Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and pathogenicity of Puccinia triticina on wheat in South Africa during 2007

A survey was conducted during 2007 to determine the occurrence and pathogenicity of Puccinia triticina Eriks. , the cause of wheat leaf rust, in South Africa. Leaf rust was widely observed in the wheat growing areas of the Western Cape but only at a few localities in the Free State. A low incidence of leaf rust was detected at Cedara (KwaZulu-Natal). Leaf rust widely occurred within trap nurseries but it was observed only occasionally in farmers’ fields. Five pathotypes were identified from the total of 80 leaf rust samples collected. The most frequently detected pathotype was 3SA133 (76.8%) which was found in samples from all the localities followed by pathotype 3SA126 (11.0%). Other pathotypes detected were 3SA140 (7.3%), 3SA132 (3.7%) and 3SA137 (1.2%). None of the isolates tested was virulent on the resistance genes Lr3bg and Lr16 with the majority of the isolates (>73%) found virulent on the resistance genes Lr3a, 3ka, 11, 20, 24 and 30. No isolates avirulent on Lr1, 2c, 10 and 14a were found. The virulence patterns of pathotypes detected in 2007 was similar to those observed in previous seasons and new pathotypes were not observed. Thus, a significant change in the response of current commercial cultivars is not expected considering the results.
Investigating the potential for chilli Capsicum spp. to reduce human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe

Human-wildlife conflict has negative implications for wildlife conservation, and current crop protection methods are not sufficient to address the problem. Alternative livelihood strategies may provide the ultimate solution to this conflict but they are not always feasible in the short-term. We test the viability of using chilli Capsicum spp. as an unpalatable cash crop to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Our trials indicate that chilli is less vulnerable to wildlife than other crops and is also economically viable.
The influence of various types and frequencies of rest on the production and condition of sourveld grazed by sheep or cattle. 2. Vigour

Treatments involving a full growing season rest in alternate years, half a growing season rest (late season) in alternate years and no rest were applied to veld grazed by sheep or cattle at similar stocking rates. Residual effects of the treatments on veld vigour were determined by measuring species regrowth during the season following treatment application, compared to ungrazed controls. The vigour of veld grazed by sheep declined rapidly relative to veld grazed by cattle. The vigour of palatable species was severely impacted, vigour of intermediate species was variably impacted and vigour of unpalatable species increased dramatically on veld grazed by sheep. Similar trends occurred in veld grazed by cattle, but to a lesser degree. Resting was beneficial for vigour recovery in both sheep and cattle treatments but it seems that the grazing treatment between rests has an over-riding influence on veld vigour. The veld grazed by sheep remained at a lower productivity level than veld grazed by cattle. Principles related to resting and the impacts of sheep and cattle grazing are briefly discussed with a view to formulating management strategies.
Selective Logging and Regeneration of Timber Species in the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala

This study explores the regeneration of 12 selected timber species within an area of selective logging in a neotropical rainforest in Guatemala. A part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, in which timber harvest is performed by the cooperative Unión Maya Itzá, makes up the study area. We report the results of an inventory of 12 species over an area of 300 ha and detailed recording of saplings and seedlings for 10 selected timber species in five 1-ha plots. In the latter, characteristics of gaps (gap size and location, and vegetation cover) were also recorded. The recorded density of timber seedlings and saplings in the study area was low. The low present density of future harvestable timber species suggests that the total volume of harvested trees will decline from harvest to harvest in the future if an interval between subsequent logging events of 25 yr is used and if the logging intensity prescribed by the current management plan is upheld. Measures needed for forestry in this region to be sustainable are discussed.
Mysid and fish zooplanktivory in Lake Ontario: quantification of direct and indirect effects

