Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteção local, não sistêmica, do silicato de potássio reduz os sintomas da ferrugem do cafeeiro

In the first experiment, coffee plants with three pairs of leaves were sprayed with potassium silicate (K2SiO3), epoxiconazole, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), and distilled water in two different ways: spraying the 3rd pair of leaves from the apex and protecting the 2nd pair of leaves or spraying the two pair of leaves on the left side of the plant and protecting the pair of leaves on the right side. After 24 h, the abaxial surface of the protected pair of leaves was inoculated with Hemileia vastatrix. In the second experiment, the 3rd pair of leaves from the apex was sprayed with K2SiO3, ASM, and distilled water and the 2nd pair of leaves was protected. At 1, 5, 15, 25, and 35 days after products application, the abaxial surface of 2nd (systemic protection) and the 3rd pair of leaves (local protection) of eight plants per treatment were inoculated with H. vastatrix. The K2SiO3 spray on the 3rd pair of leaves or on the pair of leaves on the left side was ineffective in increasing silicon concentration and also decreasing the intensity of sporulation (IE), the total number of pustules (TNP) per leaf, and rust severity on the 2nd pair of leaves or in the pair of leaves on the right side, unlike the epoxiconazole and the ASM, which exhibited systemicity in the plant. The K2SiO3 sprayed in the 3rd pair of leaves also did not guarantee, due to its non-systemic action, reduction in the IE, TNP, and rust severity compared to its local protection. The findings of this study show the possibility of using potassium silicate spray to reduce the intensity of coffee leaf rust preventively.
Effect of seed rates sown on different dates on wheat under agro-ecological conditions of Dera Ghazi Khan.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different seed rates on different sowing dates to suggest the appropriate seed rate of wheat for different sowing dates in the agro ecological conditions of the Dera Ghazi Khan zone. The wheat was sown with three sowing dates (D1) 15 th November, (D2) 30 th November and (D3) 15 th December, using three seed rates viz: (S1) 125, (S2) 150, and (S3) 175 kg ha -1 , respectively. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement, keeping sowing dates in main plot and seed rates in sub plot with three blocks. The plot size was 6m x 25 m. It was observed that delayed sowing decreased grain yield due to decrease in germination count m -2 , number of grains spike -1 and 1000-grain weight where as increase in seed rate did not affect grain yield. The interactive effects of sowing dates and seed rates were significant. The highest grain yield (3360 Kg ha - 1 ) was recorded when 125 kg ha -1 was used for sowing on 15 th November. Thus, wheat should be preferably sown on 15 th November with seed rate of 125 kg ha -1 in Dera Ghazi Khan zone.
Large‐scale climatic signatures in lakes across Europe: a meta‐analysis

Recent studies have highlighted the impact of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on water temperature, ice conditions, and spring plankton phenology in specific lakes and regions in Europe. Here, we use meta‐analysis techniques to test whether 18 lakes in northern, western, and central Europe respond coherently to winter climate forcing, and to assess the persistence of the winter climate signal in physical, chemical, and biological variables during the year. A meta‐analysis approach was chosen because we wished to emphasize the overall coherence pattern rather than individual lake responses. A particular strength of our approach is that time‐series from each of the 18 lakes were subjected to the same robust statistical analysis covering the same 23‐year period. Although the strongest overall coherence in response to the winter NAO was exhibited by lake water temperatures, a strong, coherent response was also exhibited by concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus and soluble reactive silicate, most likely as a result of the coherent response exhibited by the spring phytoplankton bloom. Lake nitrate concentrations showed significant coherence in winter. With the exception of the cyanobacterial biomass in summer, phytoplankton biomass in all seasons was unrelated to the winter NAO. A strong coherence in the abundance of daphnids during spring can most likely be attributed to coherence in daphnid phenology. A strong coherence in the summer abundance of the cyclopoid copepods may have been related to a coherent change in their emergence from resting stages. We discuss the complex nature of the potential mechanisms that drive the observed changes.
EFFECTS OF STEAMING ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND THE COOKING TIME OF JACK BEANS (Canavalia ensiformis)

