Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overwintering biology of Dalbulus leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae): adult populations and drought hardiness

Despite the economic importance of the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott), little is known about how this maize pest and its congeners survive the dry winter in Mexico. In the field, Dalbulus populations were monitored weekly with yellow sticky card traps for 18 mo at three sites in Jalisco, Mexico. The sites included a maize field, Zea maysL. ; a natural stand of a perennial teosinte, Zea diploperennis Iltis, Doebley & Guzman; and a natural population of gamagrasses, Tripsacum spp. , which are maize relatives. At all sites, highest catches of Dalbulus adults occurred during the dry season between October and March. In a laboratory study to test the survival of adult Dalbulus leafhoppers without their host plants, significant differences were detected among leafhopper species. When denied all food and water (absolute drought), Dalbulus species that specialize on maize were more tolerant than those that specialize on gamagrass. Adults reared under environmental conditions that simulate the beginning of the wet season (June-reared) were less tolerant of absolute drought than adults reared under early dry-season conditions (October-reared). When provided water but no food, October-reared D. maidis lived significantly longer than June-reared D. maidis . Survival of females under water-only conditions was significantly longer than that of males. Field observations revealed that gamagrass-specializing D. gelbus DeLong and D. quinquenotatus DeLong & Nault overwinter as continuously developing populations on their hosts. In contrast, our data indicate that D. maidis overwinter as active adults that can subsist, at least in part, on free water in the absence of host plants until the summer rainy season begins. Surviving adults then migrate locally to newly planted maize fields.
Establishing Restoration Strategy of Eastern Oyster via a Coupled Biophysical Transport Model

For marine fish and invertebrates, larval dispersal plays a critical role in determining connections among source and sink habitats, and the lack of a predictive understanding of larval dispersal is a fundamental obstacle to the development of spatially explicit restoration plans for marine populations. We investigated larval dispersal patterns of eastern oyster in an estuary along the Northern Gulf of Mexico under different simulation scenarios of tidal amplitude and phase, river discharge, wind direction, and larval vertical migration, using a coupled biophysical transport model. We focused on the dispersal of larvae released from the commercially exploited (Cedar Point, CP) and non‐exploited (Bon Secour Bay, BSB) oyster populations. We found that high flushing rates through the dominant inlet prevented larval exchange between the commercially exploited and non‐exploited populations, resulting in negligible connectivity between them. Variations in tidal amplitude, river discharge and wind direction played a more important role in the amount of larvae retained in Mobile Bay when they are released from CP than from BSB. Under most of the scenarios, larvae from BSB were retained around the spawning area, while larvae from CP showed a predominant westward flow. Net sinking behavior of late‐stage larvae increased larval retention in the bay, but physical transport showed a higher impact in the amount of larvae retained. These findings have enhanced our understanding of larval dispersal of eastern oyster in a wide, shallow estuarine system, and been used to establish spatially explicit strategies for oyster restoration in the Mobile Bay system, Alabama.
On the Bacteriolysis by Lysozyme

The bacteriolysis by lysozyme was studied by measuring the light-absorption of a lysing suspension, with a Moll-extinctiometer. In addition to a morphological study, this procedure was applied to the determination of lysozyme, which could be made within 5 per cent, and to a study of the influence of pH and electrolytes. The optimal pH was found to be about 6.2. The optimum is caused by an interaction of two factors: at lower pH's the action of lysozyme increases, but below pH 6.2 the visible lysis is inhibited. The same is the case in distilled water, where a phenomenon, analogous to Nakamura's alkali-phenomenon was found. High concentrations of electrolytes inhibit the primary reaction, adsorption of lysozyme. In this respect the valency of the ions is predominant. Some general remarks are made on the importance of electrostatic forces in similar reactions.
Ecology of collembola in a deciduous forest floor of Birbiium District, West Bengal in relation to soil moisture

