Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soybean Yield and Nutrient Composition as Affected by Early Season Foliar Fertilization

The response of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] to foliar fertilization during early growth stages has received little attention. Recent Iowa research showed a 15% probability of positive yield response to a 3-15-8 (N-P-K) fertilizer applied at the V5 growth stage. This study evaluated the effects of fertilizers varying in N-P-K ratio on soybean grain yield and tissue nutrient composition. Twenty-seven field trials were conducted in soils that tested at or above optimum soil P and K levels for soybean. Six treatments included a control and nonfactorial combinations of rates and application frequency of 28 to 56 L ha -1 of 3-8-15, 10-4-8, and 8-0-7 fertilizers sprayed at the V5 stage. Differences between treatments were inconsistent across sites. Some or all treatments increased or decreased yields significantly at six sites. The mean yield, increase or decrease for responsive sites was 400 kg ha -1 . The 3-8-15 fertilizer caused no leaf damage and other fertilizers caused little or no damage, although the damage was not clearly related with yield decreases. Analyses by site showed that fertilization seldom increased tissue N-P-K composition, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, or plant weight measured at the R2 growth stage. Multivariate analyses across sites showed that 27% of the variation in yield response was explained by a combination of N, P, and K availability, vegetative growth, and rainfall. Positive yield responses tended to occur when soil or weather conditions reduced plant growth and nutrient availability. Foliar fertilization across all conditions will not offset the application costs.
Pertussis toxin modulation of sodium channels in the central neurons of cyhalothrin‐resistant and cyhalothrin‐susceptible cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibits the activation of the α‐subunit of the inhibitory heterotrimeric G‐proteins (Gαi./o) and modulates voltage‐gated sodium channels, which may be one of the primary targets of pyrethroids. To investigate the potential mechanisms of agricultural pests resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, we examined the modulations by PTX on sodium channels in the central neurons of the 3rd—4th instar larvae of cyhalothrin‐resistant (Cy‐R) and cyhalothrin‐susceptible (Cy‐S) Helicoverpa armigera by the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. The isolated neurons were cultured for 12—16 h in an improved L15 insect culture medium with or without PTX (400 ng/mL). The results showed that both the Cy‐R and Cy‐S sodium channels exhibited fast kinetics and tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity. The Cy‐R sodium channels exhibited not only altered gating properties, including a 8.88‐mV right shift in voltage‐dependent activation (V0.5act) and a 6.54‐mV right shift in voltage‐dependent inactivation (V0.5inact), but also a reduced peak in sodium channel density (Idensity) (55.2% of that in Cy‐S neurons). Cy‐R sodium channels also showed low excitability, as evidenced by right shift of activation potential (Vacti) by 5—10 mV and peak potential (Vpeak) by 20 mV. PTX exerted significant effects on Cy‐S sodium channels, reducing sodium channel density by 70.04%, right shifting V0.5act by 14.41 mV and V0.5inact by 9. 38 mV. It did not cause any significant changes of the parameters mentioned above in the Cy‐R sodium channels. The activation time (Tpeak) from latency to peak at peak voltage and the fast inactivation time constant (τinact) in both Cy‐S and Cy‐R neurons were not affected. The results suggest that cotton bollworm resistant to pyrethroid insecticides involves not only mutations and allosteric alterations of voltage‐gated sodium channels, but also might implicate perturbation of PTX‐sensitive Gαi. /o‐coupled signaling transduction pathways.
FOOD SHORTAGE IN SMALL FRAGMENTS: EVIDENCE FROM AN AREA-SENSITIVE PASSERINE

