Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Studies on Cryopreservation of Vegetative Thalli of Some Economically Important Seaweeds of India

The effects of cryoprotectants and their concentrations, prefreezing temperature, equilibration time, thawing temperature, and the regenerative efficacy of cryopreserved vegetative thalli (apical tips) of Gracilaria corticata J. Agardh. , Ulva lobata Duetzing, and Hypnea musiformis (Wulfar) Lamouroux were evaluated. The apical tips were suspended in various cryoprotective solutions and slowly cooled to −40˚C over a period of 4 h. After the slow cooling step, the suspensions were immediately immersed in liquid nitrogen (LN), which were thawed after 2 days. Both U. lobata and H. musiformis survived maximally in 10% DMSO, whereas 10% glycerol was found most suitable for G. corticata. A slow cooling temperature of −40˚C and thawing temperature of 40˚C were found most suitable irrespective of the species. The equilibration time of 60 min was found most suitable for G. corticata, while 45 min was sufficient for both H. musiformi and U. lobata. Cryopreserved vegetative thalli were then successfully regenerated, though the survival was considerably reduced up to a period of 28 days after which it was stabilized.
Effects of nitrogen splitting and source on durum wheat

Optimum nitrogen fertilizer management for wheat production is important for maximum economic yield and minimum pollution of the environment. A lysimetric trial was conducted in Central Italy during 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 on durum wheat varieties Latinur and Svevo to evaluate effects of ammonium sulphate and Entec 46 at sowing, of ammonium sulphate and urea at topdressing and of three split applications (0–90–90, 30–75–75 and 60–60–60 kg N ha−1) of the same amount of nitrogen on grain yield and yield components, N uptake and N leaching. Grain yield was higher in Latinur than in Svevo. The highest production was achieved in 2009 with the 60–60–60 splitting, and in 2010 with 0–90–90. In both years, the highest total N uptake was recorded with the 30–75–75 splitting, regardless of N source. Nitrogen leaching increased with the increasing amount of N rate at sowing. Amount of N-NO3 lost by leaching during wheat cycle was 25 kg ha−1, almost entirely accounted for N leaching in the period November–January.
Antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts from different parts of Sclerocarya birrea

Summary The methanolic extracts from Sclerocarya birrea leaves (SCL), roots (SCR), barks (SCB), and kernel oil cake (SCK) were examined for radical scavenging capacities and antioxidant activities. The total phenolics of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteau method using gallic acid as standard solution. The total phenolic compounds were found as 304.5, 367.5, 593, 148.0 and 258.0 mg g-1 of dry product, respectively. The extracts of SCL, SCR, SCB and SCK were markedly effective in inhibiting the oxidation of linoleic acid and subsequent bleaching of β-carotene in comparison with the control. Based on oxidation of β-carotene/linoleic acid, the SCK extract is the most effective followed by SCR, SCL and SCB extract. The antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) method revealed that the SCK extract had the highest antioxidant activity on DPPH free radicals followed by SCB, SCR and SCL extracts. The effect of different extracts on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil at 70 °C was tested in the dark and compared with BHA. The oil peroxide values (PVs) were generally lower with the addition of extract in comparison to a control.
Tracing the Origin of Dietary Protein in Tropical Dry Forest Birds 1

Fundamental to our understanding of the ecology of animal communities in the tropics is knowledge of the effect of seasonal changes in the abundance of food sources in consumer diets. We determined stable‐isotope composition (13C/12C and 15N/14N) in whole blood of 14 resident avian species in a tropical dry forest to quantify the origin of their assimilated protein. We used a probabilistic approach (IsoSource) to estimate the relative contribution of C3 plants, CAM‐C4 plants, C3 insects, and CAM‐C4 insects during the dry and rainy seasons. IsoSource iteratively creates each possible combination of source contribution and produces a distribution of all feasible combinations that adequately predict the observed isotopic signature of the consumer. Granivore–frugivores and granivore–frugivore–insectivores were modeled as predominantly dependent upon plants whereas insectivorous birds were modeled to derive protein almost exclusively from insects. Between these extremes there were several species using mixed diets such as insectivore–frugivores or insectivore–granivores. In most species, virtually all assimilated food was of C3 origin with the exception of Ruddy Ground‐Doves (Columbina talpacoti) in which CAM or C4 plants contributed significantly. Seasonal changes in relative food source contribution were followed in eight species of birds. Of these species, White‐tipped Doves (Leptotila verreauxi), Grayish Saltators (Saltator coerulescens), and Social Flycatchers (Myiozetetes similis) increased their use of insects in the rainy season, in contrast to Great Kiskadees (Pitangus sulphuratus), which decreased their use of insects. Our study suggests that that diverse strategies are used by various avian species to obtain dietary proteins within seasonal habitats.
Cercaria vaullegeardi Pelseneer, 1906 (Digenea: Hemiuridae); development and ultrastructure

