Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of water treatment residuals and coal combustion byproduct amendments on properties of a sandy soil and impact on crop production – a pot experiment

The application of byproducts of coal combustion (fly ash: FA), livestock industry (chicken manure: CM), or water treatment residuals (sewage sludge: SS, or incinerated SS: ISS) to agricultural soils is an alternative to stockpiling in landfills, provided this does not lead to negative effects on environmental quality and/or enhances crop yield and/or quality. A pot experiment was conducted with the application of CM (5.6, 11.2 or 22.4 Mg ha−1), SS, ISS, or FA (22.4, 44.8, or 89.6 Mg ha−1) on properties of a Quincy fine sand and growth (130 days) and yield of ‘Russet Burbank’ (RB), and ‘Umatilla Russet’ (UR) potato cultivars. No significant effect was evident on RB cultivar with most of the treatments except yield reduction at 89.6 Mg ha−1 SS. Tuber yield of UR cultivar increased with 11.2 or 89.6 Mg ha−1 of CM or ISS, and decreased with 89.6 Mg ha−1 SS. Sequential fractionation of metals in the soils revealed significant treatment effects on the distribution of different forms (readily soluble, organically bound, precipitated, and residual forms) of Cu and Zn, particularly in respect to various rates of SS and ISS. Concentrations of total, organically bound, or precipitated Cu and Zn increased with increasing rates of SS and ISS.
Stem Elongation Response to Neighbour Shade in Sprawling and Upright Polygonum Species

Abstract Shading by neighbouring plants, which reduces energy for photosynthesis and lowers the ratio of red:far red light, can trigger a stem elongation or ‘overtopping’ response in herbaceous plants. We compared the stem elongation response of two Polygonum species in a greenhouse experiment. P. sagittatum , a sprawling, vine-like annual, and P. hydropiperoides , an upright perennial, were grown from seeds at three levels of neighbour shade produced by crowding a cohort of real neighbour plants or adult-sized fake neighbour plants that provided shade and reduced the red:far-red ratio. We hypothesized that the annual would show a more pronounced elongation response to developing or adult neighbour shade because vine-like plants are less mechanically constrained to remain upright and self-supporting. Internodes on stems of both P. sagittatum and P. hydropiperoides increased in length as the amount of shading by real or fake neighbours increased. P. sagittatum climbed on adjacent plants, and had longer stems with more nodes than those of P. hydropiperoides . Although both P. sagittatum and P. hydropiperoides tended to elongate with crowding, the greater elongation response to both real and fake neighbours shown by the sprawling annual reflects its ability to extend upward into a canopy beyond self-supporting height. Self-supporting P. hydropiperoides can extend upward with, or overtop, cohort neighbours, but might less readily elongate into an extant canopy. In dense stands, P. sagittatum can become structurally dependent on close P. hydropiperoides neighbours. Our results suggest that the elongation response of P. sagittatum to neighbours can contribute to structural dependence and could facilitate coexistence of these species.
THE NUMBER AND SIZES OF NERVE CELLS IN OCTOPUS

The numbers of nerve cells of various sizes have been estimated in the different ganglia and lobes of the brain of Octopus vulgaris. There are about 500 million nerve cells altogether, of which 300 million are in the ganglia within the arms. The main motor contres of the brainare composed almost entirely of large neurons. Cells of intermediate size are found in the basal lobes of the supracosophagoal ganglia. The smallest neurons are minute amacrine cells, abundant in parts of the optic and in the subfrontal and vertical lobes, perhaps having inhibitory actions.
Certain Biological Effects of Lead Upon the Animal Organism

In a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, all of the biological, for the most part biochemical, phenomena which are known to result from the absorption of lead in measurable quantities into the bodies of animals and men have been assembled. An attempt has been made to indicate the extent to which the quantitative measurement of certain of these reactions to the absorption of lead might be employed, or developed to the point of employment, in order to recognize the likelihood of the occurrence of clinical lead poisoning in time to prevent its occurrence. Of greater import is the demonstration of the multiplicity of effects which sufficient concentrations of lead may induce in the biochemistry and physiology of animals.
Análisis Dinámico y Control de un Convertidor Boost-Flyback