Many forest-interior songbirds are considered “area sensitive” because they are absent from smaller forest remnants in fragmented landscapes. Reductions in food abundance with fragment size could explain area sensitivity, but to date, only one empirical study has investigated this possibility. From 1995 to 1997, we tested the food abundance hypothesis in two small (∼55-ha) and two large (>400-ha) forest fragments located in a matrix of agricultural land in northeastern New South Wales, Australia. We measured differences in food abundance by comparing the biomass of surface-dwelling invertebrates in large and small fragments. We also determined whether food supply was associated with foraging efficiency and reproductive performance in an area-sensitive, ground-foraging insectivore, the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis), breeding at these same sites. Invertebrate biomass in the small fragments was about half of that in the large fragments. Incubating female robins received 40% less food from males.
Biomass Allocation in Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium L. (Onagraceae) in Response to Simulated Defoliation

Potted fireweed plants, Epilobium angustifolium L. , were grown both from seed and root segments and subjected to early, late, and continuous defoliation and to apical excision during a single growing season. Seed-grown plants and root regenerates compensated completely for the early defoliation treatment and did not differ significantly from controls with respect to the dry weight of any yield component. Late defoliation significantly reduced the weight of flowers and fruit in seed-grown plants and root regenerates, and the annual increment of root weight in root regenerates. Continuous defoliation (early + late) significantly reduced the weight of flowers in seed-grown plants and the weight of both flowers and fruit in root regenerates. Apical excision significantly increased the total weight, shoot weight, and root weight of seed-grown plants but did not significantly affect any yield component in root regenerates. Reproductive allocation, defined as the percentage of total biomass in flowers and fruit, was significantly reduced in both seed-grown plants and root regenerates by the late and continuous defoliation treatments.
Fate of the veterinary antibiotic 14C-difloxacin in soil including simultaneous amendment of pig manure with the focus on non-extractable residues

The fate of 14C-labeled difloxacin (14C-DIF) was studied in time course experiments after application on soil (Ap horizon of silt loam) and amendment of authentic DIF containing pig manure (146 mL kg−1; 4.17 MBq kg−1; 0.85 mg kg−1) or water (124 mL kg−1; 0.42 MBq kg−1; 0.09 mg kg−1) for 56 and 120 days of incubation, respectively. Mineralization of 14C-DIF was below 0.2% in both experiments after 56 days or 120 days. In the course of the experiments, portions of extractable radioactivity (Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE); acetonitrile-water) decreased to 19–21% depending only little on manure amendment. Non-extractable residues of 14C-DIF increased to 70–74% after 56 days and 120 days, respectively, and therefore were the main route of 14C-DIF in soil. According to radioanalytical HPLC and LC-MS/MS, only the parent compound was found in all extracts over the whole time of the experiment. According to fractionation of the non-extractable residues (NER) into particle size fractions, 14C portions were associated to the water used for fractionation, the silt and clay fractions, whereas no radioactivity was detected in the sand fraction. The majority of 14C was found within the clay fractions. Fractionation of humic components showed that radioactivity derived from 14C-DIF was associated with humic acids, fulvic acids, humins and minerals and very little with soluble, non-humic HCl fraction. The highest portions of radioactivity were found in the fulvic acid fraction. Results obtained by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of the purified fulvic acids were similar for every sample analyzed. One large portion of 14C co-eluted with fulvic acids of a molecular weight below 910 g mol−1. Both fractionation methods demonstrated that the parent compound DIF or initial metabolites were rapidly integrated into humic materials and, thus, were major components of NER.
Genetic Population Structure of Olympic Peninsula Bull Trout Populations and Implications for Elwha Dam Removal

