Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surveys of Fusaria and Other Fungi Associated with Stalk Rot of Maize in Eastern Australia

Fusarium roseum 'Graminearum' was the predominant fungus associated with stalk rot of maize in eastern Australia in the 1972, 1973 and 1974 growing seasons. All isolates of this pathogen were of the group 2 type. Othcr fungi isolated in order of frequency were Diplodia maydis, F. moniliforme 'Subglutinans', Bipolaris sorokiniana, Nigrospora oryzae, F. roseurn 'Semitectum', F. moniliforme, F. roseurn 'Equiscti', F. roseum 'Concolor', Macrophominaphaseolina, Rhizoctonia sp. , F. roseum 'Acuminatum', F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. tricincturn and F. roseum 'Heterosporum'. The relativc isolation frequencies of the fungi varied according to the seasonal conditions. Stalk rots were not of major importance in 1973, a relatively dry growing season. However, in 1974, a wet growing season, stalk rot diseases were common in all areas.
EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON NODULATION AND GROWTH OF TWO VARIETIES OF PEAS (PISUM SATIVUM)

The effects of the pre-emergence application of terbutryn/terbuthylazine at 1.40 and 2.80 kg a.i./ha and prometryn at 1.70 and 3.40 kg a.i./ha and the post-emergence application of bentazone at 1.44 and 2.88 kg a.i./ha were studied on nodulation, root and shoot growth in two pea varieties, namely Rex and Guido. Of these the lower rates are the recommended rates for field application. Bentazone even at the recommended rate decreased nodule dry weight, whereas all three herbicides at double the recommended rate (except terbutryn/terbuthylazine in Rex) decreased the number and dry weight of nodules. Terbutryn/terbuthylazine and bentazone decreased root dry weight to a greater extent, whereas prometryn had only a slight effect. Shoot growth was adversely affected by all three herbicides in both the varieties, but prometryn and bentazone had less adverse effects in Rex than in Guido. Compared to the recommended rate, the herbicides had a greater adverse effect on nodulation at double the recommended rate.
The Effect of Suburban and Agricultural Development on the Activity Patterns of Coyotes (Canis latrans)

Abstract We compared the activity patterns of coyotes (Canis latrans) in a suburban/agricultural area to those in an adjacent undeveloped area in northwest Wyoming from August 1998 to August 1999. Activity patterns were recorded using variable-pulse radio-collars. Correlation of recorded activity and observed activity indicated differences in the sensitivity of the collars. The mean percent of active signals for coyotes in the suburban/agricultural area was significantly lower during diurnal periods and significantly higher during nocturnal periods than the mean percent of active signals in those periods for coyotes in the undeveloped area. No differences between the two areas were observed during crepuscular times. Environmental stimuli, such as human activity, increased the amplitude of the circadian rhythms of coyotes. This increase in amplitude is a result of increased nocturnal activity and decreased diurnal activity.
Phylogeny of the Agathidiini Westwood (Coleoptera: Leiodidae) and implications for classification and contractile morphology

