Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symbiotic Relations of Sediment‐Agglutinating Nematodes and Bacteria in Detrital Habitats: The Enzyme‐Sharing Concept

A new concept ('enzyme sharing') concerning the interaction of marine nematodes and microbes in the degradation of sedimentary detritus is presented. Elements of this concept are (1) the notorious tendency of many aquatic nematodes to agglutinate detrital particles by mucus secretions, (2) new observations on the stimulation of microbial growth by nematodes in agar plates, and (3) literature data on limited endogenous proteolytic capacities of aquatic nematodes.Observations on nematode-microbe associations in agar plates prompted the conceptual synthesis. In agar medium without the addition of any nutrients a spectacular growth of bacteria was visible on the sinusoidal crawling trails of nematodes only 2-3 days after introduction of the worms (species of Adoncholaimus, Anoplostoma and Sabatieria). Juveniles of Anoplostoma that hatched in the agar cultures left their minute trails in the medium and these were rapidly occupied by bacteria. The nematodes repeatedly visited their bacterial trails, which persisted as a peculiar biotic structure for more than one year and survived the nematodes.In sterile agar preparations containing the fluorogenic methylumbelliferyl-beta-glucoside in the presence of the nematode Adoncholaimus an enhanced fluorescence of the medium was visible indicating beta-glucosidase activity. We therefore assume that oncholaimid nematodes discharge enzymes that alone, or in concert with microbial activities, contribute to the hydrolytic cleavage of refractory polysaccharides containing beta-glucosidic bonds such as agar components and cellulose. The sugars thus produced may then be taken up by the nematodes and concomitantly support the conspicuous growth of microbes. Since we did not observe any feeding of the nematodes on the associated microbes in agar plates, we question the nutritive potential of intact microbial cells for a number of nematodes abounding in detrital habitats, and call attention to the significance of ambient dissolved or adsorbed organic monomeric nutrients.Consequently, we perceive the puzzling perpetual accretion of detrital organic particles to sediment agglutinations by nematodes as an adaptation for operating an 'enzymatic reactor' for the production of dissolved nutrients. We hypothesize a relationship of mutual commensalism of nematodes and heterotrophic microbes in detrital habitats and propose the term 'enzyme sharing' for this relationship. Both parties invest in a common enzyme pool that decomposes organic detritus for their nutrition. We present here evidence that nematodes contribute beta-glucosidase that is involved in the cellulase system. Data from the literature suggest that microbial enzymatic processing of detrital proteins results in amino acids available to nematodes which apparently have no efficient proteolytic enzyme system in their intestines.
THE INFLUENCE OF BODY SIZE ON THE ENERGETICS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOSSORIAL AND BURROWING MAMMALS

The energetics of four fossorial mammals, Spalacopus cyanus, Cannomys radius, Aplodontia rufa, and Scalopus aquaticus, are examined and compared to data available in the liter- ature. Basal rates of metabolism are lower than expected from mass if fossorial mammals weigh >80 g, but they are higher than expected if they weigh 100 g. Small burrowers may have low basal rates unrelated to burrowing habits. Minimal thermal conductances in fossorial and burrowing mammals are usually near the expected values at masses 1 kg have high minimal conductances. The temperature differential maintained at the lower limit of thermoneutrality and at temperatures above thermoneutrality is proportional to the ratio of basal rate to minimal conductance. Adaptations to a burrowing habit include (1) maintaining a small temperature differential independent of mass, which is accomplished by matching the mass sensitivity of the basal rate to that of the minimal conductance, (2) reducing basal rate, (3) increasing minimal conductance, and (4) reducing mass. The limits that exist to a reduction in mass and a reduction in basal rate of metabolism and to an increase in minimal conductance result in geographical limits to the distribution of fossorial mammals, but not necessarily to the distribution of other burrowing mammals.
Genetic Engineering of Cytokinins and Their Application to Agriculture

