Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Forest Composition and Structure across the Red Spruce-Hardwood Ecotone in the Central Appalachians

Abstract During the period of 1992 to 1994, ten belt transects, each consisting of a series of contiguous 10 × 10 m (100 m2) quadrats, were established and sampled at seven study sites in southwestern Virginia and eastern central West Virginia. Each transect extended from a red spruce-dominated community through the ecotone and into the adjacent hardwood community. In 2004 and 2005, these same transects were resampled in order to assess changes that had occurred. As a general trend, red spruce either maintained its ecological status or increased in number in all size classes, with noticeable expansion into the hardwood community at some study sites.
An evaluation of the production potential of six tropical grasses under grazing 3. Responses to set stocking rates under continuous grazing

The response of 3 setaria cultivars, the setaria variety splendida, kikuyu grass, and pangola grass to stocking rates of 4-6 steers/ha under continuous grazing was evaluated over a 3-year period. On a year-round basis, averaged over stocking rates, liveweight gain per ha ranged from 822 kg on Narok (164 kg/steer) to 568 kg on Kazungula (114 kg/steer). Narok produced the highest weight gains in summer and winter (142 and 23 kg/steer, respectively). The greatest winter weight loss was from steers grazing Nandi and Kazungula (both -15 kg/steer). Animal production in a year of above-average rainfall, in both summer and winter periods, was markedly reduced overall, even though the quantity of feed on offer was increased. The year x grass interaction was statistically significant in summer, but year x stocking rate and grass x stocking rate were not. Species response to stocking rate showed a linear relationship between stocking rate and liveweight gain per steer, declining with increasing stocking rate, except for Narok setaria where the reverse occurred over the range of 4-6 steers/ha. The results of this experiment support those previously published on these 6 grasses and demonstrate the species potential for good levels of animal production per ha and their ability to withstand high grazing pressures and to maintain weed-free pastures.
Estimating Largemouth Bass Age: Precision and Comparisons among Scales, Pectoral Fin Rays, and Dorsal Fin Spines as Nonlethal Methods

Scales are commonly used to age largemouth bass since the samples are easy to extract and process. Yet, scale annuli are often difficult to interpret among the largest (and presumably oldest) individuals. The goal of this study was to determine whether a more precise nonlethal structure could be used to age largemouth bass. We examined scales, pectoral fin rays, and dorsal fin spines from largemouth bass collected from six glacial lakes in northern Indiana. Collectively, 861 structures were aged by three analysts and post-concert reads concluded with 85%, 94%, and 99% agreement for scales, pectoral fin rays, and dorsal fin spines, respectively. Pre-concert exact (± 0 years) percent agreement among age analysts was highest for dorsal fin spines (27%) followed by pectoral fin rays (23%) and scales (2%). Mean coefficient of variation was lowest among dorsal fin spines (16%) followed by pectoral fin rays (22%) and scales (37%). Scales exhibited the most variability and bias, while dorsal fin spines were the least variable and most unbiased structure. We encourage researchers to use scales for younger fish and dorsal fin spines for larger fish when both: (1) nonlethal methods and (2) a higher standard of precision are sought to evaluate specific management objectives.
The Constituents of Eucommia ulmoides OLIV. V. Isolation of Dihydroxydehydrodiconiferyl Alcohol Isomers and Phenolic Compounds

Two new lignans, erythro-dihydroxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (1) and its threo isomer (2), were isolated from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides OLIV. (Eucommiaceae), together with six known lignans and three known phenolic compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical evidence.
Chemical properties of some Cucurbitaceae oils from Cameroon.