SUMMARY Cercaria vaullegeardi develops in daughter sporocysts within the digestive gland of the prosobranch Gibbula umbilicalis. On emergence into the host mantle cavity the cercarial body retracts into the cystophorous tail, the ‘encysted’ cercaria being then shed into the sea. The encysted cercaria is described at the ultrastructural level for the first time and developmental stages are redescribed. The cercarial body has no penetration or cystogenous glands: a single type of sub-tegumental secretory cell produces vesicles containing neutral mucopolysaccharides which pass into the tegument at encystment. The immotile cystophorous tail consists essentially of a fibrous caudal cyst and 8 appendages including a delivery tube. Scanning electron micrographs show the surface of tegumental membranes enveloping the caudal cyst to be covered with a honeycomb pattern of indentations derived from electron-lucent vesicles produced by the caudal gland. The fibrous-walled delivery tube comprises proximal and distal sections and a modified terminal end-piece.
Pesticidal Activities of Some Schiff Bases Derived from Benzoin, Salicylaldehyde, Aminophenol and 2,4 Dinitrophenyl Hydrazine

The pesticidal activities of three Schiff bases namely PDH [N- (1 phenyl 2 hydroxy 2 phenyl ethylidine) 2 ¢ 4 ¢ dinitrophenyl hydrazine], PHP [N(1-phenyl 2 hydroxy -2 phenyl ethylidine) 2 ¢ hydroxy phenyl imine] and HHP [N (2-hydroxy benzylidine) 2 ¢ hydroxy phenyl imine] derived from benzoin, salicylaldehyde, 2 aminophenol and 2,4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine were evaluated against Tribolium castaneum . Probit mortality were studied by surface film treatment method at different doses of the compounds. The results showed that the LD 50 values as recorded after 24 hours of treatment were 15.1268, 3.0922 and 3.0922 mg /cm 2 for PDH, PHP and HHP, respectively as compared with 0.2416 mg/cm 2 for a standard pesticide l -cyhalothrin. With Schiff base complexes of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II), the LD 50 values were 1.5206, 14.8576 and 3.2829 mg/cm 2 respectively. Better results were obtained when recorded with longer treatment time. These three compounds may, therefore, be considered as potent pesticides. Keywords : Pesticidal activities; Schiff bases; Surface film treatment method. © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245(Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i3. 2585 J. Sci. Res. 1 (3), 641-646 (2009)
Ubiquity of heterotrophic diazotrophs in marine microbial mats

Cyanobacteria are a dominant structural component of NZ-fixing microbial mats in diverse marine ecosystems. As a result, much of the measured N2 fixation activity has been attributed to the cyanobacterial component. Until recently, the contribution of heterotrophic N2 fixers has received much less attention. In this study, the presence, diversity, and ubiquity of heterotrophic N2 fixers were investigated in 3 cyanobacteria (Microco1eus)-dominated, intertidal microbial mats obtained from Tomales Bay, California, Sippewissett Salt Marsh, Massachusetts, and Bird Shoal, North Carolina. Using PCR techniques, a diverse array of heretofore uncharacterized heterotrophic nifH (gene encoding the Fe-protein subunit of nitrogenase) sequences were found in these geographically disparate microbial mats, suggesting that heterotrophic diazotrophs may play a larger role in NZ fixation dynamics than previously thought. Phylogenetically similar heterotrophic diazotrophic sequences were obtained from the 3 sites, potent.ially indicating that similar heterotrophic NZ-fixing communities are responsible for thls process at diverse locations.
Advancing the income inequality – health hypothesis

