Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defoliation alters the relative contributions of recent and non‐recent assimilate to root exudation from Festuca rubra

The deposition of organic compounds from plant roots is a key determinant of rhizosphere microbial activity and community structure. Consequently, C-flow from roots to soil is an important process in coupling plant and microbial productivity, via impacts on microbial nutrient cycling in soil. Experimentally, isotopic tracers ( 13 C or 14 C) are used to track C inputs to soil and microbial communities. However, in many such studies the relationship between labelled Cflows and total C-flows are not established, limiting the interpretative value of the results. In this study, we applied steady-state near natural abundance 13 CO 2 labelling to determine the impact of partial defoliation of Festuca rubra on root exudation. This approach in axenic culture facilitated determination of the contribution of pre- and post-defoliation assimilates both to root C-flow and plant tissues. The results demonstrated that total root exudation was increased in the two days following defoliation. This was concurrent with reduced net CO 2 assimilation and reduced allocation of post-defoliation assimilates belowground and to active root meristems. Through determination of the d d d 13 C of root exudates, it was established that the source of the increased root exudation was pre-defoliation assimilate. However, this response was transient, with reduced deposition of pre- and post-defoliation assimilates from roots during the period 2‐4 d following defoliation. The results highlight the limitations of pulse-labelling approaches as a means of quantifying impacts of treatments on root exudation, particularly where the treatment is likely to affect plant C-partitioning or the balance between deposition to, and re-mobilization from, C-storage pools.
Protective effect of quercetin in cisplatin-induced cell injury in the rat kidney

Objectives: To assess the protective effect of quercetin, a plant bioflavonoid, on cisplatin (CisDDP) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Effect of the simultaneous treatment of quercetin (20 mg/kg, i.p., once a week x5) on cisplatin (3mg/kg, i.p., once a week x 5 ) induced renal epitheleal damage and lipid peroxidation was studied in the kidney of rats. Levels of markers indicative of nephrotoxicity such as urea, uric acid and creatinine were assessed in the serum. Changes in body weight were noted every week. The total protein content, levels of lipid peroxides and the activities of Na+ K + ATPase, Ca 2+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase were also assayed in the kidney. The glutathione content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase were estimated in the kidney. Results: Cisplatin administration caused a significant increase in the levels of all serum biochemical indices. The levels of lipid peroxides (in terms of TBA reactants) were increased significantly in serum and kidney. The activities of Na+ K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase were decreased significantly in the kidney. The glutathione content and activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased considerably in the kidney of cisplatin treated rats when compared to normal control. Quercetin administration per se did not cause any change compared to the controls. However concomitant treatment of quercetin with cisplatin showed considerable decrease in levels of markers for nephrotoxicity and lipid peroxides and increased ATPase activities compared to CisDDP treated group. Glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased . Conclusion: Quercetin has significant cytoprotective effect in cisplatin-induced renal tubular damage in vivo in rats.
Hologenesis: The last and lost theory of evolutionary change

Abstract One of the most important theories of evolutionary change arising around the turn of the century, “hologenesis” proposed by Daniele Rosa, has often been misinterpreted and widely ignored, perhaps because of the lack of an English translation. In this paper we discuss the theory of the Italian zoologist, with an emphasis on its historical value and its links with current evolutionary thought. In particular, we detect four main themes within Rosa's work that can be referred to the current evolutionary debate: namely vicariance biogeography, the concept of species as individuals, the dichotomous branching of phylogenetic trees and the concept of apotypic and plesiotypic branches. The evident links between Rosa's hologenesis on the one hand and vicariance biogeography, panbiogeography, and Hennigian cladistics on the other, lead us tq the re‐evaluation of some aspects of Rosa's thought.
Using citizen science to investigate the role of productivity in House Sparrow Passer domesticus population trends

Capsule Seasonal variation in garden House Sparrow numbers provides a tool to examine overall annual productivity, measuring the combined success of multiple breeding attempts and post-fledging survival. Aims To develop a metric to use British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden BirdWatch (GBW) data to measure annual productivity in House Sparrows across regions and habitats exhibiting contrasting population trends. Methods We examine variation in annual productivity by quantifying the height of the seasonal peak of garden House Sparrows relative to pre-breeding numbers. We use BTO Nest Record Scheme (NRS) data to explore the demographic drivers of variation in this metric and relate differences to BTO/Joint Nature Conservation Committee/Royal Society for Protection of Birds Breeding Bird Survey regional population trends. Results GBW annual productivity was similar between rural and urban gardens but was lower in the south and the east of Britain (1.32 fledglings per adult), where populations are declining, than in the north and west where populations are stable (1.37 fledglings per adult). Analysis of NRS data showed similar regional variation in clutch and broods sizes. Conclusion The intensity of effort required to measure breeding success directly through nest monitoring has limited the scale of data collection but these results suggest that Garden BirdWatch (GBW) data can provide a measure of annual productivity across multiple sites. Regional variation in annual productivity (primarily driven by reduced clutch sizes) mirrors population trends, suggesting that reduced breeding success may be influencing House Sparrow population recovery.
Dolphin swimming–a review

