Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potassium Selectivity in Transported Volcanic Soils (Sorribas) under Banana Cultivation in Relation to Banana-Wilt Expression Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense

The bases for the microbiological nature of certain soils to suppress plant diseases caused by soil pathogens are well established. However, the microbial origin of the suppressiveness does not exclude edaphic factors and soil-management strategies, which need to be studied under field conditions. With respect to abiotic factors, we investigated the importance of potassium (K) selectivity on soil conduciveness and suppressiveness to banana wilt (positive or negative disease expression) caused by soil fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Sorribas field plots (transported volcanic soils) from the Canary Islands that are naturally affected by Fusarium wilt. To facilitate comparison among sites, soil K variables were normalized using Z scores and tested by one-way analysis of variance within each soil sample type (soil areas where banana plants show positive or negative wilting symptoms characteristic of Panama disease), with the site as the block factor. Variations of Z scores within the same plot were explained mostly by the differences between soil K indices between areas with and without disease. In fact, soil conduciveness or suppressiveness to Fusarium wilt seemed to be substantially affected by changes in exchangeable and solution K indices. Potassium selectivity coefficients (KG) were always greater in areas without disease than in those with disease. The differences between samples can be related to allophane composition and clay mineral distribution in disease and disease-free soils. The larger selectivity of suppressive soils for K can be partly attributed to the K-fixing capacity of silicon-rich allophane. Moreover, there was a clear separation between available iron (Fe) [extracted by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)] and the mass of stable aggregate in water (WSA) in conducive and suppressive soil samples by KG. These results suggest that WSA and Fe-DTPA in soils of volcanic nature affected by F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense seem to depend on K selectivity characteristics associated with these soils.
Oomycete fungi associated with ulcerative mycosis in menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe).

Deep necrotic ulcers in Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe), were consistently associated with the presence of oomycete fungi. These organisms were found in over 95% of all lesions both early and late. More than one species of fungus appears to be involved, indicating that these organisms are secondary to some other stressor. However, all characteristically elicit an atypical intense granulomatous inflammatory response and do not behave pathologically as typical oomycetes. Our observation that these fungi appear to be the only organisms consistently present in the earliest stages of the disease indicates that some non-infectious stressor may be responsible for initiating the lesions and subsequently allowing the fungi to induce this atypical response.
Comment on "Gene flow increases temporal stability of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations in the Upper Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada".

Temporally stable genetic structure among salmonid populations has been reported in many studies, although the time span evaluated in most studies is limited to 10 years or less. This result has important implications in conservation and management of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and ramifications for the construction and application of genetic databases for stock identification of fish sampled from mixed-stock fisheries. Walter et al. (2009. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66: 167–176) failed to consider recent studies providing evidence that their conclusion “the overall magnitude of temporal within-population variation exceeding that of among-population variation” for the populations under study may be invalid for Fraser River Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations. Their estimation of rates and patterns of migration among Chinook salmon populations also provided results that are difficult to reconcile with published information. Evaluation of the experimental designed employed by Walter.
Reevaluation of the Geographical Distribution of Bradypus tridactylus Linnaeus, 1758 and B. variegatus Schinz, 1825

Abstract The confusing nomenclatural history of Bradypus tridactylus and B. variegatus has led to incorrect taxonomic attributions through time and, consequently, errors in range map inferences. In this note, we reevaluate the geographical distribution of B. tridactylus and B. variegatus based on museum specimens, field observations, and literature records of sloths. Our analyses revealed considerable range differences when compared to previous distribution inferences. For instance, B. tridactylus is restricted to the Guyana shield, and in Brazil it is only found north of the Amazon River and east of Negro River. Additional analysis using an Ecological Niche Modeling technique, and considering only bioclimatic and topographic variables, predicted that potential suitable areas for B. tridactylus are mostly limited by cold temperatures. However, when comparing our model to the present time distribution of forests we observed that the suitable area for B. tridactylus may be smaller than predicted by the model.
QTL Analysis of Resistance to Fusarium Root Rot in Bean

