Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Genetics of Birds II. Conservative Protein Evolution in North American Sparrows and Relatives

Avise,J. C. ,J. C. Patton, and C. F. Aquadro (Departments of Zoology and Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602) 1980. Evolutionary genetics of birds II. Conservative protein evolution in North American sparrows and relatives. Syst. Zool. , 29:323-334. -Differentiation at 20-21 protein-coding genes was examined by conventional techniques of starch-gel electrophoresis among twelve species and seven genera of North American sparrows and relatives, Emberizidae, subfamily Emberizinae. One species representing Fringillidae was also included. Data were summarized in a distance matrix which was subsequently used to infer phylogenetic trees by a variety of methods. Results were generally consistent with current classification. Two salient results were unanticipated: 1) the relatively close genetic similarity of Pipilo to group I Emberizinae; 2) the relatively large genetic distance of Calcarius from other Emberizinae. A search of the literature revealed that the distribution of a behavioral characteristic, "bilateral scratching," had led to a prediction of phylogenetic relationships for these genera fully consistent with the protein information. This result is significant because it lends support to proposals that some behavioral traits are extremely valuable phylogenetic markers. Levels of protein divergence in birds are compared to previous estimates for other vertebrate taxa. At corresponding levels of the taxonomic hierarchy, birds consistently exhibit far smaller genetic distances than do many fishes and other vertebrates. [North American sparrows; Emberizidae; Fringillidae; protein evolution; electrophoresis; evolutionary rela-
Bacterial Community of Leachate from a Waste-Dump and an Adjacent Stream

A total of 48 water samples collected from raw leachate and an adjacent stream were examined for temperature, pH and for the frequency of occurrence of bacterial isolates. The mean temperature values of the leachate ranged from 24.8oC to 28.3oC while values for the stations of the stream ranged from 23.2oC to 25.5oC. The mean pH values of the leachate ranged from pH 6.3 to 7.2 and pH values for the stream ranged from pH 6.7 to 7.9. The mean total viable aerobic heterotrophic bacterial counts for the leachate and stream ranged from, 2.5 x 106 CFU/ml to 6.5 x 106 CFU/ml and from 1.2 x 106 CFU/ml to 1.20 x 107 CFU/ml respectively. The bacteria with their frequency of isolation from the leachate and stream during the investigation are; Bacillus (26.08%), Citrobacter (4.35%), Enterobacter (4.35%), E. coli (4.35%), Klebsiella (4.35%), Nieseria (4.35%), Pseudomonas (4.35%), Shigella (4.35%), Staphylococcus (13.04%), Streptococcus (26.08%) and Vibrio (4.35%). However, this frequency of isolation is quite different from their frequency of isolation from each station. Only Bacillus sp occurred in the leachate and all the stations of the stream. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus sp occurred in the leachate and some stations of the stream. Klebsiella and Shigella occurred only in the leachate while Citrobacter, Enterobacter, E. coli, Neiseria, Pseudomonas and Vibrio species occurred only in some stations of the stream. Statistical analysis using ANOVA (F-test) showed that there is no significant difference at 5% level among the bacterial counts (population) of the raw leachate and the stations of the stream. (Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2002 6(2): 71-76)
Mechanical and biochemical components of apparent specific dynamic action in largemouth bass, Micropterm salmoides Lacéepède

Apparent SDA was defined as the energy expenditure associated with the ingestion of a meal. In the present study apparent SDA was equated to an increase in oxygen consumption above the postabsorptive level subsequent to the ingestion of a meal. The energy cost for physically processing a meal, mechanical SDA, was equated to the oxygen uptake associated with the ingestion of non-digestible cellulose. The energy utilized by anabolic and catabolic processes associated with the ingestion of a standard diet was identified as biochemical SDA. Apparent, mechanical and biochemical SDA were each positively related to the energy intake of the standard diet. Apparent SDA expressed relatively to energy ingested equalled 10·5% and was independent of the caloric content of the meal. Mechanical SDA increased asymptotically with ingested meal size and energy content. Relative to apparent SDA, mechanical SDA decreased with meal size, suggestive of an enhancement in efficiency. Biochemical SDA rose exponentially with increase in ingested energy, reflective of the cost for growth and catabolism.
Variation of pathogenicity and virulence of isolates of Armillaria ostoyae on eight tree species.

