Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep‐Sea Macrobenthic Communities at Contrasting Sites off Portugal, Preliminary Results: I Introduction and Diversity Comparisons

Species diversity, faunal composition and abundance in the deep-sea macrobenthos are investigated at two, adjoining deep-sea areas off Portugal experiencing contrasting hydrodynamic conditions in order to test for the importance of disturbance in structuring the community. The first was located at 5,035 m depth on a presumably low current-energy site on the Tagus Abyssal Plain (TAP) and the second was centered in the lower end of the Setubal Canyon (SC) at 3,400 m depth where high levels of hydrodynamic activity are inferred from ripple bedforms visible in sea bed photographs. Closely grouped, transponder-mapped, “vegematic” box core samples were taken at each site. Agglutinated foraminifers numerically dominate the macrofauna (retained by 300 μm sieve) at both sites. Seagrass content in the SC cores indicates downslope detrital input from shallow water which is absent in the TAP samples. This must contribute, possibly with high levels of resuspended particles in near-bed flow, to the almost tenfold difference in abundance of metazoan macrofauna at the two sites. Expected species diversity measured from rarefaction is highest at TAP, both for pooled data and when foraminifers. tanaids and bivalve are considered separately. Evenness (equitability) in species' abundances is also higher at TAP than at SC. These differences are compared with benthic community data from the hydrodynamically disturbed High Energy Benthic Boundary Layer (HEBBLE) site on the Nova Scotia continental rise, and from the Rockall Trough (N.E. Atlantic). In common with these sites, strong bed flow at SC is thought to result in relatively high abundances, lower species richness and greater unevenness by acting to periodically disturb and reduce populations. Differences in the degree to which different faunal groups seem to be affected might be related to differences in lifestyle, particularly burrowing depth.
Symposia session summaries

In order to fully understand and hence be able to deal with the molecular pathology of CF, the normal mechanism of action of CFTR must be elucidated. That is, its functional role in each of the tissues affected in the disease needs to be clarified. This will require the use of the tissues themselves or at least the specific epithelial cell types derived from them. However, it may first be possible to more readily establish the basic structurefunction relationships of the molecule employing simpler non-epithelial cells into which CFTR can be introduced. With this in mind we have employed three such so-called heterologous expression systems, each with advantages and disadvantages. Our first aim was to generate relatively large amounts of CFTR protein suitable for structural analysis and possibly functional reconstitution. This was achieved employing the baculovirus-insect cell expression system. Despite the fact that the protein produced is minimally glycosylated (apparent Mr = 140 Kd), at least some of it is functional, imparting regulated chloride channel activity on the insect cells. However, only a small proportion of the large amount of CFTR in these cells localizes to the plasma membrane. Nevertheless, it has been possible to purify the protein to homogeneity under denaturing conditions, Efforts to renature and reconstitute this protein into synthetic lipid systems are ongoing. As a second system we have established Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines which stably express CFTR in varying amounts. The protein produced in these cells has the same molecular size
Assignment of Bacillus thermoamylolique faciens KP1071 α‐glucosidase I to an exo‐α‐1,4‐glucosidase, and its striking similarity to bacillary oligo‐1,6‐glucosidases in N‐terminal sequence and in structural parameters calculated from the amino acid composition

α-Glucosidase I of Bacillus thermoamyloliquefaciens KP1071 (FERM P8477, facultative thermophile) was purified to homogeneity. The relative molecular mass was estimated to be 62 000 Da. From its catalytic properties, the enzyme has been assigned to an exo-α-1,4-glucosidase. The enzyme shares its antigenic groups in part with Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC12016 (obligate thermophile) exo-α-1,4-glucosidase. These exo-α-1,4-glucosidases strikingly resemble oligo-1,6-glucosidases from B. thermoamyloliquefaciens KP1071 and from Bacillus cereus ATCC7064 in the molecular properties tested, including relative molecular mass, N-terminal sequence of 15 residues, amino acid composition and structural parameters calculated from amino acid composition. We have suggested that bacillary exo-α-1,4-glucosidases take the same folded conformation, i.e. an (α/β)8-barrel super-secondary structure in its N-terminal domain, as bacillary oligo-1,6-glucosidases.
Habitat availability and use by Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur between 1965 and 1995: an analysis of Common Birds Census data

