Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of Suaeda aegyptiaca to KCl, NaCl and Na2SO4 treatments

The response of Suaeda aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Zoh. to various salinity treatments was tested in sand culture. Growth was promoted by NaCl and by Na2SO4 at all tested concentrations, but not by KCl. The effect of NaCl on growth was stronger than that of Na2SO4 and it increased gradually up to a 125 eq. m−3 optimum. Ion uptake was also affected by the different salts. Cl− was taken up in similar quantities from KCl and from NaCl solutions and the content of the respective cations was also similar to one another. The presence of Na+ in the medium lowered the content of K+ in the plants and at the same time increased growth by as much as 900%. Transpiration was reduced and water use efficiency increased by Na+-salts. Highest water use efficiency was exhibited by plants which were treated with 125 eq. m−3 NaCl. It is concluded that Na+ at the macronutrient level has a specific promotive effect on the physiological processes of S. aegyptiaca. This effect is not due to replacement of K+ by Na+; neither can it be achieved by increasing the K+ concentration. Cl− has an additional positive effect on growth of S. aegyptiaca. This effect is only expressed in the presence of Na+.
Seed and Seedling Demography of Four Co‐Occurring Carpinus Species in a Temperate Deciduous Forest

In order to clarify regeneration traits and their fitness, we compared seed fall, seedling emergence, and first-year seedling survival of four co-occurring species, Carpinus tschonoskii, C. japonica, C. laxifiora, and C. cordata, in an old-growth temperate deciduous forest in Ogawa Forest Reserve, central Japan. Seedling emergence ratio of C. cordata (5.5%), whose seeds mostly germinated 1.5 yr after seed fall, was lower than the other species (8.5-11.2%). First-year seedlings of Carpinus tschonoskii and C. japonica had much lower survival rates (2.7%, both species) than C. laxifiora and C. cordata (7.5- 8.5%) under closed canopy, suggesting that the former two are more disturbance dependent than the latter two. They are characterized by their seed and seedling performances as seed rain type fundamentally; however, C. cordata and C. laxiflora are able to establish a seedling bank, and C. cordata has a seed bank too. These regenerative strategies partly explain the abundance and population structure of the four species in this old-growth forest. Multiple regression analyses showed that topography was important for survival of all species but C. cordata. This result was consistent with the adult distribution of these species in this forest. Wind dispersal of Carpinus is effective, both to escape from density- or distance- dependent high mortality and to increase the chance of arriving at canopy gaps, where seedling survival rate is high. However, escaping high mortality seems relatively more important for C. laxifiora and C. cordata (seedling bank strategy), and arriving at a canopy gap is relatively more important for C. tschonoskii and C. japonica (seed rain strategy).
Health risk perception in Canada II: Worldviews, attitudes and opinions

Abstract In this article, we present the results of a national survey of 1500 Canadians on their attitudes and opinions about health risks. Ratings of perceived risk, sources of information on health risks and responsibility for risk management were also investigated, with findings reported separately. A high degree of concern about health risks was associated with industrial pollution and chemical products (with the exception of medicines), with almost complete agreement that the land, air and water are more contaminated than ever. In addition, there was widespread belief that a risk‐free environment was an achievable goal, and an unwillingness to accept some health risks to improve the economy. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and tobacco smoking were perceived to be important modifiers of health risk. On the other hand, many respondents endorsed the idea that they had little control over the risks to their health.
Estabilidade fenotípica de híbridos de melão amarelo avaliados no Pólo Agrícola Mossoró-Assu

The objective of this work was to estimate the participation of single and complex components of interaction as well as to identify cultivars with high phenotypic adaptability and stability. Twelve hybrids of yellow melon were evaluated in four sites of Rio Grande do Norte in 2000, 2001, 2002 coming to twelve environments. The experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental plot was constituted by two 5 m long rows. Yield and total soluble solids contents were evaluated. For the partition of the hybrids by environments interaction in single and complex part, the method of Cruz and Castoldi was used. In order to indentify hybrids with high phenotypic adaptability and stability, the Toler method was utilized. Great variation among environments and hybrids as well as interaction were observed between these two factors. The complex part is responsible for most of the environment hybrids interaction. Hybrids AMR-04 and AMR-12, comprising higher means to yield and total soluble solids content, are responsive to the improved environment.
The Inheritance of Earliness and Fruit Weight in Crosses between Cultivated Tomatoes and two Wild Species of Lycopersicon

