Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clonal variation in Eucalyptus with Reference to Biochemical Parameters

The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore is involved in Eucalyptus tree improvement programme and identified highly productive on the basis of biometrical parameters. In the present study, 25 of these selected clones were evaluated for certain biochemical parameters €“ CA activity, chlorophyll and organic acids which may aid in future breeding programme as well as may act as markers. Results revealed that there exists highly significant variation in CA activity among the selected Eucalyptus clones. Among clones, clone - c196 registered the least and clone - c198 registered the greater values of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll. ANOVA on organic acids revealed that there exist highly significant variations among the clones of eucalyptus. Among the organic acids studied, Oxalic acid registered the greater variation (CV of 10.63%) and Fumaric acid registered the least variation (CV of 5.60). In the present study, clustering analysis was carried out for grouping the related clones with reference to biochemical traits. The results revealed that these 25 selected clones formed three major groups. Among the biochemical parameters used for clustering of clones, Fumaric acid, followed by Oxalic acid and total chlorophyll mainly determined the clustering of selected eucalyptus clones.
Simulation of water dynamics in two irrigated soils.

Simulation results for water content dis­tribution obtained with HYDRUS, RZWQM and MOHIDLAND models were compared with field data. These models differ mainly in calculating root water uptake and computing crop water requirements. Simulations were carried out in different horizons of an Hortic An­throsol and an Eutric Fluviosol, located in the Alentejo region (Portugal). Soil water content was measured, with a TDR sys­tem at different depths. Soil hydraulic properties were determined in the labora­tory, and described in HYDRUS and MOHIDLAND with the Mualem-van Genuchten, and in RZWQM with the modified Brooks and Corey equations. Reference evapotranspiration was calcu­lated with the Penman-Monteith and the Shuttleworth-Wallace method using at­mospheric data from the meteorological stations located near the field plots. Parti­tion between transpiration and evapora­tion was calculated using the Leaf Area Index values, and the RZWQM crop module. Results show a good agreement between model simulations and field measurements for the three models.
Achievements in management and utilization of southern grasslands.

Grasslands in the humid southern USA are utilized primarily for grazing on improved pastures, most of which were developed since the 1930s and 1940s. Virtually all of these grasslands were developed from species introduced from other areas of the world. Major achievements in successful developing these grasslands, often on eroded cropland, were: (a) introduction of Kentucky 31 tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.); (b) introduction of Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge); (c) breeding of Coastal bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ]; (d) fertilizer and lime use along with availability of low-cost N; (e) no-till planting of winter annual grasses; (f) pasture renovation with legumes; (g) herbicides for weed control; (h) recycling of agricultural wastes in forage production; (i) development of round hay baler; (j) controlled grazing; (k) discovery of the tall fescue fungal endophyte and its effect on livestock and the grass plant; (1) development of grazing-tolerant alfalfa; (m) improved cool season annual grasses and legumes for winter grazing; and (n) near infrared reflectance spectroscopy for rapid and low-cost forage analysis. Future areas of emphasis in improvement of these grasslands may include: (a) greater use of grazing-tolerant grasses and legumes; (b) stress-tolerant tall fescue with "friendly" non-toxic endophytes; (c) feed antidotes to the toxins of endophyte-infected tall fescue; (d) use of herbicide-and pest-resistant biotechnology genes in forage plants; (e) use of gypsum to alleviate subsoil acidity and improve rooting depth of aluminum-sensitive forage cultivars; (f) greater use of computers in information access and decision making by livestock producers; (g) greater use of forages for wildlife food; (h) breeding of pasture plants with greater winter productivity; (i) development of a perennial grass biomass energy industry for electrical generation and liquid fuel production. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v53i1_hoveland
“A Mother for All the People”: Feminist Science and Chacoan Archaeology

In 1997, Alison Wylie outlined an epistemic and ontological critique of archaeological inquiry to advance feminist science studies. Wylie’s work, I argue, remains relevant and potentially transformative for analysis of the cultural florescence that took place in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, during the ninth through twelfth centuries A.D. Archival, archaeological, and ethnographic data presented here suggest that women had important and undertheorized roles to play in the social transformations that defined emergent Chacoan society. Legacy data made available through the Chaco Research Archive provide evidence in support of Lamphere’s (2000) ritual power model interpretation of the Chacoan florescence. The advent of such open-access resources allows for a critical analysis of gender ideologies and praxis through aggregated legacy sources that augment analyses based on surviving, institutionally curated artifact collections and published sources.
Site constancy of bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apiformes: Bombus Latr.) in the habitats of two forest successional series of the Western Carpathians

