Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed reserves of chickpea in relation to molybdenum supply

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L), cv K75 plants were grown till maturity at 0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001 (deficient), 0.02 (adequate), 0.2 (supranormal) and 2.0 (excess) mg dm−3 Mo in refined sand. The pod and seed yield of chickpea were at a maximum at 0.2 mg dm−3 Mo, which is ten times higher than the usual Mo requirement. The seed weight of chickpea was decreased more by low ( 0.02–0.2 mg dm−3). In comparison, the content of methionine, lysine, legumin, vicilin, total proteins, protein and non-protein nitrogen in seeds of chickpea decreased variably both at low ( 0.2 mg dm−3) Mo. Both deficiency and excess of Mo deteriorated the quality of seeds by increasing the content of phenols, cysteine and albumin and decreasing that of methionine, lysine, legumin and vicilin protein fractions, apart from reducing the seed weight. The quality of seeds deteriorated more by deficiency than excess of Mo in chickpea. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Shrub facilitation of Quercus humilis regeneration in succession on calcareous grasslands

In southern France, the natural invasion by Quercus humilis of calcareous grassland takes place in a mosaic of herbaceous and scrubby patches. We hypothesized that the presence of the shrubs Buxus sempervirens and Juniperus communis alter the rate and the pathway of the succession by facilitating the regeneration of Q. humilis. To infer the process of facilitation at a large scale, the spatial distribution of Q. humilis was studied in relation to acorn sources and the type of plant cover in grazed and ungrazed sites. Abundant recruitment up to 80 m from the wood margins and from isolated oak trees in grassland shows that acorns are dispersed effectively. At the three study sites, the density of Q. humilis individuals was higher under shrubs than in grassland, suggesting that facilitation may occur. This density difference was much higher in the grazed sites than in the ungrazed site. Moreover, before grazing by livestock, the distribution of first-year seedlings is independent of vegetation cover. Thus, shrubs improve Q. humilis regeneration by protecting individuals from grazing. The high density of individuals at the northern edge of shrubs suggests that a second facilitation mechanism may exist, probably related to improved germination conditions. Facilitation by shrubs appears to be very important for Q. humilis dynamics.
An updated classification of Orchidaceae

Since the last classification of Orchidaceae in 2003, there has been major progress in the determination of relationships, and we present here a revised classification including a list of all 736 currently recognized genera. A number of generic changes have occurred in Orchideae (Orchidoideae), but the majority of changes have occurred in Epidendroideae. In the latter, almost all of the problematic placements recognized in the previous classification 11 years ago have now been resolved. In Epidendroideae, we have recognized three new tribes (relative to the last classification): Thaieae (monogeneric) for Thaia, which was previously considered to be the only taxon incertae sedis; Xerorchideae (monogeneric) for Xerorchis; and Wullschlaegelieae for achlorophyllous Wullschlaegelia, which had tentatively been placed in Calypsoeae. Another genus, Devogelia, takes the place of Thaia as incertae sedis in Epidendroideae. Gastrodieae are clearly placed among the tribes in the neottioid grade, with Neottieae sister to the remainder of Epidendroideae. Arethuseae are sister to the rest of the higher Epidendroideae, which is unsurprising given their mostly soft pollinia. Tribal relationships within Epidendroideae have been much clarified by analyses of multiple plastid DNA regions and the low-copy nuclear gene Xdh. Four major clades within the remainder of Epidendroideae are recognized: Vandeae/Podochileae/Collabieae, Cymbidieae, Malaxideae and Epidendreae, the last now including Calypsoinae (previously recognized as a tribe on its own) and Agrostophyllinae s.s. Agrostophyllinae and Collabiinae were unplaced subtribes in the 2003 classification. The former are now split between two subtribes, Agrostophyllinae s.s. and Adrorhizinae, the first now included in Epidendreae and the second in Vandeae. Collabiinae, also probably related to Vandeae, are now elevated to a tribe along with Podochileae. Malaxis and relatives are placed in Malaxidinae and included with Dendrobiinae in Malaxideae. The increased resolution and content of larger clades, recognized here as tribes, do not support the ‘phylads’ in Epidendroideae proposed 22 years ago by Dressler. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 177, 151–174.
High levels of spatial and temporal recruitment variability in the temperate sparid Pagrus auratus

