Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interação do regime hídrico com as relações nutricionais em ecossistema manguezal

The hypothesis that the seasonality of rainfall and the river regime have some influence on the physical and chemical sediment and chemical composition of tree leaves of the mangrove ecosystem was tested. In this study, the influence of the hydric regime on the physicochemical characteristics of the Mucuri River mangrove ecosystem, in Bahia, Brazil, was evaluated. The study was carried out during the months of April (rainy season) and October (dry season) in sites that were predominantly comprised of Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle. We evaluated the physicochemical properties of the sediments and nutrient leaf composition. Overall, the results were influenced by the hydric regime. The period of higher river levels and rainwater intake was marked by high values of exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity, pH, salinity and Ca, Fe and Mn in the sediments. In contrast, higher values of K, Mg and Zn occurred during the dry season. The hydric regime also influenced the chemical composition of leaves. During the dry season, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cu were higher. Spatial variation and interspecific differences were also observed. Leaves of A. germinans showed a higher accumulation of nutrients, while lower concentration of nutrients were observed in R. mangle. The basin forest region (interior of forest) was characterized by high values of organic matter, pH and K. These factors had little influence on the concentration of nutrients in the leaves. The lack of a clear seasonal pattern in geomorphology, geochemistry and in the chemical composition of the leaves shows the complexity of interpreting data of a coastal ecosystem where environmental factors interact synergistically and antagonistically.
Abundance and Diversity of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in High Arsenic Shallow Aquifers

The abundance, diversity, and relative distribution of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in high arsenic (As) groundwater aquifers of Hangjinhouqi County in the Hetao Basin, Inner Mongolia was investigated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of dsrB genes (encoding dissimilatory sulfite reductase beta-subunit). DGGE results revealed that SRB populations were diverse, but were mainly composed of Desulfotomaculum, Desulfobulbus, Desulfosarcina, and Desulfobacca. The abundance of Desulfobulbus was positively correlated with the ratio of Fe(II)/Fe(III). Although qPCR results showed that the dsrB gene abundance in groundwater samples ranged from below detection to 4.9 × 106 copies/L, and the highest percentage of dsrB gene copies to bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies was 2.1%. Geochemical analyses showed that As(III) content and the ratio of Fe(II) to Fe(III) increased with total As, while sulfate concentrations decreased. Interestingly, the dsrB gene abundance was positively correlated with As concentrations. These results indicate that sulfate reduction occurs simultaneously with As and Fe reduction, and might result in increased As release and mobilization when As is not incorporated into iron sulfides. This study improves our understanding of SRB and As cycling in high As groundwater systems.
Taxonomic re-assignment of Cryptocaryon irritans, a marine fish parasite

Cryptocaryon irritans, a ciliated protozoan, is one of the most devastating parasites of marine fish cultured in temperate and tropical seas. Based on the remarkable affinities with its “freshwater counterpart” Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, C. irritans has traditionally been included in the Ichthyophthiriidae, although cytological studies failed to show ultrastructural features to warrant its inclusion in this family. We sequenced the complete 18S rRNA gene (1,765 nucleotides) from aC. irritansisolate from the Red Sea. Our phylogenetic analyses unequivocally show that C. irritans is taxonomically distinct from I. multifiliis (15.4% divergence) and justify C. irritans' inclusion into the order Prorodontida within the Class Prostomatea. Cryptocaryonidae is proposed as a new family name.
Modulating effect of polyethylene glycol on the intestinal transport and absorption of prednisolone, methylprednisolone and quinidine in rats by in‐vitro and in‐situ absorption studies

