Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Living a grounded life: Growth and nitrogenase activity of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus on solid media in response to culture conditions

We have previously shown that colony structure of Gluconactobacter diazotrophicus grown on solid media is important in protecting nitrogenase from inhibitory effects of 02. In this paper we develop a model based on empirical measurements to estimate the diffusion coefficient of the colony mucilage for O 2 (Do 2 ) and characterize the effect of various conditions of solid media culture on growth and nitrogenase activity of G. diazotrophicus. Based on colonies growing at 20 kPa O 2 at 22°C, we estimated the flux (F) of 02 to the bacterial zone in the colony to be 0.0246 nmol 02 mm -2 s -1 . Based on this value of F, DO 2 was calculated to be 0.000919 mm 2 s -1 , a value 44% of the diffusion coefficient of O 2 in water. The media pH and temperature optima for nitrogenase activity (5.5 and 30°C, respectively) of G. diazotrophicus grown on solid media are similar to those reported for liquid and semi-solid media. Although the response to ammonium concentration in the media is similar to that reported for liquid media, nitrate concentrations 0.5 mM were inhibitory to nitrogenase activity. The range of sucrose concentrations supportive of nitrogenase activity was broad (0.5 to 15%), but growth and nitrogenase activity were much lower when glucose and fructose were the carbon sources. We speculate that good growth and nitrogenase activity by G. diazotrophicus on solid media requires sucrose for levansucrase-mediated production of the fructan components of the colony mucilage.
A new vole from Xizang, China and the molecular phylogeny of the genus Neodon (Cricetidae: Arvicolinae)

During a faunal survey in southern Xizang, we collected 27 specimens of voles that could not be identified as any knownspecies in the Arvicolinae. These specimens shared the following morphological characteristics, not corresponding withany other arvicoline species: the first lower molar possessed five closed triangles, the third upper molar exhibited eitherfour or three inner angles, and the tails of all specimens measured 30% of the body length. Their proximal baculum of theglans was very sturdy and trumpet-shaped, the distal baculum was tongue-like and sturdy, and the lateral bacula were veryshort. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) geneclustered these specimens as a distinct lineage within the genus Neodon. According to the morphological and moleculardata, we described them as a new species, Neodon linzhiensis. Our phylogenetic analysis strongly supported that Lasio- podomys fuscus, Phaiomys leucurus, Neodon sikimensis, N. irene and the new species formed a monophyletic group, notincluding N. juldaschi. We suggested that L. fuscus and P. leucurus should be transferred to Neodon and that N. juldaschi should be removed from this genus. Following our new delineation of Neodon, we proposed a redefinition of the morphological diagnostic characters of the genus.
Long-Term Dynamics in “Trophy” Sizes of Pelagic and Coastal Pelagic Fishes among California Recreational Fisheries (1966–2013)

AbstractIn California, recreational fisheries contribute a significant amount to coastal economies, with pelagic and coastal pelagic species constituting a principal set of target species during summer and fall. Although traditional catch frequency (landings) data sets exist for these species, size-specific information is limited, especially for the largest size-classes. We digitized weekly records of trophy catch reported in the “Whoppers of the Week” section of the Western Outdoor News, a California fishing and hunting newspaper published since 1953. The resulting database contained catch records that described the largest fish caught at each sportfishing landing site along the California coast during 1966–2013. We then assessed the temporal dynamics in trophy size of the top-15 pelagic and coastal pelagic species, with a combined total of 21,440 individual catch records. Among the 15 pelagic and coastal pelagic species examined, the Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares and Striped Bass Morone saxatilis wer.
USING BIOTECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE RESISTANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN FRUIT CROPS: THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING PHYSIOLOGY