A major constraint to dry edible and snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide is root rot, one form of which is cansed by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli (Burk.) Snyd. & Hans (FSP). Sources of resistance to this pathogen exist in P. vulgaris, and, in the current paper, we studied the inheritance of one such source, FR266, using two recombinant inbred populations, MF and IF, derived from crosses of susceptible cultivars Montcalm (M) and Isles (I) with FR266 (F). Random amplified polymorphie DNA (RAPD) markers, associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to Fusarium root rot, also were identified, Genetic resistance to FSP, originally derived from PI 203958, was polygenically controlled and strongly influenced by eavironmental factors, Heritability estimates (h 2 ) were moderate and ranged from 0.48 to 0.71 for MF popnlation, Several RAPD markers were identified that demonstrated significant associations with resistance to FSP determined from both greenhouse and field evaluations, Markers associated with field ratings tended not to be associated with greenhouse ratings and vice versa, except for the P 700 marker which was significantly associated with both greenhouse and field data. Individual markers identified in this study did no explain more than 15% of the phenotypic variation for root rot resistance, whereas a combination of four markers explained 29% of the phenotypic variation fo root rot ratings in the field. The two regions of the bean genome associated with root rot resistance corresponded to loci controlling the Pv pathogenesis-related proteins (PvPR). Mechanisms associated with host defense responses may be involved in resistance to FSP and selection directed towards enhancing these traits may allow for rapid improvement of resistance to Fusarium root rot in bean.
The Genome of Drosophila Melanogaster

Genes. Chromosomes: Deficiencies. Duplications. Inversions. Rings. Translocations. Transpositions. External Anatomy (figure). Normal Chromosome Complement. Special Chromosomes: Balancers. Compound Chromosomes. X-Y Combinations. Y Derivatives. Autosynaptic Chromosomes. Transposable Elements. Departures from Diploidy. Satellite Sequences. Nonchromosomal Inheritance. Cytogenetic Map.
Antibacterial activity of Eachinacia angustfolia

Abstract Antibacterial activity of petroleum ether, methanol and aqueous extracts of Eachinacia angustfiloa was investigated. The extracts were tested against both Gram-positive, Gram-negative and fungi organisms Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans at different doses of 0.5 mg/ml, 1.5 mg/ml and 1.5 mg/ml using cup plate and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The Eachinacia angustfiloa extract exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against the tested organisms. The concentration of the extract that inhibits growth of the organism at a 530 nm MIC was found to be 400, 500, 600 and 900 µg/ml and MBC value was found to be 700, 900 and 1000 µg/ml, respectively.
Size is not a reliable measure of sexual fecundity in two species of lichenized fungi

Abstract Since a number of studies have shown a strong positive correlation between apothecia production and lichen thallus size, it has been suggested that size can serve as an easy measure of lichen sexual fecundity. The reliability of the relationship between size and apothecia production among different environments has not been studied. We measured apothecia development and thallus area in populations of the lichenized fungi Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia and Xanthoparmelia coloradoënsis. Our data suggest that while size is a significant predictor of apothecia production, the relationship between size and apothecia production is not consistent among various environments, nor does size adequately explain variation in apothecia production.
RESPONSES OF ADULT WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS TO PLAYBACK OF SONG PHRASES: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ONTOGENY OF SONG RECOGNITION