En la tesis de doctorado se aborda el analisis y control de un convertidor elevador que usa inductores magneticamente acoplados llamado boost-flyback, el cual presenta ventajas como alta ganancia, amplio rango de control y una alta eficiencia. El convertidor integra dos estructuras basicas: el boost y el flyback, compensando las desventajas de eficiencia y estres en los dispositivos de conmutacion que tiene cada estructura por separado. En principio, se propone modelar el convertidor por medio del formalismo de sistemas hibridos, identificando cada una de las topologias y los eventos de cambio de una topologia a otra, luego, se construye un simulador basado en un automata de estados finitos, obteniendo todas las variables de estado para la construccion de diagramas de bifurcaciones. Posteriormente, el sistema es controlado en modo de corriente y, utilizando una rampa de compensacion, se obtiene una solucion T-periodica evitando que el convertidor opere en comportamientos subarmonicos y soluciones caoticas. La estabilidad de la orbita T-periodica es analizada usando matrices de salto, permitiendo encontrar la matriz de monodromia del sistema y los valores propios o exponentes de Floquet. Con el proposito de mantener el convertidor operando en una solucion T-periodica, se plantea una expresion para el diseno de la rampa de compensacion por medio de aproximaciones lineales de cada trozo de la solucion periodica, evitando inestabilidades a escala rapida inducidas por la frecuencia de conmutacion. Teniendo en cuenta la sintonizacion del valor de la pendiente de la rampa de compensacion, se utiliza la matriz de salto para resintonizar los valores de los parametros de control y aumentar el rango de estabilidad de la orbita T-periodica. Finalmente se validan los resultados obtenidos usando dos prototipos de laboratorio de 100 W, alcanzando una eficiencia maxima del 92.5% y una ganancia de voltaje de hasta 8 veces el voltaje de entrada
Rho Is Required for Gαq and α1-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in Cardiomyocytes

G protein-coupled receptor agonists initiate a cascade of signaling events in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes that culminates in changes in gene expression and cell growth characteristic of hypertrophy. These responses have been previously shown to be dependent on Gq and Ras. Rho, a member of the Ras superfamily of GTPases, regulates cytoskeletal rearrangement and transcriptional activation of the c-fos serum response element. Immunofluorescence staining of cardiomyocytes shows that Rho is present and predominantly cytosolic. We used two inhibitors of Rho function, dominant negative N19RhoA and Clostridium botulinum C3 transferase, to examine the possible requirement for Rho in α1-adrenergic receptor-mediated hypertrophy. Both inhibitors markedly attenuated atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) reporter gene expression induced by α1-adrenergic receptor stimulation with phenylephrine, and virtually abolished the increase in ANF reporter gene expression induced by GTPase-deficient Gαq. These effects were reproduced with the myosin light chain-2 reporter gene. Notably, N19RhoA did not block the ability of activated Ras to induce ANF and myosin light chain-2 reporter gene expression. Furthermore, activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase by phenylephrine was not blocked by N19RhoA, nor was it stimulated by an activated mutant of RhoA. Since activated RhoA and Ras produce a large synergistic effect on ANF-luciferase gene expression, we conclude that Rho functions in a pathway separate from but complementary to Ras. Our results provide direct evidence that Rho is an effector of Gαq signaling and suggest for the first time that a low molecular weight GTPase other than Ras is involved in regulating myocardial cell growth and gene expression in response to heterotrimeric G protein-linked receptor activation.
The ethylene biosynthesis-inducing xylanase: its induction in Trichoderma viride and certain plant pathogens

A protein component of Cellulysin is known to induce ethylene biosynthesis in a variety of plant tissues and harbors an endo-β-1,4-xylanase activity. Antiserum to the native ethylene biosynthesis-inducing xylanase immunoprecipitates both the enzymatic and biological activities. However, antisera raised against either the denatured 22- or 14-kilodalton (kDa) polypeptides comprising the native protein were ineffective in precipitating either activity
Study of the interface - interphase of a Mg-CNT composite made by an alternative sandwich technique

