Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of simulated and insect herbivory on nitrogen and protein precipitable phenolic concentrations of two legumes

ABSTRACT Protein-precipitating polyphenolics (PPPs) serve as a plant defense against herbivory, increasing with stress. We studied how varying intensities of simulated and Melanoplus differentialis herbivory affected (1) PPP concentration; (2) protein bound by PPP (PB); and (3) N concentration of panicled tick-clover (Desmodium paniculatum; PTC) and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; SL) leaf regrowth. Leaves of PTC that were submitted to simulated herbivory had lesser (p ≤ .05 for all significant differences) PPP concentration than the control for most treatments. For PTC, PPP concentration decreased with increasing herbivory intensity for both herbivory types. For SL, PPP was similar between herbivory types for Harvest 1 but not for 2, decreasing as herbivory intensity increased for both herbivory types. Simulated herbivory resulted in lower PB concentrations for PTC and SL compared to the grasshopper herbivory. Nitrogen concentration was similar for PTC and SL between herbivory types but variable among degree of herbivory. Herbivory type affects PPP.
Effect of high temperature on chalazal plug removal and germination in Apeiba tibourbou Aubl.

26 Topic: Research Notes Key Author: Matthew I. Daws Correspondence Address: Seed Conservation Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Wakehurst Place Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TN UK E-mail: m.daws@rbgkew.org. uk Authors: M.I. Daws, D. Orr, D.F. R.P. Burslem and C.E. Mullins Effect of high temperature on chalazal plug removal and germination in Apeiba tibourbou Aubl. Pages: 221-225 We tested the effects of a two minute wet heat treatment at a range of temperatures on germination of Apeiba tibourbou seeds. Exposure to >50°C for two minutes resulted in an increase in germination from c. 0 to 80% and resulted in the removal of the chalazal cap. Physical removal of the chalazal cap or mechanical scarification of the seed coat allowed water uptake and subsequent germination. Our results indicate that A. tibourbou seeds exhibit physical dormancy that can be overcome with hot water treatment, chalazal cap removal or mechanical scarification of the testa.
Adrenomedullin inhibits the endothelin production induced by urotensin II in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of adrenomedullin (ADM) on endothelin (ET) production induced by urotensin II (U II) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cultured VSMCs which were incubated with U II (10−8 mol/L) and with various concentrations of ADM were used to measure the VSMCs 3H-TdR incorporation, the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the amount of ET mRNA and ET production in VSMCs. In this work we found that incubation with U II (10−8 mol/L) increased obviously the amount of ET mRNA in VSMCs and ET production in medium, however, co-incubation with ADM (10−10– 10−8 mol/L) and U II(10−8 mol/L) reduced the amount of ET mRNA by 15%, 24% and 45% (P< 0.01) respectively, compared with U II alone. The content of ET in medium was 14.13, 11.38 and 11.00 pg/mL. ADM alone (10−8 mol/L) had no effect on ET production in VSMCs. U II (10−8 mol/L) promoted the 3H-TdR incorporation and activity of ERK in VSMCs. ADM inhibited VSMCs 3H-TdR incorporation and activation of ERK in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with U II group, after co-incubation with ADM (10−10–10−8 mol/L) and U II (10−8 mol/L) the VSMCs 3H-TdR incorporation was decreased by 7% (P > 0.05), 32% (P < 0.05) and 41% (P < 0.01), respectively, and the activity of ERK was decreased by 24% (P > 0.05), 32% (P < 0.05) and 36% (P < 0.05), respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. The results show that in cultured VSMCs ADM inhibits ET mRNA expression, ET production and proliferation stimulated by U II, and that inhibitory effect of ADM on U II bioaction could be mediated through inhibiting MAPK pathway.
A robust multi-block Navier-Stokes flow solver for industrial applications

This paper presents a robust multi-block flow solver for the thin-layer Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, that is currently being used for industrial applications. A modification of a matrix dissipation scheme has been developed, that improves the numerical accuracy of Navier-Stokes boundary-layer computations, while maintaining the robustness of the scalar artificial dissipation scheme with regard to shock capturing. An improved method is presented to define the turbulence length scales in the Baldwin-Lomax and Johnson-King turbulence models. The flow solver allows for multi-block grid which are of C -continuous at block interfaces or even only partly continuous, thus simplifying the grid generation task. It is stressed that, for industrial applications, not only a (multi-block) flow solver, but a complete flow-simulation system must be available, including efficient and robust methods for aerodynamic geometry processing, grid generation, and postprocessing. Results are presented which show the applicability of the flow-simulation system for industrial purposes.
Near bed solids transport in combined sewers

