Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural Studies on the Colonization of Banana Tissue and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 4 by the Endophytic Bacterium Burkholderia cepacia

Colonization on banana roots and on the pathogenic fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4, causing banana wilt disease, by the endophyte Burkholderia cepacia isolated from asparagus, which might be used as a biological control agent, was investigated with the aid of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. B. cepacia was able to colonize the surface of hyphae of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense and the fungal macrospores. In vitro colonization of the fungus by the endophyte resulted in mycelial deformation with terminal and intercalary swelling. In the banana plant B. cepacia was closely associated with banana roots. A matrix was frequently found to be present between the bacterium and the plant surface. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed that B. cepacia exists mainly in the intercellular space of the banana root tissues.
Qualidade pós-colheita do tomate de mesa convencional e orgânico.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the postharvest quality of fruits grown using different systems. Conventional (CS) tomatoes of the variety Raisa and Organic (OS), variety Santa Clara rustic, were stored at 23.5 ± 2 oC, RH 74% ± 5 and analyzed for mass, specific weight, ash, total solids, total soluble solids, total titrable acidity, total soluble solids/total titrable acidity ratio, pH, vitamin C, Salmonella spp. , total coliforms, faecal coliforms, molds and yeasts, and sensory analysis (using Quantitative Descriptive Analyses - QDA). The time of storage was of 13 days for the conventional tomatoes and 14 days for the organic tomatoes. Weight loss (3,74%) was lower for the conventional tomatoes. Both fruits were similar in the physical, chemical, sensory and microbiological analysis in the different maturity stages
Efeito de Botrytis cinerea na composição do vinho Gewürztraminer

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of grape gray bunch rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea, on the composition of Gewurztraminer (Vitis vinifera L.) wine. The treatments consisted of increasing percentages (in weight) of grape gray bunch rot, i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The experiment underwent six treatments and four replications. The variables evaluated were density, alcohol, total and volatile acidity, dry extract, reduced dry extract, reducing sugars, alcohol in weight/reduced dry extract ratio, ashes, alcalinity of ashes, color (I 420), total polyphenols (I 280), total N, glycerol, gluconic acid, minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Li), volatile compounds (ethanal, ethyl acetate, methanol, propanol-1, methyl-2-propanol-1, methyl-2-buthanol-1, and methyl-3-buthanol-1). Results showed that there was a significant linear and positive effect between gray bunch rot and the following variables: density, total and volatile acidity, dry extract, reduced dry extract, reducing sugars, ashes, alkalinity of ashes, color (I 420), total polyphenols (I 280), gluconic acid, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Rb, ethanal, and ethyl acetate; there was a significant linear and negative effect on alcohol, alcohol in weight/reduced dry extract ratio, methyl-2-buthanol-1, and methyl-3-buthanol-1; a quadratic effect on total N, glycerol, and methanol; and a cubic effect on Mg, Zn, Li, and propanol-1. There was no significant effect on Na, Cu, and methyl-2-propanol-1.
Aspectos Biológicos de Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) em Genótipos de Feijoeiro com e sem Arcelina

Bean genotypes containing arcelin (Arc1, Arc2, Arc3 and Arc4) and bean genotypes without this protein (IAC Carioca Arua, IAC Carioca Pyata, IAC Carioca Akyta, IAC Maravilha, IAC Una, IAC Bico de Ouro, Porrillo 70 and Goiano Precoce) were evaluated concerning the resistance to the Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.), under laboratory conditions. The materials containing arcelin (Arc1, Arc2, Arc3 and Arc4) showed antibiotic effects on the insect, prolonging the development period (egg to adult), reducing male and female weight and longevity, and decreasing fecundity. The cultivars most suitable for the development and reproduction of this insect were Goiano Precoce, IAC Maravilha, Porrillo 70 and IAC Carioca Pyata.
Total and individual glucosinolate contents in inflorescences of eight broccoli cultivars grown under various climatic and fertilisation conditions

Total aliphatic, indolic and aromatic glucosinolates were evaluated in the edible portions of fresh harvested inflorescences of five commercial and three experimental broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var italica) cultivars grown under various climatic and agronomic conditions, ie early (winter) or late (spring) season with poor (15 kg ha−1) or rich (150 kg ha−1) sulphur fertilisation, in an attempt to identify differences due to genetic and agronomic factors. The predominant glucosinolates in all broccoli cultivars were 4-methylsulphinylbutyl-glucosinolate (glucoraphanin), 3-indolylmethyl-glucosinolate (glucobrassicin) and 1-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl-glucosinolate (neoglucobrassicin). The results showed no significance differences in total glucosinolates between rich and poor fertilisation, whereas total glucosinolates were detected more significantly in the late than in the early season. All broccoli cultivars showed a higher content of indolic glucosinolates than aliphatic glucosinolates. Clear advantages were detected in the analysed commercial cultivars, as the experimental cultivars yielded lower concentrations of these compounds. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
The Ecology, Bionomics and Control of Rice Stem-Borers in West Africa

