Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infestation maps and spatial stability of main weed species in maize culture

A study on the spatial distribution of the major weeds in maize was carried out in 2007 and 2008 in a field located in Golega (Ribatejo region, Portugal). The geo-referenced sampling focused on 150 points of a 10 x 10 m mesh covering an area of 1.5 ha, before herbicide application and before harvest. In the first year, 40 species (21 botanical families) were identified at seedling stage and only 22 during the last observation. The difference in species richness can be attributed to maize monoculture favouring reduction in species number. Three of the most representative species were selected for the spatial distribution analysis: Solanum nigrum, Chenopodium album and Echinochloa crus-galli. The three species showed an aggregated spatial pattern and spatial stability over both years, although the herbicide effect is evident in the distribution of some of them in the space. These results could be taken into account when planning site-specific treatments in maize.
6.1.1 UNDERSTANDING DISEASE THROUGH SYSTEMS THINKING

Angiotensin II is a hormone within the renin‐angiotensin system. Its effects in controlling blood pressure and thirst are universally recognized and well established. In the early part of this millennium we were somewhat puzzled to find that this blood pressure hormone had unforeseen apparently unrelated inflammatory effects and that an imbalance of this system was being implicated as a key driver not only in cardiovascular disease but in many diseases. Systems' thinking reveals a far more profound role for the renin‐angiotensin system in injury sensing, repair and development and provides an explanation for why it is closely associated with the inception and progression of all chronic inflammatory diseases (includes cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic infections and autoimmune conditions). At some point in the future, manipulation of the angiotensin system, when used in synergy with other agents, will undoubtedly be used to far more effectively treat disease. The speed at which this goal is achieved will depend on our ability to adapt our thinking.
Effects of Drought and Competition by a Ryegrass Sward on the Seedling Growth of a Range of Grassland Species

In de-intensified grassland where an increased seedling recruitment is seen as a prerequisite to enhance plant species diversity, establishment success of introduced seeds of wildflower species is often poor. Outshading by the existing sward and dry weather spells when seedlings are at an early stage of development are major reasons for a low seedling establishment. The effects of drought and competition by an existing Lolium perenne sward on the growth of seedlings of seven wildflower species were investigated under standardized environmental conditions. Without competition (control), the relative growth rate of the wildflower seedlings varied between 103 (Tragopogon pratensis) and 184 mg g -1 day -1 (Leontodon autumnalis). Species differed in the extent of growth reduction by competition. Compared with the control, reduction of seedling dry weight ranged from 45 % (Trifolium pratense) up to 88 % (Daucus carota). The time range between onset of desiccation and first effects on growth varied between species, with T. pratense showing early and strong growth reduction in contrast to D. carota being least affected. It can be concluded, that those species which maintain a comparatively high growth rate supported by adapted shoot-root allocation are most promising for establishment in grassland as they can exploit profiles of higher resource availability.
Serpentine and dunite as magnesium fertiliser

Abstract The uptake of magnesium by plants from the use of the magnesium silicates serpentine and dunite was compared with that from dolomite and talc-magnesite, the latter two minerals being commonly used magnesium fertilisers in Nelson. Tobacco plants, white clover, and perennial ryegrass were grown in pots filled with sawdust. Plant nutrients were supplied in solution, except magnesium, which was applied at different rates of ground fertiliser. Field trials with tobacco and pasture are also described. When the four magnesium fertilisers were compared on an equal weight basis, dunite proved to be the most efficient; serpentine was equal to dolomite in certain cases but superior in the pot trials with tobacco and clover. Talc-magnesite gave variable results. Solubility Itests with water and dilute acids showed that the magnesium silicates serpentine and dunite are readily broken down, releasing magnesium.
Some aspects of soil shrinkage and the effect of cracking upon water entry into the soil.

The shrinkage of natural soil aggregates that accompanies water withdrawal has been examined. Four main stages operate: (1) structural shrinkage, (2) normal shrinkage, (3) residual shrinkage, (4) no shrinkage: The pF ranges over which these stages operate and the fraction that they constitute of the total shrinkage has been measured for a range of soils. The influence of structure and texture upon shrinkage was assessed. These affect both the shrinkage phase and the range over which it operates. Structural development affects shrinkage markedly, giving a very different shrinkage pattern from that found for puddled soil or remoulded soil blocks. The difference in porosity between a natural aggregate and a puddled block of the same soil corresponding to a definite pF value is suggested, therefore, as a means of assessing the degree of structural development in the soil. It provides a suitable index for assessing the rate of structure improvement under various ameliorative treatments. The influence of cracking in increasing the rate of water entry into fine textured soils is discussed. In the particular cases of irrigated soils, where soil water contents are maintained at relatively high levels (above wilting point), it seems that cracking may not have progressed sufficiently to compensate for the low inherent permeability of such soils. Cultivation of the surface soil to form a mulch before irrigation tends to eliminate any contribution to conduction by the smaller cracks which are present at higher soil water contents. Large increases in permeability, due to the presence of gross soil cracks, are attained only when water contents are reduced to levels which are not practicable in continuous irrigation culture.
Phylogenetic relationships and evolution of photobiont associations in the Lobariaceae (Peltigerales, Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota)