A cladistic analysis of the tribe Agathidiini Westwood is presented. Agathidiines are slime mould specialists and they are hypothesized to be a monophyletic group consisting of 12 genera (Afroagathidium Angelini & Peck, Agathidium Panzer, Anisotoma Panzer, Besuchetionella Angelini & Peck, Cyrtoplastus Reitter, Decuria Miller & Wheeler, Gelae Miller & Wheeler, Liodopria Reitter, Pseudoagathidium Angelini, Sphaeroliodes Portevin, and Stetholiodes Fall), based on three synapomorphies: epipleuron present to apical third, mesoventrite without longitudinal carina and longitudinal setal lines present on the tibiae. The dataset for phylogenetic analysis comprised 72 characters representing 198 character states derived from adult morphology. These data were analysed using equal weighting and implied weighting (k = 1–6) and supported the monophyly of the tribe based on three unique characters (epipleuron present to apical third, mesoventrite without longitudinal carina, longitudinal setal lines present on tibia) and two homoplastic characters [antennomeres 7–10 (or 6–9) asymmetrical, apical shape of terminal antennomere abruptly tapered]. The topology of IW trees with k = 4–6 was identical with one of three EW trees. Decuria was sister group to the remaining agathidiine genera whereas the following groups were resolved as monophyletic: Anisotoma, Gelae + Liodopria, and Pseudoagathidium (Afroagathidium + Besuchetionella). The clade [Sphaeroliodes rufescens (Agathidium bockshini, Agathidium subcostatum)] was supported in all analyses except for the IW (k = 1) cladogram. The monophyly of Agathidium was not supported at all and was rendered paraphyletic by the placements of Sphaeroliodes, Stetholiodes and the Pseudoagathidium (Afroagathidium + Besuchetionella) clade. Sphaeroliodes is synonymized with Agathidium (syn.n.) resulting in two new combinations [A. acuminatus (Švec) and A. rufescens (Portevin)]. Contractability is a complex character composed of several morphological features that have evolved independently within the agathidiine tree. Conglobation (the ability to roll the body into a ball) has arisen at least twice in Agathidiini.
Baltic Sea nitrogen fixation estimated from the summer increase in upper mixed layer total nitrogen

We estimated nitrogen fixation from the increase in total nitrogen (N2 gas excluded) in the upper 20 m during the summer biomass increase of heterocystous filamentous cyanobacteria at the off‐shore Landsort Deep station (BY31, 5 yr) and at 10 more stations in all major basins of the Baltic Sea proper. Estimated fixation rates were 2.3–5.9 mmol N m−2 d−1, within the range of reported direct measurements. Estimated total fixation in the Baltic Sea proper, 180–430 Gg N yr 21 taking nitrogen settling loss and atmospheric deposition into account, was sufficient to sustain 30–90% of the June‐August pelagic net community production. Filamentous cyanobacteria (mostly Aphanizomenon sp.) had low C: N and C: P ratios in spring 1998, indicating internal storage of both N and P. From early June, when their biomass growth started, ratios rose gradually to the biomass peak in August and early September, when the C: N ratio (6.5 mol/mol) was close to the Redfield ratio, but the C: P ratio reached 420, almost four times Redfield. The C: N ratio of the peak biomass was 1.5 times that in spring, and the C: P ratio was 13 times higher. The high C: P ratio indicates a smaller P demand by filamentous diazotrophs than expected from Redfield ratios. Only a few percent of the P mineralized daily is needed for filamentous cyanobacterial growth in summer. Filamentous cyanobacteria incorporated 16–41 mmol N m−2 into biomass (C : N 5 6.2) at BY31 in summer 1998. This was less than the estimated nitrogen fixation, suggesting fixed N leaks from growing diazotrophs.
Differences in fibre diameter profile characteristics in wool staples from Merino sheep and their relationship with staple strength between years, environments, and bloodlines

