Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of heat-induced gelation of pressurized actomyosin: pressure-induced changes in actin and myosin in actomyosin

The biochemical and physicochemical changes of myosin (myosin A), actomyosin (natural actomyosin), and actin after pressure treatment were investigated to elucidate the cause ofthe increased gel strength of pressurized actomyosin. Analysis of DNase I inhibition capacity of actomyosin demonstrated that in buffers containing 0.6 M KCl most of the actin in actomyosin was denatured by pressures of 150 MPa. However, at KCl concentrations greater than 0.6 M, a large part of actin in actomyosin was found to exist as the depolymerized form (native G-actin) after the release of pressure
Wife Sharing in the Tasmanian Native Hen, Tribonyx mortierii: A Case of Kin Selection?

In the Tasmanian native hen, Tribonyx mortierii, there is an excess of males among immature birds. Permanent breeding groups are established, sometimes of pairs and sometimes of trios; the commonest type of trio consists of two brothers and an unrelated female. The selective forces responsible for the fact that one male will tolerate the presence of the other are analyzed, and shown to depend on the fact that the two males in a trio are brothers.
ON THE RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF SPECIES: POSTFIRE CHANGES IN A COASTAL SAGE SCRUB RODENT COMMUNITY'

Mac Arthur's "Q-Minimization" theory of competition-mediated community structure suggests a protocol for predicting species abundances from knowledge of the availabilities and species utilizations of critical resources. Using this protocol, we compared predicted changes in rodent abun- dances with those observed over the two and one-half years following a fire in a topographically uniform area of California coastal sage scrub vegetation. Approximately half of our permanent census grid covered an area burned in 1979, and half covered an adjacent unburned area. A separate trapping survey at a nearby unburned site showed that the five rodent species common to the permanent grid had distinct capture frequencies in four structural microhabitats. We used these microhabitat-specific capture frequencies as resource-utilization functions for each species, because structural microhabitats appear to be related to underlying resources that limit rodent populations. Resource-availability functions were derived from censuses of vegetation and other structural features on burned and unburned sides of the permanent grid. Predictions from Mac Arthur's theory were upheld in that (1) abundances of each species on one side of the grid relative to the other correlated significantly with relative K values on the two sides of the grid (K values were calculated as the overlap between microhabitat utilization and availability functions); (2) relative abundances of the five rodent species on the burned side of the grid were correlated with those predicted from relative K values; and (3) the total microhabitat utilization of the rodent community on each side of the grid matched overall microhabitat availability on that side well and matched availability on the other side poorly. These results provide support for a potentially powerful protocol for predicting identities and relative abun- dances of coexisting species. Although this protocol should provide results similar to those from a more inductive one relying on empirical foreknowledge of spatial correlations between resource and consumer abundances, it differs in important respects.
Sex ratio and gender stability in the dioecious plants of Israel

Abstract The hypothesis that in dioecious plants genders are usually stable and that the sex ratio is 1:1 was tested in the dioecious species of Israel. The flora of Israel comprises some 2500 wild species, among which 43 are dioecious, one gynodioecious and one androdioecious. Forty-one out of these 45 species were examined during 1995–97. These species were examined in 120 populations comprising 7019 individuals, at 81 different localities. The majority of the species (33/41) manifested the expected 1:1 sex ratio. Of the eight species deviating from this ratio, a significant bias was repeatedly scored in five of them. Three other species of the willow family manifested sometimes strongly biased sex ratios or even monomorphic (unisexual) stands, apparently as a result of extensive vegetative cloning. The stability of the male and female morphs was also examined in the 41 species. Only eight individuals (from seven species) out of the 7019 individuals surveyed (0.1%) were found to be bisexual. In addition, in 27 populations belonging to 17 species, 909 males were tagged and revisited in fruiting time, and only three of them (0.3%) were found to set fruits. In addition not a single case of gender reversal between seasons was found. The field survey suggests that in dioecious plants sex determination and expression are usually effectively maintained. The very slight deviations from the 1:1 sex ratio and from the distinct male and female morphs suggest that sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants is usually stabile.
Low temperature and the storage of carrots