Abstract We examined the contribution of individual song phrases to territorial behavior in Nuttall's White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli) in the Bodega, California, dialect area. We presented territorial adult males with playbacks of five song types: local conspecific song, three single phrase types of local conspecific song, and Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) song. Local conspecific song evoked the strongest response, measured in latency to flight, number of flights, average and closest distance from playback speaker, and vocal response. Of individual song phrases, the trill evoked the strongest response, and the whistle evoked the weakest. Combining these results with those of previous studies on young birds, we describe a model of developmental change from responsiveness to all phrase types in dependent fledglings, through reliance on a species-universal phrase as a cue for song learning, to the use of a more variable, dialect-distinct phrase as a territorial signal by adults. Respuestas de Adultos de Zonotrichia leucophrys al Playback de Cantos: Implicancias para la Ontogenia del Reconocimiento de Cantos Resumen. Examinamos la contribución de frases individuales de canto al comportamiento territorial de Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli en el área del dialecto de Bodega, California. Enfrentamos a machos adultos territoriales con playbacks de cinco tipos de canto: canto local de aves coespecíficas, tres tipos de frases individuales de canto local de aves coespecíficas, y canto de Melospiza melodia. El canto local de aves coespecíficas produjo la respuesta más fuerte, medida como latencia a volar, número de vuelos, distancia media y mínima a la estación de playback, y respuesta vocal. De las frases individuales de canto, el trino produjo la respuesta más fuerte y el silbido la más débil. Combinando estos resultados con aquellos de estudios anteriores en aves jóvenes, describimos un modelo de cambio en las etapas del desarrollo del canto que va desde la respuesta a todos los tipos de frases en volantones dependientes, pasando por una etapa de dependencia de una frase común a todas las especies como guía para aprender cantos, hasta el uso de una frase dialéctica distintiva como señal territorial en los adultos.
Comparison of Late‐Season Diagnostic Tests for Predicting Nitrogen Status of Corn

We compared six late-season diagnostic tests for determining N adequacy in corn (Zea mays L.) in a 3-yr study in Pennsylvania. The six tests were: (i) the NO 3 - -N concentration of stalk sections at black layer; (ii) the NO 3 - -N concentration of stalk sections at the one-fourth milk line growth stage (MLGS), which allows corn grown for silage to be tested; (iii) the chlorophyll meter (CM) test at the one-fourth MLGS; (iv) the relative CM test (normalized values) at the one-fourth MLGS; (v) a visual test based on the number of green leaves below and including the ear leaf at the one-fourth MLGS; and (vi) a relative visual test (normalized values at the one-fourth MLGS). We found that with a critical level of 250 mg kg -1 NO 3 - -N the stalk NO 3 - test separated N-sufficient from N-deficient sites with approximately 93% accuracy when sampling was done at either the one-fourth MLGS or within several weeks after black-layer formation. It appears that the 250 mg kg -1 NO 3 - -N critical level can be used to accurately predict N adequacy for any sampling time between the one-fourth MLGS and a few weeks after black-layer formation. When drought-stressed fields were excluded or the CM readings normalized with a high-N reference plot in the field, the accuracy of the CM test at the one-fourth MLGS was approximately 92%. The visual test at the one-fourth MLGS was an accurate predictor of corn N status only when visual readings were normalized with a high-N reference plot. These results demonstrate that there are several late-season N tests that are suitable for making relatively accurate assessments of N sufficiency for corn silage and grain yields.
Effects of abandoning long-term goat grazing on species composition and species richness of pastures at La Gomera, Canary Islands.

Goat grazing management is a powerful ecological force structuring plant communities which effects are highly different depending on factors such as climatic conditions, grazing intensity, type of plant community, etc. Pastures in the Canary Islands have important heritage, socioeconomic and landscape values because they are the remains of traditional livestock management and a key element of local economy. An experimental study of goat grazing exclusion has been carried out in an area of La Gomera Island to determine the main effects of grazing abandonment on species richness and species composition. The species composition of La Gomera pastures is more sensitive to grazing than to climatic variability, though effects in the species richness in relation to grazing were not detected. Because the pasture origin in this area involved artificial, removing of non useful plants in order to provide land for agriculture more than 300 years ago, and using it for pastures around 80 years ago, the sustainable use has maintained this rich plant community. Grazing abandonment can have a negative effect on the pastures’ diversity, as grazing has been a strong force in the maintenance of certain species. Public promotion of this primary activity is suggested to allow the continuation with minimal effects on the vegetation composition. This will help to conserve the high diversity of this area and the promotion of natural values as well as traditional and sustainable human activities.
Early life history of spotted seatrout,Cynoscion nebulosus (Pisces: Sciaenidae), in Tampa Bay, Florida

