Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probiótico na alimentação da tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758), durante a inversão sexual: desempenho zootécnico e recuperação da bactéria probiótica intestinal

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desempenho zootecnico de tilapia-do-Nilo, na fase de inversao sexual, com a utilizacao do probiotico Bacillus subtilis na dieta e confirmar a presenca deste probiotico no intestino. Foram utilizadas 1.350 pos-larvas estocadas em 18 aquarios retangulares, com 15L de agua na densidade de 5 peixes.L-1, com peso medio inicial de 16,0, DP=5,2mg e comprimento total de M=9,6, DP=9,1mm. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com tres tratamentos (controle, 5 e 10g.kg-1 racao) e seis repeticoes, sendo o periodo experimental de trinta dias. Seis animais por tratamento foram encaminhados para analise microbiologica, eutanasiados e descontaminados externamente com alcool 70%. Os intestinos foram retirados e macerados em tubos de ensaio esterilizados, feitas diluicoes seriadas ate 10-2 e, semeadas em placas contendo meio Tryptic Soy Agar . Os parâmetros de desempenho zootecnico nao foram afetados pela inclusao do probiotico na dieta. Nos peixes do tratamento controle, nao se detectou o crescimento de B. subtilis , demonstrando que nao houve contaminacao dos aquarios e da racao do tratamento controle. Nos tratamentos com racao contendo 5g e 10g de probiotico.kg-1, foram recuperados 1,15x104 e 4,74x105 Unidades Formadoras de Colonias, respectivamente. As contagens de B. subtilis foram crescentes em relacao aos niveis de inclusao do probiotico na racao. Palavras-chave : Microbiologia. Oreochromis niloticus . Piscicultura. Probiotico
Relationship between aboveground and belowground biomass ofSpartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass)

Aboveground and belowground biomass ofSpartina alterniflora were harvested during the period of peak aerial biomass from six sites along a latitudinal gradient ranging from Georgia to Nova Scotia. An equation relating live aboveground to live belowground biomass for short-form plants was formulated, using data collected in Delaware marshes. When data from the other sites were substituted into the equation, the mean live belowground biomass it predicted was within 15% of the value determined by harvesting at four of the five sites. At all sites, short-form plant live belowground biomass was concentrated in the upper 10 cm. Dead belowground biomass was located mostly in the top 15 cm in southern marshes, but was more evenly distributed with depth in northern marshes. Results were more ambiguous for tall-form plants, probably because of greater spatial variability in biomass distribution, and greater seasonal biomass dynamics.
Role of α2 Receptors in Quercetin-Induced Behavioral Despair in Mice

Depression is a well-defined illness that afflicts a large population worldwide. Various biochemical theories have been described; however, the pathophysiology of depression is still poorly understood. The present study explores the role of a natural flavonoid, quercetin, in the forced swimming model of depression and its interaction with presynaptic α2 adrenoceptors. Quercetin induced a significant behavioral despair, which was abrogated with pretreatment with yohimbine, an α2 adrenoceptor antagonist, and imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. The results of the study support the contention that quercetin utilizes presynaptic α2 adrenoceptors in eliciting its depressant activity in mice.
A Review of the Effects of Row Spacing on Weed Management in Corn and Soybean

The adoption of narrow row spacings (rows less than 30 inches in width) in soybeans and corn has primarily been driven by the potential for higher yields in narrow- compared to wide-row production systems. In addition to the potential yield advantages, these systems can have a significant impact on the incidence of weeds within a given agroecosystem and on the approach that producers might take for weed management. A review of row spacing experiments included in this review revealed that narrow row spacings have provided significant reductions in the late-season density of weeds in the majority of soybean experiments but only rarely in corn. This research also indicates that narrow row soybeans are more likely to impact the critical time of weed removal in soybean than in corn. The objective of this article is to provide a brief review of the literature related to the effects of row spacing on late-season weed prevalence and management in corn and soybean and to discuss the implications of these results to current production systems.
CALLING BEHAVIOUR OF THE ARMYWORM, PSEUDALETIA UNIPUNCTA

