Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogeography of Pteronotus davyi (Chiroptera: Mormoopidae) in Mexico

Abstract Pteronotus davyi, Davy's naked-backed bat, is a tropical bat whose current distribution in Mexico covers the watersheds of the Pacific and the Gulf coasts of Mexico, converges at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and continues into the Yucatan peninsula. We evaluated phylogeographic relationships among 18 populations in Mexico using data from the nucleotide sequence of the hypervariable II domain of the mitochondrial DNA control region from 105 specimens. Extant populations were distributed over 3 geographic regions (Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, and Southeastern) that were delineated a priori according to floristic characteristics and biogeography. Coalescent simulations supported a phylogeographic model of 2 refugia situated in the south of Mexico (Arc and Soconusco refuges) during the late Pleistocene, followed by expansion into Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, and Southeastern groups. The populations of the Southeast were genetically divergent from the Pacific and Gulf Coast populations, supporting the existence of 2 distinct lineages of P. davyi in Mexico, likely due to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec acting as a geographical barrier. Examination of our data revealed genetic differentiation of the Pacific and Gulf coastal groups but at a lower level relative to the Southeast. This pattern suggests that the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and Sierra Madre del Sur act as physical barriers to dispersal for P. davyi.
Response of Cryptocoryne zaidiana Ipor & Tawan (Araceae) to shading and water depth

Study on the responses of Cryptocoryne zaidiana Ipor & Tawan (Araceae) to shading and water depth was conducted. Vegetative characteristics and biomass partitioning (plant height, total leaf number and total dry weight), leaf weight ratio (LWR), petiole weight ratio (PWR), root weight ratio (RWR), rhizome weight ratio (RhWR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA)) of C. zaidiana grown in natural habitat at Sg. Mering varied between quadrates. Plants under 50% shading produced significantly more leaves, RWR and RhWR than those at 75% shading and under tree canopy. Plants under 75% shading produce the least number leaves. Plants placed at 10 cm water depth showed significantly higher values of LWR, PWR, RWR, LAR and SLA as compared to plants at 0 cm water depth. However, at 30 cm water depth, plants significantly increased their height as compared to the other two water depth regimes. Plants being placed under 75% shading and 10 cm water depth had the highest dry matter production (DMP) while highest NAR was recorded by plants cultivated under 50% shading and 0 cm water depth. Satisfactory sprouting of rhizome-cutting was recorded by 5-node cuttings viz. 38 plants out of 50 rhizomes. The lowest maximal quantum yield was recorded at 50% shading and it was significantly different between both tree canopy shading and 75%
Road avoidance responses determine the impact of heterogeneous road networks at a regional scale

Summary Barrier effect is a road-related impact affecting several animal populations. It can be caused by behavioural responses towards roads (surface and/or gap avoidance), associated emissions (traffic-emissions avoidance) and/or circulating vehicles (vehicle avoidance). Most studies so far have described road-effect zones along major roads, without determining the actual factor inducing the behavioural response. The purpose of the present study was to assess the factors potentially causing road-effect zones in a heterogeneous road network (with variations in road width, road surface and traffic volume) and eventually to estimate the reduction of habitat quality imposed by roads within a protected area (Donana Biosphere Reserve, Spain). As model species, we used two ungulates, red deer Cervus elaphus and wild boar Sus scrofa. We surveyed the presence of both species along 200-m transects. All transects started and were perpendicular to reference roads (those with a traffic volume above 10 cars per day), often intersecting unpaved minor roads with virtually no traffic. The presence probability of both species was mainly affected by the distance to the nearest road (in most cases unpaved roads without traffic), but also by the proximity to reference roads. Red deer presence was also affected by the traffic volume of the nearest reference road. At a regional scale, the overall road network within the protected area imposes a reduction in presence probability of 40% for red deer and 55% for wild boar. A road network optimization, decommissioning unused and unpaved roads, would re-establish almost entirely the potential habitat quality (91% for both species). Synthesis and applications. We found that both study species avoided roads regardless of their surface or traffic volume, suggesting a response due to gap avoidance which may be based on the association between linear infrastructures and the possibility of vehicles occurring along them. The overall behavioural response can substantially decrease habitat quality over large scales, including the conservation value of protected areas. For this reason, we recommend road network optimization by road decommissioning to mitigate the impact of roads at a regional scale, with potential positive effects at ecosystem level.
The effects of dietary fat, vitamin E and zinc supplementation on fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of muscle thigh in broilers under heat stress