The potentials of jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis) for consumption and product development have been on the low side because of its peculiar nature, beany flavor and long cooking time. Present study has been taken in the hand for finding out the effects of steaming on the physicochemical properties and cooking time of Jack beans in order to establish the optimum steaming temperature and time combination for the processing. Three samples of beans were steamed on 120psi at time intervals of 15, 30 and 45mins, control was without steamed. These samples were analyzed for difference qualities like the physical characteristics, chemical composition, as well as the proximate composition using standard methods. The physicochemical properties obtained showed bulk density ranged from 0.716g/ml 0.762g/ml, percentage gelation strength ranged between 10.00 - 18.00%, water absorption capacity between 2.6ml/g to 3.0ml/g, pH range between 6.42 - 6.44 and the titratable acidity between 2.55g/100g - 2.80g/100g. The proximate composition showed the percentage moisture content ranges between 7.25% - 9.0%, ash content between 2.43% - 2.73%, protein content between 21.0% - 24.3%, fat content between 3.48% - 3.76% and carbohydrate content between 54.30% and 56.67%. The cooking time varies from sample A to B at the range of 30 to 45 minutes respectively. The overall results of the research suggest that Jack beans can be subjected to steaming time of 45 minutes for adequate nutrient detainment and minimum cooking time.
Remember the Null Hypothesis

As a preface, we should state that we initially approached the experiments described in our article (Zhou et al., 2002 [this issue]) in the belief that photoperiod would modify immunity, and we determined to elucidate the mechanism. Our article was therefore written in as much sorrow as satisfaction. Before dealing with other issues raised by Nelson and Prendergast (2002 [this issue]) in their comments on our article, it seems important to clarify a misunderstanding in their remarks, which agreeably call our observations unambiguous. It is suggested that we showed lower spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation (and interleukin-6 [IL-6] production) in short-day (SD) hamsters compared to their long-day (LD) counterparts. This is not so. Spontaneous proliferation was not different, but we did observe a reduction in the proliferative response of lymphocytes from SD hamsters, following activation by a primary antigenic challenge. Interestingly, the difference was in the opposite direction to that observed (by us and others) following activation with the mitogenic lectin concanavalin A, a stimulus commonly used in place of antigen when determining lymphocyte responsiveness. Nelson and Prendergast (2002) focus on definitions. They describe “measures of the immune system,” such as tissue weights and cell numbers, as being “relatively static” (p. 406). This seems curious, given that these traits change not only readily, in response to infection, trauma, various diseases, and metabolic alterations, but also diurnally and, as the authors of the commentary have well described, seasonally. Indeed, it was the mass of data in the latter context, and the accompanying claims for its significance, that provided a major stimulus for us to test the hypothesis that photoperiod modulated immunity (Nelson and Demas, 1996). The commentators further describe “immune responses” as “measures of adaptive changes in these traits” (p. 406) of the immune system. Strictly, only cells associated with responses by T and B lymphocytes constitute the adaptive immune system, but changes may certainly be registered in both innate and adaptive immunity, following appropriate challenge, and it was these changes that were the primary focus in our article, in contrast to other articles that have measured the immune system. We have lit t le quarrel with Nelson and Prendergast’s (2002) definition of the term immune function and would agree that the term can be ambiguous. Although it might be seen as stretching a point to propose that it is the function of the immune system to provide immunity against the dinitrophenyl (DNP) hapten, Nelson and Prendergast seem minded to accept delayed type-hypersensitivity (DTH), in response to DNP, as a (they claim, “the only”) measure approximating immune function. However, because DNP is no better mimic of a serious immune challenge than the sheep red cells that we also used as an antigen, and Nelson’s group has previously measured
Influence of tree size and dominance on incidence of bark stripping by grey squirrels to oak and impact on tree growth

Summary Grey squirrel damage was monitored annually in a stand of naturally regenerating oak in the Forest of Dean, UK, between 1998 and 2003. Incidences of damage and wound size were signifi cantly related to tree size, with dominant oak trees and those above 7.5 cm diameter at breast height, most at risk of damage on the main stem. Fresh damage occurred on 9 – 38 per cent of trees each year, with 2 – 17 per cent of trees ring barked in any year. Damage was concentrated above 4 m up the main stem and for some trees led to dieback and loss of apical dominance accompanied by a reduction in top height increment. Continuing damage is likely to lead to a general reduction in yield of the stand. As with other species, tree diameter and dominance appear to be useful predictors of bark-stripping damage risk on oak.
Purification and characterization of Aspergillus niger α-L-rhamnosidase for the biotransformation of naringin to prunin

An α-L-rhamnosidase, which was extracted from the fermented broth of Aspergillus nigerwas purified, characterized and confirmed via biotransformation of naringin to prunin. After being purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulphate fractionation and chromatography on diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200 HR columns, the enzyme was determined by the exclusive gel chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) to have a molecular weight of approximately 87 kDa. Its optimal pH and stable pH values were within the range of 4.5 to 5 and 3.5 to 7.5, respectively while its optimal temperature was in 50 to 60°C. In addition, the enzyme was strongly inhibited by Fe2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Al3+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Ag+, Hg2+ ions and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and slightly activated by K+ and Ba2+ ions. Its Kmtowards naringin was 0.27 mM and the Vmax was 9805.15 U/mg. The enzyme could efficiently convert naringin to prunin with a transforming rate above 97%. These results indicate that the α-L-rhamnosidase separated from A. niger could be a promising candidate for its commercial application in food and pharmaceutical industries. Key words: Aspergillus niger, α-L-rhamnosidase, naringinase, naringin, pruning, transformation
Allele-specific real-time PCR for quantification and discrimination of sterol 14 α-demethylation-inhibitor-resistant genotypes of Mycosphaerella graminicola.

