Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Common Inversion in Maize and Teosinte

The occurrence of common point mutations, or mutations beyond cytological resolution, in two closely related and readily hybridized species can be accounted for not only by parallel mutation but also by introgression. Therefore, characters other than point mutations and of which the origin can be interpreted only in terms of one of the above two mechanisms should be employed in order to determine how they come into existence. One of these characters is chromosome inversion. If this inversion exists in both maize (Zea mays L.) and teosinte (Zea mexicana "Schrad." R. and M.), it is unequivocal that introgression of germ plasms between them has formerly taken place. In the spring of 1964, a chromosome inversion was identified in the short arm of chromosome 8 of a maize tester strain (j/j). This inversion was designated as 1n8 of maize. At pachynema, the average length of the inverted segment occupied approximately 60 % of the length of the short arm of chromosome 8. Configurations such as loops (Fig. 1) and asynapses were both observed. These configurations and characteristics are similar to those demonstrated by the In8's found in certain strains of North American maize and in four varieties of maize from central Mexico, and one variety of maize from Bolivia by McClintock (1933, 1959). These configurations and characteristics are also similar to those manifested by the In8's observed in Mexican teosintes from Durang, Nobogame (Fig. 2), Chalco and Xochimilco by Ting (1958, 1964). Furthermore, they are also similar to those exhibited by the Wn8's of Durango-teosinte derivatives studied by the author (1957). All of these lead to an inescapable conclusion that these strains of maize, teosinte, and teosinte derivatives have an In8 in common. It is difficult to explain the occurrence of the same In8 in maize and teosinte in terms of parallel mutation because no instance has been found that inversions have recurred in any organisms known to exist. The alternate explanation would be made in terms of introgression, or there was an interchange of germ plasms between maize and teosinte in the past. The direction of dissemination of this 1n8 could be from terosinte to maize or vice versa. Up to now, the presence of this 1n8 has not been reported in any ancient races of maize as classified by Wellhausen et al. (1952). This lends strong support of a conclusion that the direction of introgression of this In8 is from teosinte to maize.
Saltmarsh erosion and restoration in south-east England: squeezing the evidence requires realignment: Saltmarsh erosion and restoration

1. Saltmarshes in south-east England have been eroding rapidly since 1960. Recently, Hughes & Paramor (2004) and Morris et al. (2004) have presented contrasting views on the extent to which physical and biological processes might contribute to the erosion. There are three contentious issues: (i) saltmarsh erosion is the result of coastal squeeze, where sea walls prevent a landward migration of a saltmarsh in response to sea level rise; (ii) saltmarsh erosion is linked to bioturbation and herbivory of seedlings by the ragworm Nereis diversicolor; (iii) new saltmarshes will not develop on managed realignment sites where existing sea walls have been removed because of the effects of ragworms. 2. In this paper, we provide a literature review of physical and biological processes relevant to the above three issues, and discuss the relative importance of these processes at different spatial and temporal scales. 3. Our synthesis shows that, at a regional scale, the combination of strong winds, high tides and increased wave height appears to be responsible for the increased rate of marsh erosion and creek dissection recorded in the 1970s. There is also some laboratory evidence that bioturbation and herbivory from populations of Nereis can lead to sediment instability and loss of pioneer plant species, such as Salicornia spp. However, the field evidence is more equivocal and has been conducted at small spatial scales. 4. At a large number of different managed realignment sites there is strong evidence that even if bioturbation and herbivory by Nereis have occurred, overall the effects have been insufficient to restrict plant succession of exposed sediment. 5. Synthesis and applications. There is an urgent need for long-term field studies that integrate and quantify physical and biological processes and the related feedbacks at different spatial and temporal scales. Until this is completed, terms such as coastal squeeze will remain contentious and management decisions will invite criticism.
Eficiência da poda em cafeeiros no controleda Xylella fastidiosa

