Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Predators in Regulation of Endemic Populations of Matsucoccus matsumurae (Homoptera: Margarodidae) in Japan

Life table data for Matsucoccus matsumurae (Kuwana) were gathered from April through September 1984 from 30 ornamental and forest stands of two native hosts, Pinus densiflora Sieb. & Zucc. and P. thunbergiana Franco, and an exotic host, P. massoniana Lamb. , located in central and southern Japan. The scale inhabited nearly every stand of the two Japanese pines, but its densities were always low and trees suffered no apparent injury. Trees were damaged, however, in forest stands of P. massoniana where densities were many times greater than on adjacent Japanese pines. Differences in scale abundance among host species and between forest and ornamental settings reflected differences in survivorship of first instars and fecundity of adult females. Population trend values calculated from life table data revealed that predators have an important role in the regulation of endemic populations of M. matsumurae. Harmonia axyridis Pallas, which comprised 84% of the total number of predators captured ( n = 3,071), killed 97% of the scales in one heavily infested forest stand of P. massoniana in Kamigamo, Honshu in <4 weeks. When realistic densities of beetles were caged on infested pines, 81% of the small, inconspicuous stages of the scale and 98% of the larger, more conspicuous stages were consumed, which resulted in a 67-fold decrease in scale population growth compared with control cages containing no beetles. Despite prevalence of cannibalism among beetles both in cages and in the natural population, H. axyridis was clearly an effective regulatory agent for endemic populations of M. matsumurae and should be a prime candidate for biological control of exotic populations of this scale.
Age, Sex and Body Condition of Baltic Grey Seals: Are Problem Seals a Random Sample of the Population?

The increasing Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) population causes considerable damage to coastal fisheries. The aim of the present study was to compare the age, sex and blubber thickness of seals that cause problems to coastal fisheries (i.e. by-catch seals and those shot near the fishing gear) with those killed during regular hunting. This knowledge is essential for population management. We collected seal samples from hunters and fishermen from Finland, Sweden and Estonia in 2011–2013. Hunted seals included individuals of all age classes, whereas most by-catch seals were small pups (in spring) or sub-adult and adult males (in autumn). By-catch seals had a thinner blubber layer than hunted seals. Most seals shot near the fishing gear were adult males in good condition. The ‘problem seals' were thus not a random sample of the population. We suggest that hunting should be targeted especially at males to mitigate the damage to fisheries without threatening the population.
The Spider Fauna of the East African Mountains. Part II. The Genus Walckenaeria Blackwall (Araneae, Linyphiidae)

Ten new species of the genus Walckenaeria Blackwall, subgenus Tigellinus Simon, are described: W. cognatus from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. W. elgonensis from Mt. Elgon. Kenya. W. jocquet from Nyika Plateau, Malawi, W. kulalensis from Mt. Kulal, Kenya. W. macrops from Mt. Elgon, Kenya. W. mauensis from Mau Forest. Kenya, W. microps from Mt. Elgon. Kenya. W. minuscula from Aberdare, Kenya, W. ngorongoroensis from Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, and W. ocularis from Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Redescriptions are given for W. anerdrensis (Holm), W. meruensis Tullgren, W. ruwenzoriensis (Holm) and of the type species of the subgenus. W. furcillata (Menge). Tigellinus kilimanjarensis Holm, 1962. is synonymized with Walckenaeria meruensis Tullgren. 1910. The functional relation between the components of the palpal organ and the palpal tibia, paracymbium and cymbium in W. jocquei is described.
Geohistory Models and Cenozoic Paleoenvironments of the Caribbean Region