Knowledge of spatial and temporal variation in the abundance of early life stages is important to developing an understanding of juvenile recruitment processes and, ultimately, the dynamics and demographics of fish populations. In Victoria, south-eastern Australia, snapper, Pagrus auratus, supports an important fishery characterised by high variability in year-class strength. We investigated spatial and temporal variation in the recruitment of small juvenile (0+) snapper by monitoring their abundance in four bay and inlet nursery areas during four consecutive summer/autumn recruitment periods (2000–2003). We found considerable spatial variability in the abundance of recruits, both within and among inlets. Interannual recruitment variation, however, differed among inlets. Recruitment into the largest nursery area and most important fishery, Port Phillip Bay, varied by ~10-fold across years, whereas variation for the other inlets was low or not significant. There were also clear differences in size distributions of recruits among both inlets and years. Strong recruitment in Port Phillip Bay during 2001 was related to a longer period of spawning and successful larval settlement and was associated with above average water temperatures. Future monitoring of 0+ recruitment in Victoria and studies of the recruitment processes should be specific to individual nursery areas.
Antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds and standard antibiotics.

The methanolic extract of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds and eight standard antibiotics were tested in-vitro for comparative activity against 10 isolates of each of six bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, Streptococcus pyogenes, streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , all from throat infections. The methanolic extract exerted activity against all the bacteria tested almost in similar manner as gentamicin. Of the remaining seven standard antibiotics, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and tetracycline showed activity against one organism or the other. Remarkably, augmentinR, cloxacillin and cotrimoxazole had no activity against any of the bacterial isolates. Amoxycillin was able to affect only 2 of the 8 isolates of Esch. coli. This has lent credence to the ethnopharmaceutical claims of the curative affect of raw-chewed Garcinia kola seeds on throat infections as well as highlighting the bacterial resistance to standard antibiotics, particularly, the β-lactams. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 8 (1) 2007: pp. 68-76
Outbreaks Associated with Fresh Produce: Incidence, Growth, and Survival of Pathogens in Fresh and Fresh‐Cut Produce

shot assessment of contamination at a particular location on a particular produce item at a particular time of year, they rarely provide information on the source of contamination. For these reasons, caution must be used when interpreting data from these types of studies, and overly broad conclusions should be avoided. Nevertheless, numerous pathogenic microorganisms have been isolated from a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, sometimes at relatively high frequencies (Table I1-I7). Not all of the microorganisms listed in these tables have been linked to produce-associated illnesses. Under the right conditions, however, all of these microorganisms have the potential to cause produce-associated illness. Isolation rates are not consistent. Percentage of samples contaminated ranges from 0 to greater than 50%, depending upon the target pathogen and produce item. Data proScope An important consideration when addressing safety issues is the incidence of pathogens and outbreaks associated with particular food products. This chapter addresses outbreaks that have been associated with the consumption of fresh and fresh-cut produce. In addition, studies that investigate the incidence of pathogens and factors contributing to the survival and growth of pathogens are reviewed. Although they may not be exhaustive, the tables at the end of the chapter include highlights of incidence studies from industry and published literature sources (Tables I1-I7), outbreaks (Tables O1-O10), and growth/survival studies related to fresh produce (Tables G/S1 to G/S8).
Combined Effects of Temperature, Ultraviolet‐B Radiation, and Watering Regime on Growth and Physiological Processes in Canola (Brassica napus) Seedlings

