Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity measures of the bovine Alberes breed using microsatellites: variability among herds and types of coat colour*

Summary The Alberes population is a native bovine breed of Catalonia with an unclear origin, which historically some authors have assumed as being composed of two different colour varieties (black and fawn). Sixteen microsatellite loci were analysed, all of them included in the AIRE2066 European Concerted Action list. Overall expected and observed heterozygosities reached values of 0.649 and 0.662, respectively. Genetic differences among black and fawn varieties were not significant (FST = 0.007), and therefore the population is a single variety with a great colour gradation. On the contrary, we detected significant genetic differences among herds (FST = 0.026; p < 0.001), showing a genetic heterogeneity over short geographical distances. The number of migrants per generation among pairs of herds oscillates between 1.46 (Roig and Freixe herds) and 5.62 (Castanyers and Roig herds). Moreover, inbreeding and bottleneck situations can be rejected. The Alberes breed has been grouped within the Cantabrian trunk, closely related to the Asturiana de la Montana and Alistana breeds, although some other breeds may also have influenced the population along its history. Zusammenfassung Die Rasse Alberes ist eine einheimische Rinderrasse Kataloniens mit unklarer Herkunft, von der historisch einige Autoren vermuten, dass sie eine Zusammensetzung aus zwei verschiedenen Farbvarianten ist (schwarz und hellbraun). Es wurden sechzehn Mikrosatelliten, die alle aus der ,,AIRE2066 European Concerted Action list‘‘ stammen, analysiert. Der gesamte erwartete und beobachtete Heterozygotiegrad erreichte Werte von 0,649 beziehungsweise 0,662. Die genetischen Unterschiede zwischen den schwarzen und hellbraunen Varianten waren nicht signifikant (Fst = 0,007), so dass die Rasse als eine einzige Variante mit einer grosen Farbabstufung gilt, die wir erhalten mussen. Im Gegensatz dazu entdeckten wir signifikante genetische Unterschiede innerhalb der Herden (Fst = 0,026, p < 0,001), die eine genetische Heterogenitat innerhalb kurzer geografischer Distanzen aufzeigten. Die Anzahl an Migranten pro Generation innerhalb der Herdpaare schwankt zwischen 1,46 (Roig- und Freixe-Herden) und 5,62 (Castanyers- und Roig-Herden). Daruberhinaus kann Inzucht und eine Flaschenhalssituation zuruckgewiesen werden. Die Rasse Alberes wurde innerhalb eines Cantabrischen Astes gruppiert, in enger Verwandtschaft zu den Rassen Asturiana de la Montana und Alistana, obwohl im Laufe der Geschichte auch einige andere Rassen die Population beeinflusst haben konnten.
Structure and Function of Transfer Cells in the Sporophyte Haustorium of Funaria hygrometrica Hedw II. KINETICS OF UPTAKE OF LABELLED SUGARS AND LOCALIZATION OF ABSORBED PRODUCTS BY FREEZE-SUBSTITUTION AND AUTORADIOGRAPHY

Excised sporophytes of the moss Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. absorb externally applied sugar through their basal haustorium. Influx of [3H]sucrose is inhibited by metabolic uncouplers, darkness, and by the photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU. The kinetics of uptake of glucose and sucrose suggest a biphasic mechanism of absorption. Uptake of 3-0-methyl [3H]glucose shows no saturation characteristics and a passive mechanism is indicated. Externally applied glucose is rapidly converted to sucrose. Good retention of products of short-term absorption and metabolism of [3H]glucose was achieved by freeze-substitution. Autoradiography showed dense and uniform labelling of the transfer cells of the haustorium. Kmax values for uptake of sucrose and glucose, expressed in terms of the weight and external surface area of haustorium, are considerably greater than typical values from other plant systems. However, if the surface area amplification that is brought about by the development of wall ingrowths in the transfer cells is taken into account, fluxes per unit area of plasma membrane are reduced into the range of typical values. The hypothesis that the surface area amplification that characterizes transfer cells is related functionally to processes of solute transport is therefore supported by the data.
Predation of Juvenile Jasus frontalis: An Endemic Spiny Lobster of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile

ABSTRACT This study identified and quantified in the field the natural predators of juvenile spiny lobster Jasus frontalis, an endemic, ecologically relevant species, and the most valuable local commercial catch of Robinson Crusoe Island. It also assessed the predation pressure that these predators exerted on juveniles lobsters and whether they showed preferences for particular body sizes within the juvenile size range. A series of tethering experiments were performed in three coastal sites of Robinson Crusoe Island (Juan Fernández archipelago. Chile). In overnight experiments, survival of juveniles decreased over time in all three sites, reaching ∼50% at the end of the experiment. The evidence suggests that fish were relevant predators since mortality of lobsters was proportional to their abundance. Although video surveillances depicted numerous octopus attacks, their abundance did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with lobster mortality. Predatory events were not selective of juvenile sizes. These results are fundamental to understand one of the key factor (i.e., predation) that affects the juvenile (and more vulnerable) benthic phase of J. frontalis.
Extracellular enzyme activity in soil: effect of pH and ionic strength on the interaction with montmorillonite of two acid phosphatases secreted by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum

Summary The interaction of extracellular enzymes with the solid phase of the soil affects their mobility and their catalytic properties. In particular, adsorption on clay minerals is known to shift the optimum pH of the catalytic activity towards alkaline values. Two conflicting interpretations of this phenomenon have been proposed: a surface pH effect and a pH–dependent modification of the conformation of the adsorbed enzyme. To assess the two mechanisms, we studied the adsorption on montmorillonite of two extracellular acid phosphatases of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum, and its consequences on catalytic activities. The results obtained are better interpreted by a pH–dependent modification of enzyme conformation due mainly to electrostatic interactions with the clay surface. At low pH, the two positively charged enzymes unfold on the negatively charged montmorillonite surface. At high pH, both the enzymes and the clay are negatively charged, and adsorption decreases. Adsorption and modification of conformation are largely irreversible, which should be taken into account when considering the fate of enzymes in soil. Finally, the comparison with the effect of clays on the catalytic activities of intracellular enzymes raises the hypothesis of a selection pressure of the soil solid phase leading to more stable extracellular enzymes.
Effects of level of feeding of concentrates during early lactation on the yield and composition of milk from grazing dairy cows with varying body condition score at calving

An experiment was undertaken to establish the influence of body condition at calving on milk production and composition using diets typical of those currently used in Victoria. Seventy-two cows were fed differently from April 2001 to achieve target body condition scores (BCS) by 1 month before calving of about 4 (3.5–4.5), 5 (4.5–5.5) or 6 (5.5–6.5) units on an 8-point scale. The actual mean BCS at calving for the 3 treatments were 3.8, 5.2 and 5.7 units (P 0.05). At the lower level of feeding in early lactation, milk production increased (P<0.05) linearly as BCS at calving increased, by 1.0 kg milk per unit of body condition per day. However, when energy intake was increased by feeding 6 kg of concentrates, milk production increased as body condition increased (P<0.05) from the low to medium BCS, but there was no significant benefit beyond the medium BCS. Therefore, the hypothesis, that providing that cows are fed well with grazed pasture supplemented with high-energy concentrates in early lactation, BCS at calving will have no effect on subsequent milk production, was at least partially disproved, and it may be that it is never possible for cows at pasture to be sufficiently well fed.
Summer Bees for Spring Crops? Potential Problems with Megachile rotundata (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) as a Pollinator of Lowbush Blueberry (Ericaceae)

