Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invertebrate Dive Fisheries Can Be Sustainable: Forty Years of Production from a Greenlip Abalone Fishery off Southern Australia

The South Australian greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) fishery was established in 1964, and commercial catches have been stable at approximately 350 t.yr−1 for over 20 years. This contrasts the status of fisheries for abalone outside Australasia, where rapid over-exploitation and stock collapse, without recovery, have been widespread. This study of the sustainability of the South Australian greenlip abalone fishery is based on a range of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data, and it contrasts with a previous assessment based on fewer data that suggested these stocks were overfished. This fishery's success demonstrates that prolonged harvests can be obtained from wild abalone stocks. Key elements of the management system critical in preventing over-exploitation include early limitations on access to the resource, establishment of appropriate minimum legal sizes, and effective controls on total catches. A biological research program that focused explicitly on stock assessment and underpinned timely adjustments to management arrangements based on changes in stock status has also been critical. Recommendations by fisheries management committees involving resource managers, scientists, industry members, and other stakeholders have been underpinned by formal management plans. Sustainability of benthic invertebrate fisheries vulnerable to overfishing could be enhanced by adopting elements of the management system underpinning the South Australian abalone fishery since 1968.
Characterization of the Cellulase Complex of Penicillium echinulatum

New cellulases from a strain of Penicillium echinulatum were characterized for their filter paper activity and β-glucosidase activity. Both activities showed maximum values between pH 4 and 5. With citrate buffer, activities were slightly higher than in acetate buffer of the same pH. Thermal stability of both activities was good up to 55°C. Filter paper activity was significantly reduced at higher temperatures.
Vicarious selection explains some paradoxes in dioecious fig—pollinator systems

Fig trees (Ficusspp.) are pollinated by small hymenopteran wasps that develop within the fig. In dioecious species, female wasps enter and pollinate ‘female’ figs that produce only seeds and within which the wasp is unable to reproduce. A resolution for three paradoxes in the biology of dioecious fig-pollinator systems is suggested: (i) why wasps enter female flowers, (ii) why they maintain structures and behaviours needed to pollinate female figs, despite the absence of any direct selection on these phenotypes and (iii) why wasps entering male flowers go through the behaviours that would be required to pollinate female figs. Whereas it is obviously in a female fig’s interest to conceal her sex from the wasps, it is argued that it is also in a male fig’s interest to do so, because the male will benefit only from raising female wasps that, when they leave, successfully find, enter, and pollinate female figs (even though this will be fatal to the wasps).
Relationships Between Sires and Sons for Evaluations from First, All, and Later Records

Abstract January 1984 Modified Contemporary Comparison sire evaluations for first, all, and later records were used to create sire-son pairs in five dairy breeds. Each evaluation for each bull included 10 or more daughters. Regressions of son on sire for evaluations for first, all, or later records exceeded the expectation of . 5 and were most divergent for Jerseys and Brown Swiss. Regressions and coefficients of determination were generally highest when sire's evaluation based on all records predicted sons' evaluations from first, all, or later records. Regression of son on sire for difference in evaluations (later minus first) was positive in all breeds, ranging from . 08 to . 10, and was significant for all breeds except Brown Swiss. Coefficients of determination were low (.01 to .02). Both regression of son on sire for difference and coefficient of determination increased with son's Repeatability, with a regression of . 33 and a coefficient of determination of . 09 for sons over 99% Repeatability, Regressions for 8,055 Holsteins with evaluations for sires and maternal grandsires on those ancestors were . 46 to . 54 for sires and . 25 to . 31 for maternal grandsires. Regressions of son's evaluation on pedigree index were . 94 for first, 1.05 for all, and 1.12 for later lactations.
The Life History of Chactas reticulatus Kraepelin, 1912 (Scorpiones, Chactidae), with a Comparative Analysis of the Reproductive Traits of Three Scorpion Lineages in Relation to Habitat

