Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classification of the macroinvertebrate fauna of two river systems in Southwestern Australia in relation to physical and chemical parameters

Benthic macroinvertebrates were quantitatively sampled from thirty sites along two river systems in southwestern Australia, and patterns in community structure related to physical and chemical parameters. Classification and ordination showed a major separation between upland and lowland sites, irrespective of river system. The change in benthic community structure reflected the rapid transition in geomorphology, stream hydraulics, and water chemistry as upland forested streams exit the Darling Escarpment to give rise to open rivers, disturbed by agriculture and urban development. One upland site was clearly influenced by a storage reservoir immediately upstream and consistently grouped with lowland sites; evidence of recovery was apparent at sites downstream. The remaining upland sites were separated on the basis of catchment; this was most likely related to stream flow permanence than any inherent catchment difference. A seasonal pattern was also detected for upland sites. Samples taken in summer or autumn were distinct from those taken in winter or spring. In constrast, lowland sites could not be separated into distinct groups on the basis of season or drainage basin. The presence of cosmopolitan and tolerant species with a high likelihood of dispersal, together with the homogeneous nature of the sites, may account for the high degree of similarity among benthic communities of sites along the lowland rivers. Much of the spatial and temporal variation in benthic community structure was explained by physical characteristics of the sites. Prediction of community type using chemical data alone was poor, however, this success could be improved by combining physical and chemical data, particularly for upland sites. The poor predictive success using chemical data was likely the result of the abrupt changes in the physical nature of the streams, and the absence of large spatial differences in water quality. The successful predictive relatioship betweenm benthic community structure and physical data will enable water management authorities to detect subsequent changes in water quality in these two river systems. The predictive power of the model could be assessed in adjacent river systems for which the patterns in benthic community structure are as yet unknown.
In Vitro Rearing of the Parasitoid Exorista larvarum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) on Meat Homogenate-Based Diets

Abstract The tachinid Exorista larvarum (L.), a polyphagous gregarious larval endoparasitoid of Lepidoptera, was reared from egg to fecund adult on media containing commercial meat homogenates for babies as the main ingredient. Four media, each containing a diverse homogenate supplemented with extract of Galleria mellonella L. pupae, were tested first. Despite the difference in nutrient content, the kind of homogenate did not significantly affect the adult yields (30.2 to 40.7%) or puparial weights. Two other diets free of host materials (I and II) were then tested. Both were based on Gerber veal homogenate combined with different amounts of yeast extract and chicken egg yolk and were supplemented with wheat germ (I) or saccharose (II). Adult yields (28.7 to 32.7%) and puparial weights did not differ significantly between the two diets. Fly longevity and fecundity of the females obtained on diet I were comparable to those of the females emerged from puparia formed in G. mellonella larvae. Male and female puparial weights were, however, higher and development times longer on the diet than in the host.
Chemokine PARC Gene (SCYA18) Generated by Fusion of Two MIP-1α/LD78α-like Genes

Two loci in the human genome, chromosomes 4q12-q21 and 17q11.2, contain clusters of CXC and CC chemokine subfamily genes, respectively. Since mice appear to contain fewer chemokine genes than humans, numerous gene duplications might have occurred in each locus of the human genome. Here we describe the genomic organization of the human pulmonary and activation-regulated CC chemokine (PARC), also known as DC-CK1 and AMAC-1. Despite high sequence similarity to a CC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha)/LD78alpha, PARC is chemotactic for lymphocytes and not for monocytes and does not share its receptor with MIP-1alpha. Analyses of the BAC clones containing the human PARC gene indicated that the gene is located most closely to MIP-1alpha (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA3) and MIP-1beta (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA4) on chromosome 17q11.2. Dot-plot comparison suggested that the PARC gene had been generated by fusion of two MIP-1alpha-like genes with deletion and selective usage of exons. Base changes accumulated before and after the fusion might have adapted the gene to a new function. Since there are variably duplicated copies of the MIP-1alpha gene called LD78beta (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA3L) in the vicinity of the MIP-1alpha gene, the locus surrounding the MIP-1alpha gene seems to be a "hot spring" that continuously produces new family genes. This evidence provides a new model, duplication and fusion, of the molecular basis for diversity within a gene family.
The relationship of plasmid number to growth, acid tolerance and symbiotic efficiency in isolates of Rhizobium trifolii