4 Abstract: This work presents some chemical properties of Cucurbitaceae seed oils from different areas in Cameroon. These seeds are Cucumeropsis mannii (egusi melon), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin or squash gourd), Cucurbita moschata (musk melon), Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd or calabash) and Cucumis sativus ("Ibo"egusi). The results show that the saponification, iodine and peroxide indices are influenced by the areas while the acid index and percentage of impurity do not depend on the area of cultivation but on the specie, except Lagenaria siceraria. The values for the indices are within recommended levels for edible oils. These oils have 4 main fatty acids: Linoleic acid, C18:2 (49-69%); oleic acid, C18:1 (9-25%); stearic acid, C18:O (7-11%) and palmitic acid, C16:O (10-19%). Their chemical properties are similar to those of corn, cottonseed, sesame and sunflower seed oils, suggesting their potential use as good table and cooking oils which can increase HDL and reduce serum cholesterol and LDL levels, hence could help prevent cardiovascular illnesses. They could also be used for making mayonnaise and soap.
An eDNA/eRNA‐based approach to investigate the life cycle of non‐cultivable shellfish micro‐parasites: the case of Bonamia ostreae, a parasite of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis

Environmental DNA approaches are increasingly used to detect microorganisms in environmental compartments, including water. They show considerable advantages to study non‐cultivable microorganisms like Bonamia ostreae, a protozoan parasite inducing significant mortality in populations of flat oyster Ostrea edulis. Although B. ostreae development within the host has been well described, questions remain about its behaviour in the environment. As B. ostreae transmission is direct, seawater appears as an interesting target to develop early detection tools and improve our understanding of disease transmission mechanisms. In this context, we have developed an eDNA/eRNA approach allowing detecting and quantifying B. ostreae 18S rDNA/rRNA as well as monitoring its presence in seawater by real‐time PCR. B. ostreae DNA could be detected up to 4 days while RNA could be detected up to 30 days, suggesting a higher sensitivity of the eRNA‐based tool. Additionally, more than 90% of shed parasites were no longer detected after 2 days outside the oysters. By allowing B. ostreae detection in seawater, this approach would not only be useful to monitor the presence of the parasite in oyster production areas but also to evaluate the effect of changing environmental factors on parasite survival and transmission.
Microhabitat separation among diurnal saxicolous lizards in Zimbabwe

Studies of niche overlap within communities of lizards have shown that separation may be along the three major dimensions of space, time and food. Space is usually the most important dimension where a range of habitats are involved; there is less information on the importance of microhabitat separation within a single habitat type. This study investigated microhabitat relationships of small diurnal lizard species occupying granitic rock habitat in Zimbabwe. There was statistically significant niche separation among all species in both the type of rock occupied (size, shape, number of cracks, closeness to other rocks, and vegetation cover) and the position of the lizard in the microhabitat (height on rock, slope angle, and distance to cover). Overlap of microhabitat was lowest between the generalist terrestrial skink Mabuya varia and all other species. The arboreal skink Mabuya striata was found on rocks at one site where the more saxicolous Mabuya quinquetaeniata was absent, due to competitor release. Overlap of microhabitat among rock specialists was lowest between the sit-and-wait foragers Agama kirkii and Platysaurus intermedius, as in other tropical lizard communities. The high degree of microhabitat separation was attributed to the high structural complexity of the granitic rock habitat.
Spatial organization in the Ethiopian wolf Canis simensis: large packs and small stable home ranges

females, and subadults’ home ranges were slightly smaller than those of adults. The population density of the wolves was correlated with prey biomass. In optimal habitat, wolves lived in packs of 3- 13 adults (mean 5.9 wolves >I year old) containing several close-kin males; adult sex ratio favoured males 1.88: 1 and combined pack home ranges averaged 6.0km2. In an area of lower prey productivity, wolves lived in pairs or small groups (mean 2.7), adult sex ratio was 1:1 and home ranges averaged 13.4 km2. Home ranges overlapped extensively (mean 85%) between members of the same pack. Four to seven percent of the population was additionally composed of non-resident females, inhabiting larger ranges (mean 11.1 km’). Home ranges of neighbouring packs were largely discrete, forming a tessellating mosaic of packs occupying all available habitat. Pack home ranges were stable in time, drifting only during major pack readjustment after the disappearance of a pack or significant demographic changes. Ethiopian wolf home ranges were smaller than would be expected for a carnivore of its size and sociality, presumably as a result of the high rodent productivity of the Afroalpine ecosystem.
Life history, morphology and distribution of Dipolydora armata (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

