Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrient limitation in boreal rich-fen vegetation: A fertilization experiment

Abstract Rich-fen vegetation influenced by hay-making in the Sølendet Nature Reserve, Central Norway, was fertilized with N, P and K in a full-factorial fertilization experiment to investigate the nutrient limitation of plant growth at both community and species levels. Above-ground biomass, shoot density and nutrient concentration were measured in several species and groups of species at three sites after two years of fertilization. At the community level, the results indicate multiple limitation by N and P in the two least productive rich-fen communities: one characterized by small sedges and herbs, and the other by high abundance of Menyanthes trifoliata and tall sedges. Increased nutrient availability had no effect on a more highly productive, tall-growing, spring-influenced community, indicating no nutrient limitation. The results at the species level correspond well with those at the community level, indicating multiple limitation by N and P in most of the dominant and sub-dominant species. However, P seems to limit growth more than N in Succisa pratensis, and N seems to limit growth more than P in Carex panicea. Furthermore, Eriophorum angustifolium seems to be limited by K. The results did not show which nutrient limits the growth of Carex dioica, C. lasiocarpa and Trichophorum cespitosum. Indications that growth in low-productive, boreal rich-fen communities is generally limited by P was not confirmed. Nomenclature: Lid & Lid (1994) for vascular plants and Frisvoll et al. (1995) for bryophytes. The terminology concerning mire ecology follows the Scandinavian tradition (Sjörs 1983; Moen 1990).
Extent and patterns of hybridization among the three species of Populus that constitute the riparian forest of southern Alberta, Canada

Three species of Populus (Salicaceae) overlap and hybridize in southern Alberta, Canada. Variation in leaf morphology throughout the region identifies five genetically distinct zones. The drainage of the Oldman River contains a pure zone of balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.), a pure zone of plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides Marsh.), plus overlap and hybrid zones of balsam poplar - narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia James) and balsam poplar - narrowleaf cottonwood - plains cottonwood. The drainage of the Red Deer River contains a pure zone of bal- sam poplar, a pure zone of plains cottonwood, plus an overlap and hybrid zone of balsam poplar - plains cottonwood. Zones on both drainages coincide with an elevational gradient. Overlap and hybrid zones extend at least 700 river km (the length obtained by measuring distances between sites of hybridization on a river and its tributaries) combined across the two drainages. Principal components analyses on leaf morphology identify a pattern of bidirectional intro- gression between sect. Tacamahaca (balsam poplar, narrowleaf cottonwood) species. These analyses also identify a pattern of unidirectional introgression between Tacamahaca and sect. Aigeiros (plains cottonwood) species, with F1 hybrids backcrossing only with the Tacamahaca parent. This pattern of unidirectional introgression subsequently was assessed and supported with data from the drainages of Ashley Creek and the Ogden River, Utah, which contain hybrid and overlap zones between narrowleaf cottonwood (Tacamahaca) and Fremont cottonwood, Populus fremontii S. Wat- son (Aigeiros). Given its unique nature in terms of extent, health, and composition, and given the effect of plant hybrid zones on the ecology and evolution of their associated organisms, it is hoped that the current study will facilitate future research targeting conservation of this riparian forest in its full genetic complexity.
Effects of gamma irradiation on PMMA/polyaniline nanofibre composites

Polyaniline (PANI) presents promising antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties. Substances having these characteristics are good candidates for radioprotecting agents. In this work, nanofibres of polyaniline emeraldine doped with (? )-camphor-10-sulfonic acid (PANI-(? )-CSA) were prepared by self-assembly method under 'silent' and sonochemical conditions. PANI emeraldine base (PANI-EB) nanofibres were obtained after dedoping with NH4OH and were used as additives in films of commercial PMMA, in order to investigate radiostabilising effects on the PMMA matrix. Films containing aniline (An) and PANI-EB grains were also prepared for comparison. Variations in viscosity-average molar mass (Mv) at a 25 kGy dose showed that samples containing aniline, PANI-EB nanofibres or grains in amounts of 0.15% (wt/wt) underwent less degradation than the control sample. In addition, PMMA/PANI-EB nanofibres and PMMA/An at 0.15% (wt/wt) showed a smaller number of scissions per original molecule (α) than control samples in the 25? 75 kGy dose range. Spectroscopic characterisation (FTIR, UV-Vis) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of PANI samples were also performed.
Temperatura e substrato para germinação de sementes de flor-de-maio (Schlumbergera truncata (Haw.) Moran)