Phylogenetic relationships of the family Lobariaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota) were reconstructed using direct optimization of nuclear ITS and LSU, and mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequences. Delimitations of the genera currently included in the family were investigated. Relationships of austral temperate taxa occurring in New Zealand, Australia and southern South America were studied in detail. Finally, we studied the evolution of the symbiotic associations found in the family which proved to be monophyletic. Sticta, with the exception of S. oroborealis, but including Dendriscocaulon dendroides, was found to be monophyletic while the genera Lobaria and Pseudocyphellaria turned out to be non-monophyletic. The status of Lobariella, and Lobarina as independent genera was not supported. Relationships of southern temperate Sticta species indicate a common Gondwanan ancestor. In rest of the family, species from the austral temperate zone group together with more widespread species. The ancestor of the Lobariaceae was associated with cyanobacteria. Green algal photobionts have subsequently been acquired repeatedly, but also repeatedly lost within the family. The acquisition of green algae has not resulted in a complete loss of the cyanobacterial photobiont. The cyanobacterial symbioses therefore seem to be more stable than those with green algae. (Less)
A numerical classification of the genera Streptomyces and STreptoverticillium using miniaturized physiological tests

Eight hundred and twenty-one strains of the genera Streptomyces and Streptoverticillium were physiologically characterized using a total of 329 miniaturized tests. Overall similarities of all strains were determined by numerical taxonomic techniques using the UPGMA algorithm and the SSM and the S J coefficients as measures of similarity. Test error was within acceptable limits. Comparison of photometric and visual test reading revealed overall differences of 7.45%. A total of 15 major clusters (six or more strains), 34 minor clusters (less than six strains) and 40 single-member clusters were defined at the 81.5% similarity level (S SM). Two clusters containing physiologically, and in some cases morphologically and genetically, different groups could be further subdivided at the 84.0% similarity level (S SM). Generally, similar groupings were obtained with the Jaccard coefficient at similarity levels ranging from 59.6% to 64.6% similarity (S J), with changes in the definition of clusters and subclusters. The cophenetic correlation coefficients r CS for the UPGMA/S J and the UPGMA/S sm analysis were 0.6929 and 0.8239, respectively. Several phena showed significant overlap with others, indicating the physiological variability within the species. The phenetic data in most cases confirm the major phena of the study of Williams et al. (1983), Journal of General Microbiology 129, 1743-1813 (although the cluster-groups defined in that study could only be detected in part) and the results indicate that the genus Streptomyces is still overspeciated. Some of the major groupings obtained were very much in line with chemotaxonomic and genetical data. However, several clusters containing only a few strains should be regarded as preliminary ‘species’ until further information is available. The majority of Streptoverticillium strains presently assigned to different species formed a homogeneous subcluster defined at the 84.0% similarity level (S SM). Thus, on the basis of numerical phenetic and (published) molecular genetic and chemotaxonomic data, our study supports the suggestion that members of the genus Streptoverticillium be reclassified into the genus Streptomyces.
Isolation of Arsenic-Resistant Bacteria from Bengal Delta Sediments and their Efficacy in Arsenic Removal from Soil in Association with Pteris vittata

The potential of arsenic-resistant bacteria in association with Pteris vittata to reduce the level of arsenic from soil was studied. The physicochemical characteristics of contaminated paddy soil were analyzed, and 3 bacterial isolates amongst 11 were screened and were selected for further study. These three isolates were characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing and identified as Bacillus altitudinis Strain SS8 (KJ432582), Bacillus megaterium Strain SS9 (KJ432583) and Lysinibacillus sp. Strain SS11 (KJ432584). Of these, Lysinibacillus sp. Strain SS11 displayed arsenic tolerance of 3256 mg L−1 for arsenate and 1136 mg L−1 for arsenite. Additionally, it showed bioaccumulation capacity of 23.43 mg L−1 for arsenate and 5.65 mg L−1 for arsenite. It also showed resistance to other heavy metals, especially towards iron, copper and chromium. It was also observed that Pteris vittata was able to take up more arsenic and iron from soil in the presence of these bacterial strains than in their absence, leading to contaminant-free soil. Thus, this system appears to be an effective bioremediating process to remove arsenic from contaminated soil.
Pre-PCR processing strategies

