Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crayfish invading Europe: the case study of Procambarus clarkii

The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, native to northeastern Mexico and southcentral USA, is today the dominant macroinvertebrate in several European countries. While the first introduction of this species into Spain is well-documented, little is known about its pathways of invasion and the reason for its rapid spread in several European countries. Study of the biology of the species has revealed a number of properties that makes this crayfish a successful invader. Procambarus clarkii exhibits properties characteristic of an r-selected species, including early maturity at small body size, rapid growth rates, large numbers of offspring at a given parental size, and relatively short life spans. It is also plastic in its life cycle, able to disperse widely in the habitat and to tolerate environmental extremes. It displays generalist and opportunistic feeding habits, consuming macrophytes and preying on amphibians. Procambarus clarkii can also replace indigenous crayfish by a combination of mechanisms, including competitive exclusion and transmission of the fungus-like Aphanomyces astaci, responsible for the crayfish plague. Finally, this species shows a wide behavioral flexibility when coping with new types of predators. The results of these studies, combined with the increasing information available in the scientific literature on this and other crayfish species, will help us understand invasions in this taxon and make predictions about the identity of future crayfish invaders.
Seed Germination Characteristics of Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

ABSTRACT: Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis [A. Gray] A. Gray) is a warm-season grass that is an important component of remnant tallgrass prairies of North America, but is rarely found in restorations. We conducted three experiments to determine germination rates of prairie dropseed under different conditions in an attempt to potentially increase its successful establishment under field conditions. In the first experiment, we evaluated the duration of cold-moist stratification on the germination of prairie dropseed. Seeds were cold-moist stratified for 0, 30, or 60-d at 4 °C and then placed in a dark growth chamber at 26 °C. The other two experiments consisted of seeds planted in three different soil media: 1:1:1 soil:peat:perlite mixture, non-compacted field soil, and compacted field soil. They were then exposed to full irradiance or 50% shade. Germination was highest for seeds cold-moist stratified for 30 or 60 d. Seeds planted in either non-compacted or compacted field soil had higher germination rates than the 1:1:1 mixture in both full irradiance and 50% shade. We conclude that prairie dropseed has higher germination percentage after a period of cold-moist stratification. While our results indicate that seeds germinate better in field soil, germination rates were low compared to the amount of viable seed. It also appears that seed of prairie dropseed germinate at relatively higher levels under partial shade.
Total calcium and inorganic phosphate in the blood plasma of farmed rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Reference (physiological) value intervals determined by the lower 2.5% and upper 97.5% quantiles were calculated for total calcium (Cat) and inorganic phosphate (P) in farmed rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, at an age of 10–12 months in raceway culture. Total calcium levels were significantly (P≤0.0009) greater in males (2.63–4 mmol L−1, n=47, mean weight 359±142 g) than in immature females (2.48–3.97 mmol L−1, n=410, mean weight 400±145 g). The reference range for P in immature females and males was 3.09–9.32 mmol L−1 (n=467, mean weight 401±144 g). The distribution and density of the quantiles in the tested reference group were made possible by the use of histograms, which showed normal distributions for Cat in males but not for Cat and P in immature females and males, in which a sinistral asymmetry was found.
ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND CHROMOSOME MAPPING OF AN ACTIN GENE FROM THE PRIMITIVE GREEN ALGA, NANNOCHLORIS BACILLARIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)

Historically, the genus Nannochloris has been classified using the morphology of cell division, although the mechanics of division remain relatively poorly understood. Nannochloris bacillaris reproduces by binary fission. Microscopic observation with fluorescein isothiocyanate‐phalloidin showed that actin filaments localized near the nucleus and appeared as a ring‐ or beltlike structure in the septum‐forming area in the middle of the cell during cell division. In primitive unicellular Chlorophyta such as N. bacillaris, actin is also thought to play important roles in nuclear migration and cell division. The N. bacillaris actin gene has three exons and two introns defined by two exon–intron junctions with splice site consensus sequences. The two introns are located at codons specifying amino acids 3/4 and 47/48. One of these, intron position 3/4, is conserved in the actin gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The actin gene product was predicted to be 378 amino acids long with an estimated molecular weight of 42 kDa. There is only one copy of the actin gene in the N. bacillaris genome. Nannochloris bacillaris has 14 chromosomes that range in size from 230 kb to 3000 kb, and the total size of the genome was estimated to be 20.3 Mb. The actin gene is on either chromosome XI or XII. In a phylogenetic tree based on the actin gene sequence, N. bacillaris diverged before the divergence of Volvox, Chlamydomonas, and higher plants, and very shortly after the radiation of the Rhodophyta.
Gender-Based Credit Constraints and Firm Performance in Cameroon