The calling behaviour of virgin female armyworms, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haw.), was studied at 25° ± 0.5° and 65 ± 5% RH under a 16L: 8D photoperiod. The age at which females started calling following emergence varied from 2 to 10 days, with a mean of 3.9 days. Due to these differences comparisons of calling behaviour on successive days were made using the “calling” age rather than age from emergence. The calling pattern of individual females, observed every 10 min, changed on successive days of calling. Over 7 days, the mean onset calling time advanced from 396 to 301 min after the onset of the scotophase, the total time spent calling per day increased from 62 to 182 min. the number of calling bouts decreased from 1.8 to 1.4 while the duration of a calling bout increased from 34 to 125 min. Entrained females held under 56 hr of darkness exhibited an endogenous circadian rhythm of calling. Observations taken every 10 min significantly underestimated the number of calling bouts per day (1.8 instead of 16 on the first day of calling) and overestimated the duration of each bout (34 min instead of 2 min on the first day of calling) when compared with the data collected from continuous observations. Values for the mean onset calling time and the time spent calling each day did not differ significantly using the two observation schedules.
The effect of alkanes on the physiology and metabolism of the entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea

The influence of different alkanes on spore morphology, glyoxlate pathway enzyme activities, total lipid contents and fatty acid composition of Isaria fumosorosea were investigated under laboratory conditions. Fungal spores grown on different alkanes showed higher germination and mycelial growth when compared to control. A strong induction of glyoxlate cycle enzymes in cell-free extracts was observed for cells grown on different alkanes when compared to glucose and control. Higher activities of glyoxlate cycle enzymes were observed for cells grown on alkanes when compared to other treatments. Even numbered fatty acids accounted for the majority of fatty acid production with a significant increase in relative amounts of linoleic acid and palmatic acid observed for conidia grown on alkanes. These results indicate that addition of alkanes to culture media can be a tool to pre-induce metabolic adaptations that can facilitate successful infection of insect host by entomopathogenic fungi.
Effects of long-term estrogen treatment on IFN-gamma, IL-2 and IL-4 gene expression and protein synthesis in spleen and thymus of normal C57BL/6 mice.

Estrogens have been shown to markedly modulate the immune system. One mechanism by which estrogens could modulate the immune system is by regulating cytokines, an aspect not well-studied thus far. To address this issue, normal C57BL/6 orchiectomized mice were given estrogen and its effects on selected cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-4 in lymphocytes from a developmental organ (thymus) and a mature lymphoid organ (spleen) examined. Estrogen significantly increased IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNA in concanavalin-A (Con-A) activated thymocytes, splenic lymphocytes, and in enriched splenic T cells. Estrogen had no marked effect on IL-4 mRNA. While estrogen increased IFN-gamma mRNA in Con-A activated unseparated splenic lymphocytes and enriched splenic T cells, a numerical increase in IFN-gamma was noticed only in the supernatants of Con-A activated unseparated splenic lymphocytes, but not in enriched splenic T cells. This suggests that for optimal secretion of IFN-gamma in estrogen-treated mice, co-stimulatory signals from antigen presenting cells are needed. Gender differences in IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNA were also evident. Con-A activated splenic lymphocytes from gonadal-intact, untreated female had a pattern of numerical increase in IFN-gamma mRNA, and IFN-gamma and IL-2 protein levels compared to their male counterparts. Taken together, our data suggests that estrogens regulate the expression of cytokines, which could account in part, for the gender differences in immune capabilities.
Shoreline Armoring Impacts and Beach Restoration Effectiveness Vary with Elevation