Strains of Rhizobium trifolii isolated from 21 different sites in Wales were characterized for growth rate, acid and aluminium tolerance, symbiotic efficiency and plasmid content. Plasmid number ranged from 2 to 10 per isolate but it was not correlated with soil pH or altitude of the locality of isolation. Neither plasmid number nor the pH of the site of isolation affected growth in acid medium or aluminium sensitivity. Plasmid number was positively correlated with growth rate in pure culture (P > 0.001) but isolates with high plasmid numbers were inefficient in their nitrogen-fixing ability on white clover. The possible role of plasmids in terms of competitive ability is discussed.
657. Factors influencing the vitamin content of milk fat: III. Seasonal changes in the vitamin A and carotenoid content of the blood plasma and milk fat of cows on pasture

1. The levels of vitamin A alcohol and ester, carotene and xanthophyll in the blood plasma of six cows, grazed out-of-doors on pasture under typical New Zealand conditions, have been followed throughout one lactation. The same constituents have also been followed in the milk fats of these animals and in commercial factory butters over the same season. 2. The seasonal trend in the vitamin A and carotenoid content of New Zealand milk fat is a reflexion of the changing level of these substances in the blood plasma. 3. The decreased level of carotene, xanthophyll and vitamin A ester in the blood plasma over the summer months is consistent with a decreased absorption or utilization of carotenoids over this period. 4. Throughout the year the vitamin A in the milk fat is predominantly in the ester form with no increase in vitamin A alcohol indicative of any increased utilization of hepatic vitamin A reserves. The author is indebted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for a grant towards this investigation; to Mr M. R. Patchell and the farm staff of The Dairy Research Institute (N.Z.) for assistance in the collection of milk and blood samples; to Dr F. H. McDowall, Mr A. K. R. McDowell and the staff of the Chemistry Laboratory, The Dairy Research Institute (N.Z.), for the preparation of the fat samples and for the supply of factory butters. The assistance of Miss Fay Frecklington and Miss Jane Monroe with part of the experimental work is also acknowledged.
Physiological Responses ofRehmannia glutinosato Paraquat and Its Tolerance Mechanisms

Abstract Rehmannia glutinosa was extremely tolerant to paraquat at the levels of leaf disk and chloroplast. The tolerance level of R. glutinosa was much greater at the level of leaf disk than at the level of chloroplast, indicating that the tolerance factor(s) are mainly located external to the chloroplast envelope. Possible tolerance mechanisms of R. glutinosa to paraquat were examined in comparison with paraquat-susceptible corn and soybean. Epicuticular wax and cuticle contents did not correspond to differential paraquat effects on the three plant species. Cuticular penetration of paraquat was almost the same in the three plant species. Autoradiography experiments with [ 14 C]paraquat indicated that the paraquat absorption and translocation in R. glutinosa leaves were not restricted. In addition, the time- and the concentration-dependent paraquat accumulation into the vacuole of R. glutinosa was found to be very similar to those of corn and soybean. However, paraquat binding to the cell wall was greater in R. glutinosa than in corn and soybean, presumably resulting in the reduction of paraquat movement to its site of action in R. glutinosa. The levels of lipid peroxidation in the thylakoid membrane caused by paraquat were found to be almost the same in the three plant species, suggesting that altered site of action is not a mechanism of paraquat tolerance in R. glutinosa . The activities of protective enzymes of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase in the stromal extracts were all higher in R. glutinosa than in corn and soybean. However, the enhanced activities of the protective enzymes are not likely to account for the paraquat tolerance of R. glutinosa , since the activities did not correlate with the differential paraquat effects on the three plant species. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of leaf extracts revealed that paraquat metabolism occurred in intact leaves of R. glutinosa, but not in the chloroplast. Our results suggest that paraquat can be metabolized by unknown factor(s) in the cytosol, not in the chloroplast, of R. glutinosa leaves. Collectively, it can be concluded that the tolerance of R. glutinosa to paraquat might mostly be due to the consequence of paraquat metabolism outside of the chloroplast, although paraquat binding to the cell wall is also likely to confer the tolerance to some extent.
Phylogenetic relationships of Early–Middle Ordovician ostracods of Baltoscandia

