Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth regulation of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) with imazaquin and AC 263,222

Research was conducted over 2 years to evaluate efficacy of various levels and combinations of imazaquin and AC 263,222 for growth regulation of unimproved bahiagrass ('Pensacola') turf. Imazaquin at 0.42 kgha -1 caused only slight bahiagrass discoloration in all trials and reduced seedhead count (as compared to the nontreated control) by ≥80% for 8 weeks after treatment (WAT) following a July 1992 application. AC 263,222 at 0.042 or 0.056 kgha -1 applied in late May or June provided 100% seedhead control through 8 WAT. However, AC 263,222 applied in July 1992 and Aug. 1993 at 0.056 kgha -1 resulted in unacceptable discoloration through 8 WAT. AC 263,222 at 0.014 or 0.028 kgha -1 -1 ) imazaquin, 0.42; AC, 0.056; and imazaquin (0.21) plus AC (0.056). In June, treatments were expanded to include AC (0.028) and imazaquin (0.21) plus AC (0.028). July treat- ments were the same as in June, except the lowest rate of AC (0.028) was replaced with 0.042 and applied either alone or combined with imazaquin at 0.21. In 1993, all monthly treatments were AC at 0.014, 0.028, and 0.056 kgha -1 . The PGRs were applied in a water carrier by means of a CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver the aqueous car- rier at 560 Lha -1
Response of Forsythia ×intermedia `Spectabilis' to Uniconazole. II. Leaf and Stem Anatomy, Chlorophyll, and Photosynthesis

Uniconazole was applied as a foliar spray at 0, 90, 130, 170, or 210 ppm to rooted stem cuttings of 'Spectabilis' forsythia (Forsythia xintermedia Zab.) potted in calcined clay. Uniconazole resulted in higher total leaf chlorophyll (chlorophylla + chlorophyll,) concentration and a decreased ratio of chlorophyll a : b. Stomata1 density of the most recently matured leaves increased linearly with increasing uniconazole concentration 40, 60, and 100 days after treatment (DAT). The number of stomata per leaf (stomata1 index) increased linearly with increasing concentration of uniconazole throughout the initial 100 DAT. Uniconazole suppressed stomata1 length at all sampling dates and the level of suppression increased with increasing concentration of uniconazole from 20 to 100 DAT. Stomata1 width was suppressed by uniconazole at 40 DAT. Leaves developed after uniconazole application had higher levels of net photosynthesis when measured 55, 77, and 365 DAT. Stomata1 conductance for uniconazole-treated plants was higher compared to nontreated control (0 mg·liter -1 ) plants when measured 49, 55, 77, and 365 DAT. Initiation of secondary xylem for stem tissues of uniconazole-treated plants was suppressed and expansion of xylem vessel length and width was less. Secondary phloem tissues of stems from uniconazole-treated plants contained larger numbers of phloem fibers having smaller cross sectional areas than phloem fibers of controls. Chemical name used: (E)-1-(p-Chlorophenyl)-4,4- dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-1-penten-3-01 (uniconazole). Plant growth retardants (PGRs) have the potential to reduce vegetative growth and pruning frequency of woody landscape species. Uniconazole, a triazole, can effectively retard growth of several woody landscape species including 'Spectabilis' for- sythia without injury (Keever and West, 1992; Norcini and Knox, 1989; Thetford et al., 1995; Warren et al., 1991). Little informa- tion is available, however, on the effects of foliar application of uniconazole on woody plant morphology or anatomy (Wang and Gregg, 1989 (hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.); McDaniel et al., 1990 (Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.)) and subse- quent changes in physiological processes such as net photosyn-
Ratio of digestible total sulfur amino acids to lysine of broiler chicks from 1 to 15 days of age

SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted to determine digestible (dig) TSAA to Lys ratios of diets fed to male Ross × Ross 708 and Hubbard × Cobb 500 broilers from 1 to 15 d. In each experiment, 1,600 male broilers were randomly distributed into 64 floor pens and fed 8 experimental diets consisting of 8 ratios of ileal dig TSAA to Lys, ranging from 0.56 to 0.84 in increments of 0.04. A standardized Lys digestibility assay was conducted with broiler chicks to determine the amino acid digestibility of the basal diets. Standardized TSAA digestibility of the basal diets was determined to be 0.65 in both experiments. In experiment 1, progressive additions of dig TSAA to Lys resulted in a significant linear effect for d 1 to 14 feed conversion. An optimum TSAA to Lys ratio was determined to be 0.74 based on d 1 to 14 feed conversion using a linear broken-line model. In experiment 2, optimal dig TSAA to Lys ratios were estimated to be 0.78 and 0.77 for feed conversion from d 1 to 7 and d 1 to 14, respectively, based on a quadratic broken-line model. Therefore, based on these data, the dig TSAA requirements for optimal growth performance of modern broilers are higher than previously reported.
C omparison of immunoglobulin G concentrations in primiparous and multiparous bovine

Differences in Ig production were evaluated by obtaining Holstein colostrum from 3 commercial dairy herds (689 to 1,862 cows/herd) in central Pennsylvania. Colostrum was harvested from cows within 2 to 6 h postcalving, and samples were refrigerated on farms until collection by the researchers every 2 to 3 d. Data for each sample (n = 507) included cow number, lactation number, colostrum volume, and calving date. The mean concentration (mg/mL) of IgG in colostrum was affected by parity (P < 0.001) and averaged 83.5 for first lactation, 92.9 for second, 107.4 for third, and 113.3 for fourth and greater lactation. Mean IgG concentrations from all lactation groups were approximately 2 times greater than those of previous reports and exceeded 50 mg/mL, which is often considered the cut-off point for high-quality colostrum. In a subset of 133 samples, Colostrometer (Biogenics, Mapleton, OR) values were similar to actual IgG values (r = 0.67). Concentration of IgG decreased as colostrum volume increased (P < 0.001), but IgG concentration at a given level of production was variable. Mean colostrum volume was similar for all lactation groups (mean ± SD, 6.4 ± 4.1 L; P = 0.62). These results support a recommendation that all colostrum be tested for quality (IgG) without regard to lactation number or volume of first-milking colostrum. Using lactation number or colostrum volume to arbitrarily identify colostrum to be discarded may result in an unnecessary restriction of the colostrum supply, particularly if colostrum is collected soon after calving and average colostrum quality is high.
Effect of Garlic Mustard [Alliaria petiolata (Beib. Cavara & Grande)] Extracts on Plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi

Abstract We examined the effects of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) leachates on germination of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores, colonization of plant roots by AM fungi and germination and root growth of monocot and dicot plants under laboratory conditions. In the field we examined the effect of garlic mustard on AM inoculum potential (MIP). Water leachates of garlic mustard prevented germination of spores of the AM fungus Gigaspora rosea, inhibited the formation of AM associations with tomato (Lycopesicum esculentum) and significantly reduced germination of tomato seeds. Garlic mustard leachates also reduced root length of tomato and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) seedlings. Under field conditions we found a significant negative correlation between the density of garlic mustard and the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of the soil in which the plants grew. These results suggest that garlic mustard may reduce the competitive abilities of native plants by interfering with the formation of mycorrhizal associations and root growth.
DIETARY CARVACROL LOWERS BODY WEIGHT GAIN BUT IMPROVES FEED CONVERSION IN FEMALE BROILER CHICKENS

