time PCR to simultaneously detect saprophyte and pathologic Leptospira in clinical samples. Methods: 250 human plasma samples were obtained from suspected patients. Two pair specific primers and the corresponding probe for detecting pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira were designed and established in a single tube. The developed tests were run on all DNA extracted from the samples. Results: Of the 250 samples, 93 (37.2%) werepositive for pathogenicand 15 (6%) for non-pathogenic cases. In two samples, pathogenic and non-pathogenic DNA strains were simultaneously positive. Conclusions: Based on our finds, the real time PCR is a suitable test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis and differentiation between pathogen and saprophyte Leptospira simultaneously. Keywords: Leptospira, Real Time PCR, Saprophyte, Leptospirosis
Whiteflies of Belize (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Part 1 introduction and account of the subfamily Aleurodicinae Quaintance & Baker

A field survey of sternorrhynchous Hemiptera in Belize, principally conducted within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, has revealed in excess of 180 species of whiteflies, over 40 of which belong to the subfamily Aleurodicinae. Provided here are a key to all the neotropical genera of Aleurodicinae, an illustrated account of all definable Belize species of Aleurodicinae, and a review of literature that is relevant to systematic studies of New World species in both whitefly subfamilies. Four appendices provide a check list of Belize members of the Aleurodicinae, a list of their known host plants in Belize, a list of nomenclatural changes proposed by this work, and a protocol for the field collection and subsequent laboratory preparation of whitefly specimens. As detailed in Appendix 3, this account proposes one revised subfamilial placement, three new generic synonymies, six new specific synonymies and 12 new combinations; 18 new species are here described.
THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF SCALE SURFACES IN THE XANTUSIID LIZARD GENUS LEPIDOPHYMA

The scale surfaces of four additional species of the genus Lepidophyma were examined by scanning electron microscopy, thus making information on scale microstructure avail- able for all members of the family Xantusiidae. These four species resemble the other members of the genus in having Oberhautchen cells with a central projection. All three projection morphotypes (micro-dome, micro-ridge, and micro-tubercle), and the intermediate morphologies which link them into a morphotypic series, are present in three of the four species. The microstructure of the fourth species, L. radula, is similar to that of L. dontomasi in that micro-tubercles are absent and the scale surface is largely covered by micro-ridges. A correlation between microstructure and gross morphology of scales appears to hold for all species in the Xantusiidae with the possible exception of L. radula. Variation found within L. micropholis is consistent with the hypothesis that the morphotypic series in microstructure represents an evolutionary series. A phylogeny based exclusively on microstructure supports the monophyly of both the genus and subgenus Lepidophyma, but indicates that the subgenus Gaigeia is para- phyletic. Comparisons with allozyme and chromosome phylogenies suggest the possibility that the absence of derived microstructure in some xantusiids may be the result of paedomorphosis.
Uso y aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales y su incidencia en el desarrollo turístico local sostenible. Caso Pasaje

