Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid composition and characteristics of Pentadesma butyracea fat extracted from ghana seeds

Recent interest in the development of the tallow tree (Pentadesma butyracea S) as an oil-tree crop has stimulated agronomic and chemical studies of the tree and the fat obtained from its seeds. Tallow fat extracted from local seeds has been analysed for its chemical and physical constants and fatty acid composition. These characteristics have been compared with those of the better known cocoa butter and shea butter. Dry tallow kernels, shea butter kernels and cocoa beans contained 50, 52.1 and 53.4% fat, respectively. Tallow fat and shea butter are similar in several of their characteristics, particularly slip point, saponification number, solidification point and fatty acid composition; but tallow fat has a much lower unsaponifiable matter content (1.5–1.8%) than shea butter (7.3–9.0%). Both are markedly different from cocoa butter and cocoa butter replacement fats in respect of their melting points and fatty acid composition. Cooling curves of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 mixtures of tallow fat and cocoa butter indicate poor compatibility between the two fats.
Some Applications of Lepidochronological Analysis in the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

In this study three applications of lepidochronology are examined over an extended period. These are the estimation of growth rate and annual production of orthotropic rhizomes, the modeling of the leaf renewal cycle, taking into consideration rhythm of leaf formation, rhythm of leaf fall and leaf longevity, and the also detection and dating of previous flowering (paleo-flowering) from the remains of flower stalks inserted between the sheaths
RFLP Genetic Similarity Estimates and Coefficient of Parentage as Genetic Variance Predictors for Soybean Yield

RFLP genetic-similarity estimates (RFLP-GS) and coefficient of parentage (CP) have been used as measures of genetic similarity within crop species. However, practical application of these measures in plant breeding remains uncertain. This study was designed to probe the utility of RFLP-GS and CP in predicting genetic variance (GV) for seed yield among inbred soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] lines. To achieve this goal, five single seed descent populations were studied, representing a range of RFLP-GS and CP between the parents from 57 to 75% and 0.06 to 0.5, respectively. The GV for yield was estimated for each population through field evaluation of 30 inbred lines per population, in two North Carolina field locations during 1994. Both RFLP-GS and CP correctly identified the population with the highest GV; however, CP predicted GV for yield more efficiently ( r CP.RFLP-Gs = 0.91*; r CP.GV = -0.81* ; and r RFLP.GS.GV = -0.58). The GV was near zero when the CP between parents was larger than 0.27 or when RFLP-GS was larger than 75%. Neither genotype x environment interaction nor low field precision were factors for the lower predictive value of RFLP-GS. Expected gains from selection agreed partially with RFLP-GS results but closely matched CP and the actual fate of populations in a USDA breeding program. These results indicated that caution should be taken in an applied soybean breeding program when crossing parents with a relationship larger than half-sib or when the RFLP-GS is larger than 75% when yield improvement is the main breeding objective.
LIPID COMPOSITION OF CHLORARACHNIOPHYTES (CHLORARACHNIOPHYCEAE) FROM THE GENERA BIGELOWIELLA, GYMNOCHLORA, AND LOTHARELLA 1

The Chlorarachniophyceae are unicellular eukaryotic algae characterized by an amoeboid morphology that may be the result of secondary endosymbiosis of a green alga by a nonphotosynthetic amoeba or amoeboflagellate. Whereas much is known about the phylogeny of chlorarachniophytes, little is known about their physiology, particularly that of their lipids. In an initial effort to characterize the lipids of this algal class, four organisms from three genera were examined for their fatty acid and sterol composition. Fatty acids from lipid fractions containing chloroplast‐associated glycolipids, storage triglycerides, and cytoplasmic membrane‐associated polar lipids were characterized. Glycolipid‐associated fatty acids were of limited composition, principally eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5(n‐3)] and hexadecanoic acid (16:0). Triglyceride‐associated fatty acids, although minor, were found to be similar in composition. The polar lipid fraction was dominated by lipids that did not contain phosphorus and had a more variable fatty acid composition with 16:0 and docosapentaenoic acid [22:5(n‐3)] dominant along with a number of minor C18 and C20 fatty acids. Crinosterol and one of the epimeric pair poriferasterol/stigmasterol were the sole sterols. Several genes required for synthesis of these sterols were computationally identified in Bigelowiella natans Moestrup. One sterol biosynthesis gene showed the greatest similarity to SMT1 of the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. However, homologues to other species, mostly green plant species, were also found. Further, the method used for identification suggested that the sequences were transferred to a genetic compartment other than the likely original location, the nucleomorph nucleus.
The spatial dynamics of pollen beetles in relation to inflorescence growth stage of oilseed rape: implications for trap crop strategies

