Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of physiological traits in upland rice for adaptation to no-tillage system.

In the cerrado region of Brazil, no-tillage is an alternative management practice to conserve soil and reduce cost of crop production. However, many studies have been showed that there is a decrease in the yield when upland rice is cropped in this system. Therefore, there is a need that new breeding initiatives introgress favorable traits into upland rice for no-tillage adaptation. Key traits include faster emergence, ability to germinate when deep seeded, faster root development, and early canopy closure during the vegetative stages. All those traits can be summarized as "early vigor". So, the objective of this study was to evaluate physiological traits of four contrasting parental upland rice cultivars to verify their adaptation to no-tillage system. A greenhouse experiment with four upland rice cultivars (BRS Primavera, BRS Curinga, BRS Soberana, and Douradao) were planted at three different dates and growth at potential conditions. Development stages, total dry matter, leaf area, leaf dry matter, leaf length, leaf elongation rate and leaf duration were measured and calculated. Based on physiological traits, the four cultivars showed differences in the growth cycle. However, for biomass and leaf area growth and leaf expansion traits they did not differ significantly, probably being the lack of genetic "early vigor" a characteristic of the modern cultivars. The growth and development pattern was significantly affected by planting dates and not by cultivars.
Unequal Twins? Inflorescence Evolution in the Twinflower Tribe Linnaeeae (Caprifoliaceae s.l.)

Premise of research. Inflorescence morphology played an important role in the systematics of the twinflower tribe Linnaeeae. Recent molecular studies clarify systematic relationships among taxa and indicate that several genera and subgenera are not monophyletic. Using this molecular phylogeny as a backbone, we present detailed ontogenetic analyses of inflorescences in order to further elucidate the relationships among taxa and to understand the evolutionary history of morphological characters. Methodology. Fourteen taxa were studied using SEM and LM. Ontogenetic series were compared and character complexes described. Pivotal results. Emphasizing the importance of the epicalyx and flower orientation we show that flower pairs are not homologous. We also found that a reduction in sepal number occurred independently in Zabelia biflora, Diabelia serrata, and Abelia uniflora. This further supports the distinction between subtribes Zabeliinae and Linnaeinae. The study of anomalous specimens provides further insight into the evolution of inflorescence architecture, and we propose a hypothesis on the inflorescence evolution that is based on a compound thyrse as a starting point. Zabelia and Diabelia show a more “primitive” inflorescence of reduced simple thyrses. Abelia inflorescences are more “derived” and restricted to the twice-compound part of the thyrses. Dipelta, Linnaea, Kolkwitzia, and Vesalea have intermediate inflorescences; some are restricted to the twice-compound part of the thyrse, but others do also present a terminal simple part. Inflorescences of the genus Heptacodium (Caprifolieae) are interpreted as an intermediate link between the tribe Linnaeeae and Caprifolieae, supporting the theory of a hybrid origin of this genus. Conclusions. We show that the detailed (re)investigation of characters and their ontogenetic history provides important insight into the evolution of taxa and fosters our understanding of complex morphological structures such as the inflorescences in the twinflower clade Linnaeeae.
Natural diet, feeding periodicity and functional response to food density of the abalone, Haliotis asinina L., (Gastropoda)

The natural food spectrums of the different size groups of abalone, Haliotis asinina L. , from Tawi-Tawi, southern Philippines, were determined by analysis of gut contents. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the feeding and defecation patterns and functional response of the abalone to varying food density under ambient water conditions. Like other tropical haliotids, H. astinina prefers red algae to brown algal species. Eighteen algal species, 72.2% of which are red algae (Rhodophyta), were observed in the gut contents of all size groups of abalone: Laurencia, Hypnea, Amphiroa and Coelothrix are the most frequent food species. Hypnea and Laurencia are also the most abundant food items of H. asinina. A chi-square test indicated that frequency of occurrence (%) of most algal food species in the gut samples is independent of the size of the animal. About 84% of all algal species were observed in the gut contents of small abalone. Haliotis asinina (mean shell length +/- SD = 3.48 +/- 0.05 cm) showed a distinct nocturnal feeding periodicity and remained cryptic during daylight hours. Feeding activity was intense from 1800 to 0200 h, but it slowed down a few hours before sunrise, resulting in about 11 h of feeding time within a 24-h cycle. Defecation occurred during the feeding period in proportion to the amount of food consumed and faecal production during the night was significantly higher than during the daylight hours. The total daily faecal output was 1.26 mg dry weight abalone-1. The experiments showed that H. asinina (mean shell length +/- SD = 3.55 +/-0.02 cm) consumed more food when food density increased in linear proportion to food abundance. However, food consumption levelled off at a food density equivalent to 35% of body weight.
Model Distribution of Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana) in Western Lake Erie