SUMMARY The level of resistance of Mycosphaerella graminicola to sterol 14 α-demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) is characterised by point and deletion mutations in the CYP51 gene that encodes sterol 14 α-demethylase. Rapid and pre-symptomatic detection of these mutations is required for effective control by fungicides. In this study, an allele-specific real-time PCR method was developed. An additional mismatched nucleotide at the third position from the single nucleotide polymorphism at the 3prime end of each allele-specific primer stops non-specific PCR amplification. Minor groove binding specific probes were designed to quantify general strains of M. graminicola and strains that contain isoleucine at position 381 of the CYP51 protein sequence. Specific amplification of the target alleles was reproducible. A high level of discrimination between genotypes using pure fungal DNA was confirmed in vivo, based on leaf samples collected from different wheat growing regions in France. A high level of I381V-genotypes (>70%) was found in all samples. The results showed that allele-specific real-time PCR allows pre-symptomatic and accurate quantitative detection of DMI-resistant genotypes of M. graminicola, with a shorter turnaround time compared to conventional methods. The simplicity and effectiveness provided by intentional mismatch primers offer a broad range of applications for laboratory and field analysis.
Growth and lipid composition of phyllosomata of the southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, fed enriched Artemia

Newly hatched phyllosoma larvae of Jasus edwardsii were on-grown to stage V. Using triacylglycerol-rich marine oil nutrient sources and microalgae, Artemia were enriched with the major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to ratios similar to that of wild-caught phyllosomata. Artemia enriched by different methods were fed to cultured phyllosomata. At each stage animals were counted, measured and sampled for lipid analyses. Survival was highest from stages II to III (62-86%), with mean total survival at 3-12%. From stages I to V larvae increased in mass (0.2-2.2 mg) and total length (2.1-5.8 mm), and decreased in total lipid. The major lipid class in all phyllosomata was polar lipid, followed by sterol, with no triacylglycerol detected. The main fatty acids were 18:1(n-9)c, 18:2(n-6), 16:0, 18:0, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA; 20:5(n-3)], 18:1(n-7)c, arachidonic acid [AA; 20:4(n-6)] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA; 22:6(n-3)]. On-grown phyllosomata had levels of AA and EPA similar to that of wild phyllosomata, but contained markedly lower levels of DHA. Strategies for enhancement of DHA levels will be needed for culture of rock lobster phyllosomata.
Influence of temperature on germination of Japanese brome seed.

Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Thunb.), an introduced annual grass, is now common in some northern mixed-prairie communities. This species has the potential to alter both the seasonality of standing crop and forage quality. We sought to gain a greater understanding of Japanese brome seed germination by subjecting seed to a series of 55 constant or alternating temperature regimes following 3 to 9 months of dry laboratory storage. Cold and moderate temperature regimes provided optimum germination conditions (defined as not lower than the maximum observed minus one-half its confidence interval at the 0.05 level of probability). Extremely cold or warm temperatures suppressed germination. Germination of afterripened seed over a wide range of temperature combinations, many of which occur during fall in the Northern Great Plains, should enhance establishment and perpetuation of Japanese brome on rangelands.
Reproductive and Nesting Ecology of the Yellow-Blotched Map Turtle, Graptemys flavimaculata: Implications for Conservation and Management

Abstract We studied the reproductive and nesting ecology of the Yellow-Blotched Map Turtle (Graptemys flavimaculata) from 1993–1994 and from 1996–1997 on the Pascagoula River in southeastern Mississippi. This species has undergone a recent decline leading to its listing as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We found three distinctive features of the biology of this population: a relatively low reproductive frequency compared with most other map turtles (maximum of 1.16 clutches/female), a very high level of nest mortality caused by river flooding and fish crow predation (90% mortality in some years), and an unexpectedly high level of nesting in shaded areas along the riverbank, perhaps in response to human disturbance on and near sandbars. Our data suggest that, in the absence of extraordinarily high adult survival, this population will decline because of low recruitment. We suggest a series of specific strategies to reverse these declines, including better law enforcement to protect adult turtles, public education, and possibly, protection of nests on the nesting beaches.
Amiata Donkeys: Fat Globule Characteristics, Milk Gross Composition and Fatty Acids