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied as potential reinforcement for Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) for improving the mechanical properties. However, dispersion and alignment of CNTs in the matrix has been very difficult due to their tendency to form clusters. In the present investigation, the synthesis of AZ31B magnesium alloy reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been developed via the “sandwich” technique. This technique produces a material comprised of a metallic matrix and banded structures-layers of MWCNTs, where a polymeric solution is used to disperse and align the MWCNTs. As a result, a better dispersion and alignment of the CNTs in metal matrix composites was obtained. The results obtained showed a good interface between the metal matrix and the MWCNTs, allowing a very good interfacial bonding; thus, the mechanical properties, both at the nano level and in bulk, always showed a good behavior. For this characterization, several microscopy techniques including TEM in situ testing, nanomechanical tests and bulk mechanical tests were used. In the studied zones, interphases between the metal matrix and MWCNTs were not found, phases which could hamper the proper load transference between the matrix and reinforcement. HRTEM analysis allowed to identify the interactions between the metal matrix composites and MWCNTs. In the HRTEM images a semi-coherent and coherent interface between the metal matrix and MWCNTs was found. Additionally, two type of dislocations at the interface were identified: stacked and some dislocations formed to accommodate the Mg crystalline cell in order to produce a semi-coherent surface. No intermediate interphases were found in the studied zones. Notched micro-cantilever in situ TEM tests showed the dependency of the fracture toughness with the MWCNTs added in the magnesium matrix. Suggesting that the fracture toughness of the reinforced zone increases with the MWCNTs percentage added. This changes in the fracture toughness is due to the different strengthening mechanisms such as grain size, dislocation activity and finally to the reinforcements action. On the other hand, microtraction test of the composite clearly shown an increasing in the ultimate strength, stiffness and fracture toughness while the main final failure mechanism of the composite was delamination. Finally, PEO (plasma electrolytic oxidation) coatings were applied on the composite surfaces in order to protect them against corrosion. The results showed a good mechanical and electrochemical behavior of the coating. These results allow thinking in using this kind of composites in medical applications.
Fall nitrogen fertilization and the biology of Pinus taeda seedling development

A la mi-septembre, lorsque la tige et les racines des semis de pin a encens (Pinus taeda L.) cultives en pepinieres accumulent activement du poids sec, une application additionnelle de 10, 20 ou 40 kg NH 4 NO 3 . ha -1 (10N, 20N, 40N) a ete effectuee. Les semis ne recevant pas de N additionnel (ON) ont servi de temoins. Les patrons temporels de croissance des semis, les concentrations en nutriments et l'activite enzymatique reliee au metabolisme des sucres ont ete determines durant l'automne et l'hiver afin d'evaluer la dynamique de la vigueur des semis. Les semis traites avec 40N avaient significativement moins de rejets et un plus grand nombre de racines laterales de premier ordre, un diametre au collet plus eleve, une masse anhydre des aiguilles, de la tige et des racines plus elevee et une concentration (pourcentage du poids sec) et un contenu foliaire (milligrammes par semis) en N plus eleves que les temoins ainsi que ceux traites a ION. Toutefois, les patrons temporels d'allocation de biomasse, le metabolisme des sucres ou les concentrations de P, K, Mg et Ca n'etaient pas affectes par la fertilisation azotee d'automne. Ces resultats concordent avec l'hypothese que les processus morphologiques et biochimiques de base des plants, par. ex. , periodicite dans l'accroissement en masse seche de la tige et des racines ou de la sucrolyse et de la glycolyse dans la tige et les racines, ne sont pas alteres par les changements apportes par les humains, tels une fertilisation automnale azotee. La fertilisation automnale azotee de l'ordre de 40 kg N.ha -1 est un traitement benefique car elle diminue le nombre de rejets et accroit la concentration en N du semis ainsi que le poids sec sans causer de desequilibre nutritionnel ou perturber le developpement des semis de facon perceptible.
Influence of the state of denaturation on the migration of adenovirus type 2 structural proteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels

The changes in the migration of adenovirus type 2 structural proteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels following various denaturation conditions or periods have been studied. Several factors such as proteolytic cleavages, disulfide bridges, carbamylation or residual charge effects which could lead to altered migration were screened. Resistant high order structures sensitive to the action of urea might cause these variations. A likely relationship between the difference of apparent molecular weight, frictional coefficient and hydrophobicity has been established.
Competition between static gear of the small-scale fisheries in Algarve waters (southern Portugal)

