Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Humic acids crossinteractions with root and organic acids

The apparent high molecular mass of humic acids (HAs) hardly seems compatible with their direct effects in plant physiology. However, previous evidence has indicated that HAs are non-covalent associations of relatively small molecules, which can be broken down by the action of organic acids. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of organic acids on the structure of HAs by spectroscopy and on their bioactivity by following the responses of maize root growth. Changes in the exudation of organic acids from maize seedlings treated with HAs at 50 mg C L -1 were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results are in agreement with the concept that HAs are chemical aggregates that acquire characteristics typical of low-molecular-mass humic substances when exposed to organic acids exuded by the roots. Maize seedlings grown in solutions supplemented with HAs plus citric acid at 0.0005, 0.005 and 0.05 mM exhibited significant changes in their root area, primary root length, number of lateral roots and lateral root density and increases in plasma membrane H + -ATPase activity. Furthermore, the root exudation profile of plants treated with HAs exhibited an increase in the efflux of oxalic and citric acids, with a concurrent decrease in malic and succinic acids. These data reveal a crosstalk between HAs and plants where the exudation of organic acids from the roots influences and is influenced by bioactive molecules released from HAs during root development.
Studies of Central Australian Semidesert Rangelands. I. Range Condition and the Biomass Dynamics of the Herbage Layer and Litter.

Following a sequence of years of above-average rainfall, standing biomass, rates of production and quantities of litter were high in the ground storey of three central Australian rangeland plant communities. Standing biomass was of the order of 4000 kg ha-1 in Astrebla grasslands, 2600 kg ha-1 in open woodlands and 1300 kg ha-1 in Acacia shrublands, and litter biomass was c. 1300 kg ha-1, 1600 kg ha-1 and 4000 kg ha-1 respectively. Levels of biomass and production rates were comparable with those of some semiarid and temperate sown pastures in average seasons, but they appeared to have reached their natural limit. Total standing biomass, production rates, species diversity, litter biomass and decomposition rates were not correlated with range condition assessments of the experimental sites. Species frequency was the only characteristic measured which was related to range condition other than botanical composition, the basis of site selection.
Carne de ovinos de descarte na elaboração de mortadelas com diferentes teores de gordura suína.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial de utilizacao da carne de ovinos de descarte na elaboracao de mortadelas. Tres formulacoes de mortadela foram desenvolvidas, com 90, 80 e 70% de carne ovina, adicionadas de 10, 20 e 30% de gordura suina. Os resultados demonstraram que as tres formulacoes de mortadela atenderam aos parâmetros microbiologicos preconizados pela legislacao brasileira, sendo, portanto, seguros para o consumo humano. Para os parâmetros cinzas, amido, cloretos, pH e atividade de agua nao houve diferenca estatistica entre as formulacoes (P>0,05). Os valores obtidos na analise de umidade diferiram estatisticamente entre os tratamentos (P<0,05), aumentando os valores medios, a medida que foram aumentados os percentuais de carne adicionados, ficando a formulacao com 90% de carne fora dos padroes recomendados pela legislacao brasileira. A mortadela elaborada com 90% de carne obteve maiores percentuais nas analises de estabilidade de emulsao e capacidade de retencao de agua. A formulacao elaborada com 90% de carne se diferenciou das demais estatisticamente na analise sensorial, sendo a ela atribuidos escores menores para os atributos de textura e avaliacao global. Na avaliacao da intencao de compra, os avaliadores comentaram que comprariam os produtos independente das formulacoes. Os resultados demonstram que a carne de ovinos de descarte e uma opcao viavel na elaboracao de mortadela, uma vez que resulta em produtos com elevado grau de aceitacao e qualidade nutricional, agregando valor aos cortes de ovinos.
Response of Rice (Oryza sativa) to Low Rates of Glyphosate and Glufosinate

