Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron requirement for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] inoculated with selected exotic and native isolates of Bradyrhizobium sp. under irrigated conditions

A field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the requirement of Fe nutrient supplied through foliar and soil application in soybean inoculated with different selected isolates of exotic and native Bradyrhizobium spp. in saline soils. Six soybean genotypes and three Bradyrhizobium spp. were used for the greenhouse experiments, whereas only two soybean genotypes, namely TGx-1336424 and GIZA, were selected for further study under field conditions. Two levels of FeSO4 (0 and 4 mg Fe kg−1 soil) directly supplied to the soil and three levels of Fe-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (0–2% of Fe) through foliar application were used for greenhouse and field experiments, respectively. The results of the greenhouse experiment indicated a non-significant effect of Fe application on nodulation and shoot biomass in soybean. Fe application did not improve the grain yield and total biomass yield in soybean inoculated with UK isolate and local isolate but showed remarkable improvement with TAL-379. High soil native N might be the cause for insignificant effect of Fe applied at 2% in highly effective inoculated plants. Therefore, it can be concluded that the symbiotic effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium sp. and the native soil N would affect the soybean Fe requirement supplied through foliar application.
DEEP-WATER SCALPELLOMORPH/CORAL SYMBIOSIS (CIRRIPEDIA, PEDUNCULATA/HEXACORALLIA, SCLERACTINIA) IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC

The heavily armored peduncles of four species of deep-water calanticid scalpellomorphs, from three distant localities across the North Atlantic, are partially overgrown by the branching scleractinian corals on which they had settled. We infer the association and overgrowths benefit the barnacles in isolating them from competitors and predators. These barnacles and their hosts represent relatively old groups (early Mesozoic and Paleogene, respectively) and therefore the relationship could have been established during their early radiation. Because the corals are capable of at least partially if not completely entombing the scaly remains of the peduncles when the barnacles die, recognizable traces of this symbiotic relationship are probably present in the fossil record.
Host‐associated strains within Ugandan populations of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.),(Hom., Aleyrodidae)

Abstract: Studies were undertaken to investigate host relationships of populations of Bemisia tabaci taken from the major crop hosts in Uganda. B. tabaci adults taken from cotton and sweet potato did not colonize cassava. None survived for longer than two days and nymphs emerging from eggs laid on cassava died. Cassava B. tabaci in contrast showed limited colonization on cotton and sweet potato and adults emerging from cotton retained the ability to colonize cassava, confirming the genetic basis of the distinction between ‘strains’ suggested by previous isozyme studies. The implications of these findings with regard to the role of B. tabaci in the epidemiology of African cassava mosaic geminivirus are discussed.
Biocontrol of Hydrilla verticillata with the endemic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina

An isolate of Macrophomina phaseolina discovered in Lake Houston, TX, caused a disease of the submersed plant Hydrilla verticillata. In repeated greenhouse and field tests, this fungus greatly reduced the biomass of hydrilla within 3-4 wk after inoculation. Pathogenicity studies indicated that this fungus may be useful as a biocontrol agent
Possibility of vancomycin-resistant enterococci transmission from human to broilers, and possibility of using the vancomycin-resistant gram-positive cocci as a model in a screening study of vancomycin-resistant enterococci infection in the broiler chick

In this study, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from humans and vancomycin-resistant gram-positive cocci (VRPC) from pigs were examined for their ability to transmit in the chick intestine (Experiment 1). A model study on the spread speed of VRPC was also estimated from chick to chick under semi-production conditions with different administration routes (not inoculated, oral administration to a chick, sprayed on the floor) (Experiment 2). Furthermore, the disappearance of VRPC from their litter with composting processes was examined (Experiment 3). Each of six chicks was inoculated with VRPC or VRE at 1 day old in Experiment 1. All the chicks had VRPC or VRE in their glandular stomach at 22 days of age. In Experiment 2, 6 floor pens covered with sawdust were prepared and 20 chicks were allotted to each pen. The chicks were inoculated with VRPC at 1 day of age. The VRPC were detected in each group in cloacal swabs at 2 days of age (detection rate; 20–80%). And they were also detected in the not-inoculated group. The VRPC detection rate gradually decreased, and detection was rare (0–10%) in the packing chicks (50 days old). VRPC were detected in the litter of each pen in Experiment 2. A composting process was effectively used to eliminate VRPC by the 6th week (Experiment 3).
Response of Tridens Flavus (l.) A. S. Hitchc. to Soil Nutrients and Disturbance in an Early Successional Old Field1