Parallel fishing trials with 0.30 mm diameter monofilament gill nets and longlines using small hooks were carried out in the Algarve (southern Portugal) over a one-year period, 1997-1998, with the objective of comparing species composition, catch rates, discards and size ranges. Four hook sizes of 'Mustad' brand, round bent, flatted sea hooks (numbers 15, 13, 12 and 11) and four mesh sizes of 25, 30, 35 and 40 mm (nominal bar length) of gill nets were used in the trials. Overall, 84 species were caught, with gill nets taking 71 species and longlines 54 species and with 41 species caught by both gears. The amount of discarding was higher for gill nets than for longlines. The catch species composition differed between the two gears, with the commercially valuable sea breams dominating the longline catches whereas small pelagics were relatively more important in the gill nets. Multivariate analysis showed a clear separation between the different sizes of the two gears both in terms of numbers and weights per species. Algarve gill netters and longliners fish the same species assemblage on the same fishing grounds, but have clearly different impacts in terms of catch species composition, catch rates and sizes. This information will be useful for the improved management of these small-scale, multi-species, multi-gear fisheries, where different gears compete for scarce resources. In particular this study provides a basis for a more rational allocation of licenses and control of fishing effort.
Imaging of the Developing Brain

The human brain undergoes changes in morphology, volume, composition and function during brain maturation. Of the various available medical imaging investigations, ultrasound and MRI are most commonly used for assessing the developing brain. Being radiation-free and non-invasive, both imaging modalities allow in vivo serial examinations of the brain during maturation without health risks. In addition, MRI has the benefit of demonstrating certain functional aspects of the brain aside from examining morphology, further adding to the knowledge of brain development. This paper reviews the current main imaging investigations used for assessing the developing human brain, from the fetal stages to childhood.
METABOLIC RATE AND PLASMA THYROID HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS OF MATURE HORSES IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

Metabolic rate was assessed at controlled environmental temperatures in six winter-acclimatized mature Quarter Horse geldings. Within an environmental chamber maintained at 18 °C, metabolic rate was similar (P > 0.05) at the beginning (November) and end (mid-January) of the trial. During periods of acute cold exposure (6 h), metabolic rate was found to be elevated (P 0.05). These resul.
Influencia del proceso de fermentación sobre las características de calidad del grano de cacao (Theobroma cacao)

La fermentacion del cacao durante el proceso de beneficio es una etapa que determina la calidad final del grano. En este sentido, este trabajo se desarrollo con 3 estudios acerca de como influye de la fermentacion sobre algunas caracteristicas finales de los granos de cacao. Los estudios se llevaron a cabo en 3 lugares geograficos diferentes. El primer se realizo en el departamento de Arauca y tuvo como objetivo identificar las principales actividades que desarrollan los agricultores de la region durante la fermentacion y como estas actividades determinan la calidad fisicoquimica y sensorial del grano. El segundo estudio tuvo lugar en la isla de Trinidad y Tobago, alli se evaluaron dos sistemas de fermentacion; un fermentador rotatorio y un cajon de madera. Por ultimo se determino la influencia de la frecuencia de volteo y la duracion de la fermentacion sobre los granos de cacao; este ultimo estudio se hizo en la ciudad de Medellin con cacao cosechado en el municipio de San Roque-Antioquia.
Changes in the Escape Eliciting System of a Cricket Revealed by Sensory Deprivation during Postembryonic Development

Abstract In the air-puff-evoked escape behavior of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, the effect of a uni-lateral cercal ablation and the process of behavioral recovery were investigated during postembryonic development. The response rate (relative occurrence of the escape behavior in response to an air puff stimulus) and the escape direction (relative to the stimulus direction) in first-, third-, sixth- and last-instar nymphs were almost identical with those of adults. A unilateral cercal ablation in the nymphs caused a decrease in the response rate and an increase in the number of misoriented escapes as have been observed in adults. However, the effect of ablation on the response rate was less in younger insects, i.e., the escape-eliciting potential of one cercus decreased during postembryonic development. Instead, facilitation of sensory inputs from both cerci essentially occurs, thus explaining the constant response rate throughout the developmental period. The response rate of the ablated insects measured after the final molt showed a compensational increase even when the cercal regenerates were removed at each molt. Although the final response rate was higher in crickets ablated from earlier stages, the recovery ratio was larger in crickets ablated from later stages. Regarding escape direction, a compensational change was observed in insects ablated from the first and the third instars. However, crickets ablated from the sixth and the last instar did not show any recovery in escape direction. The time course of the recovery in escape direction appears different between adults and nymphs.
Food plant selection by reindeer during winter in relation to plant quality