Capsule Breeding density on long-term CBC plots fell in proportion to loss of nesting rather than feeding habitat. Aim To investigate the habitat requirements of Turtle Dove and relate changes in breeding density to changes in habitat, at the national scale. Methods Bird and habitat data were extracted from 30 long-term farmland and woodland CBC plots for the period 1965 to 1995. Results Turtle Dove densities declined at an average annual rate of 4.6% on both farmland and woodland plots, equal to a decline of 76% over the period 1965 to 1995. Turtle Dove density on the woodland plots was, on average, 6.5 times greater than on the farmland plots. Overall habitat availability did not change over time, but some finer measures of habitat quality, such as habitat diversity, nesting and feeding habitat availability did change. Changes in Turtle Dove density were positively related to changes in the amount of hedgerow and woodland edge per unit area on the farmland CBC plots, where Turtle Dove territories contained three times more woodland than expected from availability. On the woodland CBC plots, territories were established apparently at random. Conclusion It is likely that the availability of nesting habitat dictates Turtle Dove density, with areas of woodland and scrub supporting on average 6.5-times more breeding Turtle Doves, per unit area, than farmland.
The Fossil Mammal Fauna of South America

Of the three southern continents, South America was more isolated during the Tertiary than Africa, less isolated than Australia. Its record of Cenozoic mammalian life is better than that of either. This record suggests that around the beginning of the Cenozoic, South America received a few wait immigrants-marsupials, edentates, ungulates-that reached the continent across a water barrier. The source area was probably Central America, which formed a tropical North American peninsula until near the end of Tertiary time. A few later wait immigrants reached the continent across the water barrier-rodents in the later part of the Eocene, primates then or in the early Oligocene, and procyonids perhaps late in the Miocene. From the descendants of these few immigrants a balanced fauna evolved that was strikingly different in composition from those of other continents. The evolution of the various groups composing it is briefly presented and discussed. At the end of the Tertiary the isolation of the continent ended with the establishment of the Isthmus of Panama. Faunal interchange between North and South America then began and is still going on. Most of the northern participants in the interchange penetrated deeply into South America. The southern participants, advancing into a continent subjected to periodic continental glaciations, were less successful, the majority of them not penetrating beyond the tropical area. Competition and extinction during the faunal interchange went on mainly among the carnivores, the southern marsupials being replaced by the northern placentals. The spectacular extinctions, involving mainly large mammals of both northern and southern ancestry, came at the end of the Pleistocene; the arrival of man was probably a major factor.
Microbial quality of rainwater supplies in developed countries: a review

The current paper examines the reported microbial quality of rainwater supplies. The majority of microbial contamination derives from debris and faecal material deposited on the roof surface, principally from birds. The prevalence and level of contamination varies widely, both in terms of indicator organisms and pathogens. Gastrointestinal pathogens such as Campylobacter spp. , Salmonella spp. , Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. have all been isolated from harvested supplies, although these may not always be of types infective to humans. In the UK, there are currently no regulations in respect to the microbial quality of harvested rainwater for non potable use, although there are generally standards relating to the required plumbing to ensure that potable and non potable supplies remain separate.
Agronomic Potential of Three Vetches (Vicia spp.) Under Rainfed Conditions

The major limiting factor to livestock production in West Asia and North Africa is the inadequate feed supply. The introduction of leguminous forage species into fallow lands represents a means of increasing feed supplies for the rapidly growing livestock population. Twenty five lines each of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) wooly-pod vetch (Vicia villosa ssp. dasycarpa Ten.), and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L.) were tested over three seasons with contrasting rainfalls and winter temperatures. For each species, seedling vigour, winter growth, cold effect, spring growth, leafiness, herbage yield at 100 % flowering, grain yield, harvest index and aspects of herbage quality were recorded. There were considerable variation among entries with the same species, entries of V. ervilia were the earlier in flowering and maturity, and V. villosa ssp. dasycarpa almost the latest by 45 days. V. sativa, was the most affected by frost whilst both V. villosa ssp. dasycarpa and V. ervilia proved to be cold tolerant. Although V. villosa ssp. dasycarpa produced high herbage yield in springs its grain yield is low resulting in a low harvest index. Both V. ervilia and V. sativa produced high grain yield with high harvest index. Seed yield was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with days to flowering and maturity indicating the need of earlier types. Quality of the herbage in term of digestibility was far lower (46 % IVDMD) in V. villosa ssp. dasycarpa than the other two species (69 % and 72 %). The possible niches and utilization of each species as animal feed in the prevailing farming systems are discussed.
Occurrence, food habits, and activity patterns of Eurasian otters Lutra lutra in northwestern Greece: implications for research and conservation