During two years of sampling, 747 larval and 1,379 juvenile spotted seatrout,Cynoscion nebulosus, were collected in Tampa Bay, Florida; 93% were less than 75 mm SL. Length-frequency distributions and otolith analysis showed that spawning took place from early April until late October. Two seasonal spawning peaks (spring and summer) were made up of many smaller peaks, apparently timed with moon phases. Plankton samples contained larvae that measured up to about 7 mm SL (17 d old). Larvae collected from an upper bay station were less numerous and larger than those collected at other stations. The presence of small larvae from middle and lower bay stations indicated that spawning probably took place from the middle bay to nearshore Gulf waters. Juveniles used seagrass beds as their major habitat, but they were also found in unvegetated backwaters. Spotted seatrout grew to about 35 mm SL in 2 months, 84 mm SL in 4 months, and 140 mm SL in 6 months. Eighty-five percent of the alimentary tracts in larvae were empty; those with food contained primarily copepods. Eleven percent of the stomachs of juveniles were empty. Fish and shrimp were the most important food groups in the diets of fish >15 mm SL. Intraspecific comparisons of diets showed high dietary overlap between larval fish and those measuring 8–15 mm SL and among size classes >15 mm SL.
Aluminum Induces a Decrease in Cytosolic Calcium Concentration in BY-2 Tobacco Cell Cultures

Al toxicity is a major problem that limits crop productivity on acid soils. It has been suggested that Al toxicity is linked to changes in cellular Ca homeostasis and the blockage of plasma membrane Ca 2+ -permeable channels. BY-2 suspension-cultured cells of tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) exhibit rapid cell expansion that is sensitive to Al. Therefore, the effect of Al on changes in cytoplasmic free Ca concentration ([Ca 2+ ] cyt ) was followed in BY-2 cells to assess whether Al perturbed cellular Ca homeostasis. Al exposure resulted in a prolonged reduction in [Ca 2+ ] cyt and inhibition of growth that was similar to the effect of the Ca 2+ channel blocker La 3+ and the Ca 2+ chelator ethyleneglycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)- N,N ′-tetraacetic acid. The Ca 2+ channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine did not induce a decrease in [Ca 2+ ] cyt in these cells and also failed to inhibit growth. Al and La 3+ , but not verapamil or nifedipine, reduced the rate of Mn 2+ quenching of Indo-1 fluorescence, which is consistent with the blockage of Ca 2+ - and Mn 2+ -permeable channels. These results suggest that Al may act to block Ca 2+ channels at the plasma membrane of plant cells and this action may play a crucial role in the phytotoxic activity of the Al ion.
Inheritance of photoperiod response in Andean and Mesoamerican common bean

In the tropics, the majority of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces are photoperiod sensitive to long daylengths, yet, within certain bean gene pools, significant numbers of photoperiod insensitive cultivars are present. The effect of photoperiod response on common bean adaptation and yield potential in the tropics is not known, nor is the inheritance of photoperiod response well understood. In this study, the inheritance of photoperiod response in common beans was investigated in two environments differing in mean temperature. Five common bean lines form each of two pools-Mesoamerican and Andean-were crossed in all combinations within each group [. ]
Studies on the biology of Schistosoma margrebowiei.