Abstract Numerous workers like Bellinger (1954), Sheals (1957), Christiansen (1964). Rapoport and Najt (1965), Choudhuri and Roy (1966, '67 and '72), Choudhuri and Bhattacharyay (1975), and Mitra et 01 (1977), have studied the qualitative and quantitative ecology of Coliembolan population in different parts of India and abroad. But the Collembolan population of a deciduous forest of Dirbhum district has not been attempted so far. In view of this, the present communication deating with the effect of soil moisture on the Collembolan population and their distribution in red laterite soil of Dirbhum district, West Bengal has been discussed.
An Alphataxonomic Revision of Extinct and Extant Razorbills (Aves, Alcidae): A Combined Morphometric and Phylogenetic Approach

Abstract. — Alca (Aves, Alcidae) has a comparatively rich fossil record with respect to other Charadriiformes, consisting of thousands of specimens. Despite the abundance of fossil material, species richness in this clade has remained poorly understood, primarily because of the paucity of associated specimens. To address this issue, a combined morphometric and apomorphy-based method was developed that would allow referral of fragmentary and isolated specimens, which constitute ~97% of the Alca fossil record. Measurements of multiple variables from >2,000 Alca fossils were categorized by hierarchical cluster analysis and resulted in the recognition of "species clusters. " Discriminant function analysis was used to assess statistical support for these clusters and to identify the most informative measurements with respect to discriminating between species on the basis of size. The reliability of this method was tested using the same measurements taken from 13 extant alcid species and was found to be robust wi.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐encoded Tat activates glycogen synthase kinase‐3β to antagonize nuclear factor‐κB survival pathway in neurons

The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐associated dementia is mediated by neuronal dysfunction and death, brought about by the action of soluble neurotoxic factors that are released by virally infected macrophages and microglia. Paradoxically, many candidate HIV‐1 neurotoxins also possess the ability to activate nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), which has a potent pro‐survival effect in primary neurons. The present study explored this conundrum and investigated why NF‐κB might fail to protect neurons that are exposed to candidate HIV‐1 neurotoxins. Here, we evaluated the ability of virus‐depleted conditioned medium produced by HIV‐1‐infected human macrophages (HIV‐MCMs) to modulate NF‐κB activity in neurons. We demonstrated that HIV‐MCMs inhibit the normal signaling pathways that lead to NF‐κB activation in neurons. This inhibitory effect of HIV‐MCM is dependent upon the presence of HIV‐1 Tat, which activates glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β in neurons. Activation of GSK‐3β, in turn, results in modification of the NF‐κB subunit RelA at serine 468, thereby regulating the physical interaction of RelA with histone deacetylase‐3 corepressor molecules. Furthermore, neutralization of Tat or inhibition of GSK‐3β activity prevents neuronal apoptosis induced by HIV‐MCM. We conclude that HIV‐1 Tat may compromise neuronal function and fate by interfering with normal survival pathways subserved by NF‐κB. These findings may have important therapeutic implications for the management of HIV‐1‐associated dementia.
Leaf and calycine colleters in Odontadenia lutea (Apocynaceae - Apocynoideae - Odontadenieae): their structure and histochemistry

The structure and histochemistry of colleters found on the vegetative and floral apices of Odontadenia lutea are described. Colleters occur on vegetative apices starting at the fourth node, with 68 to 80 colleters being found at each node. Each leaf primordium has only one colleter of axillary origin, 3-5 intra-petiolar, and 12-16 inter-petiolar (intra-stipular). There are four types of colleters: standard, bipartite standard, sessile, and bipartite sessile. Colleters on the reproductive apices alternate with the sepals and are sessile, reduced sessile, tripartite laminar sessile, or asymmetrical. All of the colleters have a central nucleus of parenchymatous cells covered by a palisade uniseriate secretory epidermis and a thin cuticle. Secretory idioblasts were observed in the parenchymatous axis. Vascularization was observed only in standard axillary and laminar colleters. Crystals were observed in the parenchyma of the axillary colleter. Histochemical tests demonstrated that there was no rupturing or distension of the cuticle during the secretion process. Mucilage was identified using the PAS reaction as well as by Mayer's reagent and Ruthenium red staining. The calycine colleters had two distinct secretory phases, the first synthesizing mucilage and the second producing phenolic compounds.
UTILIZATION OF MADRE DE AGUA (Trichanthera gigantea var. guianensis) LEAF MEAL AS FEED FOR GROWING-FINISHING PIGS