The spionid polychaete Dipolydora armata, a borer in calcareous substrata, is recorded for the first time from Belize, Brazil, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Specimens from these and other localities, as well as the type material of Polydora armata from Madeira Island and Polydora rogeri from the Mediterranean were examined and all the specimens were considered to be conspecific. Dipolydora armata is up to 8 mm long (usually 2–3 mm), with up to 45 segments (usually 25–35 segments), an incised prostomium, caruncle until the end of segment 2, up to 10 pairs of branchiae from segment 7, up to 20 awl-like modified spines per notopodium in up to 15 posterior segments, bilobed or cup-shaped pygidium, hooded hooks from segment 7 accompanied by capillaries throughout the body, major falcate spines of segment 5 with a large lateral tooth and an apical structure covered by fine bristles and appearing as a cowling or third tooth on the convex side of the main fang. The life history of the species includes a period of asexual reproduction by architomy beginning soon after settlement, then sexual maturation and continuous breeding within an extended period with production of lecithotrophic larvae developing entirely inside egg capsules. Once mature, individuals probably reproduce only sexually and do not undergo additional architomic divisions. Asexual reproduction results in high morphological variability of adult individuals, particularly in number, size, and arrangement of awl-like spines in notopodia. Polydora rogeri is placed into synonymy of D. armata. The original interpretation of the relationship between the polychaetes and the excavating sponge Cliona viridis as mutualistic symbiosis is discussed. Dipolydora armata is considered to be a widespread non-specialized borer perforating various calcareous substrata.
Chemical composition of leaf and seed essential oil of Coriandrum sativum L. from Bangladesh

The essential oils from leaves and fruits of Coriandrum sativum L. were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The leaf oil contained 44 compounds mostly of aromatic acids containing 2-decenoic acid (30.8%), E-11-tetradecenoic acid (13.4%), capric acid (12.7%), undecyl alcohol (6.4%), tridecanoic acid (5.5%) and undecanoic acid (7.1%) as major constituents. The seed oil contains 53 compounds where the major compounds are linalool (37.7%), geranyl acetate (17.6%) and γ-terpinene (14.4%). The compositions of both oils varied qualitatively and quantitatively. Article Info
Climate, plankton and cod

While a few North Atlantic cod stocks are stable, none have increased and many have declined in recent years. Although overfishing is the main cause of most observed declines, this study shows that in some regions, climate by its influence on plankton may exert a strong control on cod stocks, complicating the management of this species that often assumes a constant carrying capacity. First, we investigate the likely drivers of changes in the cod stock in the North Sea by evaluating the potential relationships between climate, plankton and cod. We do this by deriving a Plankton Index that reflects the quality and quantity of plankton food available for larval cod. We show that this Plankton Index explains 46.24% of the total variance in cod recruitment and 68.89% of the variance in total cod biomass. Because the effects of climate act predominantly through plankton during the larval stage of cod development, our results indicate a pronounced sensitivity of cod stocks to climate at the warmer, southern edge of their distribution, for example in the North Sea. Our analyses also reveal for the first time, that at a large basin scale, the abundance of Calanus finmarchicus is associated with a high probability of cod occurrence, whereas the genus Pseudocalanus appears less important. Ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) generally considers the effect of fishing on the ecosystem and not the effect of climate‐induced changes in the ecosystem state for the living resources. These results suggest that EBFM must consider the position of a stock within its ecological niche, the direct effects of climate and the influence of climate on the trophodynamics of the ecosystem.
Development of Pistillate Castor

