Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiscale occupancy modeling provides insights into range-wide conservation needs of Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)

ABSTRACT The range-wide monitoring program for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) plays an important role in landscape conservation initiatives for the recovery of this species. Methodologies to evaluate the species' responses to habitat conditions and conservation practices are necessary to evaluate the success of these initiatives. We adapted the design of the range-wide monitoring program and applied a multiscale occupancy model. The objectives were to (1) estimate occupancy at multiple spatial scales and (2) conduct an exploratory evaluation of responses to habitat condition and conservation practices at multiple spatial scales. The application of the model to a single year of data from the range-wide monitoring program yielded a coefficient of variation (CV) of large-scale occupancy of 17%. The CVs of small-scale occupancy for the 4 ecoregions ranged between 21% and 52% and were acceptable for detecting differences between strata. We used the method of multiple working hypotheses and predictions from fitted models to evaluate a priori how a subset of habitat configuration and anthropogenic practices potentially affect site occupancy at multiple spatial scales. We derived a subset of habitat configuration and anthropogenic conservation covariates based on the 15 × 15 km grid cells and 7.5 × 7.5 km quadrants. Our results show that Lesser Prairie-Chicken occupancy was positively affected by increased mean patch size of native land cover in the landscape, and by the percentage of land enrolled in prescribed grazing at the large scale (225 km2) and in the Conservation Reserve Program at the small scale (56 km2).
Spatial distribution of Uroleucon compositae in safflower

The spatial distribution of safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae was studied at Students' Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 1990-91. The various dispersion parameters revealed that U. compositae in safflower followed contagious pattern of distribution. The different indices of dispersion x 2 test and statistic 'U' test population confirmed the aggregate behaviour of the aphid and the negative binomial model was found to be good fit in the observed data.
The Origin and Evolution in Trillium

By means of morphological and chromosomal analyses it is considered that the Himalayan species Trillium govanianum is an intergeneric hybrid between Trillium and Daiswa. Trillium govanianum is an allotetraploid (4x=20) that most likely has originated from the 10 GG genome of a plant in the genus Trillium and the 10 DD genome of a plant from the genus Daiswa. Factors concerning the emergence of the polyploid species have been discussed from an evolutionary viewpoint and on a consideration of the paleoclimatics in the Himalayan mountain region.
Colonization of Barley Grain by Penicillium verrucosum and Ochratoxin A Formation in the Presence of Competing Fungi.

Colonization of barley grain by Penicillium verrucosum and the formation of ochratoxin A were studied, both in pure culture and when paired with Aspergillus flavus , Fusarium sporotrichioides , and Hyphopichia burtonii , at 20° and 30°C and at 0.97, 0.95 and 0.90 aw over a 3-week period. Grain colonization was assessed on the basis of visible molding, seed infection, and numbers of CFU and by observing hyphal extension on the grain surface by scanning electron microscopy. Ochratoxin A concentrations were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a monoclonal antibody. Germination of P. verrucosum spores was unaffected by the presence of other species. However, seed infection under most conditions was markedly decreased, relative to pure culture, by the presence of A. flavus and H. burtonii , but only slightly by F. sporotrichioides . The number of CFU of P. verrucosum was only slightly decreased in the presence of other species under most conditions. Generally, production of ochratoxin A by P. verrucosum was inhibited, sometimes significantly, in the presence of A. flavus and H. burtonii , but was changed only slightly by the presence of F. sporotrichioides . There was occasionally temporary enhancement in ochratoxin A production with all species during the 3-week incubation period.
2,4-D Safening of Nicosulfuron and Terbufos Interaction in Corn (Zea mays)