Abstract Soil nutrients and disturbance are two of the main abiotic factors that influence plant dominance (canopy cover), density, and fecundity in early successional old field plant communities. The manner in which the dominant species in old field successional systems respond to the interaction of nutrients and disturbance is poorly known. We examined the dominance, density of flowering tillers, and reproductive output of Tridens flavus, a perennial, warm-season bunchgrass that is important in old field succession, to varying soil nutrient and disturbance regimes. We tested the hypothesis that the interaction between nutrients and disturbance would influence the performance (cover, density, fecundity) of T. flavus. To test this hypothesis, we subjected 25 m2 experimental plots to various combinations of fertilizer and mowing treatments for eight years after initially plowing the field. The performance of T. flavus was measured by estimating percent cover for 8 years (1996–2003) and both density of flowering tillers and reproductive output (panicle length and number of branches per panicle) for three years (2001–2003). The pattern of canopy cover of T. flavus over the first eight years of succession varied over time depending on mowing regime. Dominance was significantly higher in plots that were fertilized only in years one and five than in annually fertilized and unfertilized control plots. The length of panicles and density of flowering tillers were both significantly greater in annually mowed plots than in unmowed plots. In the absence of mowing in particular, T. flavus became overtopped by woody species and declined in this old field community. Therefore, disturbances such as mowing and fertilization may be important in maintaining grasses such as Tridens flavus in old fields.
Coexistence of aerobic chemotrophic and anaerobic phototrophic sulfur bacteria under oxygen limitation

Abstract The aerobic chemotrophic sulfur bacterium Thiobacillus thioparus T5 and the anaerobic phototrophic sulfur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina M1 were co-cultured in continuously illuminated chemostats at a dilution rate of 0.05 h −1 . Sulfide was the only externally supplied electron donor, and oxygen and carbon dioxide served as electron acceptor and carbon source, respectively. Steady states were obtained with oxygen supplies ranging from non-limiting amounts (1.6 mol O 2 per mol sulfide, resulting in sulfide limitation) to severe limitation (0.65 mol O 2 per mol sulfide). Under sulfide limitation Thiocapsa was competitively excluded by Thiobacillus and washed out. Oxygen/sulfide ratios between 0.65 and 1.6 resulted in stable coexistence. It could be deduced that virtually all sulfide was oxidized by Thiobacillus . The present experiments showed that Thiocapsa is able to grow phototrophically on the partially oxidized products of Thiobacillus . In pure Thiobacillus cultures in steady state extracellular zerovalent sulfur accumulated, in contrast to mixed cultures. This suggests that a soluble form of sulfur at the oxidation state of elemental sulfur is formed by Thiobacillus as intermediate. As a result, under oxygen limitation colorless sulfur bacteria and purple sulfur bacteria do not competitively exclude each other but can coexist. It was shown that its ability to use partially oxidized sulfur compounds, formed under oxygen limiting conditions by Thiobacillus , helps explain the bloom formation of Thiocapsa in marine microbial mats.
Optimal Time and Size for Smolt Migration in Wild Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)

A tagging programme, in which wild sea trout (Salmo trutta) were marked at the parr stage with internal tags in winter and recaptured during smolt migration in a trap in the following spring, was conducted for three seasons in a small stream in southwestern Sweden, individuals that were initially smaller migrated later, grew more in length, and were smaller at migration than those initially bigger. Body length at migration decreased with migration time during the season for tagged as well as nontagged trout. A model for optimal time of and size at migration is proposed, based on the assumption that the expression (body length at the end of the season) × (survival over the season) is maximized and that migratory and postmigratory survival is positively size dependent. The qualitative predictions on the relationship between initial size and time of and size at migration are supported by the tagging data. Pre- and postmigratory growth rates are predicted to have opposite effects on migration time, so the mig.
Seasonal dynamics of coper and zinc acumulation in shots of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin ex Steud., Typha latifolia L. and Typha angustifolia L.

The concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured in shoots of plants Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin ex Steud. , Typha latifolia L. and Typha angustifolia L. at four locations in the area Bardaca (Necik - neglected fishpond, Lug - fishpond used for recreation activities, Sinjak - active fishpond and Matura - river connected to some of the fishponds). In all these types of water bodies, Zn and Cu concentrations were the highest in young plants (May-June) and then declined until the end of the season, especially in September. Phragmites australis has accumulated higher amounts of Zn than Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia, whereas for Cu the difference between species was not so clear. In relation to the site, the largest concentrations of Zn and Cu were recorded in plants from the sites Sinjak and Matura, followed by Necik and Lug respectively. Such site specific differences are related to specific ecological conditions at each habitat.
Inflection and stability points of diphasic logistic analysis of growth

Growth functions with inflection points following a diphasic model, can be adjusted by two approaches using segmented regression or the sum of two functions. In both cases, there are two functions, one for each phase, with inflection and stability points. However, when they are summed, the result is a new function and the points of inflection and stability are different from those obtained from using each function individually. A method to determine these points in a diphasic logistics sum of functions is suggested and the results obtained from fitting the models to eucalyptus growth data showed a better fit of the logistic diphasic sum as compared with segmented regression and monophasic logistic models.
An investigation into the monitoring of renal function of patients treated with tenofovir at Odi Hospital in Gauteng Province