Environmental stress can significantly impact the yield, fruit quality, and longevity of fruit trees. In particular, freeze injury can result in the loss of an entire crop or even an entire orchard. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in understanding the genetic regulation of cold hardiness, as well as resistance to other abiotic stresses. At first, research focused on isolating and characterizing cold-regulated (cor) genes and then advanced to the discovery of cold-induced transcription factors and the characterization of cold-induced changes in whole genomes using microarray technologies. Metabolomics, and proteomics have also provided a wealth of new information on the metabolism and biochemistry of cold acclimation. In fruit trees, and woody plants in general, cold hardiness is a complex trait and a thorough understanding of the physiology of freezing tolerance is needed if biotechnology is going to be used effectively to improve environmental stress resistance. The factors that limit cold hardiness in mid-winter are very different from those that are responsible for frost susceptibility in the spring. In contrast to what is observed in herbaceous crops, tissues in woody plants that are in very close proximity to each other can differ dramatically in cold hardiness and the mechanisms by which they cold acclimate. For example, xylem tissues are generally less cold hardy than bark tissues, and the flower buds of some fruit crops exhibit deep supercooling, a freeze-avoidance mechanism that relies on the biophysical properties of the bud tissues. Therefore, different approaches will be needed to influence cold resistance depending on the type of injury (mid-winter or spring) and tissue-type (buds vs. stems) that is being targeted for improvement. Despite this complexity, significant opportunities exist for improving resistance to environmental stress in fruit crops. The targeting of dehydrin proteins to flower buds and the use of transcription factors to regulate suites of genes are two approaches. Additionally, the overexpression of antixodant enzyme (APX or SOD) genes is also a viable approach to improving resistance to several environmental stresses. Recent genomic and proteomic research on stress response in fruit trees is also being used to develop a more comprehensive understanding of environmental stress resistance.
Comparison by Isozyme and RAPD Analysis of Some Isolates of the Grapevine Dieback Fungus, Eutypa lata

The purpose of this study was to identify molecular markers suitable for developing studies on the genetic variation and biology of the grapevine dieback fungus, Eutypa lata. Using a preliminary set of 18 isolates, 21 isozyme markers were identified in nine isozyme systems and 18 random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) markers were detected with six different 10-mer primers. A high level of genetic variation was found among isolates originating from different geographic locations. Polymorphism was also detected among isolates from the same stroma and the different stromas were clearly separated in the cluster analysis based on RAPD data. No association was found between the molecular patterns and either the host or the geographic proximity of the isolates. Isolates having a low pathogenicity on grapevine appeared genetically similar to other isolates. The isolate AM14 was clearly distinguished by both types of markers, and its taxonomic position is discussed. RAPDs appeared more promising than isozymes for the study of genetic variation of E. lata and for fingerprinting isolates with specific pathogenic traits.
River runoff to the Baltic Sea : 1950-1990

A database of monthly inflow of fresh water from rivers and land to the Baltic Sea and its subbasins is created. The database covers the period 1950-1990 and is based on observations from the national hydrological services of the surrounding countries. The main features of the database are presented including river flow of selected rivers and total inflow to the Baltic Sea and its subbasins. Long term, seasonal and short-term variabilities are analyzed and the effects of hydropower development are identified. An earlier database by Mikulski is used for comparison and extension of the record to cover the period 1921-1990. It is concluded that the variability of inflow is great and that the decade 1981-1990 was the wettest in 70 years. Wet years are also found in the 1920s. The increase in runoff is mainly due to increasing river flow during the cold seasons. The effects of hydropower development are noticeable in the records for the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea.
Dynamics of Foliar Nutrients in Major Species of a Broadleaf Forest in the Fushan Experimental Forest, Northeastern Taiwan