Abstract An account is given of the life history, growth, population densities, habitat, reproductive systems, courtship and mating, litter size and sex ratio, iteroparity, molting and development of the scorpion Chactas reticulatus Kraepelin. These same traits are compared in three distinct scorpion lineages, buthid, chactid and ischnurid in relation to habitat characteristics. Correlations are drawn between reproductive and adaptative strategies, and it is suggested that if non-buthid scorpions may present some homogeneity as equilibrium species, buthid scorpions are not necessarily opportunistic species. Many groups can be characterized within the buthids, and these different lineages show variable ecological requirements.
Marten Habitat Selection in a Clearcut Boreal Landscape

Abstract: To describe the forest mosaic suitable for marten ( Martes americana) in a clearcut boreal landscape, we studied habitat selection in an area (123 km2) located in western Québec, in which black spruce ( Picea mariana) was the predominant forest type. This block had been recently clearcut with the protection of regeneration cutting technique, a logging method that employs equally spaced harvesting trails. The resulting landscape had a center dominated by a cutover matrix (60% of the block) and surrounded by contiguous uncut forest. Over 2 years, 20 marten equipped with radio collars provided enough locations to delineate their winter home range. Habitat composition and spatial configuration were measured at both stand and landscape scales by means of a geographic information system database that included telemetry locations and home ranges, forest maps, and limits of clearcut areas. Inside their winter home ranges, animals avoided open regenerating stands composed mostly of recent clearcuts with sparse regeneration. They did not select coniferous stands, even those that were mature or overmature, but preferred deciduous and mixed stands, a large proportion of which had a dense coniferous shrub layer as a result of a spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) epidemic 15–20 years ago. At the landscape scale, winter home ranges differed from random mosaics because they had a larger proportion of uncut forest (>30 years), a smaller proportion of open regenerating stands, larger core area in forest habitat, and less edge between open regenerating stands and forest. Winter home ranges usually contained <30–35% open or closed regenerating stands and> 40–50% uncut forest. We conclude that marten and clearcutting may be compatible, provided that forest logging is adapted to that species at the landscape level. Where the objective is to maintain marten at a local scale in black spruce forest, we suggest that ≥50% uncut forest be preserved inside 10‐km2 units and that <30% of the area be clearcut over a 30‐year period.
Les ligaments rétinaculaires des doigts

The aim of this study was to establish a precise architecture of the retinacular ligaments of human digits. Sixty selected digits from human cadavers aged 40–70 years were used in this study. We were able to identify, under the dissecting microscope, two distinct ligamentous complexes: one proximal of greater importance and the other distal of lesser importance. Both structures extend from the periosteum as well as from the fibrous part of the digital sheath to the skin. There are many variations in size and in shape of these structures but they are not related to a particular digit. The role of these ligaments is to prevent the ‘effet de doigt de gant’ to stabilize and to maintain the neurovascular bundle of the digit at the moment of the digital flexion.
The relationship between physiological vitality and age in shoot segments of Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt.

AbstractPhotosynthesis, respiration, net assimilation, chlorophyll b concentration, and levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron were measured in 2 cm shoot segments of Pleurozium schreberi in order to examine patterns of physiological decline with ageing in a continuously growing species. Photosynthesis and chlorophyll b levels declined rapidly after the apical shoot segment and were undetectable after a distance of 8 cm from the shoot apex. Respiration rate also fell rapidly at first but then declined more gradually and some respiration was detected in all shoot segment samples. Potassium and magnesium levels declined approximately linearly in relation to segment number. Calcium levels, expressed on a concentration per unit weight basis, became progressively higher in older segments but the calcium content per segment may actually decline with age. The disparity may be due to a decline in the proportion of cytoplasm compared with cell wall material in older segments.No clear division could be ma.
Composition and species richness of flagellate protozoa from environments associated to the Baía river (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil): influence of the hydrological period and the connectivity