Summary. The long-term storage of carrots grown in the U.K. at 32°F resulted in more fungal rotting than at 34°F. It is suggested that this is due to a form of low temperature injury. At temperatures higher than 34°F rotting developed more rapidly and there was increased growth of shoots and rootlets. For storage up to 2 months temperatures in the range 32–37°F are not critical. For longer periods of storage 34°F would appear to be the optimum temperature.
Detecting density dependence from spatial patterns in a heterogeneous subtropical forest of central China

Accumulating evidence suggests that density dependence, whether at early or late life stages, is an important mechanism regulating plant population structure. However, the opposing effects of habitat heterogeneity and species-level variation might have confounded the prevalence of density dependence in natural forests. These compatible ideas were rarely considered simultaneously. In this study, we applied a spatial statistical technique to examine (i) the prevalence of density dependence at late life stages after controlling for habitat heterogeneity and (ii) the relationships between species traits and the strength of density dependence in a newly established, 25 ha subtropical mountain forest plot in central China. Of the 88 (75%) tree species analyzed, 66 were found to exhibit density dependence predominantly at very close distances among neighbors in the species-rich subtropical forest. In addition, the strength of density dependence was associated with species traits. Our findings identified strong d.
Stomatal and environmental control of transpiration in a lowland tropical forest tree

Stomatal control of crown transpiration was studied in Anacardium excelsum, a large-leaved, emergent canopy species common in the moist forests of Central and northern South America. A construction crane equipped with a gondola was used to gain access to the uppermost level in the crown of a 35-m-tall individual. Stomatal conductance at the single leaf scale, and transpiration and total vapour phase conductance (stomatal and boundary layer) at the branch scale were measured simultaneously using the independent techniques of porometry and stem heat balance, respectively. This permitted the sensitivity of transpiration to a marginal change in stomatal conductance to be evaluated using a dimensionless coupling coefficient (1-ω) ranging from zero to 1, with 1 representing maximal stomatal control of transpiration. Average stomatal conductance varied from 0.09 mol m−2 s−1 during the dry season to 0.3 mol m−2 s−1 during the wet season. Since boundary layer conductance was relatively low (0.4 mol m−2 s−1), 1-ω ranged from 0.46 during the dry season to only 0.25 during the wet season. A pronounced stomatal response to humidity was observed, which strongly limited transpiration as evaporative demand increased. The stomatal response to humidity was apparent only when the leaf surface was used as the reference point for measurement of external vapour pressure. Average transpiration was predicted to be nearly the same during the dry and wet seasons despite a 1 kPa difference in the prevailing leaf-to-air vapour pressure difference. The patterns of stomatal behaviour and transpiration observed were consistent with recent proposals that stomatal responses to humidity are based on sensing the transpiration rate itself.
Expression of the E.coli fpg gene in mammalian cells reduces the mutagenicity of γ-rays

The E. coli fpg gene encodes the formamido-pyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (FPG protein) which specifically removes the formamido-pyrimidine and C8-oxoGuanine residues from gamma-irradiated DNA. The fpg gene was ligated in the psV2 vector and transfected into the Chinese hamster CHO and V-79 cells. The transfected cells expressed a formamido-pyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase activity 30 to 40-fold over the constitutive level. The resistance of CHO and V-79 cells to the lethal effect of gamma-rays was similar in control and transfected cells. Furthermore CHO cells expressing the fpg gene had the same resistance to the lethal effect of hydrogen peroxide as control cells. However, the sensitivity to the mutagenic effect of gamma-rays, measured as 6-thioguanine resistance, decreased both in CHO and V-79 transfected cells. Since the lethal effect of gamma-rays was not modified in cells overproducing the FPG protein, the results suggest that this protein protects the cells against the mutagenic lesions formed by ionizing radiations, and among them C8-oxoguanine.
Parasitic copepods of Carcharhinidae and Sphyridae (Elasmobranchia) from the Atlantic Ocean