Relatively few studies have investigated plant responses to the combined effects of multiple environmental factors. We studied the responses of canola (Brassica napus) seedlings to combinations of temperatures (22°/18°C and 28°/24°C), ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation levels (5 [ambient] and 10 [enhanced] kJ m−2 d−1), and watering regimes (well watered and water stressed). The higher temperature decreased stem diameter, leaf area, individual organ and total‐plant dry mass (DM), net CO2 assimilation (AN), water use efficiency (WUE), the chlorophyll (Chl) a–Chl b ratio, and UV‐absorbing compounds but increased specific leaf mass (SLM), leaf mass ratio (LMR), shoot‐root ratio (SRR), and Chl b. Enhanced UVB reduced leaf number and area, DM accumulation, SLM, LMR, AN, WUE, carotenoids, and Chl a:Chl b but increased leaf area ratio, SRR, and ethylene evolution. Water stress decreased plant growth, leaf moisture, leaf, stem, and total DM, LMR, SRR, and gas exchange but increased photosynthetic pigments, UV‐absorbing compounds, epicuticular wax, and ethylene evolution. Many plant parameters were affected by two‐ and three‐way interactions. Main factors and their interactions revealed that water stress has a larger negative influence on plants than the other two factors. We suggest that, under conditions of global climate change, water stress may have a stronger effect on plant performance than UVB radiation.
Pig plasma protein: potential use as proteinase inhibitor for surimi manufacture; inhibitory activity and the active components

The inhibitory activities of pig plasma protein (PPP) against proteinases and autolysis were studied. Using casein as a substrate, it was shown that PPP exerted inhibitory activity against Pacific whiting (PW) proteinase, papain and trypsin. At levels of 10 and 20 mg ml−1, PPP showed higher inhibitory activity than beef plasma protein (BPP) or egg white against PW proteinase (P < 0.05). The inhibitory activity was proportional to the concentration of PPP used up to 10 mg ml−1. PPP and BPP showed marked inhibition of autolysis of PW surimi at concentrations of 10–30 mg g−1. Egg white showed lower inhibition than PPP or BPP against autolysis of surimi (P < 0.05). Myosin heavy chain (MHC) in Pacific whiting surimi was better retained when higher concentrations of PPP were used, while no changes in actin were observed. Inhibitory activity staining on sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) substrate gels incubated with papain or trypsin indicated that residual protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 60 000–63 000 may be the active inhibitory components in PPP. These bands were found in PPP and bovine plasma fraction IV-1, although only under non-reducing conditions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved Growth of a White Crappie Population following Stocking of Saugeyes (Sauger × Walleye): A Top‐Down, Density‐Dependent Growth Response

Abstract The growth of white crappies Pomoxis annularis in Thunderbird Reservoir, Oklahoma, became unsatisfactory shortly after impoundment. Bottom-up strategies to improve growth (i.e., prey fish stockings) were unsuccessful. To increase predation on white crappies and elicit a density-dependent growth response, saugeyes (female walleye Stizostedion vitreum × male sauger S. canadense) were stocked annually from 1985 to 1996 and biennially thereafter. A 457-mm minimum length limit was placed on saugeyes to maintain high densities of adults. Annual trap-net samples revealed a reduction in abundance of stock-size (131–199 mm) white crappies and a concomitant increase in quality-size (200–249 mm) white crappies following establishment of the adult saugeye population. The mean length of white crappies of ages 1, 2, 3, and 5 increased after the saugeye population was established. Age-3 white crappies, on average, exceeded the 200-mm quality size from 1997 to 1999. The relative weights of stock-size white crapp.
The Role of DNA Methylation in Plant Development