Cytokinins are master regulators of plant growth and development. They are involved in the regulation of many important physiological and metabolic processes. Recent progress in cytokinin research at the molecular level, including identification of related genes and cytokinin receptors, plus elucidation of signal transduction, has greatly increased our understanding of cytokinin actions. Although still in its infant stage, molecular breeding of crops with altered cytokinin metabolism, when combined with the transgenic approach, has shown very promising potential for application to agriculture. In this review we briefly introduce recent progress in cytokinin molecular biology, discuss applications of cytokinin genetic engineering to agriculture, and present implications and future research directions.
The influence of pollen on combining predators to control Frankliniella occidentalis in ornamental chrysanthemum crops

Abstract Small scale glasshouse trials showed that second instar nymphs of Orius laevigatus reduced Frankliniella occidentalis numbers (78–92%) more than Neoseiulus cucumeris (0–30%). Combining the predators did not increase reduction of thrips numbers (84–93%). Pollen did not increase thrips control, but led to an increase in the number of thrips.
Current Concepts and Challenges

The 221 to 223 branches of the adult human airways are covered with a continuous epithelial sheet comprising less than 1% of the total respiratory epithelial surface (1–3). The airway epithelium is pseudostratified in the large airways, becoming columnar and cuboidal in the small airways. The major cell types are ciliated, columnar, undifferentiated, secretory and basal cells (Figure 1). In the normal adult human, these epithelial cell populations vary as a function of airway level, with decreased numbers of cartilage cells and submucosal glands and the emergence of Clara secretory cells as the airways branch from large to small airways. There are a variety of less frequent cell types throughout the airways, of which neuroendocrine cells have
YIELD OF BANANA GROWN WITH SUPPLEMENTAL DRIP-IRRIGATION ON AN ULTISOL

A three-year study was conducted on an Ultisol to determine the water requirement, yield and fruit-quality traits of three ratoon crops (R1, R2, R3) of ‘Grande Naine’ banana (Musa acuminata Colla, AAA group) subjected to four levels of irrigation. The irrigation treatments were based on Class A pan factors ranging from 0.0 (rainfed) to 1.0 in increments of 0.25. When needed, drip irrigation was supplied three times a week on alternate days. Results showed significant (p < 0.01) irrigation treatment and crop effects on bunch weight, yield, bunch mean hand weight, weight and fruit diameter of the third and last hands, and length of fruits of the third hand. Highest marketable yield (47.9 t ha−1) was obtained from the R2 crop with water application according to a pan factor of 1.0. It was concluded that irrigating the crop according to a pan factor of 1.0 was sufficient to justify the investment of a drip-irrigation system for a farm in the mountain region.
Vernalization, crossings and testing for pollen viability

1 Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes (LIPM), CNRS-INRA, BP52627, 31326 CastanetTolosan Cedex, France. Contact: Etienne-Pascal.Journet@toulouse.inra. fr 2 Australian Centre for Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens (ACNFP), SABC, Department of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch 6150 Western Australia . Contacts: j.lichtenzveig@murdoch.edu. au; s.ellwood@murdoch.edu. au; t.pfaff@murdoch.edu. au 3 Plant Industry, CSIRO, Private Bag 5, Wembley 6913, Western Australia.
Host race formation in the gall wasp Andricus mukaigawae

Allochronic isolation between the two host races of the bisexual generation of A. mukaigawae (Mukaigawa) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) was demonstrated in the field. Assortative mating seems to occur in the bisexual generation of each race. Genetic changes of ovipositional preference probably played an important role in the host race formation; it is likely that little or no genetic change in survival was required in this process. A difference in host phenology seems to have caused the allochronic isolation of the bisexual generation between the parent population on the original host tree species and its daughter population on the new host tree species. Gene flow between them may have been restricted ever since the initial host shift. The host race formation of this wasp probably represents an example of ‘sequential evolution’.
Effect of dietary supplementation of multi-strain probiotic on broiler growth performance.

