Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between conventional and organic agriculture in terms of nutritional quality of food - a critical review

The consumption of organic foods has been increasing over the last decades and organic products are becoming more visible on the market. Consumers perceive that organic foods are of better quality, more nutritious and healthier, and these perceptions are some of the main drivers of the organic market. Scientific research on organic foodstuffs is contradictory, and knowledge regarding the effect of cultivation system on the nutritive value and the possible relationship with human health could be further explored. Although some systematic differences in the nutritional content, i.e. nitrogen, protein, vitamin C, phosphorous and phenolic compounds of plant products grown under different cultivation systems have been observed, it is a difficult task to prove the claim that organic food improves human well-being or health after consumption. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the research on nutritional quality of food, comparing conventional and organic agriculture; i.e. the nutrient content of plant products and livestock products, digestibility or bioavailability of the nutrients, preference and the potential health effects after consumption. We established a systematic approach for the identification of components and nutrients that can affect human health, and considered different models (animal and human) in which the potential health effects had been tested. In addition, we found it essential to identify suitable health-related biomarkers as measures for nutritive quality. Reviewing the existing scientific literature on potential relationships between agricultural practice and health, nutritional factors such as vitamin E/antioxidant status and the fatty acid composition appear to be interesting in relation to cultivation systems effect on health. It was concluded that while agricultural practice (i.e. organic and conventional) together with other factors, such as year, location and genotype had an effect on the nutritional quality of the foods, no clear effect could be established on health-related biomarkers.
Diet of the eastern shovelnose ray, Aptychotrema rostrata (Shaw & Nodder, 1794), from Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia

The diet of the eastern shovelnose ray, Aptychotrema rostrata, in Moreton Bay, south-eastern Queensland was investigated through stomach content analysis. Two major, two minor and four uncommon prey groups were identified. The diet of A. rostrata was dominated by decapod crustaceans. The Index of Relative Importance indicated that penaeid prawns and carid shrimps were the most important prey groups consumed, representing 51.84% and 26.32% of the diet respectively. Brachyuran crabs (12.84%) and teleost fishes (8.86%) were minor dietary components, while stomatopods, amphipods, isopods and squid constitute uncommon prey groups. Minor ontogenetic differences in diet were recognized, with carids significantly more important in juveniles than in adults, and penaeids, brachyurans and teleosts slightly more important in adults. The predatory activity of A. rostrata on the benthic fauna, together with its relative abundance, suggests it may have an important role in the trophic structure of Moreton Bay.
ULTRASTRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION OF CYANOPHORA BILOBA, SP. NOV., WITH ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON C. PARADOXA (GLAUCOPHYTA)

The cell structure of Cyanophora biloba, sp. nov. and C. paradoxa Korschikoff was examined using scanning electron microscopy, freeze‐fracture, and sectioned material. The new species description was based on differences in cell micromorphology, in the cell covering, and in cyanelle structure and number. Cyanophora biloba is characterized by having flat, bilobed cells, with each lobe containing a cyanelle. Each cyanelle invariably has a central constriction that probably represents an arrested cytokinesis. A longitudinal groove or furrow is present between the lobes. The flagella arc inserted ventrally and subapically, and the area near the flagellar insertio is flanked by two short folds. Both flagella bear fine fibrillar hairs. The nucleus is horseshoe‐shaped, conforming to the cell shape, and is located in the posterior of the cell. The cell covering in C. biloba consists of overlapping vesicles situated underneath the plasma membrane, and each vesicle contains a thin plate. Freeze fracture revealed that the plates appear to have a crystalline arrangement of subunits. For comparative purposes, the surface architecture and cell covering of C. paradoxa were re‐examined and some features were found to be new or slightly different than previously described. The cell covering of C. paradoxa also consisted of overlapping vesicles with plates, but the vesicles were smaller than those in C. biloba. In addition, the cell had an anterior furrow that can be partially covered by two long folds near the site of flagellar insertion.
Predação de sementes de Senna multijuga (Rich.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Caesalpinaceae) por bruquíneos (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Senna multijuga Rich. I. & B. (Caesalpinaceae) is an ornamental tree common in southeastern Brazil. To quantify the seed damage of bruchine species in this host plant, fruits were collected from 31 March to 30 May 2000 and stored in greenhouse, until emergence of the bruchines, which were then identified. Emerged beetles in these samples were 67% Sennius crudelis Ribeiro-Costa & Reynaud, 20% Sennius puncticollis (Fahraeus) and < 1% Sennius nappi Ribeiro-Costa & Reynaud. Finally, 62% of seeds were undamaged, 26% were empty, 12% were damaged and the sum of empty and damaged seeds was 38%. Considering that other factors decrease seed germination, as pathogens and unfavorable weather conditions, this last pencentage may be very expressive. On the other hand, S. multijuga probably is related with strategies of dispersion and escape from predators as the small and numerous seed crops, which can minimize the losses caused by insect seed eaters. Here we highlight the need to study more fruitfication phases and to conduct germination seed tests to better understand the influence of Bruchinae predation on the S. multijuga reproductive capacity.
Economic Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Cropping Systems for Mid-Atlantic States