The inheritance of earliness and fruit Weight in tomato was studied in tour interspecific crosses. Two cultivated varieties, i.e.‘HS 101’ and “HS 102′, were hybridized with two wild species. L. birsutum f. glabratum‘B 6013’ and L. pimpinellifolium‘A 1921′. Six generations of these crosses were evaluated for these traits and the estimates of gene effects were derived from the generation mean using an epistatic (six parameters) model. There were very wide differences between cultivated and wild species for earliness and fruit weight and in the segregating populations, plants with delayed maturity and smaller fruit size were recorded with high frequency. It was found that the inheritance pattern was mainly governed by additive gene action. Epistatic effects also contributed towards the inheritance of both traits.
Secondary production in a southern Illinois headwater stream: relationships between organic matter standing stocks and macroinvertebrate productivity

Abstract We quantified macroinvertebrate production and organic matter standing stocks in riffle/run and pool habitats for 2 y in 2 reaches of Big Creek, a 3rd-order stream in southern Illinois, USA. Habitat-weighted secondary production was 24.9 and 26.2 g ash-free dry mass (AFDM) m−2 y−1 in the upper and lower reaches, respectively, in year 1 of the study and 17.6 and 15.1 AFDM m−2 y−1 in year 2. Annual production to biomass (P/B) ratios of the macroinvertebrate assemblages ranged from 7 to 10. Collector-gatherers, which were dominated by nontanypodine Chironomidae and Oligochaeta, accounted for >60% of total habitat-weighted production in both reaches, and consumption estimates based on production efficiencies indicated they consumed high proportions of available organic matter resources ≤250 µm. Macroinvertebrate production in Big Creek was strongly correlated with organic matter standing stocks, and our subsequent analyses of production and organic matter resources across several low-order North American streams suggested standing stocks of small wood, a relatively refractory component of organic matter, are an important component of the relationship between macroinvertebrate production and organic matter. However, the apparent influence of small wood on production may be related to associated physical characteristics of these streams, such as pH and canopy cover. Secondary production estimates in our data set were a function of both adjusted total organic matter exclusive of wood and wood standing stocks. Although production–organic matter relationships may be obscured by other factors at the local level, our results indicate that patterns of macroinvertebrate production across large geographic scales may be driven largely by the availability of detrital resources.
Diversity of the Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum isolates according to their fumonisin B1 production potential and origin

Species of the genus Fusarium are characterised by the exceptional intraspecies and interspecies variability in respect to morphological, physiological and genetic properties. Intraspecies and interspecies diversity of Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum isolates in the production of fumonisin B1 according to their origin from maize and wheat grains was studied. Fumonisin B1 production potential of investigated 42 isolates was assessed by HPTLC and ELISA method. All 22 and 20 investigated F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum isolates, respectively, had the ability to produce fumonisin B1 toxin. Fumonisin B1 production potential of F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum varied from 88.60 ppm to 1,300.60 ppm and from 2.37 ppm to 1,246.00 ppm, respectively. According to Mann-Whitnev U test, there were no significant differences between the fumonisin B1 production mean values of isolates of F. verticillioides originated from maize and wheat (628.13 ppm and 696.38 ppm, respectively), as well as, fumonisin B1 production mean values of F. proliferatum isolates (212.32 ppm and 158.07 ppm, respectively). Variability coefficient values indicated that fumonisin B1 production potential variability was more expressed in maize than wheat originated isolates for both species.
Blue–green algae and freshwater carbonate deposits