The objective of this experiment was to characterize the relationship between dietary fat and antioxidant supplementation on performance, fatty acids profile and lipid oxidation of thigh meat stored under refrigeration in broilers under heat stress. The chicks with a similar body weight were equally assigned to one of the two controlled-environment chambers from 21 to 56 day of age. The birds fed diets as: 1) basal diet supplemented with 5% saturated fatty acid, 2) basal diet supplemented with 5% unsaturated fatty acids (2% canola oil plus 3% fish oil); and 3) The second diet supplemented with antioxidant (100 IU vitamin E and 50 mg/kg zinc); that birds received this 3 diet in two temperature (22 and 32°C). Results showed that feed conversion ratio was not influenced by fat type, but on live body weight and feed Intake had significant effect (P<0.05). High environmental temperature showed deleterious effects including: reduction of feed intake, and live body weight and increasing of feed conversion ratio. Proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 (n-6/n-3) of thigh was increased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased in heat exposed and tallow-fed chicks. Whereas the proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 (n-6/n-3) of thigh was decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased in chicks fed with canola and fish oils. Fat content and gross energy of thigh in heat exposed and canola and fish oils with antioxidant fed chicks were higher than other treatments. Proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 (n-6/n-3) of thigh was decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased in chicks fed with canola and fish oils. Inclusion of canola and fish oils supplementations increased lipid oxidation of thigh muscle based on TBARA values. Thiobarbituric acid reaction substances (TBARA) values of thigh muscle in chicks fed canola and fish oils reared under heat stress was higher than other treatments. Increasing dietary antioxidants decreased TBARA values of thigh muscle.
Proximate analysis and antimicrobial activities of Bambusa vulgaris L. leaves' beverage

Nutrient analysis of aqueous extract (100 ml) of Bambusa vulgaris L. (Bambusoideae) leaves, (50 g) and the fortified extract of the leaves (fortified with orange and pineapple juices in varying proportion of 50 to 90%) together with their mineral and antimicrobial effect were carried out. The antimicrobial effect was determined with respect to their inhibitory effect on the growth of Bacillus cerise, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp. and a fungus Aspergilus niger. The results revealed that the leaves contained 10.75% moisture, 10.34% ash, 8.45% crude protein, 13.13% crude fat, 37.60% crude fibre and 19.73% carbohydrate content. The fortified bamboo extract with orange juice had higher value of vitamin C compared with extracts fortified with pineapple juice. The extract fortified with pineapple juice however had best general acceptability. Mineral analysis revealed that Mg, Na, K and Ca were generally high while Fe, Mn and Cu were low but Pb was not detected. Antimicrobial screening showed that the bamboo’s leave extract was active against Lactobacillus spp. Fortification with orange and pineapple juices enhanced the inhibitory effect against E. coli and Lactobacillus spp.
Nitrogen management of fallow crops in Canadian prairie soils

Karamanos, R. E. , Selles, F. , James, D. C. and Stevenson, F. C. 2012. Nitrogen management of fallow crops in Canadian prairie soils. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1389-1401. The ability of fallow to supply nitrogen (N) to crops has been questioned, particularly for crops with greater N requirements. A study was conducted to determine canola (Brassica napus L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) responses to a range of N fertilizer rates (0-75 kg N ha-1 for canola and 0-50 kg N ha-1 for wheat) at 17 fallow sites across Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, from 2003 to 2005. Yield and N uptake responses to progressively greater N fertilizer rates were curvilinear for both crops. Maximum yield occurred with 76 kg N ha-1 for canola yield (2190 kg ha-1) and 47 kg N ha-1 for wheat (2910 kg ha-1). Maximum N uptake occurred at about 90 kg N ha-1 for both crops. Wheat grain yield and N uptake responses were mostly associated with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at anthesis or flag leaf, whereas canola yields and N uptake were most associated with NDVI at five-leaf or bolting, or Cardy Nitrate meter at bolting. The preceding relationships were most apparent at the highest N fertilizer rates. Canola and wheat water use were not affected by N fertilizer rate, but water use efficiency increased linearly for both crops as N fertilizer rate was increased.
Chelating ability of sulbactomax drug in arsenic intoxication

The aim of this study was to determine the chelating ability of Sulbactomax drug in arsenic pre-exposed rats. 24 rats were divided into I to III groups. Group I was control while Groups II to III were arsenic exposed and arsenic plus Sulbactomax treated group. Arsenic toxicity was induced via intraperitoneally administration of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) 10 mg/kg body weight/day for three weeks. Toxicity was confirmed by decreased body weight, increased body temperature, loss ofappetite and decreased hemoglobin levels in all groups except Group I. After confirmation of these symptoms, drug was administered via intravenous route for three week treatment. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected and the arsenic, zinc concentration, hemoglobin level and δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydrates activity were measured in the blood while other parameters were measured in the plasma sample. Our results revealed that zinc concentration, hemoglobin level, δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities significantly increased, while arsenic concentration, lipid peroxidation level, myloperoxidase enzyme activity, tumor necrosis factor TNF-α and IL-6 levels significantly reduced in Group III as compared to Group II. So, the findings concluded that administration of Sulbactomax drug act as an antioxidant and chelating agent that reduce arsenic metal and freeradical mediated tissue injury. Key words: Arsenic, Sulbactomax, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines parameters, arsenic, zinc.
Seed Availability as a Limiting Factor in Forest Recovery Processes in Costa Rica

