Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellular fatty acid composition in Pseudomonas species.

Cellular fatty acid composition of 50 strains of the genus Pseudomonas was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Straight-chain saturated acid of C16:0 and straight-chain unsaturated acids of C16:1 and C18:1 with a double bond were commonly found in all the strains tested. The presence of hydroxy acids, cyclopropane acids, and branched-chain acids showed the characteristics for the groups and species in the genus Pseudomonas. Similarity values calculated on the basis of fatty acids exhibited a clear correlation to the taxonomic groups of this genus. Bacterial fatty acid composition was considered to be useful for the study of interrelation and for rapid identification of the bacteria. Taxonomic studies on bacteria have been mainly carried out on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and physiological characteristics. Recently, chemical constituents of bacterial cells have become of interest from the point of taxonomy, and DNA base composition, cell wall composition, and type of co-enzyme Q have been used for taxonomic criteria in some taxa. The progress of instrumental analyses has contributed to the development of chemotaxonomy, and the results involved have been useful not only for the bacterial classification, but also for rapid identification of the bacteria.
Optimización de la biorremediación en relaves de cianuración adicionando nutrientes y microorganismos

The objective of this project was to find optimum parameters for the development of bioremediation process of cyanidation tailings by addition of nutrients and microorganisms. It was tested the use of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) to stabilize metal ions through the formation of sulphides and; bacteria able to biodegrade cyanide (BC). Factorial experiments were conducted at level of columns. SRB from Cyanidation tailings were isolated and BC proceeded from pregnant solution of cyanidation. BSR and BC were adapted to tailings. A column test was performed to try: 1. the effect of using 1 and 10 mM lactate to increase the activity of BSR and 2. Addition of 0,1 and 1 mM sodium acetate and phosphoric acid to improve the activity of BC. In order to optimize parameters, it was tested in columns, effect of a mixed culture (SRB-BC) and nutrients (1 mM lactate and Acetate 1mM). Nutrients were found to increase the reduction of sulfate to 48% (average) and the addition of inoculums to 42%. Bioremediation of cyanide was 12%. It was not shown effect on the addition of nutrients or inoculums on Cyanide degradation. Two additional tailings were tested and the addition of 1 mM sodium lactate allowed the induction of BSR in 8 days in one of them.
Competitive Effects of a Short Duration, Bush Type Cowpea When Intercropped With Cotton in Zimbabwe

SUMMARY Cowpea is an important supplement to the staple diet of maize in Zimbabwe, but its productivity is poor beacuse of pest infestations. This paper reports the results of experiments conducted over two crop seasons on the feasibility of producing a grain crop of cowpea intercropped with cotton to take advantage of cotton's slow initial growth and of drift from insecticides applied to it. Intercropping reduced the yield of cotton by between 11.5 and 73% depending on the type of season and the treatments applied, but the reduction was compensated by the yield of cowpea. The yield reduction was greater in the drier first season and with simultaneous planting of the two crops. Cowpea consistently performed better as an intercrop than as a sole crop, mainly because of the protection it received from the insecticides applied to the cotton.
Flujo de polen entre híbridos tropicales de Maíz de diferente color de endospermo

Gene flow between tropical maize hybrids with different endosperm color Maize pollen (Zea mays L.) is easily wind-dispersed long distances and may cause gene flow between neighboring fields with flowering synchrony. Gene flow may lead to undesirable genetic variation. The objective of this study was to quantify gene flow between two maize hybrids with different endosperm color, grown under irrigation. The experiment was planted at the CENIAP experimental field in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela, during the period January-April 2006. The field layout consisted in a central square, planted with the yellow pollen source and four axes (North, South, East, and West) formed by 11 white maize subplots, for a maximum distance of 61 m. For the North and South axes, gene flow was 25.65 % and 5.80 % at 1 m distance; whereas for the maximum distance (51 m) out-cross was 0.79 % and 0 %, respectively. On the other hand, for the East and West axes, gene flow was 15.32 % y 13.35 % at 1 m distance, while for the maximum distance (61 m) out-cross was 0.42 % and 0.05 %, respectively. Gene flow decreased exponentially as the distance from the yellow pollen source increased. Wind pattern and turbulence effect influenced pollen transport. A mathematical model allowed the estimation of 100 m as a suitable distance to prevent cross-fertilization between two different genotypes (inbreds, populations, hybrids, wild relatives). Using appropriate mathematical models one could estimate isolation distances required to avoid undesirable gene flow. Additional key words: Flowering synchrony, tropical maize, hybrids, transgenic maize, wind
The relationship between fish species richness, abundance and habitat complexity in a range of shallow tropical marine habitats