Abstract In the Elwha River, two hydroelectric dams constructed nearly a century ago fragment previously continuous habitat and isolate migratory bull trout. Removal of the dams is scheduled to begin in 2011, and represents an opportunity to help recover this threatened species. Large-scale disturbance is expected when accumulated sediments behind the dams are released downstream, which may initially negatively affect bull trout. To inform restoration planning, we investigated levels of genetic variation within and among bull trout populations from six Olympic Peninsula watersheds with an emphasis on the Elwha River. We determined genetic relationships among Elwha bull trout from four distinct river sections and performed population assignments for fish collected from the lower Elwha and Dungeness rivers. There were greater levels of variation and gene flow in coastal watersheds (Hoh, South Fork Hoh, Kalaloch) compared to populations isolated by dams (Elwha, North Fork Skokomish). Elwha bull trout represented an independent spawning population and were highly differentiated from other populations. Bull trout from the Elwha (n = 21) and Dungeness (n = 18) estuaries all assigned to the river they there were collected from. Despite long-term fragmentation, there was no significant genetic variation among Elwha bull trout separated by the dams, although fish from the Elwha headwaters were genetically distinct. Results suggest that bull trout still migrate downstream through both Elwha River dams and that anadromous bull trout will likely help to recolonize the Elwha River following dam removal. Baseline data from this study will be useful for monitoring bull trout recovery following dam removal.
ENERGY METABOLISM AND THERMOREGULATION IN THE NEWBORN CALF; EFFECT OF CALVING CONDITIONS

Rectal temperature (RT) and heat production (HP) were measured continuously during the first day of life, using indirect calorimetry, in 16 eutocial and 13 dystocial Holstein-Friesian (HF) calves held at 10 °C. Blood parameters were determined 0, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after birth. Twin eutocial calves, as well as calves born after early surgical removal showed variations in RT, HP, and blood parameters similar to those of single eutocial calves. However, dystocial calves, especially those born after a very difficult and delayed parturition, had severe and prolonged acidosis, with high lactataemia and alaninemia, and lower plasma NEFA, T3, and T4 levels during the first hours of life than did eutocial calves. They were also less physically active and frequently did not shiver. Their HP was, on average, 22% lower than that of eutocial calves 2 h after birth and 14% lower from 13 h of life onwards. The difference was 26–36% in a dystocial calf born after a delayed surgical removal. RT of dystocial calves decr.
Surplus Production Model Accuracy in Populations Affected by a No-Take Marine Protected Area

Abstract Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly used as a tool in fisheries management. However, implementation of an MPA violates common assumptions for fishery stock assessments that provide estimates of abundance and fishing mortality for management. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of MPAs on estimates from stock assessments. We conducted a simulation study to determine the effects of MPAs on accuracy of surplus production model (SPM) stock assessments. We simulated the dynamics of a population that had part of its range in an MPA, and we assessed the population with spatially aggregated and spatially explicit SPMs under a range of conditions, including different MPA sizes (percentage of the total stock area), different rates of migration between MPA and non-MPA regions, and scenarios with high and low observation error in the indices of abundance. We also considered a scenario in which there was no available index of abundance within the MPA. We used the median of the absolute value of relative error and the median relative error from 200 replicates/scenario to test SPM accuracy. In most cases, spatially explicit SPMs performed better in both accuracy and bias than spatially aggregated SPMs. The accuracy of the assessments also increased as MPA size increased except under the scenario of no index of abundance within the MPA; for that scenario, accuracy increased as MPA size decreased. Monitoring of the stock within the MPA is essential for conducting accurate stock assessments in areas with MPAs.
Superovulação em caprinos da raça Moxotó com FSH-p

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as taxas de manifestacao de sintomas de estro, de resposta superovulatoria e de recuperacao de embrioes em 20 cabras da raca Moxoto em tres tratamentos consecutivos, em intervalos de 56 dias. O ciclo estral das femeas foi sincronizado com esponjas vaginais contendo 60 mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MGA) durante 11 dias e com 100 mg de cloprostenol (PGF2a ) administrado no nono dia. Neste dia, iniciou-se o tratamento superovulatorio com 250 UI de FSH-p por cabra, fracionadas em oito doses decrescentes, com intervalo de 12 horas. A repeticao do tratamento superovulatorio com FSH-p diminuiu a taxa de manifestacao de sintomas de estro, porem nao afetou a taxa de ovulacao e reduziu a taxa de regressao prematura de corpos luteos. A taxa de recuperacao de embrioes foi influenciada pela ocorrencia de regressao prematura de corpos luteos e pela acao das repetidas colheitas de embrioes sobre o genital. Nao foi possivel avaliar o efeito das repetidas superovulacoes sobre a taxa de recuperacao de embrioes.
Seasonal effects on the diel changes in circulating thyroid hormones in the freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus

Abstract The profiles of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in serum were monitored at 4 h intervals over a 24 h cycle in nine months of the year in females of the freshwater catfish. Clarias batrachus by means of radioimmunoassay. The results exhibited significant seasonal changes of the daily cycles in the titres of T4 and T3. Interestingly, unlike earlier reports, T4 and T3 showed two peaks in the serum; one in the photophase and the other in the scotophase of the 24 h cycle in all of the studied months. There were significant variations in their peak timings and magnitudes over the year.
Monophyly of Verbascum (Scrophularieae:Scrophulariaceae): evidence from nuclear and plastid phylogenetic analyses

Verbascum is one of the main genera of Scrophulariaceae, but delimitation and phylogenetic relationships of this genus are unclear and have not yet been studied using DNA sequences. Here, using four selected molecular markers (nrDNA ITS and the plastid spacers trnS/G, psbA-trnH and trnY/T), we present a phylogeny of Verbascum and test previous infrageneric taxonomic hypotheses as well as its monophyly with respect to Scrophularia. We additionally discuss morphological variation and the utility of morphological characters as predictors of phylogenetic relationships. Our results show that while molecular data unambiguously support the circumscription of Verbascum inferred from morphology, they prove to be of limited utility in resolving infrageneric relationships, suggesting that Verbascum ‘s high species diversity is due to rapid and recent radiation. Our work provides phylogenetic estimation of the genus Verbascum using molecular data and can serve as a starting point for future investigations of Verbascum and relatives.
Flood-mediated changes in aquatic macrophyte community structure

Sixteen artificial billabongs on the floodplain of the River Murray, New South Wales, were surveyed over a 14-month period to observe the effect of different hydrological regimes on the development of aquatic macrophyte communities. The billabongs were initially planted with Vallisneria sp. and Myriophyllum papillosum Orch. in November 1994, then flooded. The 16 billabongs were divided into four treatments: summer flood, spring flood, permanent inundation, and a control treatment that was initially flooded and then allowed to vary in depth with rainfall and evaporation. The plant communities were surveyed on six occasions between April 1995 and June 1996, and percentage cover was estimated on each sampling occasion. Fourteen aquatic macrophyte taxa were recorded over the study period. Billabongs in the permanent and summer treatments exhibited less plant diversity than did billabongs in the control or spring treatments. Terrestrial plants germinated on the exposed areas in both spring and control treatments, but not in the other treatments.
Wolf-deer interactions: a mathematical model

Field studies done in northeastern Minnesota indicate that stable wolf (Canis lupus) territories exist separated by buffer regions in which white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) density is greatest. We present a mathematical model to describe this interaction based on simple movement rules for the wolf population and basic predation dynamics. Solutions suggest that pack social requirements to care for the young set up differential predation rates causing segregation of high deer and wolf densities. More interestingly, they also suggest that the predator-prey interaction may play an important role in segregating and maintaining the territories.
The initial protrusion of a leaf primordium can form without concurrent periclinal cell divisions

The view that periclinal cell divisions cause the initial protrusion of a leaf primordium may be tested by using ionizing radiation to prevent cell divisions without preventing growth. After receiving 800 krad of gamma rays, wheat grains containing embryos with three leaf primordia produce seedlings in which a fourth protrusion of the shoot apex forms unaccompanied by cell divisions. This protrusion without periclinal divisions occurs in the same phyllotactic position as that of the fourth leaf primordium in which periclinal divisions occur. In addition to proper phyllotactic position, the protrusion without cell divisions is formed by the outermost cell layer, as is the initial protrusion of a typical leaf primordium of wheat; moreover, the initial number of cells involved is the same in both kinds of protrusions. Therefore the fourth protrusion in seedlings from irradiated grain is interpreted as the initial protrusion of a leaf primordium that formed without periclinal cell divisions. Measured along th.
Effect of zoysiagrass rhizosphere fungal isolates on disease suppression and growth promotion of rice seedlings