Twenty-seven contemporary freshwater carbonate deposits were investigated (26 in the British Isles and 1 in S. Australia). The blue–green algae Schizothrix calcicola and Microcoleus vaginatus occurred at 23 of the sites. The remaining sites represented areas where deposition had ceased. About 1% of the dry mass of the deposits consisted of Cyanophyta. The assimilation rates of these algae, measured by 14CO2 uptake, were low. It was estimated that the equilibrium change caused by CO2 uptake due to photosynthesis could account for only 1–2% of the precipitated carbonate. Cultures of S. calcicola failed to deposit carbonates in solid and liquid media. Deposition rates varied between 0.006 and 8 mm a-1 (mean 1.2 mm a-1). The laminations encountered at some sites could be correlated to seasonal differences in cyanophyte growth which enabled some deposits to be dated. Thin sections revealed small crystals adhering to the mucilaginous sheaths of the algae. The transmission of light in some deposits was investigated. The algal layer corresponded to the depth to which light was attenuated to about 1% of the surface intensity.
A Simple Synthesis of D-Galactono-1,4-Lactone and Key Building Blocks for the Preparation of Galactofuranosides

The oxidation of D-galactose by Br2 to yield D-galactono-1,4-lactone was developed and applied to the preparation of key building blocks for the synthesis of galactofuranosides. Three D-galactono-1,4-lactone derivatives protected as acetates, TBDMS ether, or acetonide were directly obtained in two steps on multigram scale with only one purification step. A mild deacetylation methodology afforded pure D-galactono-1,4-lactone and a new reduction of the lactone functionality using K-selectride was also optimized.
Alternate Binding Mode of C‐terminal Phenethylamine Analogs of Gtα(340–350) to Photoactivated Rhodopsin

The C‐terminus of the Gα‐subunit of transducin plays an important role in receptor recognition. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the last 11 residues of the subunit have been shown to stabilize the photoactivated form of rhodopsin, Rh*. The Rh*‐bound structure of the Gtα(340–350) peptide has been determined using transferred nuclear overhauser effect NMR. In that structure, we observed two interactions between Lys341 and Phe350, a cation–π interaction between the ɛ‐amine and the aromatic ring of Phe350 and a salt‐bridge between the ɛ‐amine and the C‐terminal carboxylate. A series of C‐terminal phenethylamine analogs of the Gtα(340–350) peptide were synthesized, lacking the C‐terminal carboxylate group, to investigate the forces that contribute to the stability of the Rh*‐bound conformation of the peptide. Rh*‐stabilization assay data suggest that the C‐terminal carboxylate is not necessary to maintain binding affinity. Transferred nuclear overhauser effect NMR experiments reveal that these C‐terminal phenethylamine peptides adopt an Rh*‐bound structure that is similar overall, but lacking some of the intramolecular interactions observed in the native Rh*‐bound Gtα(340–350) structure. These studies suggest that the binding site for Gtα(340–350) on Rh* is adaptable, and we propose that the charged carboxylate of Phe350 does not play a significant role in the interaction with Rh*, but helps stabilize the Rh*‐bound confirmation of the native peptide.
Antagonistic but Complementary Actions of Phytochromes A and B Allow Optimum Seedling De-Etiolation

Using dichromatic radiation, we show that the actions of phytochromes A and B (phyA and phyB) in Arabidopsis thaliana are antagonistic in mediating red and far-red radiation effects on seedling de-etiolation and yet act in a complementary manner to regulate de-etiolation, irrespective of spectral composition. At low phytochrome photoequilibria inhibition of hypocotyl extension was strong, because of the action of a far-red high-irradiance response mediated by phyA. At high phytochrome photoequilibria inhibition of hypocotyl extension was also strong, because of the action of phyB. At intermediate photoequilibria hypocotyl inhibition was less strong. In their natural environment, this dual action will strongly retard hypocotyl growth and promote cotyledon opening and expansion both in open daylight and under dense vegetation. Overlapping action by phyA and phyB will substantially promote de-etiolation in sparse vegetation. The antagonistic and complementary actions of phyA and phyB, therefore, allow the optimum regulation of seedling growth after emergence from the soil.
The use of moored inverted echo sounders for monitoring meso-zooplankton and fish near the ocean surface