Abstract Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana) was once a common forage fish in Lake Erie but has declined greatly since the 1950s. Identification of optimal and marginal habitats would help conserve and manage this species. We developed neural networks to use broad-scale habitat variables to predict abundance classes of Silver Chub in western Lake Erie, where its largest remaining population exists. Model performance was good, particularly for predicting locations of habitat with the potential to support the highest and lowest abundances of this species. Highest abundances are expected in waters >5 m deep; water depth and distance to coastal habitats were important model features. These models provide initial tools to help conserve this species, but their resolution can be improved with additional data and consideration of other ecological factors.
Spatial Pattern of the Imported Cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), on Cultivated Cruciferae

It is universally recognized that the spatial distribution or pattern of animals and plants in nature is neither uniform nor truly random. In order to study a biological community quantitatively, or to assess the densities of living organisms in their habitats, ecologists have found it profitable to sample the space in which the organisms occur. The distribution of the number of individuals per sample is of fundamental importance.
Variaciones temporales de parámetros físicos, químicos y biológicos de un lago de altura: el caso del lago Chungará

RESUMEN El lago Chungara, es el mas austral y de mayor altura de los lagos altoandinos, esta ubicado a 4.520 m de altitud en el altiplano chileno (18o14' S, 69o09' O); es un lago polimictico-frio, con origen tectonico- volcanico y 34 m de profundidad maxima. Presenta variaciones reducidas de temperatura entre profundidades y estaciones del ano (4 a 11 oC), el promedio de temperatura anual se ha incrementado en 1,2 oC entre los periodos 1986-1987 y 1998-1999. Entre los mismos periodos se observo una disminucion significativa en el volumen del lago (_6,58 %) y consecuentemente en la profundidad maxima. Conjuntamente la salinidad aumento significativamente con valores maximos de 1.464 µmhos y 2.650 µmhos para cada periodo. Estos cambios pueden ser las causas de la modificacion en composicion y abundancia del fitoplancton, asociadas, ademas, a la disminucion significativa de la clorofila a (P < 0,0054).
Genetic correlation and path coefficient analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Correlation and path co-efficient analysis were carried out for pod yield and its yield components characters in 45 genotypes of groundnut. The genotypic correlation co-efficient were found to be of relatively higher magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation co-efficient, indicating strong inherent association between the characters. Pod yield showed significant positive association with secondary branches/plant, harvest index, 100-pod weight, 100-kernel weight, pod size, diseases incidence and canopy temperature. Path co-efficient analysis revealed high direct effects of primary branches/plant, secondary branches/plant and harvest index. Hence, it would be rewarding to give due importance on the selection of these characters for rapid improvement in pod yield of groundnut. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/sja.v12i1. 21116 SAARC J. Agri. , 12(1): 96-105 (2014)
Quantification of potato common scab pathogens in soil by quantitative competitive PCR with fluorescent quenching-based probes

