Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and radar cross section reduction experimental verification of phase gradient meta-surface based on cruciform structure

A two-dimensional phase gradient meta-surface based on cross structure insensitive to polarization is designed and verified by simulation and experiment. Several periodic metal cross structures are integrated into a superstructure, and an additional component of the wave vector on the meta-surface is formed and the direction of refelction wave can be regulated. Thus the backward radar cross section (RCS) reduction can be realized by the mechanism of anomalous reflection. Experimental results indicate that in a frequency range from 3.2 to 3.4 GHz, the reduction of backward RCS of meta-surface reaches a highest value of 18.19 dB in the normal direction of meta-surface and 8 dB on the average in an angular range between -30° and +30°.
Acoustic identification of individual Rufous Bristlebirds, a threatened species with complex song repertoires

Abstract Rufous Bristlebirds (Dasyornis broadbenti), possess song repertoires of between 12 and 30 different song-types, only a proportion of which are shared between different individuals. As a result, the comparison of songs among individuals is complicated by the use of multiple song-types. Using both discriminant function analysis (DFA) and spectrographic cross-correlation analysis (SPCC), those song-types that were shared among individuals demonstrated high levels of vocal individuality. DFA correctly classified an average of 98.3 ± 1.2% of male songs, whereas SPCC correctly classified an average of 87.4 ± 2.8% of songs. However, common song features among song-types showed limited value for individual identification. The information provided by the SPCC analyses was then used to discriminate among individuals over a distance of 7.8 km, the results of which supported those of previous studies with regard to the sedentary nature of Bristlebirds. Although the results of the present study show promise, the issue of song comparisons among multiple song-types remains a significant challenge for the development of acoustic identification systems for this species.
Protein nutrition of livestock grazing high quality pasture

This thesis describes a series of four experiments designed to evaluate the role of the supply of protein in livestock grazing high quality pasture during mating and during pregnancy. The first two studies investigated the effects of high crude protein content of spring or autumn re-growth pasture on the reproductive performance of dairy cows and of ewes at mating. The last two studies investigated how the dietary supply of protein, body condition and their interactions contribute to the breakdown of immunity during the peri-parturient period in ewes and investigated underlying endocrine mechanisms. In the first study (Chapter 3) cows were blood sampled via the tail vein during the breeding period in spring. Plasma was then analysed for urea concentration. Cows with high plasma urea (HPU) or low plasma urea (LPU) were defined as those with plasma urea concentrations of ≥ or 0.05) between HPU and LPU cows. Gestation length, calving rate, milk yield and milk components were also similar (P > 0.05) between LPU and HPU cows. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in plasma urea concentrations between HMP and LMP milk producers. However, calving to conception interval, interval between calving and first service and calving interval were longer (P 0.05) between HMP and LMP cows. HMP had lower (P < 0.001) milk protein and fat concentrations than LMP cows. This information indicates that, despite the fact that plasma urea was consistently higher than levels in the literature which have been associated with reduced fertility in dairy cows; no impairment of reproductive performance was observed. In the second experiment (Chapter 4) mature and dry Coopworth ewes were blocked by weight, body condition and previous prolificacy (high, HP vs low twinning frequency, LP) into two groups and thereafter randomly allocated to diet which were designed to provided either 1) high protein (163 g/kg DM, ryegrass/red…
Pollination and gene flow in white clover, growing in a patchy habitat

Osborne, J. L. , Williams, I. H. , Marshall, A. H. , Michaelson-Yeates, T. P. T. (2001). Pollination and gene flow in white clover, growing in a patchy habitat. Acta Horticulturae 561, Pollination: Integrator of Crops and Native Plant Systems. Proceedings 8th International Symposium on Pollination, Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary, 10-14 July 2000, Benedek, P.Richards, K. W. International Society for Horticultural Science, Wageningen, 35-41
Morchella SCLEROTIA PRODUCTION THROUGH GRAIN SUPPLEMENTATION