Phylogenetic analysis of the Early and early Middle Ordovician (Tremadoc and Arenig) ostracod species of Baltoscandia suggests a polyphyletic origin for the suborder Beyrichiocopa. Binodicopes, leiocopes and eridostracans are excluded from the beyrichiocopide clade. An independent origin from the basal ostracods is suggested for the binodicopes and eridostracans. The palaeocopes form a strongly supported monophyletic clade. Within this suborder, the ctenonotellid and the tetradellid families together form a monophyletic clade. The tetradellids are paraphyletic, being a stem‐group for the ctenonotellids. Nanopsis nanella, the earliest known ostracod from the Tremadoc, is a basal palaeocope. The early eridostracans Conchoprimitia and Incisua, with their uncomplicated carapace morphology, might be the most primitive ostracods.
Competition between transglycosylation and hydrolysis in almond β-glucosidase-catalyzed conversion of p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucoside in monophasic water/alcohol mixtures

Almond β-glucosidase was used to catalyze the transglycosylation of p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucoside to alkyl glucosides, with hydrolysis to glucose as a side reaction. The conversions were carried out in alcohols with varying water contents below water saturation. Both the total reaction rate and the ratio between the transglycosylation and hydrolysis increased with increasing water activity, and at a fixed water activity in the different alcohols, rate and transglycosylation/hydrolysis ratio increased in the following order: 1-octanol<1-hexanol<1-butanol. Synthesis of alkyl glucosides by transglycosylation in monophasic alcohol media is thus most favorable for short chain alcohols, and should be carried out at high water content.
Leptographium sinoprocerum sp. nov., an undescribed species associated with Pinus tabuliformis-Dendroctonus valens in northern China

During a study of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with the invasive pest Dendroctonus valens in the Pinus tabuliformis ecosystem in northern China, a multigenic (ITS2-LSU, β-tubulin and EF1-α) phylogenetic analysis and examination of morphological features revealed in addition to Leptographium procerum the occurrence of an undescribed species. The new species, Leptographium sinoprocerum, belongs to the L. procerum-L. profanum clade. Both L. procerum and L. sinoprocerum are similar to each other and occur sympatrically in the ecosystem studied. Nevertheless L. sinoprocerum can be distinguished from L. procerum by shorter conidiophore stipes arising from both submerged and aerial hyphae, slightly more oblong conidia, a granular ornamentation on the submerged hyphae and dark olivaceous colonies on MEA.
Seasonal Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Ichthyoplankton in Tamiahua Lagoon, Western Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The ichthyoplanktonic community of Tamiahua Lagoon, Veracruz, Mexico, was studied throughout an annual cycle. Major concentrations of larvae occurred in the central portion of the lagoon, occasionally along the channels, but never at the inlets. The cycle of larva abundance was correlated with cycles of salinity and temperature. In spite of the greater number of species then, the spring and summer periods had low species diversity and evenness, due to the marked domination by larvae of Anchoa mitchilli. The number of larval fish species and individuals entering the lagoon from the adjacent offshore waters was minimal. The greatest portion of species diversity is generated within the lagoon itself. The community structure identified corresponds to the physically controlled type, as indicated by the poor diversity values obtained.
Adaptations in the Nasal Passages for Sand Burrowing in the Saurian Genus Uma