Despite flagellate protozoa are important for the metabolism of aquatic ecosystems, researches about the ecology of this community is scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of flood regime and hydrological connectivity on the patterns of composition and species richness of protozoan flagellates from aquatic environments in the upper Parana river floodplain. To this end, samplings were undertaken in two periods of the hydrological cycle (March 2008 and September 2008), at six lentic environments associated with the Baia river (three are connected to the river, and three are isolated). 120 taxa were identified in the studied area, distributed in 10 orders and one residual group. This high species richness was sustained by the order Euglenida, which contributed with 70% of total species. The species composition was significantly different between periods and environments, as well as species richness, which was higher in connected environments during the high water period. The results evidenced that the flood pulse and hydrological connectivity are relevant factors driving the structure and dynamic of plankton flagellate protozoa community in the upper Parana river floodplain.
Interaction of Salinity and Temperature on the Germination of Sorghum

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the effect of salinity × temperature interactions on the germination of sorghum. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Sorghum seeds were sown in petri dishes with saline solutions of varying concentrations (electrical conductivities of 0.01, 6.4, 12.2, 17.4, 22.6, 27.2, 32.1, and 37.2 dSm-1) prepared with NaCl. The germination responses of the seeds were determined over a wide range of temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C) for a period of 8 days. Salinity × temperature interactions were highly significant at each counting date. Although, increased salinity resulted in decreased germination percentages, the detrimental effect of salinity was generally less severe at higher temperatures. Germination rate index, computed from germination counts taken every 2 days, was influenced by salinity and temperature in a similar pattern as final germination. Seed germination was more tolerant to salinity at germination temperatures of 30–40 °C than at 15–25 °C.
Aberrant Promoter Methylation of the Transcription Factor Genes PAX5 α and β in Human Cancers

Aberrant methylation of 5′CpG islands is a key epigenetic event in many human cancers. A PCR-based technique of methylated CpG island amplification followed by representational difference analysis was used to identify genes methylated in cancer. Two of the CpG islands identified mapped to the 5′ untranslated region of the PAX5 α and β genes. These genes, located on chromosome 9p13, are transcribed from two distinct promoters and form two alternative first exons that are subsequently spliced to the common exons 2–10. The resulting splice variants encode two distinct transcription factors important in cell differentiation and embryonic development. Examination of the methylation status of each gene using methylation-specific PCR revealed that both genes are methylated in ∼65% of breast and lung tumors. Bisulfite sequencing revealed dense methylation patterns within each 5′CpG island, strongly correlating with transcriptional silencing. Expression in cell lines with dense methylation of either the PAX5 α or β promoter region was restored after treatment with the demethylating agent 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine. The PAX5 β gene encodes for the transcription factor B cell-specific activating protein that, in turn, directly regulates CD19 , a gene shown to negatively control cell growth. A strong association was observed between PAX5 β methylation and loss of expression of the CD19 gene demonstrating that inactivation of the PAX5 β gene likely contributes to neoplastic development by inhibiting growth regulation through effects on CD19 gene expression. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of PAX5 gene alterations in human cancer. Our results are the first to identify aberrant promoter methylation as a common mechanism for dysregulation of these genes in solid tumors.
CHANGING HABITAT AND HABITAT USE BY BIRDS AFTER THE EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL, 1989–2001

Evaluations of the ecological consequences of environmental accidents can benefit from a long-term perspective. To assess the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on habitat use and occupancy during midsummer by marine-oriented birds over a 12-yr period following the spill in 1989, we conducted surveys in 10 study bays in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. These bays varied from completely unoiled to some of the most heavily oiled locations in the spill zone. We used oiling as a quantitative variable with and without habitat measures as covariates to assess spill effects and their changes over time. We also used oiling as a categorical variable (“oiled” vs. “unoiled” bays) to conduct between-year, repeated-measures analyses that used 1984 data as a baseline and to plot abundance trends by oiling category. We combined the results of these analyses in a “weight-of-evidence” approach to determine overall impacts and recovery for each species. To assess changes in habitat condition following the oil spill, w.
Effect of sodium humate on membrane potential in internodal cells of Nitellopsis obtusa

