Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantificação do carbono estocado na parte aérea e raízes de Hevea sp., aos 12 anos de idade, na Zona da Mata Mineira

n The objective of this work was to quantify carbon stored in the different parts of Hevea sp. trees, in the experimental farm of the Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), in the Municipality of OratUrios, Minas Gerais, in order to verify the importance of the culture for carbon sequestration, and consequently for the mitigation of the greenhouse effect. The analyses showed that: a) the branches contributed with the largest amount of stored carbon, following by the stems, roots and leaves; b) a positive exponential relationship exists among the amount of carbon in the tree and in their components and the measured diameter at 1.30 m breast height (dbh); c) The variable dbh was significant, at the level of 95% of probability for all of the adjusted equations. However, the variable total height was significant just in the equations for the stems and the branches. Additionally, on the basis of data from the analyzed plots, it was found that after 12 years, Hevea sp. trees manage to accumulate on average 62.11 tons of carbon per hectare in its live biomass, considering a 7 x 3 m spacing.
Hyperfunction of Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Neuronal Systems in Mice Lacking the NMDA Receptor ε1 Subunit

NMDA receptors, an ionotropic subtype of glutamate receptors (GluRs) forming high Ca2+-permeable cation channels, are composed by assembly of the GluRζ subunit (NR1) with any one of four GluRε subunits (GluRε1–4; NR2A-D). In the present study, we investigated neuronal functions in mice lacking the GluRε1 subunit. GluRε1 mutant mice exhibited a malfunction of NMDA receptors, as evidenced by alterations of [3H]MK-801 binding as well as 45Ca2+ uptake through the NMDA receptors. A postmortem brain analysis revealed that both dopamine and serotonin metabolism were increased in the frontal cortex and striatum of GluRε1 mutant mice. The NMDA-stimulated [3H]dopamine release from the striatum was increased, whereas [3H]GABA release was markedly diminished in GluRε1 mutant mice. When (+)bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, was added to the superfusion buffer, NMDA-stimulated [3H]dopamine release was significantly increased in wild-type, but not in the mutant mice. GluRε1 mutant mice exhibited an increased spontaneous locomotor activity in a novel environment and an impairment of latent learning in a water-finding task. Hyperlocomotion in GluRε1 mutant mice was attenuated by treatment with haloperidol and risperidone, both of which are clinically used antipsychotic drugs, at doses that had no effect in wild-type mice. These findings provide evidence that NMDA receptors are involved in the regulation of behavior through the modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal systems. In addition, our findings suggest that GluRε1 mutant mice are useful as an animal model of psychosis that is associated with NMDA receptor malfunction and hyperfunction of dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal systems.
Impact of post-anthesis glyphosate on woolly cupgrass seed production, seed weight and seed viability

Nurse, R. E. , Darbyshire, S. J. and Simard, M. -J. 2015. Impact of post-anthesis glyphosate on woolly cupgrass seed production, seed weight and seed viability. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1193–1197. Herbicides are generally applied at early stages of crop and weed growth to protect crop yield. Few studies have evaluated the effect of late (post-anthesis) applications of glyphosate as a management option to limit the seed production of weed escapes, such as woolly cupgrass (Eriochloa villosa). We propagated woolly cupgrass under greenhouse conditions and then applied three glyphosate treatments post-anthesis including: (1) an untreated control; (2) 900 g a.e. ha−1; and (3) 1800 g a.e. ha−1. Terminal inflorescences were collected 21 d after glyphosate application, and seed production, seed weight and embryo viability were assessed. Post-anthesis glyphosate applications did not influence seed production, but reduced seed weight and viability by 50 and 96%, respectively. Therefore, glyphosate applied just before th.
COMPARISONS OF NITRATE UPTAKE, STORAGE, AND REDUCTION IN MARINE DIATOMS AND FLAGELLATES

