Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrient deficiency symptoms associated with sugar maple dieback and decline in the Quebec Appalachians

The most widespread visual symptoms of nutrient deficiency in declining stands of sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) south of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec over the last 3 years were those of K and (or) P. Typical symptoms are described and illustrated in this paper. Dark green foliage, frequently accompanied by leaf curling, appears to be an early manifestation of an insufficient supply of K. With time, chlorotic and necrotic foliage, mostly in the upper crown, revealed the existence of acute K deficiencies, with concentrations in the range of 0.20–0.30% in July. Phosphorus deficiency showed up as small, purple leaves, especially sun leaves, with P concentrations of 0.05–0.08% in the midst of the growing season. Phosphorus deficiency was most frequently accompanied by low or deficient K concentrations, in which case symptoms were more complex. Measured K and P concentrations in freshly fallen leaf litter of deficient trees were ca. 0.10 and 0.02%, respectively, well below published values for sugar ma.
Using underwater cameras to describe the reproductive behaviour of the endangered eastern freshwater cod Maccullochella ikei

Abstract – Underwater cameras were used to observe the breeding behaviour of the endangered eastern freshwater cod, Maccullochella ikei, over 3 years and across three areas in the Mann and Nymboida rivers, Australia. The annual breeding season for M. ikei was short and succinct, lasting only 8–10 weeks. Spawning commenced each year in the lowest altitude area during the first week of spring, and approximately 1 week later in the closest upstream area. Day-length is the primary spawning cue for M. ikei, but increasing water temperature may also be of importance. Nesting sites were located in slow-flowing pools, under cover such as large boulders and bedrock shelves, at depths of 0.9–4.0 m, and with one or two entrances only. The nesting site was vigorously cleaned by the male up to 1 week prior to spawning and was only entered by the female for spawning. Paternal care of eggs and larvae was undertaken for up to 24 days, after which larvae dispersed. Greater protection of breeding M. ikei must be a management priority to ensure long-term conservation of the species.
Flower colour and phylogeny along an altitudinal gradient in the Himalayas of Nepal

Both the phylogenetic structure and trait composition of flowering plant communities may be expected to change with altitude. In particular, floral colours are thought to vary with altitude because Hymenoptera typically decline in importance as pollinators while Diptera and Lepidoptera become more important at higher elevations. Thus, ecological filtering among elevation zones and competitive processes among co‐occurring species within zones could influence the floral chromatic cues present at low and high elevations. We collected data from 107 species of native flowering plants in the Himalaya Mountains of central Nepal over an elevation range of 900–4100 m, which includes habitat ranging from subtropical to subalpine within a relatively small geographical area. Using a phylogenetic framework, we asked whether and how flower colour diversity differed between species assemblages at lower and higher elevation, between monocots and eudicots, and between our sample from central Nepal and angiosperms from other regions of the world. There was significant phylogenetic clustering in the communities as a result of monocots, particularly orchids, which were found overwhelmingly at lower elevations. Phylogenetic signal for floral colours indicated that related species had colours that were more disparate than expected under Brownian motion evolution. Floral colours were significantly more diverse in the higher elevation subalpine zone than in the subtropical zone. However, the chromatic cues at both elevations were consistent with the hue discrimination abilities of the trichromatic hymenopteran visual system. Synthesis. Flower colour is not highly differentiated between subtropical and subalpine vegetation due to differences in the available orders of insect pollinators, or by the rate or direction of colour evolution in the lineages composing the two communities. Differences in colour diversity between zones may reflect differences in the ecologically available morphospace based on pollinator species richness and the constancy of their foraging behaviour. The chromatic signals present in Nepali species are similar to the signals found in insect‐pollinated floras of other regions of the world.
Analysis of Soil Fertility and Management Effects on Yields of Wheat and Corn in the Rolling Pampa of Argentina