This paper revisits the empirical literature on gender and access to formal finance by enterprises and examines the effect of financial constraints on firm performance in Cameroon. Existing literature on the importance of gender of the firm’s owner as a determinant of the firm’s access to finance is clouded with mixed findings. Based on the objective measure of access to finance variable where firms are constrained if they applied and were refused, including those that did not apply because they expected to be refused. The analysis finds evidence that female-owned firms are less likely to be credit-constrained once sample selection bias is accounted for. Furthermore, unobservable heterogeneity does not explain gender difference in access to finance while using a two stage least squares regression, no significant gender gap in firm performance between male- and female-owned companies was found, though financial constraint render firms to be less efficient.
Natural Hybridization between a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and a Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) in Japan

Abstract. Reports of hybridization among herons are not uncommon but usually document interbreeding within genera and in captivity. An inter-generic hybrid pairing between a male Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and a female Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) was video-recorded in a mixed-species heronry in Japan. In June 2010, nest-building behavior and copulation by the interspecific pair were observed. In August 2010, a juvenile possessing intermediate characteristics of the two species was fed by the female Chinese Pond Heron. These observations indicated that a fertile intergeneric hybridization occurred between the two species. The Chinese Pond Heron is an irregular visitor to Japan, but has been recorded more often in recent years. A rare species such as the Chinese Pond Heron might choose heterospecific mates rather than abandoning all chances of reproduction.
Congruence between floristic patterns of trees and lianas in a southwest Amazonian rain forest

The congruence in floristic patterns between different life-forms of woody plants remains poorly understood in tropical rain forests. We explored whether the floristic patterns of woody plants, divided into small trees 2.5 10 cm dbh, large trees ]10 cm dbh, and lianas ]2.5 cm dbh were associated with each other or with patterns in soil properties, elevation, and geographical distances between sample plots. We also tested whether ecological amplitudes in relation to environmental variables differed among the plant groups. Trees and lianas were inventoried in 44 0.1-ha plots, distributed among three lowland and two submontane sites in the Madidi National Park, Bolivia. Soil samples were analysed for physico-chemical properties. Floristic differences between sites (as measured with each plant group separately) yielded significant Mantel correlations with each other, and with pH, Ca, Mg, elevation and geographical distance. Mantel correlations with edaphic distances were higher for large trees than small trees, but for Mantel correlations with geographical distance the situation was reversed. Environmental and geographical distances explained 31% of the variation in floristic differences for large trees, 22% for small trees, and 10% for lianas. The ecological amplitudes of lianas were wider than those of all trees for pH, Mg and elevation. The amplitudes of the two size classes of trees did not differ. In principal coordinates ordination, the three plant groups produced similar overall floristic patterns that were explainable by environmental factors.
EFFECT OF AGE AND TISSUE WEIGHT ON THE CADMIUM CONCENTRATION IN PACIFIC OYSTERS (CRASSOSTREA GIGAS)

Abstract This study investigated the influence of age and tissue weight on cadmium (Cd) levels in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Oysters from 4 different age groups (1, 2, 3, and 4 y) were collected at an oyster farm in Willapa Bay, Washington. To examine the effects of age, 60 oysters from each group were sorted into 3 composites of 20, and Cd analysis was carried out on all composite samples. To study the effects of tissue weights, 25 oysters from each of the 4 age groups were collected and analyzed individually for Cd. All oyster Cd concentrations were below the 3.7 ppm (μg/g) wet wt Food and Drug Administration (FDA) level of concern and the 2 ppm wet wt Hong Kong limit. There was a moderate correlation between Cd concentration and age (R2 = 0.60). The 1-y-old oysters had significantly lower Cd concentrations than the 2–4-y-old oysters. Tissue weight also influenced Cd concentration (R2 = 0.31). The effect of tissue weight was found to vary with age, with a stronger correlation to Cd levels in the 1- and 2-y-olds and a weaker correlation among the 3- and 4-y-olds. The results indicate that oysters accumulate the majority of their Cd during the first two years of their lives, after which point they become saturated and show only incremental additions of Cd in later years.
New Records for the Arctic Shrew, Sorex arcticus and the Newly Recognized Maritime Shrew, Sorex maritimensis

We report the first record for the Arctic Shrew ( Sorex arcticus ) in the state of Montana, USA. We also report range extensions for the closely related Maritime Shrew ( Sorex maritimensis ) in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. These collections augment our limited knowledge of the ranges and habitat associations of these rarely collected shrews, and highlight the need for a careful assessment of the status of S. maritimensis in Canada.
Genetic variability among populations of Allium carinatum subsp. carinatum

The genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of ten picked native populations of endangered wild garlic Allium carinatum L. from the former Czechoslovakia area were studied by means of isozyme variation. The variability of six isozyme systems was tested (G-6-PDH, AAT, PGM, EST, ACP, PGI) by disconti- nuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The chosen species, A. carinatum subsp. carinatum, is triploid (2n = 24) with obligatory vegetative reproduction by bulbils. Tests of heredity by crossing- over are impossible and genetic variability is difficult to derive from isozyme patterns. For this reason the method of mixed phenotype analysis was applied. The dendrograms of dissimiliarity were constructed and low among-population variability reported. The low variability was disscused in terms of clonality, geographic shaping, distance, weak dispersion, fixed genotype and the action of somatic mutations.
The use of molecular markers to study patterns of genotypic diversity in some invasive alien Fallopia spp. (Polygonaceae)

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) and inter‐simple sequence repeats (inter‐SSRs) have been used to study clonal growth and hybridization in some non‐native, gynodioecious, invasive weeds from the genus Fallopia (Polygonaceae). At the study site (the River Kelvin, Glasgow, UK) a single genotype of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) was detected, consistent with all the individuals sampled being ramets of a single clone. Two genotypes of giant knotweed (F. sachalinensis) were detected, with one genotype accounting for all but one of the samples, again indicative of widespread clonal growth. Five genotypes of the hybrid between Japanese and giant knotweed (F.×bohemica) were recovered. F. ×bohemica is the only male‐fertile taxon present at the site and it seems probable that at least some of this genetic variation is attributable to hybrid fertility. A single plant identified using morphological methods as a backcross between F. japonica and F. ×bohemica was analysed, and the molecular data were consistent with this theory. A comparison of RAPDs and inter‐SSRs showed that the two techniques gave data that are broadly congruent, and both techniques showed a similar sensitivity in the number of genotypes detected.
Antibacterial activity from Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) serum

Antibacterial agents were purified from Siamese crocodile serum by anion exchange, gel filtration and reversed phase HPLC. Six antibacterial agents designed as Hp14, Hp15, Hp17, Hp31, Hp36 and Hp51 were purified and proved to carry activity against Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio chorelae. The mass analysis of MALDI-TOF for antibacterial agent of Hp14, Hp15 and Hp51 revealed that they are small molecule with a molecular mass less than 1 kDa. The scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that these agents targeted the bacterial membrane and they act like as antimicrobial peptides. The antibacterial agent in the serum may represent the first line of an immune system in a freshwater crocodile.
Inter-moult growth of species of Mysidacea [Crustacea]

Adult female mysids do not moult while carrying young in the marsupium. Successive larval stages can be recognized in the marsupium and this allows examination of the body length of the parents at different points in the inter-moult period. The body length of 13 species of mysids was found to have increased during the course of the inter-moult period; the average increase in length of the body is 7%. An examination of the ratio of abdomen length to carapace length at different points in the inter-moult period shows that this growth in length is accommodated in the abdomen.
Facial Dominance in Homo Sapiens as Honest Signaling of Male Quality

For a cohort of military officers, graduates of the class of 1950 of the United States Military Academy at West Point, dominant facial appearance was a cosnistent and important predictor of rank attainment at the academy and - for those who graduated from staff college - for high final rank. For men performing below the average, however, dominant facial appearance was a handicap for promotion. High rank came with high fitness. Thus, facial dominance can be an evolutionarily stable honest signal of dominant behavior, a crucial dimension of the potential for high stastus in a male dominance hierarchy. These findings may apply also to civilian populations.
Structure of a cDNA for an acid phosphatase from phosphate-deficient lupin (Lupinus albus L.) Roots

Abstract We have isolated a cDNA clone, named LASAP1, for an acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2; APase) from a cDNA library constructed from mRNA in phosphatedeficient lupin (Lupinus albus L. cv. Kievskij) roots. LASAP1 was 2,187 bp in length including a single open reading frame of 1,914 nucleotides that encodes 638 amino acid residues containing a putative signal sequence of 31 amino acids. The polypeptide encoded by LASAP1 was highly hydrophilic, while the putative signal peptide was highly hydrophobic. It was predicted that the peptide had a high affinity to the plasma membrane. The deduced amino acid sequence shared a high homology with that of purple APases from germinated seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris and those secreted from Arabidopsis thaliana. Seven amino acids composing the active center of the Phaseolus vulgaris purple APase were conserved in all the homologous APases. Northern blot analysis revealed that the corresponding mRNA accumulated in both shoots and roots under phosphate deficient conditions,.
Population development of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steïnernema carpocapsae in the larvae of Galleria mellonella(l)