Diatoms, but not flagellates, have been shown to increase rates of nitrogen release after a shift from a low growth irradiance to a much higher experimental irradiance. We compared NO3− uptake kinetics, internal inorganic nitrogen storage, and the temperature dependence of the NO3− reduction enzymes, nitrate (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR), in nitrogen‐replete cultures of 3 diatoms (Chaetoceros sp., Skeletonema costatum, Thalassiosira weissflogii) and 3 flagellates (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Pavlova lutheri, Prorocentrum minimum) to provide insight into the differences in nitrogen release patterns observed between these species. At NO3− concentrations <40 μmol‐N·L−1, all the diatom species and the dinoflagellate P. minimum exhibited saturating kinetics, whereas the other flagellates, D. tertiolecta and P. lutheri, did not saturate, leading to very high estimated K s values. Above ∼60 μmol‐N·L−1, NO3− uptake rates of all species tested continued to increase in a linear fashion. Rates of NO3− uptake at 40 μmol‐N·L−1, normalized to cellular nitrogen, carbon, cell number, and surface area, were generally greater for diatoms than flagellates. Diatoms stored significant amounts of NO3− internally, whereas the flagellate species stored significant amounts of NH4+. Half‐saturation concentrations for NR and NiR were similar between all species, but diatoms had significantly lower temperature optima for NR and NiR than did the flagellates tested in most cases. Relative to calculated biosynthetic demands, diatoms were found to have greater NO3− uptake and NO3− reduction rates than flagellates. This enhanced capacity for NO3− uptake and reduction along with the lower optimum temperature for enzyme activity could explain differences in nitrogen release patterns between diatoms and flagellates after an increase in irradiance.
Evolution of Flor Yeast Population During the Biological Aging of Fino Sherry Wine

In this study, flor yeasts which integrate the velum formed on the surface of fino sherry wines in different systems and at different steps of the biological aging have been characterized. More than 95% of the whole population belongs to S. cerevisiae , although four different races could be distinguished; i.e., S. cerevisiae beticus which is the predominant (75%), followed by montuliensis (15%), cheresiensis (5%), and rouxii (1%). The same distribution is found in the static and in dynamic aging systems — the anadas and solerajes , respectively. However, when studying the systems individually, variations in the frequencies of these races were found, specially with regards to S. cerevisiae montuliensis . These differences were due neither to the way the wine is matured nor to the geographical location, but to their physiological and metabolic characteris- tics. Thus, S. cerevisiae beticus which is faster at forming velum predominates in younger wines, whereas S. cerevisiae montuliensis which produces and resists higher acetaldehyde concentrations appears at later stages. These findings will allow the selection of the final characteristics of the Sherry wine by inoculating specific races of S. cerevisiae .
HALIMEDA HUMMII SP. NOV., HALIMEDA CRYPTICA V. ACERIFOLIA VAR. NOV. (CAULERPALES, CHLOROPHYTA), AND ADDITIONAL RECORDS OF HALIMEDA SPECIES FROM: PUERTO RICO 1

A new species, Halimeda hummii, and a new variety of Halimeda cryptica Colinvaux and Graham both originally collected from the edge of the continental shelf on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico are newly described. The new species is irregular in its segment morphology and is the smallest species of Halimeda presently known. Halimeda cryptica var. acerifolia from deep water possesses distinctive segments resembling maple leaves. Halimeda copiosa Goreau and Graham and typical H. cryptica are also collected in deep water and are newly recorded from Puerto Rico.
Systematic Status of African Populations of Pipistrellus pipistrellus Complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), with a Description of a New Species from Cyrenaica, Libya

The distribution of pipistrelles of the Pipistrellus pipistrellus complex (= P. pipistrellus s.l.) reaches only marginally the African continent. These bats are known only from a narrow belt of the Mediterranean zone in Maghreb and from NE Libya. We analysed museum specimens of African populations of P. pipistrellus s.l. using both morphologic and genetic techniques and compared them with Eurasian specimens of the complex. The African representatives of P. pipistrellus complex include two morphologically, genetically and geographically distinct populations. One of them inhabits the Mediterranean part of Cyrenaica, Libya. Belonging to the P. pygmaeus genetic lineage, these bats are represented by larger and more rusty coloured individuals with large massive rostrum and canines. In morphologic traits, this population differs significantly from all Western Palaearctic populations of the P. pipistrellus complex. These bats differ by about 6–7% in genetic distance from P. pygmaeus s. str. Within the P. pygmaeus lineage Libyan bats seem to be unique in their echolocation calls: the maximum energy of terminal frequencies was recorded at about 45 kHz. We consider the Libyan pipistrelles to represent a separate species, Pipistrellus hanaki sp. nov. Another distinct African pipistrelle population inhabits the Mediterranean parts of NW African countries, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Individuals from the latter population are small and somewhat darker members of the P. pipistrellus genetic lineage, with relatively short and narrow mesial part of rostrum. Although both morphological and genetic differences between this population and Eurasian P. pipistrellus s. str. were found (genetic distance about 3–5%), they are probably not sufficient for the separation of this form at the specific level. However, the differences from European samples show rather not a cline character and therefore potential subspecific level of NW African P. pipistrellus has to be taken into consideration.
Effect of cold exposure on liveweight and body fluid compartments in sheep.

