Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency in different varieties of bread wheat (Triticum Aestivum L)

Thirty spring wheat varieties were evaluated and classified into eight different groups on the basis of their grain yield performance and phosphorus (P) uptake using Metroglyph analysis. Significant variability was observed for grain and biomass yield, plant height, P content in grain and straw, total P uptake and phosphorus harvest index and P use efficiency traits. Varieties WH 711 and PBW 343 exhibited high grain yield as well as high P uptake (HGY-HP). WH 283 and UP 2425 with high index score of 19 and 16 respectively, constituted the high grain yield-medium P uptake (HGYMP) group. Both these varieties, though had similar grain yield of 5348 kg/ha, but WH 283 (12.64 kg/ha) utilized much lower P as compared to UP 2425 (16.94 kg/ha). Moreover, WH 283 (81.64) also showed higher values for phosphorus harvest index (PHI) than UP 2425 (67.88%). P uptake of WH 283 was comparable with that of Raj 3765 (10.78 kg/ha) and grouped into high grain yield and low P uptake (HGY-LP) group. The grain yield performance of these two varieties with a relatively low P uptake is reflected in their high index score for P use efficiency thus, earmarking them for low P regimes. Variety HW 2006, despite low grain yields of 4665 kg/ha had high index score of 16 due to its higher value for Phosphorus Biological (PBER) and Economic Yield (PEER) Efficiency Ratio as it has effected least (7.18 kg/ha) P mobilization. In addition high P translocation in the grain was also observed for this variety. Inter-mating of genotypes like HW 2006, UP 2338 and HW 2016 with those belonging to HGY-HP (PBW 343 and WH 711) and HGY-LP (Raj 3765 and WH 283) would be an ideal strategy to develop the cultivars for efficient phosphorus use.
Soil compaction and the growth of vining peas

SUMMARY The effects of differing soil conditions at two sites on the growth of vining peas are described. The work was carried out over several seasons having contrasting rainfall at the time of crop emergence. Topsoil compaction induced by tractor wheelings reduced plant population and yield of vining peas by up to 70%. On the compacted plots peas were unable to compensate for the low population which was demonstrated by the inclusion of a non-compacted treatment thinned to the same population as the compacted plots. The severity of compaction was greatest when soil conditions were dry at emergence and least severe when wet. It is suggested that compaction resulted in increased ethylene production in the root and shoot tissues and this may be a causal agent of the observed growth modifications. Recultivation of a compacted seed bed prior to sowing resulted in better establishment and higher yields than with the topsoil compacted but final yields were variable when compared to a ploughed control. Double digging did not increase yield above a ploughed control. In one year a 25% yield reduction was attributed to this treatment. The reasons for the reduction in yield are complex but it is suggested that the causal agent was modfied soil and plant water relations resulting in altered crop physiology. Tramlining the crop reduced yield in one year but when the frequency of wheeling damage is considered they would be unlikely to affect productivity.
Serotonin: a real blast for T cells

[Comment on Leon-Ponte et al, page 3139][1]Mouse T lymphocytes unexpectedly produce the classic neurotransmitter serotonin, which—upon binding the constitutively expressed 5-HT7 Gs-coupled receptor-subtype—signals ERK1/2 phosphorylation and NFκB activation to boost their stimulation.
Review of the Effects of Rearing Density on Survival to Adulthood for Pacific Salmon

Abstract Since 1975, 20 brood years of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and 15 brood years of chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) have been used in experiments to determine the effects of rearing density on survival to adulthood. Results from these experiments were compiled and standardized to determine if there were significant relationships between rearing density and percent yield to adulthood or number of adults produced per rearing pond. For coho salmon, the number of adults per pond increased with increased rearing density for 15 of 20 brood years. For chinook salmon, increased rearing density increased adult yield per pond in only 4 of the 15 brood years. In 7 of 20 brood years of coho salmon, increased rearing density resulted in a reduced percent survival to adulthood. For chinook salmon, increased rearing density produced a reduced percent survival in 14 of 15 brood years. These results suggest some major differences between the responses of coho salmon and chinook salmon to rearing density. The i.
Production during 5 years from Merino ewes reared on different levels of nutrition between 7 and 19 months of age

