Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variations of Body Weight, Lipid Reserves, Blood Volumes, and Hemocyte Population of Antheraea assama (Lepidoptera: Satumiidae)

Performance of Antheraea assama Westwood, a multivoltine sericogenic insect, as a commercial silk producer varies during different seasons in Assam, India. This study was done to determine seasonal variation of larval period, body weight, lipid reserves, water content, blood volumes, and quantitative hemocyte compositions of the fourth (penultimate) and fifth (ultimate) instars of this species during the winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Larval period was longest (51.50 ± 0.25 d) during winter (December-February) and shortest (25.00 ± 0.29 d) during summer (May–July). Greatest larval dry body weight (19.40% and 16.77% of fresh body weight of the fourth and fifth instars, respectively) occurred during winter and autumn (October-February) whereas larvae reared during spring and summer (March-August) were characterized by lowest body weight. Similar patterns of variation of lean dry weights, lipid reserves, and total hemocyte counts were also observed. Correspondingly, spring- and summer-reared larvae showed significantly higher levels of blood volume and total water as well as cellular and gut water content in comparison with those reared during the autumn and winter seasons. This study shows that lipid reserves may enable survival of larvae during seasonal adversity.
Grizzly Bear Habitat Selection in the Swan Mountains, Montana

In the contiguous United States grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are classified as a threatened species, thus resource managers have a continuing interest in how grizzly bears use available habitats. We examined the use of satellite derived cover types by 19 individual radiomarked grizzly bears over 8 years and developed a hierarchial preference classification. We found that avalanche chutes were used in higher proportions than available during all seasons, along with slab rock. Shrub fields and timber harvest units were selected relative to availability during the summer and fall. Forested areas were among the least selected cover types during all seasons. Clear patterns of elevational movement were identified and were similar among most bears.
The roles of competition and resource availability in the biomass allocation of plant communities

Plants live in communities where their success is determined not only by the environment, but also by the traits of other individuals in the community. This sets up incentives for over-investment investing more in taking up a resource than would be optimal in the absence of competition. To examine the effect of these incentives on biomass allocation in plant communities, I, with collaborators, built a tractable model of competition for water and light and compared its predictions with experimental and observational data. This model has two axes of water availability, which differ in their influence on the dominant plant allocation strategy. If plants spend more time in water saturation, plants invest less in fine-root biomass and more in leaves and woody biomass. Alternatively, if plants have more water while they are water-limited, they invest more in fine roots without changing their investment in leaves or woody biomass. These competitive responses to resource additions in the face of water and nitrogen limitation are capable of explaining complex plant responses to simple resource addition experiments. For example, experimentally, plants responded to increased water availability by increasing fine-root biomass, but this response decreased with nitrogen additions. To relate differences along these axes of water availability to real systems, I replaced the simple rainfall model with a stochastic one. This new model shows that the axes of water availability are intertwined with respect to common rainfall statistics, making predictions of plant responses across rainfall regimes complicated, a result consistent with experiments and observations. Finally, I tested this model’s predictions against specific forest observations and found promising avenues for future model improvements, including variation in wood traits and leaf physiology that may correlate with allocation strategies. Throughout the thesis, I make predictions about the potential for carbon sinks. The
Effect of Process Parameters and Kraft Lignin Additive on The Mechanical Properties of Miscanthus Pellets

Miscanthus had a higher lignin content (19.5 wt%) and carbohydrate (67.6 wt%) than other herbaceous crops, resulting in higher pellet strength and positive effect on combustion. However, miscanthus also contains a high amount of hydrophobic waxes on its outer surface, cuticula, which limits the pellet quality. The glass transition of lignin and cuticula were related to forming inter-particle bonding, which determined mechanical properties of pellet. To determine the effects of surface waxes, both on the pelletizing process and the pellet strength were compared with raw and extracted samples through solvent extraction. In addition, to clarify the relationship between pellet process parameters and bonding mechanisms, the particle size and temperature are varied while maintaining the moisture content of the materials and the die pressure at constant values. Furthermore, kraft lignin was employed to determine the effect of kraft lignin as an additive in the pellets. As results, the removal of cuticula through ethanol extractions improved the mechanical properties of the pellet by the formation of strong inter-particle interactions. Interestingly, the presence of lignin in miscanthus improves its mechanical properties and decreases friction against the inner die at temperatures above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of lignin. Consequently, it could found that the use of kraft lignin as an additive in pellet reduced friction in the inner die upon reaching its glass transition temperature.
Histochemical studies on the architecture of rat temporal muscle