Seventy-four sharks of the families Carcharhinidae and Sphyridae, mainly from the central Atlantic Ocean, were examined. Fourteen species of Copepoda were found on them. Prionace glauca and Sphyrna zygaena are new hosts for the copepod Pandarus floridanus. Kroyeria carchariaeglauci is reported from the nasal cavities of Prionace glauca for the first time.
Seasonal distribution and species composition of daytime biting mosquitoes

Adults and immatures of Aedes mosquito populations were collected at temperatures between 40 and 44°C (summer), while larvae were collected at 0°C (winter). Major mosquito activities were observed from February to mid‐December at various collection sites that yielded high populations of Aedes spp. from May to September, and high populations of Culex spp. and Anopheles spp. from March to September. In June to July, mosquito activity was suspended because the relative humidity was high (70%); a result of the monsoon rains. In August, with temperature ranging from 38 to 42°C, the populations of Culex, Anopheles and Aedes began to increase (36.8, 32.1 and 26.3%, respectively). Population estimates (through standard prototype Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Biogents (BG)‐sentinel) and species composition of Aedes in forest habitats indicated a rapid increase in the populations of Ae. albopictus (52.3%), Ae. aegypti (19.1%) and Ae. vittatus (28.5%) following the rainy season in July. Areas positive for Ae. albopictus had identical population levels and distribution ranges of Ae. vittatus, however, there were no Ae. aegypti in Ae. albopictus areas from August to September. The population level, seasonal distribution, habitat and areas of adult activity marked by global positioning system (GPS) coordinates are being used for reference and for species composition data of Anopheles spp. (2), Culex spp. (10) and Aedes spp. (5) in addition to associated temperature, relative humidity and physico‐chemical factors of larval habitat. Global meteorological changes have caused an expansion of the active period, leading to the mosquito's possibility of being a vector of disease increasing, resulting in the spread of dengue fever.
Organic manure supplementation effects on rice–pulse cropping system productivity

The effects of organic manure supplementation on rice–pulse cropping system productivity were studied. Three pulses, viz., blackgram, greengram and pea were grown after rice on the same plots to explore the feasibility of growing second crops with carry-over residual soil moisture and residual soil fertility. The study revealed that during the rainy season, 30%–35% higher rice grain yield was obtained when both inorganic and organic sources of nutrients were applied compared with the full dose of inorganic fertilizer, and the rice grain yield was 65%–78% higher than obtained following farmers’ practices. In the post-rainy season, pea crop recorded the highest grain yield of 490 kg ha-1 under the treatment combination of Sesbania and inorganic fertilizer. Organic carbon, and available N, P, K also enhanced yield by 20%–29%, 5.0%–29.4% to 7.9%–39.9% and 22.4%–60.3%, respectively when 25% N was applied through different organic sources of nutrients (green manure/press mud/farmyard manure).
SURVIVAL, YIELD, PROTEIN CONTENT, AND BAKING QUALITY OF HARD RED WINTER WHEATS GROWN UNDER VARIOUS FERTILIZER PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA

Plant populations and grain yield of hard red winter wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in southern Alberta were differentially affected by applied N and P fertilizers. The cultivar Sundance generally yielded more grain than did Winalta, Kharkov 22 MC, or Jones Fife. Protein content of the grain was generally increased by applications of N fertilizer but relatively unaffected by applied P. There was little inherent change in milling and baking quality with increasing protein content. Winalta maintained good milling and baking quality over a wide range of protein contents with no weakening at the higher protein levels. Kharkov 22 MC showed slightly lower milling and baking qualities at high protein levels of the grain.
Induced spawning of the endangered Neotropical species Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