DNA methylation has been implicated in a wide range of biological processes including gene regulation (Razin and Cedar 1991; Finnegan et al. 1993), determination of chromatin structure (Lewis and Bird 1991), timing of DNA replication (Lewis and Bird 1991), genomic imprinting (Sasaki et al. 1993), increasing the spontaneous mutation rate (Coulondre et al. 1978; Duncan and Miller 1980), as the basis for epigenetic phenomena (Holliday 1993), and as a defense mechanism to protect against foreign or invading DNA (Bird 1986; Bestor 1990; Doerfler 1991). Despite this, the existence of organisms such as yeast and Drosophila that lack DNA methylation has led to debate about the role of DNA methylation. There can be no doubt that DNA methylation plays a fundamental role in mouse development following the establishment of a targeted mutation of the DNA methyltransferase gene in the germ line of transgenic mice. Embryos that were homozygous for the mutation had methylation levels reduced to about 30% of wild-type levels. These embryos were stunted and delayed in development compared to their normal siblings and spontaneously aborted in mid-gestation. Although the underlying cause for the embryo-lethal phenotype has not been determined, it has been proposed that inappropriate gene expression resulting from the reduced level of DNA methylation is involved (Li et al. 1992). In contrast, mutants of Neurospora crassa that abolish all detectable methylation showed only minor changes in vigor and growth morphology, suggesting that DNA methylation is not absolutely essential for development of this organism (Foss et al. 1993). This.
Biogeography of the Baetic ranges (SE Spain): A historical approach using cluster and parsimony analyses of endemic dolomitophytes

Abstract The Baetic ranges are one of the major hot‐spots of biodiversity in the Mediterranean basin. The prominent Baetic plant richness is based mostly on the variety of ecological gradients, including the geological substrates such as dolomites. Dolomitic outcrops are not uncommon in the area, and they produce genuine edaphic islands inducing a peculiar flora and vegetation with high endemicity levels. Indeed, the habitats from these outcrops have been included in the Habitats Directive by the EU. This paper deals with the biogeographical relations between the dolomitophilous flora of the Baetic ranges. The presence/absence of those species was recorded in each of the Baetic ranges and the most interesting relations were revealed by means of two complementary strategies: Cluster Analysis and PAE. Using the current biogeographical classification of Rivas‐Martínez to describe the results, the ranges of the Rondean Sector appear separated from the rest of the Baetic chorological province, since they comprise the most distinct flora. This division could be explained by the fact that this sector was separated from the Iberian Peninsula during the Messinian age (7.2–5.3 Ma) and, simultaneously, connected to Africa. The rest of the ranges belong to one of the following two groups: (1) the Malacitan‐Almijarensean Sector and the western sub‐Baetic territories; (2) the eastern territories of the sub‐Baetic Sector. The ranges of the Guadician‐Bacensean and Alpujarrean‐Gadorensean Sectors behave as “satellite” ranges of the two above‐mentioned groups.
Photosynthesis of Marine Macroalgae from Antarctica: Light and Temperature Requirements

The photosynthetic performance of macroalgae isolated in Antarctica was studied in the laboratory. Species investigated were the brown algae Himantothallus grandifolius, Desmarestia anceps, Ascoseira mirabilis, the red algae Palmaria decipiens, Iridaea cordata, Gigartina skottsbergii, and the green algae Enteromorpha bulbosa, Acrosiphonia arcta, Ulothrix subflaccida and U. implexa. Unialgal cultures of the brown and red algae were maintained at 0°C, the green algae were cultivated at 10°C. IK values were between 18 and 53 μmol m−2 s−1 characteristic or low light adapted algae. Only the two Ulothrix species showed higher IK values between 70 and 74 μmol m−2 s−1. Photosynthesis compensated dark respiration at very low photon fluence rates between 1.6 and 10.6 μmol m−2 s−1. Values of α were high: between 0.4 and 1.1 μmol O2 g−1 FW h−1 (μmol m−2 s−1)−1 in the brown and red algae and between 2.1 and 4.9 μmol O2 g−1 FW h−1 (μmol m−2 s−1)−1 in the green algal species. At 0°C Pmax values of the brown and red algae ranged from 6.8 to 19.1 μmol O2 g−1 FW h−1 and were similarly high or higher than those of comparable Arctic-cold temperate species. Optimum temperatures for photosynthesis were 5 to 10°C in A. mirabilis, 10°C in H. grandifolius, 15°C in G. skottsbergii and 20°C or higher in D. anceps and I. cordata. P: R ratios strongly decreased in most brown and red algae with increasing temperatures due to different Q10 values for photosynthesis (1.4 to 2.5) and dark respiration (2.5 to 4.1). These features indicate considerable physiological adaptation to the prevailing low light conditions and temperatures of Antarctic waters. In this respect the lower depth distribution limits and the northern distribution boundaries of these species partly depend on the physiological properties described here.
New materials of Masiakasaurus knopfleri Sampson, Carrano, and Forster, 2001, and implications for the morphology of the Noasauridae (Theropoda: Ceratosauria)

Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology, no. 95: viii + 53 pages, 26 figures, 3 tables. New materials of Masiakasaurus knopfleri Sampson, Carrano, and Forster, 2001, and implications for the morphology of the Noasauridae (Theropoda: Ceratosauria).
Post-harvest and autumn management of tall fescue seed fields

Abstract Three post-harvest management systems, burning, grazing, and straw removal, imposed on the stubble of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) immediately following seed harvest produced similar seed yields in the following season. Autumn defoliation by grazing or cutting produced similar tall fescue seed yields compared to tall fescue plants which were undefoliated from the previous harvest. Applying atrazine (3 kg a.i./ha) initially reduced vegetative tiller numbers but seed yields were not affected.
Density dependence, compensation, and environmental effects on elk calf mortality in Yellowstone National Park

We studied survival of radiocollared elk (Cervus elaphus) calves in Yellowstone National Park from 1987 to 1990, and survival of calves computed from population estimates from 1968 to 1992. We hypothesized that summer and winter survival of elk calves and mass of neonates were inversely related to population size, measures of environmental severity, and timing of births. Herd-wide survival estimates based on winter counts, reported harvests, and herd classifications, suggested that winter survival of elk calves was related inversely to estimated size of the elk population during winter (P = 0.0002), but we found no correlation with an index of winter severity (P = 0.51). Summer survival of elk calves also was correlated inversely with the estimated size of the elk population the previous winter (P = 0.03). Summer survival of radiocollared calves averaged 0.65 (n = 127 marked calves) from 1987 to 1990, the losses mostly due to predation (22%). Winter survival of calves averaged 0.72 (n = 88 marked calves entered the winter period), with losses due mostly to malnutrition (58%). Summer survival of radiocollared calves was positively correlated with estimated birth weight (P = 0.001). Survival of radiocollared calves during winters 1987-90 was correlated positively with early calving and mildness of the winter (in contrast to herd-wide survival estimates), and was inversely correlated with estimated elk population size that winter (P = 0.006). Winter survival of radiocollared calves was lower during 1988-89 following the drought and large fires than the other 3 winters (P < 0.001). Predation on elk calves during summer doubled after the drought and fires of 1988 (13% calf losses to predation before the fires vs. 29% after the fires). Potential compensation existed between components of calf mortality: predators killed more light (P = 0.041) and more late born calves (P = 0.146); calves were born later and lighter (P = 0.048) following severe weather conditions; and heavier born calves survived at a higher rate (P = 0.006). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that density-dependent mortality of calves during winter due to malnutrition, and summer mortality of calves due to predation were partially compensatory but severe environmental conditions produced largely additive components to both summer (increased predation) and winter (increased malnutrition) mortality.
Cryopreservation of Caprine β-Lactoglobulin Transgenic Mouse Embryos

Abstract As an economical and safer alternative to the maintenance of transgenic animals as live stocks, transgenic embryo cryobanks can be generated and maintained indefinitely. Two-cell embryos obtained from four lines of caprine β-lactoglobulin transgenic mice homozygous for the transgene were cryopreserved, and their response to cryopreservation-related stress was investigated. Significant differences between transgenic lines were found in the viability of frozen/thawed transgenic embryos and also in two-cell embryo production after superovulatory treatment of transgenic females. The results of this study suggest that cryopreservation protocols should be assessed on each transgenic line before the generation of transgenic embryo banks.