Normal field applications of both terbufos and nicosulfuron can cause decreased corn tolerance to nicosulfuron because terbufos inhibits nicosulfuron metabolism. In greenhouse studies, applications of 2,4-D at 0.07, 0.14, and 0.28 kg/ha with nicosulfuron reduced terbufos induced foliar injury by more than 50%. Plants treated with nicosulfuron, terbufos, and 2,4-D had significantly higher shoot dry weights than those treated with nicosulfuron and terbufos. When 2,4-D was applied sooner than 24 h before nicosulfuron application or later than 24 h after nicosulfuron application, it did not prevent the interaction. Uptake of 14C-nicosulfuron was increased by the presence of terbufos but was unaffected by 2,4-D. Translocation of 14C-nicosulfuron was low with the highest amounts occurring in the nicosulfuron plus terbufos treatment. Terbufos reduced metabolism of nicosulfuron at 4 and 24 h after treatment compared to plants without terbufos. Metabolism of nicosulfuron in plants treated with terbufos was increased by 2,4-D to a rate equivalent to that in plants not treated with terbufos.
Phytomasse et productivité

(.)The distribution of the phytomass within large vegetation groups shows the predominance of Caesalpiniaceae. Mass yield-capacity is connected to various factors : diameter category, edaphic condition, rainfall cycle, state of evolution of the primary or secondary stand ; the production of litter seems more constant and is estimated at 7.8 t/ha/yr. The annual primary yield-capacity is 12.3 t/ha/yr, of the same order as annual necromass (11.7 t/ha/yr). The similarity between these data and those found by other authors is stressed
Diatoms of calcareous tropical springs in the central region of Mexico

57 especes de diatomees (Bacillariophyceae) ont ete identifiees dans des sources calcaires de la region centrale du Mexique. 6 de ces especes appartiennent aux Centrales et 51 aux Pennales. Pour chaque espece, l'information suivante est fournie: caracteristiques ecologiques generales, salinite, saprobite, pH, nutriments, temperature et distribution geographique connue au Mexique. 24 des 31 especes mentionnees dans la litterature l'avaient ete comme meso- ou euthermales (temperatures du milieu concordant avec celles qui ont ete mesurees dans cette etude: 20-27° C). 37 des 41 especes pour lesquelles des donnees de pH du milieu avaient ete publiees, avaient ete citees comme alcaliphiles, alcalibiontes ou indifferentes au pH, ce qui correspond aux conditions observees au Huasteca. 23 des 36 especes dont le comportement vis a vis de la salinite a ete publie ont ete rencontrees dans des habitats a faible salinite (oligohalobes ou halophiles). Enfin, 38 especes ont ete mentionnees dans la litterature comme provenant de milieux presentant de faibles teneurs en matiere organique (mesosaprobes, oligosaprobes, saproxenes et saprophobes). L'importance de ces caracteriqtiques pour l'utilisation de ces especes comme indicateurs ecologiques est discutee.
Adenine and Guanine Salvage in Suspension Cultured Cells of Catharanthus roseus

Changes in the activity of adenine and guanine salvage in nucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis during the growth of Catharanthus roseus were investigated. Incorporation of [8-14C]adenine into ATP and ADP and that of [8-14C]guanine into GTP and GDP increased markedly in the lag phase of cell growth and then sharply decreased. The incorporation into RNA from both precursors showed a similar pattern. The role of rapid purine salvage observed in the lag phase of cell growth is discussed.
Comparative Effects of CaCl2 and NaCl Salinity on Growth and Ion Partitioning of Atriplex halimus L.