Effects of cold exposure on liveweight and body fluids were studied in 12 six-month-old wethers. Six sheep were offered feed ad libitum and six sheep were restricted to a near maintenance level of intake of a pelleted concentrate ration. The sheep were individually caged in controlled temperature chambers for two preliminary and four consecutive experimental (I-IV) periods of 10 days each; the preliminary periods and period I at 21 °C air temperature, periods II and III at 0 °C and period IV at 21 °C. In general, the responses to the cold were more pronounced during period II than period III, and more pronounced in the sheep on restricted feed than in the sheep on ad libitum feed. The sheep receiving feed ad libitum were able to maintain or increase their liveweight and body solids throughout the experiment. The sheep receiving a restricted ration lost 2.53 kg during the first 8 days of period II. Their total body water (tritiated water space) was reduced by 1.68 L representing 66% of the weight loss, and.
Studies in Diurnal Rhythms

A composite diurnal locomotory rhythm has been established in the woodlouse Oniscus asellus . This is correlated primarily with alternating light and darkness, and not with fluctuating temperature or humidity. The intensity of the humidity response of the species is less in darkness than in light, and less still in darkness when the animals have been kept in darkness for some days previously. It increases with desiccation. The response to light is greater, too, in animals which have been kept in darkness for some days, and these tend to remain photo-negative in dry air whereas controls become photo-positive with desiccation. The sensitivity to carbon dioxide is much greater in animals from a culture kept in darkness than it is in controls. The results obtained are discussed in relation to the nocturnal ecology of the species.
Effect of pre-harvest application of calcium on physico-chemical changes during ripening and storage of papaya

Pre-harvest spray of calcium compounds reduced physiological loss in weight, TSS, sugars and total carotenoid content showed an initial increase and then declined as the storage period advanced. However, high concentration of CaCl2 was most effective than all other treatments. The firmness was increased as the concentration of calcium increased in the fruits. Higher acidity was associated with longer shelf-life. The CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 (2%) spray affected delayed colour development and enchanced shelf-life of fruits.
Role of IGF-I in glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy

Increased circulating levels of glucocorticoids observed in many catabolic conditions play a major role in the induction of muscle atrophy. Indeed, inhibition of glucocorticoid action by glucocorticoid receptor antagonist attenuates and, in some cases, abolishes muscle atrophy. Circulating and tissue levels of IGF-I, a growth factor that stimulates the development of muscle mass, are frequently reduced in response to glucocorticoids. This decline could therefore trigger muscle atrophy in catabolic conditions. Indeed, systemic administration of IGF-I prevents glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy. However, use of systemic IGF-I administration is limited by its hypoglycemic and cardiac hypertrophic actions. Moreover, local IGF-I seems to play a more important role in the regulation of muscle mass than systemic IGF-I. Therefore, to limit loss of muscle mass observed in catabolic states, IGF-I administration must mimic as close as possible the autocrine production of IGF-I. The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether the restoration of IGF-I muscle content could reverse muscle atrophy induced by glucocorticoids. In this work we have tested the hypothesis that the local decrease in muscle IGF-I content might be responsible for the muscular atrophy induced by glucocorticoids. In our work, we have demonstrated that localized overexpression of IGF-I by gene electrotransfer prevents muscle atrophy in glucocorticoid-treated rats. High rate of fiber transfection and long term gene expression were obtained by combining multiple injection sites of DNA with electroporation. Human IGF-I gene electrotransfer using this optimised protocol resulted in increased muscle IGF-I mRNA and protein levels together with prevention of loss of skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, alterations in the Akt/GSK-3â/â-catenin signaling pathway caused by glucocorticoids were prevented by local IGF-I gene overexpression. Finally, muscle overexpression of caAkt, dnGSK-3b and ANb-catenin was sufficient to mimic the anti-atrophic effect of IGF-I supporting the role of this signalling pathway in muscle atrophy caused by glucocorticoids. Taken together, our results show, for the first time in vivo, the role of the IGF-I/Akt/GSK-3b/b-catenin pathway in the skeletal muscle atrophy caused by glucocorticoids. In conclusion, our work highlights the crucial role of decreased muscle IGF-I in glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy. Indeed, the data presented in this thesis support the fact that the atrophic action of glucocorticoids is in part due to the downregulation of IGF-I, leading to the inhibition of its signalling pathways while restoration of muscle IGF-I levels is able to counteract totally muscle atrophy.
Analysis of beta-casein gene (CSN2) polymorphism in different breeds of cattle.