Site constancy of bumblebees in five habitat types of alder-swamp forest developmental (successional) series and six habitat types of Carpathian beech forest series in the Western Carpathians, NE Poland was studied. Bumblebees from the alder series were more constant in the foraging sites, where they were marked (7.0% of all marked bumblebees), and spread to other sites to a lesser extent (5.3%). A different pattern was observed in the beech series. The bumblebees were less constant to their original sites (5.6%) and spread to other sites (8.5%) to a higher extent. Quantitative contributions of bumblebees caught during the first day and those caught during the second and third days after marking were 2 : 6 : 1 in the alder series and 2 : 7 : 3 in the beech series. The higher percentage of dispersed bumblebees in the beech series indicated subordination of bumblebees to nutritional attractiveness (profusely blooming flowering vegetation) of those sites.
Biodegradable microparticle for stem cell delivery and differentiation

The formation of three-dimensional (3D) models for tissue engineering purpose provides a more conducive environment to enable complex biological interactions and processes between cells, biomaterials and bioactive molecules. Microparticles (MP) can be used as supporting matrix for 3D construct in cells and a carrier to deliver bioactive agents for cell development and differentiation, particularly for bone tissue engineering. Poly(glycerol adipate) (PGA) is a potential polymer for tissue engineering purposes as it is biodegradable and has biocompatibility with several cells. The aim of this study is to modify PGA polymer for MP with well-defined properties for drug encapsulation and release, promote cell-MP interaction and evaluate the osteogenic differentiation with MP incorporation in mouse embryonic stem (mES) and osteoblast cells. The PGA polymer has been modified by substituting 40% pendant hydroxyl groups onto the polymer backbone with stearoyl (C18) groups to increase encapsulation efficiency of drug within MP. Further modification was tethering one carboxyl terminus in PGA polymer with maleimide-poly(ethylene glycol) (MIHA-PEG-NH2) linker for ligand attachment on the surface of MP. Collagen, as a ligand, was modified by attaching iminothiolane to give a functional thiol group for interaction with maleimide group on the surface of 40%C18-PGA-PEG-MIHA MP. The microparticles were prepared using an emulsification method. Dexamethasone phosphate (DXMP) and simvastatin (SIM) were encapsulated within the MP. The MP-cell aggregate formation was evaluated as well as cell metabolism activity. The effect of polymer modification on drug release from MP was evaluated in the cells by analyzing osteogenic differentiation in cells. The MP prepared from modified PGA polymer exhibited high encapsulation efficiency of SIM in MP. By adjusting the formulation parameters, the release of SIM from MP could be extended to 21 days. The collagen attachment on the surface of 40%C18-PGA-PEG-MIHA MP promoted cell metabolic activity and produced more extensive markers related to osteogenic differentiation.
New generalization of the Fibonacci sequence in case of 4-order recurrence (equations)

In this paper we generate pair of integer sequences using 4-order recurrence equations n + 4 = n + 3 + n + 2 + n + 1 + n, n > 0 n + 4 = n + 3 + n + 2 + n + 1 + n, n > 0. This process of constructing two sequences   0 i i    and   0 i i    is called 2-Fibonacci sequences [5].
Biosynthesis: "Aromatic Polyketides, Isoprenoids, Alkaloids"

Biosynthesis of Aromatic Polyketides. - Cyclization Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, and Diterpenes. - Biosynthesis of Prenylated Alkaloids Derived from Tryptophan. - Tropane and Related Alkaloids. - Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Plants and Specialized Insect Herbivores.
Enhancement of head yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) by combining different sources of nutrients

The present study was aimed to study on influence of different nutrient sources on important quality attributes of cabbage cv. Golden Acre. The field experiment was conducted during 2005–06 and 2006–07 with 14 different treatments by combining inorganic and different organic sources of plant nutrients. The marketable cabbage heads from different treatments were studied for yield and different quality attributes. The pooled result revealed that cabbage head yield and its shelf life, TSS, vitamin A and vitamin C contents were significantly influenced by the application of different sources of nutrients. Vermicompost emerged as better organic nutrient source over farmyard manure. Inoculation with Azophos, a commercial biofertilizer preparation containing the Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria exerted more positive result over uninoculated treatments and benefits of biofertilizer application were more in presence of vermicompost as compared to farmyard manure. The maximum head yield (27.86 tonnes/ha), shelf-life (12 days), head firmness (93.32 kg/ cm2) as well as TSS (4.18º Brix), vitamin A (126.76 µg/100g), vitamin C (44.62 mg/100g) and lowest nitrate content of head (217.17 mg/kg) were realized for the plants grown with the application of 75% of recommended inorganic fertilizers along with vermicompost (5 tonnes/ha) in presence of biofertilizers. Substitution of 25% recommended inorganic nitrogen with higher levels of organic manure and biofertilizer prolonged shelf-life as well as improved nutritional qualities of cabbage heads.
Explaining grassland biomass – the contribution of climate, species and functional diversity depends on fertilization and mowing frequency