Atriplex halimus L. is a native persistent perennial shrub that is used for revegetation of degraded rangeland because of its ability to cope with environmental stresses. Seedlings of Atriplex halimus L. were grown in sand culture for four weeks and then treated with half strength Hoagland solution containing 0, 50, 100 and 300 mM of NaCl and CaCl2 salts for twelve weeks. Results indicated that NaCl and CaCl2 salinity caused a significant reduction in both leaf water content and relative water content by values of 72.5% and 63.7% of that in control. Reductions in photosynthetic pigments were also observed ranging from 23 to 58% for chlorophyll a and b and 45% for carotenoids at 300mM salinity. Effect of NaCl was higher than that of CaCl2 on both water content and photosynthetic pigments. Leaves, stems, and roots dry weight and total biomass of atriplex was reduced by values ranging from 35 to 49% when treated with 300mM CaCl2 and from 55 to 69% when treated with 300 mM NaCl. Ion partitioning between various plant parts was also affected by average salinity. Leaves accumulated higher levels of Ca, Na, Cl, and K than stems and roots. Calcium content was increased by four folds in leaves and stems and two folds in roots when treated with 300mM CaCl2. Similarly, Na and Cl were also accumulated in leaves and stems but not in roots. Results indicated that Atriplex halimus L. tolerates moderate salinity up to 100mM without any significant impact on plant growth. Increased salinities greater than 300 mM starts to reduce plant growth. Presence of calcium in solution could ameliorate the problems caused by high salinity.
Accumulation and Depuration of Pathogenic and Indicator Microorganisms by the bivalve mollusc, Chamelea gallina L, Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions.

The comparative accumulation and depuration processes for several microorganisms ( Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium , Vibrio parahaemolyticus , Aeromonas hydrophila , Streptococcus faecalis , Staphylococcus aureus , and MS-2 coliphage) by the striped venus, Chamelea gallina , under controlled laboratory conditions were studied. Microorganisms accumulated rapidly in bivalves during the first 6 h, with accumulation rates between 3.2 to 360.5 organisms/h depending on the type of microorganism. The relative patterns and rates of elimination of the microorganisms suggest that they are eliminated from shellfish in two different ways. One is of a mechanical nature that results in microbial elimination during the first 12 h. The other elimination mechanism depends upon the microbial species and their accumulated number. All microorganisms tested were eliminated completely by the molluscs after 3 d of depuration, except MS-2 bacteriophages. Results indicate that MS-2 coliphages may be a more reliable indicator of the microbial depuration efficiency by the shellfish under laboratory conditions than E. coli .
Integrated varroa control in honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) colonies with or without brood

Studies were conducted in two apiaries in order to assess the comparative efficacy of oxalic acid (OA), formic acid (FA) and Thymovar® against varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Treatments were performed using 85% FA, and OA consisted of 2.9% OA dihydrate and 31.9% sugar in water. Consecutive short term FA treatments proceeding Thymovar® application, resulted in an average varroa mortality of 11 and 18% respectively. These varroa mortalities were higher than that in the pre-treatment period (p < 0.05). Mortality rates in FA and OA treated colonies were 42 and 34% of the total mite counts. OA treatment in broodless colonies, after caging the queens for 25 days, reduced the varroa population by 11%. Also consecutive OA sublimations reduced varroa populations by 11, 24, and 16% respectively and the final autumn reduction was 77%. In the second experiment using broodless colonies by caging and isolating the queens, initial OA treatments caused 24% varroa mortality, but three additional autumn OA treatments resulted in 97% varroa efficacy. These studies found that consecutive Thymovar® or OA treatments in colonies with brood have a limited effect on reducing varroa mites. Caging queens to obtain broodless conditions was also not sufficient alone for effectively reducing the varroa mites in colonies during summer months. We conclude, however, that a combination of different treatment protocols, using organic means, can ensure an effective varroa control in colonies.
Pollen Competition Improves Performance and Reproductive Output of the Common Zucchini Squash Under Field Conditions

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pollen competition on offspring quality in the common zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). In a controlled field study, we compared the performance of seeds that were produced under conditions of pollen competition (high pollen loads) to seeds produced under conditions of little or no pollen competition (low pollen loads). We found that seeds from high pollen loads were more likely to emerge and emerge more rapidly than seeds from low pollen loads. The high pollen load seedlings also tended to produce more flowers and fruits than the low pollen load seedlings. On a per-plant basis, the high pollen load progeny had significantly greater fruit volume, seed numbers, and total seed weight than the low pollen load progeny. We conclude that in zucchini, seeds produced under conditions of pollen competition are “superior” to seeds produced when pollen competition is minimal or absent. The significance of these results is considered in light of a previous study revealing nonrandom patterns of fruit abortion in this species.
Research on deer taxonomy and its relevance to management

