Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 2-year experimental study on nutrient and predator influences on food web constituents in a shallow lake of north-west Spain

Summary 1. A 2-year study was carried out on the roles of nutrients and fish in determining the plankton communities of a shallow lake in north-west Spain. Outcomes were different each year depending on the initial conditions, especially of macrophyte biomass. In 1998 estimated initial ‘per cent water volume inhabited’ (PVI) by submerged macrophytes was about 35%. Phytoplankton biomass estimated as chlorophyll a was strongly controlled by fish, whereas effects of nutrient enrichment were not significant. In 1999 estimated PVI was 80%, no fish effect was observed on phytoplankton biomass, but nutrients had significant effects. Water temperatures were higher in 1998 than in 1999. 2. In the 1998 experiment, cladoceran populations were controlled by fish and cyanobacteria were the dominant phytoplankton group. There were no differences between effects of low (4 g fresh mass m−2) and high (20 g fresh mass m−2) fish density on total zooplankton biomass, but zooplankton biomass was higher in the absence of fish. With the high plant density in 1999, fish failed to control any group of the zooplankton community. 3. Total biovolume of phytoplankton strongly decreased with increased nutrient concentrations in 1998, although chlorophyll a concentrations did not significantly change. At higher nutrient concentrations, flagellate algae became more abundant with likely growth rates that could have overcompensated cladoceran feeding rates. This change in phytoplankton community composition may have been because of increases in the DIN : SRP ratio. Both chlorophyll a concentration and total phytoplankton biovolume increased significantly with nutrients in the 1999 experiment. 4. A strong decline of submerged macrophytes was observed in both years as nutrients increased, resulting in shading by periphyton. This shading effect could account for the plant decline despite lower water turbidity at the very high nutrient levels in 1998.
Photosynthetic parameters of birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves growing in normal and in CO2‐ and O3‐ enriched atmospheres

Two silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth) clones K1659 and V5952 were grown in open-top chambers over 3 years (age 7-9 years). The treatments were increased CO 2 concentra- tion (+CO 2 , 72 Pa), increased O 3 concentration (+O 3 , 2 ¥ ambient O 3 with seasonal AOT40 up to 28 p.p.m. h) and in combination (+CO 2 + O 3 ). Thirty-seven photosynthetic parameters were measured in the laboratory immediately after excising leaves using a computer-operated routine of gas exchange and optical measurements. In control leaves the photosynthetic parameters were close to the values widely used in a model (Farquhar, von Caemmerer and Berry, Planta 149, 78-90, 1980). The distribution of chloro- phyll between photosystem II and photosystem I, intrinsic quantum yield of electron transport, uncoupled turnover rate of Cyt b 6 f, Rubisco specificity and K m (CO 2 ) were not influenced by treatments. Net photosynthetic rate responded to +CO 2 with a mean increase of 17% in both clones. Dry weight of leaves increased, whereas protein, especially Rubisco content and the related photosynthetic parameters decreased. Averaged over 3 years, eight and 17 mechanistically independent parameters were significantly influenced by the elevated CO 2 in clones K1659 and V5952, respectively. The elevated O 3 caused a significant decrease in the average photosynthetic rate of clone V5952, but not of clone K1659. The treatment caused changes in one parameter of clone K1659 and in 11 parameters of clone V5952. Results of the combined treatment indicated that +O 3 had less effect in the presence of +CO 2 than alone. Interestingly, changes in the same photosynthetic parame- ters were observed in chamberless grown trees of clone V5952 as under +O 3 treatment in chambers, but this was not observed for clone K1659. These results suggest that during chronic fumigation, at concentrations below the threshold of visible leaf injuries, ozone influenced the pho- tosynthetic parameters as a general stress factor, in a similar manner to weather conditions that were more stressful out- side the chambers. According to this hypothesis, the sensi- tivity of a species or a clone to ozone is expected to depend on the growth conditions: the plant is less sensitive to ozone if the conditions are close to optimal and it is more sensitive to ozone under conditions of stress.
Leaf Mass Per Area (LMA) as a Possible Predictor of Adaptive Strategies in Two Species of Sesleria (Poaceae): Analysis of Morphological, Anatomical and Physiological Leaf Traits

