Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Utility of sd1 Alleles in Rice Breeding

The widespread adoption of the high-yielding semi-dwarf rice variety, IR8, led to the “green revolution” in Asia in the 1960s. The short stature of this variety is due to a loss-of-function of the SD1 gene that encodes a GA20 oxidase-2 (GA20ox-2) which catalyzes late steps of gibberellin biosynthesis. In this study, we investigated how widely sd1 mutations have been employed in the generation of semi-dwarf varieties of rice. Genetic and molecular analyses revealed that the sd1 allele of IR8 has been used in the production of japonica varieties. Sequence analysis of the SD1 locus of 57 semi-dwarf varieties showed that at least 7 sd1 alleles have been used in the breeding of semi-dwarf rice varieties in China, USA and Japan. The utilization of such a high number of different alleles all controlling the same target trait highlights that mutations in GA20ox-2 induce an agronomically advantageous architecture in rice.
Produção e acúmulo de nutrientes em povoamento de eucalipto em consequência da intensidade do desbaste e da fertilização

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a producao de madeira e biomassa, bem como a quantidade de nutrientes acumulada, em povoamento de eucalipto submetido a intensidades de desbaste e a fertilizacao pos-desbaste. O experimento foi realizado em blocos ao acaso, em parcelas subdividas, com duas repeticoes dos tratamentos dentro de cada bloco. Nas parcelas, foram avaliadas quatro intensidades de desbaste (0, 20, 35 e 50%) e, nas subparcelas, as condicoes com e sem fertilizacao pos-desbaste. O desbaste foi realizado aos 89 meses e a aplicacao da fertilizacao aos 99 meses. Os dados foram coletados aos 125 meses. O desbaste influenciou o crescimento em diâmetro, area basal, volume de madeira e biomassa. A fertilizacao pos-desbaste nao afetou o acumulo de nutrientes pelo povoamento nem sua producao. O acumulo de nutrientes na parte aerea e no tronco foi inversamente proporcional a intensidade dos desbastes. O conteudo de Ca na serapilheira variou de acordo com os desbastes, e o de K, Ca, Mg e S de acordo com a fertilizacao. O desbaste tem maior influencia do que a fertilizacao na producao florestal pos-desbaste.
GIS applications for the investigation of hydrometeorological and biochemical conditions of coastal areas

The paper discusses the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the aspects of marine environmental research, as approached by Russian and Greek groups. The scientific teams apply the same GIS platform in both cases, but with a different orientation, according to the particular driving forces of the projects involved. In general, the Russian team manipulates GIS as a subsystem of problem-oriented applications in order to enlarge the possibilities to run non-standard user programs. The subsystem of problem-oriented applications (POA) is designed for the following: (1) analysis of data and information to implement applied tasks; (2) preparation of output information products of the system in the form of hard and electronic copies in accordance with the required formats; and (3) dissemination of information products according to the users requirements. The Greek group focuses on the GIS use as a tool for joining different layers of spatial information in the marine area under investigation. Also, incorporated in the GIS is the drainage basin that supplies the marine area with water, sediment load and also human derived substances. Layers of hypsometry, bathymetry, hydrography, river network, roads, cities, satellite images etc., have been introduced into the system, obtaining significant feedback information. Also, there are developed the relations of the former layers with the marine sampling stations network and the database that describes the station's properties. The two groups benefit particularly by the exchange of ideas and methods, as different consideration is undertaken to resolve marine research issues.
Efecto de la dieta de cerdos ibéricos sobre la composición en ácidos grasos de la grasa intramuscular e intermuscular de jamones / Effect of diet on the fatty acid composition of intramuscular and intermuscular fat in Iberian pig cured hams