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the profitability and economic risks associated with four cropping systems for the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration site at Beltsville, Maryland, for the 1994–97 period. Each system follows a 2-year rotation of corn in the first year and winter wheat and soybean in the second year. The four systems are (1) a no-tillage system with recommended fertilizer and herbicide inputs, (2) a no-tillage system with crownvetch living mulch, (3) a no-tillage system with winter annual cover crop, and (4) a reduced tillage manure-based system without chemical inputs. The cover crop system is the most profitable ($238 in gross margin), closely followed by the no-tillage ($233) and the manure-based system ($217). Even though farmers desire a cropping system that maximizes profits, the variability of profits, or risks, can influence the desirability of the cropping system. In terms of risks, no-tillage is the most preferred rotation with the smallest coefficient of variation (1.14) followe.
The role of fire and a long‐lived soil seed bank in maintaining persistence, genetic diversity and connectivity in a fire‐prone landscape

Terrestrial plant ecology and evolution is significantly influenced by the phenomenon of fire, but studies of its potential impact on intraspecific genetic variation and phylogeography are rare. This understanding will be important for predicting the biogeographical consequences of changing fire regimes under global climate change. Here, we asked whether changing historical fire regimes, together with climatic and geological history, have influenced phylogeographical patterns in a fire‐ephemeral vine. We also asked whether demographic stochasticity associated with a fire‐ephemeral life history results in nuclear genetic drift as expected from spatio‐temporal patchiness, or if this effect is buffered by the connectivity and diversity afforded by a persistent soil seed bank.
Notes on Thai and Indo‐Chinese Phaseoleae (Leguminosae‐Papilionoideae)

Four new species, Cruddasia craibii, Flemingia kradungensis, F. tiliacea and Pueraria maesenii are described and illustrated. The following new combinations are proposed: Cruddasia pinnata; C. laotica, Dolichos grahamianus; D. oxyphyllus; Dolichovigna pilosa; Erythrina stricta var. suberosa; Flemingia macrophylla var. sootepensis; Pueraria candollei var. mirifica; Shuteria suffulta var. sinensis and Vigna radiata var. grandiflora. Pueraria rigens is moved to the tribe Millettieae (=Mellettia rigens).
Hypolipidaemic activity of dimethoxy unconjugated propenyl side‐chain analogs of α‐asarone in mice

The hypolipidaemic activity of several dimethoxy unconjugated propenyl side‐chain analogs of α‐asarone were investigated in hyperlipidaemic mice after six days of treatment. Eugenol and the α‐asarone analog with amino groups on the C‐4 position of the aromatic ring were observed to be the most effective hypolipidaemic agents at the dose of 80 mg/kg/day p.o. These compounds significantly lowered total serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL‐cholesterol), and triglycerides content. On the other hand, high density lipoprotein (HDL‐cholesterol) was increased by administration of these hypolipidaemic agents. The ability to modulate the levels of these lipids suggests that these agents could be effective in the treatment of hyperlipidaemic states. These compounds appeared to be safe when administered at an oral dose of 80 mg/kg/day, which is within the therapeutic range in mice. Drug Dev. Res. 43:105–108, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catch-and-Release Fishing: A Comparison of Intended and Actual Behavior of Marine Anglers