The effects of polyethylene glycol 20000 (PEG 20000) on the intestinal absorption of prednisolone, methylprednisolone and quinidine, three P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrates, across the isolated rat intestinal membranes were examined by an in‐vitro diffusion chamber system. The serosal‐to‐mucosal (secretory) transport of these P‐gp substrates was greater than their mucosal‐to‐serosal (absorptive) transport, indicating that their net movement across the intestinal membranes was preferentially in the secretory direction. The polarized secretory transport of these drugs was remarkably diminished and their efflux ratios decreased in the presence of PEG 20000. In addition, PEG 20000 did not affect the transport of Lucifer yellow, a non‐P‐gp substrate. The intestinal membrane toxicity of PEG 20000 was evaluated by measuring the release of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and protein from the intestinal membranes. The release of ALP and protein was enhanced in the presence of 20 mM sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), a positive control, while these biological parameters did not change in the presence of 0.1–5% (w/v) PEG 20000. These findings indicated that the intestinal membrane damage caused by PEG 20000 was not a main reason for the enhanced absorptive transport of these P‐gp substrates in the presence of PEG 20000. Furthermore, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of rat jejunal membranes in the presence or absence of PEG 20000 was measured by a diffusion chamber method. PEG 20000 (0.1–5.0 % w/v) did not change the TEER values of the rat jejunal membranes, indicating that the increase in the absorptive transport of these P‐gp substrates might not be due to the increased transport of these P‐gp substrates via a paracellular pathway caused by PEG 20000. Finally, the effect of PEG 20000 on the intestinal absorption of quinidine was examined by an in‐situ closed‐loop method. The intestinal absorption of quinidine was significantly enhanced in the presence of 0.1‐1.0% (w/v) PEG 20000. These findings suggest that PEG 20000 might be a useful excipient to improve the intestinal absorption of quinidine, which is mainly secreted by a P‐gp‐mediated efflux system in the intestine.
Investigating the potential interactions between glutamatergic signalling and Alix (ALG-2 interacting protein X)

Previous work has identified a novel dopamine receptor interacting protein, Alix (ALG-2 (apoptosis-linked gene 2-interacting protein X), using D1 receptor C-terminal domain or D3 receptor third cytoplasmic loop as 'baits' in separate yeast two-hybrid screens. Alix is thought to be important for the stability and trafficking of dopamine receptors and is an ubiquitous adaptor protein that was first described for its capacity to bind to the calcium-binding protein, ALG-2. It is known to be involved in apoptosis, regulation of cell adhesion, protein sorting, adaptation to stress conditions, endosomal trafficking and neuronal cell death. However, the exact cellular role for this protein in neuronal signalling remains poorly understood. There is strong evidence to support the existence of direct interactions between dopamine receptors and NMDA receptors and dopamine receptor interacting proteins such as Alix may facilitate intracellular ‘cross talk’ between both neurotransmitter signalling pathways. Furthermore, Alix has been recently found within the human postsynaptic density (PSD) and since NMDA receptors are central components of the PSD, we hypothesized that Alix may be able to influence NMDA receptor function. We have evaluated the effects of recombinant wildtype and truncated Alix proteins in NMDA receptor function using an NMDA receptor cell death assay in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney-293 cells (HEK293). We found that coexpression of Alix had a significant effect on NMDA receptor triggered cell death and we have examined Alix expression and colocalisation with NMDAR in HEK293 cells as well as endogenous Alix expression within cultured primary cortical and hippocampal neurons. Our results suggest that Alix can influence the NMDA receptor induced cell death pathway and suggests a previously unreported role for Alix as a potential modulator of NMDA receptor function.
Polymorphism of aspartic proteinases in resting and germinating barley seeds

ABSTRACT Both resting and germinated barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare L. ‘Morex’) contain aspartic endopeptidase activities, and the activities increase during germination. We have extracted and partially purified aspartic endopeptidases from both resting seeds and green malt (four-day germinated barley). Six aspartic proteinase activities were found in resting barley seeds while only four activities were detected in green malt. All of the aspartic proteinases had similar pH activity optima (pH 3.5–4.5) and pI values (≈4.5). The purified green malt aspartic proteinases selectively digested a group of barley seed proteins, postulated to serve as defensive proteins, that are coded by the amylase-trypsin inhibitor super gene family. The aspartic proteinases that bound to a pepstatin A affinity column at pH 4.5 cross-reacted with antiserum raised against aspartic proteinases purified from barley seed. However, those that did not bind the affinity column also did not cross-react with the antiserum, indicating tha.
Contenção farmacológica do gato-do-mato-pequeno, Leopardus tigrinus, para colheita de sêmen, pela associação de tiletamina zolazepam e xilazina