A simple habitat assessment score (HAS) was designed to assess habitat complexity across several different shallow tropical marine habitats including sandy patches, algal beds, seagrass beds and reefs. It measured rugosity, variety of growth forms, height, refuge size categories, percentage live cover and percentage hard substratum. Multiple regression models using HAS variables as predictors accounted for 71 and 22% of the variation in observed species richness and total fish abundance respectively. The two most important predictors of observed species richness were rugosity and variety of growth forms, while height was the most important predictor of total fish abundance. The HAS method worked consistently across a variety of habitat types and the complexity map closely mirrored the map of observed species richness, reflecting the patchy habitat mosaic of shallow tropical marine areas. Stations at the mouth of an enclosed lagoon, however, had a higher number of species than might have been expected judging from the habitat complexity scores. It is possible that this was linked to the preferential settling of pelagic fish larvae in this area as tidal water exchanges between the bay and the reef were funnelled through one small gap. This study highlights the need for fish biodiversity studies to take habitat complexity into account.
HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AFFECT CANOPY LEAF‐LEVEL PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN FOUR DECIDUOUS TREE SPECIES

Species composition of temperate forests vary with successional age (i.e., years after a major disturbance) and seems likely to change in response to significant global climate change. Because photosynthesis rates in co-occurring tree species can differ in their sensitivity to environmental conditions, these changes in species composition are likely to alter the carbon dynamics of temperate forests. To help improve our understanding of such atmosphere-biosphere interactions, we explored changes in leaf-level photosynthesis in a 60-70 yr old temperate mixed-deciduous forest in Petersham, Massachusetts (USA). Diurnally and seasonally varying environmental conditions differentially influenced in situ leaf-level photosynthesis rates in the canopies of four mature temperate deciduous tree species: red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), white birch (Betulapapyrifera), and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). We measured in situ photosynthesis at two heights within the canopies (top of the canopy at -20 m, and in the sub-canopy of the same individual trees at -14-16 m) through a diurnal time course on 7 d over two growing seasons. We simultaneously measured a suite of environmental conditions surrounding the leaf at the time of each measurement. We used path analysis to examine the influence of environmental factors on in situ photosynthesis in the tree canopies. Overall, red oak had the highest photosynthesis rates, followed by white birch, yellow birch, and red maple. There was little evidence for a substantial midday depression in photosynthesis. Instead, photosynthesis declined throughout the day, particularly after 1600. Diurnal patterns of light reaching canopy leaves, leaf and air temperature, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) contributed to diurnally varying photosynthesis rates. Large differences in these parameters through the growing season partly led to the seasonal differences observed in photosynthesis rates. Path analyses helped to identify the relative contribution of various environmental factors on photosynthesis and further revealed that species-specific sensi- tivities to various environmental conditions shifted through the season. Red oak photo- synthesis was particularly sensitive to air temperatures late in the season when air tem- peratures were low. Further, red maple photosynthesis was particularly sensitive to high VPDs through the growing season. Incorporating data on the physiological differences among tree species into forest carbon models will greatly improve our ability to predict alterations to the forest carbon budgets under various environmental scenarios such as global climate change, or with differing species composition.
Association of unstable hemoglobin variants and heterozygous β‐thalassemia: Example of a new variant Hb acharnes or [β53(D4) Ala → Thr]