Mysis relicta and planktivorous fish feed on zooplankton in Lake Ontario and form a trophic triangle that in- cludes intraguild predation by fish on mysids. Thus, fish affect zooplankton both directly and indirectly. To evaluate the importance of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), and mysids as zooplanktivores in Lake Ontario, we measured abundances and distributions, assessed diets, and computed mysid and fish consumption rates based on bioenergetics models. We further estimated indirect effects by comparing clearance rates given observed and potential mysid distributions. Estimated consumption rates varied widely with season and water depth and ranged between 2.6 × 10 -3 and 1.3 g·m -2 ·day -1 for mysids and between 1.4 × 10 -3 and 0.5 g·m -2 ·day -1 for fish, representing a daily removal of zooplankton of up to 10.2%·day -1 and 2.0%·day -1 by mysids and fish, respectively. Mysid planktivory exceeded fish planktivory in May and August, but fish planktivory dominated in October. Estimated mysid planktivory rates were 2- to 90-fold lower than the potential rate if mysids moved to temperatures that maximized their predation rates, suggesting an indirect positive effect of fish on zooplankton. Resume : Dans le lac Ontario, Mysis relica et les poissons planctonophages se nourrissent de zooplancton et forment ainsi un triangle trophique qui inclut la predation par des membres de la guilde des poissons sur les mysidaces. Les poissons affectent donc le zooplancton a la fois directement et indirectement. Afin d'evaluer l'importance de la consommation de zooplancton par le gaspareau (Alosa pseudoharengus), l'eperlan arc-en-ciel (Osmerus mordax )e t les mysidaces, nous avons mesure les abondances et les repartitions, determine les regimes alimentaires et calcule les taux de consommation des mysidaces et des poissons d'apres des modeles bioenergetiques. Nous avons estime, de plus, les effets indirects en comparant les taux de clearance, compte tenu des repartitions observees et potentielles des mysida- ces. Les taux de consommation estimes varient considerablement en fonction de la saison et de la profondeur de l'eau: ils vont de 2,6 × 10 -3 a 1,3 g·m -2 ·jour -1 chez les mysidaces et de 1,4 × 10 -3 a0 ,5 g·m -2 ·jour -1 chez les poissons, ce qui correspond a des retraits quotidiens du zooplancton respectifs de jusqu'a 10,2 % par jour et de 2,0 % par jour. La consommation de plancton par les mysidaces depasse celle des poissons en mai et en aout, mais celle effectuee par les poissons domine en octobre. Les taux estimes de consommation du plancton par les mysidaces sont 2-90 fois plus fai- bles que les taux potentiels que l'on obtiendrait si les mysidaces se deplacaient vers les temperatures qui maximisent leur taux de predation; il semble donc y avoir un effet indirect positif des poissons sur le zooplancton.
Resource utilization, overlap and temporal dynamics in a guild of mountain stream insects

SUMMARY 1. Resource utilization was quantified for six mayfly (Ephemeroptera) and one caddis (Trichoptera) species comprising a lotic scraper/collector‐gatherer guild across three niche dimensions (temporal, trophic and spatial). Based on trophic differences and inferred microspatial utilization, the members of this guild separated into two groups: (1) cryptic detritivores and (2) exposed algivores. 2. Each species demonstrated a slow seasonal univoltine life cycle except for Epeorus longimanus (Eaton) and Baetis iricaudatus (Dodds) which were fast seasonal univoltine and multivoltine, respectively. 3. Temporal sequencing of periods of peak resource utilization were not demonstrated by the members of this guild. A null analysis indicated that periods of peak resource utilization were aggregated.
Interspecific interactions between saprotrophic basidiomycetes: effects on ligninolytic enzyme activity, gene expression and metabolite production