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los factores que inciden en el aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales para el desarrollo turistico sostenible de la localidad del canton Pasaje, Provincia de El Oro, en el ano 2016. La investigacion metodologica es de tipo explorativo-deductivo con enfoque cuantitativo aplicando herramienta de investigacion basados en encuestas con preguntas cerradas y objetivas, aplicadas a 395 personas con un error admisible del 5% en el resultado. Debido a esto se realizo la verificacion de los resultados, estos revelan que los recursos naturales relevantes en la localidad son rios, plantas medicinales y comestibles, los cuales son de gran aporte para el desarrollo no solo turistico sino tambien de caracter economico. La presente investigacion dio como resultado que el canton Pasaje posee importantes recursos naturales, a pesar de la carencia de un inventario de dichos recursos, Pasaje contribuye al desarrollo turistico local de manera sustentable. Palabras clave: Turismo, recurso natural, desarrollo turistico, sostenibilidad, aprovechamiento, potencial turistico. Abstract: This study aims at analyzing the factors that affect the exploitation of natural resources for sustainable tourism development in Pasaje, a town located in El Oro Province, in the year 2016. The research is exploratory-deductive with a Quantitative approach, applying a research tool based on surveys with closed and objective questions. The surveys were applied to 395 people with an admissible error of 5% in the result. The results revealed that the relevant natural resources in the Pasaje are rivers, medicinal and edible plants, which are of great contribution for the tourist and economic development. It also showed that Pasaje possesses important natural resources. In spite of the lack of an inventory of these resources, Pasaje contributes to the local tourist development in a sustainable way. Keywords : Tourism, natural resource, tourist development, sustainability, exploitation, tourist potential. (Presentado: 03 de agosto de 2107. Aceptado: 30 de octubre de 2017)
Phenotypic studies of PHO13Δ in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PHO13 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bakers yeast) is a para‐nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPPase) family of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily. The natural substrate for PHO13 was previously unknown and a knockout phenotype has only been observed in strains engineered to grow on xylose; however, the purified enzyme has been identified in our lab to specifically hydrolyze 2‐phosphoglycolate, classifying it as a phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGPase). In photosynthetic organisms, 2‐phosphoglycolate is generated by the oxygenation reaction of RuBisCO in the Calvin Cycle. To be recycled back into general metabolism, photosynthetic PGPase converts 2‐phosphoglycolate (2‐PG) to glycolate. In non‐photosynthetic yeast, 2‐PG must be generated by some other mechanism, possibly by oxidative damage to DNA. Regardless of its origin, 2‐PG must be catabolized due to its ability to inhibit triose phosphate isomerase (TPI). Yeast cells lacking functional Pho13p (pho13Δ) are being investigated for growth a phenotype(s) that supports TPI inhibition including the inability to grow in the absence of exogenous inositol. To increase intracellular levels of 2‐PG, cells are being treated with hydrogen peroxide. While many conditions are currently being explored, no phenotype has been apparent under normal growth conditions or in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in complete medium.
Abundance, diversity, and distribution of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in the Delaware estuary

Several groups of bacteria have the capacity to derive extra energy from light while still oxidizing organic matter for carbon and energy. Among these photoheterotrophs are the aerobic anoxygenic photosynthetic (AAP) bacteria, which harvest light energy with the use of bacteriochlorophyll a but do not evolve oxygen. The goals of this dissertation work were to determine ecological controls on the distribution of AAP bacteria in estuaries. In eight transects over five years, AAP abundance was measured in the Delaware and Chesapeake estuaries. Both microscopy and quantitative PCR (qPCR) data indicated that AAP bacteria comprised a large portion of the prokaryotic community in the estuaries examined. In the Delaware, AAP bacteria were on average 12% of bacteria, while in the Chesapeake they were less abundant, making up on average 6% of cells. As determined by qPCR, 0.6 to 50% of bacteria were AAP in the Delaware. In both estuaries, AAP abundance was inversely correlated with light, indicating they were particularly abundant in turbid waters. These results were surprising, since the photoheterotrophic capabilities of these bacteria should provide them with competitive advantages in environments with high light availability. To further examine the ecological implications of turbidity, I tested for AAP particle-attachment preferences. Up to 90% of AAP bacteria were attached to particles, while usually 20% or less of the total prokaryotic community was in the particle-attached fraction. By both microscopy and qPCR, it was determined that particle-attached AAP bacterial abundance estimates were positively correlated with seston
THE ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY OF RUMEN MICROBIAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN CATTLE GIVEN SILAGE-BASED DIETS