Abstract Field studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff farm near Lonoke to evaluate and compare the effects of low rates of glufosinate and glyphosate on rice. Two rice cultivars were seeded, and glyphosate and glufosinate were applied at 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 of the labeled use rate of 870 g ae ha−1 and 616 g ai ha−1, respectively, at the three- to four-leaf, panicle initiation (PI), and boot stages. Rice canopy height reductions, reduction in flag leaf length, prolonged maturity, and yield losses were caused by both herbicides at all evaluated application timings. Although both herbicides caused significant injury, symptoms varied greatly between the two herbicides. Glufosinate injury to rice was more rapid and visually intense than with glyphosate. Glufosinate symptoms, which consisted of rapid necrosis, were visible in 1 to 2 d, whereas glyphosate symptoms, stunting and chlorosis, became visible after 7 to 10 d or not at all depending on time of application. Glyphosate applied at the 1/2× rate to rice in the boot growth stage caused less than 10% injury at 3 wk after treatment but resulted in 80% yield loss. Glufosinate at boot caused 80% injury and 80% yield loss. Glyphosate symptoms from PI and boot timings were typically only visible at heading and included malformed panicles and shortened flag leaves. Harvested grain seed weights were reduced as much as 14% by either herbicide applied at PI and boot. Germination of harvested grain was not affected by any treatment. At the rates evaluated in this research, glufosinate-induced injury to rice can be just as detrimental as glyphosate in reducing yield. Nomenclature: Glufosinate; glyphosate; rice, Oryza sativa L. ‘XL723’, ‘Wells’
Postnatal development of the inner ear efferent innervation in mammals

Efferent innervation of the inner ear is extensively studied but the whole model revealing the development of efferent synapses is not clear yet. In mammals the lateral and medial olivocochlear systems are known as the source of efferent fibers. The lateral olivocochlear system innervates the ipsilateral cochlea, terminating on the dendrites beneath the inner hair cells (IHCs), the dendrites being spiral ganglion neuron compounds. The medial olivocochlear system is involved in forming synapses directly on the outer hair cells (OHCs). To reach the final targets efferent axons use the afferent fibers as a scaffold. Efferent synaptogenesis occurs just before the onset of hearing. At P0 in rats we observed synaptic-like contacts lacking typical features. At P3 the synapses were immature. At P4-P5 efferent contacts with IHCs were clearly defined. At P6-P7 the efferent terminals were larger with distinct synaptic vesicles. During maturation, at P8-P10, the number of efferent synapses at the base of the ICHs reduced alongside with a decrease in the synaptic cisternae. After P12 efferent terminals formed axodendritic synapses below IHCs and large axosomatic synapses on OHCs. The innervation of OHCs underwent two stages, i.e. transitional with simultaneous innervation of IHCs and OHCs and a final OHC-targeted innervation. These results support the idea for a waiting period of efferent innervation before its final establishment in adult organ of Corti. We also summarize the role of neurotrophic factors, specific neurotransmitter systems, their receptors and transporters for refinement of cochlear efferent innervation. Biomedical Reviews 2013; 24: 33-48.
PHYLOGENY OF CHLAMYDOMONAS (CHLOROPHYTA) BASED ON CLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF NUCLEAR 18S rRNA SEQUENCE DATA 1

The genus Chlamydomonas Ehrenberg may contain as many as 450 described species. Morphological, physiological and molecular data show that variation among some Chlamydomonas species can he great, leading to speculation that multiple, generic‐level lineages exist within this genus. The most recent systematic studies of Chlamydomonas have led to proposals of nine distinct morphological and 15 distinct sporangial autolysin groups. Partial sequences from the nuclear small subunit rRNAs from 14 Chlamydomonas species representing 12 autolysin and four morphological groups, and from three flagellates thought to he related to Chlamydomonas were determined in a phylogenetic study of relationships among these algae. Sequence comparisons among some Chlamydomonas species revealed differences comparable to the sequence divergence between soybeans and cycads. Cladistic analysis of the sequence data suggests that multiple lineages exist among species of Chlamydomonas. Some of these lineages represent alliances of both Chlamydomonas and non‐Chlamydomonas taxa; thus, the current taxonomy does not reflect natural, or monophyletic, groups. Collectively, these lineages may represent distinct families or even orders.
Effect of malolactic fermentation on the aroma properties of Tannat wine