Abstract Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) have experienced dramatic population declines that have resulted in the extirpation of the species from several parts of their original distribution and have led most European countries to initiate systematic monitoring and management efforts. We present the results of a long-term study (2010–2012) of this endangered species in northwestern Greece. Occurrence of otters at the Lakes Zazari and Himaditida was assessed using standard sign surveys, dietary habits were investigated through spraint analysis, and activity patterns were studied using automatic infrared cameras. Otter occurrence was widespread throughout the study area and continuous during the monitoring period and included the presence of a family group. Otter diet included a high proportion of birds, and activity was nocturnal. More systematic monitoring and management efforts and the development of a Species Action Plan are necessary to ensure the survival of the Eurasian otter in Greece.
Fossil Myrtaceae from the Early Miocene of southern New Zealand

Seven parataxa of Myrtaceae leaf cuticle and one associated leaf are described from Early Miocene sediments of the Manuherikia Group, Central Otago, and the Gore Lignite Measures of Southland. These include two or perhaps three species of Syzygium as well as Metrosideros, possibly the extant New Zealand M. diffusa. The most widespread species is a Syzygium, which appears to have dominated low-diversity vegetation of which the conifer Retrophyllum was also a part. Capsules of Metrosideros subgenus Mearnsia are also illustrated
Guard cell pressure/aperture characteristics measured with the pressure probe

Pressure within guard cells in strips of intact epidermis of Tradescantia virginiana was controlled with a pressure probe apparatus after the guard cells had been filled with silicone oil. Pressure was increased and decreased incrementally between 0.0 and 4.1 MPa to cause inflation and deflation of the guard cells. At steady-state guard cell pressures, the width of the stomatal pore was recorded and plotted against pressure. The pressure required for near-maximum aperture was 4.1 MPa. Aperture as a function of pressure was sigmoidal.
Exploitation and mortality rates of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in the Aegean Sea (Izmir Bay, Turkey)

Summary Experimental trawl surveys in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea) were taken seasonally between 2007 and 2009. A total of 1353 specimens were sampled ranging from 5.9 cm (1.4 g) to 44.4 cm (670 g). The main size group of Merluccius merluccius was between 14 and 25 cm total length (TL). In total, the mean catch per unit effort (CPUE) for hake by number and weight was 101.4 ± 18.4 ind h−1 and 10.7 ± 1.5 kg h−1, respectively. Highest mean CPUE by number and biomass was determined as 257.1 ± 15.1 ind h−1 and 15.1 ± 4.9 kg h−1 in summer. Mortality (M, F, Z) ratios of hake were 0.58 year−1, 1.66 year−1 and 2.24 year−1, respectively. Because of the many smaller specimens caught in this study, this seems to indicate that there may be heavy fishing pressures on the hake population; the high exploitation rate (E = 0.74) appears to confirm this conclusion.
Fungal pathogens associated with tomato wicker storage baskets

A sample of 10 wicker baskets used for storage and transportation of tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Linn. fruits were screened for fungal species. Swaps from the baskets were cultured on SDA plates from which fungal 200 isolates were obtained and grouped into 5 genera based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The Identified fungal genera were Aspergillus spp. , Alternaria spp, Penicillium spp. , Rhizophus spp. and Saccharomyces spp. The genus Aspergillus had the highest frequency of occurrence (25 %) while Saccharomyces had the lowest (16.5 %). Pathogenecity test of the pathogens on healthy tomato fruits showed that 3 out of the 5 genera have the potentials to cause lesions on intact fruits, suggesting that pathogenic fungi on wicker baskets are possible sources of post harvest and economic losses. Keywords: Lycopersicon esculentum , wicker baskets, fungal species, Nigeria
Radiata pine response to tillage, fertilization, and weed control in Chile