The goal of work was identification of β - casein gene polymorphism in different breeds of cow. The beta - casein constitutes up to 45 % of the casein of bovine milk. The most common forms of beta-casein in dairy cattle breeds are A1 and A2, while B is less common. The β-casein A1 variant was associated with the incidence of diabetes mellitus 1st type, coronary heart disease and autism. The A2 variant reduces serum cholesterol. The material involved 287 cows (Simmental breed – 111 cows, Pinzgau breed – 89 cows, Holstein breed – 87 cows). Bovine genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood by using commercial kit and used in order to estimate β - casein genotypes by means of PCR-RFLP method. In the populations included in the study were detected all three genotypes – homozygote genotype A1A1, heterozygote genotype A1A2 and homozygote genotype A2A2 with frequencies 0.1261, 0.3333 and 0.5405 in Simmental breed; 0.1379, 0.4598 and 0.4023 in Holstein breed, 0.3034, 0.5168 and 0.1798 in Pinzgau breed. In population of Simmental breed and Holstein breed was higher frequency of allele A2 (0.7072 and 0.6322). In opposite, in population of Pinzgau breed was present higher frequency of the allele A1 (0.5618).
Effects of neem, Azadirachta indica on six species of maize insect pests

Abstract Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of neem, Azadirachta indica against corn earworm (CEW), Heliocoverpa zea fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda sugarcane borer (SCB), Diatraea saccharalis southwestern corn borer (SWCB), Diatraea grandiosella maize weevil (MW), Sitophilus zeamais and larger grain borer (LGB), Prostephanus truncatus. Neem seed powder at the rate of 5 g and 10 g, and neem seed oil at the rate of 1 ml per kg of meridic diets, were incorporated into the diet of CEW, FAW, SCB and SWCB. Maize grain was treated with 5 and 10 ml neem seed oil per kg of grain and infested with adult MW and LGB. The presence of neem seed powder and neem seed oil in the diets significantly reduced the survival and growth of CEW, FAW, SCB and SWCB. Neem oil also had significant effects on the survival of MW. In the case of LGB the effects of neem oil, however, were not profound. Results indicate that neem has good potential to be used as a control agent for the CEW, FAW, SCB, SW.
Effect of Potassium Nitrate Priming on Seed Germination of Seashore Paspalum

