Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regression Models Describing Rosa hybrida Response to Day/Night Temperature and Photosynthetic Photon Flux

A central composite rotatable design was used to estimate quadratic equations describing the relationship of irradiance, as measured by photosyntheti c photon flux (PPF), and day (DT) and night (NT) temperatures to the growth and development of Rosa hybrida L. in controlled environments. Plants were subjected to 15 treatment combinations of the PPF, DT, and NT according to the coding of the design matrix. Day and night length were each 12 hours. Environmental factor ranges were chosen to include conditions representative of winter and spring com- mercial greenhouse production environments in the Midwestern United States. After an initial hard pinch, 11 plant growth characteristics were measured every 10 days and at flowering. Four plant characteristics were recorded to describe flower bud development. Response surface equations were displayed as three-dimensi onal plots, with DT and NT as the base axes and the plant character on the z-axis while PPF was held constant. Response surfaces illustrated the plant response to interactions of DT and NT, while comparisons between plots at different PPF showed the overall effect of PPF. Canonical analysis of all regression models revealed the stationary point and general shape of the response surface. All stationary points of the significant models were located outside the original design space, and all but one surface was a saddle shape. Both the plots and analysis showed greater stem diameter, as well as higher fresh and dry weights of stems, leaves, and flower buds to occur at flowering under combinations of low DT ( ≤ 17C) and low NT ( ≤ 14C). However, low DT and NT delayed both visible bud formation and development to flowering. Increased PPF increased overall flower stem quality by increasing stem diameter and the fresh and dry weights of all plant parts at flowering, as well as decreased time until visible bud formation and flowering. These results summarize measured development at flowering when the environment was kept constant throughout the entire plant growth cycle. Growth and development of the greenhouse rose are strongly influenced by irradiance and temperature. Studies in the green- house (Armitage and Tsujita, 1979a, 1979b; Tsujita, 1982) and in growth chambers (Butt and Tsujita, 1986) have illustrated that flower weight increases with increasing irradiance. Yield, as flowers per square meter, also increases as irradiance in- creases either naturally (Post and Howland, 1946; Mattson and Widmer, 1971) or with artificial supplementation (Carpenter and Anderson, 1972; Cockshull, 1975; White and Richter, 1973). PPF, those wavelengths of radiation in the 400- to 700-nm band, have been shown to have the most direct influence on plant growth (Savage, 1982). Daily supplementation with as low as 65 µmol·m -2 ·s -1
Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on some Physiological and Immunological Aspects in Experimentally Induced Colitis in Rats

| Inflammatory bowel diseases of two forms, Ulcerative colitis and Cron’s disaes cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon resulting in disruption of normal colonic function and altered physiological aspects. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LBA) as a probiotics in reducing the severity of this disease. Forty eight male rats were distributed into four groups, each of 12. 1st consider as control (C), 2nd and 4th (T1&T3) have colitis, 3rd and 4th (T2 &T3) administered Lactobacillus acidophilus in a dosage of (5 × 108 CFU). Colitis induced experimentally by intrarectal infusion of acetic acid. Food intake, body weight gain and food conversion ratio (FCR) recorded for 5th and 25 the days of colitis Blood samples were collected from experimental animals at the days 1, 5 & 25 of experiment. Food intake and bodyweight gain were reduced in treated animals but FCR was improved by the administration of lactobacillus acidophilus improved FCR in spite of reduction of food intake and bodyweight gain. Total protein and globulins were increased by L. Acidophilus in normal and acetic acid colitis rats. Total WBCs lymphocytes, and platelets showed a gradual increase by L. acidophilus while neutrophils increased in acetic acid induced colitis. Immunologically, Leptin increased sharply during the 1st in colitis followed by then followed by gradually decrease gradual decrease while in increased. Il-6 increased sharply in colitis and lactobasillus during 1st day Administration of L. Acidophilus results in beneficial effects on the alteration of some physiological measurements of acetic acid induced colitis and make balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory response.
Decapod crustaceans associating with echinoids in Roatán, Honduras