Abstract The concurrent and long-term effects of restricted feeding of ewe hoggets during winter and/or the subsequent post-winter period until first joining were measured in 728 Merinos born in 2 years. Following the cessation of differential nutrition in each year all groups grazed together until the end of the experiment. The liveweight gain difference of 5.6 kg at the end of winter was reduced to only 1.6 kg at first joining at 1.5 years of age, and 0.5 kg at joining at 4.5 years of age. There was a large effect of restricted winter nutrition on mating performance when post-winter nutrition was also restricted. At 1.5 years of age the percentage of ewes mated in the first 17 days of joining was reduced by 20.4 and the percentage of ewes not mated after 51 days of joining increased by 20.9. Low plane winter feeding reduced hogget greasy fleece weight by 0.25 kg. A difference of 15.1 kg at first joining because of differential post-winter nutrition reduced to 1.2 kg at 4.5 years of age. Low plane post-w.
Evolution of Erect Marine Bryozoan Faunas: Repeated Success of Unilaminate Species

Twice, over era-scaled lengths of time, the relative diversity of branched unilaminate species among the erect bryozoan fauna increased by a factor of 10. In this duplicate natural experiment, a colonial form that offers the least resistance to the outflow of filtered water apparently replaced all the others. The data suggest long-term progressive evolution by an increase in the number of species and lineages that are hypothesized to be more hydrodynamically efficient in eliminating filtered water. Except for the Late Permian extinction event, the increase in the proportion of unilaminate species continued through, and perhaps was enhanced by, periods of mass extinction.
Energetic stress, immunosuppression and the costs of an antibody response

1. Recently, there has been much interest in physiological trade-offs between parasite resistance and fitness-related traits such as secondary sexual characters or reproductive effort. More specifically it has been suggested that (i) energetically costly activities may suppress the immune system and (ii) that this immunosuppression is caused by costly immune defences competing with other bodily demands for scarce resources, e.g. energy. 2. The possibility was investigated of an energetically based trade-off between humoral (antibody-based) immunocompetence and other costly activities, by immunizing Blue Tits, Parus caeruleus, with novel antigens (proteins) thereby inducing antibody responses, and performing two experiments. In experiment i, one group of birds was subjected to cold stress, thereby increasing their daily energy expenditure and the effect on immune responsiveness was investigated. In experiment 2, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of immunized birds was measured to investigate the energetic costs of mounting the antibody responses. 3. In experiment I, birds subject to increased energy turnover had significantly lower antibody responses, consistent with the hypothesis that environmental stress could suppress immunocompetence. However, in experiment 2 the energetic costs of these antibody responses were found to be low and at most 8-13% of BMR, indicating that adaptive resource allocation of energy was an unlikely explanation for the lowered immune responsiveness in the cold stress treatment (experiment 1). 4. It is concluded that our data provide some support to the idea that there may be a trade-off between immunocompetence and energetically costly activities such as thermoregulation, reproduction or mate attraction, although this trade-off may not necessarily be based on energy or nutrient limitation (i.e. resource allocation models). Two non-energetic explanations are briefly discussed, one adaptive and one non-adaptive, that could explain the immunosuppression in our study as well as in other behavioural and ecological contexts. (Less)
Oviposition deterring pheromone in Rhagoletis cerasi: Behavioral laboratory test to measure pheromone activity

Current investigations concerning the identification of the chemical nature of the oviposition deterring pheromone of the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. , are conducted in an interdisciplinary research program by combining chemistry with behavioral evaluation. The methods used to collect and evaluate the pheromone by an improved semi‐quantitative behavior test are described.
Relationship of body measurements and body condition score to body weight in modern Finnish Ayrshire cows