Abstract Removal of shoreline armoring can potentially restore lost biological functions to intertidal beaches and increase connectivity between aquatic and terrestrial realms. Conceptual models are needed, as ecologists, managers, and engineers are all concerned with finding ways to restore natural aspects to shoreline features that are stable and resilient in the face of global climate change and sea level rise. We identify the main effects of armoring on shoreline biota, examine the ecological response of a restored site where a seawall was removed, and use this to form a conceptual basis for the importance of elevation on armoring effects and restoration potential. Restoration completed in February 2005 at Seahurst Park (Puget Sound, Washington, United States) included seawall removal and creation of a beach. We monitored the site over seven years before and after restoration and compared invertebrate assemblages to a reference beach, spanning four elevations. We present a conceptual model illustrating that biotic assemblages at higher elevations directly affected by shoreline armoring can respond rapidly to restoration, while those at lower elevations may recover slowly or be adversely impacted. Understanding these concepts can improve our ability to maintain ecologically diverse shorelines while still providing coastal protection for people and property.
How are tree species distributed in climatic space? A simple and general pattern

Aim Although many factors undoubtedly affect species geographic distributions, can a single, simple model nonetheless capture most of the spatial variation in the probability of presence/absence in a large set of species? For 482 North American tree species that occur east of the Rocky Mountains, we investigated the shape(s) of the relationship between the probability of occupancy of a given location and macroclimate, and its consistency among species and regions. Location North America. Methods Using Little's tree range maps, we tested four hypothetical shapes of response relating occupancy to climate: (1) high occupancy of all suitable climates; (2) threshold response (i.e. unsuitable climates exclude species, but within the thresholds, species presence is independent of climate); (3) occupancy is a bivariate normal function of annual temperature and precipitation; and (4) asymmetric limitation (i.e. abiotic factors set abrupt range limits in stressful climates only). Finally, we compared observed climatic niches with the occupancy of similar climates on off-shore islands as well as west of the Rockies. Results (a) Species' distributions in climatic space do not have strong thresholds, nor are they systematically skewed towards less stressful climates. (b) Occupancy can generally be described by a bivariate normal function of temperature and precipitation, with little or no interaction between the two variables. This model, averaged over all species, accounts for 82% of the spatial variation in the probability of occupancy of a given area. (c) Occupied geographic ranges are typically ringed by unoccupied, but climatically suitable areas. (d) Observed climatic niche positions are largely conserved between regions. Main conclusions We conclude that, despite the complexities of species histories and biologies, to a first approximation most of the variation in their geographic distributions relates to climate, in similar ways for nearly all species.
Flat fan and air induction nozzles affect soybean herbicide efficacy

Fifteen field experiments were conducted from 2002 to 2005 to determine the influence of the nozzle type, spray volume, spray pressure, and herbicide rate on herbicidal efficacy in soybean. There was no effect of the nozzle type on herbicidal efficacy with fomesafen, bentazon, glyphosate, and cloransulam-methyl when applied at the manufacturer's recommended rate. The control of Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyardgrass) with quizalofop-p-ethyl was improved when applied with flat fan (FF) nozzles compared with air induction (AI) nozzles. There was an increase in weed control with the FF nozzles compared with the AI nozzles in four of the 13 comparisons when the herbicides were applied at half the recommended rate, while in two situations, application with the AI nozzles resulted in improved weed control. With the FF nozzles, there was no effect of the water carrier volume on weed control with bentazon, glyphosate, and cloransulam-methyl. The control of Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) and Chenopodium album (common lambsquarters) with fomesafen and E. crus-galli with quizalofop-p-ethyl was improved at the higher water carrier volume. With the AI nozzles, the control of A. theophrasti and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) with fomesafen and E. crus-galli with quizalofop-p-ethyl was improved at the higher water carrier volume, while the control of A. theophrasti and Polygonum persicaria (ladysthumb) was improved with glyphosate at the lower water carrier volume. With the AI nozzles, the control of C. album with bentazon and E. crus-galli with quizalofop-p-ethyl was improved at the higher spray pressure. There was no effect of the nozzle type on the soybean yield with glyphosate, cloransulam-methyl, and quizalofop-p-ethyl. The use of the FF nozzles compared with the AI nozzles to apply fomesafen and bentazon increased the soybean yield by 6 and 7%, respectively. Based on this study, the optimum nozzle type, water carrier volume, and spray pressure is herbicide- and weed species-specific.
Cytogenetic Studies and Evolutive Considerations on Fishes of the Family Cichlidae (Perciformes) from Parana River (Argentina)