SUMMARY Edible fungi from the Morchella genus are important at national and international level because of their high commercial value. Nevertheless, their artificial production still represents a challenge, even though patents for their cultivation do exist. A number of studies point out that obtaining sclerotia is a necessary part of the process for domestication of the genus and commercial production. This study consists of two experiments. In the first one, mycelial growth was assessed for five strains of Morchella using four different grains (maize, oats, wheat and rye), assuming that greater mycelial growth implies a more abundant production of sclerotia. For all the strains tested the highest response was obtained with rye and the most extensive growth was observed in CP508 (17.90cm 2 ). In the second experiment, the effect of rye supplementation on sclerotia production was evaluated using modifications to the jar method of Ower et al. (USPat. 4,594,809; June 1986). The treatment with rye supplemented with compost and gypsum (RCG) led to the best result, and the most productive strain in this experiment was CP506 (8.47g). Sclerotia were obtained between the third and fourth week following inoculation, in all treatments. Under the experimental conditions of this study, no barrier effect became evident and no effect of the nutrient-poor medium in sclerotia production was found. Therefore, it may be that the differentiation in the formation of sclerotia is due to factors such as the presence of nutritious elements and growth promoters contained in the compost.
The lipid fraction of seeds from Salvia columbariae grown in Arizona

The oil contents and the composition of fatty acids and tocopherols of sixteen samples from Salvia columbariae collected in Arizona were investigated. The samples are characterised by high oil content ranging from 19.2 to 36.5 g/100 g with α-linolenic acid as main fatty acid (59.4 to 65.7 g/100 g). The seeds contain linoleic acid (15.9 to 20.9 g/100 g) and oleic acid (8.5 to 10.7 g/100 g) as well as palmitic and stearic acid in remarkable amounts. The 18:3/18:2 ratio could be an interesting chemotaxonomic feature to differentiate S. columbariae from other members of the genus Salvia. The content of vitamin E active compounds ranged from 82.8 to 536.5 mg/kg, mainly dominated by γ-tocopherol. From the composition of fatty acids and vitamin E active compounds, it can be suggested that seeds and seed oil from S. columbariae may constitute high-value products for healthy nutrition.
Mating designs: helpful tool for quantitative plant breeding analysis.

Selection of parental materials and good mating designs in conventional plant breeding are the keys to the successful plant breeding programme. However, there are several factors affecting the choices of mating designs. Mating design refers to the procedure of producing the progenies, in plant breeding, plant breeders and geneticists, theoretically and practically, they use different form of mating designs and arrangements for targeted purpose. The choice of a mating design for estimating genetic variances should be dictated by the objectives of the study, time, space, cost and other biological limitations. In all mating designs, the individuals are taken randomly and crossed to produce progenies which are related to each other as half-sibs or full-sibs. A form of multivariate analysis or the analysis of variance can be adopted to estimate the components of variances. Therefore, this review aimed at highlighting the most used mating design in plant breeding and genetics studies. It provides easy and quick insight of the different form of mating designs and some statistical components for successful plant breeding. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Effects of gibberellic acid as a gametocide on different genotypes of German Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita [L.] Rauschert)

The objective of the present research was to determine statistically before made observations on reactions of Chamomile after treatment with gibberellic acid undertaken to find a feasible way of chemical castration to create maternal lines as a base for hybrid progeny. Chamomile plants of three cultivars were set up in a split plot design, with treated and untreated parts. Four traits: ‘percentage affected capitula’, ‘seeds per capitulum’, ‘percentage of germination’ and ‘percentage infertile pollen’ were valuated, twice per plant. Analyses showed a significant effect of treatment on pollen viability and a strong tendency on the visible affection of capitula, but no influence on number of seeds or germination rate. Neither did cultivars show any infl uence, nor did an interaction between cultivar and treatment appear. According to the aim to fi nd a suitable method to generate male sterile maternal lines, the reactions, affecting male, but not female fertility, seem to be highly appreciated, but the repeated spray application in a necessarily sensible stage of fl ower development and a reduction of pollen viability of only about 10% constrain the practicability.
Crescimento de tambaqui alimentado com diferentes niveis de farinha de manga e proteína na ração