Summary 1. Grassland ecosystems are often used to generate biomass in temperate regions of the world. It is well known that biomass is influenced by climate and biodiversity, but the relative importance of these two factors in relation to management has not been widely studied. To recommend management treatments maximizing biomass yields we aim to quantify the relative effects of climate species and functional diversity on biomass in differently managed grasslands. 2. We studied the development of biomass yields over the last 37 years on a grassland site in Germany, with mowing at five frequencies (one to eight times per year), each with and without fertilization. We measured plant species richness (SR) and functional richness (FR) (the diversity of functional species properties) using presence–absence indices. We also measured species evenness (SE), functional evenness and functional divergence (FD) using abundance weighted indices. Climate was included as the mean temperature and sum of precipitation during the growing period. By relating biomass to the above-mentioned climatic and biodiversity parameters, we extracted the contribution of these to biomass yields. 3. Biomass changed over time for all treatments and was maximal at intermediate mowing frequencies. Temporal changes in biomass were partly explained by climate and different aspects of biodiversity, although this differed significantly between treatments. The relative importance of precipitation was highest at high mowing frequencies; the contribution of temperature was highest on less disturbed, unfertilized plots. FR and SR influenced biomass changes in the most intensive disturbance regimes on unfertilized and fertilized plots respectively. FD was most important on intensively disturbed, fertilized plots. SE influenced biomass at low mowing frequencies. 4. Synthesis and applications. Climate, species and functional diversity influence annual grassland biomass yields but their importance depends on nutrient status and management frequency. Our results indicate that management treatments with intermediate disturbance regimes will maximize biomass yields in temperate environments. This recommendation may become even more important in the context of climate change: at intermediate mowing frequencies the influence of climatic variables on biomass is less important by comparison to different aspects of biodiversity.
Dystrophinopathies

Abstract The dystrophinopathies fall along a spectrum of muscular dystrophy phenotypes, with variable involvement of skeletal and cardiac muscle. The diagnosis of dystrophinopathy should be suspected in any patient with a highly elevated creatine kinase level beyond the context of rhabdomyolysis secondary to toxic or metabolic myopathy. Genetic testing for dystrophinopathy is highly sensitive and specific, and identifying a proband will often lead to implications for several relatives at risk for cardiomyopathy, weakness, or anesthetic reactions. Management of the dystrophinopathies is focused primarily on supportive care, although steroid therapy has changed the natural history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and it is now standard-of-care internationally. An exciting and ongoing area of investigation of the dystrophinopathies is focused on the potential for altering gene expression, as a way of improving muscle health and slowing the rate of muscle degeneration.
Temperate marine reserves: global ecological effects and guidelines for future networks

Marine reserves, areas closed to all fishing and other extractive activities, provide a refuge for species of commercial and conservation importance. Given the considerable resources committed to designing temperate reserve networks, we synthesized data from temperate reserves worldwide to determine their ecological effects. In common with other studies, we found higher density, biomass, and species richness in temperate marine reserves compared to adjacent exploited areas. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in magnitude of effect among reserves, variability which was largely unexplained by species or reserve characteristics. Our analytical approach allowed for formal power analyses, indicating that detection of large reserve effects in temperate systems globally requires monitoring at least 37 reserves. These results must be qualified by the limitations of data available and will undoubtedly vary at different spatio‐temporal scales and for different focal species, but provide guidance for the design and monitoring of future marine conservations plans. International commitments toward establishment of multiple reserves offer a unique opportunity to assess reserve effectiveness; this opportunity can only be realized if reserves are designed to achieve clear and quantifiable objectives and are adequately monitored before and after establishment, based on appropriate power analyses, to assess how well those objectives are achieved.
Activity patterns of the invasive raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in North East Germany

Abstract. To study annual and circadian activity proportion and activity allocation during the pup rearing period we analysed VHF telemetry-based data from the invasive, socially monogamous raccoon dog in North Eastern Germany. Proportions of active fixes for 26 adults indicate a mean annual activity level of 58.3 %. There was no difference between males and females in mean annual activity or in the mean activity in each of the different seasons. A mean winter-activity level of 47.0 % ± 32.4 active fixes indicates that raccoon dogs did not hibernate; however, they became less active as the temperature decreases in winter. There were clear differences in the proportion of active fixes observed in the biological seasons, with the highest activity level (70.3 %) during the pup rearing period. Circadian activity rhythm, sampled on a daily basis, indicates that raccoon dogs were mainly crepuscular and nocturnal with a mean activity level of 86.8 %. The mean diurnal activity level across the seasons was 32.4 %, ranging from 15.0 % in winter to 56.6 % during the pup rearing period. Allocation of active fixes for 24-h continuous observations during the first six weeks after parturition showed that males were mostly inactive, resting with the pups in the den, while females foraged to satisfy their increased energy requirements. This point to a clear division of labour between parents, during the pup rearing period.
Long-term studies of molybdenum applied to pasture