Abstract The differences in body weight (BW) and measurements between the cows of today and the early 70s was evaluated and the usefulness of heart girth (HG), wither height, body length (BL) and body condition score (BCS) as predictors of the BW of modern Finnish Ayrshire cows was estimated. During the last three decades, the BW, HG and BL has increased indicating change in body conformation. The BW prediction equation based on early 70s data underestimate the BW of modern Ayrshire cows. Based on current data it is recommended to use different models to predict BW for primiparous and multiparous cows. From single measurements, HG predicted BW most accurately. Inclusion of BL in model gave slight improve in BW prediction, especially for primiparous cows. An additional term of age or days in milk (DIM) for primiparous cows and BCS or DIM for multiparous cows along with HG increased slightly the accuracy of BW prediction.
The Larval Mite Endotrombicula pillersi (Acarina: Trombiculidae) as a Species-specific Parasite of a West African Savannah Frog (Phrynobatrachus francisci)

Abstract Thirty-four anuran species in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast (West Africa), were checked for infestation by larvae of the intradermal chigger mite, Endotrombicula pillersi (Acarina: Trombiculidae) for 5 y (1991–1995). Endotrombicula pillersi is a species-specific parasite of Phrynobatrachus francisci (Anura: Ranidae) at this site. Up to 84% of these frogs had irregular red excrescences on their ventral side, the typical symptom of chigger mite infestation. None of the other 33 sympatric anuran species was infested, with the exception of 1 individual of Bufo maculatus (Anura: Bufonidae). Local populations of P. francisci had a similar prevalence of mites in successive years, with nearby populations showing considerable differences between 1 and 227 larval mites/host. The encapsulated larval mites were densely clumped on the ventral side of the legs and near the cloacal opening of frogs. High intensities of up to 100 parasites/host caused pathological effects. Such as necrosis or rectal prolapsus. We found no change in number and position of larval mites, nor any pathological effects, in frogs with low intensities of infestation that were kept in terraria up to 3 y. Histological examinations demonstrated that the lining of capsules surrounding embedded mites consisted of connective tissue of the host dermis. Both the gnathosoma and extremities of the larval mites were embedded in the tissue of capsules.
Freeze tolerance of Zoysia matrella (L.) Merrill as affected by late-season nitrogen application, and changes in carbohydrates during cold acclimation

Abstract This study was conducted with the aim of (1) assessing the development of freeze tolerance (LT50) in “Zeon” zoysiagrass under the effect of two different levels (15 and 30 g m−2) of late-season nitrogen applications, and (2) evaluating the dynamics of nonstructural carbohydrates composition during cold acclimation and overwintering. A combined approach with natural acclimation in the field, followed by monthly controlled exposure to sub-freezing temperatures, was employed to evaluate LT50. Fall color of “Zeon” zoysiagrass was improved by nitrogen applications, the latter extending the green period by more than one month. In October, the higher nitrogen treatment caused significantly less cold hardiness (LT50=−10.0°C) compared with the other treatments, but was beneficial to freeze tolerance in March. The controls reached cold hardiness in November, 1 month earlier than the N treatments, in agreement with the color retention data. Controls also showed a more linear freeze tolerance during the experimental period. Significant variations in total soluble sugars occurred in zoysiagrass tissues during the acclimation and de-acclimation process. In particular, in leaves and, partially, in stems, total soluble sugars (TSS) levels were associated with LT50, while sprigs and roots did not show any significant association between LT50 and TSS. Alteration of metabolism was more evident in the 30-g N treatment, in particular as regards the storage sink.
Competitive effects of conspecific and herbaceous (weeds) plants on growth and branch architecture of Populus xeuramericana cv. Eugenei

The influence of tree density (2 x 3, 1 x 2, and 0.5 x 1 m) and weed control (weedy vs. weed free) on the growth and branching architecture of Populus xeuramericana cv. Eugenei was examined in an experimental plantation in southwestern Michigan, U.S.A. In the presence of weeds, poplars were shorter (p < 0.0001), had a smaller basal diameter (p < 0.0001), initiated fewer branches (p = 0.0004), and had fewer living branches (p = 0.002), shorter branches (p < 0.0001), and branches that spread outward (p < 0.0001). Increasing tree density decreased poplar height (p < 0.0001), basal diameter (p < 0.0001), branch length (p = 0.0062), and the number of living branches (p < 0.0001). At high densities, branches spread outward at their origin (p = 0.0015) and then curved sharply upward (p = 0.002). At the highest planting density there was no difference in branching in plots with and without weed control. However, poplars in the weedy treatment were smaller than those in the weed-free treatment (p < 0.0001). Our re.
Biocontrol of Sugarbeet Pathogen Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. by Streptomyces aureofaciens

