Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The potential for selecting wheat varieties strongly competitive against weeds

Summary The competitive abilities of a wide range of genotypes of wheat (Trilicvm aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) against Lolium rigidum Gaud, (annual ryegrass) were examined 1o determine the potential for breeders to select strongly competitive varieties, Considerable potential within the wheat genome to breed varieties with greater competitive ability was demonstrated. In 1993, 250 genotypes from around the world were screened and in 1994 a subset of 45 (mainly Australian) genotypes were further examined. A uniform density of L. rigidum reduced grain yield of wheat by up to about 80% in 1993 and to 50% in 1994, depending on wheat genotype. Reduction in grain yield was correlated with L. rigidum dry matter. Wheats varied in competitive ability with source, and durum wheats were less competitive than T. aestivum. The ‘old’ standard wheat varieties (released between 1880 and 1950) suppressed the weed more than all the current varieties, with the exception of eight F1 hybrids. A doubling of the crop seeding rate of 10 of the genotypes in 1994 reduced the biomass of L. rigidum by an average of 25% compared with the standard seeding rate. Ranking of competitive ability of varieties at high density was consistent at both seeding rates. The strongly competitive genotypes had high early biomass accumulation, large numbers of tillers, and were tall with extensive leaf display. The potential for breeding enhanced competitive ability in wheat is discussed.
Chromosome counts and determination of ploid levels in Iranian species of Trifolium

Chromosome numbers in 140 accessions of 37 annual and perennial species of Trifolium L. in Iran were counted and studied here. The chromosome number of 2n=16 was documented in Trifolium radicasum in Iran. New cytotypes were found in Trifolium ambigum, T. fragiferum, T. montanum, T. nigrescens, T. stellatum and T. tumens. This study deposited more data in chromosome numbers of Trifolium to determine the genus has high diversity of ploid level. Their karotypic formula showed that the most of the chromosomes were median-, submedian- or terminal-centromeric. The smallest chromosomes were found in Sections Versicaria and Mistyllus, while the largest chromosomes were found in Sections Trifolium and Tricocephalum. Thus, Trifolium seemed to be heterogeneous with respect to morphological characters of chromosomes.
A modified procedure for the purification of vicine and convicine from fababeans (Vicia faba L.)

A procedure was developed for the simultaneous isolation of pure vicine [2,6-diamino-4,5-dihydroxypyrimidine 5-(β-D glucopyranoside)] and convicine [2,4,5-trihydroxy-6-aminopyrimidine 5-(β-D glucopyranoside)] from dehulled fababeans. The procedure involved the extraction of the glycosides with an ethanol-water (70:30, by vol.) solution, concentration of the extract to a minimal volume and adjustment of the pH of the aqueous extract to 7.2. Mixed vicine and convicine crystals, which were formed over a period of from 1 to 4 days, were harvested by centrifuging and washed with water and ethanol. Vicine was readily obtained from the mixed crystals by extraction at a low pH and recrystallised by adjustment of the pH to neutrality. Convicine, which is relatively insoluble in an acidic medium, was solubilised in an alkaline solution and recrystallised at a neutral pH.
The Role of Vigilance in the Survival and Reproductive Strategies of Desert Baboons

This study investigates the relative importance of vigilance in the survival strategies (detection of predators) and reproductive strategies (detection of mates and competitors) of adult baboons Papio cynocephalus ursinus among four groups in a desert population. The proportion of time spent vigilant under a variety of conditions was quantified through instantaneous sampling of focal individuals. Matched comparisons were then conducted to test six predictions for each functional explanation (survival or reproduction). These relate vigilance to (1) sex, (2) group size, (3) activity, (4) habitat, (5) refuge use and (6) spacing behaviour. Vigilance levels do not differ between sexes or groups. However, females are more vigilant when engaged in high-risk activities, when distant from refuges and when distant from neighbours. Male vigilance similarly covaries with refuge use and spacing behaviour, but males are not always more vigilant in dangerous activities and show greater vigilance in open rather than closed habitats. According to the predictions tested, the results provide partial support for the proposal that vigilance plays a role in predator detection for both sexes, although in males the detection of potential mates and competitors appears to be of greater importance. There was no evidence that males provide a vigilance service for females. Vigilance patterns are complicated by activity constraints and the multifactorial nature of anti-predator strategies.
A Note — Production of Vinegar from Whey