Background: By the end of 2010 South Africa (SA) had the largest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment programme in the world, with 1.3 million people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, burdensome adverse effects, although varying in their impact, have concerned government, health care professionals (HCPs) and patients. The adverse effects include ART renal dysfunction which is often associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The National Department of Health of South Africa (NDoHSA) published clinical guidelines in 2010 (ART guidelines, 2010) for the management of HIV and AIDS in adults and adolescents. These guidelines were written to minimize unnecessary drug toxicities and enable primary health care facilities to initiate, manage, monitor and refer patients. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the compliance of health care professionals (HCPs) with the ART guidelines (2010) in monitoring the renal function of patients on tenofovir in the years 2010 and 2012 and to retrospectively investigate the renal function of patients initiated on TDF as part of first line regimen. Method: The study was a retrospective observational study where a purposive sampling procedure was used to select the sample of 500 patient cases from an estimated population of 4493, i.e. 11.1% of the population (a 95% confidence interval for the percentage in about 10.2% to 12.1%). These records were reviewed to obtain the necessary data. These records were then audited for compliance by HCPs in monitoring laboratory tests, in particular kidney function tests Scr and CrCl for patients on TDF. Results: About 65% of the study participants were female. The median serum creatinine (Scr) remained below 100μmol/l at all visits. Median creatinine clearance (CrCl) remained stable at Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stage 2(60-89ml/l) of chronic xii kidney function (CKD). Median CD4 count increased with each visit demonstrating the strengthening immune system while the median viral load (VL) remained unsuppressed at all visits increasing the CKD risk. The mean monitoring intervals were wide at 11 months, 24 months and 34 months from baseline for visit 1, visit 2 and visit 3 respectively.
The incidence of bruising in broiler flocks

1. The amount of down‐grading due to bruising in 55 flocks of broilers was investigated. 4. Bruising was classified as light or bad bruising and it is suggested that this division represents two distinct types of bruises with different causes. 3. The incidence of bruising was greater in female flocks than in male although the bruising in the former tended to be less severe. 4. The relationships between incidence of bruising and several variables associated with the flock and the environment were examined using regression analysis. The factors shown to have a significant influence on the incidence of bruising were: the age and mean weight of the flock, and the temperature and humidity on the day of processing.
EFFECT OF SELECTION FOR LEAN GROWTH RATE UPON FEED UTILIZATION BY THE MARKET HOG

Results from an individual feeding trial comparing the feedlot and carcass performance of pigs from two populations, an index selected line and a genetic control, are described. The populations were initiated in 1961, the select line restructured in 1972, and the present evaluation made on progeny born in 1976. The index was based on two traits, growth rate and backfat. Feedlot data for 123 pigs indicated a direct genetic response of.94 standard deviation units (SDU) for rate of feedlot gain and correlated responses of −1.07 SDU for days on test, −1.22 SDU for total feed required and −1.07 SDU for feed/gain ratio. Carcass data for 96 pigs indicated a direct genetic response of −1.51 SDU for average backfat and a correlated response of 1.21 SDU for carcass index. In economic terms (1976 values), the improvement in carcass merit represented an increased revenue of $3.04 per pig, the increased growth rate was equivalent to a 10% reduction in the fixed costs and non-feed variable costs per pig, and the correl.
The Effects of Crop Combination and Row Arrangement in the lntercropping of Lettuce, Favabean and Pea on Weed Biomass and Diversity and on Crop Yields

ABSTRACT Lettuce, favabean and pea were grown as sole crops and as intercrops in all 3 paired combinations (ie. fava:lettuce, pea:lettuce, fava:pea) with 4 different row arrangements (ie. 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2) under weeded and unweeded conditions. The weed biomass and diversity, as measured by species richness, were recorded for all unweeded treatments. The crop yields and land equivalent ratios (LERs) were determined for all treatments. Weed biomass was significantly reduced compared to sole crops by intercrops of fava:lettuce in 1:1 and 2:2 row arrangements, by fava:pea in 1:1,1:2 and 2:1 row arrangements, but not by pea:lettuce in any row arrangement. Weed diversity was not significantly different compared to sole crops for all intercrop treatments. Yield reductions by weeds in the intercrops ranged from 23 to 40% for lettuce, from 19 to 42% for fava, and from 15 to 50% for pea. Yield reductions by weeds were dependent on crop combination and row arrangement, not necessarily weed biomass, and suggested t.
Estimating global solar radiation from common meteorological observations in western Canada