̶Echinoids comprise an integral component of coral reef ecosystems, providing trophic links, microhabitats, and refuge for a wide diversity of symbiotic organisms. We studied the association of at least eight species of decapod crustacean ectosymbionts with six species of echinoids at Roatán, Honduras, during 6–11 September 2015. Decapods associated most frequently with the echinoid Diadema antillarum (10.80% of individuals of this echinoid, six decapod species; n=799), followed by Eucidaris tribuloides (1.74%, three species; n=746), Echinometra lucunter (1.30%, six species; n=8349), Tripneustes ventricosus (0.86%, four species; n=1167), Echinometra viridis (0.23%, two species; n=862), and Lytechinus variegatus (0%, no species; n=12). Of 239 individual decapods observed, Percnon gibbesi was the most common species (48.5% of decapods, four echinoid species), followed by unidentified hermit crabs (Paguridae; 27.2%, five species), Stenorhynchus seticornis (11.7%, three species), Stenopus hispidus (6.3%, three species), Plagusia depressa (3.3%, three species), Panulirus argus (1.3%, one species), an unidentified small crab (possibly Pitho sp.; 1.3%, one species), and Mithrax verrucosus (0.4%, one species). The frequency of association varied with water depth for P. gibbesi, which associated more frequently with D. antillarum in shallow water (<5 m), and S. seticornis, which associated more frequently with D. antillarum in deep water (>5 m). None of the decapod species associated exclusively with echinoids or was specialized for associating with echinoids. Decapods associated with the longest-spined species, D. antillarum, at a rate more than six times higher than that of any other echinoid species, supporting the hypothesis that decapods seek shelter among the spines of echinoids to benefit from decreased predation.
Paclobutrazol Inhibits Growth of Zinnia and Geranium

‘Scarlet Ruffles’ zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) and ‘Smash Hit’ geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey) were treated with soil drenches and foliar sprays of paclobutrazol for height control. Single drench applications of 0.5 or 1.0 mg a.i./pot and single spray applications of 250, 500, or 1000 ppm were effective in reducing the height of zinnia. Geranium height was reduced by single drenches of 0.0075 or 0.015 mg a.i./pot and single sprays of 20 or 40 ppm. Higher drench or spray rates resulted in excessive reductions in height and leaf size. Chemical name used: (±)-(R*, R*)-β([4-chlorophenyl]methyl)-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol).
Atlantic Cod Show a Highly Variable Sensitivity to Electric-Induced Spinal Injuries

Abstract Pulse trawling is the most promising alternative to conventional beam trawls targeting Sole Solea solea (also known as Solea vulgaris), but due to the electric fields created by electrotrawls spinal injuries are reported in gadoid round fishes such as Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua. This study aimed to investigate the variability in the occurrence of electric-induced spinal injuries in cod. Four groups of cod, each originating from a different wild or farmed stock, were exposed to the pulses used by electrotrawls targeting Sole. Effects were analyzed based on behavior, mortality, and lesions up to 14 d after exposure, and morphological characteristics such as size, somatic weight, muscularity, the number of vertebral bodies, and the vertebral mineral contents of animals were compared among different cohorts. Second, the influence of factors such as water temperature, electrode diameter, and pulse type and amplitude were tested. Electrode diameter and pulse amplitude showed a positive correlation with the intensity of the fish's reaction. However, the present experiments confirmed that cod also show variable vulnerability, with injury rates ranging from 0% to 70% after (almost) identical exposures near the electrode. This indicates that these injuries are not only determined by the pulse parameter settings but also by subtle, fish-specific factors. Although the absence of a sensitive group of cod did not enable the elucidation of the conclusive factor, the effect of physiological and morphological factors such as intervertebral ligaments and rearing conditions during early life merit further attention in future research.
Anatomía de la madera de tres especies de Mimosa (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) distribuidas en México