Abstract Recent advances in understanding the tectonic and paleoenvironmental history of the Caribbean region allow formulation of biogeographic and evolution/speciation models within an improved physical context. Support is developing for a new ‘maximist’ model of geological history suggesting that the Greater Antilles originated as a submerged volcanic island arc in the present Isthmian region during the Early Cretaceous [Valanginian; ∼130 m.y. (million years ago)] and moved more than 1000 km to their present location. Geologic investigations are not always concerned with whether an arc is submerged or emergent, but the proto-Greater Antillean arc began colliding with the Bahamas Platform in the Paleocene/earliest Eocene (∼56 m.y.), and the principal period of emergence allowing terrestrial flora and fauna to colonize was in the middle Eocene (∼49 m.y.). Early emergence was during the later phases of the hothouse interval of the Late Cretaceous through the early Eocene, which was followed by an intermediate period when climates fluctuated between non-glacial and (marginally) glacial conditions (middle Eocene through the early Miocene), and culminated in the icehouse interval of the late Tertiary and Quaternary Periods. The recent geological/paleoenvironmental models still constitute, however, a broad spectrum of possibilities for biogeographic-evolutionary-speciation events within which specialists must formulate the most probable pathway(s) for individual taxa.
Rotifer Biodiversity of Yedshi Lake, Maharashtra

Yedshi lake is a rural lake in Mangrulpir Tahsil, Dist. Washim of Maharashtra and has less human interference . Rotifers are most common in Indian waters . These are the connecting link between primary producers and consumers of higher orders in aquatic food web. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of rotifer community was done on monthly basis from October 2004 to September 2005 by collecting water sample from five different spots of the lake. During the study period total 27 rotifer species belonging to 16 genera were identified. The Brachionus was recorded as the most diversified genera represented by five species . The study undertaken showed that the rotifer biodiversity was high during summer season . The abundance of rotifers with respect to their seasonal variation has been discussed in detail.
Evolution of trichomes and its systematic significance in Salvia (Mentheae; Nepetoideae; Lamiaceae)

We have investigated the trichome characteristics in representative species of Salvia and Pleudia in order to evaluate this source of morphological evidence for addressing problems regarding generic delimitation and subgeneric classification. Trichomes of 46 Salvia spp. , representing three subgenera in Iran, were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. General trichome characteristics were constant among different populations of a certain species, but showed a degree of variability useful in the delimitation of taxa, specifically at lower taxonomic levels. Trichome characters of taxonomic interest are as follows: types of glandular hair; number of composing cells (uni-, bi- or multicellular); size and thickness; branching pattern; and presence of papillae on the surface. Non-glandular trichomes can be simple and branched. Glandular trichomes can be stalked, subsessile or sessile. Our investigation reveals the usefulness of such characters in providing fundamental taxonomic criteria for taxon delimitation in these genera at various levels, especially at the specific rank. Furthermore, the data presented here indicate the potential applicability of such characters in the determination of evolutionary trends in Salvia and allies. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2016, 180, 241–257.
In vitro antioxidant and anti–inflammatory activities of Korean blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) extracts

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Methods Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the Korean blueberry water and ethanol extracts were determined before determining the potential of the extracts as antioxidant. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by following some well established methods for free radical scavenging such as 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate, 1,2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid), free radical induced DNA damage, superoxide dismutase-like and catalase assay etc . Furthermore, 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan and nitric oxide assay were performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. Results Total phenolic contents were found (115.0±3.0) and (4.2±3.0) mg GAE/100 g fresh mass for both extracts, respectively and flavonoid contents were (1 942.8±7.0) and (1 292.1±6.0) mg CE/100g fresh mass for water and ethonal extracts, respectively. Both the extracts displayed significant scavenging activity of some radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (IC 50 at 1.8 mg/mL and 2.05 mg/mL, respectively), 1,2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (IC 50 at 1.5 mg/mL and 1.6 mg/mL, respectively) and nitrite (IC 50 at 1.7 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL, respectively) etc . The extracts were found to prevent inflammation as well by reducing nitric oxide production and cytotoxicity in cell. Conclusions The findings suggest that the fresh Korean blueberry could be used as a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
A long-term record of human impacts on an urban ecosystem in the sediments of Töölönlahti Bay in Helsinki, Finland