Leaf mass per area (LMA) is an important variable in a set of coordinated leaf traits to determine plant species' ecological strategies. We hypothesized that LMA was the main predictor of the adaptive strategies of Sesleria juncifolia and S. nitida (Poaceae), growing on Mount Terminillo (Central Apennines) and cultivated ex situ. We broke LMA down into leaf anatomical components (i.e. leaf tissue density and thickness) and then related them to physiological traits. We found that the different habitats of the two species determine a different control of the anatomical components of the LMA variation. These differences are related to photosynthetic capacity, scaling linearly with leaf biomass investment per unit leaf area. On the whole, our study, taking into account the changes in LMA and its anatomical components, provides a trait framework which could be used to analyze adaptive strategies of other species in dry, mountain grasslands.
Field screening for attractants of scarab (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) pests in Hungary

In field screening tests conducted on selected pest scarabaeids in Hungary, Epicometis (Tropinota) hirta (subfamily Cetoniinae) was attracted to traps baited with either cinnamyl alcohol or trans-anethol. In some tests attraction was also detected to phenethyl alcohol or cinnamyl acetate. In other tests, adults of Cetonia aurata aurata and Oxythyrea funesta (subfamily Cetoniinae) also were attracted to trans-anethol, while the ternary mixture of phenethyl propionate, eugenol and geraniol attracted Potosia cuprea (subfamily Cetoniinae). Some attraction of Valgus hemipterus (subfamily Valginae) to cinnamyl alcohol also was observed. All of the above species are pests of more or less economic importance in Hungary. The attractant chemicals discovered in the present study will form a starting point for the development of effective attractants for the respective pest scarab species.
Lichenicolous Fungi from the Western Pyrenees, France and Spain. IV. Ascomycetes

Abstract Twenty species of lichenicolous ascomycetes are recorded for the western Pyrenees. Capronia hypotrachynae Etayo & Diederich (on Hypotrachyna species, also known from the Canary Islands and from Papua New Guinea), Llimoniella pubescens Etayo & Diederich (on Lepraria species, also from Scotland and Papua New Guinea), Polycoccum microcarpum Diederich & Etayo (on Cladonia species, also from Scotland), Skyttea megalosporae Etayo & Diederich (on Megalospora tuberculosa), Sphaerellothecium cinerascens Etayo & Diederich (on Cladonia parasitica) and S. parmeliae Diederich & Etayo (on Parmelia s. str., also from Finland) are described as new.
Numerical analysis of phenotypic features of Pseudomonas solanacearum strains isolated from tobacco and other hosts in South Africa.

Forty-six strains of Pseudomonas solanacearum from South Africa and 13 reference strains were subjected to numerical phenetic analysis using 55 unit characters. Data were analyzed by applying unweighted pair-grouping clustering on the simple matching (S sm ) coefficient. At 85% S sm , three phenons and two solitary strains were distinguished. Phenons 1, 2, and 3 corresponded, respectively, with biovars III, I, and II (.)
Arbuscular mycorrhizal impacts on competitive interactions between Acacia etbaica and Boswellia papyrifera seedlings under drought stress

Aims Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can have a substantial effect on the water and nutrient uptake by plants and the competition between plants in harsh environments where resource availability comes in pulses. In this study we focus on interspecific competition between Acaia etbaica and Boswellia papyrifera that have distinctive resource acquisition strategies. We compared the extent of interspecific competition with that of intraspecific competition. Methods In a greenhouse study we examined the influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) and pulsed water availability on competitive interactions between seedlings of the rapidly growing species A. etbaica and the slowly growing species B. papyrifera. A factorial experimental design was used. The factors were AM, two water levels and five species combinations Important Findings Seedlings of both species benefitted from AM when grown alone, and the positive growth response to pulsed water availability in B. papyrifera seedlings was in contrast with the negative growth response for A. etbaica seedlings. AM also affected the competitive performance of both species. B. papyrifera was not affected by intraspecific competition, whereas A. etbaica was negatively affected compared to the seedlings grown alone. This effect was stronger in the presence of AM. In interspecific competition, A. etbaica outcompeted B. papyrifera. Mycorrhiza and pulsed water availability did not affect the outcome of interspecific competition, and the aggressivity index of A. etbaica remained unchanged. The extent to which AM influences plant competition in a drought-stressed environment may depend on belowground functional traits of the species. AM and pulsed water availability could modify the balance between intraspecific and interspecific competition. By affecting the balance between intraspecific and interspecific competition, both factors could impact the establishment and survival of seedlings.
Water relations and hydraulic architecture in Cerrado trees : adjustments to seasonal changes in water availability and evaporative demand