The fatty acid composition of total, apolar and polar lipid fractions from intra- and intermuscular fat of Iberian pig cured hams was determined. Animals were fed with diets of pasture and acorns (montanera), acorns and cereals (recebo) or cereals (cebo). The major fatty acids from the total and apolar lipid fraction of Iberian pig cured ham muscular tissue were C18:1 (45-54%), C16:0 (22-26%) and C18:1 (10-13%). The same fatty acids were the major components in the total and apolar lipids from intermuscular fat of Iberian pig cured hams, with values ranging from 44 to 53% for C18:1, from 21 to 27% for C16:0 and from 10 to 14% for C18:0. In the total lipid fraction from intramus cular fat significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between all three batches in the composi tion of C18:1 and C 18:2, and between montanera and the other two batches in the fatty acids C14:0 and C16:0. For intermuscular fat, significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between all three batches for the fatty acids C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 , C18:2 and C18:3. Although significant differences in the composition of some fatty acids of the total lipid fraction from intra- and intermuscular fat were due to the feeding system, a 100% partition among the three different diets was not obtained when stepwise discriminant analysis was applied. The results were not improved when the apolar lipid fraction was analysed.
Heterogeneity of plant phenotypes caused by herbivore‐specific induced responses influences the spatial distribution of herbivores

Abstract 1. Herbivory can induce resistance in a plant and the induced phenotype may be disfavoured by subsequent herbivores. Yet, as the distance between plants in a population increases, limited mobility may make a herbivore more likely to feed and oviposit on host plants in its immediate surroundings.
Effect of pressure on the temperature‐dependent association of β‐casein

The effect of pressure on the temperature‐dependent association of β‐casein was studied by the method of light scattering. Between 1 and 1500 kg/cm2, β‐casein is reversibly depolymerized, indicating an increase in partial specific volume of the protein with association. Possible mechanisms for association are discussed. At still higher pressures reversible reassociation is observed, which is ascribed to conformational changes in the β‐casein molecule.
A newly discovered serotype of Gremmeniella abietina

The Asian, European, and North American serotypes of Gremmeniella abietina were compared with 27 Vermont isolates using gel double diffusion and intragel cross absorption tests. An intermediate serotype, between the North American and European serotypes, was shown by means of cross absorption with antiserum prepared in response to a Vermont isolate. The majority of Vermont isolates resembled the Vermont intermediate in serological reaction, three resembled the European serotype, and two were of unknown serotypes. The serological data support possible hybridization between G. abietina isolates in Vermont as well as the identification of a new serotype in Vermont.
VOLE POPULATION FLUCTUATIONS: FACTORS THAT INITIATE AND DETERMINE INTERVALS BETWEEN THEM IN MICROTUS PENNSYLVANICUS

Abstract Factors influencing initiation of population fluctuations of Microtus pennsylvanicus were studied in alfalfa and bluegrass habitats for 25 years. Increased survival during spring and summer appeared to be the most important factor associated with initiation of a population fluctuation. The proportion of reproductively active adult females did not influence initiation of population fluctuations. The interval between fluctuations was not correlated with density of the previous population fluctuation. We propose that population fluctuations were initiated by the net effects of relaxation of predation pressure of multiple generalist predators, which occurred erratically across years.
Additional records of Beryx splendens (Osteichthyes: Berycidae) from the Mediterranean Sea, with notes on molecular phylogeny and parasites

Abstract The fifth and sixth documented occurrences of the splendid alfonsino Beryx splendens from the Mediterranean Sea are reported. One female and one male adult specimen were captured off the Cilento coast, Tyrrhenian Sea in July 2007 and July 2010, respectively. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA (control region) confirmed the morphological identification and revealed a 1–2% sequence divergence with North-eastern Atlantic populations of this species. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the gonads showed ripe ovary and testes in both individuals. Two giant red shrimps Aristeomorpha foliacea and beaks of the cephalopod Histioteuthis bonnellii were found in the stomachs of the female and male, respectively. Two species of parasites were found: the third-stage larvae of the nematode Anisakis physeteris in the body cavity of both individuals, and spores of the myxozoan Ceratomyxa maxima in the gallbladder of the male. The genetic analysis showed a high level of gene flow between Mediterranean and North-eastern Atlantic samples, and the biological and parasitological data suggested that B. splendens may be established in the western Mediterranean in small populations relegated to deep-sea submarine rises.
In situ habitat selection by settling larvae of marine soft‐sediment invertebrates