Cheese whey supplemented with lactose was employed to produce vinegar. Whey was first transformed into an alcoholic beverage via fermentation with the yeast Kluyveromyces fragilis, and then the alcoholic product was employed as a substrate for an acetic acid fermentation. The bacteria used for the acetic acid production process were isolated from a starter culture provided by a vinegar factory. The bacteria employed were classified as Acetobacter pasteurianus. The vinegar obtained had a concentration of acetic acid between 5 and 6% (v/v). Ethyl acetate and fusel alcohols (isobutanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol) were detected in the final product. The process and the substrates employed satisfied FAO requirements that the product was acceptable for human consumption. The efficiency of bio-transformation of ethanol into acetic acid was 84%.
Amino Acid Contents of Infant Formulas

Abstract The amino acid supply in an infant's first month of life must be sufficient in quantity and quality to fulfil the needs of this period of life. Guidelines, recommendations and minimum and maximum values have been established regarding to amino acid composition of infant formulas. The aim of this study was to determine the amino acid profile of infant formulas of different types marketed in Spain in order to assess the compliance with the recommendations (ESPGAN) and to detect possible differences in the amino acid profiles depending on the protein source. Amino acids were determined by HPLC in ion-pair reversed phase after hydrolysis and derivatization with phenylisothiocyanate. Nearly all the milk-based formulas analysed have higher amino acid contents than the values established by law, except for tryptophan. The soy-based infant formulas analysed have higher methionine contents in all cases than the value corresponding to the standard protein. Comparison of amino acid profiles of infant formulas classified according to their main protein fraction show some statistically significant differences in the essential and semi-essential amino acids.
Land reclamation recovery with the sewage sludge use

Obras de infra-estrutura proximas aos grandes centros levam ao surgimento de areas degradadas por decapamento que podem ser reintegradas a paisagem atraves dos processos de recuperacao com o uso do lodo de esgoto. Estabeleceu-se um experimento com cinco tratamentos [testemunha, tres doses de lodo alcalinizado (60, 120, 240Mgha-1 em base seca) e corretivo mais adubo mineral], para avaliar a recuperacao imediata de uma area de emprestimo. A aplicacao de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado atuou como corretivo da acidez, proporcionou aumento no teor de materia orgânica (21 para 43,5g dm-3) e P disponivel (4,4 para 156mg dm-3) e total, se mostrando superior ao mineral mais calagem. Mesmo com uso da maior dose, nao foi observado acrescimos nos teores de 32 metais analisados, dado a baixa concentracao de metais no lodo. Os resultados obtidos indicam que e possivel o uso de doses elevadas de lodo de esgoto na recuperacao de areas degradadas.
Haematology and Dynamics of Erythrocyte Membrane Sialic Acid Concentration During Experimental Trypanosoma congolense and T. brucei Infection of Sheep

Abstract Olaniyi, M.O. , Taiwo, V.O. and Ogunsanmi, A.O. 2001. Haematology and dynamics of erythrocyte membrane sialic acid concentration during experimental Trypanosoma congolense and T. brucei infection of sheep. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 20: 57–64. Haematological changes and the dynamics of erythrocyte membrane sialic acid concentration were studied in sheep experimentally infected with Trypanosoma congolense (Binchi Bassa strain) and T. brucei (Lafia strain). Both species of trypanosomes caused, varying degrees of pathogenicity. The anaemia was more severe (P<0.05) in T. brucei than in T. congolense infected sheep. There was significant (P<0.05) reduction in erythrocyte membrane surface sialic acid concentration with progression of infection in both T. congolense and T. brucei infected sheep.
Pinus resinosa product potential following initial spacing and subsequent thinning