Members of the iguanid genus Uma possess looped, U-shaped nasal passages which in structure and functioning prevent the inspiration of sand particles during subsurface respiration. The following factors are involved in the exclusion and elimination of sand particles: (1) The sand particles interfere with one another as they are drawn toward the external naris during inspiration. There is a tendency toward the formation of a grill of interlocking fragments which obstruct other loose grains. (2) When Uma lies buried the vestibule is situated at an angle to the horizontal. The sand particles must be drawn up the approach tube against the pull of gravity before reaching the principal nasal cavity. (3) Sand grains which adhere to the walls of the vestibule tend to impede the movement of free grains. (4) Under conditions of subsurface respiration the valve at the external naris reduces the nasal aperture to a narrow crescentic slit, limiting the inspiration of particles. (5) The postulated reduction in the diameter of the nasal tubes concomitant with the valvular action of the floor of the vestibule adjacent to the external naris, may tend to obstruct sand particles. (6) Gradual inspiration coupled with explosive expiration aids in avoiding the accumulation of sand in the nasal tubes. The configuration of the olfactory channels accentuates the explosive effect of expiration. (7) The small number of sand grains reaching the principal cavity are conveyed in a mucous film moved by ciliary action into the mouth, ultimately passing into the digestive tract. The genus Uma is not unique with respect to nasal structure. A number of other genera of the Iguanidae were found to possess a nasal configuration closely similar to that occurring in this genus. Callisaurus, Phrynosoma, Uta, Sceloporus are such genera. A tendency toward soil submergence occurs among these groups as based on field and laboratory observation. Other nonburrowing genera of the Iguanidae exhibited a nasal configuration quite different from the Uma-like types. The occurrence of the looped nasal structure within the Iguanidae doubtless was of considerable importance in the development of the almost completely psammophilous habit of the genus Uma.
Significant diversity and potential problems associated with inferring population structure within the Cenococcum geophilum species complex

Cenococcum geophilum is perhaps the most widely distributed and most recognized ectomycorrhizal fungus with a host range of more than 200 tree species from 40 genera of both angiosperms and gymnosperms. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis on a large collection of isolates (n = 74) from North America and Europe based on glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd). A subset of isolates (n = 22) also was analyzed with the more conservative LSU-rDNA locus. Significant nucleotide diversity was detected (∼ 20%) in the gpd region and the LSU-rDNA analysis supported that the C. geophilum isolates studied were monophyletic but distinct from two isolates, Am5–1 and N2–10, which previously were used in population genetic studies of this species. These results suggest that Am5–1 and N2–10 are likely two undescribed species or even genera. Our results suggest that C. geophilum sensu lato is a species complex and support previous molecular, physiological and morphological studies that have shown significant diversity in C. geophilum. This study also revealed that caution is advised when conducting population genetic studies in C. geophilum due to the possibility of pooling unrelated isolates. This potential problem also has implications for other fungal taxa because cryptic species routinely have been found in recent years based on molecular data.
Effects of temperature and nutrient depletion and reintroduction on growth of Stephanodiscus hantzschii (Bacillariophyceae): implications for the blooming mechanism

Stephanodiscus hantzschii was isolated from the Han River, Korea, where it blooms annually during winter. The physiological responses of the diatom to the limitation and then reintroduction of nutrients (silicon, phosphorus, and nitrogen) were determined over a temperature range of 5–20°C using short-term batch culture methods. For the control group, the maximum growth of S. hantzschii was highest at 10°C. The growth of S. hantzschii under phosphorus limitation did not differ from that of the control group, but the diatom had high requirements for nitrogen and silicon for growth. After the reintroduction of nutrients, the maximum growth rate was highest for diatoms to which silicon had been reintroduced and second highest after the reintroduction of nitrogen. The results suggest that silicon is more important than other potentially limiting factors.
Effect of nutrient deficiency on growth and flowering of Phalaenopsis