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os ajustamentos na morfologia e fisiologia que permitem arvores das savanas neotropicais do Brasil Central (Cerrado) de evitar deficits hidricos e de manter um balanco hidrico interno praticamente constante apesar das variacoes sazonais da precipitacao e no deficit de saturacao do ar (D). A precipitacao na area de estudo e fortemente sazonal, com cerca de cinco meses praticamente sem chuva durante os quais D e duas vezes maior aos valores medidos na epoca chuvosa. Como consequencia da flutuacao sazonal das chuvas e de D, o potencial hidrico do solo muda substancialmente, nos primeiros 100 cm do solo, mas permanece quase constante abaixo de 2 m de profundidade. A arquitetura hidraulica e os parâmetros relacionados a relacoes hidricas das arvores do Cerrado se ajustaram durante a estacao seca para evitar o deficit hidrico crescente e assegurar a homeostase nos valores minimos de potencial hidrico foliar ψL e na perda total diaria de agua pela planta (iso-hidria). O comportamento iso-hidrico das arvores do Cerrado foi o resultado de uma diminuicao da superficie foliar total por arvore, um forte controle estomatico das perdas por evaporacao, um aumento na condutividade hidraulica especifica da folha e na condutância hidraulica foliar e um aumento da quantidade de aguas retirada dos reservatorios internos do caule, durante a estacao seca. A eficiencia no transporte de agua aumentou, nas mesmas proporcoes, nas folhas e nos ramos terminais durante a estacao seca. Todos estes ajustamentos sazonais foram importantes para a manutencao de ψL acima de limiares criticos, com isto contribuindo para uma reducao na formacao de embolismos nos ramos e ajudando a evitar a perda de turgor em tecidos foliares durante a epoca seca. Esses ajustes permitem que os ramos das especies lenhosas do Cerrado operem bem distanciados do ponto de disfuncao catastrofica para a cavitacao, enquanto as folhas operam proximas e sofrem embolismos em uma base diaria, especialmente durante a estacao seca.
Cardinal temperatures and thermal time for seed germination of Brunonia Australis (Goodeniaceae) and calandrinia sp. (Portulacaceae)

Seed germination of Brunonia australis Sm. ex R.Br. and Calandrinia sp. (Mt. Clere: not yet fully classified) was investigated using a thermogradient plate set at different constant temperatures to determine seed propagation requirements of these potentialfloriculture species. Germination responses were tested at 3, 7, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 34, and 38 8C. Germination data were modeled using the cumulative distribution function of the inverse normal, which provides information on lag, rate, and maximum seed germination for each temperature regime. To determine cardinal temperatures, the reciprocal time to median germination (1/t50) and percentage germination per day were calculated and regressed against temperature. Base temperature estimates for B. australis were 4.9 and 5.5 8C and optimum temperatures were 21.4 and 21.9 8C, whereas maximum temperatures were 35.9 and 103.5 8C, with the latter being clearly over- estimatedusingthe1/t50index.BasetemperaturesforCalandriniasp. were5.8and7. 9 8C, whereas optimum and maximum temperature estimates of 22.5 and 42.7 8C, respectively, were reported using the percentage germination per day index. Maximum seed ger- mination of0.8 to 0.9,expressed as the probability ofa seed germinating,occurred at 11 to 25 8 Cf orB. australis, whereas maximum germination for Calandrinia sp. was 0.5 to 0.7 at 18 to 258C. Thermal time, the accumulation of daily mean temperate above a base temperature, was calculated for different germination percentages. Estimates of thermal time (8Cd) for 50% seed germination were 54 and 90 8Cd for B. australisand Calandrinia sp. , respectively.
Variabilidade espacial de propriedades físico-hídricas do sol, da produtividade e da qualidade de grãos de trigo em Argissolo Franco Arenoso sob plantio direto