The potential of microbial antagonism was explored in the control of sugarbeet Fusarium disease. The in vitro studies showed that a 70% concentration of the culture filtrate of S. aureofaciens significantly inhibited the spore germination, mycelial growth and sporulation of Fusarium solani. The in vivo studies involved different treatments. Seed coating treatment was the most effective in controlling F. solani at all cultivation periods in all the three-sugarbeet cultivars Raspoly, TOP and Tribel. The former cultivar showed the highest growth response compared with the other two cultivars. Soil pre-inoculation was less effective whereas seed-soaking treatment was the least effective in this respect.
Effects of differences in diet and seasonal changes on the fatty acid composition in fillets from farmed and wild sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

Summary The effects of dietary fatty acids and seasonal variation on the fatty acid profiles of farmed and wild sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were determined by analysis of their fillets. Farmed sea bream and sea bass were fed on the same commercial feeds all year. Fatty acid profiles in the fillets reflected the fatty acid profiles of the commercial feeds. The predominant fatty acids in the trial feeds, fillets of farmed and wild sea bream and sea bass were 16:0, 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. The fatty acid profiles in the fillets of farmed sea bream and sea bass did not differ (P > 0.05) except in the winter season compared with those of their wild counterparts. However, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) in the fillets of the farmed and wild sea bass were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the farmed and wild sea bream. The wild sea bream had significantly (P < 0.05) higher total saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels, and lower total n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in winter than in the summer and spring seasons. Similarly, in the fillets of wild sea bass, total n-3 PUFA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, and the MUFA levels were higher in winter than in the other seasons. These results indicate that the farmed fish fillets were good sources of n-3 PUFA in each of the three seasons. However, wild fish were good sources of n-3 PUFA in the spring and summer.
Navigation by homing pigeons

Pigeons are able to home from a distant unfamiliar site, even if, during transportation to this site, they were prevented from gathering potentially useful information on spatial configurations of the external world as well as on their own movements. Hence they can deduce information on their current position in relation to home from local clues in an unfamiliar area which may be hundreds of kilometres away from any experienced location. Most likely the birds have analogues of a map and a compass which are used in a process consisting of two steps. For the second step, a fairly well known «sun-azimuth compass» is used; under overcast skies, it may be replaced by a (less well understood) «magnetic compass». Attempts to explain the «map» component, i.e., the mechanism of site localization, on the basis of astronomical or magnetic clues, have been unsuccessful. It has been found, however, that olfactory signals are basically involved. Homing of pigeons from unfamiliar distant sites requires (a) an intact olf.
Biotic and abiotic drivers of dipterocarp seedling survival following mast fruiting in Malaysian Borneo

Abstract: South-East Asian tropical rain forests experience sporadic, but profuse, seed production after general flowering, leading to the synchronous emergence of various seedlings and subsequent seedling dynamics, which play a crucial role in determining species distribution and coexistence. We examined the relative importance of both biotic (initial height, conspecific seedling density) and abiotic (canopy openness, per cent sand, soil water content) drivers using survival data for 1842 seedlings of 12 dipterocarp species for 1.5 y following mast fruiting in an old-growth Bornean tropical rain forest. More than 30% of all dipterocarp seedlings survived 1.5 y after mast fruiting. When all species were analysed together, we found that initial seedling height, canopy openness and conspecific seedling density affected dipterocarp seedling survival. Negative density dependence indicated that predators were not satiated, but dipterocarp seedlings rather suffered from host-specific natural enemies or intraspecific competition. Species-level analyses of seven dipterocarp species showed large variation in response to biotic and abiotic factors. These results suggest that interspecific differences in the relative importance of biotic and abiotic effects on seedling survival might contribute to species coexistence.
PREVALÊNCIA E RESISTÊNCIA BACTERIANA AOS AGENTES ANTIMICROBIANOS DE PRIMEIRA ESCOLHA NAS INFECÇÕES DO TRATO URINÁRIO NO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO LUÍS-MA