The study evaluated tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, performance fed different levels of mango (Mangifera indica) meal in the feed (20, 30, 40 and 50 %) and the reduction of protein levels (38, 33, 28 and 23 %). To this study, 240 fish were used, separated in 12 equal groups, in four treatments and three replications in a randomized system. Initial weight was 5,21; 5,24; 5,19 and 4,99 g respectively. The trial lasted 56 days and fish were periodically weight. Fish were fed daily ad libitum. The following performance parameters were analyzed: specific growth, biomass gain; apparent fed conversion, survival, metabolic profile and digestives enzymes activity. All data show positive polynomial regression for the diet with 50 % mango meal and 23 % protein (R50). Performance parameters had a significant effect with higher results in the groups were mango meal was higher and protein level was lower. Final average weigh was R20: 8,65; R30: 8,81; R40: 8,68 and R50: 11,39 g. From metabolic profile analyzes: glucose, hepatic glycogen, total amino acids and cholesterol it was observed that there are a mobilization from these metabolites in order to keep energy process for tambaqui growth. It was concluded that the best tambaqui performance occured in the diet with 50 % of mango meal inclusion and 23 % of protein. Fish metabolic profile is positively affected by the replacement of protein by mango meal.
Effect of induced Dalton's lymphoma on circadian locomotor activity rhythm of adult male mice

Dalton's lymphoma (DL) is a spontaneous and highly invasive T-cell lymphoma that develops as an ascitic tumor in murines. DL was induced by serial implantation of live ascite cells in laboratory-acclimated age-matched male AKR mice. The effects of DL on the locomotor activity rhythm were studied under 12:12 h light:dark (LD) cycle. A significant decrease in the total and peak wheel-running activity was seen after the induction of DL, in comparison with the vehicle-injected control group. Durations of activity and rest were altered in DL mice, with a sharp daily increase in the duration of rest in the DL group. Circadian time period and acrophase of the rhythm remained similar in both control and DL mice. The mean estimate of statistic of rhythmicity (MESOR) and the amplitude of the locomotor activity rhythm were significantly lesser in post-DL-induced mice. A reduction in the span of the M1 and M2 motor cortex regions in DL mice and anatomical changes in the dentate gyrus were also seen. Thus, the effects of DL on the circadian clock seem restricted and mouse can still synchronize to an LD cycle. Impact of DL extends to motor cortices and may be the cause of the dampening of the amplitude of the rest-activity rhythm.
Effects of Free‐Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on Sap Flow and Canopy Microclimate of Maize Grown under Different Water Supply

The rise of atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) affects stomatal conductance and thus transpiration and leaf temperature. We evaluated the effect of elevated [CO2] levels under different water supply on daily sap flow and canopy microclimate (air temperature (Tc) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD)) of maize. The crop was cultivated in circular field plots under ambient (AMB, 378 μmol mol−1) and elevated [CO2] (FACE, 550 μmol mol−1) using free-air CO2 enrichment with sufficient water in 2007, while in 2008 a DRY semicircle received only half as much water as compared to the WET semicircle from mid of July. In 2007, sap flow was measured in WET simultaneously under AMB and FACE conditions and was significantly decreased by elevated [CO2]. In 2008, sap flow was measured in all four treatments but not simultaneously. Therefore, data were correlated with potential evaporation and the slopes were used to determine treatment effects. Drought reduced whole-plant transpiration by 50 % and 37 % as compared to WET conditions under AMB and FACE, respectively. Moreover, CO2 enrichment did not affect sap flow under drought but decreased it under WET by 20 % averaged over both years. The saving of water in the period before the drought treatment resulted in a displacement of dry soil conditions under FACE as compared to AMB. Under WET, CO2 enrichment always increased Tc and VPD during the day. Under DRY, FACE plots were warmer and drier most of the time in August, but cooler and damper short after the start of drought in July and from the end of August onwards. Thus, the CO2 effect on transpiration under drought was variable and detectable rather easy by measuring canopy microclimate.
Infrequent sporophyte production maintains a female‐biased sex ratio in the unisexual clonal moss Hylocomium splendens

1. Sex ratios in unisexual bryophytes are most often female biased, whereas male‐biased sex ratios predominate in unisexual seed plants. This ‘bryophyte paradox’, i.e. that sex ratios are biased in favour of the sex associated with the highest reproductive costs, has remained unexplained.
Nutritive value of edible wild and cultured mushrooms.