A bacteria Xylella fastidiosa coloniza os vasos do xilema dos seus hospedeiros, bloqueando o movimento da agua e nutrientes, afetando a producao. Ate o momento, o manejo adequado do cafezal, desde o plantio, com o uso de mudas isentas da bacteria e o controle das cigarrinhas vetoras, sao medidas que atenuam a incidencia da doenca. A poda e uma pratica importante para a otimizacao da producao do cafezal, e o tipo de poda depende da cultivar e do ambiente, usando-se podas tradicionais ou drasticas. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiencia do emprego de diferentes tipos de poda no controle de X. fastidiosa nas cultivares comerciais de cafe arabica `Acaia IAC 474-19' e `Catuai Vermelho IAC 81'. Oito plantas de cada cultivar foram submetidas aos tipos de podas: decote, esqueletamento e recepa, em outubro de 2003, e oito delas foram mantidas sem poda, como testemunha. Para o estudo anatomico, anteriormente a poda, foram retirados cinco ramos das plantas utilizadas como testemunha e, em outubro de 2004 (periodo chuvoso) e junho de 2005 (periodo seco), retiraram-se outros cinco ramos de cada planta dos quatro tratamentos. Na cultivar Acaia IAC 474-19, notou-se baixa proporcao de obstrucao dos elementos de vaso de xilema, nao sendo observadas diferencas entre os tratamentos. Na `Catuai Vermelho IAC 81', embora as diferencas entre os tratamentos tambem nao tenham sido significativas, constatou-se uma tendencia em diminuir a proporcao de obstrucao de elementos de vasos do xilema pela bacteria nas podas mais drasticas do tipo esqueletamento e recepa, nos dois periodos (chuvoso e seco). Sugere-se que a pratica da poda dos tipos esqueletamento e recepa sejam mais vantajosas para o controle da Xylella em situacoes de alta severidade.
Embryo Development in Ripe Seeds of Eranthis hiemalis and its Relation to Gibberellic Acid

The ripe seeds of Eranthis hiemalis (L.) Salisb. , the winter aconite, contain undeveloped embryos. At 20–25°C the embryos grow only little, and the seeds do not germinate. Rapid embryo development starts if the seeds, after 3 weeks of “after-ripening” at 20–25°C, are placed at low temperature, 3–4°C; germination then takes place after 2–3 months, Embryo development without germination occurs when the seeds are placed in gibberellic acid solutions at 20–25°C. Embryo development is inhibited at low temperature by the specific inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis, 2-chlorethyl cholin chloride, but is restored by the simultaneous addition of gibberellic acid. It is suggested that one early effect of the cold is to bring about a synthesis of gibberellin.
Influence of late season fire on early successional vegetation of an Oklahoma prairie

The study of vegetation dynamics in tallgrass prai- rie in response to fire has focused on dormant season fire in late successional prairies. Our objective was to determine if late season fire of varying frequency results in divergent successional patterns in an early successional tallgrass prairie disturbed by grazing and cultivation. Specifically, we evalu- ated the influence of late-summer fires of varying frequency on community composition and species richness. We col- lected vegetation and environmental data on two sites burned in the late growing-season at varying frequencies. These com- munities differed in composition depending primarily on edaphic factors, time since the last burn, and year-to-year variation. We interpret the time effect as related to changes in species composition accompanying plant succession that fol- lowed disturbance either from cropping and heavy grazing on the loamy site or heavy grazing on the shallow site. Other unidentified factors also have a role in vegetation dynamics on this prairie. Community composition and species richness were not consistently responsive to frequency of growing- season fires.
Phototrophic Community in Gypsum Crust from the Atacama Desert Studied by Raman Spectroscopy and Microscopic Imaging

The hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert represents one of the driest places on Earth with an exceptional occurrence of microbial life coping with extreme environmental stress factors. The gypsum crusts have already been found to harbor diverse communities in this area. Here, we present a Raman spectroscopic study, complemented by correlative microscopic imaging using SEM-BSE and fluorescence microscopy, of the endolithic microbial communities inside the Ca-sulphate crusts dominated by phototrophic microorganisms. Differences of pigment composition within different zones follow the cyanobacterial and algal colonization and also reveal the degradation of phycobiliproteins within the decayed biomass of cyanobacteria. Carotenoids of at least three different types were recognized, differing in dependence on the particular phylum of phototrophic microorganisms. Moreover, calcium oxalate monohydrate – whewellite – was found to be associated with the algae and hyphal associations living in the lower regions of the crust. The 785 nm excitation wavelength employed here was found to be the correct source for studying pigment composition as well as for the detection of the oxalate. A comparison of these results with those using 514.5 nm laser excitation which is widely adopted for the detection of carotenoids due to the resonance Raman effect is made and discussed.
Relações planta-animal em ambiente pastoril heterogêneo: padrões de deslocamento e uso de estações alimentares

This study assessed how the displacement patterns and feeding station used can be affected by sward heights of 4, 8, 12 and 16 cm. A randomized complete design was used with two replication in time and space. The animals were evaluated by 45- minute grazing tests, to determine the number of bites, number of feeding stations and number of steps using counters, except for number of bites, which was registered by the IGER Behaviour Recorder device. A positive correlation was observed between sward height and herbage mass, and negative correlation between sward height and herbage bulk density. Differences between female calves and ewes were observed in all variables evaluated. The number of feeding station per minute decreased quadratically with increasing sward height. The number of bites per feeding station and time per feeding station increased quadratically with increasing sward height and were affected negatively by the lower herbage bulk density in the upper strata of the higher sward heights. Female calves, at 12 cm sward height, carried out more bites per feeding station and remained longer at each feeding station. The same behaviour was observed for ewes at 8 cm sward height. As less feeding stations were used, as a response to the previous variables, the animals walked more with slower steps. Thus, at sward heights between 8 and 12 cm the animals remained more time grazing each feeding station and covered longer distances searching for new grazing sites.
Molecular characterization of a mitochondrial mutant carrying point mutations in the 3′ untranslated region of the COX3 mRNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The COX3 gene is located in the mitochondrial genome and encodes the cytochrome c oxidase subunit III of the respiratory chain in yeast. In addition to an 810-bases-coding region, the COX3 mRNA has a 613-bases 5′ untranslated region (UTR) and an approximately 2.2-kb 3′UTR. Studies on the expression of COX3 have shown that the COX3 5′UTR sequences are involved in the translation initiation of the COX3 mRNA. However, the function of the COX3 3′UTR in gene expression is unknown. In this study, we report molecular characteristics of a mitochondrial cox3 mutant, M9-3, with alterations in the COX3 3′UTR. We found that COX3 mRNA levels in M9-3 are comparable to those in its wild-type parent strain. But we found that levels of subunit III, the COX3 gene product, are reduced in M9-3 relative to its wild-type. Together, these observations suggest a possible role for the COX3 3′UTR sequences in the subunit III synthesis.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT WITH SUSPENDED AND NONSUSPENDED ALGAE

Mass culture of algae in wastewater can significantly contribute to the management of freshwater ecosystems by providing a more environmentally sound approach to reducing the eutrophication potential of point sources of human wastes than is achieved by current treatment practices. Incorporating algal systems into conventional wastewater treatment has the potential to improve the water quality of the effluent by reducing the nutrient and metal loads into freshwater ecosystems. The use of algae to treat wastewater has been investigated for over 40 years, with one of the first descriptions of this application being reported by Oswald and Gotaas (1957). For a historical survey of outdoor algal mass culture efforts, including wastewater treatment, see Goldman (1979a) and Soeder (1980). Most research has focused on suspended microalgae growing in shallow, artificial ponds containing sewage. However, in recent years there has been an increased research emphasis on the use of nonsuspended algae, either as unialgal cultures immobilized in a polymeric matrix or as attached algal communities (biofilm/periphyton) growing in shallow, artificial streams or on the surfaces of rotating biological contactors (RBC/biodiscs). In this minireview, I focus on the use of algae in advanced treatment of wastewater, comment on some of the advantages and disadvantages of this biotechnology, and suggest the likely direction of future research in this area. First, I briefly survey the extensive work on suspended algal systems, with emphasis on more recent research. Then I follow this with a more complete summary of the research on nonsuspended algal systems.
Biologia molecular de baculovírus e seu uso no controle biológico de pragas no Brasil