Abandoned pastures and secondary forests are increasingly prominent features of tropical landscapes. Forest regrowth on abandoned pastures is generally slow and virtually limited to regeneration from seeds from external sources, since agricultural activities alter site conditions. We hypothesize that seed availability is a major limiting factor in forest recovery on abandoned pastures. This hypothesis was tested by studying the seed bank, seed rain, and seed predation in a small pasture (1 ha) situated in a forest‐pasture mosaic in northwestern Costa Rica. The tree seed density in the pasture seed bank was much lower (21/m2) than the density in the seed bank of a neighboring secondary forest (402/m2). Within a period of five weeks, 23 tree seeds entered the pasture by seed rain. This number is low compared to densities found in closed forests but higher than densities reported in other studies where virtually no seeds were found beyond 20 m from the forest edge. Possibly the small size of the pasture with seed sources nearby and the small‐scale landscape mosaic enhance seed dispersal. Predation limits the seed density in pastures, with 42% of the woody species consumed by predators. The low seed density in the seed bank, and hampered recruitment combined with significant losses, pose severe restrictions to forest recovery on abandoned pastures. Moderate land use, and small sized clearings with seed sources nearby may increase the pace of recovery. Nevertheless, forest establishment may still take a considerable time. Thus, enlarging the available pool of species may be a worthwhile management strategy.
Relation of agronomic and multispectral reflectance characteristics of spring wheat canopies

The relationships between crop canopy variables such as leaf area index (LAI) and their multispectral reflectance properties were investigated along with the potential for estimating canopy variables from remotely sensed reflectance measurements. Reflectance spectra over the 0.4 to 2.5 micron wavelength range were acquired during each of the major development stages of spring wheat canopies at Williston, North Dakota, during three seasons. Treatments included planting date, N fertilization, cultivar, and soil moisture. Agronomic measurements included development stage, biomass, LAI, and percent soil cover. High correlations were found between reflectance and percent cover, LAI, and biomass. A near infrared wavelength band, 0.76 to 0.90 microns, was most important in explaining variation in LAI and percent cover, while a middle infrared band, 2.08 to 2.35 microns, explained the most variation in biomass and plant water content. Transformations, including the near infrared/red reflectance ratio and greenness index, were also highly correlated to canopy variables. The relationship of canopy variables to reflectance decreased as the crop began to ripen. the canopy variables could be accurately predicted using measurements from three to five wavelength bands. The wavelength bands proposed for the thematic mapper sensor were more strongly related to the canopy variables than the LANDSAT MSS bands.
Clathria (Cornulotrocha) rosetafiordica sp. nov. from a south-east Pacific fjord (Chilean Patagonia) (Microcionidae: Poecilosclerida: Demospongiae: Porifera)

This article reports on a new species originating from the northern Chilean fjord region, which argued for the resurrection of Cornulotrocha, here classified as a new subgenus of Clathria, for sponges with choanosomal acanthostyles, ectosomal quasidiactinal monactines and rosettes of palmate (an)isochelae. Clathria (Cornulotrocha) rosetafiordica sp. nov. was collected at 23 m depth at Quintupeu fjord (∼42°S), and is unique within this very large genus, in possessing rosettes of palmate anisochelae. The new species is compared to the only other known Clathria (Cornulotrocha), viz. C. (Cornulotrocha) cheliradians n. comb. ; to the single other Clathria known with anisochelae, viz C. (Thalysias) dubia; to other crustose Clathria from southern South America, the subantarctic and Antarctic areas; and also to other sponges bearing rosettes; and is considered clearly distinct from all. The phylogenetic significance of rosettes is discussed, a likely adaptive value being discarded in view of the variable location of such structures in the distinct poecilosclerid taxa in which they occur.
Photoperiod, Juvenility, and High Intensity Lighting Affect Flowering and Cut Stem Qualities of Campanula and Lupinus