The importance of rice in West Africa and the problem posed by pests were highlighted. Stem-borers are regarded as major insect pests of rice and available information on yield losses attributable to insect pests in general and stem-borers in particular, was reviewed. Damage caused by stem-borers usually results in “dead hearts” and “white heads” though other effects including a synergistic interaction between stem-borers and rice blast have been recorded. Survey methods and sampling of rice stem-borers were discussed and brief descriptions on distribution, behaviour and biology of the major rice stem-borers namely, Chilo spp. , Maliarpha separatella, Scirpophaga spp. , Sesamia spp. and Diopsis spp. were given. Current control tactics under investigation in West Africa include chemical, cultural and biological methods. RésuméL’écologie, la bionomie et le contrôle des foreurs de tige de riz en Afrique de l’Ouest. L’importance de la riziculture en Afrique de l’Ouest et le problème de la survie face aux insectes nuisibles ont été posés. Les foreurs de tige sont considérés comme le fléau le plus important pour le riz, les renseignements sur les pertes de rendement dûes aux insectes nuisibles en général, et au foreurs de tige en particulier ont été examinés. Habituellement les dégats causés par les foreurs de tige se traduisent par la pourriture de coeurs et par la panioule blanche, bien que d’autres effets comme, par exemple, une interaction synergetique entre les foreurs de tige et la pyriculariese aient été enregistrés. Des méthodes de recensement et d’échautillennage des foreurs de tige de riz ont été préposés, et de brèves description ont été données sur la répartitien, le comportement et la biologie des principeux foreurs de tige tels que le Chile, le Maliarpha separatella, le Seirpophaga, le Sesamia et le Diopsis. Les tactiques de contrôle actuellement en étude en Afrique de l’Ouest comprennent la lutte chimique, culturale et biologique.
Mechanism of Action and Selectivity of Quinclorac in Grass Roots

Abstract The mechanism of action and selectivity of quinclorac (3,7-dichloroquinolinecarboxylic acid) were investigated by comparing the inhibitory effect of the herbicide on [ 1 4 C]glucose incorporation into the root cell walls of susceptible and resistant grasses and by measuring root accumulation of [ 1 4 C]quinclorac. The response to quinclorac in two susceptible grasses, barnyardgrass and smooth crabgrass, was compared to a tolerant species (rice) and a resistant biotype of smooth crabgrass. In whole plant studies, quinclorac completely inhibited root elongation in susceptible grasses at 10 μ M . At the same herbicide concentration, cell wall biosynthesis in the susceptible grasses was reduced by 60 to 73%; after a 6-hr treatment, but inhibited by only 20 to 36%; in the tolerant grasses. Increasing treatment time to 24 hr had little additional response. The effect of quinclorac on cell wall synthesis was dose dependent between 0 and 10 μ M and corresponded closely with the dose-dependent response in root growth of susceptible grasses. All the cell wall constituents in barnyardgrass, including cellulose and several hemicellulose fractions, were inhibited 30 to 50%; more than those of rice. Root accumulation of [ 1 4 C]quinclorac was greatest in barnyardgrass and rice and lowest in the two biotypes of smooth crabgrass. These results are consistent with a mechanism of action in which quinclorac acts as an inhibitor of cell wall biosynthesis in sensitive grasses. Selectivity among different grasses could be explained by differential sensitivity at the site of action.
Phytoseiid Mite Species from Croatia, with Description of a New Species of the Genus Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus)

ABSTRACT This study reports the results of a survey carried out in the Ucka Nature Park in the northeastern part of Croatia. It reports for the first time a list of species belonging to the family Phytoseiidae from Croatia, as until now, only one species was known from this country. Seventeen species are reported, one of them being new to science. This species belongs to the genus Typhlodromus subgenus Typhlodromus in the subfamily Typhlodrominae: Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) octogenipilus.
Molecular profiling of Jatropha curcas L. collected from different geographical locations of India

The present study surveys the morphological, biochemical and molecular diversity in 30 accessions of Jatropha collected from different states of India by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and isozyme analysis. The genotyping data were used to understand the relationships among accessions and to identify genetic diversity as a means for genetic improvement of Jatropha. Out of 37 decamer primers used, 18 yielded polymorphic banding pattern. In total, 126 different DNA bands were reproducibly obtained, out of which 81 were polymorphic. SDS-PAGE of seed, leaf and callus resolved into 18, 12 and 7 bands, while no biotype-specific band was found in leaf and callus protein profile. Cluster analysis of both RAPD and SDS-PAGE data produced two major clusters.
First record of Lamproglena pulchella Nordmann 1832 in the Pielach and Melk rivers, Austria