To test whether larval selectivity at settlement contributes to distributional patterns of benthic infauna, we conducted three reciprocal sediment transplant experiments at 15‐m‐deep coarse‐sand and muddy‐sand sites (∼3 km apart) on the continental shelf near Tuckerton, New Jersey. During 3‐ to 5‐d deployments in 1994, larvae of the surfclam, Spisula solidissima, selected coarse sand over muddy sand, and capitellid polychaetes selected muddy sand over coarse sand, regardless of site. Thus, larvae of both taxa selected sediments typical of adult habitats, displaying selectivity consistent with previous flume experiments. Settlement intensity changed significantly over the ∼6‐week period during which experiments were conducted. Several other taxa exhibited selectivity consistent with field distributions, and several were nonselective. Significant site differences in settlement intensity were also observed on some dates for several taxa. Plankton pump samples taken at the sites during tray experiments suggested that significant differences in supply of surfclam larvae over the 3‐km scale contributed to between‐site differences in settlement. In the later experiments, surfclams in experimental trays were larger than would be expected for recent settlers, suggesting that postsettlement migration and selectivity occurred on small scales. These experiments demonstrate that differences in larval supply over scales of kilometers and time scales of weeks can affect settlement intensity but that habitat selection by settling larvae of some species of soft‐sediment invertebrates may set initial distribution patterns.
Larval development of Metapenaeus ensis (de Haan) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Penaeidae) reared in the laboratory

The six naupliar, three protozoeal, three mysid, and first postlarval stages of Metapenaeus ensis (de Haan) have been cultured in the laboratory. The larval stages are described, and the morphological differences in the mysid stages between M. ensis and M. monoceros (Fabricius), are tubulated.
The effect of a cluster randomised control trial on objectively measured sedentary time and parental reports of time spent in sedentary activities in Belgian preschoolers: the ToyBox-study

Background: In preschoolers, high levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with several adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to report the effects of the ToyBox-intervention (a European 24-week cluster randomised controlled trial) on sedentary behaviour in preschoolers. Methods: In Belgium, 859 preschoolers from 27 kindergartens (15 intervention and 12 control) wore an accelerometer to objectively measure their sedentary time and 1715 parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire to assess sedentary activities in which preschoolers participate at home. Main outcomes were objectively measured sedentary time, time spent watching TV, using the computer and time spent in quiet play. Multilevel repeated measures analyses were conducted to take clustering into account. Intention to treat analysis was used to handle missing data. Results: A sample of 859 (29.5 % of all contacted children) preschoolers (4.4 ± 0.6 years, 54.4 % boys) provided valid accelerometer data at either baseline or follow-up and parents of 1715 (58.9 % of all contacted children) preschoolers (4.4 ± 0.5 years, 52.5 % boys) completed a questionnaire at either baseline or follow-up. No intervention effects were found on objectively and subjectively measured total sedentary time in the total sample. However, some effects on objectively and subjectively measured sedentary time were found in specific subgroups. Preschoolers from the intervention group from high SES kindergartens and preschoolers with high levels of sedentary time at baseline decreased their sedentary time, while preschoolers from the control group increased their sedentary time. Girls in the intervention group decreased their TV viewing time during weekend days (-5.83 min/day), while girls’ &TV viewing in the control group increased (+4.15 min/day). In low SES kindergartens, a smaller increase for computer time during weekend days was found in preschoolers in intervention kindergartens (+6.06 min/day) than in control kindergartens (+12.49 min/day). Conclusion: While some small positive effects were found in some sub-groups, the ToyBox-intervention had no effect on objectively and subjectively measured sedentary time in the total sample. A longer period to implement the intervention and a more active involvement of parents/caregivers might enhance intervention effects. The ToyBox-study is registered with the clinical trials registry clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT02116296.
Comparison of screening techniques for western corn rootworm (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) host-plant resistance