The "surubim do Paraiba" (Steindachneridion parahybae) is a freshwater catfish endemic to the Paraiba do Sul River basin, Brazil. This species has been seriously threatened by environmental disturbances in the last several decades. Wild Steindachneridion parahybae males and females were collected in 2003 and taken to the hatchery of a power plant of the Companhia Energetica de Sao Paulo (CESP). Steindachneridion parahybae broodstocks were artificially induced to reproduce in December 2003 using a combination of carp pituitary extract (CPE) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Oocytes and milt were stripped; the fertilized eggs were transferred to 60-liter conical incubators and hatched larvae distributed in nine horizontal trays. Exogenous feed was started just after yolk sac absorption. A high rate of cannibalism and photophobia were observed during the larval period, resulting in a 26% survival rate from larvae to fingerlings.
The Control of Leaf Morphology and the Tolerance of Shade by Woody Plants

We compared the rates of stem growth and leaf area per plant of 10 woody dicotyledonous species in full sun and under an artificial shade transmitting about 18% light and did not find any correlation with tolerance to shade (silvicultural classification). Cottonwood, the most intolerant species, grew rapidly in the shade for two seasons but died during the third. The reduction in the shade of leaf thickness (density thickness, measured as fresh weight per unit area) varied between species but did not correlate with tolerance. However, the product of the density thickness and the leaf area (fresh weight per leaf-lamina) was reduced (60%) in the shade much more in the three least tolerant species (cottonwood, catalpa, and American plum) than in the seven more tolerant species (20%). This may be a consequence of shade avoidance by the intolerant species, reducing the net photosynthate available per leaf.
Reconciliation in Wolves (Canis lupus): New Evidence for a Comparative Perspective

Social animals gain benefits from cooperative behaviours. However, social systems also imply competition and conflict of interest. To cope with dispersal forces, group-living animals use several peace-keeping tactics, which have been deeply investigated in primates. Other taxa, however, have been often neglected in this field research. Wolves (Canis lupus) with their high sociality and cooperative behaviour may be a good model species to investigate the reconciliation process. In this study, we provide the first evidence for the occurrence of reconciliation in a group of zoo-kept wolves. The conciliatory contacts were uniformly distributed across the different sex-class combinations. We found a linear dominance hierarchy in the colony under study, although the hierarchical relationships did not seem to affect the reconciliation dynamics. Moreover, both aggressors and victims initiated first post-conflict affinitive contact with comparable rates and both high- and low-intensity conflicts were reconciled with similar percentages. Finally, we found that coalitionary support may be a good predictor for high level of conciliatory contacts in this species.
Factors Related to Mortality of Black Bass Caught during Small Club Tournaments in Connecticut

Abstract Factors related to the initial and delayed mortality of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and smallmouth bass M. dolomieu were determined at small club tournaments held at two Connecticut lakes during April–October of 2001–2002. Organizational characteristics of tournaments, environmental conditions, and initial mortality data were collected from 58 tournaments at Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and 41 tournaments at Gardner Lake. Delayed mortality at 72 h was also determined for 29 tournaments at Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and 25 tournaments at Gardner Lake. In total, 3,290 largemouth bass and 1,035 smallmouth bass were observed for initial mortality; 1,784 largemouth bass and 647 smallmouth bass were observed for 72-h delayed mortality. Initial and delayed mortality rates were 2.2% and 1.0% for largemouth bass and 4.8% and 2.8% for smallmouth bass. Logistic regression indicated that initial mortality was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) for smallmouth bass than for largemouth bass, and that in.
Sex ratio and the role of mild relative humidity in mating behaviour of red date palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) gamma‐irradiated adults

The influence of gamma radiation on the mating behaviour of the red date palm weevil (RDPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), and the efficacy of sterile insect technique (SIT) under different levels of relative humidity (RH) were studied. No adverse effects of gamma radiation were observed on the mating behaviour parameters of the RDPW, such as mate recognition time, mating duration, mating frequency within a 30‐min period and duration between consecutive matings. However, the weevils were sexually stimulated during aggregation. RH significantly affected egg laying as well as egg hatching. Significantly lower egg laying and hatching were recorded at 25% RH than at higher humidity levels, suggesting that low humidity conditions are better for successful SIT manipulations in the field. Lifespan of irradiated RDPW males was significantly shorter than that of un‐irradiated controls, irrespective of RH level.
Occurrence of barley yellow dwarf virus serotypes MAV and RMV in over-summering grasses