Summary Between April and November 2003, parasitological examinations of the nase Chondrostoma nasus L. and the chub Leuciscus cephalus L. from the neighbouring Melk and Pielach rivers in Lower Austria were conducted. Amongst various gill parasites, Lamproglena pulchella Nordmann 1832 was detected on both fish species, which was the first record of this parasitic crustacean in Austria. Physico-chemical examinations of water samples of the two rivers were carried out during the same period. The results indicate that general water parameters in the Melk were subjected to more vigorous changes than in the Pielach. Critical temperature levels and ammonia concentration as well as drastic changes in the ionic composition occurred more frequently in the Melk River. The observed distribution of L. pulchella indicates its sensitivity to such stress factors: there was no evidence of the parasite in the Melk River until late November and it only then occurred on the gills of L. cephalus with a prevalence of 20% and a mean intensity of 2. In the Pielach River, infestation on chub had already occurred in June with a prevalence of 40% and a mean intensity of 3, rising to 60% and 7 in November; 45% of the nase was also infested in November at a mean intensity of 3.
Health status of free-living pigeons in the city of Santiago.

A total of 100 free-living urban pigeons (Columba livia) were captured in the city of Santiago, Chile, in order to evaluate, for the first time, their health status. Negligible antibody titres (1 to 3 log2) were detected in 22% of the birds against a strain of the paramyxovirus (PMV) serotype 1. No pigeons had antibodies against PMV serotype 7 and avian influenza. Salmonella sp. belonging to serogroups B and D were isolated from the intestinal tract of three pigeons (3%). The protozoa Haemoproteus columbae, Plasmodium sp. , and Leucocytozoon sp. were not detected in any pigeons. Trichomonas gallinae was detected in 11%, without observation of either clinical signs or gross pathological changes at necropsy. Sixty-seven percent of the birds showed the presence of the chewing lice Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus compar, and 1% harboured the mite Laminosioptes cysticola. Seven species of nematodes were identified. The frequency at which each species was detected was; Tetrameres sp. (14%), Capillaria annulata (1%), Capillaria columbae (11%), Capillaria obsignata (1%), Ascaridia columbae (5%), Dispharynx spiralis (2%), and Gongylonema ingluvicola (2%). The class Cestoda, found in one pigeon, was represented by the species Aporina delafondi. No trematodes were detected in the sampled birds.
Seasonal distribution of American plaice on the northern Grand Banks

In 1985 seasonal surveys were conducted on the northern Grand Banks in NAFO Division 3L to determine if there was seasonal variation in the dstribution of American plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides Fabricius. Plaice were generally most common between 100 and 200 m depth but were more abundant in depths < 100 m in spring than in other seasons. Fish were under-represented at temperatures greater than +1.O0C in all seasons but were much more under-represented at temperatures of -1.2"C and less, in depths of less than 150 m in winter than in other seasons. There was significant seasonal variation in the geographic dstribution of American plaice with the fish being more aggregated in winter than in other seasons. This aggregation was adjacent to an area covered by water of -1.2"C and less, where few fish were present, and may be related to a greater avoidance of cold water by the fish in winter than in other seasons.
Response of Internal Tissue Water Balance of Peanut to Soil Water

(.) The objectives of this research were to determine how peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) leaf water content responds to soil water content and to examine the soil water content-ψ, relationship for predicting limiting levels of soil water relative to crop water status in the field. Few field data describing peanut internal water balance responses to soil water are available. In the present study, available soil water content is defined as water content minus water content at −1.5 MPa. This approach normalizes water content to the fraction available (.)
Drusen complement components C3a and C5a promote choroidal neovascularization

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in industrialized nations, affecting 30–50 million people worldwide. The earliest clinical hallmark of AMD is the presence of drusen, extracellular deposits that accumulate beneath the retinal pigmented epithelium. Although drusen nearly always precede and increase the risk of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), the late vision-threatening stage of AMD, it is unknown whether drusen contribute to the development of CNV. Both in patients with AMD and in a recently described mouse model of AMD, early subretinal pigmented epithelium deposition of complement components C3 and C5 occurs, suggesting a contributing role for these inflammatory proteins in the development of AMD. Here we provide evidence that bioactive fragments of these complement components (C3a and C5a) are present in drusen of patients with AMD, and that C3a and C5a induce VEGF expression in vitro and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate that C3a and C5a are generated early in the course of laser-induced CNV, an accelerated model of neovascular AMD driven by VEGF and recruitment of leukocytes into the choroid. We also show that genetic ablation of receptors for C3a or C5a reduces VEGF expression, leukocyte recruitment, and CNV formation after laser injury, and that antibody-mediated neutralization of C3a or C5a or pharmacological blockade of their receptors also reduces CNV. Collectively, these findings establish a mechanistic basis for the clinical observation that drusen predispose to CNV, revealing a role for immunological phenomena in angiogenesis and providing therapeutic targets for AMD.
Traits influencing the hatching performance of Japanese quail eggs