We report here the functional and structural characterization of Hb Acharnes [β53(D4) Ala → Thr], an unstable and electrophoretically silent variant, that was found associated in trans with a β0‐thalassemic mutation (IVSI‐1 G → A), in a patient with thalassemia intermedia syndrome. This case is discussed in comparison with other sporadic cases that we have previously investigated, resulting from the co‐inheritance of a β0‐thalassemic mutation (CD39 C → T) with two other types of unstable hemoglobins, Hb Köln [β98(FG5) Val → Met], and Hb Arta [β45(CD4) Phe → Cys]. It may be concluded that, in these associated forms, both the degree of instability of the variant and the altered oxygen binding properties (affecting the degree of tissue hypoxia) are major determinants of their clinical expression. Am. J. Hematol. 62:186–192, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consequences of Surf-Zone Turbulence for Settlement and External Fertilization

The models presented here predict that surf-zone turbulence can have important consequences for wave-swept organisms. The rapid mixing of the water column ensures that larvae and spores can be rapidly transported to the substratum in the absence of sinking velocities or directed swimming. Thus, turbulent mixing removes one potential bottleneck in the recruitment of planktonic organisms to the shore. In contrast, the rapid dilution of gametes by turbulent mixing in the surf zone may drastically limit the efficiency of external fertilization, with a variety of consequences for animals using this form of reproduction. The "educational" models presented here are simplifications of an exceedingly complex flow regime, but they appear to be sufficiently valid to provide a useful perspective on life in the surf zone. We hope that they will stimulate discussion of and research into the many important biological consequences of nearshore turbulence.
Complexity for complexity's sake?

I think it is often the case in empirical biological research that the concepts and approaches one views as important are to a large extent influenced by the particular experimental system one has chosen to study. In my own case, I have struggled for a number of years to come to terms with the contact pheromone communication system of Drosophila serrata that is invisible to the naked eye, has more individual traits (nine) than is analytically convenient, and is compositional in terms of data structure requiring the loss of a phenotypic dimension through transformation to logcontrasts. Consequently, in an attempt to understand the evolution of these traits, I was left with little choice but to resort to a level of multivariate abstraction that may make many biologists uncomfortable. Clearly, applying the multivariate analyses outlined in the Target Review (Blows, 2007) would not have been required if I had worked on a system containing only two traits that could be seen and easily manipulated. In saying that, I am not in any way denigrating such simple systems; I was just not fortunate enough to choose one for myself. I guess the point I am trying to make at the start of this response is that the methods outlined in the review are not a bunch of statistical methods looking for a biological system to complicate. They are designed to distil out important biology from systems that were complicated the moment the decision to measure multiple traits was taken. Much of the anxiety expressed in the commentaries revolved around losing biological insights based on individual traits, or becoming trapped in an artificial world of composite traits that have little biological meaning. It is around these two issues that I have structured this response. But first, it is worthwhile taking a step back to consider the more general issue of trait definition, something I did not directly address in the review, before venturing onto address some of the specific issues raised concerning the utility of analysing the structure of G and c matrices.
Growth and Yield Responses to Plant Density and Stage of Transplanting in Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)