A review describes the sample prepn. for biochem. methods, enrichment methods, immunol. methods, and phys. methods. The pretreatment of a complex biol. sample is crucial, and for successful PCR the following requirements have to be fulfilled: complete lack or low concn. of PCR-inhibitory components in the sample and sufficient concn. of target DNA. The aim of the pre-PCR treatment is to convert a complex biol. sample contg. the target microorganisms into PCR-amplifiable samples.
Heavy metals accumulation and distribution in durum wheat and barley grown in contaminated soils under Mediterranean field conditions

Abstract In the framework of a phytoremediation project in the Apulia region (Italy) a field experiment was carried out in multi-metal contaminated soils. The accumulation and distribution of metals in different plant parts of durum wheat and barley were studied. Further, the application of Bacillus licheniformis strain BLMB1 to soil was evaluated as a means to enhance metal accumulation in plants. The translocation and the bioconcentration factors indicated that wheat and barley do not act as metal accumulators in the field conditions tested, thus phytoextraction by these species would not be recommended as a soil remediation alternative. Application of B. licheniformis improved the accumulation of all metals in roots of wheat and barley, and increased Cd, Cr, and Pb contents in the shoots of barley. Low health risk for humans and animals was evaluated to exist if straw and grain from both cereal crops grown in these contaminated sites are consumed.
Distribution and multiplication of western aster yellows mycoplasmalike organisms in Catharanthus roseus as determined by DNA hybridization analysis.

Mycoplasmalike organism (MLO) specific DNA probes derived from chromosomal or plasmid DNA of the severe strain of western aster yellows MLO (SAY) were used to monitor the distribution and multiplication of MLOs in periwinkle plants infected with the SAY or dwarf strain (DAY) of the western AY MLO. Plants were graft-inoculated, and DNA was extracted from different regions of the inoculated plants over a 10-wk period. DNA samples were applied to nitrocellulose membranes and hybridized to cloned, 32 P-labeled, MLO-specific DNA probes (.)
The impact of burn intensity from wildfires on seed and vegetative banks, and emergent understory in aspen-dominated boreal forests

This paper compares seed and vegetative banks, and the emergent understory in unburned, lightly burned, and intensely burned patches within an aspen-dominated boreal forest in northeastern Alberta, Canada. Propagule banks were measured immediately after the fire, while the understory was surveyed 2 years later. Seedling and shoot emergence techniques were used to assess the abundance and assemblage of species within seed and vegetative banks. Median seed density was ordered unburned > lightly burned = intensely burned patches. A cumulative index of vegetative bank abundance was ordered unburned > lightly burned > intensely burned patches. Species assemblages were significantly different amongst burn intensities for seed banks and emergent understory. Vegetative bank assemblages were significantly different between unburned and burned patches but not between lightly and intensely burned patches. Furthermore, seed and vegetative bank assemblages within each burn intensity were also significantly different.
Efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy for carcass energy retention in broiler chickens fed different wheat cultivars

Six different wheat cultivar grain samples were grown in both the 1993 and 1996 harvest years, and their concentrations of nitrogen-corrected, apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) were determined and carcass energy retentions compared when fed nutritionally complete diets for broiler chicks. The AMEn protocol involved a 14 d feeding period with growing chickens, with all excreta collected for the final 96 h. The carcass energy retention protocol involved a comparative slaughter technique in which growing chickens were given a wheat sample in a nutritionally complete diet at 90% of ad libitum intake. There was a significant (P = 0.023) linear relationship between energy retention and AMEn, although an r2 = 0.42 indicated that there was a substantial amount of unexplained variation. The ratio of energy retained per kg of additional wheat (kcal kg–1) eaten to AMEn (kcal kg–1) intake ranged from 0.49 –0.56 in the 12 wheat samples. There were no significant (P > 0.05) relationships between the proximate nutrie.
Characterisation of epidermal tight junction proteins in ageing

The epidermal tight junction (TJ) plays an important role as a barrier which protects the skin against dehydration and infection. Skin barrier function is known to decline with increasing age (Rabe et al., 2006). Human skin is subject to intrinsic (i.e. chronological) ageing and extrinsic (environmentally-induced) ageing. However, the role of TJs in the ageing process is still unknown. Therefore, in this study, using quantitative immunofluorescent staining TJ protein expression was investigated in intrinsically aged compared to young human skin. Since ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sunlight is considered the major environmental insult to human skin, TJ proteins were also investigated in photoaged compared to photoprotected human skin, and in skin exposed to a single acute dose of UVR.In aged vs young skin, there was no significant difference either in the expression levels or localisation of TJ proteins.However, significant reduction in claudin-1 (cld-1) and increases in cld-7 and -12 expressions were demonstrated in chronically photoaged human skin suggesting differential regulation of clds in response to photoexposure. By contrast in acutely irradiated human skin, only a reduction in cld-1 expression was observed 24h after a single UVB dose. Moreover, in both chronic and acute UVR exposed human skin, cld-1 was most significantly reduced in the basal layer of the epidermis suggesting that the differentiation state of keratinocytes might be important in their response to UVR.To investigate these effects further, a normal human epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) cell culture model was employed. A reduction in cld-1 expression and an increase in cld-4 were demonstrated in undifferentiated NHEK cells irradiated with sub lethal doses of UVR. Interestingly, no changes were observed in TJ protein expression in irradiated differentiated keratinocytes. However, when TJ function was measured in these cells using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) as a marker of TJ function, UVR induced a significant reduction in TEER. This coincided with an alteration in the organisation of cld-1 in irradiated differentiated keratinocytes.These data demonstrate that TJ protein expression is modulated by acute and chronic exposure to UVR. These observations may explain, at least in part, the decline in skin barrier function observed in response to UVR.
Functional and numerical responses of Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) in Cuba