The Rolling Pampa is the most productive region of the Argentine Humid Pampa comprising around 10 Mha. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] are the main grain crops produced. To develop sound cropping strategies, a better understanding of the. impact of soil fertility and management on crops is needed. The objective of this study was to develop models for estimating the effects of growing season precipitation, soil fertility and management on wheat and corn yields. Data from 347 wheat and 323 corn field experiments and production fields over six growing seasons were used. Soil, management and weather characteristics were determined and yields were then evaluated. Data were analysed using linear and quadratic models and a quadratic polynomial surface model. Soil fertility, management and rainfall and interactions were analysed. Growing season precipitation correlated with wheat (R 2 = 0.42) and corn (R 2 = 0.25) yield. Maximum wheat yield was achieved with 350-400 mm rainfall and corn yield reached a plateau around 700 mm. Soil fertility accounted for 33 % of wheat yield variability and 5 % of corn yield variability. Management accounted for 48 and 9 % respectively. Whole polynomial models integrating rainfall, fertilizer N and P rates, soil N and P, previous crop and tillage system accounted for 67 % of wheat yield variability and 51 % of corn yield variability. Soil organic matter was not included in the models but an indirect effect on yield was detected as organic matter correlated with initial soil N levels for both crops. Soya bean as a previous crop had a positive effect on wheat and corn yields. Wheat was insensitive to tillage system but corn yield was higher under no till. N and P fertilization had a two- to three-fold greater impact on yield than soil nutrient levels. As this region is considered to be of high soil fertility and has a history of very low fertilizer consumption, adequate use of N and P fertilization will be essential to maintaining high wheat and corn yields.
Probes for narcotic receptor mediated phenomena. 23.1 Synthesis, opioid receptor binding, and bioassay of the highly selective δ agonist (+)-4-[(αR)-α-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC 80) and related novel nonpeptide δ opioid receptor ligands

The highly selective delta (δ) opioid receptor agonist SNC 80 [(+)-4-[(αR)-α-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide, (+)-21] and novel optically pure derivatives were synthesized from the enantiomers of 1-allyl-trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (2). The piperazine (±)-2 was synthesized, and its enantiomers were obtained on a multigram scale in >99% optical purity by optical resolution of the racemate with the camphoric acids. The absolute configuration of (+)-2 was determined to be 2S,5R by X-ray analysis of the salt with (+)-camphoric acid. Since the chirality of the starting material was known, and the relative configuration of compounds (−)-21, (−)-22, and (+)-23 were obtained by single-crystal X-ray analysis, the assignment of the absolute stereochemistry of the entire series could be made. Radioreceptor binding studies in rat brain preparations showed that methyl ethers (+)-21 (SNC 80) and (−)-25 exhibited strong selectivity for rat δ receptors with low nanomola.
Interspecies variation in the hepatic biotransformation of zearalenone: Evidence for bio-inactivation of mycoestrogen zearalenone in sturgeon fish

Zearalenone (ZEA) as mycoestrogen is found in human foods and animal feeds. Its estrogenic potency depends on its biotransformation fate. The hepatic biotransformation of ZEA in two species of sturgeon fish (Acipenser persicus and Huso huso) was investigated. ZEA was incubated with the hepatic microsomal and postmitochondrial sub-fractions in the presence of NADPH and the metabolites were determined by means of HPLC. Moreover, the rate of glucuronidation for ZEA and its metabolites were estimated in the presence of uridine diphosphateglucuronic acid. zearalenol (-ZOL) was found to be the major metabolite of ZEA by both subfractions. Enzymatic kinetics studies revealed that the maximum velocity (Vmax) in microsomal and post-mitochondrial fractions for -ZOL production was found 5- and 7-folds in Huso huso and 8- and 12-folds in A. persicus higher than that for -ZOL production, respectively. The H. huso hepatic post-mitochondrial fraction mainly glucurinated ZEA while in A. persicus, the metabolites and in particular -ZOL were glucuronidated. Data suggest that the hepatic biotransformation of ZEA in studied sturgeons resulted in detoxification of ZEA as the main metabolite tends to be -ZOL with weaker estrogenic property. Moreover, clear differences in glucuronidation profile are indicating interspecies variety in hepatic biotransformation of ZEA.
Quantifying the outcome of plant-granivore interactions