Interspecific antagonism leads to morphological, biochemical and transcriptional changes in the competing mycelia. Several approaches were used to study interactions: enzyme assays, staining, expression of ligninolytic genes, and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities were assayed, and transcript levels of laccase, Mn-repressed peroxidase (MRP), LiP and catalase measured by RT-PCR during interactions between Trametes versicolor and other wood decay fungi on agar plates. Increased laccase activity occurred in all interactions, irrespective of outcome, with expression of a variety of laccase isozymes during growth alone and interactions. The highest laccase and MnP activities were detected in the interaction zone, with minor changes occurring in other regions of interacting mycelia. MnP activity was detected but not expression of MnP genes instead, activity of MRP could explain the observed activity. Whilst no LiP activity was detected in any pairing, low level expression of LiP genes was detected. Any increases in gene expression were probably transient, or missed at the time of sampling. No differences in combative ability or enzyme production were detected between homo- and heterokaryotic isolates of T. versicolor. VOC production was not linked to combative ability, although several constitutive and interaction-specific VOCs were potentially antagonistic. Other VOCs may be involved in the stimulation of laccase activity, or supporting peroxidase activity by the generation of H2O2.
Evaluation of Darwin's fecundity advantage hypothesis in Parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata

In the Parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), variation in body size exists between and within the sexes. The females are larger than the males. Darwin (1874) proposed the fecundity advantage hypothesis, that is, large‐sized females produce more progeny, with subsequent studies supporting, as well as, refuting the hypothesis. Thus, in order to evaluate whether this hypothesis stands in Z. bicolorata we performed experiments to investigate the role of body size in influencing: (i) assortative mating; (ii) reproductive attributes; and (iii) growth, development and survival of offspring. It is the first attempt in this beetle. We found that size influenced assortative mating, reproductive output and offspring fitness. Larger males and females were preferred as mates over smaller ones. The pairs, having larger adults as mates, had higher fecundity, while the egg viability was influenced by the male size only. The offspring of larger parents had fast development and higher survival, indicating thereby possible better nutrient allotment by the female and supply of accessory gland proteins by the male in addition to better quality of genes.
Screening of common onion varieties for seed production.

Twelve cultivars of common onion evaluated over two years for their seed production potential recorded maximum seed yield from the variety Punjab Red Round (11.67 q/ha) followed by Agrifound Light Red (11.17 q/ha), NasikRed (10.12 q/ha), Pusa Red (10.05 q/ ha), Arks Kalyan (9.83 q/ha) and N 2-41 (9.72 q/ha). The higher seed yield in these cultivars was related to higher number of seed stalks/plant, taller and wider umbels, more number of flowers/unbel and heavier seeds.
Effect of heat treatment and refrigerated storage on antioxidant properties of pre-cut celery (Apium graveolens L.)

Summary This work studies the effect of two types of heat treatment, dry air at 48°C for 1 h and water immersion at 50°C for 90 s, and of storage time at 0°C on a number of quality parameters for pre-cut celery: browning potential, soluble phenols content, total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity. Pre-cut celery was placed in crystal polyethylene terephthalate trays covered with polyvinyl chloride film. Samples were taken after 0, 1, 7, 14 and 21 storage days. Treatments reduced browning potential and chlorogenic acid content and, in addition, allowed ascorbic acid concentration to be retained for a longer time. For this reason, the application of heat treatments in minimally processed celery would be beneficial.
Mammals on Mountaintops: Nonequilibrium Insular Biogeography

An analysis of the distribution of the small boreal mammals (excluding bats) on isolated mountaintops in the Great Basin led to the following conclusions: 1. The species-area curve is considerably steeper (z = .43) than the curves usually obtained for insular biotas. 2. There is no correlation between number of species of boreal mammals and variables which are likely to affect the probability of colonization, such as distance between island and mainland, distance between islands, and elevation of intervening passes. Apparently the present rate of immigration of boreal mammals to isolated mountains is effectively zero. 3. Paleontological evidence suggests that the mountains were colonized by a group of species during the Pleistocene when the climatic barriers that currently isolate them were abolished. 4. Subsequent to isolation of the mountains, extinctions have reduced the faunal diversity to present levels. Probability of extinction is inversely related to population size and, therefore, is influenced by body size, diet, and habitat. The rate of extinction has been low, and all of the islands still have one or more species of boreal mammals. 5. The mammalian faunas of the mountaintops are true relicts and do not represent equilibria between rates of colonization and extinction.
Interrenal metallothionein and cortisol secretion in relation to Cd, Cu, and Zn exposure in yellow perch, Perca flavescens, from Abitibi lakes

The concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Cd in the interrenal tissue and liver of yellow perch, Perca flavescens, sampled in six lakes in the mining region of Abitibi (Quebec) revealed a gradient of contamination: reference lakes, intermediate-contaminated lakes, and highly contaminated lakes. Interrenal and hepatic metallothionein concentrations followed a similar gradient, and there was a strong relationship between metallothionein and total metal (Zn + Cu + Cd) content in the liver and Cu + Cd content in the interrenals. Following a standardized confinement stress test, plasma cortisol and glucose were significantly higher in fish from reference lakes compared with the two most contam- inated lakes. No differences in plasma chloride were observed. The secretory response of the interrenal tissue to in vi - tro stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone and dibutyryl cyclic AMP was significantly lower in fish from a contaminated lake compared with fish from a reference lake. Condition factor was significantly lower in yellow perch from the most contaminated lakes. This study demonstrated that a chronic field exposure to base metals increases hepatic and interrenal tissue metallothionein concentrations and disrupts the physiological capacity of yellow perch to generate the normal hormonal stress response.
Colder rotifers grow larger but only in oxygenated waters

Why do colder ectotherms grow more slowly but mature at a larger size? Some researchers have argued that oxygen supply and demand play a crucial role in these processes, but many studies conflated the effects of oxygen and temperature. We studied the body sizes of rotifers (Keratella cochlearis) at different depths in 20 European lakes, taking advantage of gradients in oxygen and temperature during summer, when dense, cool waters sink to low depths and become hypoxic. Rotifers were larger in colder waters, but only in the presence of abundant oxygen. In hypoxic waters, rotifers remained small regardless of temperature. We propose that oxygen supply generates a ceiling for maximal possible body size, especially in environments that elevate metabolic demands. Under this condition, any of several processes—developmental plasticity, genetic divergence, size-dependent mortality, or size-dependent selection of microhabitats—could cause a wider range of body sizes in more oxygenated waters, where the maximal possible size exceeds the adaptive size at any temperature.
Role of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in organic acid accumulation during peach fruit development

The synthesis of organic acids was studied during fruit development of two peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) cultivars, Fantasia and Jalousia, having fruits with high and low organic acid content, respectively. The malate content was higher in cv. Fantasia than in cv. Jalousia at the end of the first rapid growth stage (50 days after bloom [DAB]). Malate and citrate contents were higher in Fantasia than in Jalousia during the second rapid growth stage (from 100 DAB to maturity). The expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31), which is involved in organic acid synthesis, was studied during peach fruit development. PEPC mRNA levels, and protein levels on a total soluble protein basis, peaked at 23 and 108 DAB in Fantasia. In Jalousia, they were very low at 23 DAB and reached levels similar to Fantasia at 108 DAB. For both cultivars, in vitro PEPC activity expressed on a dry weight basis was maximal at 24 DAB, decreased from 24 to 60 DAB, and then remained constant. The activity of peach fruit PEPC appeared extremely sensitive to malate (I 0.5 of 100 μM for Fantasia and 65 μM for Jalousia at pH 7.3) and low pH. PEPC may participate in the control of organic acid accumulation during fruit development in the normal-acid fruit of Fantasia. However, mechanisms other than organic acid synthesis might account for the differences in acidity between normal-acid and non-acid peach fruit.
Predicting energy expenditures for activities of caribou from heart rates