Abstract Research on catch-and-release fishing has typically relied on stated or observed preferences, with few applications that incorporate both data types. Further, most models ignore the effects of species on the release decision. We present a discrete-choice model estimated from stated preference data in which conservation release is a function of the species caught and angler characteristics that include fishing avidity, demographic variables, and three angler orientation measures that assess an angler's catch-and-release ethic, attitude toward fisheries regulations, and need for self-caught fish for food. We then compare our stated preference model predictions for an individual angler with field data on catch-and-release fishing for the same angler. The results provide some important messages for managers. First, all angler characteristics were significant in the discrete-choice model, suggesting that an understanding of angler populations may help predict future catch-and-release behavior. Second,.
Asexual reproduction and observations of sexual reproduction in the aspidochirotid sea cucumber Holothuria difficilis

Abstract The diminutive (<5.0 cm length) aspidochirotid sea cucumber Holothuria difficilis exhibits asexual propagation through transverse fission. The temporal pattern of fission was monitored in a population of H. difficilis at One Tree Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the first such study for this species. Asexual reproduction occurs year round with enhanced incidence of splitting in winter (May to September) when >50% of individuals were fission products. Inversely related to the temporal pattern of fission, the mean individual weight of H. difficilis increased from ca. 0.8 g in May to ca. 2.0 g in November. This doubling in individual weight over 6 months was largely due to regeneration. Gonads were only seen in large (4.0–5.0 cm length) H. difficilis. This species has a small egg (164 μm diameter). Although the population dynamics of H. difficilis at One Tree Island and elsewhere on the GBR is dominated by asexual clonal reproduction, the presence of gonads indicates that sexual reproduction does occur. Asexual reproduction of H. difficilis is compared with that documented for other tropical fissiparous aspidochirotids.
Increasing CO2 accelerates root growth and enhances water acquisition during early stages of development in Larrea tridentata.

• Stimulation of root growth under elevated CO2 has been hypothesized to enhance soil water uptake under water-limiting conditions. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effects of rising CO2 on root development and soil water uptake in Larrea tridentata and to quantify root proliferation into small water patches. • Seedling communities of L. tridentata were grown in rhizotrons under controlled environmental conditions at three CO2 concentrations (280, 360, and 600 µl l-1 ). Patches of water were applied to small areas of the root systems in the rhizotrons and to L. tridentata shrubs in the field. • Rising CO2 significantly stimulated root length production, but only in the lower half of the soil profile. Stimulation of root production led to faster depletion of soil water. Neither mature shrubs nor seedlings responded to water-enriched soil patches via root proliferation. • The results of our study indicate that rising CO2 may accelerate seedling root growth in L. tridentata, could lead to proportionally greater investment of roots in deeper soil layers and may enhance water acquisition.
Apparent metabolisable energy and chemical composition of Australian wheat in relation to environmental factors

A total of 81 wheats collected from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia over 3 harvests were assayed for apparent metabolisable energy (AME) in broiler chickens. The non-starch polysaccharides (soluble and insoluble) and their individual sugar components, starch, and protein were also determined. The nutritive quality of wheat varied significantly (P < 0.01), especially at time of harvest, with approximately 40% having an average AME value <13 MJ/kg dry matter. The low-AME wheats usually caused copious quantities of watery and sticky droppings. The occurrence of low-AME wheats was associated more with climatic conditions during growth than with geographical region.
Factors in the suppression of weeds by squash interplanted in corn

In order to examine the weed-suppressive properties of squash interplanted in corn, we compared different planting densities and weeding regimens, measuring the weed biomass, light interception by crop canopy, and yield. The corn was machine-planted at a normal monocrop density, while the squash was hand-planted at or above a normal monocrop density in an irrigated and otherwise mechanized system. A simulated intercrop consisting of corn with an artificial squash canopy was included. Interplanted squash reduced the biomass of the total weeds and of the dominant weeds, Amaranthus retroflexus and Convolvulus arvensis. The corn yield was not necessarily reduced in the intercrop, except at a higher squash density or under limited moisture. Shading by the squash was the major mechanism of weed suppression, but the analysis suggested that other factors, such as allelopathy, might contribute. Additional hand weeding had no effect on the corn yield.
Large‐scale synchrony and inter‐annual variability in roach recruitment in the Rhône River: the relative role of climatic factors and density‐dependent processes