The development of a stable pistillate castor 240 is reported. The breeding and developmental behaviour of 240 pistillate indicates it to be of the NES type. The expression of a few interspersed male flowers is not confined to any particular order of racemes but is temperature dependent. Temperatures of 31–32° C promote interspersed male flowers while lower order temperatures result in fully female racemes. By manipulating planting dates multiplication of the pistillate line and establishment of crossing blocks could be achieved at the same location. Pistillate 240 has desirable attributes such as low node number (12), normal plant type, medium tall, red stem, double bloom, non-spiny and non-shattering capsules and an oil content of 54-5%.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Megabacteria (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster)

In recent years, the syndrome ‘‘megabacteriosis’’ has been diagnosed with increasing frequency. Initially, characterization was difficult, as the organism possesses qualities attributed to both yeast and bacteria. Recently, Tomaszewski et al1 have classified the organism as an ascomycetous yeast, and nomenclature has been changed accordingly. The organism is now known as Macrorhabdus ornithogaster. However, its diagnosis is still controversial, as is its role as a primary pathogen. Diagnosis is still challenging because the organism itself can vary in size and may be present in straight forms or occasionally branching. Plant matter or artifact may incorrectly be identified as M ornithogaster. To further complicate diagnosis, some birds are infected and show clinical signs of disease but shed very few of the organisms in the feces or crop, and yet identification of the organism in an asymptomatic patient does not necessarily equate with disease or require therapy. Specialized testing, such as calcofluor white M2R, is becoming more available for these challenging cases (K. Snowden, oral communication, January 2004). Recently, in my practice, a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was diagnosed with M ornithogaster after a 1-day history of regurgitation. Complete annual examination and fecal evaluation had been performed 1 month before presentation. At the time of presentation, only 1 organism was identified on evaluation of both a direct smear and a Gram’s stain of fecal samples. Despite treatment, the bird died within 24 hours of presentation. However, at necropsy, the proventriculus contained large numbers of the organism. We still lack a sensitive test for these patients, and interpretation of very small numbers of the organism continues to be challenging. Finally, treatment itself can be problematic. Amphotericin B is the treatment of choice but must be given by gavage. Recently, the injectable formulation of amphotericin B has been difficult to obtain in the United States, thereby further limiting treatment options. This discussion is intended to present both clinical and academic perspectives on the diagnosis and management of M ornithogaster and the associated disease in both an individual and an aviary setting. Images of the organism can be found at either www.vet. uga.edu or www.talltree. net. I have invited Brian Speer, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Dipl ECAMS, The Medical Center for Birds, Oakley, CA, USA; David Phalen, DVM, PhD, Dipl ABVP (Avian), College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Lauren V. Powers, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Huntersville, NC, USA; and Lucio John Filippich, BVSc, BSc, PhD, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia, to share their experiences in this discussion. In this discussion, the terms megabacteria and M ornithogaster will both be used to refer to the organism itself, and macrorhabdosis or megabacteriosis refer to the disease caused by the organism.
Seismic Response of High-Voltage Transformer-Bushing Systems Incorporating Flexural Stiffeners II: Experimental Study

A numerical study conducted on four transformer-bushing models presented in a first companion paper indicated that high-voltage bushings mounted on the cover plates of transformers are more vulnerable to seismic loading than bushings mounted on a rigid base. This would explain why the good performance of bushings mounted on a rigid base observed during shake table testing does not correlate well with their performance in the field. In this second companion paper, the addition of flexural stiffeners on the transformer cover plates as a means to stiffen the base of bushings and mitigate their seismic vulnerability is investigated experimentally. Shake table testing was conducted on a 230 kV porcelain bushing mounted on a support structure incorporating a flexible cover plate and two stiffener configurations. Test results confirmed that stiffening the cover plates is beneficial to the seismic response of high-voltage bushings. Test results are compared to the predictions of finite element analyses.
Atividade fotossintética e peroxidação de lipídios de membrana em plantas de aroeira-do-sertão sob estresse hídrico e após reidratação