The histochemical organization observed in sections of the temporal muscle of adult malerats was investigated by a succinicdehydrogenase staining (SDH) method. Three distinct muscle fibertypes were also distinguished in the temporal muscle. Significant differences in the average OI and SI values were found in different regions (from origin to insertion), and in different parts (the anteriortemporal, posterior temporal and deep temporal muscle). Moreover, differences were found in thepercentage distributions of OI and SI of different primary fasciculi in each of the temporal muscle. Ingeneral, the average OI and SI values were highest in the deep temporalis, intermediate in the anteriortemporalis and lowest in the posterior temporalis. In aging rats the three types of muscle fibers wereeasily identified, and differences in the average OI and SI values in different muscle parts were foundto be greater. In addition, primary fasciculi with high OI and SI values or those with low OI and SIvalues were more numerous than in young adult rats.
The Structure of the Species Populations in the Initial Stages of Salt-Marsh Succession

Spatial structure in species populations usually takes the form of an aggregated distribution of individuals. Aggregation occurs either in response to environmental heterogeneity or as a result of species morphology; vegetative spread or reproduction by heavy seed will lead to the aggregation of offspring in the vicinity of parent plants. An aggregated structure is general even in apparently homogeneous vegetation. Superficial homogeneity in vegetation may be taken to indicate that the majority of habitat factors are constant. Therefore, the prevalence of aggregated distributions in superficially homogeneous vegetation provides a means of examining the control of species by habitat factors in relatively simple situations. Recent work illustrates the usefulness of this approach (Phillips 1953, 1954a, b; Kershaw 1958; Greig-Smith 1961; Anderson 1961a, b). The occurrence of structure may also throw light on the mechanisms of vegetational succession. It has been suggested (Greig-Smith 1964) that succession is accompanied by structural changes involving concurrently an increase in the size of the species aggregations and a decrease in the intensity of aggregation, these changes leading eventually to the elimination of an aggregated structure by coalescence of the individual aggregations. Published work dealing with a variety of vegetation types supports these suggestions. Whitford (1949) and Kershaw (1957) found decreasing intensity of aggregation during succession in woodland herbaceous communities and in upland grassland communities respectively. Greig-Smith (1952) found that the aggregations in secondary rainforest increased in scale with succession. The eventual elimination of an aggregated structure in the course of succession was observed by Greig-Smith (1961) in a dune species and by Kershaw in upland grassland. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the population structure of the two major species, Salicornia europaea L. and Puccinellia maritima (Huds.) Parl. , in a developing salt-marsh. The factors influencing structure have been examined and the changes in structure through several successional phases are described. The determination of the Salicornia species present depends on the key provided by Ball & Tutin (1959). The identification was confirmed by K. Ferguson, Trinity College, Dublin.
Antimicrobial activity of six selected plants against some strains fof pathogenic organisms

1 Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. 2 Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ilmowe, Ogun State. 4 Department of Clinical and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Life Histories of two Leaf-Inhabiting Fungi on Sycamore