The notion that income inequality exerts an influence on health status (over and above the long-known effects of individual or household income) has received a great deal of attention in social epidemiology, medical sociology and economics in the past 20 years. And although a clear consensus on the hypothesis is yet to emerge, a new wave of empirical studies has strengthened the case for seeing income inequality as a social determinant of health. This article examines the current trajectory of the income inequality – health literature, and explores two issues that will be critical to its development in the coming years: (1) the need to re-examine the epistemological grounding of this research area, with a corresponding shift towards blurring the division between positivism and critical realism, and (2) the value of re-considering the geo-political ‘frame’ of studies in this field, with a move towards a truly global analysis of the health effects of income inequality.
The mechanics of paraffin sectioning by the microtome

Microtome sectioning involves a type of cutting action akin to that produced by a hand plane, a lathe, or a knife in wliittling. Forces are transmitted by the anterior beveled surface of the blade near its edge, and these forces dislodge a superficial layer of the material subjected to the cutting action. This type of cutting may be contrasted with cutting involving more than one surface of tlie tool -the chopping and splitting by an ax o r the slicing of h e a d . An engineering literature (Colter and Chakko, '22 ; Colter. arid Filon, '31 ; Boston, '33; Okoshi and Fukui, '33; and Emst, '38) has dealt with factors in superficial cutting, but conclitioiis have been so different from those in microtome sectioning that the information may be transferred to only a limited extent. Then too, the primary concern in metal cutting has been directed to surface finish, machinability and the efficient use of power rather than to the mode of chip formation. In microtome sectioning, the chip or section is of major interest. The primary problem to he considered here is a qualitative analysis of what happens when a microtome knife removes a section of paraffin. Before this may be attacked, however, prior attention must be directed to (1) certain commonly ignored characteristics of the knife edge, and (2) some pcrtinent properties of the material to be sectioned. Paraffin as tlie most common embedding matrix will receive primary attention. Though homogeneous rriasses of paraffin arc' einpha
Teste de tetrazólio para avaliação da qualidade de sementes de Tabebuia roseoalba (Ridl.) Sandwith - bignoniaceae, submetidas ao armazenamento

RESUMO – As especies do genero Tabebuia sao propagadas sexuadamente, e a utilizacao de sementes de alta qualidade e fundamental para obtencao de sucesso nos plantios de restauracao de areas degradadas, madeireiras e medicinais. Para isso, o emprego de testes rapidos em programas de controle de qualidade de sementes e ferramenta imprescindivel para avaliacao de sua qualidade fisiologica. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estabelecer a metodologia para realizacao do teste de tetrazolio em sementes de T. roseoalba (ipe-branco) e verificar a viabilidade das sementes em funcao do tempo de armazenamento avaliando os parâmetros de germinacao e compara-los com o resultado do teste de tetrazolio. Os frutos de ipe-branco foram colhidos manualmente no momento de abertura, e foram utilizadas sementes recem-colhidas e sementes armazenadas ate 24 meses, obtendo-se resultados de teste de tetrazolio, germinacao, emergencia, comprimento e peso de materia seca de plântulas. O teste de tetrazolio na concentracao de 0,05% a 36 °C durante 24 h e indicado para avaliar a viabilidade das sementes de ipe-branco, e durante o armazenamento a porcentagem de germinacao, comprimento e peso de materia seca das plântulas e reduzida e a germinacao das sementes em viveiro e bruscamente reduzida com o armazenamento das sementes no periodo de 24 meses. Palavras-chave: Ipe-branco; Germinacao; Viabilidade. TETRAZOLIUM TEST FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SEEDS OF Tabebuia roseoalba (Ridl.) Sandwith BIGNONIACEAE, SUBJECTED TO STORAGE
Organization of predator assemblages in Neotropical tree holes: effects of abiotic factors and priority

Abstract. 1. Water‐filled tree holes in a lowland forest in Panama harbour an assemblage of large predators consisting of the larvae of five common species of Odonata, the mosquito Toxorhynchites theobaldi, and tadpoles of Dendrobates auratus. Odonate females oviposit in both large and small tree holes. However, the three largest species emerge from larger tree holes, on average, than do the two smallest species. Can assembly rules explain this and other patterns of predator distribution?
Plant Regeneration via Somatic Embryogenesis in Three Iranian Cucumis melo L. genotypes