Schlumbergera truncata is a cacti of epiphytic habit known popularly as Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus or Crab Cactus, Zygocactus. It is an ornamental plant cultivated in vases and highly appreciated for the beauty of their flowers. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperature and of substrate on seed germination of S. truncata. The substrates used in the experiment included: blotting paper, sand of medium granulation, charred rice peel and triturated cane pulp. The tested temperatures were 20, 25 and 30oC. The analyzed variables were: germination percentage, index of germination speed and average germination time. The highest germination percentages were recorded at 20oC and 25oC for paper, sand and charred rice peel. Charred rice peel showed the highest index of germination speed and the lowest average germination time. In conclusion, temperature at 20oC and the substrate charred rice peel showed the best results for seed germination of S. truncata and cane pulp was not a suitable substrate for the germination of the species.
Horizontal and vertical distribution of saproxylic beetles (Col., Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Scolytinae) across sections of forest edges

Abstract: We evaluated the preferred home ranges of three saproxylic beetle taxa along transects from the open field into the forest interior, and from the forest floor up to the canopy. By means of trap sets on metal scaffolds, vertical and horizontal strata were sampled across two types of forest edges: soft‐edge ecotones with a gradual transition from the field into the forest and hard edges with an abrupt transition. The forest edges consisted of different strata such as herbaceous fringe, shrub belt, unmanaged forest and managed forest. The thermophilic buprestids were mainly caught in the open land (herbaceous fringe and agricultural land) and in the upper forest mantle. In general, the cerambycids were most abundant in the open land and the lower forest mantle, but a few species favoured the forest interior. The bark beetles (Scolytinae) were equally distributed in all habitats. These distribution patterns of the taxa were observed in terms of both species numbers and abundances. Each species with at least five collected specimens was assigned to one of the three habitat types: open land, forest mantle and forest interior. Of 74 ranked species, only 16% were prevalent in the forest interior and are thus considered to be true forest species. The other 84% of the species were attributed to open land or the forest mantle and are, therefore, forest edge species. Soft forest edges generally supported a higher species richness than hard edges, particularly as regards Cerambycidae and Scolytinae. In terms of Shannon diversity, soft edges tended to be more diverse in buprestids and cerambycids. Overall, the forest interior showed the least species richness and diversity. Therefore, for the conservation of saproxylic beetles, not only the amount and quality of dead wood is important, but also the presence and design of forest boundary structures.
Reproductive senescence in female Soay sheep: variation across traits and contributions of individual ageing and selective disappearance

Summary Although senescence in reproductive success has been observed in a number of wild animal populations, longitudinal analyses determining the actual processes responsible for population-level patterns of ageing, and in particular, the relative contributions of within-individual senescence vs. selective mortality, are rare. Furthermore, many studies also only consider single traits in isolation, despite evidence that different aspects of physiology and fitness may show varying patterns of senescence. We used data from an unmanaged population of Soay sheep on the islands of St Kilda, NW Scotland to analyse age-related change in four aspects of female reproductive performance: annual fecundity, twinning rate and the maternally influenced offspring traits of lamb birth weight and early survival. We present the results of three analytical techniques, which attempt to disentangle the contributions of within-individual ageing, selective mortality and terminal effects to the observed population-level patterns of age-specific change. All four traits showed considerable age-related change, but population-level trajectories varied markedly across them. Population-level patterns were underpinned by considerable within-individual senescence including within-individual terminal declines in performance occurring only in the final year of life. However, at the population level, these processes were also masked to some extent by selective disappearance (mortality) of poor breeders. The contributions of individual-level ageing and selective mortality to population-level ageing patterns varied considerably between traits, as did the nature of individual-level senescence. We did not observe detectable significant late-life declines in all four traits: in particular, there was no evidence of senescence in twinning rate. The results indicate that senescence may not be ubiquitous across all aspects of reproductive performance within a population.
FOX CONTROL AND ROCK-WALLABY POPULATION DYNAMICS : II. AN UPDATE