Abstract 1. Japanese quail eggs from moderately heavier sires showed superior fertility; while fertile eggs from moderately heavier dams hatched slightly better than the eggs from lighter dams. 2. Higher rates of fertility and hatchability of Japanese quail eggs were observed from parents of 10 to 19 weeks of age, with peak fertility and hatchability at 14 and 12 weeks of age, respectively. 3. Sex ratios of 1:2 to 1:5 gave comparable fertility and hatchability results. 4. The hatching performance of quail eggs from cage and deep litter reared breeders was comparable. 5. Fertility and hatchability were directly proportional to the egg weight. 6. Quail egg shell colour, tints and blotches were found to influence hatching performance. 7. Storing quail eggs at 16 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity for more than 4 d reduced hatchability. 8. Hatchability of eggs stored at room temperature was improved if they were sealed in polyethylene bags. 9. Provision of light during the first 14 d of incubation resulted i.
Experimental Validation of Subject-Specific Dynamics Model for Predicting Impact Force in Sideways Fall

Sideways fall has been identified as the most critical situation for the elderly to develop hip fractures. The impact force onto the greater trochanter is the key factor for predicting fracture risk. For the elderly, the impact force can only be determined by dynamics simulations, and the dynamics model must be first validated by experiments before it can be applied in clinic. In this study, subject-specific whole-body dynamics models constructed from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images of the subjects were validated by controlled and protected fall tests using young volunteers. The validation results suggested that subject-specific dynamics model is much more accurate in predicting impact force induced in sideways fall than conventional non-subject-specific dynamics model. Therefore, subject-specific dynamics model can be applied in clinic to improve the accuracy of assessing hip fracture risk.
A COMPARATIVE APPROACH TO THE NEOCORTEX: LOCALIZATION IN MONOTREMES, MARSUPIALS AND INSECTIVORES *

Information about the environment is obtained through particular sensory capacities that developed during the course of evolution. Specialized surfaces sense the types, amounts, locations and temporal relations of various forms of energy in the surround. Although the animal or its environment may move, the sensory surface presents a fixed mosaic of receptive cells. The peripheral spatial arrangement of receptors is reproduced at successive ganglionic levels of the central nervous system. Points which are contiguous peripherally tend to remain adjacent centrally whether in a volume such as the thalamus or on a surface such as the cortex. In maintaining peripheral somatic relationships central representation conforms to the bodily form. However, a small peripheral area with dense innervation may be accorded a greater amount of central representation than a large area with sparse innervation. Thus, representation is not according to peripheral proportions, but rather presents a configuration in which more sensitive surfaces receive relatively greater amounts of central representation. Despite the differential enlargement of an area, the coherence of bodily form tends to be maintained and this may result in an elongation or apparent fragmentation of the representation of a less sensitive member. The resultant image may be illustrated by a device such as a homunculus on the cerebral cortex. Motor systems at the cortical level appear to be organized much the same as sensory systems so that cerebral representation accords with the peripheral arrangement of effectors yielding movements. Information about the environment is relayed centrally in a spatial configuration that maintains the general pattern of distribution of receptors at the periphery. At each level of representation of this pattern there occur synapses which allow the business of the nervous system to be carried out. The preservation of peripheral relationships at different central levels of both receptors and effectors suggests strongly that such an arrangement forms a necessary basis for perception and volitional acts.
Regulation of T Cell Receptor-induced Activation of the Ras-ERK Pathway by Diacylglycerol Kinase ζ*

T cell development in the thymus and activation of mature T cells in the periphery depend on signals stimulated by engagement of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR). Among the second messenger cascades initiated by TCR ligation include the phosphatidylinositol pathway where the membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, is hydrolyzed to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol (DAG). Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate signals a rise in intracellular free calcium, leading to translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells into the nucleus. DAG activates RasGRP and protein kinase C θ. Because both RasGRP and protein kinase C θ are essential for thymocyte and T cell function, it is critical to understand how DAG is regulated. In this report, we demonstrate expression of DAG kinase ζ (DGKζ, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of DAG to phosphatidic acid) in multiple lymphoid organs, with highest expression observed within the T cell compartment. Overexpression studies in Jurkat T cells indicate that DGKζ interferes with TCR-induced Ras and ERK activation, AP-1 induction, and expression of the activation marker CD69. In contrast, TCR-stimulated calcium influx is not altered. Mutational analysis indicates that the kinase and DAG binding domains, but not the ankyrin repeats of DGKζ, are required for its inhibitory effects. Collectively these studies demonstrate a potential role of DGKζ to function as a selective negative regulator of DAG signaling on T cell activation and provide the first structure/function analysis of this enzyme in T cells.