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is one of the most economically important insect pests of corn, Zea mays L. Many different techniques have been developed for western corn rootworm host-plant resistance screening, but little has been done to compare the reliability and repeatability of these techniques. Seventeen maize cultivars were evaluated for field adult emergence, vertical pulling resistance, and field/greenhouse root feeding damage to determine the optimal method or combination of methods to more quickly reach the goal of corn rootworm resistance in corn. A rootworm host-search behavior bioassay was also conducted. Rank correlation of root damage field performance among the 17 cultivars was found between locations in both 1996 and 1997. Greenhouse root damage experiments generally did not correlate to each other or to field locations. There was no correlation in percentage reduction of pulling force in infested versus noninfested rows between 1997 paired-row pulling trials to other experiments. There was no correlation of field root damage performance in 1996 or 1997 to the 3 bioassay parameters tested: area searched, distance traveled, or number of path crossovers. It appears that the rootworm host-search behavior bioassay will not be useful in differentiating hosts within a species, and greenhouse damage ratings are questionable when comparing germplasm with limited resistance. Field damage ratings should be the primary test before resistance claims are made.
Parasitism and predation as agents of mortality of winter moth populations in neglected apple orchards in Nova Scotia

Abstract. 1 This study compared the roles of pupal mortality and parasitism in winter moth (Operophtera brumata) population dynamics in Nova Scotian apple orchards and assessed the importance of beetles as pupal predators. 2 The component of pupal mortality termed predation accounted for greater stage‐specific mortality of winter moth than parasitism by Cyzenis albicans in four neglected orchards. 3 Parasitism by Cyzenis albicans was not spatially density‐dependent in any orchard, whereas the predation component of pupal mortality was spatially density‐dependent in the two orchards most densely populated by winter moth. 4 Field experiments indicated that over 60% of pupal predation may be attributed to beetles, and that about 46% of pupal predation occurred within 4 weeks after pupal drop. 5 Mortality of introduced populations of winter moth in Nova Scotia resembles that of native populations in England where density‐dependent predation regulates the winter moth population and reduces the parasitoid population to minimal levels. The situation in Nova Scotia appears to have changed appreciably since the establishment of parasitoids into the system in the 1950s.
Elemental analysis, FTIR and 13C-NMR of humic acids from sewage sludge composting

Caracterisation des acides humiques extraits au cours du compostage de boues residuaires par analyse elementaire, IRTF et 13 C-RMN. L'action du processus de compostage sur la structure chimique des acides humiques extraits de melange de boues residuaires de stations d'epuration et de paille a ete suivie a differents stades du traitement par analyse elementaire, spectroscopies infrarouge a transformee de Fourrier et resonance magnetique nucleaire du carbon 13. Le materiel initial est compose d'un melange heterogene de structures aromatiques etherifiees sur lesquelles sont liees de longues chaines lipidiques et des structures peptidiques et carbohydrates. Les resultats obtenus montrent une diminution, durant le processus de compostage, des composes aliphatiques, avec une augmentation relative des structures aromatiques principalement celles substituees par des groupements fonctionnels tels que phenols, methoxyles, carboxyles. Ces transformations mettent en evidence l'oxydation preferentielle des composes facilement accessibles, comme, par exemple, les chaines aliphatiques peripheriques des structures lipidiques et peptidiques, ce qui conduit a une production de structures aromatiques riches en groupements fonctionnels. Ces dernieres sont resistantes a la decomposition microbienne et sont donc preservees pour constituer une partie de la structure d'acides humiques neoformes.
Use of X-ray to evaluate damage caused by weevils in cowpea seeds