Concern regarding the problems associated with sediments in sewers, and their transport through these systems, has given rise to concerted research programmes in the U.K., and further afield. A collaborative research project was initiated in collaboration with the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, the University of Sheffield and Tayside Regional Council Department of Water Services, under the auspices of the UK Sewer Sediments Research Group, which originally reported to the Urban Pollution Management (UPM) Programme Steering Group. The work of the Wastewater Technology Centre, at University of Abertay Dundee, has been fundamental in collecting data for the UPM programme over the last 10 years, and the work presented in this thesis represents a key aspect of this work. Current knowledge regarding the movement of sediments in sewerage systems is reviewed. Additionally, the attempts to model sediment transport in laboratory flumes is examined, and the application of these models is discussed. Differences between the material used in laboratory studies and that experienced in existing field studies is highlighted. Different modes of sediment transport in sewers are theorised, and differences in the material moving in the respective modes of transport in various studies are examined The study reported here examines the nature of the material in transport in sewers in general, however the solids moving at the bed are dealt with in particular. A methodology is established which is suitable for the collection of material moving near the bed in sewers in Dundee. Based on data collected from three separate, non­ concurrent field sites, observations are made regarding the nature of the material in transport near the bed. Comparisons are made between the nature of the material in transport at the bed at each of the field sites, and the material is compared with the sewage sampled concurrently. Temporal and spatial variations in the material in transport at the bed at each of the study sites are highlighted. The mass of solids transport, and associated pollutant load, is compared with other modes of transport. Using the data collected, contemporary sediment transport models are employed. A modified relationship is proposed for near bed sediment transport over a deposited bed. The difficulties in collecting the data required to apply laboratory based sediment transport models are highlighted.
Deposição de Fitomassa em Formações Secundárias na Floresta Atlântica do Paraná

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a deposicao de serapilheira em tres formacoes secundarias com diferentes idades na Floresta Ombrofila Densa Submontana no Parana. A serapilheira anual produzida foi avaliada mensalmente por 25 coletores (1 m2) distribuidos sistematicamente em cada formacao secundaria (1 ha) e separada em fracoes (ramos, orgaos reprodutivos, miscelânea e folhas). Nao houve diferenca significativa entre as formacoes quanto a deposicao anual de serapilheira, provavelmente devido as semelhancas entre elas com relacao a estrutura da vegetacao e as condicoes meteorologicas. A maior deposicao de serapilheira total e fracoes ocorreu nos meses com maiores temperatura e precipitacao. A fracao folhas foi a mais representativa na serapilheira total em todas as formacoes, sendo que na floresta secundaria menos desenvolvida (FS-1) houve contribuicao de um menor numero de especies, quando comparada com a floresta secundaria intermediaria (FS-2) e a floresta secundaria mais desenvolvida (FS-3).
Expression of the coat protein gene of potato leafroll virus in Escherichia coli and development of polyclonal antibodies against recombinant coat protein.

The coat protein (CP) gene of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) was cloned into the pBAD-TOPO expression vector upon induction; the viral protein was expressed as 6XHis-tagged PLRV fusion protein in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 cells. The fusion protein was confirmed by western blot analysis using antibodies specific for the PLRV. The predicted length of the coat protein gene was 627 nucleotides, corresponding to a 209 amino acid coat protein of Mr 23 KDa. The nucleotide sequence of the coat protein gene of PLRV (PLRV-CP) was compared to the sequences of the coat protein genes of other PLRV isolates. The PLRV-CP gene of the Egyptian isolate (PLRV-CP-Eg) was found to be 95% homologous to those of other luteoviruses at the nucleotide level. Antiserum obtained from rabbit after injection with 6XHis-tagged PLRV fusion protein was immuno-reactive towards the PLRV in indirect ELISA.
Integrating genetic, phenotypic and ecological analyses to assess the variation and clarify the distribution of the Cortes geoduck (Panopea globosa)