This study was carried out in a subtropical rainforest of the Fushan Experimental Forest, one of the long-term ecological study sites in Taiwan. The forest is mainly composed of hardwood species of Lauraceae, Fagaceae, and other families, including 8 major species investigated in this study, Phoebe formosana (Phfo), Litsea acuminata (Liac), Machilus thunbergii (Math), Castanopsis cuspidata var. carlesii f. sessilis (Cacu), Pasania hancei var. ternaticupula f. ternaticupula (Paha), Oreocnide pedunculata (Orpe), Meliosma squamulata (Mesq), and Pyrenaria shinkoensis (Pysh). Orpe, the only shrub in this study, was mainly found in the valley along with Phfo. The other 6 tree species grow on the hillsides and hilltops. This study investigated the concentrations and seasonal patterns of foliar nutrients in these species and the relationship between foliar nutrients and soil properties. The concentrations of N and P in 1-yr-old leaves were also used to estimate the resorption rates of N and P. Foliar nutrient concentrations significantly differed among the 8 species. Orpe, the valley shrub, had higher foliar nutrient concentrations than the other species. Among the 3 species of Lauraceae, Phfo, a valley tree, also had higher foliar N, P, and K levels than Liac and Math. The significant differences in soil properties between the hillside/hilltop and the valley may have con-tributed to differences in the foliar nutrient composition among species from different topographic locations. Foliar concentrations of N, P, and K usually decreased and foliar Ca increased as the leaves aged. The seasonal patterns of foliar Mg concentrations differed among species. The foliar concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg consistently dropped 1 mo after leaf emergence, suggesting the dilution effect of leaf expansion. Nitrogen concentrations in 1-yr-old leaves ranged between 1.12 and 3.02%, and P concentrations between 0.05 and 0.06%. Comparisons with the general thresholds of resorption proficiency suggested that within 1 yr, P was resorbed more completely than N. Therefore, P is probably more limited in the Fushan forest.
Long-term measurements of surface fluxes above a Scots pine forest in Hyytiälä, southern Finland, 1996-2001

We present nearly six years of measurements of surface fluxes of momentum, sensible heat, water vapour, carbon dioxide and aerosol particles, along with a three-month time series of ozone flux, measured by eddy covariance above a Scots pine forest in southern Finland from April 1996 to December 2001. The results show marked seasonal and diurnal variation and a significant effect of local and remote anthropogenic pollution on CO 2 and particle data. The flux of inert CO 2 followed environmental factors through plant and soil-microbe metabolism very closely. The flux of reactive O 3 depended on the overlapping influences of environmental parameters driving photosynthesis and of the available amount of reaction partners. The flux of multireactive aerosol particles showed no clear connection with any environmental variable. On new-particle-formation days, the average deposition velocity of particles was, however, greater than usual because small nucleation-mode particles have greater deposition velocities than do larger accumulation-mode particles.
Didymodon jimenezii (Pottiaceae), a new species from Tibet, China

Abstract A new species, Didymodon jimenezii J.Kou, X. -M.Shao & C.Feng, is described and illustrated from Dinggyê County in the south Tibet of China. It is characterized by ovate-lanceolate leaves with acuminate or acute apex, lamina yellow with KOH, costa short-excurrent, widest and usually strongly spurred at midleaf, guide cells in 1 (2) layers, without ventral stereids, costal ventral epidermis with a pad of bulging cells and basal marginal cells with regularly thickened transverse walls. The new species is contrasted with similar species in the genus.
Intestinal parasites in two indigenous ethnic groups in northwestern Amazonia

Approximately 90% of the population in the northwestern Amazonia is composed of indigenous people and their healthcare is still a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of parasites in two indigenous ethnic groups (Bare and Baniwa) in northwestern Amazonia. Stool samples from 270 individuals (199 Baniwa and 71 Bare) were analyzed using Richie's method and the spontaneous sedimentation method. Statistical differences among the proportions of infected individuals based on gender, age, and ethnicity were determined. All individuals were infected by protozoans or helminths. The most frequent parasites in the indigenous people were Ascaris lumbricoides (73%), Entamoeba spp. (53%), and Giardia intestinalis (48%). Protozoan parasites were more common among children aged 0-12 years; however, the frequency of helminths, such as hookworms and A. lumbricoides, was higher in adults. There were no significant differences in parasite frequencies between different genders or ethnic groups. Mixed infections by two or more protozoan and/or helminth species were detected in 96% of individuals. One individual was infected by 14 species. A high frequency of intestinal parasites was found in Bare and Baniwa ethnic groups. Improvements to infrastructure and health education programs are required to reduce risk of infection by intestinal parasites.
CRESCIMENTO INICIAL DO PINHÃO-MANSO SUBMETIDO A DIFERENTES REGIMES HÍDRICOS EM LATOSSOLO VERMELHO DISTRÓFICO