Semi‐field‐scale arrays of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) (Brassicaceae) plants were used to observe the development of distributions of pollen beetles (Meligethes aeneus Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in a simulated trap crop system where inflorescence growth stage alone was used to manipulate the pest. Over two successive years, pairs of 1 m spaced square arrays of 100 glasshouse‐grown plants were placed 40 m apart in the field in May, and were subject to natural infestation by pollen beetles. The test plot of each pair had a simulated trap crop, with an outer row of plants at early flowering stage intended to protect more susceptible inner plants at late bud stage, and the control plot had all plants at the late‐bud stage, simulating a standard crop situation. Pollen beetles were counted daily on each plant for 10–13 days. The spatio‐temporal development of plot infestation was analysed in relation to the distribution of racemes in bud and raceme in flowers using Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE), and tests of edge and centre distribution. Inflorescence growth stage characteristics were shown to be important in determining the spatial distributions of pollen beetles. In control plots, the numbers of racemes in bud and in flower were never edge or centre distributed. In test plots, racemes in flower were always edge distributed, and racemes in bud began edge distributed and became centre distributed. Pollen beetle numbers were usually spatially associated with the abundance of racemes in bud and/or in flower. In control plots, pollen beetles were neither edge nor centre distributed, but in test plots they maintained a significant edge distribution for 7–10 days. At the end of the experiments, females were more centre distributed in the test plots than males, and were more closely associated with racemes with buds, whereas males were more associated with racemes with flowers. In early flowering stage plants, the number of racemes in flowers were a good indicator of the abundance of racemes in buds, but this relationship was lost as flowering progressed. Although flowering racemes provide strong cues for immigrating pollen beetles, the abundance of buds may be a more important determinant of residence time, particularly for females, and is therefore a critical determinant of trap crop effectiveness.
Composition of the Oil of Sideritis syriaca L. from Italy

Abstract The oils from leaves and inflorescences of Sideritis syriaca L. grown and harvested in Italy were analyzed by GC/MS. The major components in the oil from leaves contained hexadecanoic acid (31.1%), epi-α-bisabolol (14.5%), benzyl benzoate (7.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (6.4%), while in the oil from the inflorescences contained epi-α-bisabolol (25.7%), benzyl benzoate (17.7%), hexadecanoic acid (7.8%), β-caryophyllene (7.3%), and (Z)-α-bisabolene (6.0%).
Freqüência de aglutininas anti-Leptospira interrogans em soros sangüíneos de bovinos, em Minas Gerais, de 1980 a 2002

Foram analisados os resultados de exames de microaglutinacao rapida, para pesquisa de aglutininas anti-Leptospira interrogans, em 39.012 soros sanguineos de bovinos provenientes de 398 (47%) municipios de Minas Gerais de 1980 a 2002. As sorovariedades mais frequentes foram: hardjo (amostra Norma), 23,7%, hardjo (OMS), 19,7%, hardjo (hardjobovis), 13,8%, e wolffi, 13,2%. Os resultados mostraram relevância da hardjo como problema prioritario nas leptospiroses em bovinos em Minas Gerais. A baixa porcentagem de soros reagentes a pomona (2,8%) e a mini (amostra Neguita) (3,0%) indica que essas sorovariedades devem ser consideradas para esclarecer casos clinicos em bovinos quando a hardjo (OMS), hardjo (Norma) e hardjo (hardjobovis) nao forem detectadas nos testes sorologicos. As porcentagens de reagentes para as sorovariedades canicola e icterohaemorrhagiae foram inferiores a 1%. A infeccao por Leptospira interrogans e endemica em bovinos em Minas Gerais.
Development of methodology for quantitative landslide risk assessment—Example Göta river valley