Abstract The alfalfa leafcutter bee, Megachile rotundata (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), was introduced into the lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium and V. myrtilloides (Ericaceae), agro-ecosystems of Atlantic Canada and the state of Maine in the early 1990's. As a managed pollinator of this crop, this typical “summer-active” bee is released approximately one month earlier than for alfalfa pollination and therefore is exposed to a different set of climatological conditions, primarily night time temperatures which can reach as low as −8°C during flowering. The objectives of this study were to investigate aspects of cold-hardiness in post-diapausing M. rotundata, and to determine the potential effects of subzero temperatures on adult females through studies of supercooling capacity and survival at low temperatures. Post-diapausing M. rotundata maintain a supercooling capacity below −23°C until pupation, after which all developmental stages freeze between −15°C and −17°C. Fed and unfed adult females show significant differences in their supercooling capacity; −8°C and −16°C, respectively. Bees which have fed showed very little susceptibility to temperatures above −5°C, but mortality significantly increased at −10°C, and was 100% at −15°C. As such, M. rotundata populations are likely susceptible to unusually cool night time temperatures when used for lowbush blueberry pollination. The implications of earlier release times on bee biology and population recovery for pollination are discussed.
On the biology of Crangon allmani Kinahan in Northumberland Waters

Since November 1954, the natant epifauna in depths greater than 20 fm. off the Northumberland coast has been sampled at a number of stations with the object of obtaining information on its constitution and fluctuations. The survey has been limited to those species caught with a net of f in. mesh. Seasonal and yearly fluctuations in this fauna must have a considerable effect on the inshore fisheries, for these animals form an important part of the food of marketable fish, yet, this fauna has never beensubject to a detailed analysis over a number of years. Samples have been taken as regularly as weather and other laboratory commitments have allowed. In practice this has been of the order of one sample each month, butat times sampling has been more frequent than this (Table 8). Although sampling is being continued, the material collected so far gives much information on the epifaunaas a whole and the biology of the constituent natant Crustacea and Mollusca.
SOLUBLE SILICON SPRAYS INHIBIT POWDERY MILDEW DEVELOPMENT ON GRAPE LEAVES

The effect of root or leaf applications of soluble Si on severity of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) powdery mildew (Uncinula necator (Schwein) Burrill) was determined. On potted plants, root-feeding at 1.7 m M Si had no effect on disease severity, but foliar sprays at 17 m M Si substantially reduced the number of mildew colonies that developed on inoculated leaves. Scanning electron micrographs showed that, on Si-sprayed leaves, hyphae did not develop in areas where thick Si deposits were present on the leaf surface; and where surface deposits were not present, Si was translocated laterally through the leaf and surrounded the appressoria. Leaves on plants that were fed Si via roots showed a similar deposition of Si surrounding the appressoria. On water-sprayed leaves and leaves from untreated plants, internal deposition of Si was more variable and generally less than on Si-sprayed or root-fed plants. Conidia germination and germtube development on agar media were weakly promoted by the presence of Si. Reduced severity of grape mildew by Si sprays may be partly due to a physical barrier to hyphal penetration and to a resistance response involving the lateral movement of Si and its deposition within the leaf at fungal penetration sites. In monocot crops, the association between Si and reduced severity of fungal diseases has been known for some time. Ger- mar (1934) reported that wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants supplied with Si are more resistant to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei) than control plants. Since then, Si has been implicated in several other monocot disease resistance re- sponses, including sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pert.) resistance to anthracnose (Colletotricum graminicolum) (Narwal, 1973), barley (Hordium vulgare L.) and wheat resistance to powdery mildew (E. graminis f. sp. hordei) (Jiang et al., 1989; Kunoh and Ishizaki, 1976; Leusch and Buchenauer, 1989; Sargent and Gay, 1977), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) resistance to blast (Pir- icularia oryzae Cav.), brown spot (Bipolaris oryzae Shoemaker) and sheath blight (Corticium sasakii Shiriai) (Aleshin et al., 1986; Datnoff and Snyder, 1991; Mathai et al., 1978; Volk et al., 1958). The exact role silica plays in enhancing disease re- sistance in monocots is as yet undetermined, but localized de- posits of Si have been found in host tissue surrounding fungal haustoria (Kunoh and Ishizaki, 1976; Sargent and Gay, 1977). In dicots, less attention has been paid to the association be- tween Si and resistance to fungal infection. Although Wagner (1940) reported that cucumber powdery mildew severity was reduced by supplying plants with Si, current interest in this phenomenon was not spawned until the mid-1980s, when it was reported that the natural incidence of powdery mildew was re- duced by feeding Si to solution-cultured cucumbers (Adatia and Besford, 1986; Miyake and Takahashi, 1983). The reduction in
EFFECT OF CHANGE OF CAGE 2 DAYS BEFORE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBIT DOES.

