Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Leaf Removal on Grape Yield, Berry Composition, and Stilbene Concentration

A four-year trial (1999–2002) was carried out in commercial vineyards in order to test the effect of manual leaf removal in the cluster zone at veraison on grape yield, berry composition, and stilbene concentration at harvest. Two Vitis vinifera L. red wine cultivars (Barbera and Croatina) and one white wine cultivar (Malvasia di Candia aromatica) were considered. The vines were Guyot trained, with 10 shoots per meter of row, and leaf removal accounted for approximately 22% of removed canopy surface. Meteorological data were recorded, as well as grape production, fruit composition, and stilbenes (trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid, cis-piceid) at harvest. Grape yield was not affected by leaf removal in any of the tested cultivars. Grape sugars and acidity were affected by leaf removal differently depending on meteorological conditions and cultivar. Leaf removal increased trans-piceid grape concentration in Barbera and decreased trans-resveratrol and cis-piceid in Croatina and Malvasia di Candia aromatica under cool meteorological conditions. Leaf removal had no effect on stilbene grape concentrations under warmer and drier climatic conditions.
Stercula setigera Del. : effet sur les cultures

En zone soudano-sahelienne plusieurs especes ligneuses sont maintenues dans les champs pour diverses raisons. Leur effet sur les cultures demeure cependant inconnu pour la plupart d'entre elles. Une etude menee au Senegal a montre que la densite des cultures (arachide, mil et sorgho) augmente avec la distance au tronc de Sterculia setigera. La hauteur du sorgho, l'etalement de l'arachide, sa biomasse en gousses ainsi que les biomasses en epis et en tiges de mil et de sorgho augmentent egalement avec la distance au tronc. Les biomasses en epis (mil et sorgho) et en gousses d'arachide demeurent plus elevees sous le couvert des arbres emondes. Ces resultats revelent ainsi un effet depressif de S. setigera sur les cultures associees.
TECHNOLOGY IN LANGUAGE TEACHING TODAY

Technology is playing an increasing role in education world-wideand is having a growing impact on the design and delivery ofEnglish language programs. Todays' language teachers areexpected to understand how to integrate technology into theirteaching as well as knowing how to help learners make use ofresources such as media and the internet to improve their learningof all four skills. As such technology offers both new challengesas well as new opportunities for both teachers and learners. Thisarticle surveys the role of technology in language teaching andexplores the opportunities it offers to teachers and learners tosupport new technology-mediated teaching and learning.
Nectria and Fusarium. II. Cosmospora zealandica comb.nov. and its anamorph, Fusarium zealandicum sp.nov.

Nectria zealandica Cooke is transferred to the genus Cosmospora. This species is redescribed and its anamorph, Fusarium zealandicum sp.nov., is described as new and both are illustrated. The systematic position of Cosmospora zealandica comb.nov. and its anamorph is discussed.Key words: Hypocreales, Nectriaceae, taxonomy, New Zealand.
Evaluation of relative distance as new descriptor of yellow European eel spatial distribution

– The spatial distribution of yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla) smaller than 300 mm was analysed during the upstream colonisation process. A 9-year electric-fishing programme in the Gironde catchment (France) provided eel occurrence data in 256 sites and eel abundance data in 23 sites. Generalized linear models showed that small eel spatial distribution decreased with river slope, dam number and with downstream-upstream distance, estimated using either the distance from the tidal limit, called ‘tidal distance’, or the ‘relative distance’, calculated as the fish’s position relative to the total distance between tidal limit and river source. This new descriptor should be considered in future eel distribution studies as it reveals fractal dimension in eel spatial distribution and may provide a standardised method to compare directly freshwater eel assessment between streams and catchments of different lengths. If the relevancy of this descriptor is subsequently confirmed, it may have important implications for the management of eel population conservation.
The Dorsal Pigmentation Pattern of Snakes as an Antipredator Strategy: A Multivariate Approach