The effects of a multi-strain probiotic (protexin) on broiler growth performance, carcass parameters and economic efficiency were studied. For this purpose, 270 day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into three experimental groups A, B and C, with 90 chicks in each group having three replicates. Group A was fed commercial broiler diet without supplementation of protexin (control) and groups B and C were fed diets containing protexin 100 and 110g/t in starter and 50 and 55 g/t in finisher diets, respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The results showed that weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) improved in chicks fed on protexin-supplemented diets compared to control diets. Weight gain of the chicks fed on diet C was significantly (p<0.05) better than chicks on diet B. Feed conversion ratio was non-significantly different in both the protexin-supplemented groups. Differences in feed intake, meat composition, dressing percentage and empty organ weights among all the diets were nonsignificant. However, abdominal fat content was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in supplemented groups. The study suggests that protexin supplementation is beneficial for better weight gains, feed efficiency and economic efficiency in broiler chicks.
The Age Structure of a Breeding Population of Hynobius lichenatus (Amphibia, Caudata)

Abstract: Using the lines of arrested growth (LAGs), we estimated the age structure of a breeding population and individual ages at sexual maturity of a salamander, Hynobius lichenatus, from Sendai, northeastern Japan. No significant sexual differences were detected in either the age structure or the age at maturity, and the breeding individuals ranged from 5 to 14 yrs old, while the age of their maturation ranged from 3 to 7 yrs old. Reasons for this difference in minimal ages remain to be studied. There was no significant correlation between the age and the body size of the salamanders. Hynobius lichenatus does not differ from its close relative H. tokyoensis from Tokyo in age structure, but mature significantly later, with a longer life, than H. tokyoensis from Chiba. These findings suggest that the age structure of these salamander populations is affected at most partially by temperature conditions, and more strongly by other environmental, ecological, or phylogenetic factors.
The Morphology and Spatial Distribution of Late Quaternary Periglacial Landforms, Snake Range, Nevada: A Gis-Based Approach to Prioritizing Field Sites

ABSTRACT We present new data describing relict periglacial landforms preserved in the interior Great Basin of the southwestern United States. This summary is significant because a thorough understanding of the occurrence and spatial distribution of these landforms is still lacking after 60 years of geomorphic studies in this region. This is largely because many landforms are often un-recognized and because many mountains in the Great Basin are remote and offer poor access. To help address this knowledge gap, we use a GIS with high-resolution imagery and field mapping to identify and describe features that indicate a locally extensive periglacial environment existed in the Snake Range of east-central Nevada during the Late Quaternary. We also compare the location of these landforms with solar radiation models produced using ESRI's Solar Analyst to evaluate the efficacy of using solar modeling as means to predict suitable field sites for periglacial landforms. This simple modeling technique accurately identifies the location of known periglacial landforms in the Snake Range and therefore we believe it could be used to prioritize sites of interest throughout the Great Basin.
Dispersal in drift-prone macroinvertebrates: a case for density-independence

1. Studies of dispersal of macroinvertebrates in streams and rivers tend to be focused on drift, whilst benthic movements are usually considered to be less important. 2. Field-enclosure experiments with the mayfly Baetis rhodani indicate that net dispersal in this species is simply a proportional loss of individuals from the benthos. 3. Neither net upstream or downstream movements exhibited evidence of density-dependence in the form of curvilinear relationships between initial and final densities. 4. The net number of animals moving upstream did not differ significantly from the net number moving downstream. 5. The probable mechanisms behind density-independent dispersal are discussed, as are the implications for our understanding of population dynamics in relation to invertebrate drift.
Biogeographic patterns and conservation priorities for the dung beetle tribe Phanaeini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in Bolivia