During 6 months, 1552 artificial inseminations (Al) were carried out to compare three different techniques to induce oestrous in rabbit females. The first method consisted of transferring the female and its litter if any to another cage 2 days before Al (biostimulated group), the other two were based on hormonal treatments: does were either treated with 20 IU PMSG 72 hours before Al or a combination of 16 IU PMSG and 8 IU hCG (0.2 mi i.m.) injected 48 hours before Al. A control group of does was not treated. Results showed that the different treatments and the physiological status of females statistically influenced fertility and the number of born alive, but not the number of stillborn, mortality and weight of young 2 days post parturition. PMSG and the PMSG + hCG resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increased fertility rate compared to the control, in nulliparous and lactating non­nulliparous does respectively (76.9 vs 66.2% and 83.1 vs 61.8 %) Change of cage increased (P<0.05) fertility rate in pluriparous does (lactating and non lactating) compared to the control (75.8 vs 61.8% and 67.5 vs 53.6%). The results demonstrated that a fertility rate, comparable with hormonal induced oestrus could be obtained by a change of cage in pluriparous does. However, this bio-stimulatlon method is time consuming and difficult to manage in large rabbit farms.
Chromosome numbers of North African phanerogams. VIII. More counts in Compositae

Abstract Vogt, R. & Oberprieler, C. : Chromosome numbers of North African phanerogams. VIII. More counts in Compositae. — Willdenowia 38: 497–519. — ISSN 0511-9618; © 2008 BGBM BerlinDahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.38. 38210 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Chromosome numbers are reported for 86 taxa belonging to 42 genera of Compositae. 17 reported taxa have not previously been studied cytologically or have chromosome numbers differing from previous reports. Counts for 11 additional taxa are the first reports for North Africa.
Comparison of the diets of breeding royal ( Eudyptes schlegeli ) and rockhopper ( Eudyptes chrysocome ) penguins on Macquarie Island over three years

A 3 year study of the diets of breeding royal Eudyptes schlegeli and rockhopper E. chrysocome penguins was carried out at two nearby colonies on Macquarie Island. Diets of both species were dominated by euphausiids and myctophid fish, in particular Euphausia vallentini and Krefftichthys anderssoni. Prey items were those found in the region of the Polar Frontal Zone, confirming the importance of this zone to these penguins. Diets of both species before hatching of the chicks were variable between years, and differences in quantity of food brought ashore and degree of digestion of prey suggested inter-annual variation in distribution of prey resources. No dietary differences were detected in either penguin species across the breeding season, which reflected variability in diet at all stages, indicating that individual penguins foraged in separate areas. Significant differences between the two species were found, royal penguins consuming more myctophid fish and rockhopper penguins consuming more euphausiids. Differences were also found in the size class of prey items taken and the degree of digestion of food by both penguin species, indicating that prey were taken from different sectors of the ocean. It is concluded that the overlap in diet is small in individuals from these two spatially close colonies and, contrary to previous studies, indicates a separation in the resources used by both species. The contrast with previous studies is most likely a reflection of the different methods used to assess overlap and, to a lesser extent, the years and colonies in which the comparisons were made.
Online Longitudinal Survey Research

This article explores the viability of conducting longitudinal survey research using the Internet in samples exposed to trauma. A questionnaire battery assessing psychological adjustment following adverse life experiences was posted online. Participants who signed up to take part in the longitudinal aspect of the study were contacted 3 and 6 months after initial participation to complete the second and third waves of the research. Issues of data screening and sample attrition rates are considered and the demographic profiles and questionnaire scores of those who did and did not take part in the study during successive time points are compared. The results demonstrate that it is possible to conduct repeated measures survey research online and that the similarity in characteristics between those who do and do not take part during successive time points mirrors that found in traditional pencil-and-paper trauma surveys.
North Atlantic killer whale research; past, present and future