SUMMARY Dietary thymol, and its isomer, carvacrol, were evaluated as alternatives to antibiotic feed additives in female broiler chickens. In addition, the alleged hypocholesterolemic effect of carvacrol and thymol were tested when the chickens were fed cholesterol-free or cholesterol-containing diets. The experiment had a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with diets containing two levels of cholesterol (0 or 1%) and without feed additive or with 200 ppm thymol or carvacrol. Dietary carvacrol lowered feed intake and weight gain but also lowered the feed-to-gain ratio. Dietary thymol, an isomer of carvacrol, did not affect growth performance. Dietary cholesterol significantly increased plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations. Carvacrol lowered plasma triglyceride concentrations but did not affect plasma cholesterol. It is concluded that thymol and its isomer, carvacrol, have different effects on growth performance and triglyceride metabolism in broiler chickens. The two compounds did not have hypocholesterolemic activity, irrespective of whether the diet was cholesterol free or cholesterol rich.
Rotation length, canola variety and herbicide resistance system affect weed populations and yield

Abstract A 4-year study was initiated in 1997 to provide canola producers with information on the consequences of various rotational intervals with the use of new disease and herbicide-resistant canola varieties. The study was conducted at three locations in Alberta, Canada (Ellerslie, Strathmore, and Warburg). At each location, four canola rotations were established: continuous canola, and canola seeded in 1 of 2, 3, or 4 years. Canola varieties included the conventional varieties ‘AC Excel’ and ‘Quantum’, the glyphosate-resistant variety ‘Quest’, imidazolinone-resistant ‘45A71’, and a glufosinate-resistant hybrid, ‘Invigor 2153’. In the fourth year of the study, when canola was grown in all treatments, weed densities, weed species diversity, and evenness were determined preseeding and before and after in-crop herbicide application. Canola yield was greatest in the northern ecoregions of the Boreal Transition (Warburg) and Aspen Parkland (Ellerslie), and lowest in the Moist Mixed Grassland ecoregion (Strathmore). Weed populations increased and population diversity decreased and became less even where rotations were less diverse; in continuous canola and in the 1-in-4–year rotation. As expected, weed densities increased in poorly competitive, conventional canola varieties compared to herbicide-resistant varieties sprayed with their broader-spectrum herbicides. Where weed densities were high, variety/herbicide system became a critical factor affecting crop yield. Under these conditions, the herbicide-resistant varieties ‘Quest’ and ‘Invigor 2153’ typically outyielded the conventional varieties of ‘AC Excel’ and ‘Quantum’. Canola yield was highest when grown in a 1-in-3– or a 1-in-4–year rotation, although the 1-in-3–year rotation generally had lower weed densities, and allowed high-value canola to be grown more frequently in rotation. Nomenclature: Canola; Brassica napus L.
Biomass production in a 15-year-old poplar short-rotation coppice culture in Belgium

Summary Biomass production of a 15-year-old multiclonal poplar short-rotation coppice (SRC) in Flanders, Belgium, is presented in this study. A wide range of 17 clonal varieties from six different parentages were planted in 1996 and no irrigation, fertilizers or fungicides were applied after the establishment year. After 15 years or four rotations, clones from pure species displayed significantly higher yields than hybrid clones. Specifically, clone Wolterson (Populus nigra) and clones Columbia River, Fritzi Pauley and Trichobel (P. trichocarpa) proved to be good candidates for SRC in temperate regions of Northwestern Europe. During the fourth rotation, lowest biomass yields were observed for the D×T and T×D clones, despite fast juvenile growth for the latter. Trends observed in the dynamics of biomass production during earlier rotations continued in the fourth rotation though differences among clones became more pronounced after 15 years of low-input SRC. For some clones, re-sprouting from root suckers likely affected stool survival values during the fourth rotation.
The Role of PPAR‐γ/RXR‐α Heterodimers in the Regulation of Human Trophoblast Invasion

Abstract: PPAR‐γ/RXR heterodimers play a key regulatory role in murine placental development. We report here that PPAR‐γ and RXR‐α are highly expressed in cultured primary extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVCT) isolated from human first‐trimester placenta. Using this cell culture model, we showed that PPAR‐γ agonists inhibit EVCT invasion, whereas PPAR‐γ or pan‐RXR antagonists promoted EVCT invasion by themselves and abolished PPAR‐γ agonist‐mediated effect. Together these data underscore an important function of PPAR/RXR heterodimers in the modulation of trophoblast invasion.
Contact with caterpillar hairs triggers predator-specific defensive responses