A trial was initiated in 1953 to investigate the effect of initial tree spacing on red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) volume production. Approximately three decades later, in 1982, thinning treatments were added to compare the effects of thinning and initial spacing on volume production. After 45 growing seasons from planting, total volume production (cut + standing volume) mainly was independent of initial spacing and thinning intensity except at the widest (4.3 m +) spacing treatments. Both initial spacing and thinning affected quadratic mean diameter, standing volume and basal area. Knot size was affected by initial spacing with trees at an initial spacing of 3.0 m or wider having a significant number of stems failing to meet utility pole standards due to excessive, large knots. At the time of sampling, 1998, the higher initial densities (1.2 and 1.5 m-spacing) were undergoing significant mortality and falling behind the lower initial spacings in terms of total volume production. In addition, trees at the .
Effects of sowing time and grazing on the dry matter yield, phenology, seed yield, and hardseed levels of annual pasture legumes in western New South Wales

Fifteen annual pasture legumes [Medicago truncatula cvv. Jemalong, Cyprus, Paraggio, Sephi, Parabinga, plus fixed lines SAD 6699, SAD 6766, SAD 7883; M. aculeata lines SAD 2325, SAD 2356; M. scutellata cv. Sava; M. laciniata (cutleaf medic) local ecotype Cl2; Trifolium subterraneum cvv. Nungarin, Dalkeith, Seaton Park] were sown at Condobolin at 6 times in autumn and winter 1986 and periodically grazed at 3 levels of intensity (nil, until flowering, until pod formation). Late sowing greatly reduced (P 100 g/m2) in ungrazed early-sown plots and were reduced (P 0.05) in seed yields at any sowing time. Seeds on previously ungrazed plots progressively softened between 8 December 1986 and 8 March 1987, with those of Jemalong, Cyprus, Parabinga, SAD 6766, cutleaf medic, Dalkeith, and Seaton Park softening more rapidly on later sown plots.
Genetic variation in arctic populations of timothy(Phleum pratense L.): I. Seed production characters

Rognli, O. A. 1987. Genetic variation in Arctic populations of timothy (Phleum prafenseL.). I. Seed production characters. —Hereditus 107:27–54. Lund, Sweden. ISSN 0018–0661. Received October 10, 1986 Genotypic variation for seed production characters within four North Norwegian timothy populations (69–70°N) was assessed over two years in replicated clonal experiments at 60°N. 63.5°N and 69°N latitude in Norway. Seed yield range was 1.2–147.6 gramlplot of 4 clonal ramets. Genotypic and genotype × environment (GE) interacticn variances were highly significant for seed yield. plant height, culm score, and plant size, while variation in earliness was essentially genotypic. Genotypic variances were homogeneous among populations for all characters, while GE-interactions were highly heterogeneous. Besides genotypic and error variances, genotype × location interactions were most important. Seed yield heritability (h2b) was 0.64. Genotypic variability and expected selection response were largest for seed yield. Genotypic and environmental correlations between seed yield and other characters, except ear emergence, were consistently positive, indicating pleiotropy. Correlations involving ear emergence varied substantially among populations and locations, indicating linkage and/or coadaptation. Population differences in correlation pattern are discussed in the context of genetic origin, local adaptation, and agricultural management. Genotypic and environmental variances were largest at the intermediate, high yielding location. Genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV%) were highest at the southern and arctic location. Genotypic correlations showed that the arctic and intermediate location gave the most similar genotypic expressions of the character seed yield. Seed production at 60“N was low, indicating physiological constraints. Adaptation to hay-production at higher latitudes results in high seed production potential. Possible effects for breeding high latitude timothy are discussed.
Immunomodulatory efficacy of yeast cell products in poultry: a current review