Effective landslide risk management requires knowledge of the landslide risks. This paper presents a risk assessment methodology for semiregional scale. The landslide probability is assessed taking into account expected climatechange in the case study area (the G? ta river valley). Climate change is expected to result in increased erosion and water fluctuations. There are large areas with marine clays, often quick clay, in the area and the landslide process can be rapid with extensive damages and casualties. The consequence methodology includes a wide range of consequences assessed by monetary valuation. The consequences and the landslide probability are combined as pairs of values in a risk matrix and the risk is also presented on a map. The map has been used as discussion and decision bases in the municipalities in the G? ta river valley, in the county administration and on governmental level to estimate the needs of risk mitigation and to make priorities.
The influence of UV-B radiation on the superoxide dismutase of maize, potato, sorghum, and wheat leaves

The influence of UV-B radiation on superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) with reference to the activity and types of isoenzymes was studied in leaves of C3 plants (potato, Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Desiree, and wheat, Triticum aestivum L. var. Almansor) and C4 plants (maize, Zea mays L. var. LG12, and sorghum, Sorghum Pr 8515 Pioneer). Plants were grown under controlled conditions in growth chambers with and without UV-B radiation. After 10 days of irradiation it was found that UV-B affected both the total activity of SOD and the number and amount of isoforms in all plants. The total specific activity of SOD increased significantly in wheat, maize, and potato, whereas a decline was induced in sorghum. Native gels revealed that UV-B caused preferential changes of the SOD isoforms in all plants used. Inhibition studies with cyanide and hydrogen peroxide showed that, in maize, UV-B radiation caused a large accumulation of one Mn-SOD and in contrast the level of the Cu,Zn-SOD isoforms decreased. In potato leaves, UV-B changed the pattern of SOD isoenzymes causing the appearance of one isoform and the disappearance of another. In wheat and sorghum the pattern of the isoenzymes was not altered, only their relative amounts. The rise in SOD activity in maize, potato, and wheat is possibly correlated with the tolerance of UV-B ascribed to these crops by different researchers and the sensitivity of sorghum to UV-B is possibly associated with the decrease in SOD activity.
Blood and Milk Protein Polymorphism and Their Effects on Various Production Traits in Simmental Cows

This research was carried out to determine the transferrin (Tf) and haemoglobine (Hb) and milk protein (alfa-S1-casein, beta casein, capa casein, beta lactoglobuline) types, and relationships between Tf and Hb types and milk protein genotypes with various characteristics. The relationship between Tf types and milk yields of control milking and control day were only statistically significant (P0.05). None of the investigated characteristics were effected by milk protein genetic variants at statistically significant level.
Biology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Reared in Laboratory on Natural Diet

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) completed its larval stage in 17.325±0.326 days passing through six instars under laboratory protocol, 26±1EC, 60-70% RH and 16 hours' daylight. The larvae moulted for 2nd instar, two days after hatching from eggs. Average stadiel periods for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th instars were 2.07, 2.15, 2.48, 3.12, 3.55 and 3.95 days respectively. The last larval stage did not moult but was contracted and shortened into grub like pre-pupal stage. The average length measured for each instar (first to sixth) was 3.4, 4.6, 9.7, 17, 28.35, 36.85 mm respectively. The average pupal period was 13.2 days for female and 15.4 days for male. Fecundity of moths fed on sucrose solution was significantly higher than water fed females. The unfed females laid few eggs none was viable.
Baleen whales and their prey in a coastal environment

Patterns of abundance of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), and minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) whales are described in relation to the abundance of their primary prey, capelin (Mallotus villosus), during 1982–1985 at Witless Bay, Newfoundland. The abundance ratio of the three whale species was 10:1:3.5, respectively. Abundance of all whale species was strongly correlated with abundance of capelin through each season and between years. Capelin abundance accounted for 63% of the variation in whale numbers in 1983 and 1984, while environmental parameters (e.g., water temperatures) accounted for little variance. The amount of capelin consumed by whales was small (< 2%) compared with the amount available. All three species overlapped temporally at Witless Bay, but spatial overlap was reduced as fins occurred primarily offshore, minkes primarily inshore, and humpbacks in bay habitats of intermediate depth.
Antibacterial activity of Ionic Liquids based on ampicillin against resistant bacteria