Studying wide-ranging top predators requires a multidisciplinary and transnational approach to efficiently identify population structure, movement patterns, ecology and population parameters for effective monitoring and conservation of the populations. A recent workshop was held at the European Cetacean Society Conference, Galway Ireland, on 25 March 2012, on one of the most wide-ranging of top predators in the North Atlantic, the killer whale Orcinus orca. The workshop had as its main aims, to summarize the current state of knowledge, strengthen cooperation by evaluating the potential to share data and combine field efforts, and discuss the advances to date and future priorities for killer whale research in the North Atlantic. A selection of the presentations from this workshop is included within this special section as well as other contributions that contain relevant information on the status of killer whale research in this broad geographical area. In this Foreword, whilst not attempting to thoroughly review all published work to date, we look back at progress made on understanding the ecology and biology of North Atlantic killer whales, and based on the discussions held at the workshop suggest pressing research questions for the future, in particular highlighting how new methodologies can build upon existing work.
Fatal powdering of bees in flight with particulates of neonicotinoids seed coating and humidity implication

Losses of honeybees have been reported in Italy concurrent with the sowing of corn coated with neonicotinoids using a pneumatic drilling machine. Being unconvinced that solid particles containing systemic insecticide, falling on the vegetation surrounding the sown area, could poison bees foraging on contaminated nectar and pollen, the effect of direct aerial powdering was tested on foragers in free flight near the drilling machine. Bees were conditioned to visit a dispenser of sugar solution whilst a drilling machine was sowing corn along the flight path. Samples of bees were captured on the dispenser, caged and held in the laboratory. Chemical analysis showed some hundred nanograms of insecticide per bee. Nevertheless, caged bees, previously contaminated in flight, died only if kept in conditions of high humidity. After the sowing, an increase in bee mortality in front of the hives was also observed. Spring bee losses, which corresponded with the sowing of corn‐coated seed, seemed to be related to the casual encountering of drilling machine during foraging flight across the ploughed fields.
Factors in a Package of Practices for High-production Maize in Northern Nigeria

SUMMARY In trials over 2 years at five locations in Northern Nigeria single inputs were removed from a package of maize practices. The improved variety was most important and increased the yield of the otherwise complete package by 86%. Early sowing and high plant population were not important in all trials. The high fertilizer treatment (125–50–50 kg NPK/ha) consistently exceeded the half rate, with a mean increase of 31%. It was suggested that, with clean weeding, priority should be given to the improved variety, high fertilizer and early sowing. High populations, involving changes to traditional techniques, may be introduced gradually.
Deposition of atmospheric pollutants on forests.

Forests have long been considered as efficient sinks for atmospheric pollutants. The potential for large rates of deposition is provided by the turbulent structure of air above and within forest canopies. Large rates of deposition of pollutant gases, however, are only found for the very reactive gases HNO $\_3$ , HC $\_1$ and NH $\_3$ . In contrast, the pollutants SO $\_2$ and O $_3$ are deposited on forests and short vegetation at similar rates under the control of stomatal resistance. Deposition of sub-micrometre aerosol particles on forests appears to be inefficient but at high elevations in the United Kingdom (up to 500 m) these aerosols are frequently activated into cloud droplets in the size range 5-10 $\mu$ m (radius). These droplets are efficiently captured by forest canopies and this deposition pathway may make a large contribution to annual inputs at high elevation sites. The effects of afforestation on inputs of pollutants to catchments are illustrated by model calculations for inputs of sulphur and nitrogen to Kielder forest in northern England. Inputs of sulphur and nitrogen to this area as moorland are estimated at 17.5 kg ha $^{-1}$ (1 hectare = 10 $^4$ m $^2$ ) and 12.4 kg ha $^{-1}$ annually, respectively. Afforestation of the moorland increases sulphur and nitrogen inputs by 30 % and 90%, respectively.