The effects of N, P, K and Mg on the growth and flowering of Phalaenopsis were investigated. 1. When no nitrogen was supplied, the number and size of fully developed leaves was reduced and defoliation increased, resulting in considerable reduction of total leaf area. The concentration of chlorophyll decreased but no decrease in the number of flower stalks occurred. Roots showed no visible changes, but the total plant dry weight was lighter compared with plants supplied nitrogen. 2. In -P plants, defoliation increased and the production of new ones was curtailed. Phosphorus deficiency induced purple and red coloration of the older leaves, leaf distortion and curling of the leaf apices. Yellowing of an incividual leaf began from its apex and gradually spreaded basipetally to the entire leaf, ending in defoliation. The deficiency symptoms spread upward from the basal leaves of a plant. The area of newly developed leaves was reduced and plant growth was stunted. The dry weight of the plants was also reduced and new roots were not produced. The production of flower stalks was almost completely inhibited. 3. No significant difference in new leaf formation or defoliation was observed among plants supplied or denied potassium. However, the surface area of fully developed leaves tended to become smaller in plants lacking potassium. The production of flower stalks was not affected, but flower stalks tended to develop rather early. Leaves and roots showed no noticeable symptoms of potassium deficiency. 4. Calcium deficiency produced no noticeable change in plant growth and/or production of flower stalks. 5. No noticeable symptoms of magnesium deficiency were observed, but the development of flower stalks was delayed slightly in comparison to the control.
Avaliação in vitro da eficácia de acaricidas sobre Boophilus microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae) de bovinos no município de Ilhéus, Bahia, Brasil

The tick Boophilus microplus is the species with the greatest geographical distribution and economic importance for the countries situated at tropical and sub-tropical zones of the planet. In Brazil, the Northwest Region is showed as the most favorable to the cattle infestation. Chemical control is an efficient control method employed, but the inadequate handling of acaricides contributed for to the onset of resistant ticks to the available acaricides in the market. The county of Ilheus, at the Cocoa's Region from Bahia, has been increasing the cattle activity instead of the devastated cocoa's plantations. Between April and September 2000, in vitro imersion tests were performed with engorged females of B. microplus collected from 30 farms randomly chosen in a group of 96 interviewed at the region. The current study showed the existence of resistance or sensibility of the populations of B. microplus to the contact acaricides commonly used at cattle properties of the region of Ilheus. The four acaricides tested showed the following levels of efficiency: Amidin - 30.95%; Deltamethrin - 65.04%; Cipermethrin / diclorvos - 75.73%; and Triclorfon / coumaphos / cyfluthrin - 75.13%.
Effect of Feeding Corn-Sunflower Silage on Milk Production, Milk Composition, and Rumen Fermentation of Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Corn, corn-sunflower intercropped, and sunflower silages were evaluated as roughage sources for high producing dairy cows. Thirty multiparous Holstein cows were started in a 3×3 Latin square design with 3-wk periods. Treatments were: 1) corn, 2) sunflower, and 3) corn-sunflower intercropping. Cows were fed once a day a total mixed ration consisting of a 50:50 concentrate:roughage (dry basis) with silage included as 60% of the forage. Cows fed corn silage had the lowest milk production compared with those fed corn-sunflower and sunflower (29.3, 30.1, and 30.0kg/d). Four percent FCM was not different for corn and corn-sunflower; sunflower was lower than both. Corn did not differ in total fat production or fat test from corn-sunflower; sunflower was the lowest of the three. No differences were observed for total protein production, protein test, or total or individual rumen VFA concentration. Dry matter intake for corn-sunflower was 4.5% lower than for corn and 11.3% lower than for sunflower. Daily intake of NE was similar for corn and corn-sunflower treatments and greatest for the sunflower treatment. No significant differences were observed for blood serum FFA, cholesterol, or triglycerides. Oleic and linoleic percent in milk were greater for sunflower, intermediate for corn-sunflower, and the lowest for corn.
Record of two established populations of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in freshwaters of northern Italy

The African Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), is a cichlid fish native to the large lakes and rivers of Africa. About six subspecies were recognised by Trewavas (1983); a subspecies, O. niloticus tana, was described for Lake Tana by Seyoum and Kornfield (1992). More recent molecular studies have revealed several differences between eastern and western African populations, which are in disagreement with Trewavas (1983) subspecific classification (Rognon and Guyomard, 1997). From our preliminary diagnosis the species found to be established in the Venetian Region is O. niloticus niloticus (sensu Trewavas, 1983), but we report this taxon as O. niloticus whilst awaiting further taxonomic revision of this subspecies complex. The first observation of Nile tilapia in freshwaters of Italy was in 2001, when the species was found in a small stretch of a