The New World Phanaeini are the best known Neotropical dung beetle tribe and a conservation priority among the Scarabaeinae, an ideal focal taxon for biodiversity research and conservation. We compiled a comprehensive distributional database for 39 phanaeine species in Bolivia and assessed patterns of species richness, body size and endemism in relation to abiotic variables and species richness and body mass of medium to large mammals across nine ecoregions. Pair‐wise linear regressions indicated that phanaeine richness, mean size and endemism are determined by different factors. In all cases mammal body mass had greater explanatory power than abiotic variables or mammal richness. Phanaeine richness was greater in ecoregions with on average smaller mammals and greater mammal richness. Mean phanaeine size increased with mean body mass of the largest herbivorous and omnivorous mammals. Endemism was greater in ecoregions with on average smaller herbivorous and omnivorous mammals. On average, smaller phanaeines had more restricted distributions than larger species; ecoregional endemism and mean body size were negatively correlated. Large phanaeines probably depend on large mammals to provide adequate food resources. Greater richness of smaller mammal species may allow for greater temporal and spatial resource partitioning and therefore greater phanaeine species richness. Low numbers of large mammal species may favour the persistence of geographically restricted phanaeine species by reducing interspecific competition with larger, more geographically widespread and presumably dominant phanaeines. Cerrado, Southwest Amazonia and Yungas are priority ecoregions for phanaeine conservation due to high total and endemic species richness.
Environmental and vegetation variables have a greater influence than habitat fragmentation in structuring lizard communities in remnant urban bushland

The expansion of urban areas and adjacent farming land into natural landscapes modifies habitats and produces small isolated pockets of native vegetation. This fragmentation of the natural habitat subdivides animal communities, reduces population sizes and increases vulnerability to extinction. In this paper we investigate whether fragmentation decreases lizard species richness, composition, overall abundance and abundance at the species level. Urban remnants consisting of five small ( 10 ha) fragments of natural bushland were paired with continuous bushland areas located near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. These remnants were surveyed six times, using pitfall traps, from November 2001 to March 2002. Lizard species richness and abundance were not significantly influenced by habitat fragmentation or fragment size. Egernia whitii was the only lizard species significantly influenced by fragment size, and was only present in large fragments and continuous bush. Vegetation type and structure as well as environmental variables (geology and aspect) influenced the structure of reptile communities. Lizard species that were able to use a number of different habitat types were found to persist at most sites, irrespective of fragment size. Edge environment did not significantly influence lizard species richness or abundance in remnant areas. Lizard species richness was significantly lower in sites that had a high ratio of exotic to native plant species. Therefore, if remnants continue to be invaded by exotic plants, lizard species that require native plant communities will become increasingly vulnerable to local extinction. Our results suggest that lizard species requiring specialized habitats, such as E. whitii, may persist in large urban remnants rather than small urban remnants because large reserves are more likely to encompass rare habitats, such as rocky outcrops. Habitat heterogeneity, rather than size, may be the key to their persistence.
When sea‐ice clock is ahead of Adélie penguins’ clock

1. In Polar Regions, the extent and dynamics of sea-ice are changing. This affects the ocean productivity which consecutively impacts plankton communities and polar top predators like penguins. Yet, the underlying behavioural and physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. 2. Here we monitored the ecophysiological responses of Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) pairs during two seasons of contrasting timing of sea-ice retreat. Beside classical breeding parameters like foraging trip duration, body mass and reproductive success, we also investigated food-related stress (via plasma corticosterone concentration), nutritional state (via metabolite levels) and the use of penguins’ habitat (via blood isotopic values). 3. Body mass and reproductive success remained unchanged but foraging trips were shorter when sea-ice retreated earlier. Constant plasma corticosterone concentrations indicated that none of the feeding conditions resulted in a food-related stress. However metabolite levels were lower when sea-ice retreated early, suggesting that the foraging performance and the quality/quantity of food differed. Indeed isotopic ratios indicated that coastal prey like fish contributed more to the penguins’ diet when sea-ice retreated prematurely. 4. The early sea-ice retreat was related to higher chlorophyll concentrations, known to favour krill recruitment. Paradoxically, this was not associated to a higher krill contribution in the penguins’ diet. We propose that a shift in the phytoplankton quality (rather than quantity), affecting krill recruitment, forced penguins to switch to more available prey like coastal fish. 5. In some Antarctic regions, sea-ice is retreating earlier and earlier. In the present study, even though the timing of sea-ice retreat and the consecutive ocean productivity differed drastically between the 2 years, Adelie penguins were not severely affected because they were able to adjust their at-sea behaviour and thus maintained their body condition and reproductive success unchanged. 6. This suggests that the timing of sea-ice retreat does not represent an important threat to populations of Adelie penguins at least as long as alternative resources are still available and other environmental parameters like winter sea-ice extent are not dramatically altered.
MICROBIAL POPULATION AND DIVERSITY IN SOILS AMENDED WITH AGRO- INDUSTRIAL WASTES AND POULTRY MANURE