The changes in the immune function of birds obtained during decades of intensive selection are rather disadvantageous. Today's chickens and turkeys are more susceptible to different infectious and metabolic diseases and exhibit a high mortality rate. Subsequently in recent years there is growing interest in the use of feed additives with immunomodulatory properties in intensive poultry production. This article reviews and discusses the results of current studies on the effects of yeast cell products on the different mechanisms of the immune system in poultry. The majority of the experiments presented in this review indicate that the use of yeast derivatives may have a beneficial influence on the immune system and resistance to the colonisation of pathogenic microorganisms. However, the positive effect of yeast derivatives on the immune system is not always reflected in an improvement in production parameters, especially when the experiments are conducted on healthy (non-challenged) birds.
Iteroparous Animals that Skip Opportunities for Reproduction

A recent interest in life-history evolution has focused on patterns of reproduction (Cole 1954; Stearns 1976). One major type of reproduction is iteroparity, in which adults reproduce repeatedly during life. In most iteroparous animals each adult reproduces every year. Here we describe a widespread form of iteroparity in which reproduction occurs in the population every year, but each individual reproduces only in alternate years or less often, thereby neglecting half the opportunities for reproduction. We term this behavior a "low frequency of reproduction" (LFR) for lack of a more precise term; it is understood that the "low frequency" refers to the opportunities passed up, rather than to any absolute time scale. The species known to have a LFR among its adults are vertebrate ctotherms, uch as fish, amphibians, and reptiles (table 1). These species are characterized by moderate to large clutch sizes and asynchronous reproduction in the population. The LFR is usually restricted to the female, although in some species the male also reproduces at a low frequency. The species and sexes with a LFR often have a major "accessory" activity associated with reproduction (some activity in addition to the usual production of eggs or fertilization of females). The three types of these activities observed are breeding migrations, egg brooding (throughout incubation), and live-bearing (table 1). This association of accessory activity and LFR is apparently not random: In urodele amphibians (salamanders) the proportion of maternal egg-brooders among the LFR species (.67) is significantly higher than the proportion of maternal egg-brooding species among urodeles in general (.37, data from Brame 1967; Salthe and Mecham 1974; 302 species, P < .005, Fisher's exact test); and in snakes, livebearing is more common in LFR species (.80) than among snakes in general (.31, data from Fitch 1970; 329 species, P < .005, Fisher's exact test). Also, males do not reproduce at a low frequency unless they also have some accessory activity (breeding migration). The reverse association is not so strong, however. Many reptiles and amphibians are either live-bearers or brood eggs, yet reproduce yearly. The frequency of reproduction varies between different populations in some of these species (table 2). In all but one case (Salmo) the lower frequency is found in the habitat of poorer quality or shorter growing season. In Salmo the lower frequency may be associated with an increased difficulty in the breeding migration.
Effects of Alternatives to Methyl Bromide on Soil Free-Living Nematode Community Dynamics in a Greenhouse Study

Abstract The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of possible alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) on soil free-living nematode community dynamics in a greenhouse system. Three alternative technologies were examined: metham sodium (MS), dosage reduction of MB and MS by a virtually impermeable film (VIF) cover, and soil solarization (SS) combined with select biological control agents (BCA) (SS + BCA). Nematode populations were classified into four trophic groups: bacterivores (BF), fungivores (FF), plant-parasites (PP), and omnivore-predators (OP). Bacterivores were the most abundant trophic group, averaging 62.1% of the total number of nematodes. OP were the second most abundant trophic group and fungivores were the least abundant trophic group, averaging 3.5% of the total number of nematodes. All fumigation practices decreased the total number of nematodes, BF, FF, and PP. The impact of MS on the BF and on the total nematode number was found to be effective in comparison to treatments associated with typical MB application. The impact of MB and MS by VIF cover on the total number of nematodes, BF, FF, and PP, was similar to the impact associated with MB and MS. The effect of SS + BCA on the nematode populations was less pronounced than the effect of the other treatments. However, significant differences in soil total nematode abundance between the four trophic groups were observed between sampling periods (p < 0.01). The fungivore/bacterivore ratio (F/B), fungivore/(bacterivore + fungivore) ratio (modified F/B) and trophic diversity (T) were found to reflect the temporal changes that occurred in the nematode community during the study period, but were not sensitive enough to discern differences between the treatments.
Site Index Curves for Young Hybrid Larch Growing on Former Farmland in Sweden