Over-summering grasses were collected in the south-west of Western Australia in 1991 and 1992 and tested by ELISA using serotype specific polyclonal antibodies for presence of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) serotypes MAV, PAV and RPV (1991) or MAV, PAV, RPV and RMV (1992). In 1991, 33 samples from 33 sites were tested and MAV was detected in four of 12 samples of Pennisetum clandestinum found infected with BYDV. Presence of MAV was confirmed by retesting these samples using MAV specific monoclonal antibodies. In 1992, 802 samples from 16 grass species were collected from 579 sites in six regions. BYDV was detected in 214 (27%) samples at 178 (31%) sites. MAV was found in 50% and RMV in 38% of infected samples. Both were found either alone or in mixed infections with each other or with PAV and/or RPV; all four serotypes were found in 18 (8%) infected samples. The most important hosts were four perennials: Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis curvula, Paspalum dilatatum and P. clandestinum. Eight other perennial and five annual grass species were also infected. MAV was most commonly found in C. dactylon and P. clandestinum and RMV in P. dilatatum. All four serotypes were present in the six regions sampled, but the relative proportions of the serotypes found varied from region to region. This paper represents the first extensive survey of MAV and RMV serotypes of BYDV in over-summering grasses in Australia. Aphid species found during this survey infesting over-summering grasses were Rhopalosiphum padi, R. maidis and Hysteroneura setariae. In the Mediterranean type climate of the south-west of Western Australia, BYDV and aphids on over-summering perennial grasses constitute the main reservoir of infection and means of spread to cereal crops. Factors favouring grass survival over summer result in increased cereal crop infection.
Age, growth and otolith annulus formation of cod (Gadus morhua) in the Risør area on the Norwegian Skagerrak coast during 1986–1996

Abstract Cod (Gadus morhua L.) were collected using a trammel net in the Risør area on the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. About 2100 fish were examined, measured, some weighed, and otoliths were collected. Otoliths were used for ageing and for back-calculation of growth. Otolith zone formation differed from that observed in most other areas, as the opaque material was deposited mainly during winter and spring. The oldest fish recorded was 8 years old, but more than 90% were 3 years old or younger. Differences in growth were small between the sampling areas, although fish from the Risør Skerries, an open coastal area, grew slightly faster than those from the fjords in the Risør area. Compared to cod stocks from most other areas, cod from the Risør area at the Norwegian Skagerrak coast have a slow growth. Year classes showed significant differences in growth, but no correlation was found between growth and year-class strength.
Usefulness of nonhost plants in managing Plasmodiophora brassicae

Germination of resting spores of Plasmodiophora brassicae, causal agent of clubroot in crucifers, may be stimulated by certain nonhost plants. Without a host plant to infect, such germination would lead to a reduced persistence of resting spores in the soil. The effect of four nonhost plants on P. brassicae was investigated in a 3-year field experiment and a 14-month glasshouse experiment. Three of the plant species used, leek (Allium porrum), winter rye (Secale cereale) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), have been reported to stimulate resting spore germination, while the fourth, red clover (Trifolium pratense), does not. In the field experiment, none of the plant species reduced the concentration of P. brassicae in soils when tested with bioassay plants (Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa var. pekinensis). In the glasshouse experiment, there was a lower disease level in all plant treatments compared with the plant-free control following incorporation and decomposition of plant roots. At this time, pH in the soils with plant treatments was higher than that in the control soil. There were no indications of a species-specific interaction between any of the nonhost plants investigated and P. brassicae, and it cannot be concluded that any of them would be useful in the sanitation of P. brassicae-infested soils within short time periods.