Growth and yield responses to plant density (6.75 × 104, 9.75 × 104 and 12.75 × 104 plants ha–1) and stage of transplanting (30, 35 and 40 days after sowing) of winter oilseed rape cultivar HO 605 were investigated in two field trials in the 1996/97 and 1997/98 growing seasons at Zhejiang University Farm, Huajiachi Campus, China. Results revealed a progressive decrease in leaf area per plant in response to increasing plant density and delayed transplanting, though leaf area m–2 and leaf area index were higher in high-density plants. Number of effective branches and pod per branch decreased with increasing plant density and delayed transplanting. There were no significant differences in the mean seed weight among treatments. Although the average number of seeds per pod was significantly lower for high-density plants and delayed transplanting, the economically highest seed yields were realized in relatively high-density plants. Seed oil content was negatively affected by increasing plant density, but no significant differences were observed with delayed transplanting. The highest seed yields of 1730.7 and 1748.1 kg ha–1 with no significant differences were observed for plant densities of 9.75 × 104 and 12.75 × 104 plants ha–1, respectively, transplanted at 35 and 30 days after sowing. Wachstum und Ertragsreaktionen auf Pflanzendichte und Entwicklungsstadium zum Zeitpunkt des Anpflanzens von Winterraps (Brassica napus L.) Wachtum und Ertragsreaktionen auf die Bestandesdichte (6,75 × 104, 9,75 × 104 Pflanzen ha–1) und das Entwicklungstadium zum Zeitpunkt des Anpflanzens (30, 35 und 40 Tage nach Aussaat) des Winterraps Kultivars HO 605 wurden in Feldversuchen in den Jahren 1996/97 und 1997/98 in der Vegationszeit an der Zhejian Universitatsfarm, Huajiachi Campud, China untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das die Blattflache je Pflanze mit zunehmender Bestandesdichte und Verzogerung des Auspflanzens abnimmt, obwohl die Blattflache je m2 und der Blattflachenindex in dichten Pflanzungen hoher waren. Die Anzahl fruchtbarer Seitensprosachsen und Schoten je Sprosachse nahmen mit zunehmender Bestandesdichte und Verzogerung des Anpflanzens ab. Es gab in den Behandlungen keine signifikanten Differenzen in den mittleren Samengewichten. Obwohl die durchschnittliche Anzahl Samen je Schote in den hohen Bestandesdichten und den verzogerten Auspflanzterminen signifikant geringer war, wurden die okonomisch hochsten Samenertrage in relativ hohen Bestandesdichten gefunden. Der Samenolgehalt war negativ duch die Bestandesdichte beeinflust; es wurden aber keine signifikanten Differenzen in Anhangigkeit von dem Auspflanztermin gefunden. Der hochste Ertrag von 1730,7 und 1748,1 kg ha–1 wurde, ohne signifikante Differenzen zwischen diesen Ertragen, bei Bestandesdichten von 9,75 × 104 und 12,75 × 104 Pflanzen ha–1 sowie Anpflanzterminen von 35 und 30 Tage nach Aussaat gefunden.
Metapopulation Genetics and the Evolution of Dispersal

A Markovian extinction model that takes into account age structure of local populations allows consideration of the effects of demography and successional dynamics on the evolution of migration. Analytical expressions for the evolutionarily stable (ES) rates of dispersal are given for cases in which newly recolonized sites attain carrying capacity within a single season. Using a low-fecundity numerical model, we find that an increase of the level of site saturation increases the dispersal rate. Ecological successions and unequal local extinction rates between newly colonized sites and established populations strongly affect the ES dispersal rate. The frequency of genetic modifiers that enhance the rate of dispersal evolves negative correlations with deme age, with high-migration genotypes predominant among colonizers while progressively declining in frequency as a deme ages. This suggests that between-deme selection (colonization) favors migrants while within-deme selection favors low dispersers, which allows the coexistence of types with different dispersal rates. Because of the interaction between the two levels of selection, the relation between the ES dispersal rate and the deme maximal lifetime is nonmonotone. We suggest that life-history traits other than dispersal might also experience antagonistic selective forces at the between- and within-deme levels.
Problemas de conservação das espécies dos gêneros Froelichia Moench e Froelichiella R.E. Fries (Amaranthaceae) no Brasil

The state of conservation of the representatives of the genera Froleichia Moench and Froelichiella R.E. Fries (Amaranthaceae) in Brazil is discussed based in the criteria of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resourses (IUCN). Most of the species can be considered as vulnerable, but may also present more serious problems on a regional basis, while some species should be considered as probably extint (EX), criticaly endangered (CR) or endangered (PE) at least in large part of their original distribution range.
Stereochemical specificity of Alzheimer's disease β-peptide assembly