Antibacterial activities of novel Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Ionic Liquids (API–ILs) based on ampicillin anion [Amp] have been evaluated. They showed growth inhibition and bactericidal properties on some sensitive bacteria and especially some Gram-negative resistant bacteria when compared to the [Na][Amp] and the initial bromide and chloride salts. For these studies were analysed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBIC) against sensitive Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumoniae (clinically isolated), as well as sensitive Gram positive Staphylococcus Aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis and completed using clinically isolated resistent strains such as E. coli TEM CTX M9, E. coli CTX M2 and E. coli AmpC MOX. From the obtained MIC values of studied API–ILs and standard [Na][Amp] were derived RDIC values (relative decrease of inhibitory concentration). High RDIC values of [C16Pyr][Amp] especially against two resistant Gram-negative strains E. coli TEM CTX M9 (RDIC >1000) and E. coli CTX M2 (RDIC >100) point clearly to a potential promising role of API–ILs as antimicrobial drugs in particular against resistant bacterial strains.
Combined effects of varying water content and CO2 concentration on photosynthesis in Spagnum fuscum

The photosynthesis of Spagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. at different water contents and CO2 concentrations was measured in the laboratory. The optimal water content for photosynthesis near the current atmospheric CO2 concentration is 600–800% (percentage of dry weight). The decrease in photosynthesis is very steep towards lower water contents and less steep towards higher water contents. The optimal water content range moves higher and becomes wider with increasing CO2 concentration. At 3000 ppm there is no longer any decrease in photosynthesis with increasing water content. The water content of S. fuscum has a considerable effect on the response of photosynthesis to CO2 concentration. In a moss saturated with water, photosynthesis increases gradually until 8000 ppm CO2, but this saturation concentration becomes lower with decreasing water content, being c. 1500 ppm at a water content of 700–800%. An increase in CO2 concentration over 300 ppm will raise photosynthesis very little in dry moss with a water content of only 300–400%.
Patterns of resource use in deep-water decapods

The distribution patterns and feeding habits of 4 deep-water decapod species were investigated from samples collected in experimental trawl surveys carried out along the continental slope of Crete (Eastern Mediterranean) in 1994 to 1995, at depths between 100 and 1000 m. Despite their distribution overlap, the differences in the distribution patterns of the species along the depth gradient were clear, with Plesionika ensis and Polycheles typhlops occurring at greater depths than Parapenaeus longirostris and Plesionika heterocarpus. Stomach content analysis revealed that all species were active predators of benthic invertebrates, while scavenging activity became more important at depths below 500 m. The species exhibited highly diverse diets, but dietary diversity was higher for those inhabiting shallower depths. Ontogenetic dietary shifts were pronounced, although dietary patterns were also significantly affected by season and depth. Interspecific dietary overlap was less than intraspecific overlap between size classes and between months. Feeding intensity was associated with the distribution patterns of the species and decreased with depth, thus it was significantly lower for the species at the deepest depths, P. typhlops and P. ensis. Dietary patterns of the species examined were quite similar and differences noted were more consistent with depth-related changes in available food resources than with changes in the position of the species in the food web. Since dietary overlap among the species when they co-occur was high, it is possible that competitive trophic interactions accounted for the low overlap in the bathymetrical distribution of the species examined. Such interactions may be of fundamental importance on the deep-sea bottoms in the Eastern Mediterranean since environmental parameters such as temperature and salinity are rather constant.
Notas de ixodologia: VI - Descrição da fêmea de Amblyomma Multipunctum, Neumann 1899 e redescrição do macho (Acari: Ixodídae)

The female of Amblyomma multipunctum Neumann, 1899 is described for the first time, the species being easily recognized by the unusual formula 5/5 in the female's hypostoma, the formula of the male's being 4/4. A redescription of the male is presented.
Nutrient limitation of Myriophyllum spicatum growth in situ