In many interspecific interactions, the balance of costs and benefits varies with ecological circumstances. As a prominent example, seed-caching granivores may act as seed predators and reduce plant recruitment or as seed dispersers and increase recruitment, making it difficult to interpret whether differences in seed removal by granivores would harm or benefit plant populations. We used a heuristic model to evaluate the outcome of plant-granivore interactions, using commonly measured field data: probability of seedling emergence when granivores are excluded, and emergence of cached and uneaten seeds. Published studies to date suggest that the outcome of plant-rodent interactions tends weakly towards mutualism, but differs among particular plant–granivore pairs and ecological conditions, supporting the notion of context-dependence. A modeling framework also allowed us to distinguish parameters that affect the qualitative outcome of plant–granivore interactions from those that do not. Similar approaches would facilitate more efficient and cost-effective evaluation of complex species interactions.
Post Neonatal Tetanus: 20 Years Experience as Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Aims: To review the status of post neonatal tetanus at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with a view of highlighting the morbidity and mortality trend. Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Methodology: This was a 20 year retrospective review of the records of all post neonatal tetanus cases managed at Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Hospital. Results: One hundred and fourteen cases of post neonatal tetanus were studied. Male to female ratio was 1.7:1. The ages ranged from 0.16 to16 years with a mean age of 9.74±4.4 years. Most cases were above 5years of age and either unimmunized or incompletely immunized. The portal of entry was specified in 37 (32.7%) of cases and of these, broomstick injury was the commonest portal of entry accounting for 17 (45.9%). The duration of hospital stay ranged between 1-35 days and case fatality rate was 27.4%. Conclusion: Post neonatal tetanus has remained a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our Teaching Hospital. Injuries especially broomstick injuries predispose to the majority of the cases. Completion of routine tetanus toxoid immunization in infancy and booster doses should be ensured.
Changes in Physicochemical Properties of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during Long-Term Storage

Five different bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Kenya, which were obtained either freshly collected or after having been stored for 5 years in tropical conditions (30−40 °C, >75% RH), were compared for their cooking characteristics. Beans under storage were susceptible to the hard-to-cook (HTC) defect, and the bean cooking time was up to 12 times that of the fresh beans, limiting their acceptability. A study was undertaken to investigate changes in nutritionally relevant physicochemical properties of beans during storage. Chemical analysis showed that storage resulted in a decrease in pH and an increase in titratable acidity in all varieties. Total polyphenol, non-tannin polyphenol, tannin, and lignin contents were determined; storage-induced HTC beans contained lower levels of total polyphenols (especially, non-tannin polyphenols) than the fresh beans but higher levels of tannins in all cultivars. Significant increases in lignin and lignified protein were also detected and accompanied by incre.
Evolution of ethylene by sulphur dust addition

Kidney-bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Contender) were dusted with sulphur 25 days after germination. The amount of ethylene evolution was measured in shoots (with attached leaves) and roots from plants in several stages of development. The growth of shoots and roots was also measured, and the flowering time observed. The ethylene evolution was associated with precise morphogenic stages. The amounts of ethylene produced from sulphur treated plants, compared with that evolved from control plants, showed two stages of stimulation in shoots, one preceding full bloom and one preceding fruit-set. Inhibition of ethylene evolution due to sulphur dust occurred in roots before initiation of floral primordia and before full bloom. The treatment with sulphur dust seemed to increase the number of leaves per plant, but only in the vegetative stage. Likewise, the earliness of flowering was enhanced. The effects of elemental sulphur dust treatments on ethylene evolution may be attributed to a slow oxidation of elemental sulphur in air producing SO2; this SO2 greatly enhances ethylene evolution from leaf tissues.
A Review of Daspletis Loew, 1858 with the Addition of a Remarkable South African Species (Diptera: Asilidae: Stenopogoninae)