Abstract Results are presented of an experiment conducted over a period of seven years investigating pasture yield responses from sodium molybdate applied to a soil, with a pH of 5.7, at rates ranging from −2 oz/ac. The effect of reapplication of treatments after four years was also investigated. A response was recorded to oz, while maximum yields were obtained from 1 oz. To maintain high yields reapplication of 1 oz/ac became necessary after five to six years had elapsed. Increasing the rate of application up to 1 oz/ac caused an increase in the percentage of clover in the sward and an increase in the ratio of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). This was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of higher-fertility-demanding grasses. Soil molybdenum levels reflected the amount of molybdenum applied at the higher rates. Mixed herbage analyses showed the molybdenum content of a pasture treated with rates of sodium molybdate up to 2 oz/ac to be well below the levels.
Integrating past and present studies on Ophrys pollination - a comment on Bradshaw et al.

Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Free University of Brussels/Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrase 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria Department of Behavioural Physiology and Sociobiology, Biozentrum, University of Wuerzburg Am Hubland, D-97074 Wuerzburg, Germany Institute of Experimental Ecology, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, D-89069 Ulm, Germany Institut fur Zoologie AG Chemische Okologie, Fakultat fur Biologie und Vorklinische Medizin, Universitat Regensburg, Universitatsstrase 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany Universita degli Studi di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Viale S. Ignazio, 13, I-09123 Cagliari, Italy
A multivariate approach for discriminating bone accumulations created by spotted Hyenas and Leopards: harnessing actualistic data from east and Southern Africa

Hyenas and large felids were important contributions of bones to the Pliocene and Pleistocene paleontological record of South Africa and elsewhere. Thus, discerning the taphonomic signatures of each is of great importance to paleoanthropologists who view those carnivores as predators and/or competitors of early hominins. Several neotaphonomic studies have emphasized characteristics that distinguish faunas created by hyenas and large cats. Recognizing that many of these studies contend or imply independence in variables that are actually interdependent, we conducted multivariate analyses on published data (including prey skeletal part profiles, tooth mark frequencies, anatomical patterning of tooth marks on bones, number of tooth marks specimen [as a measure of gnawing], ungulate long limb bone [i. E., humeri, radioulnae, femora, tibiae and metapodials]) completeness and bone breakage) to demostrate that bone accumulating behaviour is quite variable for both hyenas and felids. Our results reveal that previously employed analogs are incomplete and transitory, and stress the need for more actualistic work on the topic. That work should lead to more fully realized referential analogs, replacing earlier, inferentially weak ones and providing powerful tools for archaeologists and paleontologistc to use is interpreting the formation of fossil faunas. We end our recomendations with tentative endorsement of prey mortality analysis-medaited by application of actualistically derived and taphonomically sensitized prey age frequency data- as an additional method for distinguishing hyena-and leopard-accumulated faunas.
TABELA DE VIDA DE FERTILIDADE DE Helicoverpa zea (BODDIE, 1850) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) EM DUAS DIETAS ARTIFICIAIS FERTILITY LIFE TABLE OF Helicoverpa zea (BODDIE, 1850) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN TWO ARTIFICIAL DIETS

An experiment was conducted to determine the most appropriate artificial diet for growing of Helicoperva zea in laboratory conditions. The diet was formulated based on the parameters contained in the table of fertility life. Adults of H. zea were collected in corn fields in Pelotas/RS, Brazil. One hundred and fifty caterpillars were placed in glass tubes (2.5 cm diameter x 8.5 cm height) containing two artificial diets (diet A - Greene and diet B - modified Greene). After eclosion, 20 couples were placed in individual cylindrical PVC cages. Daily mortality, fecundity and viability of eggs were measured. The following parameters of the table of fertility life were measured: interval between generations (T), net rates of reproduction (Ro), intrinsic growth rates (rm) and finite tax of growing (ћ). The values of Ro, rm and ћ were higher for caterpillars fed diet B than for the ones fed diet A. The table of fertility life can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the diets. Diet B was the most appropriate for growing of H. zea in laboratory conditions.