Leaf and twig blight of sycamore, Platanus occidentalis L. , caused by Gnomonia veneta (Sacc. & Speg.) Kleb. is a widely prevalent disease. For a number of years it was assumed that this disease was the most common malady involving sycamore within the Duke Forest. During the past three years, however, my observations have indicated that this disease has been confused with another leaf blight disease, mainly caused by Stigmina Platani (Fuckel) Sacc. , that is locally of considerably more consequence. Whilst studying this Stigmina disease it became apparent furthermore that the Stigmina leaf blight fungus is commonly associated with another pathogen, Cercospora platanifolia Ellis & Ev. Both StigmlinaF Platani and Cercospora platanifolia have long been known to mycologists, but as a result of the present study each has been found to possess a perithecial stage that matures in spring on decaying infected leaves. The life histories of these associated leaf-inhabiting fungi are therefore recorded at this time as a contribution to our knowledge of the diseases of sycamore. Appearance of the Disease Complex. --Lesions induced by Cerospora platanifolia are first noted about mid-June, those by Stigmina Platani toward the close of July. In the case of the former very irregular, minute, brown, necrotic spots develop (FIG. 14). They are sparse at first and about 1 mrm. in diameter, but eventually several hundred lesions may appear on a single leaf. At this stage many of the spots will have fused. Infection by Stigmina is first apparent by the presence of scattered, pale-green areas, if affected leaves are viewed from the upper leaf surface, the lower leaf surface of the corresponding areas being covered with a thin, weft-like, black coating (FIG. 14).
Effects of protected omega-3 fatty acid derived from linseed oil and vitamin E on growth performance, apparent digestibility, blood characteristics and meat quality of finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of protected omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and meat quality of finishing pigs. A total of 140 female and castrated-male finishing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average initial bodyweight of 46.5 kg were blocked and stratified based on sex and bodyweight to a 2 × 2 factorial design with the respective factors being (1) without and with 300 IU vitamin E (Vit E), and (2) without and with 0.75% protected omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) derived from linseed oil in a 12-week trial. Each treatment consisted of seven replicate pens with five pigs (three barrows and two gilts) per pen. The supplementation of Vit E improved (P < 0.05) and n-3 FA tended to increase (P = 0.07) overall average daily gain. The apparent digestibility of nitrogen tended to increase (P = 0.07) with the addition of Vit E in the diet. The concentration of IgG significantly increased (P < 0.05) with the addition of Vit E in the diet whereas the concentration of cortisol was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with the addition of Vit E. There was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between Vit E and n-3 FA on cortisol levels. Surface longissimus muscle redness (a*) increased with the supplementation of Vit E. However, the score of colour darkness based on sensory evaluation and drip loss on Day 5 were significantly reduced with the addition of Vit E in the diet.
Collection Record and Feeding Habits of Larval Spotted Halibut and Stone Flounder in Coastal Shallow Waters off Fukushima, the Pacific Coast of Eastern Japan

This report first describes the collection of a pelagic stage larva of spotted halibut Verasper variegatus (post-flexion F stage, 10.6 mm standard length) from the Pacific coast of eastern Japan. The larva was collected sympatrically with metamorphic larvae of stone flounder Platichthys bicoloratus (F-G stages, 9.5-12.8 mm, n = 52) in coastal shallow waters off southern Fukushima Prefecture (6.0 m depth layer, within 16 m bottom depth) by otter trawling on 2 March 2011. The spotted halibut larva fed on a calanoid copepod (Centropages abdominalis), whereas stone flounder larvae mainly preyed on a poecilostomatoid copepod (Corycaeus sp.) and a few other prey items (harpacticoid copepod, bivalve larvae, and others). The sizes of preyed copepods (1.95 and 1.91 mm body length, n = 2) were larger in spotted halibut with larger mouth size (upper jaw length, UJL: 1.27 mm) than those observed in stone flounder (0.53-1.16 mm, mean 0.91 mm, n = 139) with smaller mouth sizes (UJL: 0.79-1.17 mm).
The dilp2/5 genes control diapause inducibility

Many holometabolous insects hibernate by triggering diapause, an “actively-induced” dormancy that blocks developmental functions. Yet, the nature of signals enhancing the plasticity of developmental system and underlying diapause inducibility is still elusive. We show that the “Insulin/IGF” dilp2/5 genes, encoding for developmental hormones, antagonize diapause switch in D. melanogaster and their modulation is pivotal in sensitizing the developmental system to environmental perturbations. Functional impairment of dilp2/5 signaling results in the appearance, or inhibition, of the inducible diapause polyphenism, revealing that they are at the core of the gene network regulating diapause inducibility, beyond the control of developmental time. DILP2/5, as dispensable developmental hormones, cover a latent and hidden plasticity of development, underlying the evolution of an inducible diapause polyphenism through genetic accommodation. Such hormonal mechanism might be the putative target to bioengineer diapause inducibility.
Geographic Variation in Mitochondrial DNA and Biogeography of Culaea inconstans (Gasterosteidae)

Mitochondrial DNA was characterized for length and restriction site polymorphism among 32 populations of Culaea inconstans (Gasterosteidae). Phylogenetic and geographic patterns of divergence in Culaea mtDNA were examined by maximum-parsimony analysis of 96 restriction sites. Gasterosteus aculeatus and Pungitius pungitius were used as outgroups. Mitochondrial genome size in Culaea, estimated from restriction digests, was variable but always larger than in other sticklebacks. Size heteroplasmy was often observed. Three types of size variation in mtDNA were observed. Tandem, direct duplications of 2.7-5.6 kb were centered around the control region, and duplications were seen in many individuals throughout the species range. Culaea mtDNAs grouped into two, highly divergent and geographically disjunct lineages. Populations from lineage II contained additional, small-size variation (100-300 bp) and a 1000-bp insertion. The disjunct distributions of the two lineages indicate that the present species distribution was influenced by postglacial dispersal from separate refugia in the Mississippi and Ohio river basins. Interpopulational relationships are insufficiently resolved to test the hypothesis of a Missouri River refugium during the Pleistocene. Relationships among populations from southern Michigan are concordant geographically with temporal availability of previously glaciated habitat. A disjunct Culaea population in New Mexico shares identical mtDNA restriction profiles with Michigan populations and likely represents an accidental
Controlling the Fenton Reaction for Soil Remediation

