Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nectarivorous bird assemblages in Box-Ironbark woodlands in the Capertee Valley, New South Wales

Abstract Spatial and temporal variability in nectarivorous bird assemblages was studied at 16 sites over four years in the Capertee Valley, New South Wales. We investigated differences in assemblages among years, seasons and habitats, and predictability in the nectarivorous bird community in space and time. One rare species, the Regent Honeyeater, was investigated more closely to determine whether it was consistently associated with particular bird species or flowering plants. Nectarivorous birds showed no predictable variation in time (month to month) and numbers fluctuated erratically at all sites and over the valley, when all sites were combined. Differences in bird assemblages were recorded between warm and cool seasons in some years but this was not consistent across all years. Some habitat differences were consistently found. The drier woodlands on slopes were characterised by abundant Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, while the valley habitats (cleared, riparian and cleared with large mature trees) were associated with abundant White-plumed Honeyeaters. However, many species were common to all habitats and sites showed low similarity in composition within a habitat. Honeyeaters were not more abundant at sites with flowers. Similarly, Regent Honeyeaters were not consistently associated with sites with flowering trees, suggesting that other resources such as insects may influence spatial movements of nectarivorous birds. An increase in the presence of White-plumed Honeyeaters, Little Lorikeets and Noisy Friarbirds, and a decrease in Noisy Miners and Fuscous Honeyeaters characterised the bird assemblage when Regent Honeyeaters were present. These results suggest that landscape-level conservation is important as nectarivorous birds appear to move among a range of sites and habitats in an unpredictable manner, including areas that are largely cleared of understorey. Although the use of riparian habitats by nectarivores indicates its high conservation value, the maintenance of a few specific sites in the valley is unlikely to maintain nectarivorous bird numbers.
Survival Studies on Three Species of Fusarium Causing Wilt of Pigeon Pea

The importance of survival of plant pathogens in soil has been discussed by MENZIES (1963). According to him "By far the most common non-host environment for organisms is the soil, which, indeed, is the final resting place for all terrestrial life. Therefore, the ca pabalities possessed by plant disease organisms for surviving in a soil environment are of great importance to plant pathology". The present study deals with some factors affecting survival of three species of Fusarium viz., F. acuminatum Ellis and Everh. , F. oxysporum Schlecht. and F. solani (Mart.) Sacco isolated from soils of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Milsp. ] fields. All the above species are responsible for causing wilt of pigeon pea at seedling stage.
Genetic diversity of parental and offspring populations in a Pinus merkusii seedling seed orchard detected by microsatellite markers

Summary A seedling seed orchard (SSO) of Pinus merkusii was established by planting representatives ofselected families from thirteen districts of Java Island, Indonesia over six years (1978-1983). Thegenetic diversity of the parental populations planted each year, and their offspring populations,was analyzed and compared using five microsatellite markers. The genetic differentiation amongparent trees representing differ ent districts was very small ( F ST =0.008), indicating (in accordancewith previous proposals) that the genetic origins of the material in the SSO are limited.Consequently, values of F IS and L-D were significantly high in the parental populations.Differences in the values of genetic diversity para meters were statistically significant between theparental populations and their offspring populations. H E and N e were higher in the offspring(mean=0.545 and 606.2, respectively) than in the parental populations (mean=0.489 and 486.5,respectively) in most of the blocks. The
IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOXIC ALGA ALEXANDRIUM TAMIYAVANICHI (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL: A COMBINED MORPHOLOGICAL AND rDNA SEQUENCE (PARTIAL LSU AND ITS) APPROACH 1

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses and sequencing of the partial LSU gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the rDNA gene were combined to study toxic strains of Alexandrium tamiyavanichi Balech collected from northeastern Brazilian coastal waters. All specimens were identified with A. tamiyavanichi mainly based on the shape of the anterior sulcal plate (S.a.), which was the most conservative character. Among the specimens studied, 8% did not conform to the morphological description of A. tamiyavanichi. The occurrence of transitory states between A. tamiyavanichi and Alexandrium cohorticula (Balech) Balech tended to confirm that both species are conspecific. The posterior sulcal plate (S.p.) was not a good taxonomic character as variability in its shape did not allow a clear assignment of specimens from the same clonal isolate to either morphologically defined species. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the overall validity of morphological characters to delineate the evolutionary relationships among the clades of Alexandrium species analyzed here, indicating that A. tamiyavanchi is a valid species according to the morphological species concept. This analysis showed that the Brazilian strains form a monophyletic clade with Asiatic strains of A. tamiyavanichi, but with enough genetic distance to argue for long‐term separation and isolation of locally established populations, extending the known biogeographic range of this species. On the higher phylogenetic level, our data also indicate that Alexandrium tropicale Balech forms part of the clade otherwise consisting of the morphologically defined freterculus group, and this A. tamiyavanichi/tropicale/fraterculus (Balech) Balech clade (including species from the formerly termed tropical Asian [TROP] clade) may be considered as a sister group of the Alexandrium tamarense species complex.
Dedifferentiated Components Versus Well-differentiated Components in Dedifferentiated Lip sarcoma: A Comparative Study of Their Proliferative Activity and Interphase Cytogenetics Using MIB-1 Immunostaining and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization

We retrospectively analyzed the proliferative activity and the centromeric copy number of chromosomes 8, 12, and 17 in both well-differentiated components and dedifferentiated ones of 10 dedifferentiated lip sarcoma cases by using MIB-1 immunostaining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on the paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. The MIB1 labeling index (LI) in dedifferentiated components was higher than that in the well-differentiated components (p<.01). Chromosomal aberrations such as gains in chromosomes 8, 12, and 17 were found in two dedifferentiated components of the seven cases in which signals were detected. The most frequent aberrations were a gain in chromosome 17 (cases 2 and 10), followed by gains in chromosomes 8 (case 10) and 12 (case 2). In contrast, no chromosomal aberrations were observed in any of the eight well-differentiated components in which signals were detected. Based on these findings, chromosomal aberrations in the dedifferentiated components may reflect aggresive tumor progression in dedifferentiated lip sarcoma.
RESPONSE OF EPIPHYTIC LICHENS ON POPULUS TREMULA IN A SELECTIVE CUTTING EXPERIMENT

Aspen (Populus tremula) is a key substrate for a large number of organisms in the boreal forest. Because aspen abundance is declining there is a need to develop alternative silvicultural practices in order to maintain aspen in the forest landscape. This study was initiated to document the response of epiphytic lichens on retained aspens in stands (size 1.75–3 ha) where 50% of the standing volume was removed. Data on growth rate and vitality were collected for three cyanolichens, Collema curtisporum, C. furfuraceum, and Leptogium saturninum, and two crustose lichens, Mycobilimbia epixanthoides and M. carneoalbida, prior to and four years after the treatment, in three experimental and three control stands. The treatment resulted in severe damage for M. carneoalbida and M. epixanthoides and intermediate damage for C. furfuraceum, while the two other cyanolichens showed minor damage. Overall mortality was low; in total only 4% of the thalli died following the treatment. Growth rate on average decreased for al.
Growth and survival of Shigella sonnei and S. flexneri in minimal processed vegetables packed under equilibrium modified atmosphere and stored at 7°C and 12°C

Abstract The growth and survival of Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei at 7°C and 12°C was evaluated in culture media (BHI and LB) and in three minimal processed vegetables (mixed lettuce, grated carrots and chopped bell peppers) packed in optimized EMA packages. In BHI and LB growth was observed at 12°C for Shigella sp. and both species survived at 7°C although it was noted that S. flexneri was more sensitive to temperature reduction. Growth and survival in EMA-packaged vegetables stored at 7°C and 12°C was variable depending upon the type of vegetable mix used. In the mixed lettuce the total aerobic plate count dominated spoilage and Shigella sp. maintained high numbers (≥10 5 cfu g −1 ) throughout the shelf life (7 days). In grated carrots and in chopped bell peppers spoilage was dominated by lactic acid bacteria leading to a pH drop and a gradual die-off of the inoculum after 7 days of storage but low numbers of Shigella sp. may still be present ( 2 –10 4 cfu g −1 ) and in view of the low infective dose of the pathogen they may pose a hazard.
INSEMINATION WITHOUT SPERMATOPHORES IN THE ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH, GRAPHOLITHA MOLESTA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

Abstract The first matings of males resulted in the transfer of large spermatophores, while subsequent matings resulted in smaller and eventually no spermatophore. The transfer of a spermatophore was not required to produce a normal number of fertile eggs. Some young males inseminated two females within 24 hours and regardless of whether or not a spermatophore was formed the number of resulting progeny was normal. Thus males were found to be capable of inseminating more females than the yield of spermatophores obtained by dissecting females indicated. Virgin females increased in attractiveness with age at least until their fifth day.
The development of an expert system for arid rangeland management in central Namibia with emphasis on bush thickening

An online decision support system derived from research and expert knowledge was developed for arid rangeland management in central Namibia. The expert system emphasises the control of bush thickening and is divided into three forms of decisions: adaptive, reactive and ongoing good management. Adaptive decisions are mostly related to periods of protracted high rainfall, as this is a critical window both in terms of a hazard (transition to bushy thickened state if no fire is applied) and opportunity (transition back to an open savanna if fire is applied). Currently, the expert system uses wiki technology, as this allows a high level of interaction between user and administrator. The expert system includes embedded links to photographs and additional information. It allows easy updating of the knowledge base. An additional booklet was also developed, since access to computers and the internet is still limited. Although the evaluation of the expert system will be determined partly by its acceptance by rangeland managers, we adhered to many of the critical success factors relating to decision support systems in its development. The paper discusses some key strategies for the success of this and similar decision support systems for improved rangeland management in the future.
SNAG USE BY FORAGING BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS (PICOIDES ARCTICUS) IN A RECENTLY BURNED EASTERN BOREAL FOREST