Organisms have evolved morphological and behavioral traits that reduce their susceptibility to predation. However, few studies have considered how morphological structures work to provide informational inputs necessary for effective behavioral responses to predation risk. In this study, we demonstrate that the hairs of Orgyia leucostigma (Lymantriidae) caterpillars not only function as physical barriers that deter predators but also act to provide sensory inputs triggering behavior that reduces predation risk. In particular, the way in which caterpillars respond when their hairs are touched is predator specific. Mechanical parameters of the interaction determining the response were identified correlatively and confirmed manipulatively. Caterpillars predominantly dropped in response to high hair bending velocities and predominantly walked away in response to low hair bending velocities. These stimulus-specific responses appear to be adaptive as they led to increased survival. Our results demonstrate a functional link between morphology and behavior. The ability to respond effectively only after the initiation of a predator attack should reduce the costs associated with antipredator behaviors. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the pot-belly seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis in New Zealand

Abstract Genetic diversity and population structure of New Zealand populations of the pot-belly seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis were explored via three mitochondrial DNA markers (814 bp of cytochrome b, 624 bp of cytochrome oxidase 1 and 404 bp of the control region) and four microsatellite loci (Habd3, Habd6, Habd7 and Habd9). These markers revealed between 0.7–2.2% sequence divergence and 32–46 alleles with low differentiation among populations around the coastline. In total, 169 seahorses (79 females and 90 males) were sampled with 36 sequences generated for each marker and 166 genotypes attained. It is hoped that this new knowledge will aid in the development of future conservation management.
Synthesis of the Methyl Glycosides of a Di- and Two Trisaccharide Fragments Specific for the Shigella flexneri Serotype 2a O-Antigen

ABSTRACT The stereocontrolled synthesis of methyl α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (EC, 1), methyl α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-[α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (B(E)C, 3) and methyl α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside (ECD, 4) is described; these constitute the methyl glycosides of branched and linear fragments of the O-specific polysaccharide of Shigella flexneri serotype 2a. Emphasis was put on the construction of the 1,2-cis EC glycosidic linkage resulting in the selection of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride (8) as the donor. Condensation of methyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-O-trimethylsilyl-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (11) and 8 afforded the fully protected αE-disaccharide 20, as a common intermediate in the synthesis of 1 and 3, together with the corresponding βE-anomer 21. Deacetalation and regioselective benzoylation of 20, followed by glycosylation with 2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (15) afforded the branched trisaccharide 25. Full deprotection of 20 and 25 afforded the targets 1 and 3, respectively. The corresponding βE-disaccharide, namely, methyl β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (βEC, 2) was prepared analogously from 21. Two routes to trisaccharide 4 were considered. Route 1 involved the coupling of a precursor to residue E and a disaccharide CD. Route 2 was based on the condensation of an appropriate EC donor and a precursor to residue D. The former route afforded a 1:2 mixture of the αE and βE condensation products which could not be separated, neither at this stage, nor after deacetalation. In route 2, the required αE-anomer was isolated at the disaccharide stage and transformed into 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,3-di-O-benzoyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (48) as the EC donor. Methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4,6-O-isopropylidene-β-D-glucopyran-oside (19) was preferred to its benzylidene analogue as the precursor to residue D. Condensation of 19 and 48 and stepwise deprotection of the glycosylation product afforded the target 4.
Confronting Imperfect Detection: Behavior of Binomial Mixture Models under Varying Circumstances of Visits, Sampling Sites, Detectability, and Abundance, in Small-Sample Situations