The study determined the nutritive value of madre de agua leaf meal for pigs. The chemical analysis showed that madre de agua leaf meal (MDALM) contained 88.44% dry matter, 18.21% crude protein, 12.5% crude fiber, 2.66% crude fat, 21.80% ash, 11.56% moisture, 5% calcium, 0.41% total phosphorus and 2,983kcal/kg gross energy. In vivo digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus by growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing 5, 10 and 15% MDALM were lower than those fed ration without MDALM. The live weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, feed cost per kilogram gain, and age to 90-kg live weight did not differ among pigs fed ration with varying levels of MDALM. Pigs fed 10% MDALM had the highest feed consumption while those that received 15% MDALM had the lowest feed consumption. The highest return above feed and animal cost was obtained on pigs given diet with 10% MDALM. The addition of up to 10% level of MDALM did not affect the slaughter and carcass characteristics of the growing â€“finishing pigs. The raw pork from pigs fed higher levels of MDALM had better color than the rest. All treatment had odor/aroma of the raw and cooked pork, taste/flavor, tenderness, juiciness and over-all acceptability of the cooked pork. Key words: growing-finishing pigs, growth performance and carcass characteristics, madre de agua leaf meal
Use of mesotrione and tembotrione herbicides for post-emergence weed control in alkaloid poppy (Papaver somniferum)

Two field experiments were carried out a year apart on the alkaloid poppy (Papaver somniferum) in 2012 and 2013 in north-west Hungary, to assess the efficacy of mesotrione and tembotrione herbicides for post-emergence weed control. Our experiments tested (1) a single application of mesotrione at 144 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha–1, (2) two separate applications of mesotrione at 144 g a.i. ha–1, (3) a single application of tembotrione at 88 g a.i. ha–1, (4) two separate applications of mesotrione at 88 g a.i. ha–1, and (5) the combination of a single application of mesotrione at 144 g a.i. ha–1 followed by a single application of tembotrione at 88 g a.i. ha–1. Both non-treated and hand-weeded plots were used as controls. Among the most important weeds, Chenopodium album was most successfully controlled in the majority of the test treatments, but Fallopia convolvulus and Polygonum aviculare tolerated each herbicide application in 2012, likely due to the dry weather conditions. Because of the botanical similarity to the crop, none of the treatments proved to be significant against Papaver rhoeas. One dosage of tembotrione alone never reduced the dry weights of the target weed species or weed numbers significantly. The cuticular wax layer of the opium poppy can provide a natural defence against these herbicides, but some temporary phytotoxic yellowish discoloration occurred after tembotrione treatments. Our results show that mesotrione in combination with tembotrione is the most effective treatment and should be employed in poppy cultivation.
Irrigating perennial pasture with saline water: effects on soil chemistry, pasture production and composition

In response to a local survey that revealed that many farmers in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria did not adhere to recommendations for safely applying saline irrigation water to perennial pasture, an experiment was conducted at Tatura. Six irrigation water quality treatments, which differed in the timing of the application of saline water, were applied to perennial pasture plots over 4 irrigation seasons. Measurements made included soil EC 1:5 , soil SAR 1:5 , soil ESP, pasture dry matter production and composition, dry matter digestibility, tissue ion concentrations and mineral ash content. After 4 seasons, in which the winter rainfall for each season was significantly lower than the long-term average, soil sodicity and salinity levels appeared to reach steady values. Plots irrigated with non-saline water (0.1 dS/m, treatment 1) performed the best in terms of lower soil salinity and sodicity levels and higher dry matter production and pasture quality levels. However, for most of these measurements and for most seasons, there were no significant differences between the control plots and those irrigated with water at 1.2 dS/m (treatment 2). Soil EC 1:5 and SAR 1:5 levels were highest, and dry matter production and dry matter digestibility levels the lowest (particularly for the clover component), in plots irrigated with water at 2.4 dS/m throughout the season (treatment 6). There were no significant differences in soil characteristics or biomass production between the remaining 3 treatments (treatments 3, 4 and 5) or between treatment 2. These treatments had the same amount of salt applied throughout the season but differed in the pattern of salt application - whether it occurred at the beginning or end of the season, or was alternated with fresh water throughout the season. This study confirmed that in the long term, there is a reduction in the yield of perennial pastures when saline irrigation water at levels greater than 0.8-1.2 dS/m is used on the red-brown earths of the Shepparton Irrigation Region. However, the soil and pasture were more sensitive to the total amount of salt applied rather than to the pattern of salt application throughout the season. It was concluded that farmers should monitor the salinity levels of their irrigation water to avoid a build up of Na + and Cl - in the soil profile and consequent long-term reductions in herbage production and quality.
Physiological Role of L -Ascorbic Acid in Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