ABSTRACT Microstylum vespertilio Engel, 1932 is redescribed from the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and transferred to Daspletis Loew, 1858, a genus closely related to Microstylum Macquart, 1838, that now incorporates eight southern African species. Knowledge of the species is updated and a new identification key is provided.
Developmental anatomy of direct shoot organogenesis from leaf petioles of Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae)

(.) Regenerating petiole stubs were fixed at 2- or 3-day intervals and sectioned longitudinally. By day 3 on regeneration medium, new cell divisions were observed. After 6 days, three distinct regions of meristematic activity were apparent within the expanding petiole stub: the wound-response, organogenic, and vascularization regions (.)
Vitamin E and Age Alter Liver Mitochondrial Morphometry

Oxidative damage to mitochondrial membranes caused by free radical production during respiration plays a major role in tissue dysfunction. It has been hypothesized that aging is associated with mitochondrial enlargement and elongation. These changes may be enhanced by deficiencies in vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E supplementation minimizes the age-related mitochondrial enlargement and elongation in the mouse liver. This study investigated the effects of vitamin E supplementation (500 IU/kg) on "old" (760 days) and "older" (827 days) C57BL/6 mice liver mitochondrial (Mt) morphometry. Fixed mitochondria from homogenized liver samples taken from control and vitamin E-supplemented mice were examined by transmission electron microscopy and measured by image analysis. Morphometric measurements included Mt area, short and long axis, and size distributions. "Old" vitamin E-supplemented mice had significantly smaller (p < 0.0001) liver mitochondria than age-matched controls. While age had no significant effect .
Precopulatory Mate Guarding in Crustaceans: Male Competitive Strategy and Intersexual Conflict

Precopulatory mate guarding in crustaceans is a common male mating strategy when female receptivity for copulation is short. The decision to start guarding is not made by only males, however; it is commonly found that females resist the guarding attempts of males. Furthermore, experimental data show that males aim for longer guarding durations than females allow. Shorter guarding durations may be favored by females because of a number of potential costs of guarding. Precopulatory guarding therefore presents a model case of intersexual conflict where the fitness-maximizing strategies of males and females differ. When the interests of the sexes are in conflict, the actual guarding duration may be a compromise between male and female optima, resulting from the adjustment of contest to the fitness gains of winning and to the fighting abilities of the parties. Intersexual conflicts are also likely to generate sexual selection on male and female traits related to the outcome of the contests.
STUDIES ON SOME TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PREDOMINANT LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM NIGERIAN FERMENTED FOODS

In a programme to develop starter cultures for improving the safety and quality of traditional fermented foods in Africa, a study was conducted on lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains isolated from the traditional selected Nigerian fermented foods kunun-zaki, wara, nono, iru. The LAB strains representing the dominating population of each product, were identified as Enterococcus faecalis (1), Pediococcus pentosaceus (4), and Lactobacillus fermentum (19). All the strains grew at 450°C, an observation which could be attributed to the tropical environment of the fermented foods. They produced a moderate spectrum of enzymes of relevance to food processing, and exhibited similar patterns of enzymatic activity between species, but generally showed weak esterase and lipase activities as compared with peptidases. While no proteinase activity was detected, most strains showed high galactosidase activity. Two strains showed ability to degrade phytic acid. None of the strains produced any detectable bacteriocins or biogenic amines under the test conditions used, and all were unable to hydrolyse bile salt. Eleven (45.8%) of the strains coagulated skim milk at 30°C within 24–36 h, and at 37°C within 12–20 h together with a moderate drop in pH. The results are discussed to highlight the relevance of technological features of starter cultures in food processing in the African environment.
Physiological response of vicia faba to prohexadione-calcium under saline conditions