The nutritive value of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) Kumm. , Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer, and Agaricus bisporus (Large) Sign. was determined. Dry matter, moisture, crude ash, protein, fat, cellulose, organic matter, and nitrogen-free extract were 89.7%-90.3%, 9.7%-10.3%, 6.0%-13.7%, 27.8%-41.6%, 0.5%-1.3%, 10.0%-16.2%, 76.0%-84.0%, and 26.7%-36.8% of dry weight, respectively. Mineral element contents were 14.1-45.6 g K kg-1, 0.2-1.2 g Ca kg-1 , 0.4-1.9 g Mg kg-1, and 0.2-0.9 g Na kg-1 as macronutrients, and 176.5-838.0 mg Fe kg-1, 35.0-46.0 mg Zn kg-1, 4.8-65.4 mg Mn kg-1, 6.5-21.5 mg Cu kg-1, 0.0-11.5 mg Cr kg-1, and 0.0-1.65 mg Cd kg-1 as micronutrients (dry wt). Furthermore, toxic elements, such as Pb, Ni, and Co, were not detected in any of the 3 species of mushroom.
CRESCIMENTO E PRODUÇÃO DE MELANCIA SUBMETIDA A DOSES DE NITROGÊNIO

Avaliaram-se cinco doses de nitrogenio (50; 100; 150; 200 e 250 kg ha-1) sobre a os componentes de producao e produtividade da melancia, cv. Crimson Sweet. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, em Boa Vista, RR, de janeiro a abril de 2010, em Latossolo amarelo. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repeticoes. A adubacao nitrogenada apresentou efeito significativo sobre as variaveis analisadas, exceto o pH do fruto. O comprimento de ramas e o numero de folhas foram afetados significativamente pelas doses de N aos 45 dias apos a emergencia, e massa seca total da planta ao final do ciclo. A produtividade maxima estimada foi de 40.428 kg ha-1, obtida com 144,7 kg ha-1 de N, e de 9,45 kg para massa fresca do fruto com a aplicacao de 248,5 kg ha-1 de N.O pH da melancia nao foi afetado pelos tratamentos, enquanto os solidos soluveis totais foram influenciados significativamente pelas doses de N.
The Spermatozoa of Sterile Bulls

1. Sterility in certain Friesian bulls is associated with a specific morphological abnormality affecting the acrosomes of their spermatozoa. 2. This abnormality is visible in living spermatozoa and is also visible in fixed spermatozoa when precautions are taken to preserve the morphology of the cell. 3. If such precautions are not taken, and the spermatozoa are subsequently stained by the nigtosin-eosin method, or with Heidenhain's iron haematoxylin, or when such spermatozoa are examined with the phase-contrast microscope, the abnormality is inconspicuous. 4. These difficulties do not arise when either the Giemsa stain or indian ink is used.
Toxic Foods and Vole Cycles: Additional Data