The effects of water stress and rehydration on the fluorescence parameters, stomatal conductance, lipid peroxidation of Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. (Anacardiaceae) plants were investigated. The plants were grown under greenhouse conditions and drought was induced by 14 days of witholding water. Under water stress the relative leaf water content decreased by up to 60 %. This decrease was associated with the decrease in stomatal conductance values and apparent photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETR) and extensive damage to membranes due to lipid peroxidation. Despite the decrease in ETR, no change in the potential quantum yield of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was observed as consequence of water stress. Following a recovering phase, the plants showed stomatal conductance, fluorescence parameters and lipid peroxidation values similar to those prior to drought induction. All photosynthetic parameters investigated showed normal values up to 6 h after the onset of rehydration. A linear relationship fitted to stomatal conductance and ETR showed that these two variables are highly correlated suggesting that stomata are the main limiting factor to photosynthesis in M. urundeuva plants under water stress.
Phosphate solubilizing bacteria in combination with pressmud improve growth and yield of mash bean.

Phosphorus (P) is an important macronutrient for growth of plants and is often provided to crops by the application of inorganic sources; 80 percent of that cannot be utilized by crops due to immobilization and precipitation. In such situation, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) may play a major role in improving P availability to plants by dissolving insoluble and fixed soil P. Moreover, phosphatase activity of these PSB could further enhance the P availability from organic sources, if supplemented with organic amendments. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of PSB containing phosphatase activity with and without organic amendment (pressmud) for improving growth and yield of mash bean. Mash bean seeds were inoculated with 4 different well characterized PSB strains [PS-01 (Burkholderia sp.), PS-12 (Bacillus sp.), PS-32 (Pseudomonas sp.) and PS-41 (Flavobacterium sp.)]. The inoculated seeds were sown in potted soil amended with and without press-mud. Results showed that combined use of PSB strain (PS-01) and PrM caused significant increase in yield (38 and 69%), P content in root (1.3 and 3.3 fold) and in shoot (32 and 136%) of mash bean as compared to sole use of PS-01 and PrM, respectively. This approach could be very effective to enhance the phosphorous availability to plants, plant growth and yield.
Biology Population And Exploitation Rate Of Coral Trout (Plectropomus Leopardus) Spermonde Island South Sulawesi

Coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) was one of the export commodity especially alive coral grouper. Coral grouper fishing in Spermonde Island had been carried out by fishermen continuously that could interfere sustainable potential and led to excess fishing. The research aimed to find out population parameters and exploitation rate of coral grouper. The result of the research would provide information in sustainable resource managementin Spermonde Island. The research method was total length and weight measurement of coral grouper from fishermen and trader’s fish catches in each fishing area. Population parameters analysis was conducted by using ELEFAN program in Pizat II. Analysis result of size structure in Sarappo and LumuLumu Island was dominated by 22,5 cm, while in Langkai Island was 37,5 cm. Age group in Sarappo Island consisted of 3 and LumuLumu and Langkai Island was 4 age groups. Growth rate coefficient (K) of coral grouper was 0,34 per year (Sarappo Island), 0,30 per year (LumuLumu Island) and 0,28 per year (Langkai Island). Total mortality rate, natural and large fishing in Sarappo Island, then LumuLumu and Langkai Island. Exploitation rate in the third island > 50%, showed that utilization of coral grouper in the condition over exploitation.
Detection and prediction of heterosis in Eucalyptus globulus

Significant specific combining ability effects (SCA) for two year growth were detected in a factorial of Eucalyptus globulus ssp. Globulus. This factorial was established across 5 locations in Australia and involved crossing between and within two provenances (King Island and Taranna) in addition to crossing males from both provenances to a single female from south Flinders Island. We attempted to predict heterosis using genetic distance between parents calculated using RAPD markers. We isolate DNA from all 8 females and 19 out of 26 male parents. Data were collected from 99 different RAPD bands. Sixty-six out of the 99 RAPD bands scored were polymorphic. A UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s distance resulted in parents within provenance being clustered together in all but one case. The degree to which genetic distance predicted heterosis was statistically significant but accounted for less than 5% of the variation in SCA, and mainly reflected the greater genetic differentiation between parents involved in interprovenance crossing. SCA effects within provenances were unpredictable.