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a 200-kHz inverted echo sounder for monitoring the abundance and behavior of near-surface zooplankton and fish. Data from both oceanic and littoral environments are examined: first from an 81-day deployment at Ocean Station Papa (OSP) in the northeast Pacific Ocean during the spring of 1996, and second from an 8-day deployment in the southern Strait of Georgia in September 1998. The analysis combines calibrated backscatter intensity, echo-amplitude statistics, and acoustic-scattering models to produce estimates of mean scatterer size and abundance. The identity of the various scatterer classes is deduced from local net trawls and reference to previous studies. At the OSP site the dominant scatterers were found to be euphausiids, pteropods, and myctophid fishes, with mean lengths of 15, 1.5, and 28 mm, respectively. At the Strait of Georgia site three fish size classes were identified: juvenile herring with mean length near 10 cm, juvenile salmon with mean length o.
ENVIRONMENTAL INSTABILITY, COMPETITION, AND DENSITY-DEPENDENT GROWTH AND SURVIVORSHIP OF A STREAM-DWELLING SALAMANDER'

To investigate whether growth in amphibians is density dependent, annual variation in larval growth rate, length of the larval period, size at metamorphosis, and survivorship to meta- morphosis were documented in a population of small-mounted salamanders (Ambystoma texanum) for 6 yr. Peak hatchling densities were similar during all years, and varied from 18.2 to 24.5 hatchlings/ m2 of bottom surface. Severe flooding during the last 2 yr of study eliminated 90% of the larvae within 2 wk after hatching. The few larvae that survived these floods grew faster, had shorter larval periods, and were larger at metamorphosis than larvae in years when flooding was less extensive and larval densities were higher. Mean size at metamorphosis was inversely related to, and mean length of the larval period directly related to, larval density at day 15 (the earliest date at which postflooding censuses were available for both years). In a flood year, a larva of any given size contained about twice the volume of food in its stomach as a larva of the same size in a nonflood year. In a nonflood year food was limiting and average larval mass was inversely related to larval density in stream pools. Average air temperatures during the larval period in flood years and other years did not differ signif- icantly. These data strongly support the hypothesis that growth was density-dependent because of competition for food. Survivorship to metamorphosis did not differ significantly in flood and nonflood years because of the manner in which flooding, stream drying, and competition interacted. In nonflood years compe- tition for food lengthened the average time to metamorphosis by 17 d relative to flood years. This, coupled with the fact that streams dried relatively early in the season, resulted in 3/3% survivorship to metamorphosis. In flood years larvae metamorphosed earlier and suffered only slight mortality from stream drying so that survivorship from day 15 to metamorphosis was an order of magnitude higher than in nonflood years. Increased postflooding survivorship compensated for catastrophic losses during floods; consequently, overall survivorship to metamorphosis was greater than in most nonflood years.
Probelia™ PCR system for rapid detection of Salmonella in milk powder and ricotta cheese

The Probelia™Salmonella sp. PCR amplification and detection kits (Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, Marnes La Coquette, France) were evaluated for the rapid and specific detection of Salmonella agona artificially inoculated into skim milk powder and ricotta cheese. The Probelia™ results were compared with those obtained using the Australian Standard Method. Using a pure culture of Salm. agona, the detection limit of Probelia™ was between 8 and 79 cfu ml−1, equivalent to 0·2–2 cfu per PCR reaction. Detection of Salm. agona inoculated in skim milk powder (at 5–10 cfu g−1, stored at 5, 15 or 25 °C) and ricotta cheese (at 1–2, 10–20 and 100–200 cfu per 25 g) was effected by using non‐selective enrichment prior to the PCR determinations. For all of the 40 milk powder samples and 12 ricotta cheese samples, the Probelia™ results were consistent with those using the Australian Standard Method. Using Probelia™, Salmonella was detected to genus level in the dairy products within 24–28 h, whereas the cultural technique required 3–4 d for presumptive positive isolates and further time for confirmation.
Development of a Relative Source Contribution Factor for Drinking Water Criteria: The Case of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)