Abstract Taxonomic classifications are based on phylogenetic relationships, which can be inferred from paleontological, morphological, or genetic data. In this paper, I describe recent molecular genetic data that contribute to the understanding of taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships of the Cervidae at the family, species, subspecies, and population levels. At higher taxonomic levels, the relationships of cervids have been inferred from several molecular genetic markers. Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA sequences (e.g., casein genes) have been used to infer the relationships of Cervidae to other artiodactyl families and the relationships among cervid subfamilies, genera, and species. The data used in such analyses can be extended to practical management applications such as forensic species identification. DNA sequences and allele frequencies of proteins and microsatellite loci can also be used to infer relationships among congeneric species, subspecies, and populations. Understanding relationships at these lower taxonomic levels is useful in several management contexts. Species relationships are important in cases where interspecific competition or hybridization may be important, as with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (O. hemionus) in western North America. Quantification of the genetic differentiation among subspecies and populations is useful for identification of management units and inference of the extent of common ancestry and gene flow. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) and domestic reindeer (R. t. tarandus) are discussed as an example of subspecies that remain genetically differentiated 110 y after the introduction of domestic reindeer to wild caribou ranges in Alaska. Genetic data also show that four wild caribou herds in Arctic Alaska comprise one interbreeding population, although each herd has a different calving range. The concepts of subspecies, populations, and other intra-specific taxa are discussed.
Periphyton development in three valley segments of a New Zealand grassland river : test of a habitat matrix conceptual model within a catchment

We monitored water nutrient concentrations, periphyton biomass, and periphyton cellular nutrient concentrations in run and riffle habitats at sites representative of headwater, mid-catchment and lowland valley segments of a grassland river for two years, and community composition on four occasions during this period, to determine how these communities varied spatially and temporally as a function of downstream changes in hydraulic conditions, flood disturbance regimes and enrichment. Predictions of community biomass and structure were tested under a proposed habitat matrix conceptual model for periphyton. Discharge increased and valley segment slope decreased in a downstream direction as expected from geomorphic models of catchment processes. However, site-specific depths and velocities did not change systematically down the river. Water nutrient concentrations suggested a change from nitrogen limitation of primary production at the headwater site to phosphorus limitation at the lowland site. This was associated with a downstream increase in stream nitrate concentrations, but not phosphorus. However, cellular nutrient concentrations and instream nutrient bioassays suggested either N limitation, or weak N and P limitation, at all sites. In runs, mean monthly chlorophyll-a did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among the three sites, but it did in riffles. The differences in community biomass between run and riffle habitats were more significant than differences among sites. Periphyton community structure in the runs was similar among valley segments during a period of frequent flood disturbances, but during a period of infrequent disturbances communities in the headwater sites were dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria whereas in the mid-catchment and lowland sites they were dominated by nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and diatoms. Major differences in community structure occurred in riffles among the sites. Riffle communities at the headwater site were dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria and diatoms, whereas at the mid-catchment and lowland sites filamentous green algae and diatoms were dominant, possibly a result of increased nitrate concentrations progressing downstream. Overall; a downstream gradient in nitrate enrichment appeared to control biomass and community composition of the riffle communities, but not the run communities. Strong grazer activity in runs during more hydrologically stable periods at the lowland site appeared to override any response to nutrients and maintained biomass at low levels. Periphyton biomass and community composition was predicted more accurately from the habitat matrix conceptual model based on local habitat factors than by expected downstream gradients in hydraulic conditions and enrichment.
Autologous adipose-derived adult stem cells injection versus platelet-rich plasma injection in the treatment of rolling postacne scars