ABSTRACT The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) is a cosmopolitan pest of many important crops in tropical and subtropical regions and in greenhouses worldwide. With few exceptions, P. latus is controlled with pesticides but resistance of this species to acaricides has encouraged researchers to develop biological methods to control this mite pest. In the present study, some biological parameters of Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) as a predator of the broad mite were evaluated. The functional and numerical responses of adult females of the generalist predator A. largoensis on active and inactive larvae and males of broad mite were determined in the laboratory. Predation experiments were conducted on potato leaves placed in 5.5 cm Petri dishes at 21 ± 2°C, 70 ± 5% RH and 14L:10D photoperiod for 24 h. Prey densities were: 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, or 110 per leaf. Attack coefficients and handling times were estimated using Holling's disk and Hansell's equations (Type II and Type III response, respectively). The functional response of A. largoensis to prey showed a Holling's type II response. Predator search efficiency was inversely related to prey density. These results indicate that A. largoensis is a promising candidate to be used as a biocontrol agent of P. latus in Cuban agroecosystems.
The culture of cichlids of southeastern Mexico

In Mexico, aquaculture is a growing sector, but it continues to be developed using non-native species. The natural ecosystems of the lowland humid tropics of southeastern Mexico have been well-described by ecologists and are host to a very high diversity of species, including a substantial ichthyofauna. Cichlid fish, commonly known in southeast Mexico as ‘mojarras’, are an important fish resource and are widely consumed. Several species are now under considerable pressure and consequently the generation of biotechnology for the culture of native fish species is necessary and worthwhile. This paper examines and describes the experiences and knowledge generated over recent years regarding the aquaculture of native cichlids in the southeast of Mexico. Although the scientific and technological capacity for research and development for native species culture exists, there is an evident lack of information on new technologies among producers, as scientific research is not translating fully into technical assistance. Research and extension should be emphasized in order to develop a comprehensive knowledge base on native species and to enable their cultivation.
Relationships of marsh seed banks to vegetation patterns along environmental gradients

SUMMARY 1 The relationship of the seed bank to the vegetation of a freshwater marsh was studied along gradients of water depth and soil organic matter content. Characters examined included standing crop, seedling density, and species composition, distribution and richness. 2 The seed bank differed from the vegetation in that only nine of twenty-seven species were present in both, abundant seed-bank species were uncommon as adults, and adults showed different distributions along a gradient of soil organic matter content whereas their seeds were most abundant in soils with high organic matter. 3 The seed bank resembled the vegetation in that separate multivariate analyses of the communities revealed that variation in the species composition of each was significantly correlated with water depth and soil organic matter content. Further, species richness in both communities decreased with water depth and increased with soil organic matter content. Lastly, the standing crop of the vegetation and the number of seedlings both decreased with water depth and increased with soil organic matter. 4 Consideration of spatial patterns and environmental gradients revealed more similarities between vegetation and seed banks than were obtained by comparing species lists. The results suggest that artificial stimulation of seed bank germination for management purposes will not produce vegetation changes as large as those suggested by differences in species lists.
Effects of Brood-Stock Density on Production of Bait- or Forage-Sized Blue Tilapias

Abstract Triplicate 0.039-hectare ponds were stocked with 1-year-old blue tilapias (Tilapia aurea) in April 1987 at rates of 1,026, 513, or 256 females/hectare with a 2:1 female: male ratio. The ponds were seined every other week, and young-of-the-year blue tilapias longer than 7 cm were graded and removed. The ponds were completely harvested in November. Net production was significantly different among treatments and ranged from 13,118 kg/hectare at the highest female density to 10,514 kg/hectare at the lowest density. The average weight and total numbers of young-of-the-year tilapias produced were also significantly affected by the female stocking rate. Feed conversion (feed intake, kg/weight gain by fish, kg) averaged 1.02 and did not differ significantly among treatments.