1. We report patterns of temporal variation in the recruitment of roach (Rutilus rutilus). The data consist of the annual abundance of the first 2 year-classes, 0 + and 1 + fish, at four sites in the Rhone River (France) between 1987 and 1997. Over this 11-year period both 0 + and 1 + fish fluctuated strongly. 2. Cross-correlation indicated high spatial synchrony in 0 + dynamics, although correlations among sites in 1 + dynamics were weaker. No clear pattern was apparent in the relationship between the level of synchrony and distance between pairs of sites. 3. The spatial synchrony in 0 + fish could be attributable to large-scale variations in weather, influencing water temperature. Total body length of 0 + roach was correlated with water temperature (expressed in degree-days over 12 °C), and water temperature was the main factor explaining inter-annual variation in 0 + cohort size. Monthly variation in abiotic factors (measured by standard deviation in water temperature and discharge) did not influence 0 + fluctuations. Correlations with June water temperature suggest that year-class strength was mainly determined by abiotic factors during the first few months of life. 4. The absence of spatial synchrony in 1 + fluctuations suggests little correlation between survival and abiotic conditions during the first year of life, other factors influencing survival. 5. Survival in the first year was density-dependent. Intraspecific competition within the 0 + cohort could thus influence the fluctuations in recruitment to older age-classes. 6. The implications of age- or stage-dependent synchrony in temporal variation for species with complex life histories are discussed. Studying spatial synchrony for the different life history stages could enhance our understanding of the population dynamics of spatially structured species.
BORON, LIGNIFICATION AND THE ORIGIN OF VASCULAR PLANTS-A UNIFIED HYPOTHESIS

SUMMARY It is proposed that the development of an essential role for boron was a prerequisite for the evolution of vascular from prevascular plants since there is a prima facie case that a primary role of boron concerns the biosynthesis of lignin and, in conjunction with auxin, differentiation of xylem. In particular, a potential role for borate in regulating the hydroxylase and oxidase activities of the phenolases involved in the biosynthesis of caffeic and hydroxyferulic acids is suggested. The origin of this role for boron depended on the selection of sucrose in the Chlorophyta as a mobile and storage carbohydrate since, compared with the acyclic sugar alcohols accumulated in other algal groups, sucrose forms only a very weak complex with borate. It is argued that only when borate was not sequestered by complexing with other carbohydrates did the way become clear for it to acquire an essential role. This acquisition catalysed the evolutionary dichotomy between non-lignified and lignified photosynthetic landplants, the bryophytes and tracheophytes. Boron subsequently became involved in two other requirements for success on land - the exploitation of soil for anchorage, water and minerals, and the emancipation of fertilization from external water-since this element is required for development of adventitious roots (again in conjunction with plant hormones) and, in angiosperms, for germination of pollen.
Genetic variation of Apis mellifera from Serbia inferred from mitochondrial analysis