The effects of agro-industrial wastes and poultry manure on soil microbial population and diversity was carried out in the green house of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU). The agro-industrial wastes (palm oil mill effluents, cassava mill effluents, an d sawdust) were applied at five concentrations (0,100, 200, 300 and 400 grammes per 10kg soil) and replicated three times . Soils were incubated after waste application for two weeks and soil were sampled for microbial bioload and diversity of fungi and bacteria organism in the soil extract. Results show that the application of agro-in dustrial wastes and poultry manure resulted in differences in the population and diversity of the classe s of bacteria and fungi isolated from the waste and manure amended soils. Assessment of the microbial biolaod of the control soil indicated only three clasess each of bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus, E. Coli, and Psuedomonas Spp) and fungal ( Fusarium spp, Tricoderms spp, and Aspergillus Spp ) community. However the agro-industrial wastes resulted i n increased number (population ) and species diversity of microbial community in the soil.
Frost Tolerance of Eight Olive Cultivars

This study aims to determine the relationship between laboratory frost-resis- tance data for the leaves of eight olive cultivars and observed field resistance in the same genotypes undergoing natural frost damage. The lethal freezing temperature (LT 50 ) for each cultivar was established by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) of the medium into which solutes from damaged leaf tissue were leaked. The value obtained was then correlated with percentage frost shoot for the same eight cultivars damaged by natural frosts in a field test. A negative correlation was observed between the percentage frost shoot and leaf LT 50 for all the cultivars under study. The most frost-hardy cultivars ('Cornicabra', 'Arbequina', and 'Picual') were those presenting the lowest percentage frost shoot and lowest LT 50 . Conversely, the most frost-susceptible cultivar ('Empeltre') displayed 100% frost shoot, together with one of the highest LT 50 values (-9.5 °C). Accord- ing to these results, lethal freezing temperature (LT 50 ) calculated from leaf ion leakage at a range of freezing temperatures, seem to be a valid parameter for evaluating frost tolerance in olive cultivars. The olive is an evergreen plant grown mainly in the Mediterranean basin. Olive growth and productivity are limited by low temperatures in winter and frost damage in spring and fall. Although the olive is moderately resistant to subzero temperatures, below a certain re- sistance threshold freezing temperatures can damage the plant; damage to aerial parts of the plant at below -7 °C can reduce productivity (Palliotti and Bongi, 1996), while at -12 °C damage may be serious enough to threaten the life of the tree (Larcher, 1970). Frost conditions occur quite frequently in Italy and Spain, but also in some southern zones of Europe and America (Denney et al., 1993). The most char- acteristic symptoms of frost damage include tip burn of shoots tips and nearby leaf tips, leaf chlorosis, defoliation, bark split on branches and also damages to buds and fruits. Cultivation techniques such as irrigation, re- duction in nitrogen fertilizer rates, late pruning and bare-soil maintenance systems, have been widely used in commercial orchards to limit frost damage. However, the most effective way to combat damage, apart from simply avoiding frost-prone areas, is to use cold-hardy plant- ing material. Selection of the least susceptible varieties is the most effective indirect method of avoiding frost damage. A number of surveys and field trials follow- ing natural frosts have provided frost-tolerance data for several olive varieties (Antognozzi and Catalano, 1985; Barranco, 2004; Barranco et