Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dormancy, small seed size and low germination rates contribute to low recruitment in Desmodium cuspidatum (Fabaceae)

Abstract Plant population growth and persistence are strongly influenced by germination and recruitment, which can be dramatically affected by seed dormancy, local site conditions, seed size and seed predation. Understanding factors that limit germination can help to explain low recruitment rates and is particularly important for species of conservation concern. Desmodium cuspidatum has declined dramatically in the northeastern United States and is currently listed as historic, threatened or endangered in all five New England states where it once occurred. Remaining populations exhibit low reproductive success and low recruitment rates, even though seed viability is nearly 100%. Requirements for optimal germination, including the breakdown of physical dormancy, effect of local site characteristics, and seed mass were largely unknown. In addition, while recruitment rates in co-occuring Desmodium species are reportedly higher than those of D. cuspidatum, germination rates in these species were unavailable for comparative purposes. Lastly, the effect of pre-dispersal seed predation, commonly observed in Desmodium species, was unknown. We performed a series of three controlled experiments to assess optimal conditions for germination (D. cuspidatum), the relationship between germination rate and seed size (mass, D. cuspidatum, D. glutinosum and D. paniculatum) and the effect of pre-dispersal seed predation on germination (D. canadense and D. paniculatum). Our results suggest that low recruitment rates observed in New England populations of D. cuspidatum are related to physical dormancy and local site conditions, whereby the highest germination rates are found when seeds are placed on bare soil, regardless of whether they are covered with leaf litter. Germination rates in D. cuspidatum were generally lower than those observed for two more common Desmodium species, D. glutinosum, and D. paniculatum and were positively correlated with seed mass in all three species. Seeds grown with field-collected soil had lower germination rates but higher nodulation rates than those grown in sterilized potting soil. Seed predation by weevils had no detectable difference on germination rates in D. paniculatum and D. canadense.
Arabidopsis AtcwINV3 and 6 are not invertases but are fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) with different substrate specificities

The genome of Arabidopsis thaliana contains six putative cell-wall type invertase genes (AtcwINV1-6). Heterologous expression of AtcwINV1, 3 and 6 cDNAs in Pichia pastoris revealed that the enzymes encoded by AtcwINV3 and 6 did not show invertase activity. Instead, AtcwINV3 is a 6-FEH and AtcwINV6 is a fructan exohydrolase (FEH) that can degrade both inulin and levan-type fructans. For AtcwINV6 it is proposed to use the term (6&1) FEH. In contrast, AtcwINV1 is a typical invertase. FEH activity was also detected in crude extracts of different parts of Arabidopsis. To verify that the FEH activity of AtcwINV3 and 6 were not artefacts of the heterologous expression system, the protein corresponding to AtcwINV3 was isolated from whole Arabidopsis plants and indeed showed only 6-FEH activity and no invertase activity. Although no fructans can be detected in Arabidopsis plants, it is shown that kestoses (trimers) can be synthesized in crude leaf extracts. The putative physiological significance of FEH in so-called non-fructan plants is discussed.
Prevalence assessment of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) in bovine sub-clinical mastitis and their effect on somatic cell count (SCC) in Iranian dairy cows

The contagious pathogens causing mastitis were evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) in 4 quarters of the first, third, and fifth parities in industrial, semi-industrial, and traditional dairy cattle farms in Isfahan province, Iran. Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis caused by contagious pathogens in industrial, semi-industrial and traditional farms was 13.4, 38.2 and 44.2%, respectively, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was more prevalent than Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactia) in all the dairy farms. However, prevalence of S. agalactiae was more in industrial farms as compared to traditional farms. The mean somatic cell count (SCC) did not differ significantly in different farm types. S. aureus was more prevalent than S. agalactiae in each parity number. Mean SCC between M-PCR- and M-PCR+1 status had no significant difference within the first parity. The mean SCC differed significantly with increasing parity number. In M-PCR-status parity number had non-significant effect on mean SCC. Therefore, mean SCC was affected not only by pathogen type and diversity but also by parity number. Key words: Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR), somatic cell count,Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, contagious pathogen.
Light‐induced redox cycling of iron in circumneutral lakes