Each species of the snake fauna of North America north of Mexico was qualitatively scored into one of five dorsal pattern classes and according to 16 behavioral-ecological variables that express the degree of exposure to visually oriented predators and the characteristic response to threatened predation. Multiple discriminant analysis was employed to identify the variables that best distinguish between the pattern types. These most important variables were, in general, behavioral as opposed to habitat variables. Irregularly banded and blotched-spotted patterns are associated with an antipredator strategy of defense rather than flight, and these patterns likely function disruptively to minimize initial detection by predators. Striped and unicolored-speckled patterns are associated with antipredator strategies emphasizing flight more than defense. The advantages of these patterns for a strategy of flight probably lie in their elevation of the threshold velocity for detection of movement and in their reduction of apparent velocity, because these visual effects retard the forward shift of predator visual focus necessary to keep the fleeing snake in sight. On the behavioral-ecological axes, the regularly banded pattern is generally intermediate between the antipredator strategies of defense and flight, and it may combine the advantages of disruptive coloration with those of a uniform pattern through the phenomenon of flicker fusion of the successively identical bands. As predicted, if flicker fusion is an adaptive function of the regularly banded pattern, interspecific variation in band number is negatively correlated with a morphological index of escape speed, positively correlated with body size, and curvilinearly related to (though nonsignificantly) the light-dark ratio of the band cycle. Furthermore, intraindividual variation in band packing is in the direction predicted by speed differentials between middle and rear portions of the body. The multiple discriminant analysis was almost three times as successful in classifying taxa to pattern type as would be expected by chance.
TRYPTOPHAN METABOLISM IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS

SEVERAL facts suggest the existence of a definite relation between the metabolism of aromatic amino acids and mental disease, and between indole compounds and schizophrenia. In recent years, much research has been carried out in the attempt to shed light on this problem. BOCOCH (1957) noted that the administration to 23 schizophrenic patients of a diet deficient in aromatic amino acids for three weeks had marked effects; in 60 per cent of the treated cases the clinical condition deteriorated, while no improvement was noted in the others; these results indicate that the diet tested not only had no therapeutic effect but was apparently detrimental. Concerning tryptophan metabolism (by the kynurenine pathway) ZELLER et al. (1957), ZELLER (1958) and LAUER et al. (1958) reported that tryptophan (50 mg/kg) administered to 24 schizophrenic patients caused an increase in xanthurenic acid excretion which was significantly higher than that in normal controls: the difference between patients and controls disappeared in 5 weeks when iproniazid (Marsilid) was administered together with tryptophan. While V. M. BUSCAINO (1957) maintained that indole derivatives play an important role in the causation of schizophrenia, G. A. BUSCAINO and STEFANACHI (1958) concluded from the analysis of the urines of schizophrenic and other patients that indole derivatives occur with varying frequencies in all cases examined and are not specifically related to schizophrenia. Tryptophan metabolism was investigated in neurological diseases by VERGA (1951), Tinelli and Calvario (1 955) and by Calvario (1958), who determined the xanthurenic acid excretion after administration of tryptophan (100 mg/kg). The greater amounts of xanthurenic acid eliminated by certain patients suggested an alteration of tryptophan metabolism, probably related to pyridoxine deficiency. Concerning the other metabolic pathway of trytophan, studies have been made of the fraction of ingested tryptophan which is metabolized via serotonin to give 5hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Although the excretion of this compound is generally normal in schizophrenic patients (BUSCAINO and STEFANACHI, 1958; FELDSTEIN et al., 1958), it can be increased by the administration of large doses of tryptophan: ZELLER el al. (1957), ZELLFX (1958) and LAUER et al. (1958) found that schizophrenic patients were unable to increase their elimination of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid after tryptophan ingestion while similarly treated non-psychotic controls doubled their excretion of this compound. BANERJEE and AGARWAL (1958), on the other hand, reported exactly the opposite: they found that schizophrenic patients doubled their excretion of this indole derivative while the controls did not. According to KOPIN (1959) schizophrenic patients do not differ from controls in their excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic
Allozymes and mitochondrial DNA discriminate Asian and north American populations of chum salmon in mixed-stock fisheries along the south coast of the Alaska peninsula