Highly significant (P<0.001) linear relationships between oxygen comsumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were found for six caribou (Rangifer tarandus grand) at several times during the year. The standard error of the estimate for predicting VO2 from HR was within 10% of the mean VO2 for 9 of 13 caribou/season combinations. Energy expenditures by caribou while feeding on grain at a trough, grazing, browsing and walking within a large enclosure were 12%, 17%), 18% and 46% higher than the cost of standing. HR's recorded during a given activity decreased sharply during September and October, and reached a minimum in January. An abrupt increase in HR's of female caribou occurred 3 weeks prior to parturition. Heart rate telemetry can be used to determine the relative energy expenditures of free-ranging caribou with reasonable accuracy.
The physicochemical and sensory properties of milk supplemented with ascorbic acid-soluble nano-chitosan during storage

This study was carried out to assess the feasibility of adding the ascorbic acid-soluble nano-chitosan (AANC) into the milk for improving the functionality of milk and to determine the effects of such addition on the physicochemical and sensory properties of the product during storage. The pH and titratable acidity of the AANC milks were not changed significantly when stored at 4°C for 15 days. The addition of the nano-chitosan solution (1∼9%, v/v) into the milk samples led to an increase in the amounts of L-ascorbic acid, thereby indicating an enhancement in health benefits. The sensory test revealed that astringency scores increased and colour scores decreased when the highest concentration of the nano-chitosan solution (9%, w/w) was added into the milk samples The colour values, L- and a-, in the milks were not significantly influenced by adding the nano-chitosan solution (1∼9%, v/v); whereas the b-values significantly increased with the addition of the nano-chitosan solution (5∼9%, v/v). Based on the data obtained from this study, it is concluded that the low concentrations (1∼3%, v/v) of the nano-chitosan solution could be used to produce a nanopowdered chitosan-added milk without the significantly adverse effects on the physicochemical and sensory properties.
Microfluidics for biotechnology

Dimensionless Numbers in Microfluidics Microflows Interfaces, Capillarity and Microdrops Digital, Two-Phase and Droplet Microfluidics Diffusion of Biochemical Species Transport of Biochemical Species and Cellular Microfluidics Biochemical Reactions in Biochips Experimental Approaches to Microparticles-Based Assays Magnetic Particles in Biotechnology Micro-Manipulations and Separations Using Electric Fields.
Gustatory reaction time and time intensity measurements of trehalose and sucrose solutions and their mixtures

Dynamic sweetness perception of commercial food grade trehalose, sucrose solutions and their mixtures were studied for a wide range of concentrations. For gustatory reaction time (GRT), concentrations ranged from 2.3 to 13.8% for sucrose and up to 23.0% for trehalose. For time intensity (T-I) sucrose or trehalose solutions (concentration range 2.3–36.8%) and their combinations (23.0 and 36.8% total solids) were analyzed. Trehalose had bigger GRT along the studied range. Both sugars presented similar values for persistence and times of plateau and to maximum intensity, while a significant difference was observed in intensity and GRT at equal concentrations. Trehalose had longer persistence than sucrose in equi-sweet solutions. Overall sweetness profile of some sucrose solutions (i.e., 29.9% sucrose solution and 0.6 sucrose/trehalose ratio mixture at 36.8% total solids) were perceived as similar to mixtures of sucrose/trehalose or single trehalose solutions, which suggests the possibility of sugar replacement without completely modifying sweetness perception. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS It has been suggested that trehalose may be a potential substitute for sucrose and other sugars used in food formulation because, although its chemical structure is very similar to that of sucrose, it is more stable at low pH and high temperatures. It is not involved in caramelization and does not participate in Maillard reaction with amino acids/proteins. In order to fully establish the potential of trehalose as a functional replacement of sucrose we have determined the sweetness dynamic profile (gustatory reaction time and time-intensity curves) of trehalose solutions and sucrose/trehalose solutions; this aspect is needed for adequately replacing (partially or totally) sucrose in food systems.
Hot water treatment of hop rhizomes for nematode control

Soaking hop rhizomes in hot water—122° F for 10 minutes or 125° F for five minutes—kills nematodes and does not injure the rhizomes, according to tests at Davis. Fumigating hop yards before planting controls root-knot and dagger nematodes more effectively than side-dressing chisel applications. However, stock planted after fumigation must be free of nematodes.