Ecological impacts of urbanization are receiving increasing scientific attention, yet few data sets permit long-term effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to be assessed. Töölönlahti Bay, in the centre of Helsinki, Finland, provided on opportunity to characterize recent human impacts especially by means of chemical and biostratigraphical analyses of a sediment core. Periods of coniferous forest, forest clearance, urbanization and the development of parks, can be distinguished in the pollen record of the core. Palynological diversity was highest before the forest clearance at the turn of the century. The character of the sediment and the water have changed substantially in response to rapid population growth, the construction of sewage systems and building within the catchment of the bay. This is reflected in marked increases in organic matter, phosphorus and heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb) concentrations between 1890 and 1960, accompanied by a rapid increase in diatom species indicative of eutrophication and a decline in diatom species diversity. Since the cessation of waste-water disposal in the 1960s, concentrations of a number of pollutants have declined and water quality has gradually improved, but conditions are still affected by internal and atmospheric loadings. As a consequence of land uplift (2 mm per year) and the rapid sedimentation rate (6 mm per year), the volume of the bay is decreasing. Within 200 years, the shallow bay, which is skirted by extensive parks and famous cultural buildings such as the Finlandia and the Opera Houses, will fill with sediment unless it is dredged.
Mussel spat ropes provide passage for banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) in laboratory trials

Abstract The use of mussel spat ropes to enable the passage of banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) past perched culverts was tested under laboratory conditions. A 0.5 m high simulated perched culvert was fitted with one of two UV stabilised polypropylene rope types: “Russet Loop” and “Super Xmas Tree”. Four randomised replicate trials using each rope type were conducted to test their respective abilities to provide passage for “fresh‐run” banded kokopu whitebait (migrating post‐larval juveniles). There was no statistical difference in performance between the two rope types, with both performing equally well over each 3 h trial. A high proportion of fish used the ropes to successfully negotiate the structure (mean >85% individuals per trial irrespective of rope type). The high rate of successful passage over a short time period suggests that these ropes may be an effective, affordable and potentially easy retrofit to perched culverts, particularly for native species with similar climbing capabilities to banded kokopu.
Compositional Changes in African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seeds During Thermal Processing

2 Abstract: The effect of thermal processing as a preservation technique on the nutritional, anti-nutritional and functional characteristics of African oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) was investigated. Samples were drawn from the different stages during the processing (namely; cooked, fermented and canned) along with the raw seeds, and examined for proximate chemical composition, elemental concentrations, anti-nutritional content and functional properties. The results show that processing reduced the protein content from 22.32% dry wt. in the raw seeds to 19.00% dry wt. in the canned product; while oil content increased from 53.98% to 60.11% respectively. Also, fermentation and canning significantly (P 0.05) affected by the processing operations. However, the capacity to gel and foam reduced with successive processing steps. Overall, thermal processing of th e African oil bean seeds raised nutrient bioavailability, digestibility and functionality.
Morphology, distribution and biology of Mycobates sarekensis (Acari: Oribatida: Punctoribatidae)

Mycobates sarekensis (Trägårdh, 1910) is a typical component of the Svalbard archipelago, but its morphological ontogeny is unknown, and distribution and biology are known poorly. The juveniles of this species are similar to those of other species of Mycobates with known ontogeny, but differ by the length of seta c3 in all juvenile stages and the presence of a humeral organ and gastronotal shield in the larva. The nymphs of M. sarekensis have shorter seta c3 than those of Mycobates acuspidatus and Mycobates royi, whereas the larva of M. sarekensis has shorter seta c3 than that of M. acuspidatus and has a humeral organ, which is absent in the latter species. The larva of M. royi differs from those of M. sarekensis and M. acuspidatus by presence of gastronotal shield, which is absent in other species. The adult of Mycobates tridactylus is similar to that of M. sarekensis and we provisionally consider it as a synonym of M. sarekensis. In Svalbard, this species achieved the highest density in swamp and wet moss tundra, and in most other plant classes was not abundant. In M. sarekensis, the males dominated the females, and in extracted samples the juveniles of M. sarekensis was not abundant or absent. The mean body length of females was greater than that of males, and the adults from the cold polar desert areas in northern Svalbard were usually smaller than those from the warmer and very nutrient-rich ornigenic soils on Storholmen.
CORRELATES OF FALL–SPRING MASS DYNAMICS OF NORTHERN BOBWHITES