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens involved in urinary tract infections and diagnosed in a private laboratory in Sao Luis, MA. Were analyzed 875 (37%) positive urine cultures performed from January 2005 to June 2008. The agents found in urine cultures were separated into three major groups, Enterobacteria predominated among isolates of 85.5% of the samples ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes e Serratia marcenses ). Cocos Gram - positive ( Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococus faecalis ) and Gram negative non-fermenters ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) were recovered at rates of 89 (10.2%) and 38 (4.3%), respectively. The bacteria isolated were classified according to their origin: 638 (73%) in the community and 237 (27%) in the hospital. The majority of isolates showed high resistance to the drugs ampicillin, cephalothin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Female patients were most affected with 603 (69%) of the cases. The correct diagnosis of urinary tract infections is of importance because allows appropriate treatment, thus avoiding complications andrecurrences
Aerobic respiration in sulfate‐reducing bacteria*

Cultures of Disulfovibrio desulfuricans strain CSN (incubated in a sulfide- and sulfate-free medium) reduced up to 5 mM O2 with H2 as electron donor. Aerobic respiration was not coupled with growth, but resulted in ATP formation. Washed cells incubated in H2-saturated phosphate buffer revealed respiration rates of up to 250 nmol O2 min−1 mg protein−1. The uncoupler carbonyl-cyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) stimulated the respiration rate and abolished ATP formation. The terminal oxidase has not yet been identified. Respiration was microaerophilic, insensitive to cyanide and azide, but inhibited after heat treatment of the cells (80°C for 10 min). The ph optimum was at pH 6 with less than 50% activity at pH 4.5 and pH 9. Besides H2, organic eletron donors (formate, ethanol, lactate or pyruvate) and inorganic sulfur compounds (H2S, thiosulfate, sulfite) were used as electron donors for aerobic respiration. Sulfite and thiosulfate were oxidized completely to sulfate. The capability of aerobic respiration was also detected in Desulfovibrio vulgaris, D. sulfidismutans, Desulfobacterium autotrophim, Desulfobulbus propionicus , and Desulfococcus multivorans .
Identification of Serpula lacrymans and other decay fungi in construction timber by sequencing of ribosomal DNA – A practical approach

Abstract We have approached species identification of wood decay fungi in construction wood by means of sequencing ribosomal DNA. Sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), which includes the 5.8S rDNA, is straightforward and provides a basis for species identification. Identification was either by BLAST search on sequences in GenBank or phylogenetic analysis. A number of important wood decay fungi such as Serpula lacrymans, S. himantioides, Antrodia serialis, A. sinuosa, Gloeophyllum sepiarium, Fomitopsis pinicola, Resinicium bicolor and Junghuhnia collabens have been successfully identified from fruitbodies and directly from wood samples. Sequence variants were found within the species sampled including S. himantioides, the close relative of S. lacrymans. But, among 27 samples from fruitbodies and mycelium of S. lacrymans, unexpectedly, no sequence variation was detected.
The skull of the basal stegosaur Huayangosaurus taibaii and a cladistic diagnosis of stegosauria

ABSTRACT The recent discovery of the Middle Jurassic stegosaur, Huayangosaurus taibaii has shed new light on the early phylogeny of Stegosauria. The skull of this taxon is described in detail and compared to those of other thyreophorans. Cranial and postcranial autapomorphies of Huayangosaurus include high premaxillary and maxillary tooth counts (7 and 25–30, respectively), small postorbital horn, intercostal articular flanges, and a carpus composed of a single coossified block. Nineteen synapomorphies unite Huayangosaurus and other stegosaurs and constitute a revised cladistic diagnosis for Stegosauria. Huayangosaurus is the sister-taxon to all other stegosaurs, which have lost premaxillary teeth, reduced the size of the antorbital fossa, increased the length of the prepubic process of the pubis, and lost lateral scute rows along the trunk.