Spatial varibility of soil physico-hydrical properties is related to soil genesis and management, and affect crop production. The objectives of this study were to identify and to relate spatial variability of saturated hydraulic condutivity (K(qs)), soil mechanical resistance (R), soil texture, and A horizont depth, of a Typic Hapludalf under no-till, with wheat yield and hectoliter weight. This experiment was conducted in the winter of 1999, on a 1.51 ha no-till wheat field. Soil and plant characterization was done on five transects with 100m in the East-West direction, with sampling points 10m apart. Values of R for the depths of 5cm, 7.5cm, 10cm and 15cm and A horizont depth showed normal distribution. Spherical model semivariograms were adjusted for K(qs), R in the 30cm depth, clay content, and A horizont depth. Exponential model for R in the 2.5cm and 5cm depths, clay and silt content, and wheat yield and hectoliter weight. For the 7.5cm, 10cm, 12.5cm, 15cm and 17.5cm depths, R semivariograms showed pure nugget effect; in these depths the machinery traffic and previous soil management effects are prominent. Wheat yield and hectoliter weight did not correlate with K(qs) and R. When evaluating the spatial variability in R for soil layers deeper than 5cm, the distance between samples points should be smaller than 10m.
Seasonal Changes in Behavior and Exhibit Use of Captive African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) and Black Rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)

by JENNI ELIZABETH MUELLER Despite living in the same habitat and sharing many physiologic characteristics, African elephants and black rhinoceroses are behaviorally very diverse. Each species therefore copes with the challenges of a captive environment in different ways. This study examined the behavior and exhibit use of three African elephants and three black rhinoceroses over a one-year period to determine how each species adapted its natural behavior to captivity in a northern climate. In both species, total time spent active was similar to that seen in the wild. Increased time housed indoors resulted in decreased investigatory behavior and increased abnormal behavior in elephants, and decreased locomotion in rhinos. Both species utilized all areas of the outdoor enclosures, but spent more time than expected near the Building and Door areas. Elephants also favored the Trees, while rhinos favored the Mud Wallow. Individual differences within each species were most prevalent in abnormal and social behaviors.
Community structures of ammonia‐oxidising archaea and bacteria in high‐altitude lakes on the Tibetan Plateau

SUMMARY 1. Community structures of planktonic ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) were investigated for five high-altitude Tibetan lakes, which could be classified as freshwater, oligosaline or mesosaline, to develop a general view of the AOA and AOB in lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. 2. Based on PCR screening of the ammonia monooxygenase a-subunit (amoA) gene, AOA were present in 14 out of 17 samples, whereas AOB were detected in only four samples. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the AOB communities were dominated by a unique monophylogenetic lineage within Nitrosomonas, which may represent a novel cluster of AOB. AOA, on the other hand, were distinct among lakes with different salinities. 3. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated a heterogeneous distribution of the AOA communities among lakes largely caused by lake salinity, whereas the uniform chemical properties within lakes and their geographical isolation may favour relatively homogeneous AOA communities within lakes. 4. Our results suggest a wide occurrence of AOA in Tibetan lakes and provide the first evidence of salinity-related differentiation of AOA community composition as well as potential geographical isolation of AOA in inland aquatic environments.
REVIEW: Nutrient stripping: the global disparity between food security and soil nutrient stocks

1. The Green Revolution successfully increased food production but in doing so created a legacy of inherently leaky and unsustainable agricultural systems. Central to this are the problems of excessive nutrient mining. If agriculture is to balance the needs of food security with the delivery of other ecosystem services, then current rates of soil nutrient stripping must be reduced and the use of synthetic fertilisers made more efficient. 2. We explore the global extent of the problem, with specific emphasis on the failure of macronutrient management (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus) to deliver continued improvements in yield and the failure of agriculture to recognise the seriousness of micronutrient depletion (e.g. copper, zinc, selenium). 3. Nutrient removals associated with the relatively immature, nutrient-rich soils of the UK are contrasted with the mature, nutrient-poor soils of India gaining insight into the emerging issue of nutrient stripping and the long-term implications for human health and soil quality. Whilst nutrient deficiencies are rare in developed countries, micronutrient deficiencies are commonly increasing in less-developed countries. Increasing rates of micronutrient depletion are being inadvertently accomplished through increasing crop yield potential and nitrogen fertiliser applications. 4. Amongst other factors, the spatial disconnects caused by the segregation and industrialisation of livestock systems, between rural areas (where food is produced) and urban areas (where food is consumed and human waste treated) are identified as a major constraint to sustainable nutrient recycling. 5. Synthesis and applications. This study advocates that agricultural sustainability can only be accomplished using a whole-systems approach that thoroughly considers nutrient stocks, removals, exports and recycling. Society needs to socially and environmentally re-engineer agricultural systems at all scales. It is suggested that this will be best realised by national-scale initiatives. Failure to do so will lead to an inevitable and rapid decline in the delivery of provisioning services within agricultural systems.
Initial observations on the effects of varying levels of deciduous bankside vegetation on salmonid stocks in Irish waters