Abstract We examined the relationship of trends in fall–spring mass of 330 Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) with photoperiod, air temperature, energy requirements, and supplemental feeding in the Texas Panhandle during 2000–2003. Mass of bobwhites increased from September to December, at which point it peaked and then decreased through March. Mean monthly mass was negatively correlated with photoperiod (r =−0.89) and temperature (r =−0.79) and positively correlated with energy required (r = 0.79; estimated using air temperature). From September to March, bobwhites occupying areas where supplemental feed was provided (n = 246) were greater in mass (x̄ = 193.4 g, 95% CL = 191.6–195.1) than bobwhites in areas without supplemental feed (x̄ = 186.5 g, 95% CL = 184.0–189.0, n = 84), but mean monthly mass was different only during November (x̄ = 197.8 g, 95% CL = 195.3–200.3 for food-supplemented; x̄ = 188.0 g, 95% CL = 185.0– 191.0 for unsupplemented). Abiotic factors, such as photoperiod and temperature, are confounding factors when attempting to explain fall and winter trends of bobwhite mass. Temporal changes in activities (daily foraging, nocturnal roosting) and their energetic costs (e.g., thermoregulation) also complicate issues of trends in mass.
Male traits and herd reproductive capability in tropical beef cattle. 2. Genetic parameters of bull traits

A total of 4063 young bulls of two tropical genotypes (1639 Brahman and 2424 Tropical Composite) raised in northern Australia were evaluated for a comprehensive range of production and reproduction traits up to 24 months of age. Prior to weaning, peripheral blood concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and inhibin were measured at 4 months of age. At weaning (6 months) blood insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and flight time were recorded. Body composition traits of fat depth and eye-muscle area were determined by ultrasonography at 15 months of age when additional measurements of liveweight, hip height and body condition score were recorded. Bull breeding soundness was evaluated at ~12, 18 and 24 months of age when measurements of scrotal circumference, sheath score, semen mass activity, progressive motility of individual sperm and percent morphologically normal sperm were recorded. Magnitude of heritability and genetic correlations changed across time for some traits. Heritability of LH, inhibin, IGF-I and of 18-month scrotal circumference, mass activity, progressive motility and percent normal sperm was 0.31, 0.74, 0.44, 0.75, 0.24, 0.15 and 0.25, respectively, for Brahmans and 0.48, 0.72, 0.36, 0.43, 0.13, 0.15 and 0.20, respectively, for Tropical Composites. Inhibin and IGF-I had moderate genetic association with percent normal sperm at 24 months in Brahmans but low to negligible associations in Tropical Composites. Body condition score in Brahmans and sperm motility (mass and individual) traits in both genotypes had moderate to strong genetic correlation with percent normal sperm and may prove useful candidates for indirect selection. There is scope to increase scrotal circumference by selection and this will be associated with favourable correlated responses of improved semen quality in both genotypes. The lack of genetic antagonism among bull traits indicates that selection for improved semen quality will not adversely affect other production traits.
EGGSHELL CHARACTERISTICS AND CALCIUM DEMANDS OF A MIGRATORY SONGBIRD BREEDING IN TWO NEW ENGLAND FORESTS