Membrane potential and resistance changes in Nitellopsis obtusa induced by Na-humate as a function of external pH were investigated. The administration of Na-humate at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg dm -3 brought about a hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and a drop of d.c. resistance in the pH range between 4.0 and 9.0. Depolarization of the membrane potential induced by low pH was counteracted by Na-humate. The electrophysiological effects of Na-humate are compared with those of IAA.
Correlates of seasonal changes in metabolism in Atlantic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor)

This study tested the hypothesis that seasonal variation in resting metabolic rate (RMR) was more closely related to changes in total energy use than to energy intake. It also quantified the extent to which variation in metabolism contributed to changes in total energy expenditure. RMR, gross energy intake, and body mass and composition were measured in six captive Atlantic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) over 16 months. Gross energy intake during the year (across all seals) averaged 25.4 ± 4.1 MJ/d (mean ± SD). The energy used by the seals Eused a composite measure of energy expenditure from ingested energy and tissue catabolism) averaged 19.2 ± 3.4 MJ/d. RMR averaged 11.2 ± 1.5 MJ/d during the year, while mass-corrected metabolism declined with age. The seals displayed significant changes in both absolute and mass-corrected metabolism during the year. Overall, Eused was a stronger predictor of changes in metabolism than either gross energy intake or body mass. Mass-corrected metabolic rate was m.
Ecology and Conservation of Coreura albicosta Draudt, 1916 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Ctenuchina), an Endemic Species of Mexico

Abstract. Specimens of Coreura albicosta (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Ctenuchina) deposited in national collections and reported in literature published from 1916 to 2010 were studied. The gathered information suggested that the species is endemic to Mexico, because it has been found only in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz in the Eastern Sierra Madre. The species lives in cloud forest ecosystems. Based on our findings, we propose that this Coreura species should be included in the Official Mexican Norm 059 (Norma Oficial Mexicana 059), which encompasses the environmental protection of wild flora and fauna species native to Mexico and their risk categories, as well as specifications for their inclusion or exclusion, and a list of all species at risk.
The occurrence of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) in the eastern Adriatic (Croatian coast)

On 15 October 2004, four specimens of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus were caught near Ston (Peljesac peninsula, south-eastern Adriatic) in a hypersaline lagoon (salt pond) at a depth of 0.50 m. An other specimen was caught in the Neretva River estuary on 1 October 2004 at a depth of 7 m, and a second one at the same location on 6 December 2006 at a depth of 5 m. The records from this study constitute the first report of this species from the eastern Adriatic coast and confirm the spreading of C. sapidus throughout the Adriatic Sea. The present records of the blue crab in the eastern Adriatic, however, do not allow any reliable comments to be made regarding whether or not the species has established a population in the area. In any event, the impact of a possibly successful colonization of this region by this and other exotic species would, at least, represent a significant change in the composition of the native fauna. Le 15 octobre 2004, quatre specimens du crabe bleu, Callinectes sapidus ont ete captures pres de Ston (peninsule de Peljesac, sud-est de l'Adriatique) dans une lagune hypersalee (etang sale) a une profondeur de 0,50 m. Un autre specimen a ete pris dans l'estuaire de la riviere Neretva le 1er octobre 2004 a une profondeur de 7 m, et un second a cette meme station le 6 decembre 2006 a une profondeur de 5 m. Les resultats de cette etude constituent la premiere mention de cette espece sur la cote Adriatique orientale et confirment la dispersion de C. sapidus dans toute la mer Adriatique. Cependant, ces observations du crabe bleu dans l'Adriatique orientale ne permettent aucun commentaire fiable quant a savoir si l'espece a etabli ou non une population dans cette region. Dans tous les cas, l'impact d'une possible colonisation reussie dans cette region, par cette espece ou des autres especes exotiques representerait, au moins, un changement significatif dans la composition de la faune native.
Effect of pollination time on yield and quality of date fruit.