The morphological diversity of the genus Mimosa and its complex taxonomy have led to the search of other sources of characters, such as those provided by the wood anatomy. The aim of this work was to carry out a comparative study of the wood anatomy of three Mimosa species: M. arenosa , M. lacerata y M. polyantha (Section Batocaulon ); the first one is widely distributed along the Pacific slopes in Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil; while the other two are endemic to Mexico. One stem fragment of 80 cm was collected at 80 cm over the soil, from three plants per species. Twenty-five measurements of 15 wood anatomical characters per individual were made. The results suggest that the distinguishing characters among the studied species are: type of porosity, type and prevalence of axial parenchyma, and the presence or absence of vasicentric tracheids and prismatic crystals.
High brood patch temperature of less colourful, less pheomelanic female Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica

In birds, even a minor difference in egg temperature (1–1.5°C) has been shown to affect the fitness of offspring by changing hatching success, incubation period and nestling quality. Female, but not male, passerines develop brood patches. Thus if there are traits, such as plumage ornamentation, that indicate optimal egg temperature, males should pair with females that exhibit those traits. However, no study has yet investigated the relationship between female brood patch temperature, which would directly affect egg temperature, and female plumage ornamentation. In this study, we examined the surface temperature of female brood patches during nocturnal incubation and examined its relationship with female plumage ornaments in Asian Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica gutturalis. After controlling for ambient air temperature, brood patch temperature was negatively associated with colour saturation of the female throat patch. No other female ornaments, such as tail-length, white tail spots or throat patch size, predicted brood patch temperature. When oral (mouth) temperature was statistically controlled, females with less colourful throats and longer tails showed higher brood patch temperature, indicating that these females had hotter brood patches in relation to the temperature of other body parts. Furthermore, we found a negative relationship between pheomelanin pigmentation and brood patch temperature after controlling for ambient air temperature or oral temperature. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that female ornaments can predict the absolute/relative thermal investment in brood patches. This relationship, together with other aspects of female quality, may affect male mate preference and female ornamentation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Nest placement and mortality: Is nest predation a random event in space and time?

In their recent article, Wilson and Cooper (1998) reported that Acadian Flycatchers (Empidonax virescens) selected nest trees nonrandomly, but that their choice of nest tree did not influence nest success. They concluded that nest predation appears random in time and space. However, we show their metric for nest tree use (% use - % available) is a poor indicator of nest tree selection. We reanalyzed their data using an appropriate selectivity index (from Chesson 1983), and found that nest tree selectivity was greater for nest tree species with higher daily nest survival rates. In general, nest predation, while it may appear unpredictable, may often be related to nest site characteristics.
Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features.

Recently, it was proposed that some papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) will no longer be termed 'cancer' and are christened as 'noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features' (NIFTP). As this is a recent definition, little information is available about NIFTP. The objective of this study was to report the frequency, ultrasonographic appearance, cytology result and long-term evolution of cases of NIFTP seen at our institution. We excluded tumours ≤1 cm. The sample consisted of 129 patients. Sixty-four patients were submitted to total thyroidectomy and 65 to lobectomy. These patients with NIFTP did not receive radioiodine. NIFTP corresponded to 15% of cases diagnosed as PTC >1 cm. An ultrasonographic appearance considered to be of low suspicion for malignancy was common in NIFTP (32.5%), whereas a highly suspicious appearance was uncommon (5%). NIFTP frequently exhibited indeterminate cytology (62%), while malignant cytology was uncommon (4%). The patients were followed up for 12-146 months (median 72 months) after surgery. None of the patients developed structural disease during follow-up. Comparing the concentrations of thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg antibodies (TgAb) obtained 6-12 months after surgery and in the last assessment, none of the patients exhibited an increase in these markers.
Influence of aging on plasma ascorbate level