The formation and growth of insoluble amyloid deposits composed primarily of the human β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in brain is an essentially invariant feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is widely believed to contribute to the progressive neurodegeneration of the disorder. To probe the specificity of amyloid formation and growth, we synthesized and examined the self-assembly of D- and L-stereoisomers of Aβ in vitro. While both enantiomers formed insoluble aggregates at similar rates with amyloid-like fibrillar morphology, deposition of soluble Aβ peptide onto preexisting Aβ aggregates was stereospecific. Although the L-peptide deposited readily onto immobilized L-Aβ aggregates with first-order kinetic dependence on soluble peptide concentration, essentially no association between the D-peptide and L-template was observed. Similarly, the D-peptide deposited with first-order kinetics onto a D-Aβ aggregate template but did not deposit onto a similar template composed of aggregates of the L-enantiomer. Furthermore, although the L-Aβ isomer deposited onto authentic AD amyloid in preparations of unfixed AD brain, no focal association between the D-peptide and brain amyloid was detected. These results establish that deposition of soluble Aβ onto preexisting amyloid template is stereospecific, likely involving direct docking interactions between peptide backbone and/or side chains rather than simple hydrophobic association. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 49: 505–514, 1999
OBSERVATIONS SUR LA REPRODUCTION DU SANGLIER (SUS SCROFA L.) A L'ÉTAT SAUVAGE

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. OBSERVATIONS SUR LA REPRODUCTION DU SANGLIER (SUS SCROFA L.) A L’ÉTAT SAUVAGE R. Mauget
The distribution of insects along elevational gradients

The distribution of insects along elevational gradients is controversial. Recent longterm sampling studies have concluded that mid-elevational peaks in species richness identified previously may have come from the short-term sampling regimes employed, and from disturbance at lower elevations. Long-term sampling seems likely to reveal peaks at lower elevations. Analysis of 20 studies taken from the literature add the possibility that the latitude at which a study is undertaken influences the elevation of peak species richness. A study of 12 open sites in the southeastern U.S., ranging in elevation from 100 m to 1700 m, reveals that both principal reasons advanced previously for mid-elevational peaks may be valid, if short-term sampling is employed. Taken together, all of the evidence indicates that a complex interplay of local ecological interactions, latitude, disturbance, and sampling regime determines the elevation of maximum insect species richness. The temporal and spatial scale employed strongly influences the evaluation of this ecological "pattern".
Use of historical information for conservation and restoration of Great Lakes aquatic habitat

We provide a rationale and methodological overview for historical (retrospective) study of Great Lakes aquatic habitats and biota. Historical information has significant potential to direct aquatic habitat management in the Great Lakes, particularly in setting restoration goals. Although the use of historical information has been opportunistic (it is limited by the preservation of information in specific forms) and generally of low resolution (it is generally semiquantitative at best), the products of these analyses have been compelling (they have changed the attitudes and expectations of people) and surprising (many of the conclusions of historical analysis were not predictable from other sources). Resume : Nous presentons une justification et un apercu methodologique pour l’etude historique (retrospective) des habitats aquatiques et du biote des Grands Lacs. Les informations historiques presentent un grand interet parce qu’elles peuvent faciliter la gestion de l’habitat aquatique des Grands Lacs, notamment pour ce qui est de la definition d’objectifs de restauration. Bien que l’utilisation des informations historiques soit de type opportuniste (elle est limitee du fait que l’information est preservee dans des formats particuliers) et generalement a faible resolution (au mieux, elle n’est generalement que semi-quantitative), les resultats de ces analyses ont ete convaincants (ils ont contribue a changer certaines attitudes et attentes) et surprenants (bon nombre des conclusions des analyses historiques n’etaient pas previsibles a partir