Se iniciaron en el ano 2000 ensayos para investigar la respuesta a la preparacion de suelos (pala vs. subsolado), control de malezas (sin control vs. dos anos en bandas) y fertilizacion (1,5 g de B por planta vs. 150 g de fosfato diamonico + 1,5 g de B por planta) al establecimiento de pino radiata (Pinus radiata D. Don) en Chile. Los ensayos se establecieron en sitios con suelos de cenizas volcanicas recientes, cenizas volcanicas antiguas ("rojo arcillosos volcanicos"), arenas volcanicas y sedimentos fluviales depositados sobre material granitico. El diseno experimental correspondio a parcelas divididas, donde areas con preparacion de suelos (parcelas principales) fueron divididas en parcelas con control de malezas y fertilizacion (subparcelas), considerando un area minima de tratamiento de 0,4 ha incluyendo buffers de 10 m entre parcelas. Mediciones de altura, diametro de cuello y diametro a la altura del pecho (DAP) fueron obtenidas durante tres anos, junto con muestreos foliares durante los dos primeros anos. Al tercer ano de crecimiento, todos los sitios presentaron respuestas positivas al control de malezas con un promedio de 3,1 cm en diametro y 1 m en altura. Respuestas positivas a la fertilizacion en altura (0,1 m) fueron obtenidas solo en sitios de arenas volcanicas; analisis foliares nutricionales revelaron una escasa absorcion de los nutrientes en la plantacion posiblemente dada una aplicacion tardia de los fertilizantes. El subsolado mostro respuestas positivas en suelos de arenas volcanicas y de sedimentos fluviales, sin embargo, la respuesta fue 95% y 42% menor a la obtenida para control de malezas en estos sitios respectivamente. El control de malezas y el subsolado redujeron la variabilidad en altura en todos los sitios. Nuestra hipotesis es que la temprana respuesta al control de malezas se mantendra hasta la edad de rotacion (curva tipo B) para sitios de cenizas volcanicas antiguas y en sedimentos fluviales sobre material granitico; no obstante, en sitios de cenizas volcanicas recientes y arenas volcanicas esta respuesta decrecera o desaparecera (curva tipo C) a la edad de rotacion. Indudablemente, en todos los sitios evaluados, el control de malezas es recomendable. La fertilizacion es recomendable junto con el control de malezas en sitios de arenas volcanicas. Por tanto, estudios adicionales son necesarios para determinar la epoca oportuna de fertilizacion que asegure una adecuada absorcion de los nutrientes por parte de la plantacion. El subsolado no es necesario en los sitios evaluados, sin embargo, efectos indirectos tales como: mejor accesibilidad, rendimiento y calidad de plantacion, deben ser cuantificados al evaluar los beneficios de esta actividad.
Computer-Linked Automated Method for Measurement of the Reversal Frequency in Phototaxis of Halobacterium halobium

A computer-linked automated system was developed for counting the number of moving microorganisms under a microscope, that discriminates whether they showed reversals or smooth swimming. The features of the system are 1) commercial I/O devices, and a microcomputer can be used to process the moving pictures, 2) fast processing is accomplished by bit opera-tions for computing the correlation matrix, and pseudo moving objects for processing on the later frames, and 3) a number of cells on the frames are processed in a short time, occluded individuals on a frame are neglected.The system was used to study the phototactic behavior of Halobacterium halobium. High intensity background illumination caused a decrease in the sensitivity of the behavioral response of the cell to the attractant light.
Phytoplankton primary production, chlorophyll-a and nutrient concentrations in the water column of mountainous Lake Phewa, Nepal