This study examined differences in fibre diameter profiles (FDPs) and midside characteristics of Merino sheep in 2 environments, 4 bloodlines, 3 years, and 44 sire groups. Environment significantly (P < 0.05) influenced all characteristics except one measure of fibre diameter change and staple length. Bloodline also significantly (P < 0.05) influenced all characteristics except staple strength. The maximum fibre diameter, one measure of fibre diameter change, and staple length were significantly different (P < 0.05) between sires. Variation in fibre diameter profile characteristics between bloodlines and sires changed across the environment in which the sheep are maintained. Despite these differences between bloodlines and sires in the FDP, midside mean fibre diameter, fibre diameter variation, and staple length, there were no significant differences between bloodlines in staple strength. The relationships between the FDP and midside characteristics with staple strength were also examined over these bloodlines and environments. Along-staple variation in fibre diameter (r = -0.32 to -0.50), between-fibre fibre diameter variation (r = -0.25 to -0.48), rate of fibre diameter change (r = -0.16 to -0.38), and midside variation in fibre diameter (r = -0.25 to -0.51) were all negatively correlated with staple strength. Maximum fibre diameter (r = 0.08 to 0.18), minimum fibre diameter (r = 0.25 to 0.49), and midside mean fibre diameter (r = 0.09 to 0.35) were positively associated with staple strength. FDP characteristics explained 5-30% more variation in staple strength than could be explained using the standard midside characteristics of mean fibre diameter, fibre diameter variation, and staple length alone. These relationships were also different between environments and bloodlines. The inclusion of the FDP characteristics as explanatory variables provided an alternative interpretation for how absolute fibre diameter and fibre diameter variation combine to explain staple strength. These results suggested that animals and sires might be able to be selected on FDP characteristics to improve staple strength. More detailed genetic studies are required before these selection strategies can be recommended. Additional keywords: fibre diameter variation, along fibres, between fibres, prediction. Aer an ngt D. J
Effects of tree shelters on young olive (Olea europaea) tree growth and physiology

Abstract A 3‐year study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tree shelters on young olive (Olea europaea) tree growth and physiology. The trial was carried out in the Apulia region in southern Italy using 1‐year‐old plants of the cultivar ‘Coratina’. Four different types of polypropylene shelters were tested: 75‐cm‐high brown; 90‐cm‐high brown; 75‐cm‐high green; 120‐cm‐high light‐green vented, with holes in their basal part. Both green shelters significantly increased the vertical growth of the trees, especially the 120‐cm light‐green vented ones. Shelters did not increase the amount of dry matter produced, but they modified its allocation within the tree, favouring vertical growth and the development of shoots in the apical parts of the trees.
Disturbance of Small-Stream Habitat by Spawning Sockeye Salmon in Alaska

Abstract We examined how the spatially and temporally predictable disturbance caused by a spawning run of native sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka temporarily affected benthic and invertebrate drift communities of two small streams in southwestern Alaska. Surface gravel size temporarily increased as a consequence of this mechanical disturbance, and periphyton biomass decreased in one stream. The postspawning rise in periphyton biomass in Bear Creek (larger sockeye salmon run) likely reflects nutrient release by decomposing sockeye salmon. Total benthic invertebrate and larval chironomid density decreased during spawning in one stream, but most invertebrate taxa in both streams did not exhibit clear spawning-related impacts. In contrast, invertebrate drift almost always increased during daylight hours when sockeye salmon were present, but it was difficult to separate mechanical effects of sockeye salmon acting via redd construction versus swimming. Total daytime drift density during spawning was four times.
Antidiabetic Activity of Extracts from Needle, Bark, and Cone of Picea glauca.: Organ-Specific Protection from Glucose Toxicity and Glucose Deprivation

Abstract The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Canadian aboriginal communities, particularly the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee, have been identified as a high-risk population. Culturally acceptable treatment options are limited notably for diabetic complications resulting in peripheral neuropathy. Here, we describe results of an ongoing collaborative research project with Cree of Eeyou Istchee to identify botanicals capable of protecting peripheral neuronal precursors from glucose toxicity and glucose deprivation in vitro. Polar fractions of three plant organs (needles, cone, and bark) collected from Picea glauca. (Moench) Voss (Pinaceae), were tested for toxicity under normoglucose, glucotoxicity, and glucose deprivation conditions. The profile of phenolic metabolites in each extract was first characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-APCI/MS). We report here that these fractions are well-tolerated by PC12 neuronal precursors under normoglucose conditions. LD50 concentrations of needle extracts exceeded 100 μ g/mL, whereas the LD50 of bark and cone extracts was 40 and 36.4 μ g/mL, respectively. We further show that the cytoprotective properties of minhikw after glucose challenge are concentration-dependent and organ-specific. Needle extracts protected PC12 cells from both glucotoxicity and glucose deprivation. Bark extracts had negligible activity. Cone extracts further impaired PC12 cell glucose tolerance. This study provides the first validation of antidiabetic activity of minhikw organs at the cellular level relevant to the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Genetic differentiation of island spotted skunks, Spilogale gracilis amphiala