ABSTRACT The consideration of multiple or cumulative sources of exposure to a chemical is important for adequately protecting human health. This assessment demonstrates one way to consider multiple or cumulative sources through the development of a relative source contribution (RSC) factor for the explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), using the Exposure Decision Tree approach (subtraction method) recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The RSC factor is used to ensure that the concentration of a chemical allowed by a regulatory criterion or multiple criteria, when combined with other identified sources of exposure common to the population of concern, will not result in unacceptable exposures. An exposure model was used to identify relevant potential sources for receptors. Potential exposure pathways include ingestion of soil, water, contaminated local crops and fish, and dermal contact with soil and water. These pathways are applicable only to areas that are in close proximity to current or former military bases where RDX may have been released into the environment. Given the physical/chemical properties and the available environmental occurrence data on RDX, there are adequate data to support a chemical-specific RSC factor for RDX of 50% for drinking water ingestion.
Predation of Fish in Farm Dams by Cormorants, Phalacrocorax Spp.

The effect of cormorants on the survival of native warm-water fishes in farm dams in south-western New South Wales was monitored during 1979 and 1980. Three species of cormorants frequented the dams: the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, the little pied cormorant P. melanoleucos, and the little black cormorant P. sulcirostris. In dams fished by cormorants, more than 50% ofthe fish were consumed unless abundant alternative prey, in this case crayfish Cherax destructor, was present. Dams stocked with few fish (approximately 150 ha-1) were less commonly fished than those stocked with many fish (more than 450 ha-1). The majority of dams in the study area were fished by cormorants, which were present from midwinter to midsummer in both years. The results, and an examination of aspects of cormorant biology and methods used to prevent birds eating fish at hatcheries, indicated that buffer populations of crustaceans and low fish stocking rates are suitable methods for minimizing predation of fish in farm dams by cormorants.
Evaluation of natural and synthetic compounds according to their antioxidant activity using a multivariate approach

The antioxidant activity of natural and synthetic compounds was evaluated using five in vitro methods: ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydradzyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), oxidation of an aqueous dispersion of linoleic acid accelerated by azo-initiators (LAOX), and oxidation of a meat homogenate submitted to a thermal treatment (TBARS). All results were expressed as Trolox equivalents. The application of multivariate statistical techniques suggested that the phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, carnosic acid, genistein and resveratrol), beyond their high antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH, FRAP and TBARS methods, showed the highest ability to react with the radicals in the ORAC methodology, compared to the other compounds evaluated in this study (ascorbic acid, erythorbate, tocopherol, BHT, Trolox, tryptophan, citric acid, EDTA, glutathione, lecithin, methionine and tyrosine). This property was significantly correlated with the number of phenolic rings and catecholic structure present in the molecule. Based on a multivariate analysis, it is possible to select compounds from different clusters and explore their antioxidant activity interactions in food products.
Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. IV. The effect of wind and evaporation of water from the coat on metabolic rate and body temperature

The study of temperature regulation in new-born lambs has been extended from dry lambs in "still air" at various ambient temperatures to dry lambs in a wind of 550 cm sec-l, and to lambs whose coats are drying. Exposure to wind resulted in an increased slope of the line relating heat production to ambient temperature, but under the experimental conditions evaporation of water from the coat added approximately the same increment at all ambient temperatures. The effects of wind and evaporation at any one temperature appeared additive. The heat loss from naturally wet new-born lambs less than 1 hr old, in a wind, was greater than in slightly older lambs wetted with tap water. Lambs with hairy coats were able to conserve heat more readily than lambs with fine coats. The cooling efficiency of evaporation from the coat was about 25%. The elevation in temperature of the extremities which follows feeding and persists under conditions of moderate heat loss, appears to be almost abolished under conditions of high heat loss. During the studies on drying lambs, beat loss in many lambs exceeded heat production, and rectal temperature fell, which thus indicated the maximum possible heat production (summit metabolic rate) of which lambs are capable. Lambs from ewes on low or medium levels of feeding during pregnancy cooled more readily than lambs from well-fed ewes.