The seasonal patterns of phytoplankton primary production, chlorophyll-a concentration, cell number and several other limnological variables in Lake Phewa, located in the active monsoon zone in Central Himalaya, Nepal, were studied for a year beginning in April 2001. During the study period, the gross primary production and chlorophyll-a concentrations were relatively low during the monsoon season. The phytoplankton cell number, represented by 24 genera, also fluctuated seasonally, but tended to increase in the pre- and post-monsoon period. These results suggest that the monsoon plays a crucial role in the primary production and phytoplankton dynamics for Lake Phewa. Among the phytoplankton species, Microcystis aeruginosa, a representative species for eutrophic lakes, was the dominant phytoplankton. At the same time, however, it is clear that the lake is not yet heavily eutrophic. The present study suggests that the exchange of lake water during the monsoon season contributes to maintaining the health of the lake against further degradation. Nevertheless, the silt carried in the monsoon rain run-off from the lake’s catchment area suggests increasingly serious degradation problems for this small mountainous lake.
Review of Australian phosphate rock research

Summary. Most of the research on the effectiveness of phosphorus (P) fertilisers in Australia has involved comparing phosphate rock (PR) or partially acidulated PR (PAPR) with superphosphate (SP) or other water-soluble P fertilisers. There are many estimates of effectiveness (current relative effectiveness or CRE) which compared freshly-applied (current) PR and freshly-applied (current) SP. The CRE values for PR range from 5.5) with low pH buffering capacities and they cannot quickly contribute a large supply of hydrogen ions to promote rapid dissolution of PR. Soils are commonly sandy and have low water-holding capacities; in the strongly seasonal Mediterranean climate of south-western and southern Australia, the fertilised surface soil rapidly dries between rains thereby restricting PR dissolution. This restricted dissolution contributes to the poor agronomic effectiveness of PR fertilisers. Studies in Western Australia have shown that the effectiveness of current and residual PR relative to current SP generally decreases with increasing level of application. Therefore, relative to current SP, PR fertilisers become less effective per unit of PR as more is applied to the soil. Consequently, PR fertilisers frequently cannot support the same maximum yield as current SP. Published work indicates that PR fertilisers cannot be regarded as economic substitutes for SP for most agricultural applications in Australia. However, much Australian research has used low reactive PRs in conditions that are not likely to favour even highly reactive PRs. The soils dry out between rains during the growing season and have insufficient hydrogen ions to cause rapid, extensive dissolution of even reactive PR. Research elsewhere has suggested that reactive apatite PRs can be as effective as SP for suitable soils and environments. These are soils that remain wet for the whole growing season and which contain sufficient hydrogen ions to cause rapid dissolution of reactive PR. Laboratory studies, in which there is no P leaching, on 254 different soils collected from throughout south-western Australia showed that 29 soils, all collected from >800 mm average annual rainfall areas, dissolved >40% highly reactive North Carolina PR, suggesting that in the field these soils could be suitable for highly reactive PRs. Insufficient research has been conducted in the high rainfall areas of Australia, where the environment is more likely to favour highly reactive PR, and PAPR made from highly reactive PR. Therefore, a national program was undertaken in 6 Australian states to identify circumstances under which PRs, including reactive PR and PAPR made from reactive PR, may be economic fertilisers for acidic soils in the high rainfall areas of Australia where agricultural production is largely based on pasture production.
Study on Biodiversity Conservation Practice in Madhupur Sal Forest, Bangladesh

The study was conducted in Madhupur Sal Forest, which is very well known for its characteristics as deciduous forest, to describe the diversity of plant species and animal species and to examine the diversity status in Madhupur Sal Forest. A stratified random quadrate method was employed in the study. A total of 40 plant species were recorded of which 21 were tree species, 9 were herbs, 5 were shrubs and rests 5 were climbers. Total 17 animal species were recorded of which 9 were birds, 3 were amphibians, 2 were reptiles and 3 were mammals. With regards to the quantitative attributes of total flora and fauna species, the highest number was found in trees (mean, 14.20) and the lowest number was found in mammals (mean, 0.80). The result showed very high significant variation among them. It was evident from the study that the people around the forest collect forest flora (75.45%) and fauna (8.18%) illegally is the major cause of biodiversity loss. The people are not aware of the importance of forest in various aspects like social, economical, ecological and environmental aspects. Forest authorities are trying to involve the people in and around the forest in community forestry through motivation and training.