Site index (SI) curves for H20 (dominant height at 20 years total age) were constructed for hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis Henry) growing in 26 stands on former farmland in southern and central Sweden (Latitude 56–60° N.). The mean total age of the stands was 23 ± 10 (range 17–49) years; the mean diameter at breast height (ob) was 16 (7–34) cm; the mean height was 14 (8–29) m; and the stands had a mean density of 993 (266–2195) stems ha−1. A model derived by Cieszewski (2001) performed best for the data. The model explained 99% of the observed variation in height development. No apparent bias across the range of predicted site indices was found. SI was examined in relation to soil types. Multiple samples were available for three soil types: light clay, medium clay and till. There were no significant differences between these soil types with respect to the choice of SI curve.
Building trees of algae: some advances in phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis

Molecular phylogenetics has become a prominent aspect of algal systematics. The field of phylogenetic reconstruction is fast-evolving and novel techniques take time to penetrate taxonomic research. We highlight a selection of advances in phylogenetic inference and evolutionary analysis methods that could, in our opinion, benefit algal systematic studies. The focus of the paper is on model-based techniques. Following a brief introduction to maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference methods, we address model selection and partitioning strategies, and illustrate some issues concerning systematic error (phylogenetic bias), data saturation and tree rooting. We discuss the importance of experimental design (taxon and character sampling) and explore methods to test the reliability of phylogenetic results. Finally, we address methods for estimating ancestral states of discrete and continuous characters and techniques for dating phylogenetic trees. For each of these topics, we provide a brief circumscription, refer to the more specialized literature, and list a selection of software to carry out the analyses.
The relative importance of bacteria and algae as food sources for crustacean zooplankton

There is increasing evidence that the main role of the microbial loop in aquatic food webs is rapid remineralization of organic nutrients with little C being transferred to higher trophic levels. There is also evidence, however, that the transfer of C from algae to crustaceans is equally inefficient. This finding suggests that simultaneous determination of C flow from both bacteria and algae to crustaceans is necessary to determine if bacteria might represent an important source of C for higher trophic levels. Our data suggest that when copepods dominate a crustacean community bacteria and picoplankton contribute insignificant amounts of C to crustaceans. When cladocerans predominate, the significance of these trophic links increases. At our study site, up to 16–21% of the C input to crustaceans may have originated from bacteria and picoplankton when cladocerans were present in large numbers. For some of our analyses, percentage of algal or heterotrophic bacterial C transferred per hour to crustaceans was of a similar magnitude, which suggests that if bacterial and algal biomass is similar much of the C flow to crustaceans could originate from bacteria.
Body size in proboscideans, with notes on elephant metabolism

Mass estimates for a number of fossil proboscideans were computed using regression analyses on appendicular bones to body mass, for seven specimens of modern elephants, for which body masses had been recorded prior to death. The marked differences in physical proportions between extant Loxodonta and Elephas, implying substantial differences in body mass at any given shoulder height, were not present in their long bone parameters. Length and least circumferences proved to be the best parameters for prediction of body mass. Some extinct proboscideans, notably certain Mammuthus and Deinotherium, were much larger than extant elephants. Both the basal and the field metabolic rates of extant elephants are lower than predicted for a hypothetical mammal, in accordance with their body size and subsistence on low-quality foods. The feeding quantities often ascribed to extant wild elephants are exaggerated, and would in fact have sufficed to nourish much larger species. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 140, 523–549.