The Cortes geoduck (Panopea globosa) has been considered a Gulf of California (GC) endemic but anecdotal and unpublished evidence has suggested its presence in Bahía Magdalena (BM), on the Pacific coast of southern Baja California. Establishing the identity of geoduck clams and their distribution limits is not only of clear biological significance to understand their structural and functional variation, but is also of consequence for their conservation and management, given the multi-million dollar fishery they support in north-west Mexico. We analysed Panopea clams from Mexican populations, including BM, using an integrative approach including genetics, morphometrics, and an ecological niche model. Our genetic results (restriction fragment length polymorphisms of nuclear ribosomal DNA and mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences) clearly identify BM geoducks as P. globosa, implying a significant geographical range expansion outside of the GC and refuting its status as endemic to the Gulf. On the other hand, clams from BM were phenotypically different (shell significantly higher) from other Mexican P. globosa and Panopea generosa specimens, which may account for the confusion in their morphological identification. The ecological niche model for P. globosa, integrating ecological and distributional data from the GC, revealed a very low probability (<10%) that this species could successfully occupy BM. Our results and those of others suggest that the Cortes geoduck population in BM may be adapted to specific environmental conditions differing from those experienced by conspecifics inside the Gulf and is likely isolated. This is highly relevant for the management plans of Mexican geoducks.
Els nummulitinae del paleoce-eoce inferior de la conca sudpirinenca

ESTA TESIS CONSTITUYE UNA APORTACION IMPORTANTE A LA SISTEMATICA DE LOS NUMMULITIDOS DE LA CUENCA SURPIRENAICA. SE DESCRIBEN EN TOTAL 119 TAXONES DE LOS GENEROS NUMMULITES, ASSILINA Y RANIKOTHALIA, SIENDO 5 DE ELLAS NUEVAS ESPECIES DEL GENERO NUMMULITES. A PARTIR DE LAS ASOCIACIONES DE NUMMULITIDOS HALLADAS EN LAS SUCESIVAS UNIDADES LITOESTRATIGRAFICAS, SE REALIZA UNA PROPUESTA DE BIOZONACION PARA LA CUENCA PALEOCENA/EOCENA PIRENAICA. SE APORTAN DATOS FILOGENETICOS DE INTERES PARA EL CONOCIMIENTO DE LA EVOLUCION DE ESTOS FOSILES. FINALMENTE, PARTIENDO DE LOS DATOS OBTENIDOS EN ESTA TESIS, DATOS APORTADOS POR OTROS FOSILES DE INTERES BIOESTRATIGRAFICO, Y POR LA MAGNETOESTRATIGRAFIA, SE REALIZA LA CORRELACION ENTRE LAS BIOZONAS DE NUMMULITIDOS Y LA ESCALA CRONOESTRATIGRAFICA ESTANDAR.
Hydroxyapatite-lignin composite as a metallic implant-bone tissue osseointegration improver: experimental study in dogs

The study aimed to evaluate biocompatibility, osteoconduction and osseointegration of a pasty composite of hydroxyapatite (20%) and lignin (80%) as a promoter of metal implant and bone tissue integration. An intramedullary Schanz pin was implanted in both tibias of fifteen bitches. In the left tibia, the pin was coated with the biomaterial at the time of surgery. Marrow cavity was also filled with the biomaterial. Right limb did not receive the biomaterial, then constituting the control group. Tibias were harvested from five animals at 8, 60 and 150 days after surgery; three of them were analyzed by histological and biomechanical assessment and the two remaining tibias by X-ray diffraction. Results showed that the biomaterial is biocompatible, with osteoconductivity and osseointegration properties. Histological analysis and diffractograms showed the presence of hydroxyapatite in samples in all periods, although the presence of organic material of low crystallinity was variable. There was no statistical difference in the forces required for removal of the biocompatibility, osteoconductivity and osseointegration, it was not able to promote a better intramedullary pin anchorage.
The control of leaf water loss by coconut plants cultured in vitro depends on the type of membrane used for ventilation

