Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential responses of growth, chlorophyll content, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of compatible solutes to salt stress in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars

The present study was aimed to compare differential responses of growth, chlorophyll content, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of compatible solutes in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars: Fleur 11 (salt-tolerant), Mbiah and PC 79-79 (moderately-tolerant) and Vanda (salt-sensitive) at the vegetative growth stage, under greenhouse conditions, in the presence of 0, 50, 100 or 200 mM NaCl. The root dry weight (RDW) and shoot dry weight (SDW) of cv. Vanda decreased significantly (p< 0.05) in salt-treated plants than those of cvs. Fleur 11, Mbiah and PC 79-79. The SDW reduction was notably noted at 100 mM NaCl in cvs. Mbiah and PC 79-79, while cv. Fleur 11 showed significantly (P<0.05) decrease in salt-treated plants only at 200 mM NaCl but had higher SDW accumulation than others. The leaf chlorophyll content increased in cvs. Fleur 11 and PC 79-79 and decreased in cv. Vanda with increasing NaCl levels. Proline (PRO) and glycine betaine (GB) contents significantly (p<0.05) increase, for all cultivars, in the stressed plants with the highest quantity in Fleur 11 and the lowest in Vanda. Malondialdehyde levels increased under salt stress in the leaves of cv. Vanda but decreased in cvsMbiah, PC 79-79 and Fleur 11 at 100 and 200 mM, respectively. Total phenolic content increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 200 mM NaCl in the leaves of cv. Vanda than others, while cv. Fleur 11 showed the lowest increase. The salt-tolerant cv. Fleur 11 exhibits a better protection mechanism against oxidative damage caused by salt stress maintaining a higher accumulation of PRO and GB than others. Higher PRO and GB accumulation in the leaves may be regarded as potential biochemical indicator for earlier selection of salt tolerant peanut and targets for improvement through transgenic approaches. Keywords: Arachis hypogaea, glycine betaine, growth, lipid peroxidation, proline, salt stress African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(50) 4577-4585
The comparison of gap balance technique and measured resection technique in total knee arthroplasty

Objective To compare the difference in imaging and clinical effects between gap balance technique and measured resection technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods We recruited 300 patients undertaking TKA from July 2014 to July 2016. TKA were performed by using gap balance technique or measured resection technique randomly. The intraoperative rotation of femoral prosthesis, changes of joint line, osteotomy volume, preoperative and postoperative KSS score, WOMAC score, VAS and ROM were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 292 patients were included in the present study, and 248 patients were successfully followed up for 2 years. The operation duration of the gap balance group was 65.9±14.1 min, which was significantly less than that of the measured osteotomy group 70.5±16.5 min (t=2.36, P=0.02). The rotation angle α of the femoral prosthesis measured on CT scan postoperative in gap balance group was 0.67°±1.71°, which was significantly smaller than that of the measured resection technique group 1.25°±2.53° (t=2.12, P=0.03). The external rotation angle β between the osteotomy plate and femoral posterior condyle line in the gap balance group was 1.25°±1.26°, which was significantly greater than that of the measured resection technique 0.28°±0.19° (t=6.57, P<0.01). The bone cut volume of femoral medial posterior condyle in gap balance group 9.85±1.37 mm showed a statistically difference (t=2.02, P=0.04) compared with that of the measured osteotomy group 9.52±1.19 mm. The KSS score was 83.8±10.2 in the gap balance group after 1 month. It was superior to the measured resection technique group of 80.5±9.4 with statistical significance (t=2.65, P=0.01). The knee ROM was 101.7°±12.7° in the gap balance group at 1 month after surgery, which was better than that in the measured resection technique group 98.2°±11.8° (t=2.25, P=0.03). Conclusion The axis of the femoral prosthesis was more consistent with STEA in the gap balance group of TKA. The gap balance group had better ROM and KSS functional scores at the first month after surgery. However, there was no statistical difference in knee function at the 2-year follow-up between the two groups. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, knee; Osteotomy; Treatment outcome
Plant species diversity in Mediterranean old-growth forests: A case study from central Italy

Abstract To investigate the differences in understorey composition and diversity between old-growth and managed forests, we analyzed an old-growth and a managed beech stand in the same area displaying similar abiotic features. We considered variations in understorey species composition and richness. The sampled understorey species were characterized in terms of functional traits, Ellenberg's indicator values and taxonomic distinctness; next, we calculated four different pairwise plot-to-plot dissimilarity matrices based on species composition, functional traits, Ellenberg's indices and taxonomic distances. We applied a permutational multivariate extension of ANOVA to test whether the forest stands significantly differ in the considered features. Indicator values of all plant species in managed and old-growth stands were evaluated. The old-growth forest had a higher species richness; permutational analysis of variance showed significant differences between the two stands in plant species composition, functional traits, Ellenberg indices and taxonomic distances. Indicator species analysis highlighted 14 indicator species for the unmanaged stand, while only 3 indicators were found for the managed one. The results suggest that forest management determines ecological differences that strongly affect plant species composition. The knowledge of natural stands dynamics could allow development of new approaches and practices in forest management focusing on biodiversity conservation.
Chlorophyll fluorescence of the testa of Brassica oleracea seeds as an indicator of seed maturity and seed quality