The light‐induced redox cycling of FeII/FeIII was studied both in laboratory experiments and in the field in two circumneutral Swiss lakes: Greifensee, a eutrophic, natural water body, and Melchsee, an oligotrophic, artificial mountain lake. To determine FeII at the nanomolar level, an automated flow‐injection analysis system was used. Irradiation by simulated sunlight leads to pH dependent (pH 6.9–9.1) steady‐state FeII concentrations which are similar in samples from both lakes. However, the kinetics of FeIII reduction and of apparent Fe II oxidation are considerably faster in Melchsee. On the basis of experimental results and on modeling that uses literature values of known chemical transformation processes, we suggest that superoxide may be a key parameter for light‐induced iron redox cycling in these lakes. Field measurements of [FeII] in Greifensee and Melchsee show a pronounced day/night cycle, with FeII concentrations of ~0.1–0.2 nM at night and up to 0.9 nM near the surface during the day (pH 8.0–8.5). Depth profiles of [FeII] have two maxima: one at the surface and the second one at a depth of 5–10 m. Empirical rates and measured physical parameters were included in a model to simulate [FeII] as a function of time and depth. The model results indicate that FeII at the surface of both lakes is produced by light‐induced processes, whereas the deeper FeII maxima at depths with maximal chlorophyll a concentrations are probably due to a combination of biologically and photochemically induced processes.
Further studies on Zschokkella russelli Tripathi (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) from Ciliata mustela L. (Teleostei; Gadidae), with emphasis on ultrastructural pathology and sporogenesis

Abstract In this second study of the myxozoan Zschokkella russelli Tripathi from Wales, infection occurred in 71-0% of five-bearded rocklings, Ciliata mustela L. ; all infected fish were mature and immature fish were uninfected. Histologieal studies showed ehanges to gallbladder and liver that mostly conformed with earher findings, but sinusoidal dilation, which had not been seen previously, was present in three of 22 infected livers. Thickening around hepatic ducts was shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to comprise fibroblasts and associated collagen bundles, while the attenuated epithelium of hepatic ducts bore few mierovilli. Zschokkella russelli plasmodia were seen by TEM to have fine tubular structures, particularly adjacent to developing sporonts. Spores showed long extensions to the sporoplasm, while spore valves had up to 18 surface ridges each and depressions between ridges were supported by microtubules. Otherwise, in its general ultrastructure and sporogenesis Z. russelli resembled other myxosporida.
POWER

The crucial period for the Enlightenment theories concerning the divergence of England from much of continental Europe was between the tenth and fifteenth centuries. This is the classic period when European feudalism gradually turned into something else. Thus if we are to understand Maitland's solution to the question of how modern English society emerged, we have to follow him into a fairly technical discussion of the nature and peculiarity of English feudalism and how it differed from that of its continental neighbours. Although this is complex, it is at the heart of his analysis. He shows the peculiar nature of the arrangement which emerged on this island, both centralized and de-centralized, and he explains how this happened. By taking part of the feudal tie to its logical extreme, England benefited from great cohesion; by devolving power to the locality the country enjoyed flexibility and a certain amount of proto-democracy. Thus Maitland explains in detail what Tocqueville, Maine and others had only guessed and sketched out.
Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Whey Cheese with Pine Nuts

This study aimed to develop a value-added whey cheese through addition of pine nuts. Therefore, different concentrations of pine nuts [2, 4, 6 and 8% (w/w)] were added to whey cheese. The study was designed to evaluate the influence of pine nuts on physicochemical and sensory properties of whey cheese. The addition of pine nuts resulted in an increase in fat content and total solids and a decrease in moisture content. However, no statistically significant difference was found in pH values. Sensory analysis was performed using the 9-point hedonic scale, with selected assessors. The whey cheese sample with 4% pine nuts was the most appreciated (7.6 points), followed by the classic whey cheese, whey cheese with 6 and 8% pine nuts (7.4 points), and whey cheese with 2% pine nuts (7.3 points). Nevertheless, the sensory characteristics of whey cheese were not significantly influenced by the addition of pine nuts. Whey cheese sensory profiling was successful in differential characterization of whey cheese samples.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Calling Male Frogs in Morro Do Diabo State Park (Southeastern Brazil): Implications for Conservation and Management in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest

ABSTRACT. The aims of this study are to determine how anuran calling males are spatially and temporally distributed in the Morro do Diabo State Park (MDSP), and to test for indicator species in different breeding habitats. We found high species turnover among breeding habitats of different hydroperiods. Our results indicate that spatial partitioning is more important than seasonal occurrence in permitting species coexistence at MDSP. Indicator Species Analysis identified one species associated with a local stream, one species associated with permanent ponds, two species associated with temporary ponds, and three species associated with a semipermanent pond. Guilds of species do not appear to stratify their distributions throughout the year, since most species occur during the rainy and warm months and are thus temporally overlapping. The main conservation implication of our work is the need to protect the different areas of the park where these unique breeding habitats, and their associated anuran assemblages, are found.
Short-term variability of abundance, diversity and activity of estuarine bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton

Short-term variability in abundance, heterotrophic activity and structural diversity of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton were assessed over 24-h cycles at a fixed point in the estuarine system of Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). Lipase activity was the only descriptor of bacterial activity significantly different in samples collected during the day and the night (up to 40% higher during the night) at equivalent tidal conditions. The lack of diel patterns in other microbiological parameters indicates uncoupling of estuarine bacteria from primary production, pointing to the relevance of allochthonous nutrient sources for heterotrophic bacteria in this mesotrophic system. Occurrence of strong positive correlations between the values of microbiological parameters (total bacterial abundance, chlorophyll a concentration, leucine-aminopeptidase, lipase, phosphatase, sulphatase and acetate and glucose incorporation) in bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton suggests that the surface community may originate from the underlying waters (UWs) concentrating at the surface through upward passive transport, and that bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton are subjected to similar environmental regulation. The results also indicate that the microbial enrichment of the surface microlayer relative to the UW is highly variable during the day, pointing to the importance of the sampling time for the outcome of comparative analyses of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton dynamics.
Root pruning and trunk scoring have limited effect on young bearing apple trees

To control excessive growth, vigorous 'Smoothee Golden Delicious', 'Jonagold', 'Empire', and 'Gala' apple ( Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars on Malling 7A (M.7A) rootstock planted at close in-row spacing (2.5 or 1.8 m) were mechanically root-pruned (RP), trunk-scored (TS; ringing), or both, annually for 3 to 5 years beginning in the fourth leaf. Trees were grown in a deep, well-drained, fertile soil and supplied with trickle irrigation. RP reduced terminal shoot length in 2 of 5 years on 'Smoothee Golden Delicious'; trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) was not affected by RP. TS reduced terminal length in 3 years and TCSA in each of 5 years of treatment on 'Smoothee Golden Delicious'. Bloom density was not affected by RP on 'Smoothee Golden Delicious' but was increased by TS in two of the three years measured. RP reduced terminal shoot length in 'Gala', 'Empire', and 'Jonagold' in most years and TCSA in 1993 for all cultivars. TS had no effect on shoot length or TCSA in these three cultivars. Effects of RP and TS on yield and fruit size varied with year and cultivar. In general, the effects of RP and TS were inconsistent and often failed to reduce shoot growth or canopy spread. No practical advantage was recognized from these techniques for young apple trees growing on a fertile site with trickle irrigation.
The Possible Synergestic Role of Phytic Acid and Catechin in Ameliorating the Deteriorative Biochemical Effects Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl )-induced h epatotoxicity in rats was used to assess the effect of catechin, phytic acid and their combination on the indexes of in rats cirrhosis. Liver profile enzymes,oxidative status and histological ex aminations re vealed that ca techin a nd phytic acid significantly 4 arrested progression of hepatic cirrhosis induced by CCl . Reduced activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) a nd cholesterol l evel, were detected while the levels o f t otal p rotein a nd albumin were increased. Electrophoretic separation of LDH isoenzymes revealed a marked reduction in LDH 4 &5 4 isoenzymes by combined treatment with bot h phy tic a cid and catechin. The development of CCl -induced hepatic ci rrhosis altered the redo x s tate res ulting i n de creased hepatic gl utathione (G SH), increased serum nitric oxide (NO) l evels and the formation of liver l ipid peroxidative products which were partially normalized by treatment with catechin and i ts combination with phytic acid, respectively. Moreover, P53 was in creased significantly wit h c atechin while a marked reduction in sialic a cid level wa s no ted post phytic aci d treatment. Histological examinations showed that the co mbination o f b oth phytic aci d and catechin nearly returned c ollagen fiber distribution to n ormal pattern. These results demonstrate that administration of phytic acid t ogether with catechin may be useful in the treatment and pr evention of hepatic cirrhosis on the experimental l evel.
The Privacy Calculus of “Friending” Across Multiple Social Media Platforms