Baculoviruses are insect viruses found mainly in Lepidoptera. The family Baculoviridae is taxonomically divided in two genera, Nucleopolyhedrovirus and Granulovirus, which differ by occlusion body morphology. NPVs (Nucleopolyhedroviruses) have polyhedrical inclusion bodies (PIBs) containing multiple viral particles, while GVs (Granuloviruses) appear to be generally single particles occluded in oval shaped occlusion bodies. During the life cycle, two different viral progenies are produced: BV (Budded Virus) and PDV (Polyhedra Derived Virus), which are essential for the infectious process and virus propagation in host cells. Baculoviruses are being used for pest control and they are especially safe due to their specificity and invertebrate-restricted host range. Baculoviruses have been used as vectors for high level protein expression ofheterologous genes from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Also, recombinant DNA techniques have allowed the production of genetically modified viral insecticides. This study is a review on the taxonomy, structure, replication and molecular biology of baculoviruses, as well as their use as bioinsecticides in Brazil.
Distribution of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) infesting domestic ruminants in Ghana

Nineteen sites throughout Ghana were selected as representative of the three major zones of natural vegetation. At these sites, samples of ticks were collected from groups of approximately five each of cattle, sheep and goats. Ticks were identified by light microscopy. In order of abundance, tick species found on livestock were: Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius), Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Rhipicephalus senegalensis Koch, Boophilus annulatus (Say), Hyalomma marginatum rufipes Koch, a Rhipicephalus species in the sanguineus group of uncertain identity close to both R. turanicus Pomerantsev and R. sulcatus Neumann, Boophilus geigyi Aeschlimann & Morel, Hyalomma truncatum Koch, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi Neumann and Rhipicephalus lunulatus Neumann. Amblyomma variegatum was found on every sample of the sheep, goats and cattle examined and was equally abundant in all vegetation zones. Boophilus species were found mainly on cattle, with some on sheep and were widely distributed by vegetation zone. Hyalomma species were found predominantly on cattle and widely distributed by vegetation zone. Rhipicephalus e. evertsi and R. senegalensis were found on sheep and cattle in all vegetation zones. The tick fauna of Ghana is similar to those of other West African countries and this shows that control strategies developed in neighbouring countries can be applied to Ghana. The significance of this tick fauna is discussed in relation to potential for pathogen transmission.
Fatty acid‐containing lipids of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae during post‐fermentation decline in viability

On exhaustion of the sugar supply in the medium, cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae maintained at 30°C lost most of their phospholipid content and their viability, as assessed by methylene blue staining, within a few days. Both processes occurred more rapidly in cells which had fermented glucose rather than maltose. During this period of decline the cell content of other fatty acid esters, mainly t riacylglycerols, increased. This seemed greater in cells grown with maltose than with glucose but the latter cells also synthesised distinct amounts of waxes. The total quantity of lipid per cell did not change significantly during loss of viability although the composition of the lipid fraction did.
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND FIRE IN A DRY DECIDUOUS FOREST

A century of annual burning of the understory of otherwise fire-free deciduous tropical forest in central India has favored seven tree species that produce sprouts or suckers from root buds (root-sprouters) over 37 species that produce sprouts basally from root crowns (root-crown resprouters). Experiments over two years demonstrated that low-intensity ground fires killed seedlings ( 1 year old) stems of root-sprouters increased in burned study plots but decreased in plots protected from fire. Annual burning by people favors species that repair damage by root sprouts. Root-sprouting offers a means of occupying new ground with clonal ramets away from the original parental base. Over time, forests may become dominated by clonal .
THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS.: 46. Silene noctiflora L.