Efficient genotype-independent plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis is vital for genetic manipulation and crop improvement of melon (Cucumis melo L.). In this research, the optimal culture media of somatic embryogenesis for three melon genotypes, including two local cultivars (‘Talebi-Isfahan’ and ‘Garmak’) and a drought- and high temperature-tolerant accession (locally named ‘Gargar’), were investigated using cotyledon and zygotic embryo explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg l−1) and 6-benzyladenine (BA = 0.5 and 1 mg l−1) was used for somatic embryogenesis. The results revealed that 1 mg l−1 2,4-D with 0.5 mg l−1 BA produced the highest embryo induction in both explant types. Talebi-Isfahan and Garmak cultivars did not significantly differ but were superior to the Gargar accession for somatic embryogenesis. No significant effect of BA growth regulator (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg l−1) was detected in the plant regeneration. It was also found that, under an optimal auxin and cytokenin combination in the growth medium, only melon genotypes with a wider genetic distance could be discriminated for their somatic embryogenesis. The procedure of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of melon reported here is a highly reproducible protocol, which could be well exploited for tissue culture and transformation of every melon genotype.
Corn Response to Starter Fertilizer With and Without AVAIL

Starter fertilizers containing phosphorus are often applied when planting corn (Zea mays L.) in the Delmarva Region. Recently, a new fertilizer additive called AVAIL (Specialty Fertilizer Products LLC, Leawood, KS) has been promoted in this region as a product that will increase the plant availability of P fertilizers by reducing P adsorption by iron and aluminum minerals. There have been, however, no reported studies in corn that demonstrate that AVAIL increases fertilizer P availability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of adding AVAIL to starter fertilizers containing P when growing corn. Early growth of corn was increased by starter fertilizer at all site years; however, AVAIL had no effect on early growth. Grain yields were increased by adding P in the starter fertilizer at only two of the eight site-years, but AVAIL and no effect on grain yields at any of the site-years. Overall, our results suggest that AVAIL had no effect on crop uptake or response to P.
Control of Echium plantagineum L. with 2,4-D and grazing management.

Summary: This paper describes a field experiment conducted in north-east Victoria investigating the control of Echium plantagineum L. in a pasture with 2, 4–D and grazing management. Spraying with a small dose of 2, 4-D (0–14 kg a.i./ha) in late autumn/early winter, followed about 2 weeks later by heavy grazing, removed E. plantagineum from the pasture, whilst the associated pasture species, Trifoliutn subierraneum L. , was retained. Continuous grazing without spraying also resulted in good control of E. plantagineum. Herbage production of the pasture in winter was, however, reduced by spraying. The reasons underlying these observations, and farm management programmes for the longterm control of E. plantagineum, are discussed. Resume: La lutle centre Echium plantagineum L. avec le 2, 4-D el I'amenagement de la pature. Cette publication decrit une experience au champ realisee dansle nord-est de I'Etat de Victoria pour etudier les possibilites delutte centre Echium planlagineum L. dans une prairie, avec le 2, 4–D et I'amenagement de la pature. Le treatment avec une faible dose de 2, 4–D (0, 14 kg/ha de m.a.) a la fin de I'automne ou au debut de l'hiver suivi environ deux semaines plus tard d'une pature intensive, a elimineE. plantagineum de la prairie cependant que l'espece prairiale associee, Trifolium subterraneum L. a subsiste. La pature continue sans treatment a etee galement efficace centre E. planlagineum. La production herbagere de la prairie en hiver a ete toutefois reduite par le treatment. Les raisons qui sont a la base de ces observation et les programmes d'exploitation agricole pour la lutte a long terme contre E. plantagineum sont discutes. Zusammenfassung Bekampfung von Echium plantagineum L. mit 2, 4–D und durch Beweiden Es wird ein in Nordost-Victoria durchgefiihrter Feldversuch zur Bekompfung von Echium plantagineum L. mit 2,4-D und Weidemassnahmen beschrieben. Die Applikation niedriger 2,4-D Mengen (0·14 kg AS/ha) im Spotherbst bzw. Fruhwinter, gefolgt von einer starken Beweidung zwei Wochen nach der Spritzung, fuhrte zu einer Beseitigung von E. plantagineum, wohrend Trifolium subterraneum L. erhalten blieb. Stondiges Beweiden fuhrte ebenfalls zu einer guten Bekompfung von E. plantagineum. auch wenn keine Spritzung erfolgte. Durch die Herbizidspritzung ging aber die Produktivitot der Weide wohrend des Winters zuruck. Die diesen Beobachtungen zugrunde liegenden Ursachen und Bewirtschaftungspro-gramme fur die langfristige Bekompfung von E. plantagineum werden diskutiert.
A new West Balkanian sand‐goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