Relationship building through social network sites (SNSs) requires privacy disclosure that involves a calculus of potential benefits against privacy risks. Tie formation (e.g., friending, following, or connecting) on SNSs is one of the most significant forms of privacy disclosure that not only communicate one’s willingness to disclose but can also reveal past activity history and invite future interactions. Based on the communication privacy management theory, the current study examines how users consider the privacy calculus and tie-formation affordances of the SNSs to manage ties across multiple SNSs. Using an online survey of 630 Facebook and/or Instagram users, the study revealed that individuals with higher privacy concerns strategically manage their privacy by connecting with different relationship ties through different SNSs as a way to construct sociotechnical boundaries between networks. The findings have implications for understanding privacy management online and provide a potential explanation for the privacy paradox.
AGE-RELATED TRENDS IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE BREEDING PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUAL FEMALE EURASIAN SPARROWHAWKS (ACCIPITER NISUS)

Abstract Age-related trends in breeding performance of female Eurasian Sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) were examined in south Scotland. Over a 22 year period, most individuals were banded and of known age. Previous analyses had shown that average number of young raised per breeding attempt (or year) increased progressively in successive age-groups to midlife (around five years) and declined thereafter. Here we analyze different components of breeding performance (such as clutch-size, hatching and fledging success) to find which components contribute most importantly to the overall age-related trend in productivity. Most aspects of breeding showed a similar upward–downward trend through the life span, but the downward trend in productivity in later life could be attributed mainly to poorer nestling survival. In general, in each aspect of breeding, the mean trend of the population as a whole was followed by individuals studied at different ages. Such individual trends were sufficient to account for the overall mean trend, and there was no need to postulate that high-performance or low-performance birds entered and left the breeding population at different ages. Only one aspect of breeding showed no trend with age, namely proportion of birds that laid having built a nest, but that type of failure affected only a small proportion of individuals.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CITRUS LIMONUM PULP AND PEEL

Plants have some specific chemicals called phytochemicals in them which may not have nutritional property as such, but they can work towards the deterance of diseases. As they can be absorbed by the human body, they can minimize the free radical damage caused to the cells, as a result of oxidative stress. Lemon is a citrus fruit considered to be rich in phytochemicals. This study provides an explicit perception about the Citrus limonum portion (pulp or peel), as to which one has more number of phytochemicals. The aqueous extracts of the pulp revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, fixed oils, reducing sugars, proteins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phytosterols, phenols and flavonoids, whereas the ethanolic pulp extracts showed only the presence of fixed oils, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phytosterols, flavonoids and amino acids. On the other hand, the aqueous peel extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, fixed oils, proteins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phenols and flavonoids and amino acids, whereas the ethanolic peel extracts revealed that they contained carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, fixed oils, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phytosterols, phenols and flavonoids.
New report of the coral-associated decapods from the Formazione di Castelgomberto (early Oligocene) (Vicenza, NE Italy)