Rooke, J.A. , Brett, P.A. , Overend, M.A. and Armstrong, D.G. , 1985. The energetic efficiency of rumen microbial protein synthesis in cattle given silage-based diets. Anita. Feed Sci. Technol. , 13: 255--267. Two experiments are described, in each of which cattle were given diets consisting of wilted grass silage, either as the sole feed or with protein and/or cereal supplements. The apparent efficiency of rumen microbial protein synthesis in the reticulo-rumen, expressed as g nitrogen (N) per kg organic matter (OM) apparently digested in the rumen (OMADR), was measured for each diet by using ~5S as a marker of microbial protein entering the small intestine. Low values for the apparent efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were observed when silage was given alone. In Experiment 1, supplementation of silage by soya-bean meal increased the mean efficiency of microbial protein synthesis from 25.2 to 31.0 g N kg-' OMADR. In Experiment 2, supplementation of silage with barley and soya-bean meal increased the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis from 24.3 to 39.0 g N kg -' OMADR; supplementation with barley alone or barley plus formaldehyde-treated soya-bean meal had an intermediate effect on microbial protein synthesis (30.1 and 31.4 g N kg" OMADR, respectively). Supplementation of diets with untreated soya-bean meal was observed to maintain rumen ammonia-N concentrations above 50 mg N 1 -~ throughout a complete sampling period.
Water Stress Increases Alkaloid Concentrations in Threadleaf Groundsel (Senecio longilobus)

The influence of water stress on toxic alkaloid concentrations in threadleaf groundsel (Senecio longilobus Benth.) was investigated in a controlled environment by monitoring leaf xylem water potential during a 32-day period, and then analyzing for alkaloid concentration by plant part. Total plant alkaloid concentration increased with increasing severity of water stress. The most severe water stress (−2.0 MPa) for the 32-day period increased alkaloid concentration by 4.6 times, compared to the least stress imposition (−1.0 MPa). Averaged across watering regimes, alkaloid concentrations (percent dry weight) were highest in threadleaf groundsel roots (0.088%) and occurred in similar concentrations in stems (0.046%) and leaves (0.050%). These results indicate the importance of considering the influence of plant water stress when investigating secondary plant compounds.
Comparing Mulches, Herbicides, and Cultivation as Orchard Groundcover Management Systems

Natural (hay, wood chips, recycled paper pulp ) and synthetic (polypropylene film and polyester fabric) mulches were compared with mechanical tillage and residual herbicides as orchard groundcover management systems (GMSS). In two New York orchards-the Clarke farm and Hudson Valley Lab (HVL— GMSS were applied from 1990 to 1993 in 1.8-m-wide strips under newly planted apple (Malus domestica; ‘Liberty’, ‘Empire’, ‘Freedom’, and advanced numbered selections from the disease-resistant apple breeding program at Geneva, N.Y.) trees. GMS impacts on soil fertility, tree nutrition
EVALUATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIALITY OF XYLARIA FEEJEENSIS HMJAU22039

ABSTRACT Objective: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals generated in the human body and prevent them from causing damage. The present study is aimed to evaluate and optimize the antioxidant activity of Xylaria feejeensis HMJAU22039 an endophyte isolated from Tectona grandis. Methods: The antioxidant potential was measured by 1-1diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples was measured by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent based assay, and the values were obtained from the regression equation: y = 0.006141x + 0.157733. Results: Potato dextrose yeast extract broth medium was selected as the basal medium as it reported a high antioxidant activity. The basal medium was optimized with 2% dextrose, 0.2% yeast extract, and 200 g/L potato infusion. Dextrose and yeast extract were selected as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, as they reported high antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content are highest at static condition (18.14 mg/g). Incubation temperature of 30°C and pH of the initial medium at 6 were found to be optimum conditions for high antioxidant activity. An incubation period of 20 days reported the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Methanol extract recorded high antioxidant activity with a DPPH (73.86%) followed by ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of different physiochemical parameters in the production of secondary metabolites having antioxidant properties. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between DPPH radical scavenging assay, NO scavenging assay, and TPC. Keywords: 1-1diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil, Total phenolic content, Endophytic fungus, Tectona grandis.
Exploiting Lactoferricin (17–30) as a Potential Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Candidate Against Multi-Drug-Resistant Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