Freeland (1974) suggests that a "plant toxicity" factor may be important in generating cyclic changes in vole population density in a manner analogous to predator-prey fluctuations. He hypothesizes that "the loss of individuals from vole populations at peak density is the direct result of reduced viability induced by consumption of small amounts of plants or plant parts containing toxic substances. " Using food preference data of Thompson (1965) and Batzli and Pitelka (1971), Freeland suggests a tendency for voles to feed preferentially on nontoxic plants. While the data used by Freeland support his hypothesis (although there was no statistical verification), additional data from the literature presented here do not support his hypothesis. I used five additional studies (Drozdz 1966; Fleharty and Olson 1969; Myers and Vaughan 1964; Zemanek 1972; and Zimmerman 1965) which list food plant preferences for small mammals based upon feeding tests and stomach analyses. I categorized the plants as toxic or nontoxic following closely the criteria of Freeland (1974), although other recent sources could have been consulted in addition (e.g., Harborne 1972). I did not always find these criteria consistent or easy to apply. Freeland categorized plants as toxic only when clear evidence of their poisonous nature was available. Using his criteria, however, I found that some "nontoxic" plants (e.g., Hordeum spp. and Plantago spp.) contained a similar number of alkaloids and similar known toxicity levels as some "toxic" plants (e.g., Calamogrostis spp., Galium spp., and Phalaris spp.). Our current knowledge of alkaloid toxicity is poor. Freeland's criteria or other possible schemes may generally be followed, though only subjectively. For each study I examined several arrangements of data including preference lists based upon (1) the frequency of food appearing in the stomach, (2) the quantity of food appearing in the stomach, and (3) an index comparing feeding behavior to the natural occurrence of plants in the field. I tested the resulting preference lists using the Wilcoxon and Wilcox (1964) rank-sum test (table 1). None of the 23 additional statistical comparisons significantly supports Freeland's hypothesis. Microtine rodents undoubtedly have food preferences which differ somewhat from the availability of food in their environment (Fleharty and Olson 1969; Zemanek 1972), but it appears doubtful that those preferences are based solely upon the occurrence of toxic compounds in food plants. In evaluating the importance of food preferences, the entire chemical milieu present in an animal's diet-both nutrients and toxins-should be examined. Such studies need to consider long-term dietary balance and the physiological capabilities (e.g., detoxification, Freeland and Janzen 1974) and morphological limits (i.e., mouth size, Westoby 1974) to feeding.
Indirect effects of exotic grazers: livestock decreases the nutrient content of refuse dumps of leaf‐cutting ants through vegetation impoverishment

1 We present evidence of how exotic grazers can indirectly change the nutrient availability on the soil surface by affecting the quality of refuse dumps of leaf-cutting ants through changes in vegetation. Understanding the mechanisms involved in this process is vital to propose proper control and restoration practices. 2 In the Monte Desert of Argentina, we sampled seven paddocks with similar environmental conditions but different stocking rates (individuals ha−1). In each paddock we measured grazing intensity, plant species number and cover, leaf-cutting ant nest density, leaf-cutting ant diet and the nutrient content of the external ant refuse dumps and of the adjacent non-nest soils. We found higher content of N, C and P in refuse dumps than in non-nest soils, but the strength of this effect decreased with an increase in stocking rates. As stocking rate increased, plant richness and cover, the number of plant species harvested by ants and the nutrient content of their refuse dumps all decreased. Nest density was not affected by stocking rates. 3 These results suggests that livestock reduce plant richness and cover through grazing, affecting ant diet with the subsequent alteration of the nutrient content of their external refuse dumps. A decrease in the nutrient quality of the refuse dumps may affect plants that establish and grow on this substrate and the rate of nutrient cycling. 4 Synthesis and applications. We have shown that negative effects of exotic grazers on plants may spread throughout native insect herbivores to affect soil nutrient availability. These results can provide useful information to prevent soil impoverishment and restore the nutrient content of soils in this managed system. A slight reduction in stocking rates can restore the contribution of ants to soil fertility. Additionally, refuse dumps from paddocks with low grazing levels should be employed as fertilizer to restore soil quality in paddocks with high grazing intensities.
Adverse effect of the chitinolytic enzyme PjCHI-1 in transgenic tomato on egg mass production and embryonic development of Meloidogyne incognita

A novel chitinase gene (PjCHI-1 )i solated fromPaecilomyces javanicus, a non-nematophagous fungus, and driven by a CaMV35S promoter, was delivered into CLN2468D, a heat-tolerant cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). T1 tomato plants exhibited high endochitinase activity and reduced numbers of eggs and egg masses when infected with the root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita. The eggs found in transgenic tomato had lower shell chitin contents than eggs collected from control plants. Egg masses from transgenic plants exhibited higher chitinase activity than those from control plants. Moreover, only 30% of eggs from transgenic plants were able to develop to the multi-cell ⁄J1 stage, compared with more than 96% from control plants. The present study demonstrated that the expression of the PjCHI-1 chitinase gene can effectively reduce the production of egg masses and repress the embryonic development of M. incognita ,p resenting the possibility of a novel agro-biotechnological strategy for preventing crop damage by RKN.