This study clarifies the effect of exposure to cigarette smoke on L-ascorbic acid (AsA) metabolism and on the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Male Wistar rats were used. The test rats (group T) were exposed to sidestream smoke from cigarette for 2 h every day for 25 days. During the experimental period, the excreted amount of AsA in the urine from group T was higher than that from the control group (group C). At the end of the experimental period, the AsA content of the plasma and tissues, the liver cytochrome P-450 content and the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes in group T were each higher than those in group C.
Solarization; a physical control method for weeds and parasitic plants (Orobanche spp.) in Mediterranean agriculture

Summary. Experiments were conducted between 1985 and 1988 to evaluate the effect of duration and time of solarization on the control of two broom rapes (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers., O. crenata Forsk.) and other weeds common in the fields of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) in West Asia. Solarization was performed by applying clear polyethylene sheet to the soil for 0, 10, 20, or 40 days in 1985/86, 0, 30, or 40 days in 1986/87 and 0, 20, 30, 40 or 50 days in 1987/88 during the hot season (July and August) and for 50 days immediately before sowing during milder weather (September and October) in 1986/87. Best control was obtained with solarization for 30–50 days in the hot season. Maximum soil temperature under polyethylene at 5 cm was 55°C in 1985, 48°C in 1986 and 57°C in 1987. Broomrape dry weight decreased in the first experiment by more than 90% in both faba bean and lentil fields. Solarization controlled broom-rape and other weeds in the following two seasons when the soil was left undisturbed during the season of the treatment.
Ovarian activity and sexual behavior in the postpartum Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract Early postpartum follicular activity and sexual behavior was evaluated in the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in a tropical climate. Sixteen multiparous postpartum swamp buffaloes, 4-12 years of age, (432 - 676 kg) were studied starting between 5-29 days after parturition. Ovarian follicular activity was examined daily in the morning with a real-time B-mode linear array ultrasound scanner (Aloka SSD-500, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with a 7.5 MHz transrectal transducer. Estrous detection was performed daily using a mature bull, via personal observation as well as via video registration. In addition, vaginal discharge around estrus was evaluated. Uterine involution took 28.74+1.21 days (mean +SEM, range 22-41 d, n=16). Follicular activity prior to the first ovulation was characterized by a wave like pattern. Follicular growth rates and maximum diameter of the follicle in the second, third and fourth cycle post partum did not differ while that of the first ovulation follicle was significantly lower (p<0.05). Short ovarian cycles were observed in 93.3% of the buffaloes in the first to second ovulation interval (10.14+40 d), and in 50.0% of the buffaloes in the second to third ovulation interval (12.00+1.53 d), while one buffalo cow then had a long estrus cycle (27 d). The behavioral characteristics of estrus around the first postpartum ovulation were not as obvious as around the second, third and fourth postpartum ovulation. It can be concluded that for optimal reproductive efficiency the swamp buffalo should be mated between 1- 2 months postpartum at the second ovulation.
Phylogenetic significance of the wing‐base of the Holometabola (Insecta)