No Brasil, o feijao-caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp], tem destaque na Regiao Nordeste, sendo uma cultura tipica da agricultura familiar. A importância dos danos causados por pragas de armazenamento em sementes da referida especie, em relacao a sua qualidade, tem sido evidenciada em varios trabalhos. Atraves de imagens de raios X e possivel visualizar as estruturas internas da semente, identificando possiveis alteracoes e danificacoes. Dessa forma, esse trabalho teve o objetivo de identificar os danos causados por caruncho (Callosobruchus maculatus) e sua relacao com a qualidade fisiologica das sementes de feijao-caupi, por intermedio da analise de raios X. Foram utilizadas tres cultivares (IPA-206, BRS-Pajeu e BRS-Potengi) e duas linhagens (L 281.005 e L ESP 10). As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de raios X e ao teste de germinacao, a fim de determinar a relacao de causa e efeito entre os danos provocados pelo caruncho e a germinacao das sementes. Nas avaliacoes das imagens de raios X foi considerada a severidade e a localizacao dos danos na semente. Para os danos classificados como severos, localizados no eixo embrionario e, ou nos cotiledones, as sementes originaram plântulas anormais ou as sementes estavam mortas. Portanto, o teste de raios X e eficiente para a avaliacao de danos causados por caruncho em sementes de feijao-caupi, permitindo relacionar os eventuais danos com os prejuizos causados a germinacao.
Low-frequency sounds emitted by Sotalia fluviatilis guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in an estuarine region in southeastern Brazil

Recordings of the vocalizations of the dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis guianensis were made in an estuarine complex at Cananeia in southeastern Brazil over a period of 10 years (19891998). This area is characterized by mangroves and the constant presence of dolphins. Recordings were obtained at depths of 24 m using digital and analog recorders at a speed of 19 cm/s. Four classes of sounds were identified. "Whistles," which are used in social activities, occurred with the greatest frequency (χ2 = 58.92, df = 3, P P > 0.001). There were no differences in the rates at which schools emitted whistles and calls (χ2 = 2.12, df = 1, 0.25 > P > 0.10). "Gargles" were apparently emitted by calves and were similar in structure to a low-frequency call. The fourth class, "clicks," are used in echolocation. Clicks varied considerably in their frequency of occurrence and frequency of emi.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Prosopis chilensis and Prosopis flexuosa and cross‐species amplification

Prosopis chilensis and Prosopis flexuosa (Fabaceae) are closely related hardwood arboreal species that are widely distributed in the arid regions of Argentina. The development of highly polymorphic markers, such as microsatellites, is desirable for genetic studies of these species. Here, we present the development and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite markers in P. chilensis and P. flexuosa. These markers showed a polymorphism information content between 0.14 and 0.85 and the number of alleles varied from two to 13 considering both species. All markers revealed a broad cross-species affinity when tested in seven other Prosopis species. All primers amplified in at least five species.
PRÉPARATION D'ACIDE OLÉIQUE A 99,5 P. 100 DE PURETÉ

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. PRÉPARATION D’ACIDE OLÉIQUE A 99,5 P. 100 DE PURETÉ Lucie Frémont, Marie-Thérèse Gozzelino
Deep-water Mangeliinae, Taraninae and Clathurellinae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Conoidea: Turridae) from the Campos Basin, southeast Brazil

During the program “Environmental Characterization of the Campos Basin, RJ, Brazil”, from 2001 to 2003, samples were taken of soft bottoms from the continental slope of Campos Basin (off southeast Brazil) by the Research Vessel “Astro-Garoupa” with a 0.25 m2 box corer or by dredging with a Charcot dredge; 117 stations with depths from 700 to 1950 m were sampled. There were molluscs in all samples, and among Gastropoda the Turridae showed the highest diversity. Here we present the results obtained for the subfamilies Mangeliinae, Taraninae and Clathurellinae. Two species were found within Mangeliinae: Benthomangelia cf. macra (Watson, 1881) and Benthomangelia enceladus n. sp. Within Taraninae only one undescribed species was found: Taranis tanata n. sp. Within Clathurellinae we found four species: Corinnaeturris leucomata (Dall, 1881), recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic; Corinnaeturris rhysa (Watson, 1881), extending its described depth range; Corinnaeturris angularis n. sp. , Typhlomangelia nivalis (Loven, 1846), expanding its known distribution farther south; and Drilliola pulchella (Verrill, 1880). The type material of Drilliola loprestiana (Calcara, 1841), previously considered lost, has been located and is illustrated here. Drilliola crispata (Cristofori and Jan, 1832) is considered to be a nomen dubium .