The interest in using crop growth simulation models for estimating large area yields in western Canada has led to a requirement for daily values of solar radiation on an historical and a real time basis. Because such data are usually not readily available, an equation was developed which relates solar transmissivity (ζ) (the ratio of incoming global solar radiation at the earth surface (Q) to solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere (Q0)) to daily observations of maximum and minimum air temperature and total precipitation (P):where a, b, c and d are empirical coefficients which vary with time of year and ΔT is the range in daily temperature extremes. During the late fall-winter period, correlation coefficients between observed and calculated transmissivities were less than 0.5 with relative large root mean square errors (RMSE). However, during the growing season when the equation would be of most use, correlation coefficients were 0.7 or higher with RMSEs of 0.12 or lower. The coefficients a, b, c and.
Influence of Electroshock and Mechanical Shock on Survival of Trout Eggs

Abstract Tests were conducted to determine if electric current applied by electrofishing equipment had an effect on trout egg mortality. Eggs of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were exposed to a standardized mechanical shock and to electric current from a backpack electroshocker. To separate the effect of handling from the electroshock effect, one group of control eggs was handled the same as electroshocked eggs, but without exposure to electricity. Another control group was not handled at all. Samples of eggs were exposed to one of the three treatments on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, or 26 postfertilization. The shocker output was measured at 0.6 A, pulse was 250 Hz, and the uniform voltage gradient in the exposure chamber was 0.9–1.0 Went. The most sensitive time in the development of the eggs to both mechanical and electrical shock was on day 8 postfertilization when incubated at 10.4°C; treatment at this time resulted in a mortality rate (determined on days 26–27 postfertilization) of 99.
The effect of silviculture on genetic gain in growth of Pinus radiata at one-third rotation

A trial planted on six sites representing five growth modelling regions and a range of site qualities in New Zealand was used to examine the interaction of silviculture and genetic improvement in Pinus radiata D. Don. Four seed lots with differing genetic potential for growth were grown under four stocking treatments from 100 to 600 stems/ha, all with a thinning ratio of 5:2. In addition, two treatments were planted at 500 stems/ha, one pruned and one unpruned. Among sites, differences were large for mean top height (8.1-13.9 m), basal area (7.9-21.5 m2/ha), and volume (25-108 m3/ha) at 8 years from planting. Differences among silvicultural treatments were large for basal area (with a range of 4.3-18.8 m2/ha over sites) and volume (17-86 m3/ha) and smaller but statistically significant for mean top height (10.1-11.6 m). Differences among seed lots were statistically significant for all traits but larger for basal area (12.1-13.6 m2/ha) and volume (51-59 m3/ha) than for height (10.7-11.1 m). Genetically di.
Maternal Condition and Nest Site Choice: An Alternative for the Maintenance of Environmental Sex Determination?

SYNOPSIS. Egg size and nest site selection are two potential effects that can have a persistent influence on the phenotype of offspring. In this paper, I develop the maternal condition-dependent choice hypothesis for the maintenance of environmental sex determination. The hypothesis stipulates three conditions: 1) there must be variation in the maternal effect, 2) the variation in the maternal effect must influence fitness of the offspring differently between the sexes, and 3) female reproductive behavior is determined by her condition or how her condition will influence her offspring's fitness. Females with the ability to recognize environments that have a higher probability of producing the sex that would benefit the most from maternal condition will have an advantage. Using egg size as a maternal effect, I test this hypothesis in the diamondback terrapin, an emydid turtle with temperature-dependent sex determination. Terrapins have large variation in egg size among clutches and little variation within clutches. Egg mass is the primary determinant of hatchling mass and can result in as much as a three year difference in reaching minimum size of first reproduction in females, but may not affect age or size of first reproduction in males. Finally, terrapins select open nesting sites with warmer incubation conditions and place larger eggs there. Females place smaller eggs in cooler sites. Terrapin reproduction is consistent with the prediction of the maternal condition-dependent nest site choice hypothesis. The model and supporting data demonstrate how maternal effects can be an important factor to consider in studies of environmental sex determination.
Contemporary richness of holarctic trees and the historical pattern of glacial retreat

The length of time land has been available for colonization by plants and other organisms could provide a partial explanation of the contemporary richness gradients of trees. According to this hypothesis, increasing times of land availability entail higher chances of recolonization, which eventually have positive effects on tree richness. To test this, we generated a dataset of the Holarctic trees and evaluated the influence of cell age, a measure of the time since an area became free of ice, on the observed tree richness gradients. We found that cell age is associated with richness in both Europe and North America, after controlling for contemporary climate patterns, suggesting that the historical pattern of glacial retreat in response to post-Pleistocene global warming has left a signal still detectable after at least 14 000 yr. The results were consistent using a range of modelling approaches or whether Europe and North America were analyzed separately or in concert. We conclude that, although secondary to contemporary climate, the post-glacial recolonization hypothesis is broadly supported at temperate latitudes.