This paper reports the anesthetic effects of the combination of tiletamine HCl, zolazepam HCl, and xylazine HCl in tigrinas, Leopardus tigrinus Schreber, 1775 (Fam. Felidae), submitted to semen collection by electroejaculation. Three different protocols and the individual anesthetic doses were calculated by interspecific allometric scaling, based on the usual recommendations for a 10.0 kg domestic dog: On Protocol 1 (n=10) the basis for calculation was 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 0.5mg/kg for xylazine; on Protocol 2 (n=12) 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 0.75mg/kg for xylazine; and on Protocol 3 (n=11) 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 1.0mg/kg for xylazine. The tigrinas were anesthetized on three different occasions with a minimum interval of 30 days. During 120 minutes after the drug administration cardiac and respiratory frequencies, rectal temperature, limb myorelaxation and sensitivity to deep pain were monitored. Latency period, anesthetic period, and contamination of the semen with urine were also monitored. From a total of 32 collections, 10 samples (31.2%) and 18 aliquots (0.07%) were contaminated and rejected, but this episodes were not detrimental for semen analysis and processing. A discrete increase in rectal temperature during electroejaculation caused by muscle contraction, followed by temperature decrease, was observed. Cardiac and respiratory frequency varied during the experiment, but remained within physiological standards for the species. The three tested protocols showed to be safe and effective to produce analgesia and anesthesia in L. tigrinus during semen collection by electroejaculation.
HOST‐PARASITE RELATIONSHIPS IN SOOTY BLOTCH DISEASE OF WHITE CLOVER

A B S T R A C T Leaflets of Trifolium repens L. parasitized by Cymadothea trifolii (Pers.) Wolf were examined by light and electron microscopy to ascertain cellular aberrations induced by the fungus. The lamellar organization of the chloroplasts became disrupted, with a concomitant increase in the amount of osmophilic material. Many of the cells in diseased tissues exhibited tubule-like aggregations, which often were arranged in a highly ordered pattern. Curious extracytoplasmic, dumbbell-shaped structures extending between host cells and contiguous hyphae were also observed in diseased tissue. ALTHOUGH the anatomical and cytological phenomena associated with fungal parasites and their hosts have been investigated for many years, our knowledge of their interactions was largely confined to anomalies that could be detected with light microscopy. Within recent years, electron microscopy has been used to examine these relationships at the ultrastructural level, although this technique has not been exploited as much as is desirable. For example, most of the research on fungal parasites has emphasized fungal fine structure and the relationship between haustoria and the host cytoplasm (Ehrlich and Ehrlich, 1963; Peyton and Bowen, 1963; Berlin and Bowen, 1964; Boyer and Isaac, 1964; Shaw and Manocha, 1965; Bracker, 1967, 1968), while ultrastructural abnormalities in the host cells were given minor consideration. The research described in this paper was conducted as part of a program initiated to extend our knowledge of host-parasite interactions at the ultrastructural level, particularly abnormalities appearing in the host. Preliminary observations on Cymadothea trifolii (Pers.) Wolf, an obligate, intercellular parasite which incites sooty blotch disease of white clover, revealed that the tissue offered an excellent opportunity for a study of this kind. Furthermore, the disease is widespread, and natural infections were abundant throughout the summer months.
Influence of Applied Nitrogen and Clipping Treatments on Winter Survival of Perennial Cool-Season Grasses1