The objective of this work was to evaluate different water regimes on initial growth and some physiological variables of physic nut ( Jatropha curcas L.) in dystrophic Haplustox. The experiment was carried under greenhouse conditions of the Embrapa Western Agriculture, located in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Treatments corresponded to water regimes of 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100% of the soil water retention capacity. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized with five treatments and five replicates. The evaluations of plants height, stem diameter and number of leaves were performed in six dates, while the variables stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate were determined in two dates. At the end of experiment were evaluated the leaf area, dry mass of the leaves, petioles, stems and roots of all plants of physic nut. The water regimes of 60% and 80% of the soil water retention capacity provide the best responses to the physiological variables and of growth in the initial phase of physic nut. Available water contents in a dystrophic Haplustox, below of 60% and superiors the 80% of the soil water retention capacity induce signs of water stress in young plants of physic nut.
Screening melon genotypes for resistance to Meloidogyne enterolobii

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a cucurbitaceous of great appreciation worldwide. The intensive cultivation of melons has favored the increase of plant health problems in several producing regions. Among these problems, the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) stands out. The development of genetically resistant cultivars is consolidated as an effective strategy for the management of these pathogens, it is then essential to screen cultivars and accessions for later identification of genetic sources of resistance. This study aimed to evaluates the reaction of melon genotypes to Meloidogyne enterolobii. The essay was conducted at the Sector of Vegetable Crops and Aromatic-Medicinal Plants of UNESP-FCAV Jaboticabal Campus, in greenhouse, from March to June, 2015. It was evaluated 18 melon genotypes, two commercial cultivars 'Fantasy' and 'Louis', and as susceptibility control, the tomato 'Santa Cruz Kada'. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 21 treatments and 7 repetitions. The total number of eggs and juveniles in the roots (TNEJ) and the reproduction factor (RF) were obtained in order to determine the reaction of each genotype evaluated. The accessions PI 414723, AC 29, and PI 124112 are resistant to M. enterolobii and are therefore promising for breeding programs. Key words: Cucumis melo, reproduction factor, plant breeding, root-knot nematode.
Pollen Tube Growth and Seed Set of Banksia coccinea R.Br. (Proteaceae)

Controlled hand pollinations and field observations were used in conjunction with fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy and fruit and seed set to investigate the timing of stigma receptivity, pollen tube growth and self-incompatibility in relation to fertility in B. coccinea. The species showed both protandry and partial self-incompatibility. Peak stigma receptivity as measured by pollen germination was recorded at 3 d after anthesis and maximum production of stigmatic exudate at 6 d. Pollen tubes reached the base of the style by 6 after pollination. A 5 × 5 dialled experiment was conducted and the results measured by pollen tube growth (.)
Colony Dynamics of Large Gulls Nesting in Labrador, Canada