Summary The physiological responses to vessel ventilation of coconut plants cultured in vitro varied with the type of membrane used for ventilation. Plants cultured in vessels ventilated with one of three types of membranes, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Whatman filter paper (W) were compared with plants cultured in conventional sealed (S) vessels. Vessel gas exchange, water loss and medium osmolality were greater in vessels ventilated with W compared with vessels ventilated with PP, PVC or S. Plants cultured in W vessels exhibited lower rates of leaf water loss, narrower stomatal apertures and higher leaf abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations than plants cultured in PP, PVC or S vessels. Plants in PP and PVC vessels showed an intermediate behaviour in all these parameters while plants cultured in S vessels exhibited comparatively high rates of leaf water loss, wide stomatal apertures and low leaf ABA concentrations. The results from the plants cultured in W vessels suggest that dehydration of the vessel medium increased medium osmolality, inducing greater leaf ABA accumulation, which resulted in improved stomatal control and reduced leaf water loss in coconut plants cultured in vitro in the vessels. The use of PP and PVC membranes resulted only in intermediate control of leaf water loss and stomatal functionality compared with S vessels. This occurred despite PP and PVC vessels having similar rates of medium water loss and medium osmolalities compared with S vessels. Because PP and PVC had higher rates of ethylene diffusion, it would appear as if the slight improvement of leaf physiology between plants in PP and PVC vessels and S vessels may be related to differences in ethylene or other gas diffusion rather than differences in medium water loss. In any case, the capacity of plants cultured in vitro to control leaf water loss was related to their leaf ABA concentration. The results of the present work confirm that the use of ventilated systems in the in vitro preacclimatization phase before transplanting results in plants with improved control of water loss that may prove beneficial for survival and performance in the field but care must be taken when selecting the type of ventilation membrane.
Malting of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum) : Its effect on starch and protein digestibilities

Pearl millet samples were steeped for 16, 20 and 24 h with and without aeration and germinated for 48, 72, 96 and 120 h. Malting loss, changes in diastatic activity, in vitro starch and protein digestibilities and total sugar contents were estimated. The malting loss was highest at 96 h germination. Diastatic activity increased with increase in germination time, highest being at 120 h. A similar trend was also observed in in vitro starch and protein digestibility values. In vitro starch and protein digestibility values at 48 h germination were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than samples germinated for longer period. Dietary fibre content showed no significant difference. Aeration of samples during steeping increased malting loss.
EFFECT OF WIND ON THE POLLINATION OF PANCRATIUM MARITIMUM L. (AMARYLLIDACEAE) BY HAWKMOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA: SPHINGIDAE)

Pancratium maritimum L. grows wild in the light soil belt of the coastal plain of Israel, from the sea-shore to the sandy plains further inland. The habitat of P. maritimum in the immediate vicinity of the sea is characterized by direct exposure to sea breezes and to continuous sprays or salt water droplets carried by the wind, by strong radiation and by high air humidity. These characteristics become less pronounced as the distance increases from the sea. In close vicinity to the sea, Pancratium participates in the plant association of Sporobolus arenarius (Gou.) Duv. -Jouv. -Lotus creticus L. which occupies the sandy beach and the high sandy-loam shores (Eig 1939). Here, this species often produces dense stands. Our present purpose was to study pollination in Pancratium, under the unique climatic conditions of the sea shore habitat, especially the effects of wind on pollination and seed setting.
Factors determining plant species richness in Alaskan arctic tundra

Abstract We studied the relationship between plant N:P ratio, soil characteristics and species richness in wet sedge and tussock tundra in northern Alaska at seven sites. We also collected data on soil characteristics, above-ground biomass, species richness and composition. The N:P ratio of the vegetation did not show any relationship with species richness. The N:P ratio of the soil was related with species richness for both vegetation types. Species richness in the tussock tundra was most strongly correlated with soil calcium content and soil pH, with a strong correlation between these two factors. N:P ratio of the soil was also correlated with soil pH. Other factors correlated with species richness were soil moisture and Sphagnum cover. Organic matter content was the factor most strongly correlated with species richness in the wet sedge vegetation. N:P ratio of the soil was strongly correlated with organic matter content. We conclude that N:P ratio in the vegetation is not an important factor determining species richness in arctic tundra and that species richness in arctic tundra is mainly determined by pH and flooding. In tussock tundra the pH, declining with soil age, in combination with Sphagnum growth strongly decreases species richness, while in wet sedge communities flooding over long periods of time creates less favourable conditions for species richness. Nomenclature: Hultén (1968).
Variations in qualitative traits in the Nigerian local chicken.