The relative palatabilities of nine plant taxa used as winter food by reindeer were estimated by presenting them in cafeteria and pairwise tests. Feeding preference indices were then related to the chemical composition of the plants. High preference indices were obtained for the lichens Bryoria spp. , Cladina arbuscula, Cladina rangiferina and Cladina stellaris, while low values were obtained for the moss Pleurozium schreberi and the dwarf shrubs Empetrum hermaphroditum and Vaccinium myrtillus. The grass Deschampsia flexuosa and the lichen Stereocaulon paschale received intermediate scores. Feeding preferences showed a strong negative correlation with acid detergent fiber (ADF)-values. No statistically significant correlations were found between feeding preferences and content of nitrogen, in vitro organic matter digestibility or neutral detergent fiber
Effects of infection with the cabbage black ringspot strain of turnip mosaic virus on turnip as a host to Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae

SUMMARY When turnip plants with 3–7 leaves were inoculated with cabbage black ringspot virus (CBRSV) on the 3rd rough-leaf, symptoms only appeared on leaves that had been less than 15 mm long at the time of inoculation, although infection decreased the area and both fresh and dry weight of all leaves. Leaves were ‘aged’ by their appearance and placed in Leaf Age Categories (LACs). Leaves with symptoms senesced (‘aged’) prematurely. CBRSV-infection of cv. Green Top White did not change the distribution of populations of Myzus persicae between LACs, but increased the proportion of the plant suitable for colonisation. All suitable LACs were quickly colonised by adult apterae and nymphs. On CBRSV-infected plants the nymphal period was shorter, F1 adults deposited larvae more frequently and the live body weight and tibial length of the F2 generation was greater, than on healthy plants. The distribution of Brevicoryne brassicae populations on cv. Green Top White differed from that of M. persicae but was also unchanged by CBRSV-infection. On healthy plants the largest colonies were on mature leaves, so that on virus-infected plants premature senescence shortened the life of the colony. On CBRSV-infected plants the nymphal period was prolonged and the live weight of F1 and F2 adult apterae was less than on healthy plants. The differences between the biology of M. persicae and B. brassicae on CBRSV-infected cv. Green Top White were associated with the accelerated senescence of CBRSV-infected leaves. The possibility that CBRSV-infection might reduce the resistance of turnips to aphid infestation was tested. M. persicae and B. brassicae were cultured on two favourable and two less favourable cultivars. No improvement in population growth rate was found when the less favourable host cultivars were infected with CBRSV, but both aphid species weighed less and/or had smaller nymphal populations on cultivars showing the severest symptoms. These results are discussed in relation to the evolution of non-persistent virus transmission by aphids.
Effect of light and temperature on number and length of Helminthosporium gramineum conidia produced in culture

Helminthosporium gramineum sporulated in culture when grown at 26 °C on barley leaf pieces on 1.5% water agar and then exposed to fluorescent light at intensities of 0.0045, 0.0076, and 0.0338 cal cm−1 s−2 (1 cal = 4.184 J) followed by incubation at 6, 12, 18, or 24 °C. The number of conidia produced increased with time of irradiation and time at low temperature. Length of conidia at maturity was increased by prolonged exposure to low temperature and the greatest mean length of conidia occurred after 16 h at 12 °C. A lapse of time between irradiation and exposure to reduced temperature resulted in sterile conidiophores. Sporulation occurred in continuous light and constant temperatures from 12 to 18 °C, but a reduction in temperature after irradiation at 24 °C or above was necessary for formation of conidia. Conidium formation was inhibited by constant temperatures above 21 °C but not by light at any temperature.