Aging is a universal and inevitable normal biological phenomenon results from tissue damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are destroyed by antioxidants found in the body. Among antioxidant vitamins, Ascorbic acid play a vital role in the defense system invivo against oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Although vitamin C may prove highly beneficial in the diet because of its radical scavenging activity, the variation in ascorbate level in the blood plasma of healthy individuals with increasing age is still obscure. Therefore, the overall objective of present study was to assess the plasma ascorbate level in the subjects of different age group and to determine the variation in ascorbate level with increasing age. In the present study, plasma ascorbate level was found to be significantly low in the middle aged (Group I, P < 0.05) and elderly subjects (Group II, P < 0.01) as compared to (controls) younger subjects. Our finding indicate that the fall in ascorbate level with increasing age due to its radical scavenging action against aging induced increased production of free radical in the body. Thus, the diet rich in vitamin C could be beneficial in retarding the aging process.
EFFECTS OF RESIDUAL VEGETATION ON PRAIRIE-CHICKEN NEST PLACEMENT AND SUCCESS'

Most early studies on prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus spp.) described grassland quality in terms of plant species composition and agronomic practices (Yeatter 1943, Schwartz 1945, Baker 1953, Ammann 1957). However, Hamerstrom et al. (1957), Tester and Marshall (1962), and Jones (1963) suggested that vegetative structure (height and density) is more important than plant species composition in the selection of habitat by prairiechickens. Also noted was the probable significance of residual cover from the previous growing season (Schwartz 1945, Baker 1953). Due to losses of both native and introduced grasslands, the remnant population of greater prairie-chickens (T. cupido pinnatus) living near Bogota (Jasper County), Illinois, has nested almost exclusively in 405 ha of exotic or restored grasslands on sanctuaries. This study determined how the structure of residual vegetation at these sites influenced the selection of nest cover and the success of prairiechicken nests.
Functional components, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, and antioxidant activities of Salvia syriaca L.

ABSTRACT Antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer, general toxicity, and antioxidant activities of Salvia syriaca were evaluated. Phytochemical composition of the essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector techniques, respectively. Essential oil of S. syriaca exhibited strong cytotoxicity, antioxidant, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that spathulenol (87.4%), isospathulenol (7.6%), and bornyl acetate (2.7%) are the major compounds in essential oil. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that rutin, quercetin, apigenin, rosmarinic acid, and ferulic acid are the most abundant phenolic components. S. syriaca could be considered as a valuable source of bioactive natural compounds for functional foods, medical, and pharmaceutical applications.
Production and evaluation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom cultivated on some food processing wastes

Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus NRRL-0366 on solid cabbage waste from protein extraction process of cabbage leaves was carried out. Mixtures of rice straw with cabbage waste at different ratios were used as substrate for the production of the mushroom fruit bodies. When comparing the biological efficiency of mushroom production, the highest yield (19.65%) of fruiting bodies was obtained using a 1:1 mixture of cabbage waste and rice straw, followed by 11.97% at 0.5:1 and 7.09% at 2:1. The lowest yield (3.64%) was achieved with the mixture 3:1. Cultivated mushrooms were found to be good sources of carbohydrates, proteins and fats with contents varying in the ranges 42.24-48.08%, 20.59-26.84% and 4.36-6.40%, respectively. Differences were observed in the amounts of the amino acids. Lysine, arginine, threonine and phenylalanine were the essential amino acids found in all mushroom samples in high concentration. Compared with vegetables, mushrooms proved to be also a good source of many minerals, e.g. K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca and Mg. GLC analysis of the fatty acids showed that unsaturated C:16 and C:18 fatty acids accounted for a major fraction. The compost of mushrooms is considered as a highly nutritious fodder for poultry and animals.
Iron, sulfur, and dissolved carbon dynamics in a northern peatland