Genetic variation of Apis mellifera from Serbia inferred from mitochondrial analysis Two honeybee subspecies inhabit Serbia; Apis mellifera carnica and A. m. macedonica. Both belong to eastern Mediterranean (C) evolutionary lineage. Furthermore three Serbian honeybee ecotypes restricted to particular regions, were defined through morphometry and cytogenetic analyses. In this study, mitochondrial data have been used to analyze the molecular diversity of the honeybee population from Serbia. Seven haplotypes of the C evolutionary lineage have been found, two of them are newly described (C2o and C2p) and restricted to two regions, which ultimately increased the number of haplotypes found in this lineage. Comparisons with surrounding honeybee populations suggest a hybrid situation between A. m. carnica and A. m. macedonica and also introgression from A. m. ligustica. The results should be considered when dealing with future conservation strategies, and for pathogen-parasite-tolerant breeding programs. Różnorodność Genetyczn a Apis Mellifera w Serbii na Podstawie Badań Mitochondrialnych Na terenie Serbii występują dwa podgatunki pszczoły miodenj: Apis mellifera carnica i A. m. macedonica. Oba te podgatunki należą do wschodnio-śródziemnomorskiej linii ewolucyjnej (C). Na podstawie analiz morfometrycznych oraz cytogenetycznych zidentyfikowano trzy ekotypy pszczoły miodnej występujące w określonych rejonach Serbii. W przedstawionych badaniach, do określenia różnorodności molekularnej serbskiej populacji pszczół wykorzystano wyniki analiz mitochondrialnych. Stwierdzono siedem haplotypów linii ewolucyjnej C, z których dwa to nieznane wcześniej haplotypy C2o i C2p o występowaniu ograniczonym do dwóch regionów, co w efekcie zwiększa liczbę haplotypów tej linii. Porównania z okolicznymi populacjami pszczół sugerują mieszanie się pszczół A. m. carnica i A. m. macedonica oraz introgresję A. m. ligustica. Uzyskane wyniki należy uwzględniać podczas ustalania programów hodowli zachowawczych oraz w programach hodowlanych zorientowanych na selekcję pszczół o zwiększonej tolerancji na patogeny i pasożyty.
Receptor-induced Activation of Drosophila TRPγ by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids*

Cellular calcium homeostasis is regulated by hormones and neurotransmitters, resulting in the activation of a variety of proteins, in particular, channel proteins of the plasma membrane and of intracellular compartments. Such channels are, for example, TRP channels of the TRPC protein family that are activated by various mediators from receptor-stimulated signaling cascades. In Drosophila, two TRPC channels, TRP and TRPL, are involved in phototransduction. In addition, a third Drosophila TRPC channel, TRPγ, has been identified and described as an auxiliary subunit of TRPL. Beyond it, our data show that heterologously expressed TRPγ formed a receptor-activated, outwardly rectifying cation channel independent from TRPL co-expression. Analysis of the activation mechanism revealed that TRPγ is activated by various polyunsaturated fatty acids generated in a phospholipase C- and phospholipase A2-dependent manner. The most potent activator of TRPγ, the stable analogue of arachidonic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, induced currents in single channel recordings. Here we show that upon heterologous expression TRPγ forms a homomeric channel complex that is activated by polyunsaturated fatty acids as mediators of receptor-dependent signaling pathways. Reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that TRPγ is expressed in Drosophila heads and bodies. Its body-wide expression pattern and its activation mechanism suggest that TRPγ forms a fly cation channel responsible for the regulation of intracellular calcium in a variety of hormonal signaling cascades.
Evolución de madurez en pre y postcosecha y potencialidad de almacenaje de peras Packham's Triumph

A B S T R A C T Packham’s Triumph pears (Pyrus communis L.) were evaluated from four weeks before harvest for maturity and ethylene production. Firmness and soluble solids showed the highest correlations (r = -0.97 y 0.98, respectively) with days after full bloom (DDPF). Ethylene production was low (< 0.07 mg kg -1 ) and was not correlated with DDPF. Fruit harvested with 7.8 (E1) and 7.0 kg (E2) were stored in conventional cold air (0°C) and two controlled atmosphere conditions (AC1: 2-2.5% O 2 /1-1.5% CO 2 and AC2: 1-1.3% O 2 / 0.5-0.8% CO 2 ), -1°C, for six months. Changes in maturity, and ethylene production were measured (monthly) and incidence of physiological disorders was assessed (after four and six months). Additionally, the ethylene production rate (TPE) was monitored for seven days at room temperature, after each storage period. Fruit from both harvests, stored under AC1 and AC2 were firmer, greener and had lower ethylene production than those of FC. There were no significant differences in ripening between AC1 and AC2. Ethylene accumulation was exponential and occurred earlier and with higher values in FC (900 mg kg -1 maximum at the 5 th month), with respect to AC (146 and 230 mg kg -1 for E1 and E2 at the end of the storage period). At room temperature, the TPE of the three storage conditions increased from the second month, but the climacteric peak was observed only in FC. After six months, fruit from FC and from both harvests developed superficial scald (17% for E1 and 20% for E2).