BackgroundAdipose tissue-derived adult stem cells (AT-ASCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used for rejuvenation and tissue regeneration owing to their role in collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thus enhancing tissue remodeling. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacies of an autologous AT-ASCs injection versus a PRP injection in the treatment of atrophic rolling postacne scars. Patients and methodsTwenty patients were subdivided equally into two groups. Autologous AT-ASCs were separated from fat after manual lipoaspiration and then the stem cells were photoactivated. The double-spin method was used for PRP preparation. A single intradermal injection of AT-ASCs and PRP was administered underneath the rolling scars. Follow-up and evaluation were performed by photography, estimation of the percentage of reduction of the total surface area of the rolling scars, and histopathological examination. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the mean% of reduction of the total surface area of the rolling scars in the AT-ASCs group versus the PRP group 1 month after treatment (34.4 vs. 27.48%; P=0.218, respectively); however, there was a statistically significant reduction in the PRP group (excellent response; 76–100%) in comparison with the AT-ASCs group (good response; 51–75%) 3 months after treatment (80.2 vs. 66.49%; P=0.023, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the AT-ASCs and PRP groups in the mean% of improvement in the epidermal thickness (49 vs. 42%; P=0.105, respectively) and the collagen content (34 vs. 35%; P=0.143, respectively), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in the elastin content (30 vs. 40%; P=0.002, respectively). ConclusionBoth AT-ASCs and PRP are safe, effective, and tolerable methods for the treatment of rolling acne scars without serious complications. PRP was found to be superior to AT-ASCs. Optimization of the results may be achieved by combining AT-ASCs and PRP in the same session.
Cole Crop (Brassica oleracea) Tolerance to Clomazone

A laboratory bioassay was conducted to determine the differential tolerance of cole crops to clomazone as measured by extractable total chlorophyll and carotenoids. Clomazone concentrations causing 50% inhibition (I50) in the biosynthesis of total chlorophyll in broccoli, cauliflower, and green and red cabbage cotyledons were 16, 11, 3, and 11 μM, respectively, while I50 values for carotenoid levels were 20, 10, 4, and 8 μM clomazone, respectively. Therefore, broccoli was the most tolerant to clomazone based upon extractable chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations. Further laboratory studies were performed to investigate the basis for differential clomazone tolerance in 3-wk-old cole crop seedlings. No differences in total root uptake of 14C-clomazone were observed between these crops after 24 h. There were no differences in rate of metabolism of 14C-clomazone to methanol-soluble metabolites in roots of these crops. Percentage of polar metabolites in roots remained fairly constant over time. There were also no differences between crops in percentage of methanol-soluble 14C-clomazone metabolites formed in shoots between 24 and 96 h. In all crops, levels of 14C-clomazone decreased in a similar manner over time in methanolic extracts of roots and shoots while nonextractable 14C levels increased, indicating a conversion of clomazone to insoluble, nonextractable forms. Differential uptake, translocation, and metabolism do not appear to account for clomazone selectivity differences between cole crop seedlings.
Secondary Metabolism Variation of a Marine Fungus Following Treatment with Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma and Chemical Mutagens

To activate cryptic secondary metabolic genes is a crucial issue in the search for new natural products from microorganisms. For this purpose, in the present study, a marine fungal strain Penicillium chrysogenum WP-1 was treated with dielectric barrier discharge plasma, chemical mutagens, and their combination. Seven mutants with higher antibacterial activities were chosen among the colonies that survived the different treatments. As revealed by high resolution LC-MS analysis, their secondary metabolic fingerprints displayed significant variations in the numbers of total distinguishable peaks (metabolites), newly generated metabolites, nitrogenated compounds, compounds with skeletons larger than C20, compounds with molecular weights greater than 400 Da, and in the yields of the original metabolites. Additionally, different mutagenesis treatments resulted in different metabolite profiles. Moreover, most of these mutants showed morphological variations compared with the original strain. This study reveals that the plasma and plasma-chemical mutagen combination are effective methods to activate silent fungal secondary metabolites. It lays the foundation for the application of plasma mutagenesis in marine fungal natural product research.