A study to determine the extent to which winter injury of cool-season grasses was related to genetic variation in cold tolerance, nitrogen fertilization, or previous spring and summer clipping treatments was completed at Rock Springs, Pennsylvania. Visual estimates of the percentage of winter injury sustained during the winter of 1971–72 were made in mid-May. The grasses received 0, 60, 120, or 240 kg N/ha in spring and summer of 1971 and spring 1972. Half the plots at each rate of N were clipped at vegetative growth stages in spring, and in early June, late July, and early October. The other half were clipped after head emergence in spring, and in late August and early October. Average winter injury ranged from less than 1% for reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) to 83% for two perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne. L.) cultivars. Kentucky blue-grass (Poa patensis L.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) were injured slightly (2 to 8%) more than reed canarygrass, and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and redtop (Agrostis alba L.) sustained even more winter injury (12 to 18%). Average winter injury ranged from 14 to 57% for orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), 20 to 48% for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and 33 to 83% for perennial ryegrass. Nitrogen fertilization decreased winter survival of orchardgrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass to a greater extent than it did other species. Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, and reed canarygrass were not severely injured by either clip ping regime. One or more cultivars of orchardgrass, timothy, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and redtop sustained winter injury when clipped at immature growth stages but were not injured when clipped at mature growth stages. Differential injury associated with the clipping regimes increased as rate of N increased. The large differences in winter injury among cultivars of orchardgrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass suggest that tolerances to environmental stresses ought to be more thoroughly tested if we are to use new cultivars most effectively.
Territorial Conflicts in Males of the Dragonfly, Orthetrum japonicum japonicum (Odonata: Libellulidae): The Role of Body Size

Abstract The relationship between body size and the results of territorial conflicts was studied in males of the dragonfly, Orthetrum japonicum japonicum. Territorial residents were larger than intruders in body width, but not in hind wing length. Winners of territorial conflicts were larger than losers in body width, but not in hind wing length. This difference was attributed to the fact that residents were larger than intruders. The results of territorial conflicts were more strongly affected by the role of the opponents (resident or intruder) than by the difference in their body sizes. Territorial males arrived at the territorial sites earlier than non-territorial ones on a given day. The body size of males arriving at the study area earlier in a day was not larger than that of males arriving later.
AS CAPACIDADES ESPECIALIZADAS DE MARKETING E A INFLUÊNCIA NO DESEMPENHO ORGANIZACIONAL E DE INOVAÇÃO DAS EMPRESAS DO SETOR TIC

RESUMO: A presente pesquisa teve como principal foco de estudo analisar a relação entre capacidades especializadas de marketing e os desempenhos organizacional e de inovação. São consideradas capacidades especializadas de marketing as variáveis: preço, produto, distribuição, promoção, pesquisa de mercado e vendas. O desempenho organizacional foi medido utilizando-se indicadores financeiros e de mercado. As variáveis de inovação trabalhadas foram desenvolvimento de novos produtos, conquista de novos mercados, aumento de qualidade nos produtos, sucesso no lançamento e exclusividade. A pesquisa foi aplicada em empresas do setor de Tecnologia de Informação e Comunicação (TIC). 101 questionários válidos foram utilizados na análise de dados. Dos casos coletados, 46,1% representam empresas paranaenses. Os dados foram analisados utilizandose estatística descritiva, análise fatorial exploratória e análise fatorial confirmatória por meio da utilização da técnica PLS-SEM para o teste de hipótese. Os resultados demonstram que as capacidades especializadas de marketing se relacionam positivamente com o desempenho organizacional e com o desempenho de inovação. Evidencia-se então, a importância de se trabalhar com as capacidades de marketing nas organizações do setor TIC para o alcance de resultados financeiros, de mercado e de inovação.
Severity of root rot in mature subterranean clover and associated fungal pathogens in the wheatbelt of Western Australia