Amiata donkeys are a native breed reared in central Italy. Safeguarding native donkey breeds represents an opportunity for the development of marginal areas, especially given that donkey milk is now appearing on the market due to its potential benefits for human health. To date, only a few studies have focused on the characteristics of the milk fat globules (MFGs) in the donkey species. The aim of this study was to assess the morphometric characteristics of the fat globules, gross composition and fatty acid classes in milk from Amiata donkeys reared according to the typical farming and feeding systems of the area of origin. Individual milk samples, collected from 28 Amiata donkeys between 90 and 150 days of lactation, showed the following average composition (g/100 mL): 9.47 dry matter, 1.63 protein, 0.78 casein, 0.53 fat, 7.12 lactose, and 0.36 ash. The unsaturated:saturated fatty acids ratio in milk was close to 1. The percentage of short chains was 12.29, and the percentage of long chain fatty acids was 47.64. The donkey MFGs showed an average diameter of 1.92 μm, and a number of 2.18*109/mL. Regarding MFG distribution, 70% of the globules donkey of milk are smaller than 2 μm. In conclusion, the gross composition and fatty acids of Amiata donkey milk showed similarities with milk from other Italian donkey breeds, with the exception of the monounsaturated fatty acid values which were slightly higher. Donkey MFGs had a smaller diameter and were fewer than in the ruminant species.
Molecular typing of avian Pasteurella multocida isolates by PCR-RFLP of ompH gene

Molecular typing of twenty-five Pasteurella multocida isolates has been assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of a species-specific PCR assay. Amplification was based on the gene ompH, encoding a major outer memberane protein. RFLP analysis of the 1.2 kb ompH-amplification using EcoRI, HindIII and CfoI endonucleases produced 7 different patterns for the twenty five isolates of the four P.multocida serotypes. The PCR-RFLP of the ompH gene was found to be potentially a useful method for typing of P. multocida and therefore, for studying the epidemiology of P. multocida infections.
Cross resistance between water and oxidative stresses in wheat leaves

SUMMARY Seven-day-old leaves of two wheat cultivars, one resistant (Cruz Alta) and one sensitive (Leones) to water stress were subjected to 100% O2 and water stress in the light for 72 h. The aim of this work was to analyse the effects of both types of stress on the chloroplast antioxidant enzymes, glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (AP) and their relationship with stress resistance. Both GR and AP increased following 100% O2 and water stress in the resistant cultivar Cruz Alta only. Sulphydryl (SH) groups increased in the resistant cultivar and decreased significantly in the sensitive one under both stress treatments. Measurement of stress parameters (chlorophylls, proteins, lipid peroxidation and conductivity) revealed that oxidations caused by stress treatments appeared to be higher in the sensitive cultivar Leones than in the resistant Cruz Alta. It is suggested that there may be a link between GR, AP and oxidative protection. Some cross resistance between water and oxidative stresses in wheat leaves is also indicated.
Follicular determinants of the length and diameter of wool fibres. 1. Comparison of sheep differing in fibre length/diameter ratio at two levels of nutrition

Two groups of sheep were formed with similar mean fibre diameter (D) but differing rate of fibre elongation (L), and two groups with similar mean L but differing D. The sheep were placed on a low plane of nutrition for 8 weeks followed by a high plane of nutrition for a further 7 weeks. L, as a result of selection and nutrition, ranged from 268 to 515 8m/day, D from 17.5 to 32.8 8m, and LID ratios from 13 1 to 24.5 between individuals. Nutrition significantly influenced the dimensions of the follicle bulb and dermal papilla, the rate of division of follicle bulb cells, the dimensions of the cortical cells, and the production ratio (the ratio of fibre area to fibre-plus-inner root sheath area). The high and low diameter groups differed in bulb and papilla dimensions and in the rate of bulb cell division. The high and low fibre length growth phenotypes differed only in papilla length and cortical cell length. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that a model including terms for nutrition, phenotype group and cortical cell length accounted for 0.60 of the variance in fibre L (P < 0.0001). Fibre D was best accounted for by nutrition, phenotype group, cortical cell volume and papilla area ( Ra2 = 0.88, P < 0.0001). This differential dependence of the fibre dimensions on follicle characters means that the shape of the fibre has the potential to change in situations where cortical cell length, cortical cell volume and papilla size are differentially altered. Several hormonal, nutritional and selection regimes known to alter L/D must have this effect, but simple nutritional changes such as the one imposed in this experiment apparently do not, as there was no change in fibre L/D. The follicular efficiency of fibre production (measured as fibre output per unit bulb tissue or per unit bulb cell produced) in sheep producing fine (20.3 8m) wool was similar to that of sheep producing coarse (27.0 8m) wool. There appears therefore to be no inherent inefficiency in small follicles producing fine wool and thus no follicular impediment to the production of large amounts of fine wool.