Abstract Calcium has been reported to be a limiting nutrient for eggshell production in birds living in areas of northern Europe suffering from heavy acid deposition. To investigate whether calcium might be limiting for birds in northeastern North America, a region also experiencing high and persistent acid precipitation, we analyzed eggshell characteristics and assessed calcium needs for eggshell production of a Neotropical migrant songbird, the Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens), in two forests in New England that differed in calcium content of their soils. We found no significant differences between the two regions in warbler eggshell mass, thickness, or in the concentration or the amount of calcium in eggshells. Moreover, calculations show that a diet of larval Lepidoptera, a major food source, is not a sufficient source of calcium for this species during egg laying, but that ingestion of eight average-sized (60 mg dry mass) snails during the egg-laying period would supply sufficient calcium for eggshell formation for a 4-egg clutch. Although current densities of snails suggest that they are not a limiting resource for birds at these sites, recent findings of declining calcium availability in New England forest soils suggest that calcium could in the future become a limiting factor for birds in northern temperate forests.
Recent advances in the discovery of non-peptidic direct renin inhibitors as antihypertensives: new patent applications in years 2000 – 2008

Background: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is essential for the regulation of blood pressure and may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. A strong rationale suggests a more efficient control of RAAS by direct rather than downstream blockade of renin, an angiotensinogen-specific aspartic protease acting at the first, rate-limiting step of the pathway. Vast research efforts since the late 1970s have aimed at developing clinically useful renin inhibitors for the treatment of hypertension and associated co-morbidities. In 2007, aliskiren (Tekturna®, Rasilez®; Novartis) was launched as the first orally efficacious direct renin inhibitor. The evolution of non-peptide renin inhibitors interacting with non-substrate recognition sites of the enzyme, such as aliskiren and the 4-aryl-piperidines, during the 1990s encouraged an increasing number of pharmaceutical companies to resume, or newly embark on, drug discovery programs. Objective: This review summarizes the various structural design concepts and the apparent focus of activities presently employed to develop follow-up generations of oral renin inhibitors. Methods: Information was collected from patents, scientific literatures and public sources disclosed during the years 2000 – 2008. Results/conclusion: The structural diversity of small-molecule inhibitors has further increased, including novel basic surrogate transition-state mimetic motifs. Several inhibitors emerged as (pre)clinical candidates, the most advanced having entered Phase II clinical trials.
Resilience of physiological attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to abiotic stresses

Water stress and high temperature variability are the major constraints for wheat crop productivity and food security in the context of climate change. Impact of high temperature and water stress at anthesis stage of spring wheat was studied through field experiments conducted during 2008 to 2009 and 2009 to 2010. Five wheat varieties of diverse origin namely Tatara, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC)-2009, Sehar-2006, SKD-1 and F-Sarhad were sown in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. Physiological parameters that is, net photosynthesis (An), transpiration rate (E), SPAD chlorophyll contents and prolines were recorded at anthesis stage. The results indicated reduction of An and increased E due to high temperature and moisture stresses. Among genotypes, maximum photosynthetic rate was recorded for Tatara (30.52 μ mole/m2/s) followed by NARC-2009. The E recorded maximum in Sehar-2006 (2.80 mole/m2/s) which had low photosynthetic activity whereas minimum E observed in Tatara (2.27 μ mole/m2/s) followed by NARC-2009. Maximum SPAD value observed in Tatara (53.17) followed by NARC-2009 (49.00) where as Sehar-2006 (37.17) depicted less chlorophyll contents and ultimately reduced photosynthesis and productivity. The highest proline contents were recorded in Tatara (59.69 µg g-1) followed by NARC-2009 (55.05 µg g-1) as compared to SKD-1 (46.27 µg g-1) and F-Sarhad (50.58) which might be due to genetic potential and physiological adaptability of Tatara cultivars against stress conditions. Water stress and high temperature at anthesis led to reduction in photosynthesis resulting reduced biomass and limited yield. Therefore, genotypes having better physiological performance under biotic stresses need to be considered for cultivation under changing environment. Since Tatara performed best in our study, it is recommended for cultivation under high temperature and moisture stresses. The values of all physiological attributes (An and E) were higher during first year (2008 to 2009) as compared to second year (2009 to 2010) which was due to relatively high temperature and low moisture availability during the second year. Key words: Temperature, water stress, photosynthesis, transpiration, proline, SPAD chlorophyll, anthesis, wheat.