The study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), lactoferricin (17–30) [Lfcin (17–30)], against biofilm-forming multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), and subsequently, the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy was assessed in a Galleria mellonella larval model. Initially, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; 32 μM), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; 32 μM), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC; 32 μM) of Lfcin (17–30) were determined against MDR-EAEC field isolates (n = 3). Lfcin (17–30) was tested stable against high-end temperatures (70 and 90°C), physiological concentration of cationic salts (150 mM NaCl and 2 mM MgCl2), and proteases (proteinase-K and lysozyme). Further, at lower MIC, Lfcin (17–30) proved to be safe for sheep RBCs, secondary cell lines (HEp-2 and RAW 264.7), and beneficial gut lactobacilli. In the in vitro time-kill assay, Lfcin (17–30) inhibited the MDR-EAEC strains 3 h post-incubation, and the antibacterial effect was due to membrane permeation of Lfcin (17–30) in the inner and outer membranes of MDR-EAEC. Furthermore, in the in vivo experiments, G. mellonella larvae treated with Lfcin (17–30) exhibited an increased survival rate, lower MDR-EAEC counts (P < 0.001), mild to moderate histopathological changes, and enhanced immunomodulatory effect and were safe to larval cells when compared with infection control. Besides, Lfcin (17–30) proved to be an effective antibiofilm agent, as it inhibited and eradicated the preformed biofilm formed by MDR-EAEC strains in a significant (P < 0.05) manner both by microtiter plate assay and live/dead bacterial quantification-based confocal microscopy. We recommend further investigation of Lfcin (17–30) in an appropriate animal model before its application in target host against MDR-EAEC strains.
Levels and time of phosphorus application influence growth, dry matter partitioning and harvest index in maize.

Phosphorus (P) levels and its time of application is considered some of the most important factor affecting crop growth, dry matter accumulation and harvest index in maize (Zea mays L.). Research on the interactive effects of levels into time of P application is lacking in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. A field experiment was therefore conducted to investigate impact of P levels (30, 60 and 90 kg ha -1 ) and time of P application [40, 30, 20 and 10 days before sowing (DBS), at sowing and 15 days after sowing (DAS)] on maize at New Developmental Agricultural Research Farm of KPK Agricultural University Peshawar, during summer 2005. The objective of the experiment was to find out the best level and timing of P application aimed at higher biomass yield and harvest index. The results showed that the highest level of 90 kg P ha -1 at 10 DBS and sowing increased plant height, number of leaves per plant, mean leaf area, dry weight of leaf, stem and ear as well as biomass yield and harvest index. It could be concluded from the experiment that P fertilizer application at 90 kg P ha -1 at 10 DBS or at sowing time is necessary for profitable maize production in the study area.
Platelet Indices Are Associated with Disease Activity Scores and the Severity of Sacroiliitis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients

Objective. To investigate the associations among platelet indices, disease activity scores, and inflammatory markers in axial spondyloarthritis, and to determine the relation between platelet indices and inflammation measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods. The study included 161 patients who fulfilled Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria. Platelet indices such as mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet large cell ratio (PLCR), and platelet distribution width (PDW) were measured. Ninety patients underwent sacroiliac (SI) MRI at baseline. Bone marrow edema (BME) and erosion on MRI were scored using the SPondyloArthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) method. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and spinal radiologic progression were also assessed. The associations among platelet indices and disease activity scores and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results. Of the 161 patients, 130 (81%) were male. MPV, PLCR, and PDW were negatively associated with ASDAS and inflammatory marker expression, whereas PCT was positively associated with these parameters. MPV, PLCR, and PDW were negatively associated with BME and erosion scores on SI MRI. However, platelet indices were not associated with the BASDAI and BASFI. The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and BME and erosion scores were significantly higher in patients with low MPV. Changes in MPV, PCT, and PDW at baseline and after one year were associated with changes in ASDAS and inflammatory marker expression. Conclusion. Platelet indices are associated with ASDAS, inflammatory marker levels, and severity of BME and erosion measured on MRI. (J Rheum Dis 2016;23:288-296)