Common scab of potato tubers caused by pathogenic Streptomyces spp. is a cause of serious economic loss worldwide. For the rapid and accurate quantification of pathogenic Streptomyces spp. residing in soil, a new competitive real-time PCR method using fluorescent quenching-based probes (quantitative competitive quenching probe PCR: QCQP-PCR) was developed. The virulence gene of pathogenic Streptomyces spp. , nec1, was selected as the target for QCQP-PCR. A specific primer set to amplify the nec1 gene, and a fluorescently labelled probe that specifically hybridizes with the nec1 amplicon were designed. For QCQP-PCR, an internal standard DNA (IS DNA) that is identical to the nec1 amplicon but has a 4-base mismatch in the probe-hybridizing region, and a fluorescently labelled probe IS, which specifically hybridizes with IS DNA at the mutagenized region, were PCR-synthesized. The target nec1 gene was co-amplified with the known copy number of IS DNA by PCR using the same primer set in the presence of the specific probes. The PCR products were monitored in real-time by measuring the fluorescence intensity (quenching) of each probe. The initial amount of the nec1 gene was quantified based on the ratio of the PCR products of the same PCR cycle. The results revealed that QCQP-PCR could be used to precisely quantify the nec1 gene, even in the presence of PCR inhibitors in the soil samples examined. The lower limit of quantification was 20 copies per tube, which corresponded to 1500 copies per g dry soil. The quantification achieved by this method was completed within 5 h, i.e. the duration of the entire analysis. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the present method for monitoring pathogenic Streptomyces species in soil.
Ultraviolet-C 조사에 의한 복숭아의 저장 중 품질변화

To prolong the shelf-life of domestic peaches, samples were treated with UV-C (0～10.0 kJ/㎡) and the spoiling rate and changes in physico-chemical and sensory properties were investigated. No spoiled peaches were observed within the first four days of storage in the control and 2.5 kJ/㎡ UV-C treatment groups. However, spoilage was observed in these groups on day six, and 29.17% and 25.0% of the samples showed spoilage on 10 day, respectively. Moreover, samples treated with greater than 5.0 kJ/㎡ of UV-C showed a higher percentage (41.67% or higher) of spoilage than those of the control or 2.5 kJ/㎡ UV-C treatment groups on 10 day. Additionally, weight changes in the peaches were the lower in the control group and 2.5 kJ/㎡ UV-C treatment group than in those treated with 5.0 kJ/㎡ of UV-C treatment or higher during 10 days of storage. There was no difference in pH among treatments, regardless of storage time. The hardness of the samples was not changed immediately after UV-C treatment, but that of samples treated with 5.0～10.0 kJ/㎡ of UV-C decreased rapidly after four days, when compared to the control and 2.5 kJ/㎡ UV-C treatment groups. No significant changes in the lightness and redness of the samples were observed in response to UV-C treatment, however, UV-C treatment led to a slight decrease in the yellowness of the samples. The initial taste, flavor, color, texture, and overall acceptance did not differ among control and UV-C treatments. The sensory score of the samples was the highest after 2 and 4 days of storage, while it decreased thereafter. In general, samples in the control and the 2.5 kJ/㎡ UV-C treatment groups showed higher sensory quality than those treated with UV-C at 5.0 kJ/㎡ or higher.
Factors Limiting Brook Trout Biomass in Northeastern Vermont Streams

Abstract Habitat, water chemistry, and water temperature requirements and preferences have been well documented for stream-dwelling Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, but fisheries managers rarely know what factors limit Brook Trout abundance in their jurisdictions. We measured various habitat (width, depth,% pool, and wood abundance), water chemistry (pH and conductivity), and water temperature metrics and estimated Brook Trout biomass at 33 stream reaches in northeastern Vermont to determine what factors were most strongly related to Brook Trout biomass, with the ultimate goal of predicting whether adding wood to these streams could be expected to increase Brook Trout abundance. We fit generalized additive models to investigate potential linear and nonlinear relationships between Brook Trout biomass and the various habitat, chemistry, and temperature metrics. Akaike's information criterion was used to rank candidate models. The top-ranked model included the duration of water temperatures exceeding 20°C,.
Length‐weight relationships for 18 less‐studied fish species