The effects of pollination at different day time in date cv. Dhakki were investigated at Date-palm Research Orchard, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan during 2008-2009. The six spathes on the selected Dhakki trees were pollinated at one hour interval from 8 am to 4 pm. Data were recorded for fruit set (%), fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit breadth (cm), fruit drop (%) and yield (kg). Pollination at different day time had significant effect on the fruit setting and other quality parameters. The highest fruit set of 91% and 89.87%, fruit weight of 18.00 g and 18.34 g, fruit length of 4.75 cm and 4.72 cm and fruit thickness of 2.89 cm and 2.61 cm in both years were recorded when pollination was carried out at 12:00 pm. A consistent trend was observed during the two years. Pollination carried out at 12:00 pm found to be the most effective for getting better yield, fruit setting and fruit size. In addition, positive and significant correlation was observed among different parameters, which can provide basis for further improvement in yield and quality of dates.
Genotypic Variations in Responses of Lateral Root Development to Transient Moisture Stresses in Rice Cultivars

Abstract Soil water regimes under field conditions inevitably tend to fluctuate ranging from drought to waterlogging. Genotypes that adapt better to such changing hydrologic conditions are assumed to have the ability to maintain root system development under such conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the responses of root system development based on lateral root production to transient moisture stresses, and the contribution of the elongation of seminal and nodal root axes and their lateral, root branching, and aerenchyma development in the seminal root axis, to root system development. The seedlings of two aerobic genotypes (UPLRi7 and NSICRc9) and one irrigated-lowland genotype (PSBRc82), and two parental genotypes (Nipponbare and Kasalath) of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) were grown by hydroponics. The seedlings were exposed to a drought condition by adding polyethylene glycol to the solution for 7 days and then to an O2-deficient stagnant condition for 7 days (drought-to-stagnant condition), or to reverse successive conditions (stagnant-to-drought condition). Under both conditions, the aerobic genotypes showed greater ability to produce lateral roots than the irrigated-lowland genotype. Under the transient stagnant-to-drought condition, the root traits that contributed to greater lateral root production in the aerobic genotypes were faster seminal root elongation that was closely associated with branching of lateral roots, and greater nodal root production. Under transient drought to stagnant condition; these were faster seminal root elongation mediated by higher aerenchyma formation, and greater nodal root production. Kasalath showed much greater ability to produce lateral roots under both transient moisture stress conditions than Nipponbare. This indicates the potential utility of the CSSLs for precise identification of desirable root traits with less genetic confounding.
Fish and shrimp added bioavailable iodine to Cassava and millet-based diets

Fish and shrimp were evaluated as sources of iodine in a cassava-millet based diet. Weanling male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control diet or to one of four other diets containing cassava and millet (CM). The control diet contained 15% soy protein, cornstarch as a source of carbohydrate, and 0.2 mg I as KIO 3 (Ctrl+KIO 3 ) per kg diet. The CM diets were supplemented with shrimp, fish and/or soy protein, and soy oil, and were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Experimental diets were: 1) CM+KIO 3 ; 2) CM+6.5% shrimp; 3) CM+6.5% fish; 4) CM with no added iodine source. The diet containing shrimp provided 0.2 mg I/kg while the diet containing fish provided only 15% as much iodine. Diets containing CM decreased iodine bioavailability as shown by a significant decrease in serum thyroxin in the CM+KIO 3 diet compared to the control. Significantly lower serum and urinary thiocyanates in the control group explained the decreased bioavailability in the CM groups. The incorporation of 6.5% shrimp in the CM diets produced equivalent iodine status to the CM+KIO 3 . The incorporation of 6.5% of fish in the CM diet improved iodine status compared to the diet without added iodine. Use of small amounts of fish or shrimp in the diet may be useful in preventing iodine deficiency when diets contain cassava and millet.