Among the Perciformes, Cichlidae represent the more specious group, geographically distributed in Africa, Asia and America. In the present work, 7 species of 5 genera of cichlids from the Parana River (Misiones, Argentina) were cytogenetically characterized and discussed some aspects of the chromosome evolution. The following chromosome numbers and formulaes: were found for each analyzed species: Crenicichla niederleinii 2n=48 (6 M-SM; 42 ST-A), Crenicichla lepidota 2n=48 (6 M-SM; 42 ST-A), Gymnogeophagus sp. n. 2n=48 (2 M-SM; 46 ST-A), Gymnogeophagus balzanii 2n=48 (2 M-SM; 46 ST-A), Apistogramma trifasciata 2n=46 (16 M-SM; 30 ST-A), Cichlasoma dimerus 2n=48 (8 M-SM; 40 ST-A) and Bujurquina vittata 2n=44 (22 M-SM; 8 ST-A; 14 microchromosomes). The C-positive heterochromatin was observed preferentially in pericentromeric regions of some chromosomes and NORs at the secondary constriction on the first chromosome pair. In B. vittata the microchromosomes are not heterochromatic and the 5th pair shows short arms entirely stained and, in coincidence, the AgNORs appears located at the same region. The results obtained evidence a wide chromosomal variation, either in number and structure that could be integrated with morphological and molecular data in phylogenetic studies.
Interaction of Surfactants with Plant Cuticles1

Abstract: How surfactants modify the characteristics of a spray liquid is now reasonably well understood. Beneficial effects are primarily associated with reduction in surface tension. However, the mechanisms whereby surfactants enhance the diffusion of herbicides across the plant cuticle are less clear. Generally, hydrophilic surfactants with a high hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) are most effective at enhancing penetration of herbicides with high water solubility, whereas lipophilic surfactants with a low HLB are most effective for enhancing uptake of herbicides with low water solubility. Both high- and low-HLB surfactants are absorbed into the cuticle, but current theory suggests different mechanisms are involved in enhancing diffusion of hydrophilic and lipophilic herbicides across the cuticle. Surfactants having a high HLB are absorbed into the cuticle and enhance the water-holding capacity (hydration state) of the cuticle. With increased cuticle hydration, the permeance of hydrophilic herbicides into the cuticle is increased, which increases the herbicide diffusion rate at a constant concentration gradient. Surfactants having a low HLB are absorbed into the cuticle and increase the fluidity of waxes, as measured by a small reduction in melting point. This increased fluidity increases the permeance of lipophilic herbicides in the cuticle, which, in turn, increases their diffusion rate at a set concentration gradient. Additional index words: Herbicide diffusion, hydrophile/lipophile balance, surfactant mechanism of action, partition coefficient, permeance, postemergence herbicide absorption. Abbreviations: EO, ethylene oxide; HLB, hydrophile/lipophile balance.
Rottlerin, an inhibitor of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), inhibits astrocytic glutamate transport activity and reduces GLAST immunoreactivity by a mechanism that appears to be PKCδ‐independent

Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates the activity and/or cell surface expression of several different neurotransmitter transporters, including subtypes of glutamate transporters. In the present study, the effects of pharmacological inhibitors of PKC were studied in primary astrocyte cultures that express the glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) subtype of glutamate transporter. We found that general inhibitors of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide I (Bis I), bisindolylmaleimide II (Bis II), staurosporine and an inhibitor of classical PKCs, Gö6976, had no effect on Na+‐dependent glutamate transport activity. However, rottlerin, a putative specific inhibitor of PKCδ, decreased transport activity with an IC50 value (less than 10 µm) that is comparable to that reported for inhibition of PKCδ. The effect of rottlerin was very rapid (maximal effect within 5 min) and was due to a decrease in the capacity (Vmax) for transport. Rottlerin also caused a drastic loss of GLAST immunoreactivity within 5 min, suggesting that rottlerin accelerates GLAST degradation/proteolysis. Rottlerin had no effect on cell surface or total expression of the transferrin receptor, providing evidence that the effect on GLAST cannot be attributed to a non‐specific internalization/degradation of plasma membrane proteins. Down‐regulation of PKCδ with chronic phorbol ester treatment did not block rottlerin‐mediated inhibition of transport activity. These results suggest a novel mechanism for regulation of the GLAST subtype of glutamate transporter and indicate that there is a rottlerin target that is capable of controlling the levels of GLAST by controlling the rate of degradation or limited proteolysis. It appears that the target for rottlerin may not be PKCδ.
Effect of genotype and medium composition on flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) anther culture

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), a member of the family Linaceae, is an important crop in Europe for the production of both oil and fibre. Organic agriculture is based on minimizing the use of external inputs and avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, therefore resistant genotypes are preferable in an organic agriculture system. Breeding flax using haploid techniques allows breeders to develop new varieties in a shorter time period. However the overall efficiency of plant regeneration is not efficient, therefore identification of responsible genotypes and improvements of protocols are prerequisites for applied breeding programs. The effect of the combination of genotype and growth regulators on callus induction and shoot regeneration in anther culture of flax was investigated. Anther culture response in nine flax cultivars was studied, and four responsible genotypes have been selected. The results suggested that specific combinations of growth regulators must be designed for each genotype. The highest rate of shoots per plant has been obtained in second subculture.
Assessing Capacity and Capacity Utilization in Fisheries When Data Are Limited

Abstract Excess harvesting capacity is globally recognized by resource managers as a major problem for fisheries. Yet the concept of capacity remains vague, ill-defined, and often ambiguous. Measuring capacity and capacity utilization in fisheries has become more important than ever because of various national and international agreements or policies to reduce fishing capacity throughout the world. In this study, we develop definitions of capacity and a method to calculate capacity, capacity utilization, and optimum input utilization when data on landings, effort, and vessel attributes are all that are available for analysis. We illustrate the method by estimating and assessing the 1987–1990 capacity of 10 U.S. vessels participating in the mid-Atlantic fishery for sea scallops Placopecten magellanicus. We conclude that the 10 vessels had the capability to harvest considerably more than they actually did between 1987 and 1990.
Chemical Characterization of Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Opuntia ficus-indica

Oil extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica seeds constituted 13.6% of the whole seed. Results of the physical and chemical analyses of the oil for refractive index, iodine number, saponification number, Reichert-Meissl number, Hehner value, acid value and unsaponifiable matter compared well with the characteristics of other commonly consumed vegetable oils. Thin-layer chromatography in conjunction with gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a relatively high degree of unsaturation, 82%, with a linoleic acid content of 73.4% followed by palmitic, 12%, oleic 8.8% and stearic acid, 5.8%. Based on these results, Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil appears to be a good potential source of edible oil for human and/or animal consumption.
Parasites and Bright Male Plumage in the Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

Results from our field studies of the satin bowerbird ( Ptilonorhynchus violaceus ) suggest that females choose males as mates based on their level of infection with the ectoparasite ( Myrsidea ptilonorhynchi : Menoponidae). We evaluated predictions from three hypotheses for why this pattern of choice might evolve. The bright male and correlated infection models both suggest that females choose parasite free males because these males are more likely to sire parasite resistant offspring. The bright male hypothesis suggests that females are able to gauge infection based on plumage brightness. The correlated infection hypothesis claims that females assess resistance to endoparasites through a correlated effect on ectoparasites. In the parasite avoidance model female choice is shaped by the proximate benefits of avoiding infection. Six predictions from these models were tested using information on patterns of infection in satin bowerbirds. Of these models the parasite avoidance model was best supported by the available data.