into dolphin swimming has historically been guided by false assumptions of 'effortless', 'high-speed' swimming. These assumptions have instigated the develop- ment of drag-reduction hypotheses but tests of these hypotheses have generally had little success. The autecological approach has dominated recent efforts and has been more successful. In this review we summarize results of decades of research efforts to study these creatures. (1) Drag is minimized primarily by the streamlined shape ofthe body and appendages, with no known contributions from compliant dampening, dermal ridges, secretions, boundary layer heating, or skin folds. All indications are that the boundary layer is turbulent. (2) Muscles for the upstroke and downstroke of swimming dolphins provide approximately equal power. (3) Output force is enhanced by insertions occurring on the long processes of the vertebrae and on the subdermal connective tissue sheath. (4) Measured swimming speeds are lower than previously believed, with maximum reported routine speeds being approximately 3 m/s. (5) Porpoising behaviour appears to be the most energetically conservative manner in which to breathe when swimming at high speed. (6) Riding surf and wind waves involves the balance between the wave slope and the weight of the animal whereas riding the bow wave involves the interaction of the pressure wave in front of a ship and the drag of the dolphin.
EVALUATION OF FALSE YAM (Icacina oliviformis) LEAVES ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WEANER RABBITS (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Icacina oliviformis leaf meal (IOLM) on the growth performance of weaner rabbits. Twenty-one (21) weaner rabbits with an average initial weight of 661g were used in a completely randomized design. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days at the livestock unit of the University for Development studies. The chemical analysis was carried out at the Spanish Laboratory of the University for Development studies. The variables measured were feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility and body weight gain. The average daily feed intake showed a significantly (P 0.05) between T0 (17.65g) and T1 (13.33g). There was a significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein digestibility for T0 (84.68%) compared to T1 (80.99%) and T2 (67.08%). Apparent digestibility for CP and EE decreased with increase in the level of IOL in the diet. Based on the results of this study, IOL can be used as a feed ingredient in the diet of rabbits at 5% without any detrimental effects.
Combining ability in local and CIMMYT inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) for grain yield and yield components using line × tester analysis.

L2 × T2, L5 × T1 and L10 × T1 for ear diameter and L1 × T2 and L7 × T1 for number of rows/ear. General combining ability variance components σ² GCA was larger than that σ²SCA for ear length and grain yield indicating that additive gene action played the major role than non-additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits, while σ² SCA was larger than σ² GCA for plant height, ear height and ear diameter and number of rows/ear indicating that non-additive gene action was important than additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. Combined data revealed that the variance σ² GCA × environment interaction was smaller than the variance of σ² SCA × environment interaction for almost studied traits indicating, non-additive type of gene action was more affected by environmental conditions than additive effects. Three test crosses viz., L5 × T1 (6412 kg/ha), L9 × T1 (6684 kg/ha) and L11 × T1 (6162 kg/ha) gave significantly superior yield over the best check Pro-Agro 4640 (5554 kg/ha). These test crosses have to be evaluated in the advanced stage for release as new commercial hybrids in maize research program.
Ecophysiological controls over the net ecosystem exchange of mountain spruce stand. Comparison of the response in direct vs. diffuse solar radiation

Cloud cover increases the proportion of diffuse radiation reaching the Earth's surface and affects many microclimatic factors such as temperature, vapour pressure deficit and precipitation. We compared the relative efficiencies of canopy photosynthesis to diffuse and direct photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for a Norway spruce forest (25‐year‐old, leaf area index 11 m2 m−2) during two successive 7‐day periods in August. The comparison was based on the response of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 to PPFD. NEE and stomatal conductance at the canopy level (Gcanopy) was estimated from half‐hourly eddy‐covariance measurements of CO2 and H2O fluxes. In addition, daily courses of CO2 assimilation rate (AN) and stomatal conductance (Gs) at shoot level were measured using a gas‐exchange technique applied to branches of trees. The extent of spectral changes in incident solar radiation was assessed using a spectroradiometer.
Zooplankton‐mediated transitions between N‐ and P‐limited algal growth1