Descriptive sensory profiles of Uruguayan Tannat wines following malolactic fermentation (MLF) with Oenococcus oeni were compared with control wines where MLF was prevented. MLF led to a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in secondary descriptors such as 'berry fruit' and 'fresh vegetative', as well as a decrease in related tertiary descriptors such as 'blackcurrant', 'apricot', 'cut green grass' and 'green pepper'. The main differences in the chemical composition of Tannat wine aromas following MLF were (1) an increase of the lactates (mainly ethyl lactate) over the sensory threshold; (2) a significant decrease in ethyl esters and acetates, depending on the bacteria strain utilised (the most significant change was found in hexyl acetate), and (3) a small increase of 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-vinylphenol with one of the MLF strains (this change was below the threshold of human perception). We also observed an increase of compounds related to a-ketoglutarate metabolism, namely: ethyl 4-hidroxibutanoate and g{butyrolactone. Differences in chemical composition due to MLF are discussed in relation to variation in sensory profiles.
Studies of In-Vitro Susceptibility of Clinical Fungal Isolates from Immunocompromised Patients

Clinical fungi were isolated from the blood samples of immunocompromised patients from Subhash Chandra Medical College Jabalpur in SDA with chloramphenicol @ 30μg/ml.the common isolates were Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, A. glaucus, A.terreus, A. niger, A. flavus, Penicillium sps. and Curvularia sps. The isolates were then subjected to in vitro susceptibility testing against different antifungals viz Amphotericin B, Ketocaonazole, itraconazole, clotrimazoleand fluconazole and also against natural herbs like neem, tulsi, garlic ginger, aloevra, turmeric etc by DDM method. Ketocaonazole was found to be highly effective amongst all antifungals and garlic was most effective amongst all natural antifungals.
Estimating population age structure using otolith morphometrics: a test with known-age Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) individuals

Traditional age reading is a rather subjective method that lacks true reproducibility, producing ageing error that propagates up to stock assessment. One alternative is represented by the use of otolith morphometrics as a predictor of age. An important issue with such a method is that it requires known-age fish individuals. Here we used known-age Atlan- tic cod (Gadus morhua) from the Faroe Bank and Faroe Plateau stocks. Cod populations usually show quite large variation in growth rates and otolith shape. We showed that including otolith morphometrics into ageing processes has the potential to make ageing objective, accurate, and fast. Calibration analysis indicated that a known-age sample from the same popu- lation and environment is needed to obtain robust calibration; using a sample from a different stock more than doubles the error rate, even in the case of genetically highly related populations. The intercalibration method was successful but gener- alization from one stock to another remains problematic. The development of an otolith growth model is needed for gener- alization if an operational method for different populations is required in the future. Resume´ : La methode courante de lecture des ages est plutot subjective et elle manque de veritable reproductibilite ´; elle produit donc une erreur de lecture des ages qui se repercute jusque dans l'evaluation des stocks. Une methode de rechange est l'utilisation des donnees morphometriques des otolithes comme variables de prediction de l'age. Un probleme impor- tant associeeacette methode est qu'elle requiert des poissons individuels d'age connu. Nous utilisons ici des morues franches (Gadus morhua) d'age connu des stocks du banc et du plateau des Feroe ´. Les populations de morue affichent generalement une variation assez importante des taux de croissance et de la forme des otolithes. Nous demontrons que l'inclusion de l'etude morphometrique des otolithes dans les processus de determination de l'age peut potentiellement per- mettre une estimation de l'age qui soit objective, precise et rapide. Une analyse d'etalonnage indique qu'un echantillon de poissons d'age connu provenant de la meme population et du meme milieu est necessaire pour obtenir un etalonnage ro- buste; l'utilisation d'un echantillon d'une autre population plus que double le taux d'erreur, meme lorsqu'il s'agit d'une population fortement apparentee du point de vue genetique. La methode d'interetalonnage est efficace, mais les generalisa- tions d'un stock a un autre restent problematiques. Il sera necessaire d'elaborer un modele de croissance des otolithes pour faire des generalisations, si on a besoin dans le futur d'une methode operationnelle applicable adifferentes populations. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Molecular aspects of implantation: In-vitro endometrial secretion of human interleukin for DA cells/ leukaemia inhibitory factor by explant cultures from fertile and infertile women