Abstract A representative baseline of allozyme allele frequencies of 69 stock groupings covering the entire range of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta was evaluated for its ability to estimate stock of origin of Asian and North American chum salmon in complex mixtures. We estimated the origin of 2,000 chum salmon harvested incidentally in fisheries for sockeye salmon O. nerka along the south side of the Alaska Peninsula in the northern Pacific Ocean in 1993 and 1994 using a maximum likelihood algorithm. Of eight major regions (Japan, Russia, northwest Alaska summer run, Yukon River fall run, Alaska Peninsula–Kodiak Island, southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington) reported, northwest Alaska summer-run populations predominated in the fishery with estimates ranging from 0.52 to 0.72. A mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) marker capable of distinguishing the Japanese component from the rest of the Pacific Rim stocks was assayed in 400 of the 1994 samples. Estimates from the allozyme and mtDNA data were similar.
Notulae ad Floram agaricinam neerlandicam — XLIII. Notes on Agrocybe

Within the scope of a revision of the genus Agrocybe for Flora agaricina neerlandica, three new taxa of Agrocybe sect. Pediadae are described. Agrocybe ochracea spec. nov. is characterized by the presence of conspicuous pleurocystidia of different shape and size as the cheilocystidia. A new variety of Agrocybe pediades with a consistently annulate stipe is proposed as A. pediades var. cinctula nov. var. Agrocybe fimicola (Speg.) Singer, characterized by the presence of appendiculate veil at the margin of the cap and occurrence on dung, is reduced to the level of variety.
Patterns of morphological diversification of mainland Anolis lizards from northwestern South America

Anolis lizards are one of the most diverse vertebrate genera and are the classic example of adaptive radiation and convergent evolution. Anoles exhibit great morphological diversity produced by the ecological opportunity to exploit several arboreal niches. Anole radiation in the Caribbean islands is well studied, but the mainland radiation is less understood. We used a large morphological data set and a molecular phylogeny to describe the morphological diversification of anoles from northwestern South America, a region with the highest anole diversity on a mainland. We describe morphological diversity as summarized by ten morphotypes, defined mainly by body size, limb proportions, and subdigital lamellae. We show that some morphotypes are limited to forested lowlands and others to Andean highlands; by contrast, Anolis assemblages from tropical rainforests are comprised of the same four morphotypes. We demonstrate that morphological diversification followed a pattern of adaptive radiation across a landscape of adaptive peaks. Our results are consistent with the most recent hypothesis of convergence stated for Caribbean radiation, and demonstrate convergence between mainland morphotypes and Caribbean ecomorphs, which suggests that common processes are driving both radiations. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London
Modelling metamorphism in the Hoosac Schist, Western Massachusetts: new approaches to a New England problem

Along the western margin of the metamorphic Appalachians in New England, Taconic (Ordovician) tectonism and metamorphism are overprinted towards the east by Acadian (Devonian) structures and metamorphism. The Hoosac Schist, a probable correlate of the well-known Gassetts Schist of Vermont, lies in the region of overprinting. It forms a narrow N-S-trending tectonically-bound zone crossing several Barrovian mineral-assemblage zones from garnet to kyanite grade. Highly aluminous units containing cm-sized garnets (Cheney & Brady, 1992) are noted for the occurrence of textural unconformities within the garnets, separating inclusion-rich cores from inclusion-poor rims. Matrix domains contain both paragonite and muscovite. Muscovite is present in at least two compositionally distinct generations, with broad later laths cutting across a microfolded earlier fabric. Rutile is restricted to inclusions in garnet, whereas the matrix Tiphase is ilmenite. These features suggest a polymetamorphic history, potentially recording the superimposition of Acadian metamorphism on Taconic, but it has not yet proved possible to demonstrate the presence of two metamorphic cycles.
Habitat use and response to patches of prey by desert insectivorous bats