Summary Length-weight relationships for the mostly tropical species Alepocephalus bairdii. Aulostomus chinensis, Centropyge, fisheri, Dascyllus trimaculatus, Dissostichus eleginoides, Glossogobius giuris, Gobionototken ocuta, Gymnothorax flavimarginatus, Kiphosus bigibbus, Notoscopelus elongatus, Parupeneus bifasciatus, Pseudanthias squamipinnis, Pseudocheilinus evanidus, Pungitius pungitius, Scarus dubius, Sebastes marinus, Thalassoma duperrey and Zebrasoma flavescens are presented.
Postfledging dispersal in the endangered Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

Much is known about the breeding period of the threatened Lesser Kestrel, but little of the postfledging period. Here, I examine the postfledging dispersal of juvenile Lesser Kestrels, based on all ringing recoveries of Lesser Kestrels ringed as nestlings in Spain and recovered before September (migration) of the same year. Of 28 juveniles recovered, 19 (67.9%) dispersed and their median recovery distance was 210 km (range 41–578 km), with significantly northern directions. No difference was found in the dispersal distance between individuals ringed as nestlings in mid-north and mid-south Spain, nor was any correlation found between the recovery distance and ringing latitude. These findings for postfledging dispersal in juvenile Lesser Kestrels seem in accordance with predictions of a mental map hypothesis for homing, but they do not exclude food as a potential factor influencing such movements. However, these postfledging movements cannot be explained by the hypothesis of gathering information for identifying a future breeding site.
Cultivation of Gracilaria (Rhodophyta) in shrimp pond effluents in Brazil

Shrimp aquaculture produces a large amount of waste, including nitrogen and phosphorus. To investigate the utilization of those elements as sources of nutrients for the growth of the red seaweed, Gracilaria sp. J. Agardh, an experiment in shrimp pond effluents was carried out over a period of 5 months. The biomass varied significantly (P 0.05). We conclude that Gracilaria sp. can be cultivated in shrimp ponds effluents. However, despite this relative success, it is necessary to perform some adjustments regarding the utilized cultivation technique.
The postcranial skeleton of Kingoria nowacki (von Huene) (Therapsida: Dicynodontia)

A new specimen of Kingoria nowacki (von Huene) with a complete pelvic girdle and hindlimb is reconstructed and the method of locomotion analysed. It is concluded that the hindlimb was modified from the normal dicynodont pattern in a direction comparable to that of advanced mammal-like reptiles which are presumed to have given rise to mammals. The pectoral girdle also had a modified form, but the humerus was probably conservative in its morphology. The hindlimb stride relied on protraction and retraction to effect movement while the forelimb relied on long axis rotation of the humerus. Possible reasons for the difference in morphology and function of the fore-and hindlimbs are discussed, and a functional sequence for the generation of the Kingoria pelvic girdle from that of other Permian dicynodonts is suggested.
A population genetic model for the evolution of synonymous codon usage: patterns and predictions

Patterns of synonymous codon usage are determined by the forces of mutation, selection and drift. We elaborate on previous population genetic models of codon usage to incorporate parameters of population polymorphism, and demonstrate that the degree of codon bias expected in a single sequence picked at random from the population is accurately predicted by previous models, irrespective of population polymorphism. This new model is used to explore the relationships between synonymous codon usage, nucleotide site diversity and the rate of substitution. We derive the equilibrium frequency distribution of weakly selected segregating sites under the infinite-sites model, and the expected nucleotide site diversity. Contrary to intuition, levels of silent-site diversity can increase with the strength of selection acting on codon usage. We also predict the effects of background selection on statistics of synonymous codon usage and derive simple formulae to predict patterns of codon usage at amino acids with more than two synonymous codons, and the effects of variation in selection coefficient between sites within a gene. We show that patterns of silent-site variation and synonymous codon usage on the X chromosome and autosomes in Drosophila are compatible with recessivity of the fitness effects of unpreferred codons. Finally, we suggest that there still exist considerable discrepancies between current models and data.
Texture and the cell wall polysaccharides of buttercup squash ‘Delica’ (Cucurbita maxima)