Human interleukin for DA cells/leukaemia inhibitory factor (HILDA/LIF) is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects involved in successful murine implantation. We evaluated human uterine HILDA/LIF production by monitoring its in-vitro secretion by endometrial explant cultures obtained from individuals in either normal or pathological conditions. The cytokine secretion was standardized using the day 5 :day 1 ratio of HILDA/LIF concentration in supernatants of such cultures, hereby termed HILDA/LIF production index (HLPI). Our results confirmed that HILDA/LIF is secreted by the human endometrium as assessed by secretion at every phase of the cycle in either normal fertile women, or women bearing intrauterine devices. This was also the case for samples obtained from infertile women presenting repeated failures of embryonic implantation or unexplained primary sterility. However, the HLPI were significantly lower in those latter two groups when compared to fertile women. These results suggest an abnormal regulation of HILDA/LIF secretion in such circumstances, and the clinical implication of those data is discussed.
Morphological variation and modularity in the mandible of three Mediterranean dolphin species

Abstract Geometric morphometric studies of dolphins have traditionally concentrated on the skull, while the mandible and its modularity have been little explored. We investigated the mandible variability and modularity in three strictly related Mediterranean dolphins: Stenella coeruleoalba, Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus. The aims were to describe the interspecific differences in the size and shape of the mandible as a whole, and of its structural modules, and to detect the influence of adaptive pressures on trait variation. Data were collected on 96 specimens from the Mediterranean Sea. Eight and 10 two-dimensional landmarks were recorded respectively in the lateral and medial sides of the mandible. After General Procrustes Analysis (GPA) transformation, measurement error, sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic allometry were first investigated to allow further pooling of samples. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) of centroid size was used to evaluate size differences among the species; multivariate ordination, classification and clustering methods were used to investigate interspecific variation of shape variables. Different subsets of landmarks representing distinct mandibular subunits were tested for modular integration through the RV coefficient; two-block partial least squares statistics was used to explore the patterns of covariation between modules. Size and shape differences in the whole mandible of the three species evidenced a clear morphological divergence of Tursiops truncatus and a close similarity of Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis. The analysis of modularity identified the corpus and the ramus, with its internal foramen, as distinct modules. The corpus and ramus patterns of variation could discriminate between T. truncatus vs. the other two species. The mandibular foramen was the only trait able to discriminate each species, and the corresponding shape differences were related to selective pressures toward the differentiation of communication patterns.
Growth and Mortality of Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) Fed a Monospecific Fish Diet

ABSTRACT The profitability of octopus ongrowing remains limited because low cost artificial diets have not yet been effectively developed. Therefore, alternative, low cost diets are worth exploring. In this study, we have investigated the growth and mortality of octopuses fed strictly on mackerel (Scomber colias), a low cost fish, readily available in the Azores Archipelago. Different weight classes (150–300; 300–600; and 600–1,000 g) were maintained at two stocking densities; 5 versus 12 individuals (ranging between 0.38–2.72 kg m-3). The trial lasted 72 days and was performed in an open system composed of large rectangular tanks. Each individual was tagged, and growth was followed weekly. Mean instantaneous growth rate (G) varied between 0.67 and 1.47 (% increase in body weight day-1), depending on initial body size. Survival was 100% for octopuses held in tanks at low density. On the other hand, increased aggressive interactions in high density tanks resulted in higher mortality rates (MR), especially for the smallest size class (MR = 66.7%). The results of this study suggest that with a monodiet of mackerel, subadult octopuses of 300 g can reach commercial size (750 g) in 2.5 mo. However, high mortality under elevated stocking densities will hinder commercial profitability with such diet. A proposed approach to increase survival would be to periodically supplement the monodiet with crustacean flesh.
Managing Drought in Australia's Rangelands: Four Weddings and a Funeral.