Limitation of algal growth by nitrogen and phosphorus was assessed in three north-temperate lakes with physiological bioassays and nutrient enrichment experiments. In addition, mesocosm experiments were performed in the three lakes to examine the effects of nutrient enrichment and zooplankton biomass and size on algal nutrient status. In situ indicators of N and P availability were inversely related in magnitude and transitions between N and P limitation were abrupt. Physiological bioassay results did not indicate simultaneous limitation by N and P. However, limited responses to single-nutrient enrichment and pronounced responses to simultaneous N and P addition in enrichment experiments suggested that potential limitation by the secondary nutrient was usually in close proximity to limitation by the primary nutrient. Transitions between N and P limitation closely accompanied major shifts in the zooplankton community. The importance of the zooplankton community in regulating the relative degree of N or P limitation was confirmed by the mesocosm experiments, which demonstrated that transitions between algal N or P limitation could be induced by manipulations of zooplankton biomass or size. This result supports a hierarchical view of the function of planktonic systems, in which biotic interactions structure the response of the algal community to a given nutrient load.
Molecular characterization of old local grapevine varieties from South East European countries

South East European (SEE) viticulture partially relies on native grapevine varieties, previously scarcely described. In order to characterize old local grapevine varieties and assess the level of synonymy and genetic diversity from SEE countries, we described and genotyped 122 accessions from Albania, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Romania on nine most commonly used microsatellite loci. As a result of the study a total of 86 different genotypes were identified. All loci were very polymorphic and a total of 96 alleles were detected, ranging from 8 to 14 alleles per locus, with an average allele number of 10.67. Overall observed heterozygosity was 0.759 and slightly lower than expected (0.789) while gene diversity per locus varied between 0.600 (VVMD27) and 0.906 (VVMD28). Eleven cases of synonymy and three of homonymy have been recorded for samples harvested from different countries. Cultivars with identical genotypes were mostly detected between neighboring countries. No clear differentiation between countries was detected although several specific alleles were detected. The integration of the obtained genetic data with ampelographic ones is very important for accurate identification of the SEE cultivars and provides a significant tool in cultivar preservation and utilization.
THE EOSINOPHILIC LEUKOCYTE

This study has presented the fine structure changes in the eosinophilic leukocyte in the rat uterus during the estrous cycle. Eosinophils were seen to emigrate into the uterine connective tissues from the blood stream. Just prior to, during estrus, and 1 day postestrus, eosinophilic leukocytes underwent lysis releasing their contents into the extracellular spaces and both whole eosinophils and individual granules from lysed cells were ingested by resident macrophages. No phagocytic activity by eosinophils was observed. The possible relationship of the turnover of eosinophils to the profound morphologic and chemical changes in the uterus during the estrous cycle was discussed.
Amplification of the 23S rRNA gene and its application in differentiation and detection of phytoplasmas

The 23S rRNA gene from phytoplasmas was amplified by using the oligonucleotide primer pair P23S5F3 (5'-GTGGATGCCTTGGCACTAAGAGCC-3') and A23S3R3 (5'-ACTTACACACCTGGCCTATCAACC-3'), designed from the conserved 23S rRNA gene sequences of various mollicutes identified in GenBank. The amplified product from a representative phytoplasma strain, eastern X-disease (CX) phytoplasmas, was sequenced and found to be 2798 base pairs in size, with a G + C content of 44.5%, representing about 97% of the entire length of the 23S rRNA gene. The product was confirmed to include a 23S rRNA gene by sequence homology between the amplified fragment and the 23S rRNA genes of other mollicutes and walled bacteria. The 23S rRNA gene from CX phytoplasmas has higher sequence homologies with genes of 23S rRNA from other bacteria (72.6-74.7%) than with those from mollicutes (68.9-71.1%). The primer pair was used to successfully amplify the 23S rRNA gene sequences from phytoplasma strains belonging to 10 different groups or subgroups, but no polymerase chain reaction products were amplified from DNA preparations from healthy plants, suggesting that the primer pair is useful for phytoplasma detection. The 23S rRNA genes of these phytoplasmas were compared by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using four DNA restriction enzymes, Alu I, Hpa II, Mse I, and Rsa I. Among the phytoplasmas examined, each phytoplasma group showed a unique RFLP pattern with each of four enzymes. CX phytoplasmas, western X-disease (WX) phytoplasmas, goldenrod yellows (GR1) phytoplasmas, and chokecherry X-disease (ChX) phytoplasmas had identical RFLP patterns using all four enzymes, supporting previous reports that they belong to a single group.
Seasonal and diurnal patterns of photosynthetic gas exchange for Lonicera sempervirens and L. japonica (Caprifoliaceae).

Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency were compared between Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), an invasive species in the southeastern United States, and its native congener, Lonicera sempervirens (coral honeysuckle), to determine the role of seasonal patterns of water loss and carbon gain in the invasive ability of the exotic. Diurnal measurements were taken monthly for 1 year under a closed forest canopy and in an open field. There were few significant differences in photosynthetic rates between the two species in either environment. However, at both sites, Lonicera japonica retained its old leaves over winter while old leaves of L. sempervirens senesced. Also, new leaves of L. japonica had significantly higher photosynthetic rates than the emerging leaves of L. sempervirens (6.2 vs. 4.4 Atmol m-2 sec ' under the canopy; 4.4 vs. 3.0 ,umol m-2 sec- I in the open). Although differences in conductance and water use efficiency between species were seldom significant, L. japonica tended to have higher maximum values than L. sempervirens. Retention of old leaves by L. japonica during new leaf formation (January-March) as well as higher photosynthetic rates in new leaves contribute to greater annual carbon gain and help explain the invasive ability of Japanese honeysuckle.
The Earliest Beetle Identified

Abstract Holometabolan insects, including beetles (Coleoptera), represent about half of all living organisms. Their development cycle, allowing larvae and adults to exploit distinct ecological niches, is traditionally advocated as a critical adaptation resulting in this extraordinary diversity. Herein I report the occurrence of a beetle from the Pennsylvanian deposit of Mazon Creek (IL, USA). It predates the diversification of Coleoptera by at least 65 million years. This identification supports the view that, early in their history, hyper-diverse extant holometabolan lineages were dominated by Palaeozoic lineages, mostly extinct. End-Permian environmental perturbations might have played an important role in the Triassic radiation of holometabolans. However, it is hypothesized that ecological preferences of holometabolans might have resulted in an earlier diversification of moderate importance, correlating to that of seed plants, their putative host plants. The evolutionary success of ‘holometaboly’ might be the result of a sequence of favorable events.
The influence of macro-litterfall and forest structure on litterfall damage to seedlings

Microdisturbance to seedlings is important because it can differentially affect the mortality and recruitment of seedlings of forest tree species and thereby ultimately affect community composition. Microdisturbance due to litterfall has been shown to vary greatly in its influence on seedling survival among and within forests, and yet there have been no previous studies that investigate the cause of these differences. In this study the influence of macro-litterfall on seedling damage is investigated in five complex temperate forests in New Zealand. Litterfall damage to artificial seedlings in these forests was strongly correlated with macro-leaf-fall (leaves > 30 cm X 1.5 cm) dry weight and total macro-litterfall (leaves and deadwood > 30 cm X 1.5 cm) surface area (R 2 = 0.99, P < 0.005 for each). Protective vegetation within 2 m of the ground (mostly lianes and woody shrubs) reduced the risk of litterfall damage by up to 84%. Hitherto unexplained differences in litterfall damage to seedlings found among, and within, forests (tropical and temperate) may therefore be due to differences in rates of macro-leaf-fall and forest structure. These results are important because they suggest that subtle differences in forest structure, and species composition, may influence regeneration patterns through the litterfall microdisturbance regime.
The Buoyancy and Vertical Distribution of Eggs of Sprat (Sprattus Sprattus) and Pilchard (Sardina Pilchardus)

Observations on the density of pelagic marine fish eggs have indicated that they are near neutral buoyancy for most of development and have a tendency to become denser towards hatching (see Russell, 1976). However, most of this information has been based on limited laboratory observations on the relative buoyancy of eggs; only a few experiments have given more precise estimates of the absolute density of eggs based on the salinity of water in which they are neutrally buoyant (e.g. Franz, 1910; Sundnes, Leivestad & Iversen, 1965). Recently, a new technique (Coombs, 1981), based on the use of a stable column of continuously graded sea-water concentration has allowed more precise and routine measurements of the density of fish eggs throughout development.
Species richness and environmental conditions of fish along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast

Long-term temporal variation in the community structure of fish species richness over the period 1953–1994 along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast is analysed in relation to abiotic environmental factors (oxygen saturation, salinity and temperature respectively at the sea surface, 10 and 50 m depth). Data on the observed number of fish species derive from a long-term and ongoing beach-seine monitoring programme being conducted each autumn. Data on observed fish species richness are analysed using multivariate techniques especially designed for the coupling of environmental and biological tables (Co-inertia analysis). The correlation structure of the abiotic variables is investigated by applying the STATIS (‘‘Structuration des Tableaux AT rois Indices de la Statistique’’) multivariate technique. We demonstrate that environmental variables in the deeper waters are linked to the community structure of the coastal zone of the Southern Skagerrak Coast. It is suggested that this effect probably operates through the Norwegian Coastal Current (NCC) and is a proxy measure for advective processes.