Pasture decline is considered to be a serious challenge to agricultural productivity of subterranean clover across southern Australia. Root disease is a significant contributing factor to pasture decline. However, root disease assessments are generally carried out in the early part of the growing season and in areas predominantly sown to permanent pastures. For this reason, in spring 2004, a survey was undertaken to determine the severity of root disease in mature subterranean clover plants in pastures located in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. DNA-based soil assays were used to estimate population density in the soil of a variety of soil-borne pathogens known to commonly occur in the Mediterranean-type environments of southern Australia. The relationships between severity of disease on tap and lateral roots and root diameter, root length, nodulation, and total rainfall were determined. The survey showed, for the first time, that severe root disease is widespread in spring across the wheatbelt of Western Australia. There was a positive correlation between rainfall and tap root disease, and between tap root disease and average root diameter of the entire root system. Despite the high levels of root disease present across the sites, the DNA of most root disease pathogens assayed was detected in trace concentrations. Only Pythium Clade F showed high DNA concentrations in the soil. DNA concentrations in the soil, in particular for Phytophthora clandestina and Rhizoctonia solani AG 2.1 and AG 2.2, were higher in the smaller autumn sampling in 2006. This study suggests that the productivity of subterranean clover-based pastures is severely compromised by root rot diseases throughout the growing season in the wheatbelt of Western Australia.
Living in a high CO2 world: impacts of global climate change on marine phytoplankton

The planet is currently going through a period of global climate change, the pace of which is unprecedented in geological history. Marine phytoplankton contribute approximately 50% of the total global primary productivity and play a vital role in global carbon cycling. Consequently it is extremely important to understand the impact that global climate change will have on the ecological performance of these organisms. In this review we summarise current understanding of the influence that global climate change has on the physiological properties, productivity and assemblage composition of marine phytoplankton. While most phytoplankton are likely to show little direct effect of elevated CO2 on photosynthetic rates, some, including the ecologically important coccolithophorids, are likely to show significant stimulation of growth. The rise in temperature consequent upon the elevated atmospheric levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases will stimulate growth of some species and increase ocean temperatures in some areas beyond their current optima. However, more importantly, increasing global temperatures will stimulate stratification of the water column which, in tropical and mid-latitudes will exacerbate nutrient limitation in surface waters. This in turn will lead to changes in phytoplankton assemblage composition, primary productivity and sensitivity to UVB radiation.
Terminal leader failure in white spruce plantations in northern Minnesota

Terminal leader failure from bud mortality occurred in 46% of plantation white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) trees, 19–43 years old. Frost damage was identified as the causal factor of bud mortality, with all plantations being established from seed sources of local origin. Large differences in terminal bud failure rates were noted between year of observation, tree size class, and stand age-class. Dominant trees, 33–43 years old, had a 3 year failure rate ranging from 16 to 51 %. For dominant trees, an 18% (9 cm) height growth reduction per year of incidence was noted. The lateral replacement process could account for greater than a 2 m height reduction for dominants at age 50 years, confounding estimates of potential site quality. The height growth of overtopped trees responded differently to frost damage than dominants, with replacement laterals averaging 38% (8 cm) greater height growth than apical terminals of undamaged trees.
Efeito da calagem e adubação da seringueira no estado nutricional e produção de borracha seca

n†The effects of lime and NPK application on nutritional state and dry rubber production of clone RRIM 600 were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized split-plot with four rep- licates. In the plots were tested two controls (without fertilizer and without lime; without fertilizer and with lime) and six treatments with lime and NPK fertilization (N1P1K0, N2P2K0, N1P1K1, N2P2K1, N1P1K2 and N2P2K2). The two sub-treatments were the following tapping systems: ‰S†d/4†6†d/7 ET†2.5% LaPa 1/1 10/y (S1) and ‰S†d/6†6†d/7 ET†5.0% LaPa†1/1 10/y (S2). The NPK levels used, in kg†ha -1 †y -1 , were represented by 40 and 80 of N; 17.5 and 35.0 of P2O5 and 0, 33.2 and 66.4† of K2O. There was a significant effect of treatments on the N, P, S, Cu and Zn content in leaves. The N applied to soil up to the second dosage was not enough to increase the N level in leaves. Increasing the application of K2O, in the presence of N2P2, promoted a linear decreasing effect on the Zn level. The highest rubber yield (1,778.9†kg†ha -1 ), as an average of the three years, was obtained with the treatment N2P2K1 plus liming, under both tapping systems.