Germination of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) is a critical factor influencing seedling establishment when seeded directly in fields. In this research, pregermination priming with osmotic solution was used to improve the germination percentage of seashore paspalum. The goal of this study was to develop techniques that improve the germination of a seashore paspalum cultivar (SeaSpray). Seeds were subjected to priming in petri dishes with solutions of KNO3 at 25 8C for 24, 48, and 72 h in growth chambers. Germination percentage differed by priming duration as well as concentration of priming media. Based on the germination percentage 14 days after imbibition, the most promising priming condition was the treatment with 0.2% or 0.5% KNO3 for 72 h at a constant temperature of 30 8C and 0.2% or 0.5% KNO3 for 48 to 72 h at alternating temperature of 25/35 8C. Both concentrations showed reasonable germination percentage greater than 85%at alternatingtemperature condition. Priming with KNO3 solution for 48 to 72 h improved not only germination percentage, but also uniformity. The increased duration of priming with KNO3 was positively correlated with an improved germination percentage. The effect of increasing concentration was the most apparent at a constant temperature (30 8C) regime with the treatment of 0.2% KNO3 priming. Germination percentage was increased from 34.3% to 68.0% 2 weeks after imbibition (WAI) as the priming duration was increased from 24 to 72 h. Priming with KNO3 for 3 days also had a modest effect on germination percentage (greater than 74.7%) at 1 WAI. Therefore, priming with 0.2% or 0.5% solution of KNO3 for 72 h is a recommended method that can be practically applied for increasing germination of paspalumunderanalternatingtemperature(25/35 8C)condition.Theregressionanalysis between odds of germination percentage and germination time showed that priming treatment increased internal activities during the second stage of seed germination.
Effect of Vineyard Row Orientation on Growth and Phenology of Glyphosate-Resistant and Glyphosate-Susceptible Horseweed (Conyza canadensis)

Horseweed has become increasingly common and difficult to control in San Joaquin Valley vineyards, due in part, to the evolution of glyphosate resistance. The development of weed-suppressive vineyard designs in which the trellis design, spacing, and row orientation combine to cast dense shade on the weed canopy zone (WCZ) may reduce weed growth. The relevance of such a system to horseweed, which can grow to be as tall, or taller, than a typical grapevine trellis, is uncertain. Also unknown is whether a glyphosate-resistant (GR) biotype and glyphosate-susceptible (GS) biotype would perform similarly under such conditions. Therefore, we compared the growth and development of two potted horseweed biotypes (GR and GS) in vinerows oriented east–west (EW) and north–south (NS). Rows oriented EW allowed less light penetration to the WCZ than NS rows throughout the study, and horseweed biotypes responded to low light levels by producing leaves with larger specific leaf area and leaf area ratios than those in the NS rows. Also, the leaf, stem, and root dry weight of the horseweed plants in the EW rows was reduced by 30% compared to the horseweed plants in NS rows. Leaf number was also reduced in the horseweed plants in the EW rows, but only for the GS biotype. Row orientation did not affect phenological development or the number of seeds produced by the GR or GS biotypes, but the GR biotype budded, flowered, and set seed approximately 1 wk earlier than the GS biotype. Thus, shade associated with the EW vinerows reduced horseweed growth, but not fecundity, and the GR biotype reached reproductive maturity earlier than the GS biotype. Nomenclature: Horseweed, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. ERICA; grape, Vitis vinifera L.
Sexual Dimorphism in North American Coccinellids: Sexing Methods for Species of Coccinella L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Implications for Conservation Research

Abstract Coccinellids typically do not show exaggerated sexual dimorphisms, and the only reliable sexing methods for some species have been dissection and behavioral observations. Behavioral methods can potentially lead to sex identification but are very time consuming, require exposing sexually naïve individuals to conspecifics, and risk incorrect identification since homosexual mounting in these species has been observed in the laboratory. Research involving use of live specimens requires techniques to non-invasively determine the sex of individuals, but such methods have not been clearly or fully described in the literature. Closer examination of the species Coccinella novemnotata Herbst, Coccinella septempunctata L. , Coccinella transversoguttata richardsoni Brown, and Coccinella trifasciata perplexa Mulsant has led to the discovery of a reliable and efficient way to differentiate the sexes by looking at the shape of the seventh sternite (fifth visible), and this method has been demonstrated to be 100% reliable for all four species. Another, even more rapid, method uses the shape of a prominent black pronotal marking and shows promise for C. novemnotata but is not applicable to the other species. Additionally, most species of Coccinella L. have males with conspicuous pale anterior coxal spots and femoral stripes that can be easily viewed, especially on mobile specimens. Morphometric data that quantify external dimorphisms and provide evidence for the reliability of using them for sexing are reported. All known external characters that can be used for sexing North American Coccinella species are consolidated for easy reference. The significance of these findings for research into the decline of native Coccinella species in the United States is discussed.