SUMMARY. 1. The hypothesis that the submersed macrophyte biomass in natural weedbeds is nutrient limited was tested in situ by an enrichment experiment. 2. The response of Myriophyllum spicatum was significant and positive for N-enrichment, resulting in a 30–40% increase in biomass over controls. There was no response to phosphorus or to potassium enrichment. 3. Plant length and number of shoots per rephcate were also significantly increased by nitrogen additions but again showed no response to phosphorus and potassium. 4. Water depth differences were also found to affect the plant responses in some cases. 5. The macrophyte response to fertilization was similar to that recorded for emergent macrophytes and terrestrial crops but much smaller than for phytoplankton.
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) Bioremediation in Groundwater: Are Known RDX-Degrading Bacteria the Dominant Players?

ABSTRACT Biodegradation of explosives in groundwater represents a promising remedial approach for these compounds. Although a range of bacteria capable of degrading the explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in pure culture have been described, the role of these known strains (and the genera they represent) during RDX degradation in groundwater has not been established. RDX-contaminated groundwater was collected from the Pueblo Chemical Depot (CO, USA) and the Picatinny Arsenal (NJ, USA) where bioremediation technologies are being tested. Soil columns and enrichment cultures were derived from Picatinny Arsenal groundwater. Bacteria-specific primers were used to amplify the 16S rRNA genes that were used for phylogenetic analysis. The species detected ranged across multiple genera, many of which have not been previously associated with RDX biodegradation. None of the retrieved sequences were exact matches to previously described RDX-degrading strains, although multiple sequences that grouped with known explosive-degrading strains of Clostridium and Pseudomonas were recovered. Genes previously reported to be associated with RDX degradation, including xplA, hydA, onr, xenA, and xenB, were not detected in any of the groundwater samples. These preliminary results indicate that the previously described RDX-degrading bacteria likely do not capture the microbial diversity associated with RDX bioremediation in groundwater, especially under the general biostimulation approaches used during most remediation efforts.
PARASITISM OF THE TARNISHED PLANT BUG, LYGUS LINEOLARIS (HEMIPTERA: MIRIDAE), BY PERISTENUS PALLIPES AND P. PSEUDOPALLIPES (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE)

Abstract Life cycles of Peristenus pallipes (Curtis) and P. pseudopallipes (Loan), parasitoids of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (P. de B.), were investigated in an alfalfa field and in uncut weeds in the Ste. Anne de Bellevue area. In 1972, P. pallipes adults emerged in mid-May and P. pseudopallipes adults emerged in late July. The incidence of parasitism in nymphal and adult stages of the tarnished plant bug, L. lineolaris, was measured. The population of the tarnished plant bug in the weeds was more heavily parasitized than the one in the alfalfa field. The ichneumonid hyperparasite Mesochorus curvulus Thomson was also found in this area.
Grazing effects on nematodes and other components of the periphyton at three depths in Lake Erken

Abstract. The periphyton of stony hard substrates in the littoral zone of lakes is inhabited by an abundant and diverse algae and meiofauna assemblage that is regulated by grazing. The objective of our study was to examine the effect of macroinvertebrate grazers on periphytic algae and meiofaunal organisms at different depths in the littoral zone of Lake Erken (Sweden). To this end, a 2-factorial field experiment was carried out in which macrofaunal access to the periphyton was manipulated at 3 different water depths (30, 70, and 200 cm). Grazing effects on algal biomass varied among depths and were highest in both deeper zones. Compared to algal biomass, the abundance of meiofaunal organisms was less affected by grazing because macrograzers significantly reduced meiofauna only at the 200-cm depth. The organism mainly responsible for the depth-dependent differences in grazer effects was the snail Theodoxus fluviatilis, which dominated macrofaunal assemblage at depths where grazing effects were the strongest (70 and 200 cm). The abundance of T. fluviatilis was positively correlated with the proportions of reduced algal biomass and reduced meiofaunal abundance. Meiofaunal groups and individual nematode species responded differently to grazing, so our results further revealed that grazing macroinvertebrates affected the composition of the meiofaunal assemblage. However, meiofaunal and nematode assemblages differed more across depths than across grazing treatments, suggesting that other depth-related factors (e.g., hydrodynamics or light) also were important for structuring periphytic meiofaunal assemblages.