Abstract We studied snag use for foraging by Black-backed Woodpeckers (Picoides arcticus) one year after a fire in an eastern black spruce (Picea mariana) boreal forest in Quebec, Canada. We searched for signs of foraging (bark flaking and excavation holes) by Black-backed Woodpeckers on 6,536 snags sampled in 56 plots located in portions of the burned forest that had not been salvage logged. A logistic regression model was developed based on the presence or absence of foraging signs. Results showed that Black-backed Woodpeckers used larger snags that were less deteriorated by fire (qualified as high-quality snags). Direct field observations of individuals foraging on 119 snags also indicated that used snags corresponded to those of high predicted quality. Finally, we assessed the relationship between food availability and snag characteristics by measuring the density of wood-boring beetle larvae holes on 30 snags of different size and deterioration classes. High-quality snags contained higher prey densities (wood-boring beetle holes) than smaller and more deteriorated snags. We recommend that forest blocks characterized by large and less deteriorated trees be preserved from salvage logging in recently burned boreal forests in northeastern North America.
The response of Chesapeake Bay salinity to climate‐induced changes in streamflow

Autoregressive statistical models of monthly salinity variations in the mainstem of Chesapeake Bay are developed for use in climate change applications. Observations of salinity and Susquehanna River flow from 1984 to 1994 are used to calibrate the models. Up to 93% of the variance in salinity is captured by these models, with the best fits occurring in the middle of the bay, where submonthly fluctuations due to river flow and oceanic currents are damped. Our salinity models use output from a climate‐forced hydrological model under a doubling of present‐day atmospheric CO2. This coupling scheme predicts salinity changes between +3.5% and −27.5% near the mouth of the Susquehanna River, to between +0.1% and −0.7% near the ocean. These ranges demonstrate the uncertainty in climate model predictions, although three of the four scenarios used indicate increased Susquehanna River flow and therefore decreased salinity. In the highest flow scenario (a 32% annual increase) our results show that the bay's isohalines may recede by approximately 6.3 km (about 2% of the length of the bay) near the Susquehanna River, to as much as 55 km (about 17% of the length of the bay) near the middle bay. This shift implies that climate change may have consequences for organisms with low‐salinity thresholds, including oysters and crabs.
Descriptions of the tadpoles of seven species of Malagasy treefrogs, genus Boophis

The genus Boophis is a species-rich group of treefrogs within the family Mantellidae Laurent, endemic to Madagascar. The larval morphology of these frogs is an important trait to understand the evolution of reproductive modes and larval morphologies in the mantellid radiation and can provide important information to compare adaptations of tadpoles and adults, and elucidate possible covariation, and convergent evolution of these traits. We here assign seven previously unknown or insufficiently described Boophis tadpoles to species via DNA barcoding, and provide detailed morphological descriptions based mainly on the unambiguously identified DNA voucher specimens. All described tadpoles are stream-adapted, exotrophic tadpoles of a relatively generalized morphology. Applying our previous classification for stream-breeding Boophis based on relative oral disk width and the number of papillae and keratodonts we attempt an assignment of all species into ecomorphological guilds. Our results show that this previous definition of guilds (in Boophis) based on only three characters was an oversimplification, and that the variation in these tadpoles is more complex. In a phylogenetic context we found that species within at least two species groups of Boophis are heterogeneous in their assignment to the ecomorphological guilds confirming the probable non-monophyly of these groups.
HETEROGENEITY OF RECOMBINATION VALUES IN THE TOMATO

The recombination values for a number of regions of the tomato chromosomes vary greatly. Often there are significant differences between coupling and repulsion values of F2 and backcross values. Detailed analyses of segregations involving large numbers of plants from various crosses which utilize parent stocks of diverse origin show heterogeneity of recombination values. The recombination values are associated with the parent stocks and probably are inherited in a polygenic manner. Some of the differences are large and several values are associated with the same region of the chromosome. For instance, the region d to aw had recombination values of 9%, 18%, 27%, and 36% in different crosses. Such large differences interfere with the successful mapping of chromosomes 2 and 10.
Molecular studies on Punctelia species of the Iberian Peninsula, with an emphasis on specimens newly colonizing Madrid