A new species of West Balkanian freshwater sand-goby Pomatoschistus montenegrensis sp. nov. (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described from the Moraca River, southern Montenegro, and shown to be related to the euryhaline Adriatic Pomatoschistus canestrinii. The generic status of these two species is discussed with reference to the limits of Pomatoschistus (type Gobius minutus) and the status of a subgenus [Ninnigobius (type-species Gobius canestrini)]. The habitat and the local distribution of the new species are described.
Somatic motoneurones in amphioxus larvae: cell types, cell position and innervation patterns

Serial transmission electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction were used to document cell morphology and position of the motoneurones innervating somites 1 and 2 of a 12.5-day amphioxus larva, of Branchiostoma floridae, and also those innervating the dorsal compartment of somites 3 through 6 of an 8-day larva. Motoneurones supplying the ventral and dorsal compartments can be distinguished from one another on a number of morphological criteria. The ventral compartment motoneurones are neither symmetrical nor particularly ordered in arrangement. Their cilia are short and point forward or obliquely across the central canal; their axons run along the basal lamina adjacent to processes from muscle fibres, with which they make extended linear series of synapses containing 45–60 nm synaptic vesicles. The dorsal compartment motoneurones are paired and tend to be positioned at or near the junctions between somites. Their cilia are longer and project caudally; their axons are large, filled with mitochondria and 30–45 nm synaptic vesicles, and make synapses only at specific, segmentally repeated sites. An unusual feature of both cell types is that synaptic input occurs all along the axon, either by direct axo-axonal synapses or via slender dendritic processes. This allows for redundancy and multiple inputs, and is possible only because amphioxus somatic motor axons lie entirely within the nerve cord, which is itself an unusual feature among chordates. The possible significance of dual somatic innervation is discussed in relation to the dual innervation of the head in vertebrates, which has separate sets of somatic and visceral/branchiomotor nerves.
Evaluation of age criteria in New Zealand stoats (Mustela erminea) of known age

Abstract Incremental lines in the canine teeth of 20 stoats (Mustela erminea) corresponded exactly with known age in 5 males and 7 females marked as young, and with minimum-known age in 6 males and 2 females marked as adults. The lines are added in autumn (April and May) of each year, beginning when the animals are 6 months old. The correlation is accurate enough to permit determination of the ages of wild-caught adult stoats of unknown age. Two other techniques used previously (baculum weight, post-orbital ratio of the skull) are confirmed as accurate but much less precise methods of distinguishing young from adult stoats.
Influência da utilização de aditivos químicos no perfil da fermentação, no valor nutritivo e nas perdas de silagens de cana-de-açúcar

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of chemical additives in the dry matter losses, fermentation profile, and nutritive value of sugar cane silages. The trial was carried out in a completely randomized experimental design with four replicates per treatment. The following additives were applied to the fresh forage during the ensiling: control (without additive), L. buchneri, calcium oxide and calcium carbonate,1.0 and 1.5% (wet basis) each, and calcium sulfate 1.0% (wet basis), all of them diluted in to 40 L of water per ton of fresh forage. The variables analyzed were: total and gaseous dry matter losses, dry matter recovery, fermentation end products, and nutritive value. The use of calcium oxide or calcium carbonate were effective in reducing dry matter losses and gaseous production and had the highest dry matter recovery rate. Both silages had also low ethanol content and, as a result, had greater concentrations of residual water soluble carbohydrates and lactic acid. The addition of calcium oxide and calcium carbonate at the time of ensiling produced silages with higher nutritive value compared with all other treatments, due to the increase of ash content and dry matter and organic digestibility and also, by reducing the fiber content. The crude protein content range was similar to the values observed in the fresh forage. The treatments with L. buchneri and calcium sulfate were ineffective in altering the fermentation process of sugar cane silages and became similar to the control silages. In summary, the overall analysis pointed out that the treatment containing calcium oxide and calcium carbonate improved the fermentation and storage process.