I examined the habitat use patterns of an Arizona insectivorous bat community using ultrasonic sensing equipment which allowed field identification of bat species based on their echolocation calls. Response to prey patchiness by the species encountered was tested using ultraviolet lights to attract swarms of insects. No partitioning of habitat or time was observed, there being a high degree of species overlap, and many species of bats appeared to be positively associated. All species responded to light-induced prey patches on at least some occasions. Analysis of prey populations indicated that food, though abundant, was extremely patchy in distribution, both spatially and temporally. These data indicate a bat community in which species are highly adapted to an abundant, but patchy food source.
Customers as Volunteers? E-Customer Citizenship Behavior and Its Antecedents

The low barriers to enter into the e-marketplace have inevitably intensified the competition among e-retailers. Online retailers are struggling to build a sustainable business model that ensures customers’ continuing commitment to their businesses. This study addresses the challenges faced by eretailers in terms of examining website services and functionalities that would consequently lead to eloyalty among customers. Empirical findings, based on 385 online apparel shoppers, have shown that extending customers’ voluntary behavior (customer citizenship behavior) that can be cultivated upon gaining customers’ satisfaction and loyalty provide leads to a better future for e-retailer’s sustainability. This study examines the applicability of expectancy-disconfirmation theory and social exchange theory in the virtual world.
The Effect of Removal of Residual Milk by Use of Oxytocin upon the Yield and Fat Content of Subsequent Milkings

Summary During 5-day control periods, using six cows, the milk was removed from the udders in three approximately equal portions and each portion was weighed and tested. During experimental periods of the same length, the cows were milked in a similar manner, but in addition the residual milk was obtained by injection of oxytocin. It was found that normally drawn milk tested higher in all three portions when oxytocin had not been used at the previous milking than the corresponding portions when oxytocin had been used, indicating that the very high testing residual milk is secured with oxytocin at the expense of the fat content of the subsequent milking. This is interpreted as indicating that the residual milk is not static, but that most of it is secured under normal milking practices at the following milking. There is indication that a substantial part of the fat of milk secured under ordinary milking routine may regularly come from residual milk which was present in the gland at the time of the previous milking.
β-hydroxybutyrate–induced growth inhibition and collagen production in HK-2 cells are dependent on TGF-β and Smad3

β-hydroxybutyrate–induced growth inhibition and collagen production in HK-2 cells are dependent on TGF-β and Smad3. Background Ketonuria is common in diabetes. The major form of ketone body is β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), which is metabolized by the proximal tubule. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and tubulopathy are important in diabetic nephropathy. Thus, the role of TGF-β and the downstream Smad3 in β-HB–induced effects in the human proximal tubule (HK-2 cell) was studied. Methods Effects of β-HB (0.1 to 10mmol/L) on HK-2 cells were determined for: proliferation, cell cycle distribution, collagen production, tubular transdifferentiation [expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein], TGF-β, Smad2/3, p21 WAF1 , and p27 kip1 . Results β-HB (0.1 to 10mmol/L) dose dependently decreased proliferation, arrested the cells in G 0 /G 1 phase of the cell cycle, and increased p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 protein expression at 48hours (without affecting p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 mRNA and transcription). β-HB (1mmol/L) increased p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 protein half-lives. β-HB (1mmol/L) increased TGF-β transcription at 24hours and TGF-β1 mRNA/bioactivity at 48hours. β-HB (1mmol/L) increased nuclear Smad2/3 protein expression and increased collagen production (without affecting tubular transdifferentiation), which were reversed by Smad7, dominant-negative Smad3, and N -acetylcysteine. Dominant-negative Smad3 reversed β-HB–induced TGF-β transcription at 24hours, and reversed TGF-β1 bioactivity at 48hours. Dominant-negative Smad3 reversed β-HB–induced p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 protein expression at 48hours. Finally, N -acetylcysteine, TGF-β antibody, Smad7, and dominant-negative Smad3 reversed β-HB (1mmol/L)–induced growth inhibition at 48hours. Conclusion β-HB activated Smad 2/3 by oxidative stress. TGF-β and Smad3 mediate β-HB–induced cell cycle-dependent growth inhibition while Smad3 mediate β-HB–induced collagen production and p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 protein expression in HK-2 cells. Moreover, β-HB increased p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 protein expression by increasing p21 WAF1 /p27 kip1 protein stability.
The coastal fishes of Madeira Island-new records and an annotated check-list