Five remnant populations of rock-wallabies (Petrogale lateralis) in the Western Australian wheatbelt have been the subjects of an experiment designed to assess the impact of fox predation on the population dynamics of this species. The effect of a fox-control programme, initiated in 1982 at two rock-wallaby sites, was first assessed in 1986 along with three other sites not subject to fox control. It was concluded that fox predation was the principal factor limiting the size and distribution of P. lateralis populations. In 1990 after a further four years of fox control, the experiment was reassessed and a comprehensive statistical analysis of the data set confirmed this conclusion. These results reinforce the need for conservation authorities across Australia to implement fox-control programmes to assure the survival of rock-wallaby populations (and other likewise-threatened species).
The effect of ammoniation by urea on the nutritive value of wheat straw for sheep

Straw is a major by-product of the grain industry. Indirect ammoniation by urea to improve the nutrit ive value of straw was investigated. Ammoniated and untreated wheat straw were compared in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment at CP levels of 9 and 13%, using 20 adult SA Mutton Merino wethers. Ammoniat ion improved voluntary intake and the apparent d igest ib i l i ty of OM significantly, by 27,3% (P < 0,01l. and 7 ,1% (P < 0,05) respectively, resulting in a marked increase of 36,3% in DOM intake per W"''". The apparent digestibil ity of CF, CWC and hemicellulose were also signi f icant ly (P < 0,01) improved by ammoniat ion. The improvement in the apparent digestibil ity of ADF was not significant. CP level did not affect voluntary DM intake, but at the higher CP level apparent digestibil ity of OM, CF, ADF, CWC and hemicellulose were improved by 6,2; 6,5; 4,7; 5,4 and 4,1o/" respectively. This trend reached significance (P < 0,05) only in the case of OM and CF. N-retention and the apparent digestibil ity of CP were significantly {P < 0,01) reduced by ammoniation. Because of the higter intakes obtained on the ammoniated diets DCP intake per W"''" was unaffected. N-retention and the apparent digestibil ity of CP were significantly (P < 0,01) improved at the higher CP level. Despite the reduction in CP digestibil ity and N-retention, ammoniation by urea seems to be a practical way to improve the nutrit ive value of low quality roughages. S. Afr. J. Anim. 9ci.1983. 3: 143-146
REVISION OF THE DINOSAUR STEGOCERAS LAMBE (ORNITHISCHIA, PACHYCEPHALOSAURIDAE)