ABSTRACT This paper describes the use elemental iron to control the Fenton reaction, a process in which ferrous ion reacts with hydrogen peroxide. It is widely believed that the Fenton reaction produces free radicals that can degrade organic chemicals. By using elemental iron in place of ferrous iron, we found that the vigor of the Fenton reaction can be controlled, and therefore can be used more effectively to remediate contaminated soil. Laboratory studies were done to compare the elemental iron approach with the original ferrous salt approach. It was found that elemental iron can increase the effectiveness of the Fenton reaction in degrading organic chemical such as Pentachlorophenol (PCP). The mechanism of control lies in the production of ferrous irons from elemental iron in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Summer-Habitat Suitability Modeling of Myotis sodalis (Indiana Bat) in the Eastern Mountains of West Virginia

Abstract Little information exists with regard to suitable summer habitat of Myotis sodalis (Indiana Bat) in West Virginia. Our research objectives were to use ultrasonic acoustic equipment and automated identification software to collect presence data for Indiana Bats and to examine habitat characteristics and availability across the local landscape. We used a maximum entropy (MAXENT) approach to determine if the distribution of various ecological factors such as landuse/landcover, forest fragmentation, aspect, area solar radiation, slope, proximity to permanent water, and elevation influenced foraging-habitat suitability of Indiana Bats. We sampled across the 1160-ha Camp Dawson Collective Training Area in Preston County, WV, to determine Indiana Bat presence. We employed the collected presence data to examine habitat suitability within a 16,151-ha study area encompassing the training facility. Based on MAXENT results, we characterized highly suitable Indiana Bat habitat as including large tracts of contiguous forest cover (>200 ha) associated with low to modest slopes (<20°), road corridors, and areas of high solar radiation (≥5.5 × 105 WH/m2). High (81–100%) and medium-high (61–80%) suitability classes were uncommon across the landscape (0.6% and 2.7%, respectively), with the broad medium-to-high suitability classes (41–100%) collectively comprising only 11.4% of the study area. Elevation (m) and aspect contributed little to the model and displayed low permutation importance that did not vary notably from the corresponding percent contribution. These variables, along with close proximity to permanent water (≤200 m away), are likely not limiting ecological factors. The results of this study supplement current knowledge of summer habitat of the Indiana Bat and provide land and wildlife managers localized guidance on conservation priorities within the region.
Glycosidase Activities of Three Enological Yeast Strains During Winemaking: Effect on the Terpenol Content of Muscat Wine

β-glucosidase, α-arabinosidase and α-rhamnosidase activities of three enological yeast strains ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) were monitored during fermentation of a Muscat of Frontignan grape juice. The enzyme activities, measured in the juice and the yeast biomass, reached their maximum during exponential growth of the yeast population, then dropped quickly. Changes in glycosidase activities were similar in all three yeast strains. β-glucosidase was the most abundant glycosidase and showed a poor stability at wine pH. The wines obtained from the different yeast strains contained similar levels of terpenols, and no significant differences were found in sensory analysis.
Field observations on the social behavior of the flying lizard, Draco volans sumatranus, in Borneo

KUITER, R. H. 1992. Tropical reef-fishes of the western Pacific Indonesia and adjacent waters. PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta, Indonesia. MASUDA, H. , C. ARAGA, AND T. YOSHINO. 1975. Coastal fishes of southern Japan. Tokai Univ. Press, Tokyo, Japan. MULLER, K. 1992. Underwater Indonesia a guide to the world's greatest diving. Passport Books, Lincolnwood, Illinois. RANDALL, J. E. 1955. An analysis of the genera of surgeon fishes (family Acanthuridae). Pacif. Sci. 9:359-367. , AND L. J. BELL. 1992. Naso caesius, a new acanthurid fish from the central Pacific. Ibid. 46: 344-352.