The population development of Helerorhabditis bacleriophora and Sleinernema carpocapsae was studied in larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, after initiation with one or two infective juveniles, respectively. In both nematodes, three reproductive adult generations were observed and after 3 weeks a fmal population of about 150 000 infective juveniles per insect was counted. Population development of these two species differed in several aspects. Details of the population development in the insect host of these most commonly used entomopathogenic nematodes could be used to establish an optimal standard for fecundity, at least during the flfst generation, in in vitro culture.
Effect of supplementation of micronutrients through different sources on the production performance in crossbred dairy cows

Study was conducted to know the lactation performance in 12 crossbred cows fed diets with inorganiC and organic source of micronutrient supplementation under each of the dietary treatment. Cows in group 1 were fed concentrate mixture supplemented with 1 % commercial mineral mixture, whereas cows in group 2 were fed with additional green fodder as a strategic supplement in place of 1 % inorganic mineral mixture to meet the mineral needs for 120 days. There was no significant difference in the total dry matter intake in both the groups (10.7S and 10.41 kg). The average daily intake of Ca (55.23 and 41.96 g), Cu (173.19 and 137.10 mg), Zn (800,70 and 625.39 mg) and Mn (1147.49 and 924.11 mg) was significantly (P<0,05) higher in group I fed diet supplemented with mineral mixture than in group 2. However, the average daily intake of P (103.45 and 89.97 g), Mg (32.69 and 27.71 g), Fe (7025 and 6860 mg) and Co (19.73 and 16.53 mg) did not differ significantly amongst the 2 groups indicating that the cows in group 2 fed no minerai mixture could derive these micronutrients through the consumption of additional quantity of green fodder provided to them. The net percentage ofP in the dry matter consumed by the cows in both the groups was higher (0.86-0.96%) than that of Ca (0.42-0.51 %) due to the inclusion of wheat bran and groundnut-cake in the concentrate mixture which are rich sources of P. The unit dietary level ofCu (13-16 ppm), Zn (60-75 ppm), Fe (653-659 ppm), Mn (88-106 ppm) and Co (1.58-1.83 ppm) in the dry matter consumed by the cows in both the groups was higher than the re.commended levels as the concentrate ingredients and green fodder consumed were good sources of these micronutrients. The cows in group 2 fed additional green fodder recorded a non-significant reduction in the average milk yield (4% FCM), 7.69 L/day as compared to 8.08 L per day in group 1 during the 120 days offeeding experiment. Milk composition also did not show significant variation between the groups except the milk ash which was significantly less in group 2. It can be concluded frolp this study that strategic Supplementation of micronutrients through local para grass for crossbred cows producing upto 10 L of milk could meet the trace mineral requirement but the major minerals like Ca and Mg could not be met and required to be supplemented.
An estimate of the total biomass of fish in the North Sea

Biomass estimates are made by combining ICES working group VPA biomass estimates of 11 commercial fish species with catch rates in the ICES International Young Fish Surveys (1YFS) in the first quarter of the year and in the English Groundfish Surveys (EGFS) in the third quarter of the year. Data from 1983, 1984, and 1985 are used. The total biomass of fish is calculated as the mean of the three years. In the first three months of the year the mean total biomass was 8.6 million tonnes, of which the 11 commercial species constituted 5.9 million tonnes. In the third quarter it was 13.1 million tonnes, of which the 11 commercial species constituted 8.5 million tonnes. The difference between the first and third quarters was mainly caused by the migration of 0.5 million tonnes of Western stock mackerel and 1.6 million tonnes of horse mackerel into the North Sea during the third quarter. Comparisons are made between the productivity of the North Sea and other shelf regions in temperate latitudes.
Seasonal Variation in Offspring Sex Ratio in the Snowy Plover

ABSTRACT. The Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus) is unique in being a determinate layer of an odd modal clutch size and in having a variable mating system in which female brood desertion occurs regularly. These traits make determining Snowy Plover offspring sex ratios important not only for long-term population stability, as the species is of conservation concern, but also for application to sex allocation theory. In this study, we determined Snowy Plover offspring sex ratios, examined differential costs of producing male and female offspring, and evaluated sex ratio variation in relation to maternal condition, habitat condition, and time during the nesting season on saline lakes of the Southern High Plains of Texas. Examination of 245 chicks from 118 clutches during 1999–2000 and 2008–2009 showed that male offspring were more costly to produce than female offspring; however, offspring sex ratio did not differ from parity, but was slightly male-biased in most years. The probability of producing a male offspring was greater both earlier and later in the breeding season than in the middle. As the availability of saline lake surface water and the subsequent availability of food vary unpredictably throughout the breeding season, depending on precipitation events, we suggest that sex ratio adjustment in unpredictable environments may not be straightforward and may follow nonlinear models and/or vary annually The effects such changes in sex ratios may have on population growth and stability remain unknown.