Mudancas nas atividades de enzimas oxidativas (oxidase, peroxidase e catalase do acido indol-acetico), hormonios endogenos (acido giberelico (GA3), acido indol-acetico (AIA), acido abscisico (ABA) e citocininas (AsZeatin)), pigmentos fotossinteticos (clorofila a, clorofila b e carotenoides), carboidratos totais, acucares soluveis totais, aminoacido prolina e parâmetros de crescimento vegetativo foram usados como indicadores para explicar a funcao fisiologica do retardante de crescimento prohexadiona-calcio em plântulas de Vicia faba aos 40 dias apos a semeadura cultivadas sob estresse salino por 30 dias. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a embebicao das sementes de fava antes da semeadura em diferentes concentracoes de prohexadiona-calcio (0, 10, 20 e 30 ppm) aumentou significativamente as atividades de acido indol-acetico oxidase (AIA-oxidase) e enzimas peroxidase, porem diminuiu a atividade da enzima catalase quando comparada com seu respectivo controle. A aplicacao de prohexadiona-Ca causou decrescimos marcantes nos teores endogenos de giberelinas e acido indol-acetico (AIA), mas aumentou os niveis do inibidor de crescimento natural acido abscisico (ABA) e citocininas nas partes aereas das plântulas de fava. Todas as concentracoes de prohexadiona-Ca usadas aumentaram os teores do aminoacido prolina, dos pigmentos fotossinteticos (clorofila a, clorofila b e carotenoides), dos carboidratos totais e dos acucares soluveis totais em plântulas de fava cultivadas sob estresse salino. A aplicacao de prohexadiona-Ca diminuiu significativamente a altura das plântulas e o peso fresco de parte aerea mas aumentou significativamente o peso seco da parte aerea.
Produção e qualidade de frutos de tomateiro cultivado em substrato com zeólita

Yield and fruit quality of tomato grown in substrate with zeolite We evaluated yield and quality of tomato fruits, cv. Finestra, grown in a zeolite substrate enriched with N, P and K. Treatments comprised four levels (20; 40; 80 and 160 g per pot) of zeolite enriched with H 3 PO 4 /apatite, KNO 3 and KH 2 PO 4 , and a control grown in a nutrient solution. Fruit production, firmness, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid were evaluated from 80 to 90 days of plant cultivation. Nutrients supplied through the mineral zeolite enriched with N, P and K was an adequate alternative to increase the production. Higher fruit production was obtained with addition of P and K and higher zeolite dosis (160 and 80 g per pot). Fruit production was 11% and 17% higher when compared to the plants grown in nutritive solution (check treatment). Positive effects were observed in P-enriched zeolites in relation to fruit firmness, and negative effects over fruit pH. Fruit firmness varied 104% among treatments, from 7.06N (ZNK 160) to 14.38N (ZPK 40). The increase of potassium availablity increased the ascorbic acid levels of the fruits.
Note. 1-MCP Effect on Chilling Injury Development in ‘Nova’ and ‘Ortanique’ Mandarins

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on chilling injury (CI) incidence, ethylene production, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and quality changes on mandarin hybrids, ‘Nova’ and ‘Ortanique’, during cold storage. Fruits were treated for 24h with 1-MCP at 0.5 L/L and then stored at 1 ºC. 1-MCP markedly reduced CI incidence in both cultivars, this effect being more accentuated in ‘Nova’ mandarins, which presented lower tolerance to cold storage. 1-MCPtreated fruit presented less PAL activity parallel to a significant increase in ethylene production. These results suggested that ethylene played an important role in citrus fruit CI development and 1-MCPinduced ethylene production might act as a protector of the fruit against chilling damage. 1-MCP reduced ethanol concentration slightly decreased CO2 production and had no effect on fruit quality characteristics such as TSS, acid content or texture for both cultivars.