Some rhizosphere fungal isolates belonging to Phoma, Penicillium, Trichoderma and Fusarium were evaluated to control Fusarium and Rhizopus blights and bakanae diseases of rice seedlings. Among the isolates, Phoma spp. GS8-2, GS6-4 and GS10-2 showed 74–89% reduction of severity of Fusarium blight in rice seedlings. In case of Rhizopus blight, Phoma spp. GS8-2, GS6-4 and GS12-2 and Trichoderma harzianum GT3-2 reduced disease severity to 81–93%. Phoma sp. GS12-2 was the most effective isolate in controlling bakanae disease (90% reduction in disease severity). The effect of the tested isolates on the growth of rice seedlings varied significantly in terms of fresh and dry weight in rice trays. However, Phoma sp. GS12-2 effectively increased fresh and dry weight of shoots to 40 and 30%, respectively, compared with untreated control plants. In contrast, Phoma sp. GS6-4, T. harzianum GT3-2 and Penicillium sp. GP17-1 showed inhibitory effect to shoot growth of rice seedlings.
Fermentation properties of a wine yeast over‐expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GPD2)

Wine yeasts efficiently convert sugar into ethanol. The possibility of diverting some of the sugar into compounds other than ethanol by using molecular genetic methods was tested. Over-expression of the yeast glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GPD2) in a laboratory strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae led to an approximate two-fold increase in the extracellular glycerol concentration. In the medium fermented with the modified strain, acetic acid concentration also increased approximately two-fold when respiration was blocked. A strain deleted for the GPD2 gene had the opposite phenotype, producing lower amounts of glycerol and acetic acid, with the latter compound only reduced during non-respiratory growth. A commercial wine yeast over-expressing GPD2 produced 16.5 g/L glycerol in a wine fermentation, compared to 7.9 g/L obtained with the parent strain. As seen for the laboratory strain, acetic acid concentrations were also increased when using the genetically modified wine yeast. A panel of wine judges confirmed the increase in volatile acidity of these wines. The altered glycerol biosynthetic pathway sequestered carbon from glycolysis and reduced the production of ethanol by 6 g/L.
Two new Cocconeis taxa (Bacillariophyceae) from coral sands off the Mascarenes (Western Indian Ocean) and some related unidentified taxa

Coral sands off Réunion Island and Rodrigues (Mascarene archipelago, Western Indian Ocean) support diverse diatom communities, particularly rich in Monoraphidineae. Recent surveys of reef environments (June 2005 and June 2007) permitted the recognition of several taxa belonging to the diatom genus Cocconeis, among which are two new, relatively small taxa, epipsammic on coral sand. Cocconeis coronata Riaux-Gobin et Romero sp. nov. is similar to C. scutellum but has its own distinctive features. In external view, the concave raphe valve possesses uniseriate striae and a subsident hyaline marginal rim, while the strongly convex sternum valve has a submarginal, generally continuous crest, a hexagonal pattern of areolation, short, rounded spines that are often regularly arranged around valve face areolae, a complex areola hymen and small marginal chambers. Some morphometric differences were noted between the populations of C. coronata at Réunion and Rodrigues. Cocconeis margaritata Riaux-Gobin et Al-Handal, sp. nov. is smaller, possesses a sternum valve like that of C. placentula and C. neothumensis, but has denser striation and small pearl-like concretions around the areola aperture on the sternum valve. Several other taxa that resemble, or may be varieties of, C. margaritata require further study before being formally described. Cocconeis margaritata and C. coronata are small and relatively rare, so their study requires scanning electron microscopy.