Abstract The island spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis amphiala) is endemic to the 2 largest California Channel Islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. Unlike the island fox (Urocyon littoralis) and island subspecies of the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), the island spotted skunk shows no morphological differentiation between islands and is differentiated only weakly from mainland subspecies, suggesting recent colonization. However, the islands have been isolated from each other and the mainland throughout the Quaternary Period. We used 8 microsatellite loci to investigate the distribution of genetic variation within and among populations of spotted skunks from 8 localities (the 2 islands and 6 mainland localities), representing 4 subspecies. Tissue samples were obtained from 66 fresh specimens collected from 2000 to 2002 and 142 museum specimens collected from 1906 to 1994. Allelic richness and heterozygosity in island spotted skunk populations was approximately 30% lower than that found in mainland localities or subspecies. All localities or subspecies were significantly differentiated (mean FST was 0.17 and 0.13 for localities and subspecies, respectively). Contrary to comparisons based on morphological data, genetic differentiation was especially strong between islands and between island and mainland localities or subspecies. Patterns of differentiation suggest that skunks colonized the Channel Islands shortly before rising sea levels separated Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands (11,500 years ago). Our results indicate that the taxonomic status of the island spotted skunk should be reconsidered and that both island populations might constitute evolutionarily significant units worthy of conservation.
CAVITATION AND BUBBLE NUCLEATION USING MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION

This article reports the first systematic study on cavitation and bubble nucleation using the molecular dynamics simulation method. It successfully simulates the hysteretic process of bubble collapse and nucleation as a numerical counterpart of the Berthelot tube cavitation experiment. For a unary molecule system, a stable bubble regime and minimum equimolar dividing radii of bubbles are obtained with respect to computational domain sizes. For a binary molecule system, the addition of foreign molecules to the solvent molecules stimulates the nucleation more effectively in comparison to that in the unary system. The affinity between the solute and the solvent molecules controls the inception of nucleation and results in different nucleation characteristics according to its value. For an attraction coefficient greater than unity, the solute molecules spread uniformly and attract the solvent molecules, which induces bubble nucleation readily. For the coefficient less than unity, the solvent molecules segregate themselves from the solvent molecules, which results in a void shell between the solute and the solvent molecules.
Defining population structure and environmental suitability for the conservation of Pinus leucodermis Antoine in central Mediterranean areas

Abstract The Italian populations and communities of Pinus leucodermis Antoine were studied in the Pollino National Park (Calabria/Basilicata, southern Italy). The relationships between the structure of P. leucodermis populations, and physical and biotic factors were evaluated. The species revealed a three-component pattern in the studied areas. Each component is characterized by a specific spatial distribution, community composition and population structure. The mature populations of P. leucodermis showed low recruitment rates. Moreover, we recorded young populations of P. leucodermis, which mostly occur close to the lower part of its altitudinal range, suggesting a downward expansion that appears to be connected with fire events. A suitability model based on Mahalanobis distances was built using topographic and climatic continuous variables. The predictive model showed that P. leucodermis occurs in less than 10% of its potential distribution area within the Pollino National Park. The species does not appear to be endangered at the regional level. However, its conservation status in Italy is affected by a restricted range (28 km2), by its isolation with respect to the species in the Balkan peninsula, and by the difficulties in originating durable populations in suitable areas.
Annual Aboveground Biomass and Productivity Estimates for Intertidal Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in Cobscook Bay, Maine