Chlorophyll fluorescence of the testa of seeds is proposed as a non-invasive method for the determination of maturity and quality of seeds. In this study cabbage seeds (Brassica oleracea) were sorted individually based on the chlorophyll fluorescence signals into four subsamples labeled with respect to their chlorophyll fluorescence signal (low, medium, high and very high). The results show that the magnitude of the chlorophyll fluorescence signal was inversely related to the quality of the seeds, expressed as germination %, normal seedling %, germination rate (T50) and uniformity of germination (T75-T25). The seed lot could be improved from 90 to 97% normal seedlings by sorting out 13% of the seeds with very high chlorophyll fluorescence signals. Advantages of the chlorophyll fluorescence method for sorting seeds are the high sensitivity, the method being fully non-destructive, the high speed at which the fluorescence is generated and measured and the specificity for only chlorophyll. Other pigments or substances which can influence seed colour but do not fluoresce at the specific wavelengths of excitation and emission of chlorophyll, will not contribute to the fluorescence signal. These characteristics make chlorophyll fluorescence highly suitable as a new sorting technique.
Influence of Feed Form on Estimated Digestible Lysine Needs of Male Broilers from Sixteen to Thirty Days of Age

SUMMARY An experiment was conducted to determine if pelleting diets affected estimated digestible lysine needs for body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency (FE) of male broilers from 16 to 30 d. A 2 × 5 factorial treatment arrangement was achieved by feeding diets in 2 forms (mash and steamconditioned pellets) with 5 levels of digestible lysine (0.75, 0.85, 0.95, 1.05, and 1.15% of the diet). Six pens of 25 male broilers were fed each dietary treatment. Performance of birds fed pelleted diets with digestible dietary lysine levels above 0.95% was generally superior to that of birds fed mash diets, regardless of lysine level. Weight gain and FE data were fitted to an exponential model, and digestible lysine needs were estimated at 95% of the asymptote of the model. Dietary digestible lysine needs of mash-fed birds from 16 to 30 d for BWG and FE were 0.87 and 0.90%, respectively. Dietary digestible lysine needs for pellet-fed birds for BWG and FE were 1.00 and 0.99%, respectively. These data suggest that feed form is a factor influencing estimated lysine needs of broilers in dose-response studies.
The seasonal cycle of phytoplankton, macronutrients, and the microbial community in a nearshore Antarctic marine ecosystem

Seawater chlorophyll a concentration (size-fractionated at 20, 2, and 0.2 µm) and temperature have been measured weekly from December 1988 to August 1994 at a nearshore shallow-water station at Signy Island in the maritime Antarctic. Macronutrients (N, P, Si) were measured monthly, and the microbial community enumerated during a 15-month period. The duration of winter sea-ice, summer seawater temperature, and peak chlorophyll biomass all exhibited strong interannual variability. The summer peak of microplankton (>20 µm) chlorophyll was dominated by large diatoms and colonial forms, and there were late summer-early winter blooms in two of the six seasons examined. Peak concentrations of nanoplankton (20–2 µm) chlorophyll, predominantly from flagellates, were much lower but the bloom lasted longer and winter biomass was higher than in the microplankton. Seasonal macronutrient patterns suggested a preferential utilization of ammonium at the start of spring followed by a major utilization of nitrate by the summer diatom bloom. The microbial community was complex and showed a clear seasonality in all components, although the timing of the summer bloom differed between taxa. Cell numbers were low in winter, increasing in summer with flagellate taxa especially important in late summer. This study emphasizes the complex nature of the nearshore marine ecosystem and highlights the need for year-round oceanographic studies in the highly seasonal polar marine environment.
Planting time and mulching effect on onion development and seed production

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of planting time and mulches on bulb growth and seed production of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Taherpuri. Planting time and mulches had significant influence on almost all parameters studied. Onion planted on 21 November had better agronomic traits contributing towards yield formation. Growth and seed production was accelerated by black polythene. Seed yield (460.81 kgha-1) was highest in the plots planted on 21 Nov. Seed yield was 529.06 kgha-1 where black polythene mulch was used.
Factors Influencing the Survival of Neonate Sharp-Tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus

Offspring survival after leaving the nest is a critical element of population viability and in the management of game species. We estimated brood survival to 35 days and examined the factors thought to influence individual chick survival during the first two weeks post-hatching in a population of sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus near Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, during 2004–2005. Using program MARK and an informationtheoretic approach, we assessed the importance of female attributes, date of hatching, distance moved from the nest and weather conditions experienced prior to hatching and during brood-rearing for survival of offspring. During 2004–2005, 67% of broods had at least one chick that survived to 35 days of age, but within these broods only 34% of the chicks survived. Later hatching dates were positively related to survival during the 0–14 day age interval, whereas the distance moved from the nest by a brood and inclement weather conditions during the first seven days post-hatching significantly reduced the survival rate of chicks to 14 days of age. Further, inclement weather prior to hatching was positively related to the survival of offspring to 14 days, perhaps because wet weather created favourable foraging environments and habitat characteristics during brood rearing. Cohesive management of nesting and brood-rearing habitats is required to reduce offspring mortality associated with increased travel between suitable habitats, and may minimize mortality during periods when weather is unfavourable.
Age structure of the otter (Lutra lutra) population in England and Wales, and problems with cementum ageing

Age is an important parameter in understanding population structure and age- dependent processes such as accumulation of contaminants. In the current study, canines and incisors of sub-adult and mature wild otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales were sectioned and incremental cementum lines were used as an indication of age. The age structure of the sample population is much younger than some European populations (of 110 otters aged, only 10 were aged four or older). Cementum ageing is useful here in giving a broad indication of age structure, but is imprecise for species which do not exhibit seasonal breeding. Age is likely to be underestimated in most cases.
Avanços metodológicos na avaliação da qualidade da forragem conservada

ABSTRACT - The suitable evaluation of nutritional value of forages depends on the adoption of appropriatemethodologies. Forage quality is highly dependent of fermentation products, in case of silage, and the losses ofsoluble compounds and microorganisms activity in the case of hay. The theme “Methodological advances in evaluationof preserved forage quality” at the 44 th Annual Meeting of Brazilian Society of Animal Science has as main goals tohighlight the more useful and particular methodological procedures for conserved forages and additional to the standardchemical analysis. Analytical procedures for preserved forage should suffer a standardization to permit comparisonsof results obtained by the world wide laboratories. This review brings to discussion the description and systematizationof important physical and chemical methods to be implemented in preserved forage evaluation. The methodologicalprocedures available permit not only quantify, but also permit qualify the losses occurred during preservation processand across the aerobic exposition of the roughage source during feed out. It suggests that the adoption of any managementstrategies for conserved forages may depend on an evaluation accordingly fit to the losses observed in the overallprocess.
Embryo temperature during incubation: practice and theory

(Key words: incubation, embryo temperature, embryonic development, heat production, heat loss) Until recently, all incubator studies were performed using a constant machine temperature (MT). But it is embryo temperature (ET) that is of importance to the embryo, and not MT. In practice, MT is often measured at one location within the incubator, while ET can vary between eggs within an incubator. Furthermore, ET is the result of the balance between heat production (HP) and heat loss, and if HP or heat loss is affected it may have consequences for ET. Aim of this dissertation was to identify the causes of variable ET and to describe the consequences of variable ET on embryonic development, hatchability, HP and chick quality. Because the direct measurement of ET is destructive, it was chosen in this dissertation to use eggshell temperature (EST) measurements as a reflection of ET. Long term deviations of 1.1oC away from a constant EST of 37.8oC decreased embryonic growth, development, hatchability, and the ability of young chicks to maintain high body temperatures after hatching, especially under cold stress. HP was considered to be positively related to embryonic development, because when more energy is used for growth, HP during incubation will increase and chicks will subsequently hatch with a larger yolk free body and with a lower amount of energy left over in the residual yolk. Within the EST zone of 1.0oC below and above 37.8oC it was observed that HP increased linearly with short term EST increments, and the response of the embryos to EST variations was identical in young, mid term and late term embryos. Maximizing HP based on metabolic responses to EST fluctuations will therefore increase EST above the studied EST zone, leading to decreased embryonic growth and increased embryonic mortality. High EST increases the demand for oxygen, so oxygen availability was expected to limit HP and embryonic growth more at higher EST profiles than at EST of 37.8oC. However, despite the fact that HP at day 18 was highest for the combination of high EST with high oxygen concentration, embryonic development did not show the same relationship. At EST above 37.8oC, the amount of energy utilized from the egg content remained the same, but the efficiency of energy transfer (EYFB) between egg and embryo decreased. Factors as egg size, breed, and oxygen availability affected HP through changes in energy utilization, and had no effect on EYFB. In this thesis, the importance was shown to measure and control ET during incubation and not MT. Factors were identified that affect ET through changes in HP and heat loss. When ET is controlled and maintained at a constant level of 37.8oC, embryonic development may be improved by measures that increase energy utilization through increments in gas exchange, which will increase HP.
Effect of cadmium stress on nitrogen metabolism in nodules and roots of soybean plants.