We examined the aqueous and solid-phase biogeochemistry of three different types of northern peatland sediments (oligotrophic bog, beaver pond, and transition site) along a peatland transect in Ontario, Canada. Pore water concentrations (pH, Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ , SO 4 2-, H 2 S, CH 4 , CO 2 and fatty acids) were monitored seasonally, solid phase profiles (Fe(II), Fe(III), reduced inorganic sulfur) measured, and potential rates of CO 2, CH 4 , Fe 2+ , and H 2 S production determined in slurries of peat. Dissolved CO 2 (up to 6 mmol/L) and CH 4 (up to 1 mmol/L) were the predominant species at all sites. In the acidic bog acetate (up to 1 mmol/L) and smaller quantities of propionate and butyrate were present in the pore water. Dissolved Fe 2+ (<5-150 μmol/L), SO 4 2- (10-50 μmol/L), and H 2 S (0 to 10 μmol/L) concentrations were much lower in comparison. The Fe(II) production rates (0.6-7.2 mmol m -2 d -1 ) were small compared to production rates of CO 2 (38-46 mmol m -2 d -1 ) and CH4 (14-29 mmol m -2 d -1 ). Low concentrations of reactive Fe(III) (5-75 μmol/g) suggested that the Fe(II) reduction rate was limited by reactive Fe(III). In slurries amended with sulfate (0.5 mM) the potential for sulfate reduction was substantial and rates of CH 4 production decreased by 48 - 86 %. The in situ accumulation of acetate, propionate and butyrate in the acidic bog was consistent with a lack of stimulation of CO 2 and CH 4 production during anaerobic incubation amended with acetate. Despite differences between sites Fe reduction was overall of little significance for the carbon flow. Sulfate reduction might have been more important based on the results from the incubations. In the bog, the accumulation of acetate and propionate confirmed the decoupling of anaerobic metabolic processes and the important role of fatty acid dynamics in the carbon cycle of acidic northern peatlands.
The Role of the Early Secretory Pathway in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Replication

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) induces rearrangements of hostcell membranes to generate vesicles that are believed to provide platforms for formation of the viral replication complex. The cellular origin of these vesicles and the properties that make them favourable for replication are poorly understood. For some Picornaviruses these vesicles are thought to derive from membranes of the secretory pathway. In this thesis, I have investigated a role for membranes of the secretory pathway in FMDV infection. Key cellular proteins involved in regulating the flow of membranes through the secretory pathway between the ER and Golgi were inhibited using expression of dominant-negative (dn) proteins and small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the effect on FMDV infection determined. Inhibition of ER export using a drug (H89) or Sar1 (the GTPase required for COPII transport vesicle formation at ER exit sites) reduced FMDV infection. In contrast, stabilisation of COPII coats, or inhibition of Arf1 or Rab proteins, that are involved in the secretory pathway after the formation of COPII vesicles, had little or no inhibitory effect on infection. Interestingly inhibition of Arf1, Rab1 or Rab2 enhanced infection. In contrast, Arf1 reduced infection by bovine enterovirus which is inhibited by Brefeldin-A, and therefore likely to be dependent on Arf1 for replication. These results show that Sar1 and/or COPII vesicle formation is necessary for FMDV infection and that inhibiting the formation of COPI coats is in some way advantageous to FMDV infection. These results suggest that FMDV targets COPII vesicles membranes before the COPII/COPI exchange and facilitates FMDV infection and that COPI components are not required.
IDENTIFICATION OF DICKEYA DADANTII AS A CAUSAL AGENT OF BANANA BACTERIAL SHEATH ROT IN CHINA

Banana bacterial sheath rot is a new disease causing significant economic losses in banana production in China. Pathogenic bacteria infect the middle and bottom parts of the leaf sheath and produce black and brown spots. These spots lead to folding and bending of the sheath, drooping of leaves, and eventual browning and rotting of the entire leaf sheath. In this work, twenty representative strains from five different provinces in China were confirmed by Koch's postulates, and two of them (XJ5-1 and XJ5-2) were characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular assays. Results showed that the strains were more similar to Dickeya dadantii and were less related to Dickeya paradisiaca and Dickeya zeae based on several phenotype characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis and comparison of strains from banana and Dickeya spp. were performed using concatenated partial sequences of the seven housekeeping genes dnaJ, dnaX, gyrB, recN, fusA, gyrA and recA, indicating that the strains isolated from banana-sheath-rot tissues were closely related to D. dadantii and distinct from other Dickeya spp. Therefore, the banana pathogen was determined to be D. dadantii. This report is the first one on the banana-sheath-rot disease caused by D. dadantii in China.