A review is provided of information on the biology of Silene noctiflora (Melandrium noctiflorum), night-flowering catchfly, an annual weed species introduced into North America from Eurasia. An important weed, particularly of grain and leguminous crops, S. noctiflora occurs across the agricultural areas of Canada, although less common in the Atlantic provinces. It is resistant to common herbicides such as 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, MCPA and mecoprop.
Vaccines Make Good Immune Theater: Immunization as Described in a Three-Act Play

Abstract: The immune response evolved to provide protection against infectious diseases. Optimal development of a protective immune response by a vaccine should mimic the steps and processes elicited during the establishment of natural immunity. Microbial infection triggers innate responses to the infection, which progresses through a series of stages consistent with the development of the action in a drama. The action is mediated by defined cellular characters whose costumes are described in CD#s with a molecular text consisting of cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, and other proteins. The main characters for initiating this drama are the dendritic cell (DC) and the T cell. Optimal activation of the DC by infection or immunization promotes the development of a more effective immune response. Newer approaches mimic or manipulate the stageplay that Mother Nature developed to promote proper DC presentation of antigen to T cells to initiate immune protection from microbial infection. This review will provide an overview of the immune response and introduce some basic and new concepts of vaccine development.
Effects of Competition, Disturbance, and Herbivory on Salicornia Europaea

The effects of interspecific competition, physical disturbance, and insect herbivory on the distribution and abundance of Salicornia europaea in a New England salt marsh were studied using manipulative field experiments. In New England salt marsh plant communities, S. europaea is restricted to disturbance- generated patches. S. europaea was unable to colonize successfully low-marsh habitats that were fiooded daily by tides, because seedlings germinating in these areas could not anchor in soft substrate and were easily uprooted. In high-marsh habitats, S. europaea seeds reliably colonized recently created patches because the seed's hairy coat bound to the plant debris that created the patches. S. europaea was successful in naturally occurring and artificially maintained patches. However, it was rapidly outcompeted for light by perennials in un? disturbed areas and eventually was overgrown by perennials growing into the patches. When the perennial canopy was removed, S. europaea increased in biomass and fecundity relative to conspecifics that were beneath the perennial canopy. S. europaea, however, was attacked by insect herbivores more frequently in patches than beneath the perennial canopy and this herbivore pressure reduced survivorship in patches to approximately the same level as beneath the perennial canopy. Interactions among physical disturbance, seed dispersal patterns, interspecific compe? tition, and herbivory appear to be major factors controlling patterns of distribution and abundance of Salicornia in New England salt marsh plant communities.
Slot‐seeding investigations. 4. Effect of phosphate fertilizer and grass suppressant on the establishment and growth of white clover in permanent pasture

White clover (cv. Grasslands Huia) was slot-seeded in April 1982 into plots of permanent pasture of differing botanical composition and reserves of soil phosphate. In one investigation the short-term effects of placing different amounts of phosphate (P2O5) in different positions in relation to the slot were investigated. In another, emphasis was given to effects of a grass-suppressing herbicide, propyzamide, on herbage growth and clover contributon during the second year. Fewer seedlings established on plots with a high initial P status and abundant in Holcus lanatus and Alopecurus pratensis than on plots deficient in P2O5 and dominated by Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra. P2O5decreased numbers of establishing clover seedlings when applied in the slots but not when placed beneath them. Growth was increased most when placement was beneath the slot. Application of P2O5to plots previously supplied with it resulted in 7.2 g total above ground and 1.7 g stolon dry weight (m row)−1compared to 1.3 and 0.1 g respectively in plots with low reserves and DO applied P2O5. Propyzamide greatly increased the yield and the contribution of clover in the presence of high initial P status and applied P2O5. Without propyzamide, clover made only a small contribution until July, averaging 7% for the whole season with little benefit from residual P. Clover growth in late summer was increased from 41 to 292 kg DM ha−1 where P2O5 was applied to P-deficient plots sprayed with propyzamide in the previous autumn. The large increases in clover contribution following propyzamide application were accompanied by small decreases in total seasonal yield of grass. The proportions of H. lanatus and. F. rubra. were decreased and of A. capillaris, increased. Spread of clover from the slots was slow during the first year but was encouraged by both P2O5 and propyzamide during the second year. Factors requiring further investigation are discussed.