Ninety (90) captive adult normal feathering female Nigerian local chicken in an ongoing study were scored for phenotypic characteristics (variation in plumage and shank colour, presence of ear lobe, ear lobe colour, comb type, head shape and ptilopody). Sole (black, white and light brown) and mottled plumages were dominant and had an occurrence of 54.38 and 38.46% respectively. Shank colour was predominantly black (42.22%). Comb type varied from pea, rose, walnut to single with a percentage occurrence of 18.18, 22.08, 15.58 and 44.16 respectively in the population studied. 82.05% of the population had plain head shape while 70% showed the presence of ear lobes dominated by white colour (73.21%). Ptilopody was observed in 5.41% of the population. The population of Nigerian local chicken studied showed heterogeneity in the phenotypic traits considered and therefore present a genetic pool from which selection could be made.
Temperature relations of powdery mildews

The optimum temperature for powdery mildews (Erysiphaceae) as a group is about 21° C, or 4 degrees lower than the average optimum for plant pathogens. Among the powdery mildews the optima for different species are about as follows: Erysiphe graminis, 17° C; E. polygoni, 23°; E. cichoracearum, 22°; Sphaerotheca pannosa, 24°; Uncinula necator, 26°; and Podosphaera leucotricha, 16°. The five criteria of fungus activity used to assay the relation of temperature to powdery-mildew development—number of conidia per conidiophore, rate of maturation of conidia, percentage germination of conidia, length of germ tubes in vitro, disease development, and length of hyphae in vivo—are considered to be of increasing merit in the order given. Powdery-mildew conidia are shorter-lived than the spores of most fungi: they live only about 2 days in ordinary environments. At lower and higher temperatures they live for longer and shorter times, respectively. Attached spores in situ live longer than detached spores on glass. Fresh conidia on the host surface are more tolerant of high temperature than are the young colonies resulting from the growth of these conidia.
Attractiveness to pollinators : a plant's dilemma

At first glance attracting more pollinators enhances pollen transfer to other plants in the population and increases fitness. One would expect zoophilous plants to be as attractive as possible. The fact that not all plants have large, showy flowers or produce enormous nectar rewards is usually explained by the costs involved. We will show that often plants should not be too attractive, even if being attractive is not costly.
Modern housing for America : policy struggles in the New Deal era

The basic shape of American federal policy in housing as in many other areas, was determined during the New Deal, but not without conflict among movements and intellectuals advocating alternative directions. One of these was "modern housing" - a set of proposals for a radical rethinking of homes and neighbourhoods. Supporters of this approach hoped that a significant proportion of American homes could be provided by a broadly targeted, noncommercial housing sector, supported by the federal government. They urged comprehensively planned neighbourhoods with generous public spaces, a range of public services, and resident participation in design and administration. While modern housing ideas failed to define the long-term thrust of federal policy, they did influence a short-lived programme of the Public Works Administration, seen in the case studies of the Carl Mackley Houses of Philadelphia and Harlem River houses of New York. The author concludes with a chapter on the long-range impact of New Deal policy on American politics and the legacy of the modern housing initiative for contemporary public policy debates.
Detection and Genetic Characterization of Lymphocystis Disease Virus (LCDV) Isolated during Disease Outbreaks in Cultured Gilt-head Sea Bream Sparus aurata in Tunisia

—Lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) causes a self-limiting disease in fish. However, recently, LCD outbreaks have increased, causing significant mortalities. In this study, we report the occurrence of two disease outbreaks in reared gilt-head sea bream Sparus aurata in the Tunisian coast. Presence of LCDV in diseased fish was confirmed by virus isolation using BF-2 cells and PCR amplification targeting the polymerase gene. Amino acid sequence analysis of the major capsid protein suggested that the LCDV strain was identical to nine strains previously isolated from the Mediterranean, Red Sea and South Atlantic coasts of Europe. These strains might have been disseminated through recent international trade.