Abstract Binomial mixture models (BMMs) have been increasingly applied to account for imperfect detection and to estimate abundance from count data, but their performance has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, I conducted simulation experiments to examine parameter estimates in BMMs under various situations. I generated data by assuming that abundance followed a Poisson distribution with an expected value &lgr; and that the number of detected individuals followed a binomial distribution with an individual detection probability p. In simple simulations without covariates for &lgr; and p, when the number of sampling sites (n) was between 20 and 160, BMMs could recover &lgr; and p under the following conditions: 0.1≤&lgr;≤160 and p≥0.1. However, within these ranges of &lgr; and p, the estimates were variable under lower values of &lgr; and p, although the situation improved as n increased. When &lgr; and p are expected to exceed these ranges and the sample size is small, the results suggest that sampling and/or modeling designs should be reconsidered. I then conducted simulation experiments with covariates. I assumed that &lgr; increased with a covariate (x) across 20 sampling sites. I varied p, number of visits (v), and their dependency on a covariate. To compare BMMs with analyses that did not accommodate imperfect detection, I fitted ordinary Poisson generalized linear models to mean and maximum counts (GLMmean and GLMmax). The results showed that GLMmax was superior to GLMmean because GLMmean underestimated &lgr; when p was small. GLMmax underestimated a coefficient of the covariate (slope) when v was negatively correlated with x. BMMs successfully recovered true values of the intercepts, slopes, and &lgr; in most cases. However, when p and v were small, and when p and &lgr; were highly negatively correlated due to their inverse dependency on x, estimates from BMMs were more variable.
Executive accountability around the world: Sources of cross-national variation in firm performance–CEO dismissal sensitivity

In this study, the authors investigate why CEOs seem to be held more accountable for poor firm performance in some countries than others. The article integrates research from comparative corporate governance and agency theory to identify and evaluate four fundamental assumptions underlying most theoretical arguments linking performance and dismissal: (1) CEOs are personally responsible for firm performance outcomes; (2) boards/owners have the power to dismiss CEOs; (3) firm performance measures are meaningful; and (4) suitable alternative candidates for the CEO role are available. The authors argue that CEO accountability will vary in line with the extent to which these assumptions are more or less valid from one country to the next. They provide robust evidence – across both market-based and accounting-based measures – that CEOs are more likely to be dismissed following poor firm performance in countries where managerial discretion is high, where firm performance measures are more meaningful, and where the CEO labor market is more developed. However, the authors do not find support for their prediction that CEO accountability varies in line with cross-national differences in CEO power asymmetry.
The effect of malathion 60 on Gammarus pulex (L.) below watercress beds

The organophosphorus insecticide Malathion 60 is used to control terrestrial arthropod pests on watercress, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum L. (Hayek). The use of this pesticide could damage aquatic invertebrate communities in nearby chalk streams, so an in situ experiment was undertaken with the amphipod Gammarus pulex L. to determine the extent of this risk. Caged G. pulex were placed below two selected watercress beds and their associated settling pools, and their mortality, feeding rate, and acetylcholinesterase activity measured before and after the application of Malathion 60 to the watercress crop. The differences found between prespray and postspray samples of G. pulex taken from the stations immediately below both watercress beds follow: (a) the acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower at both stations after spray application; (b) the mortality rate was significantly higher at one station after spray application, but not at the other; (c) there were no clear effects on feeding rates at either station. Also, there were no significant detrimental effects at either of the stations located below the settling pools. Results from this study suggest that the use of Malathion 60 on watercress beds at recommended rates presents little risk to G. pulex living in streams below watercress farms if bed effluent passes through a settling pool before release.
Lipid composition and antioxidant activities of the seed oil from three Mlvaceae species

The oil content and fatty acids, unsaponifiable composition and antioxidant activities of the seed oil from three Malvaceae species (Malva sylvestris L., Malva sylvestris L. var. mauritiana and Althaea officinalis L.) from Serbia were de- termined. The oil yields from the seeds varied from 7.18 to 9.60%. The main fatty acids of the seed oils were linoleic acid (44.14-54.49%), oleic acid (13.00-16.99%) and palmitic acid (11.45-24.29%). A small amount of cyclopropenoid acids, up to 1.85% was also established. The predominant sterol in all seed oils was β-sitosterol (11.51-17.34 mg/g of oil). The antioxidant potential of all the investigated seed oils was evaluated by radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.