Abstract Texture of buttercup squash ‘Delica’ (Cucurbita maxima D.) during storage, and the effect of cooking on the texture, have been investigated using a penetrometer and an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Firmness (measured by penetrometer) of uncooked and cooked squash increased during the first 2 months of storage (P < 0.001). The Texture Profile parameters of hardness, fracturability, and gumminess tended to decrease during storage, whereas cohesiveness, chewiness, and springiness remained unchanged. A procedure for isolating cell walls in tissues containing high levels of starch has been developed. An initial extraction of the tissues with HEPES buffer‐containing mercaptoethanol was followed by grinding the residue in a ball mill and a second HEPES buffer extraction. Any remaining starch was gelatinised and then removed by α‐amy‐lase treatment. Sequential fractionation of the cell wall polysaccharides was done. The cell walls of buttercup squash at harvest were composed of 34% pectin, 26% hemic.
Protective effect of α‐tocopherol on oxidative stress in experimental pulmonary fibrosis in rats

The study was undertaken to investigate the influence of α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in lung of rats with bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Fourteen Wistar–albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each. The first group was treated intra‐tracheally with bleomycin hydrochloride (BM group); the second group was also instilled with BM but received injections of α‐tocopherol twice a week (BM + E group). The third group was treated in the same manner with saline solution only, acting as controls (C). There were decreases in GSH level and CAT activity while an increase in MDA level in BM group was found compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Vitamin E had a regulator effect on these parameters. After administration of α‐tocopherol, the increase in GSH level and CAT activity and the decrease in MDA level were seen in BM + E group compared to BM group (p < 0.05). Distinct histopathological changes were found in the BM group compared to the untreated rats. Less severe fibrotic lesions were also observed in the BM + E group. The results show that vitamin E is effective on the prevention of BM‐induced PF, as indicated by differences in the lung levels of oxidants and antioxidants. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desiccation of Rotifers (Macrotrachela Quadricornifera): Survival and Reproduction

Eggs and adults of the bdelloid rotifer Macrotrachela quadricornifera aged 3, 5, 8, and 14 d were dried for 4 d, and 5— and 8—d—old animals for 30 d, to determine ability to recover. The highest percentage recovery was obtained with 8—d rotifers stressed for 4 d. , while no animals aged 5 d recovered from 30 d of drying. Age—specific survival and fecundity of animals that recovered from drying generally were similar to controls. Only 5—d—old stressed rotifers had significantly decreased fecundity, while 14—d—old stressed animals had shorter life—spans. Age—specific fecundity and survivorship of stressed were also similar to controls. Age effect ability to recover but not the remaining life of the recovered animals. The life cycle seems to follow a fixed program regardless of the time spent in the anhydrobiotic state. See full-text article at JSTOR
Resurgence of Emerald Shiners Notropis atherinoides in Lake Huron's Main Basin

ABSTRACT Emerald shiners Notropis atherinoides were formerly common in Lakes Huron and Michigan, but declined during the 1960s as the exotic alewife Alosa pseudoharengus proliferated. The Lake Huron emerald shiner population was chronically depressed through 2004; however, we detected resurgence in emerald shiner density and biomass in Lake Huron during acoustic and midwater trawl surveys conducted during 2004–2006. Emerald shiners were not found during 2004, but by 2006 main basin density exceeded 500 fish/ha, biomass estimates exceeded 0.5 kg/ha, and emerald shiners contributed more to pelagic biomass than alewives or rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax. Length frequency distributions suggested that increased density was the result of two consecutive strong year classes in 2005 and 2006. Emerald shiner distributions also expanded from a focus in western Lake Huron in 2005 to a lakewide distribution in 2006. Emerald shiners occurred offshore, but were nearly always associated with epilimnetic surface waters warmer than 19°C. Resurgence of emerald shiners was likely a consequence of reduced alewife abundance, as they declined concurrently with alewife proliferation during the early 1960s. Return of this species may benefit native nearshore piscivores; however, benefits to Pacific salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. are uncertain because emerald shiners are smaller and still less abundant than historically important prey species, and they may be thermally segregated from salmonines.