We report some of the findings of a project called 'DroughtPlan', which has involved close collaboration with pastoralists throughout the Australian rangelands. There were three general areas related to property management where producers felt better information and training could help them cope with climatic variability. These were strategic management of long-term stocking levels, tactical management of stock numbers between years, and business management skills. A comprehensive series of representative studies linking herd biology with economic outcomes was undertaken on these topics with pastoralists in different regions of the rangelands. Some of the studies considered most important by pastoralists are reported here. These demonstrate that: (i) a reduction in current stocking levels can often improve cash flow; (ii) small adjustments in livestock selling tactics during drought can have large financial ramifications; (iii) it is financially advantageous to build stock numbers up quickly after a drought, even though this may conflict with longer-term environmental values; (iv) while diversification can provide financial rewards, these could be matched by small improvements in the biological rates of the livestock; and, (v) fine-tuning of the existing pastoral enterprise can provide a less risky means of increasing cash flow and reducing its variability than does diversification. Four of the examples indicate that better use of information can help both profitability and sustainability; the fifth suggests that the interests of short-term profitability are in conflict with long-term land conservation goals, as assessed by many pastoralists. These studies highlight the value of linking producer knowledge with a systematic analysis framework, as well as the vital importance of incorporating the effects of climatic variability, when assessing the value of different management options.
Stomatal Response to Water Stress and its Relationship to Bulk Leaf Water Status and Osmotic Adjustment in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum [L.] Leeke)

The water potential (Ψ) at which stomata completed closure (Ψ8Lmin) was determined for pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum [L.] Leeke) at two growth stages by monitoring changes in leaf conductance (gL) and Ψ following shoot detachment. Leaf water status was evaluated concurrently using a pressure-volume (P-V) technique. In a pot experiment with young vegetative plants, Ψ8Lmin closely approximated to the estimated Ψ at zero turgor (Ψu) both for control and for drought-conditioned plants which had osmotically adjusted. However, for penultimate leaves of field-grown flowering plants, Ψ8Lmin was found to be 0.61 (irrigated plants) and 0.87 (droughted plants) MPa below Ψu. In drought-stressed field-grown plants, osmotic adjustment (characterized by a decrease in solute (osmotic) potential (Ψs ) at both full hydration and zero turgor) was insufficient to maintain a positive bulk leaf turgor potential (Ψp) once Ψ had declined to below about -1.5 MPa. It is suggested that localized adjustment by the stomatal complex in response to environmental differences, leaf ageing and/or ontogenetic change, is responsible for the uncoupling of stomatal from bulk leaf water status.
The effect of drought on the large mammal populations of Zambezi riverine woodlands

Large mammals were counted in Zambezi alluvial woodlands and on the adjacent ecotone in the north of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, from April 1981 until October 1989. Densities of all large herbivores on the alluvium in the daytime increased during the dry season. Year-to-year variation was studied by comparing end-of-dry-season densities. Flooding of the Zambezi River, controlled by Kariba Dam 100 km upstream, ceased in 1981 and the densities of all species on the alluvium declined in 1982. Rainfall was low in 1982 and very low in 1983 and 1984. The density of buffalo in the study area declined, owing to high mortality and a change in habitat utilization (buffalo herds spent more time in the south of the park). Densities of other species were high during the drought, but the densities of waterbuck, kudu, eland, bushbuck and warthog declined in 1985. Zebra density declined on the ecotone, but not on the alluvium. The densities of eland and kudu increased in 1986 and 1988, respectively, but the densities of the other species were still low in 1989. Impala density on the alluvium in October was related to rainfall during the preceding wet season and was high in drought years. Elephant density declined after a management cull. Rhinoceros density decreased by > 90% during the 1985/6 wet season, as a result of poaching and captures. The long-term decline in the densities of grazers was probably due primarily to the cessation of flooding by the Zambezi River, rather than to low local rainfall in some years. During the drought, the large grazers (e.g. buffalo) died before the smaller grazers (e.g. warthog). Waterbuck density declined less than the density of other grazers, because waterbuck could cross to vegetated sandbanks in the Zambezi River.