The present knowledge of the wing‐base morphology of the holometabolous insects is summarized, and the value of these structures for phylogenetic analysis is demonstrated. An autapomorphy of the Holometabola is a locking mechanism composed of a knob on the basalare and a corresponding cavity on the ventral wing‐base. Two synapomorphic hindwing‐base characters support a sister‐group relationship of Coleoptera and Neuropterida. Only few data are available on the wing‐base of the Hymenoptera. An autapomorphy of the taxon is a modification of the wing locking mechanism with reduced size of the basalare and its knob. It is demonstrated that wing‐base characters are helpful for the analysis of the relationships between strepsipteran families. However, characters of the wing‐base support neither a relationship of Strepsiptera and Coleoptera nor of Strepsiptera and Antliophora.
Hawthorns and Medlars

From the combination of knowledge and actions, someone can improve their skill and ability. It will lead them to live and work much better. This is why, the students, workers, or even employers should have reading habit for books. Any book will give certain knowledge to take all benefits. This is what this hawthorns and medlars tells you. It will add more knowledge of you to life and work better. Try it and prove it.
Comparison of single and competitive metal adsorption by pepper stem biochar

Carbon-based sorbents have been proven to be cost-effective in removing pollutants from wastewater. Biochar from plant residue and agricultural waste is an emerging treatment technology. However, there is a limited number of studies on the effects of various biochar sources on metal adsorption. The aim of this study was using batch experiment to evaluate the adsorption of heavy metals in single- and multi-metal conditions onto pepper stem biochar. The maximum adsorption capacities (mg g−1) of metals by pepper stem biochar were in the order of Pb (131) ≫ Cr (76) > Cd (67) > Cu (48) > Zn (31) in the single-metal adsorption isotherm and Pb (91) ≫ Cu (39) > Cr (29) > Zn (20) > Cd (13) in the multi-metal adsorption isotherm. Lead was the most retained cation, whereas Cr and Cd could be easily exchanged and substituted by other metals (Pb or Cu). For pepper stem biochar, the Langmuir model provided a slightly better fit than the Freundlich model. Results from the batch experiments show that competitive adsorption among metals increases the mobility of these metals. Particularly, Cd adsorption capacity in multi-metal conditions was significantly reduced. Overall, the results suggested that competitive adsorption studies are necessary for obtaining an accurate estimation of the metal retention capacity of pepper stem biochar in natural environments.
Hemipiliopsis, a New Genus of Orchidaceae

Hemipiliopsis, a monotypic new genus of Orchidaceae, is described based on H. purpureo- punctata (K. Y. Lang) Y. B. Luo & S. C. Chen (Ha- benaria purpureopunctata K. Y. Lang) from south- eastern Xizang (Tibet). Its possible relationships to Brachycorythis, Hemipilia, and Habenaria are dis- cussed.
Mycoflora Associated with Some Textiles in Jeddah City

The Mycoflora of eight different fabrics (natural, synthetic, and blended), collected from warehouses in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were isolated by different methods; contact plate, dilution, Stomacher, and moisturization that followed by contact plate method. Twenty three different species were isolated. Aspergilli were the most dominant (35%), followed by penicilli and fusaria (13% each). The highest fungal count (1932 CFU/cm 2 ) was concomitant with cotton fabrics, even when blended with polyester. Wool textiles came in the second order of fungal counts (1421 CFU/cm 2 ). While natural silk fibers, was less susceptible for fungal attack, polyamide textiles had moderate affinity toward fungal colonization. The influence of some environmental conditions (temperature, growth medium, pH and relative humidity) on the linear growth of 10 representative isolates, that may have health hazards to man (Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium oxy- sporum, Geotrichum sp., Gliocladium atrum, Penicillium chry- sogenum, Rhizopus nigricans and Trichoderma viride), were tested. The cellulytic and proteolytic activities of these fungi indicated that T. viride, Geotrichum sp. A. niger, A. alternata and P. chrysogenum were with the highest activities. Antimycotic activity of two detergents was studied and indicated that the tested fungi responded differently to the detergent type and its concentration.