Abstract Stegoceras (sensu lato) has been the recipient of a number of species. Most have been placed into synonymy with S. validum, some have been transferred to other genera (i.e., Gravitholus, Ornatotholus), whereas others have been interpreted as being sexual dimorphs. A parsimonious phylogenetic analysis using 49 characters, which include 9 new cranial characters based on pachycephalosaur frontoparietal domes, now permits a revision of the genus Stegoceras. This analysis concludes that Stegoceras validum (sensu stricto) is a primitive, incipiently-domed pachycephalosaur that is characterized by a well-developed squamosal shelf and open supratemporal fossae. It is the sister taxon to the fully-domed Pachycephalosaurinae. The taxon Ornatotholus browni has a parietal and displays features identical to S. validum and is therefore a subjective junior synonym. Specimens consisting of flat, paired frontals are immature individuals of S. validum. The holotype of “Stegoceras” lambei, and all morphotypes of this species, are unique in the construction of the posterior squamosal region and are placed in a new genus, Colepiocephale. Colepiocephale lambei is known solely from the Foremost Formation and is the oldest diagnostic pachycephalosaur from North America. An incomplete, and indeterminate, skull from the upper part of the Milk River Formation (upper Santonian) has the distinction of being the oldest known North American pachycephalosaur. “S. ” sternbergi lacks a posterior squamosal shelf and has squamosals directed laterally and is placed in a new genus, Hanssuesia, as H. sternbergi. Although the taxon Gravitholus albertae displays some characters (i.e., retention of the posterior squamosals separated by a distinct median parietal) and is similar to H. sternbergi in some respects, the holotype is too incomplete for any definitive diagnosis and thus it is considered a nomen dubium. Sphaerotholus is a subjective junior of Prenocephale and the species Sphaerotholus buchholtzae is a subjective junior synonym of Prenocephale edmontonensis. The taxa Prenocephale brevis, P. edmontonensis, and P. goodwini, form a monophyletic clade with monotypic Asian taxa Prenocephale prenes and Tylocephale gilmorei as an unresolved sister group. They are united by the possession of a distinct row of nodes on the squamosal and parietals. Tylocephale, if valid, is interpreted as the sister taxon to the Prenocephale clade. Stenotholus kohleri is formally recognized as a junior synonym of Stygimoloch spinifer. Based on the presence of hypertrophied nodes Stygimoloch spinifier and Pachycephalosaurus wyomingensis are united in the clade Pachycephalosaurini new taxon. Small-to-medium size Late Cretaceous pachycephalosaurs were rather diverse, especially during the late Campanian (Judithian), and many species coexisted during Campanian and Maastrictian times. Ancestry and directionality of dispersal (in part) of the North American and Asian taxa remains uncertain and certainly antedates Campanian time.
Antioxidant activity and luteolin content of Marchantia polymorpha L.

Antioxidant activity of the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Marchantia polymorpha L. , which grows naturally in Turkey, was tested by DPPH and ABTS methods. According to the applied methods, both extracts exhibited moderate activity. Some phenolic compounds that could be responsible for the activity were investigated by RP-HPLC, qualitatively and quantitatively, in the methanolic extract of liverwort. While caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol were not found in the extract, luteolin as the liable antioxidant agent was determined as 0.0052 ± 0.0002% among the investigated compounds.
with the Loss of Putative Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signals in a Drug-resistant Human Lung Cancer Cell Line1

Many clinically important antineoplastic agents exert their cytotoxicity through interaction with the M,. 170,000 topoisomerase Ha, an essential nuclear enzyme. Resistance to these agents has been associated frequently with either a decrease in the levels of topoisomerase Ila or a qualitative change that alters the interaction of this enzyme with a drug or DNA. Using a VP-16-selected lung cancer cell line, H209/V6, we have identified a third resistance mechanism which involves an aberrant subcellular location of the topoisomerase Ha isoenzyme. We have shown previously that H209/V6 cells express two topoisomerase Ila inKNAs (6.1 and 4.8 kilobases) but only a single catalytically active protein which has a I/, of 160,000 and is located primarily in the cytoplasm (Mirski et al., Cancer Res., 53: 4866-4873, 1993; Feldhoff et al., Cancer Res., 54: 756-762, 1994). In the present study we have determined that this mutant M, 160,000 topoisomerase IIÂ«is encoded by the shorter 4.8-kilobase mRNA. The sequencing of reverse transcriptase-PCR products from H209/V6 cells and subsequent Northern blot analyses showed that a sequence of 988 nucleotides from the 3'-coding and 3'-noncoding region of the normal topoisomerase Ha is absent from the 4.8-kilobase mRNA. This shorter mRNA is predicted to encode a topoisomerase Ha protein that no longer contains the 109 COOH-terminal amino acids of the normal enzyme but instead contains 34 new amino acids encoded by a sequence that was previously in the 3'-noncoding region of the mRNA. Confirmation that the COOH terminus of topoisomerase Ha is no longer present in the U, 160,000 protein in H209/V6 cells was obtained by immunoblot analysis. Sequence analyses indicate that 3 putative bipartite nuclear localization signals in the A/,160,000 protein are disrupted or lost. Our results suggest that sequences within the COOH-proximal domain of human topoisomer
Effects of resource availability on the trade-off between seed and vegetative reproduction