Abstract. Information on the status, trends and dynamics of large gulls nesting in northern areas is limited. Herring (Larus argentatus) and Great Black-backed (L. marinus) gull breeding colonies were surveyed in coastal Labrador, Canada, from 1998 to 2003 to assess short-term population trends and colony site dynamics. Between 1998 and 2003, 117 islands distributed across three major archipelagos were surveyed on two or more occasions, documenting 1,054 gull clutches. Nesting was noticeably uniform across islands in the archipelagos, with mild aggregations noted in only one region. Incidence (the proportion of islands occupied by Herring and Great Black-backed gulls) declined over the study period, and there were fewer colonization events than abandonment events (also suggesting declines). Abundance declined in one region and overall at 2.9% per year over the 6-year period. Colony abandonment rates did not detectably decline with increasing colony size, and island isolation, indexed by the number of islands within 5 km, was not related to colonization rates. Herring and Great Black-backed gulls in Labrador showed positive incidence and abundance relationships at two spatial scales, indicating that more islands were occupied at larger local population sizes. This study revealed that colony-level metrics can be combined with population trend analysis to allow a richer assessment of the dynamics of colonial species.
Population dynamics in Botrychium matricariifolium in Bitcherland (Northern Vosges Mountains, France)

L'etude des fluctuations d'une population de Botrychium matricariifolium (Retz) A. Braun au cours de la periode 1986/90 dans la plus importante station de cette espece du Pays de Bitche montre une relative stabilite des effectifs de frondes apparues annuellement (de l'ordre de 20) sur une surface-test de 15 m 2 . Cette constance contraste nettement avec l'irregularite des apparitions de cette espece observee pour des populations a faible effectif. Un tel suivi de la localisation precise des frondes apparues au cours des 5 annees sur la surface-test a revele un renouvellement de l'ordre de 50% d'une annee a la suivante des sporophytes ayant produit des frondes, ainsi que le tres faible nombre des sporophytes qui pourraient avoir developpe des frondes apres une absence de production de fronde d'une ou quelques annees (.)
Effect of different levels of NaCl-induced salinity on growth, photosynthesis, leaf chlorophyll concentration and ion distribution of adansonia digitata L. seedlings

The effect of salinity on growth, photosynthesis, leaf chlorophyll concentration and mineral uptake of baobab seedlings (Adansonia digitata L.) was investigated. Four weeks old seedlings were grown in sand culture and were treated with different salt solutions. Treatments were prepared by adding 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mM NaCl to the nutrient solution. Plant growth was strongly affected by the salt treatments. In the 20 mM NaCl variant, a reduction of 66% dry weight occurred in comparison to the control plants. Foliar injuries (necrosis) and defoliation appeared within all salt treatments. However, with increasing salinity levels, leaf moisture content increased, indicating a salt-induced leaf succulence. Increased NaCl salinity decreased the net photosynthesis rate. Chlorophyll content of leaves at higher salinity levels was lower than at lower salinity levels. Raising NaCl in the irrigation solution increased Na + and Cl- concentration in the plant tissue. Ca 2+ /Na + and K + /Na + ratios in the leaves were strongly reduced in salt treated plants. The results indicate that salinity significantly influences growth and metabolism of A. digitata seedlings. Therefore, in the seedling stage, baobab can be characterised as a very salt-sensitive species.
Re‐ensiling and inoculant application with Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici on sorghum silages

Re-ensiling of previously ensiled forage has been a common practice in Brazil, and the use of inoculants may provide a means of reducing dry-matter (DM) loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of re-ensiling and the use of microbial inoculants on the quality of sorghum silage. Treatments were presence/absence of an inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici) in the silage, and the re-ensiling, or not, of the material after 24 h of exposure to air, and these were tested in a factorial 2 × 2 design. Losses due to gas, effluent and total DM were assessed, as were the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, aerobic stability, and aerobic counts of microorganisms. Effluent loss was higher in re-ensiled silage, and these silages had lower lactic acid content and higher levels of acetic and propionic acids. The in vitro DM digestibility was lower in the re-ensiled sorghum silages. The re-ensiled silage had higher aerobic stability. The inoculant only increased the acetic acid content of the silage. The re-ensiling of sorghum silage increased effluent loss by 71·2%, and reduced DM digestibility by 5·35%. The use of inoculant did not influence the quality of sorghum silage.