Abstract We estimated the aboveground productivity of eelgrass, Zostera marina, in Cobscook Bay at three soft-bottom lower intertidal locations during 1995–1996. Approximately 30 plants were tagged bi-weekly or monthly at two sites where we used a completely randomized block design to assess spatial variability in leaf initiation and elongation rates. The data showed strong seasonal patterns with highest rates from June–September and lowest rates from November–April. At one site, Bell Farm, plants were tagged at two discrete tidal levels (intertidal and sublittoral fringe). On each sampling date, mean leaf biomass and new leaf production were 2.7 and 1.7 times greater, respectively, for plants in the sublittoral fringe. At another site, Mahar Cove, all tagged plants were restricted to one tidal level. Spatial variation in leaf biomass and new leaf production were examined on the first four sampling dates and significant effects were observed twice. Productivity estimates ranged from 0.095 g dry wt m−2 day−1 (November–January) to 1.215 g dry wt m−2 day−1 (August) at Bell Farm. At Mahar Cove, rates ranged from 0.176 g dry wt m−2 day−1 (March–April) to 1.490 g dry wt m−2 day−1 (August). Average annual productivity at Bell Farm and Mahar Cove was 0.481 ± 0.512 g dry wt m−2 day−1 and 0.784 ± 0.512 g dry wt m−2 day−1, respectively. These estimates correlate directly with seawater temperature, but not with salinity, nitrate, and total phosphorous. The time for plants to fully turn over their leaves at the two sites ranged from 50.5–56.7 days (6.4–7.2 turnovers per year), and are comparable to other locations in the northeast US and the Canadian Maritimes. We estimate that total (interidal + subtidal) eelgrass production in Cobscook Bay ranges from 3.3–5.3 × 108 g C year−1. This is the first appraisal of growth and productivity of Z. marina in eastern Maine.
Classification of promising okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes based on principal component analysis.

Genetic diversity in 20 okra genotypes was determined using multivariate analysis. Various relationships were noticed among the attributes in the correlation studies. Positive significant correlations for plant height (PH) with number of branches (NB), days to 50% flowering (DF) with days to first harvest (DFH), pod yield per plant (PY) with pod yield per plot (PYP), number of pods per plant (NP) with PY and PYP (p ≤0.001) and for NP with PH and NB (p ≤0.01) were found, while pod weight (PW) was negatively correlated with NP (p ≤0.001). Analysis of the extracted components, component patterns and Eigen values revealed that the first two principal components together accounted for 62.83% of the variance. The first component was found to be heavily loaded with PW, pod diameter (PD) and DFH in a positive direction, and NP, PY, PYP, PH and NB in a negative direction. Cluster analysis revealed that the selected genotypes could be grouped clearly into two groups accommodating 18 genotypes. The matrix obtained from this principal component analysis revealed that the genotypes Pb-57 and HRB-9-2 were in isolated positions in the third and fourth quadrants in the principal space. *Shivshankar Chemical Industry India Ltd., Bhagalpur – 812001, Bihar, India **Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, 148 106 Punjab, India Authors’ full names: Ramesh Kumar Sharma and Kamlesh Prasad E-mail: dr_k_prasad@rediffmail.com ©Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute 2010 Introduction Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra or bhindi in India is believed to be native to tropical Africa and belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is classified among the semi salt tolerant vegetable crops (Maas and Hoffman 1977). It is the only vegetable crop of economic importance in the Malvaceae family and cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics (Kochhar 1986; Hammon and van Sloten 1989). It is mainly grown as a summer and rainy season (kharif) crop in India (Baloch 1994). The crop is highly nutritious and considered as a source of valuable nutrients. This vegetable provides protein, carbohydrate and significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which are often lacking in the diets of the people in developing countries. The young tender pods of okra are used by different people in different ways as boiled vegetables (Magness et al. 1971), eaten fresh, canned, frozen or dried and used as a soup thickener (Tindall 1986) or cooked in curries, stews and soups. When ripe, the black or white-eyed seeds are sometimes roasted and used as a substitute for coffee