Aims To explore whether the trade-off between seed and vegetative reproductive modes is flexible in environments with different amounts of available resources to maintain optimal behaviors. Methods A transition matrix model was established to determine the optimal trade-off between seed and vegetative reproduction in resources– variable habitats. Important Findings The model predicts that plants allocate more resources to seed reproduction when available resources are scarce. With increasing resources, more vegetative propagules are produced. However, if resources keep increasing to a harmful level, plants would switch to seeds again.
Adult Coho Salmon and Steelhead Use of Boulder Weirs in Southwest Oregon Streams

Abstract The placement of log and boulder structures in streams is a common and often effective technique for improving juvenile salmonid rearing habitat and increasing fish densities. Less frequently examined has been the use of these structures by adult salmonids. In 2004, spawner densities and redd counts of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in seven Oregon streams were compared between 10 reach pairs: reaches with artificially placed boulder weir structures (treatment) and reaches without weirs (control). In addition, based on annual spawner survey data collected from 2001 to 2005, redd density of steelhead O. mykiss and spawner and redd densities of coho salmon were examined to assess differences among main-stem reaches with boulder weirs, main-stem reaches without weirs, and tributary reaches without weirs throughout one basin (West Fork of the Smith River (WFS)). Numbers of coho salmon spawners and peak redd counts were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in treatment reaches than in control reaches in .
Survival of Serratia marcescens in the Presence of Complement

Serratia marcescens has been isolated from a variety of ocular infections and/or inflammation. In order to survive in the eye, strains must be able to resist host defence systems. Complement has been shown to have an increased concentration and to be active during sleep. Not only is the complement system involved in host defence, but its activation can also produce inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of ocular isolates of S. marcescens
Morphogenetic Effects of Mutations at the A and B Incompatibility Factors in Coprinus cinereus

Summary: Mutated A and B incompatibility factors of Coprinus cinereus (Amut and Bmut) were recovered from fruit bodies produced on common-A and common-B heterokaryons, respectively, following mutagenesis. The Amut hyphal cells were either uninucleate or binucleate and had pseudo-clamps irregularly scattered along the hyphae. The Bmut hyphal cells were predominantly uninucleate and had no clamp structures. Amut Bmut double mutants constructed from these Amut and Bmut strains were predominantly binucleate, had true clamps, and gave rise to fertile fruit bodies indistinguishable from those of wild-type dikaryons. Although these Amut Bmut strains resembled in most respects a normal dikaryon, they produced abundant oidiophores and oidia like the monokaryons. The oidia were uninucleate, and possessed the potential to grow into fertile homokaryons with the above characteristics.
Physiological responses of Eucalyptus nitens × nitens under experimentally imposed water stress

This study reports on how a cold- and frost-tolerant clone of Eucalyptus nitens × nitens responds to drought stress. The aim was to identify physiological traits that contribute to drought acclimation. Macropropagated saplings were grown in a climate-controlled greenhouse in pots filled with coarse river sand supplied with a slow-release fertiliser. One group of plants was kept regularly watered (control), and another group was subjected to four cycles of water stress (drought) whereby water was withheld for periods lasting 6, 10, 10 and 14 d, with 4 d of regular watering (recovery) inbetween. A drought cycle was terminated once saplings showed signs of wilting. Daily responses in stomatal conductance (g s) were similar between control and drought treatments, except on the day of termination of the cycle, when g s was significantly depressed in droughted plants. During the fourth and most severe drought cycle, there was a physiological adaptation to water stress because g s was similar between control and droughted plants. Stomatal conductance was significantly positively correlated with volumetric soil moisture content in the drought treatment, but not in the control treatment. Electron transport capacity (J max) increased during each drought cycle, and the increase was significant during the fourth cycle. Other parameters derived from A/c i response curves were similar between the treatments. Under experimentally imposed water stress, E. nitens × nitens reduced leaf area, increased assimilate rate per unit leaf area, and maintained high stomatal conductance until leaves wilted. After 46 d droughted plants had accumulated half the biomass of control plants. Therefore, a cold- and frost-tolerant clone of E. nitens × nitens may be tolerant to drought stress but at a reduced growth rate because of reduced leaf area.