The nitrogen metabolism of soybean (Glycine max L.) nodules and roots was studied in plants subjected to two different concentrations (50 and 200 μM) of CdCl2. Nitrogenase activity was decreased in nodules treated with 200 μM Cd2+. In 50 μM Cd2+-treated plants, NH4+ content showed similar values to controls in nodules, but increased by 55% in roots. However, after treatment with 200 μM Cd2+, NH4+ levels increased in both tissues. Glutamate (Glu) and protein contents remained unaltered in nodules treated with 50 μM Cd2+, while at the higher Cd2+ concentration both were decreased. Nevertheless, polyamine content was increased at the two Cd2+ concentrations. In roots, Glu, polyamine and protein levels were significantly diminished at 50 and 200 μM CdCl2. For nitrogen-assimilation enzymes, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was moderately increased in nodules and roots following the lower Cd2+ treatment, though at the higher Cd2+ concentration root enzyme activity returned to control levels. An impressive increase in enzyme activity was found in nodules. In roots, the glutamine synthetase / glutamate synthase pathway was decreased at the two Cd2+ concentrations, though in nodules it was diminished only at 200 μM Cd2+. No changes in protease activity were found in the two tissues treated with 50μMCd2+. However, at 200 μM Cd2+, nodule and root protease activities decreased and increased, respectively. These results suggest that, in general, treatment with Cd2+ affects nitrogen assimilation and metabolism to a greater extent in soybean roots than in nodules.
CLIMATIC VARIABILITY, NEST PREDATION, AND REPRODUCTIVE OUTPUT OF LILAC-CROWNED PARROTS (AMAZONA FINSCHI) IN TROPICAL DRY FOREST OF WESTERN MEXICO

Abstract For 1996–2003, we determined reproductive output and success of 70 Lilaccrowned Parrot (Amazona finschi) nests in tropical dry forest of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in western Mexico. Only 42% of nests had young that fledged; predation was the main cause of nest failure. Low brood survival in 2000 and 2003 caused significant between-year variation in the probability of nest success during the nestling phase of the nest cycle. Reproductive output of Lilac-crowned Parrots was low, with females producing an average of 0.99 fledglings on an initial investment of 2.6 eggs. The fecundity component of clutch size varied significantly between years, because of the high median clutch size recorded in 2000. Nestling survival also varied significantly between years, creating large interannual fluctuations in reproductive output. The most productive breeding season was 1999, with an average output of 1.7 fledglings on an investment of 2.7 eggs; whereas the poorest breeding season was 2000, with an output of 0.57 fledglings from 3.3 eggs. Loss of reproductive potential was greatest in 2000 and 2003, because of brood reduction through starvation of later-hatched nestlings, with hatching order influencing the probability of nestling survival. Mean number of nestlings per egg-laying female was associated with interannual fluctuations in precipitation resulting from the El Niño-La Niña weather cycle in the Pacific Ocean. Both nest predation and food availability may limit parrot reproduction in tropical dry forests, with populations of threatened species in dry habitats being vulnerable to effects of climatic variability and habitat fragmentation.
Wasmannia Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in Argentina: Systematics and Distribution

The ant genus Wasmannia is endemic to the Neotropics, with 10 species occurring within the presumptive native range for the genus from Mexico to Argentina. Only the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata is widely distributed being present from central-eastern Argentina to Bermuda, and has become infamous due to its recent worldwide expansion and status as an invasive pest. The objective of this work was to study the systematics and distribution of Wasmannia in its southern limit of distribution in Argentina. Out of the three species reported so far for Argentina, only W. auropunctata was found to be widely distributed, but abundant only in disturbed habitats mostly in the Northeast. Herein, the distribution of Wasmannia auropunctata is extended and its queen and male castes are redescribed, along with descriptions of gynandromorphs (specimens with left side of the head similar to a male and right side similar to a queen). Wasmannia sulcaticeps and W. williamsoni are much less common and widespread. W. sulcaticeps is mostly found in mountain forests in northwestern Argentina, whereas W. williamsoni is only found in shrublands and grasslands in central eastern Argentina, and most frequently in mountain grasslands. Both species overlap with W. auropunctata , which is more common in the lowlands, between approximately 400 and 1000 m elevation. The queen of W. williamsoni is described and queen and male of W. sulcaticeps are redescribed. A new species, Wasmannia longiseta n. sp. Cuezzo and Calcaterra, recently found in northeastern Argentina is described based on worker morphology. Wasmannia rochai is recorded for the first time in Misiones, extending its distribution range from Sao Paulo (Brazil) to Misiones in northeastern Argentina. A key to the worker caste is provided. A cladistic analysis based on discrete and continuous morphological characters is presented as a first attempt to clarify the phylogenetic relationships between the known species of Wasmannia.