A check-list of the coastal fishes of Madeira Island is presented. The species Rhincodon typus, Megalops atlanticus, Apterichtus caecus, Apterichtus sp. , Chelidonichthys lucernus, Caranx crysos, Lutjanus goreensis, Crystallogobius linearis, and Canthidermis sufflamen are recorded for the first time from Madeira waters. We have recognized 13 previous records as identification errors or registration errors and indicate 14 other records as doubtful. Including the nine new records, we list 226 species from the coastal waters of Madeira Island.
Cálcio e o desenvolvimento de aerênquimas e atividade de celulase em plântulas de milho submetidas a hipoxia

Aerenchyma formation is known as one of the most important anatomical adaptations of plants submitted to oxygen shortage. This tissue develops by action of degrading enzymes and resulting in cell wall loosening. This work was conducted with the objective of verifying aerenchyma development in corn seedlings cv. Saracura - BRS 4154, submitted to hypoxia. The development of aerenchyma was observed in association to cellulase activity. The seedlings were submitted to the hypoxia treatments 4 days after germination , by immersion in a flooding buffer, in the absence and presence of calcium. After 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days under hypoxic conditions the evaluation of aerenchyma formation was made by transversal sections of coleoptiles apex , where the development of damages caused by hypoxia were also observed, and the intermediary region of roots. The material for the cellulase assays was collected after each of the hypoxia periods. The activity of cellulase was measured by the viscosimetric method. Aerenchyma formation in the roots increased immediately after the induction of hypoxia and reached 50% of the total cortex area at the fourth day of hipoxia. This organ presented an average aerenchyma area seven times higher than coleoptiles, where the area of intercellular spaces reached 15% of the cortex; cell injuries were observed on 65% of the total seedlings. Cellulase activity showed an initial decrease due to the forced stress, but subsequently increased along with the aerenchyma development. The presence of calcium apparently inhibited the aerenchyma development without affecting the enzymatic activity.
TAXONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE FRONTAL APPENDAGE IN THE GENUS DENDROCEPHALUS (ANOSTRACA: THAMNOCEPHALIDAE)

ABSTRACT A morphological analysis of the frontal appendage of the genus Dendrocephalus (Anostraca: Thamnocephalidae) shows that the basic morphological pattern (number and arrangement of the branches) is constant, and diagnostic for the genus. The morphology of branches 2D/ 2A/2V should be used as the main characteristic in the diagnosis of the species. A reformulated diagnosis of this genus is included.
Influence of flow turbulence on Chara fibrosa: growth, stress, and tissue carbon content

The influence of flow turbulence on the growth of Chara fibrosa was studied for 12 weeks under laboratory conditions using a mechanically oscillating grid that generated turbulence without net flow. The experimental turbulence velocities were 1.93 ± 0.48 cm s−1 (high turbulence), 1.06 ± 0.41 cm s−1 (medium turbulence), and 0.46 ± 0.15 cm s−1 (low turbulence), while the control was a no turbulence condition. Plants exposed to high and medium turbulence showed shoot elongation rates less than 50% of the control throughout the experiment period. Ascorbate peroxidase activity and catalase activity were elevated, and reductions of total chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were observed in the plants exposed to turbulence. Carbon content of the plant tissue was decreased in the high and medium turbulence treatments; in contrast, it was slightly increased in the treatment of low turbulence. Exposure to turbulence adversely affected growth of C. fibrosa, though all the plants survived the experiment period.