Abstract. The effects of varying levels of deciduous bankside vegetation on salmonid stocks in Irish rivers were investigated. In summertime, when marginal vegetation limited the extent of incident light reaching the river bed, a marked decline in both juvenile salmon, Salmo salar L. , and juvenile and adult trout, Salmo trutta L. , numbers were observed relative to stocks in adjacent areas with a less dense canopy. This appears to be a countrywide phenomenon in all available salmonid habitats. In the case of both juvenile salmon and all trout numbers a correlation is evident between the extent of shade, as measured in terms of the reduction in aquatic vegetation, and fish numbers, which fall as shade levels increase. Data also suggest that the length of tunnelled channel, upstream of tunnelled sites electrofished, seems to influence the standing crop of juvenile salmon with numbers of these fish falling with increasing tunnel length. This relationship is not evident in relation to trout numbers.
EFEITO DA RACTOPAMINA NA PERFORMANCE E NA FISIOLOGIA DO SUÍNO

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a inclusao de diferentes niveis de ractopamina em racoes de suinos em fase de terminacao, durante 21 dias pre-abate, sobre as caracteristicas de desem- penho, carcaca, qualidade de carne e sobre parâmetros fisiologicos e sanguineos indicado- res de bem-estar. Foram utilizados 36 suinos comerciais, 18 machos castrados e 18 femeas, com peso medio inicial de 87,0±5,02 kg, alimenta- dos ad libitum com racoes isonutrientes, com 0, 10 e 20 ppm de ractopamina. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, fatorial 3 x 2, com seis repeticoes para os parâmetros de desempenho e 12 repeticoes para os demais parâmetros. Houve efeito linear (p<0,05) positivo para o ganho de peso e para a conversao alimen- tar e efeito quadratico (ponto de minima de 9,4 ppm de ractopamina) para o consumo de racao. Para os parâmetros de carcaca houve efeito quadratico para o rendimento de carcaca (com ponto de maxima para 9,5 ppm de ractopamina). O valor de a*(componente vermelho-verde), c*(indice de saturacao) e marmoreio apresentaram efeito linear negativo. O diâmetro da fibra muscular do musculo L. dorsi e o ângulo de tonalidade (h*) apresentaram efeito linear positivo para os niveis de ractopamina. Outros parâmetros relacionados a qualidade da carne nao foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos, resultando em carnes livres de PSE e DFD. A ractopamina pode ser utilizada nas racoes de suinos ate 20 ppm com efeitos positivos no desempenho e na carcaca, sem alteracoes no comportamento dos animais e comprometimentos na qualidade da carne.
Effects of predation from pelagic 0-group cod (Gadus morhua) on mortality rates of capelin (Mallotus villosus) larvae in the Barents Sea

Surveys were carried out in 2002 and 2003 to test whether predation from pelagic 0-group cod (Gadus morhua) juveniles affects mortality rates of Barents Sea capelin (Mallotus villosus) larvae. In 2002, capelin larvae were observed in 17% of the cod stomachs and predation was observed at 19 of 50 stations. In 2003, capelin larvae were observed in 8% of the cod stomachs and predation was observed at 19 of 37 stations. The stomach contents and zooplankton samples were dominated by copepods and krill. The number of capelin larvae in cod stomachs increased with increasing capelin larvae abundance and cod length and decreased with increasing stomach content of copepods and prey abundance of krill. The time when capelin larvae could be recognised after ingestion in the cod stomachs was estimated experimentally and depended on predator and prey lengths. The estimated overall predation mortality rate from juvenile cod on capelin larvae was about 1.5% per day for both years and can potentially have a significant ef.