Studies on the biology of Schistosoma margrebowiei include, a simple means of culturing and infecting Bulinus natalensis snails; the morphology and ultrastructure of various stages in the life-cycle; pathology; cercarial longevity and infectivity; cross-reactivity with S. mansoni rabbit anti-sera and the possible use of S. margrebowiei egg homogenate in the serodiagnosis of S. haematobium patients. A simple method of maintenance and infection of B. natalensis snails en masse, was found to yield a rapid and continuous supply of material. The results indicate that the size of snails at the time of exposure is an important factor in successful infection. A wide range of morphological and ultrastructural similarities were found between S. margrebowiei larval stages and those of other species of the genus. Whereas the adult worms are among the largest, the eggs, miracidia and cercariae of S. margrebowiei, are among the smallest in the genus. The pathology associated with S. margrebowiei, is due to deposition of large numbers of eggs in various organs of the infected animal. Eggs were not only recovered from the liver and intestine but following 50 days post-infection, from the spleen. A large number (10-15%) of the total eggs recovered from mice 45 to 65 days post-infection were deposited in the spleen. The cercariae of S. margrebowiei by utilizing their glycogen reserves, can live for up to 70 hours in fresh water at temperatures of 26-28°C. This observed life-span can be prolonged when water temperatures were decreased to $-2. °C. Cercariae kept in cold water although physically active and still infective, were found to be attenuated as measured by a reduced percentage of recovered worms compared with controls. The potential for immunizing mice with the hepatopancreas from infected and uninfected snails against schistosomiasis has been evaluated using S. mansoni. Although a reduction in the number of worms and eggs was observed in mice immunized with infected hepatopancreas when compared to the controls, this decrease was not significant. Sera from 53 patients infected with schistosomiasis were studied by ELISA using S. margrebowiei crude soluble egg antigen (SEA), S. mansoni SEA and cationic S. mansoni egg antigen (CEF6). It was found that S. margrebowiei SEA was more specific for the identification of S. haematobium infections.
Novel Associations and Importation Biological Control: The Need for Ecological and Physiological Equivalencies

One tactic of importation of natural enemies for biological control of stemborers and other pests is the use of parasite species that have had no previous association with the pest. This ’novel association’ approach offers the possibility of using parasites that have proven effective against a stemborer species other than the target stemborer pest. Nevertheless, creation of a novel host-parasite association requires that the novel host be ecologically and physiologically equivalent to the ancestral host. Selecting natural enemies based on ecological and physiological equivalence offers the best possibility of temporal, behavioural, nutritional and immunological compatibility in the host-parasite interaction, and reduces the chances of failure with the imported parasite species. RésuméUne tactique de la lutte biologique d’importation des foreurs de tiges et autres ravageurs est l’utilisation des espèces de parasites qui n’ont jamais été en contact avec le ravageur. Cette approache appelée ’nouvelle association’ offre la possibilité d’utiliser sur un foreur, des parasites dont l’éfficacité a été prouvée sur une autre. Toutefois, la création d’une nouvelle association hôte-parasite nécéssite que le nouvel hôte soit écologiquement et physiologiquement équivalent de hôte naturel du parasite. Cette double équivalence offre potentiellement une meilleure compatibilite temporelle, comportementale, nutrifionelle et immunologique à la nouvelle interaction hôte/parasite. Elle reduit aussi les possibilités d’échecs avec les espèces de parasites importées.
Uso da vespa social Polistes versicolor no controle de desfolhadores de eucalipto

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os recursos forrageados por Polistes versicolor em area de reflorestamento com eucalipto e identificar as presas forrageadas. No periodo de janeiro a dezembro de 2007, foram realizadas 24 observacoes da atividade forrageadora de colonias de P. versicolor presentes em um reflorestamento de eucalipto, em Juiz de Fora, MG, totalizando 240 horas de registros. Durante as dez horas de observacao diaria, foram registrados e qualificados, a cada 30 minutos, os retornos das operarias para a colonia. Foram registrados 1.809 retornos, dos quais 51,63% foram com nectar; 6,85%, com agua; 4,7%, com fibra vegetal; 17,41%, com presas; e 19,40%, sem recurso forrageado (improdutivos). As operarias de P. versicolor predaram exclusivamente lagartas de lepidopteros, que foram a unica fonte de proteina animal oferecida aos insetos imaturos, na colonia. Dessa forma, a especie estudada apresenta potencial como agente controlador biologico de herbivoros desfolhadores de eucalipto.