Campanula medium L. 'Champion Blue' and 'Champion Pink' and Lupinus hartwegii Lindl. 'Bright Gems' were grown in 8- or 16-h initial photoperiods, transplanted when 2-3, 5-6, or 8-9 true leaves developed, and placed under 8-, 12-, or 16-h final photoperiods. The lowest flowering percentage for 'Champion Blue' (<1%) and 'Champion Pink' (16%) resulted from plants grown in the 8-h photoperiod continuously. One hundred percent flowering occurred when Campanula were grown in the 16-h final photoperiod, indicating that 'Champion Blue' and 'Champion Pink' are long-day plants. Plants grown initially in the 8-h and finished in the 16-h photoperiod had the longest stems. Stem diameter was generally thickest for plants grown in the 8-h compared with the 16-h initial photoperiod. However, the 8-h initial photoperiod delayed anthesis compared with the 16-h initial photoperiod. 'Champion Blue' and 'Champion Pink' plants transplanted at the 2-3 leaf stage from the 16 hour initial to the 8-h final photoperiod had flowering percentages of 64% and 63%, respectively; however, when transplanted at the 8-9 leaf stage, plants were fully mature and 100% flowering occurred indicating that all plants were capable of flowering. In year 2, plants receiving high intensity discharge (HID) supplemental lighting during the 16-h initial photoperiod reached anthesis in 11 fewer days compared with plants not receiving HID supplemental lighting. High profits were obtained from Campanula grown in the 8-h initial photoperiod and transferred at 5-6 true leaves into the 16-h final photoperiod. Lupinus hartwegii plants had a high flowering percentage (96% to 100%) regardless of photoperiod or transplant stage. The 16-h final photoperiod decreased days to anthesis compared with the 8- or 12-h final photoperiod indicating that L. hartwegii is a facultative long-day plant. Increasing length of final photoperiod from 8- to 16-h increased stem length. Juvenility was not evident for Lupinus in this study. In year 2, Lupinus cut stems were generally longer and thicker when given HID supplemental lighting, especially when grown in the 8- or 12-h final photoperiod. Supplemental lighting also reduced days to anthesis. Highest profits were generally produced from Lupinus plants grown with supplemental HID lighting (during the initial photoperiod) until 8-9 true leaves had developed.
Occurrence and incidence of important diseases of pomegranate in Himachal Pradesh

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a rapidly developing crop grown for its fruits in Himachal Pradesh. During last decades, pomegranate crop has witnessed a tremendous growth potential in mid hill zone of Kullu and Mandi districts. However, its cultivation is adversely affected by various foliar (leaf spots), fruit (spots and rots) and soil borne (wilt) diseases resulting in huge losses to the growers. Therefore, a survey of pomegranate growing areas was conducted during June to September 2011 to record the occurrence and incidence of diseases and attempts were made to isolate and identify associated fungal and bacterial pathogens. Wilt disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata and Fusarium oxysporum with their incidence varying from 1.03 to 15.3 and 0.1 to 7.3 per cent, respectively, has posed the threat to pomegranate cultivation. This disease was further found more pronounced in areas having heavy soils retaining high moisture conditions. Incidence of leaf and fruit spots mainly by Cercospora punicae (Pseudocercospora punicae) and Alternaria alternata was 1.1 to 17.31 per cent. Similarly, fruit rotting caused by Coniella granati (1.0 to 14.8%), Phomopsis aucubicola (1.0 to 14.7%) and Phytophthora nicotianae (1.4 to 13.6%) was also recorded at different locations. Incidence of anthracnose (7.3%) caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was recorded only in Hamirpur and Kullu district. A bacterial pathogen (Xanthomonas axonopodis) causing leaf and fruit spots and subsequent fruit rotting beside causing stem and twig canker was also recorded only in Kullu and Mandi district. However, stem and twig canker were recorded only on Mridula and Sindhuri varieties directly introduced by the farmers from Maharashtra.
Population ecology of an alien "warm water" crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in a new cold habitat

Key-words: life-history plasticity, non-indigenous crayfish, latitudinal clines Procambarus clarkii is one of the worst invasive and best-studied crayfish species worldwide, but its life history at higher latitudes is poorly understood. In the present study, the population ecology of P. clarkii was studied for the first time within its northeastern range limit in Europe (southern Germany) for a two-year period, and the findings are used to discuss several life-history parameters across different latitudes of its current distribution range. The reproductive cycle was tracked using the gonadosomatic index and reproductive traits in females and the reproductive form in males. Life-history parameters were estimated using Von Bertalanffy’s growth function. Reproduction was univoltine and occurredfrom late summer to autumn. A small proportion of females carried eggs throughout the winter. This contrasts with the species’ multi-voltine life cycle at lower latitudes, with year-round breeding and several reproduction peaks per year. Growth was estimated to be slower than at lower latitudes, whereas longevity, mean lifetime and size increased. These changes in life history probably reflect a general phenomenon at higher latitudes and, thus, latitudinal clines. The presented findings provide evidence that P. clarkii is able to cope well with new cold habitats by modulating its life history.