A rich coral-associated decapod fauna has been recently described from the early Oligocene of Zaia of Castelgomberto (Monti Lessini Vicentini), Valmarana, and Soghe (Monti Berici) (Vicenza, NE Italy). The discovery of new decapods from some new and already known localities has increased the carcinologic knowledge of the Oligocene fauna of Vicenza area. The studied species are as follows: Callianassa sp. (Callianassidae Dana, 1852); Galathea cfr. G. weinfurteri Bachmayer, 1950, Palaeomunida defecta Lőrenthey, 1901 (Galatheidae Samouelle, 1819), Petrolisthes vicetinus Beschin, De Angeli & Checchi, 2001 (Porcellanidae Haworth, 1825), Pagurus cfr. P. latidactylus Muller & Collins, 1991 (Paguridae Latreille, 1802), Dromilites corvini (Bittner, 1893), Dynomene lessinea Beschin, De Angeli & Checchi, 2001 (Dynomenidae De Haan, 1833), Ethusa berica De Angeli & Beschin, 2008 (Ethusidae Guinot, 1977), Merocryptus altavillensis n. sp. (Leucosiidae Samouelle, 1819), Daira depressa (A. Milne Edwards, 1865) (Dairididae Serene, 1965), Corystites vicetinus n. sp. (Corystidae Samouelle, 1819), Euronectes grumiensis (Beschin, De Angeli & Checchi, 2001) (Portunidae Rafinesque, 1815), Branchioplax rossii De Angeli & Beschin, 2008 (Mathildellidae Karasawa & Kato, 2003), Palaeocarpilius aquitanicus A. Milne Edwards, 1862 (Carpiliidae Ortmann, 1893), Tetralia loerentheyi (Muller, 1975) (Tetraliidae Castro, Ng & Ahyong, 2004), Glabropilumnus granulatus n. sp. (Pilumnidae Samouelle, 1819), Bernuffzus ornatus n. gen., n. sp. , Actaeites lobatus Muller & Collins, 1991, Haydnella oligocenica De Angeli & Beschin, 2008 (Xanthidae MacLeay, 1838), Brachynotus oligocenicus n. sp. (Varunidae H. Milne Edwards, 1853), Daragrapsus trispinosus Muller & Collins, 1991 (Grapsoidea MacLeay, 1838). The decapod fauna includes crustaceans of small size living a coral-rich environment. Some of the studied species are also recorded from the late Eocene of Hungary. At present, 34 coral-associated decapod species are known from the early Oligocene of the Vicenza area. The study of this sample has pointed out that Merocryptus altavillenysis n. sp. represents the first report in the fossil record ascribed to this genus while Corystites vicetinus n. sp. is the second species belongs to this genus, known to date only with the Hungarian type species.
Tolerance of selected orange and mandarin hybrid fruit to low-dose irradiation for quarantine purposes

Tolerance of many citrus cultivars to low-dose irradiation treatment is not known. Ten citrus cultivars grown in Florida, including the five orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] cultivars, Ambersweet, Hamlin, Navel, Pineapple, and Valencia, and the five mandarin hybrids (Citrus reticulata Blanco), Fallglo', 'Minneola', 'Murcott', 'Sunburst', and 'Temple', were exposed to irradiation at 0, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 kGy, and stored for 14 days at 1 °C or 5 °C plus 3 days at 20 °C, to determine dose tolerance based on fruit injury. Softening of Valencia', 'Minneola', 'Murcott', and 'Temple' was dose-dependent, but that of other cultivars was unaffected. Only 'Ambersweet', Valencia', 'Minneola', and 'Murcott' did not develop peel pitting at 0.15 kGy or higher. Total soluble solids of 'Ambersweet' and 'Sunburst' declined slightly with increasing dose. Titratable acidity (TA) of oranges was not affected, but TA of Sunburst' and 'Temple' juice was slightly reduced by irradiation at 0.45 kGy. Juice flavor of Hamlin', 'Navel', 'Valencia', and 'Minneola', and pulp flavor of Hamlin', 'Valencia', Fallglo', 'Minneola', and 'Murcott' was less acceptable after irradiation at 0.3 or 0.45 kGy. The appearance of all cultivars was negatively affected by the loss of glossiness with the 0.45 kGy dose. Less than 1.0% of fruit decayed and irradiation treatment had no effect on decay. Our study indicates that growers and shippers need to be aware that the effects of irradiation on citrus fruits are highly variable and both cultivar-dependent and dose-dependent.