The first molecular phylogenetic study on a range of Punctelia species is reported, focussing on specimens growing in the Iberian Peninsula. Material of seven species was included in the analysis. Forty sequences were generated from nuITS and mtSSU rDNA in 20 specimens, and the resultant majority rule consensus tree from the combined analyses shows four major clades. Punctelia ulophylla is confirmed as a distinct species, P. reddenda is basal to P. borreri, and P. perreticulata groups with P. subrudecta. Samples identified as P. rudecta from the Canary Islands and China occupy different basal positions; the complex merits further study. Punctelia borreri and P. subrudecta are mainly coastal in the Iberian Peninsula, but are now reported from the central plateau for the first time; newly colonizing thalli have been found in a park in Madrid which is regularly spray-watered and where sulphur dioxide levels have fallen over the last two decades.
Effect Inoculation of Soybean Cultivars with bacteria Rhizobium japonicum in Sistan

This study is performed in order to investigate the inoculation effects of soybean cultivars with Rhizobium japonicum bacteria on yield and yield performance of these cultivars. The experiment was in the form of randomized complete block design split plots which conducted at Agricultural and Natural Resource Center of Zahak with three replication in 2012-2013. Experimental levels were consisted of non-inoculated and inoculated with rhizobium bacteria as the main factor, and the cultivars (varieties) factor with six level included M7, Sahar, Williams, M9, Zan, L17 which distributed in subplots randomly. The investigated quantitative and qualitative characters in this study consisted of plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, grain weight, biological yield, harvest index, raw protein, raw fat; and phonological traits included flowering onset, flowering period, and physiological maturity. The comparison between the obtained results and the results of control treatment (non -inoculated) and also the results of other studies illustrated the optimized and desired effect of inoculation on the traits such as yield and raw fat rate, so that in non-inoculation treatment grain yield decreased (the obtained yield was 1058.6kg/ha). Inoculation treatment with an increase of 9.91 percent, improved the grain yield which reached to the amount of 1190.4kg/ha. Among the experimental varieties, M7 with an average of 1467.5kg/ha had the highest grain yield, while the least amount of yield belonged to Zan and Sahar with the average of 861.2kg/ha. Interaction between inoculation and cultivar on all of the characters was not significant. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the use of inoculated M7 variety can be introduced as the recommended cultivar among other varieties.
Mixed Cropping in Northern Nigeria. III. Mixtures of Cereals

SUMMARY Alternate row mixtures of millet, maize and sorghum were compared with equivalent areas of sole crops. Yield of mixtures were rarely reduced but there was a gain when components differed by a certain margin in height or age at maturity, or both. Approximately 75% of variation in yield gain from mixing was attributable to these two factors. Subsistence farmers who mix a fast-growing early-maturing cereal with a slower-growing, later-maturing one thus reduce interference between neighbouring plants during the reproductive phase of growth, and obtain grain harvest spread in time and heavier than from equivalent areas of the component sole crops.
The immunological, biochemical and molecular bases of canine senescence and carcinogenesis: a review

Senescence is a complex set of processes involving several biochemical, molecular and metabolomic changes, including also many disturbances in the immunological system. There are many factors, described as intrinsic and extrinsic (environmental), that may lead to advanced body senescence. In this review, several of the biochemical as well as molecular factors involved in senescence are described. The importance of immunological deficiencies as well as changes in the immunological response after induction of senescence is also highlighted. Furthermore, the molecular basis of canine carcinogenesis in relation to interleukin expression and activation as well as the role of CD leukocyte common antigen in the identification of cancer development and progression, are also described.
Improvement of soil carbon sink by cover crops in olive orchards under semiarid conditions. Influence of the type of soil and weed

The olive tree is one of the most important crops in Spain, and the main one in the region of Andalusia. Most orchards are rain-fed, with high slopes where conventional tillage (CT) is the primary soil management system used. These conditions lead to high erosion and a significant transport of organic carbon (OC). Moreover, soil tillage accelerates the oxidation of the OC. Cover crops (CC) are the conservation agriculture (CA) approach for woody crops. They are grown in-between tree rows to protect the soil against water erosion and their organic residues also help to increase the soil carbon (C) sink. Soil and OC losses associated to the sediment were measured over four seasons (2003-07) using micro-plots for the collection of runoff and sediment in five experimental fields located in rain-fed olive orchards in Andalusia. Two soil management systems were followed, CC and CT. Furthermore, the changes in soil C in both systems were analyzed at a depth of 0-25 cm. CC reduced erosion by 80.5%, and also OC transport by 67.7%. In addition, Cover crops increased soil C sink by 12.3 Mg ha-1 year-1 of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, with respect to CT. CC in rainfed olive orchards in a Mediterranean climate could be an environmental friendly and profitable system for reducing erosion and increasing the soil C sink. However, C fixing rate is not regular, being very high for the initial years after shifting from CT to CC and gradually decreasing over time.