Thirteen isolates representing 10 genotypes of Armillaria ostoyae, obtained in northern New Mexico from Pinus ponderosa, Abies concolor, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus strobiformis, Picea pungens, and Populus tremuloides were used to inoculate seedlings of these hosts and Larix occidentalis and Pinus contorta var. latifolia. At 18 months there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in mortality among the eight hosts, or in virulence across all isolates except for one isolated from P. pungens, which failed to infect any trees. After three growing seasons (30 months), significantly more (P < 0.05) P. contorta var. latifolia were infected than either A. concolor or P. menziesii. Pinus ponderosa, the dominant species in this region, did not differ significantly from either of the exotic species (L. occidentalis and P. contorta var. latifolia) in susceptibility to infection or mortality. Populus tremuloides was significantly (P < 0.05) more tolerant than conifers, being frequently infected but rarely killed. A fungal isolate's ability to incite disease was highly correlated with its production of rhizomorphs (r = 0.94, P < 0.01). Across all fungal isolates and hosts save P. tremuloides, the order of the isolate's ability to incite disease matched its order in killing hosts.
Feeding habits of three dominant myctophid fishes, Diaphus theta, Stenobrachius leucopsarus and S. nannochir, in the subarctic and transitional waters of the western North Pacific

The feeding habits of 3 dominant myctophid fishes, Diaphus theta (vertical migrant), Stenobrachius leucopsarus (semi-migrant), and S. nannochir (non-migrant), were studied in relation to their diel vertical migration patterns using time-series sampling during the summers of 1994 to 1996 in the subarctic and transitional waters of the western North Pacific. D. theta and S. leucopsarus fed mainly on euphausiids (mainly Euphausia pacifica), copepods (mainly Metridia pacifica and the Neocalanus plumchrus/flemingeri group), and amphipods (mainly the Themisto japonica/pacifica group). The prey of S. nannochir was mainly copepods, but the species were different from those preyed on by D. theta and S. leucopsarus. D. theta fed on euphausiids, with 1 feeding peak during the daytime and another at night, but fed on amphipods only at night and on copepods throughout the entire diel cycle. The vertical migratory component of S. leucopsarus showed a significant diel feeding periodicity, feeding on euphausiids, copepods, and amphipods from dusk to midnight, while the non-migratory component did not feed actively at nighttime, and had a high frequency of empty stomachs. The non-migratory S. nannochir showed no diel feeding periodicity. The average ratio of stomach content weight/body weight was 2.2% during the day and 2.0% at night in D. theta, 0.8% during the daytime and 1.1% at night in the migratory S. leucopsarus, 0.6% at night in the non-migratory S. leucopsarus, and 0.07 to 0.13% (avg. 0.11%) in S. nannochir.
MORPHOLOGY, ONTOGENY, AND INTRASPECIFIC VARIABILITY OF THE YEW BIG BUD MITE, CECIDOPHYOPSIS PSILASPIS (ACARI: ERIOPHYIDAE)

Abstract All ontogenetic stases of the yew big bud mite, Cecidophyopsis psilaspis (Nalepa), from British Columbia were studied by scanning electron and light microscopy and were compared with an English population of this species. The species was redescribed from the two populations, which were found to be quite similar in general appearance and in most of the morphometric data analyzed. Spermatophores in this species are similar to those observed in other Eriophyoidea. Details of a male spermatophoric organ are described and illustrated for the first time in an eriophyoid mite. Moulting in C. psilaspis is shown to be prodehiscent. The data reported here neither support nor reject the alternative hypothesis that the first active stase is larval versus nymphal. However, to account for the ontogenetic evidence, the first active stase is herein considered larval. Résumé Toutes les stases ontogénétiques d’une population de la Colombie-Britannique du phytopte des bourgeons de l’if, le Cecidophyopsis psilaspis (Nalepa), ont été examinées par microscopie électronique à balayage et microscopie optique et comparées à celles d’une population de la même espèce provenant d’Angleterre. Une nouvelle description de l’espèce a été proposée au terme de cet examen. Les deux populations se ressemblaient passablement en ce qui a trait à l’aspect général et à la majorité des données morphométriques analysées. Les spermatophores chez cette espèce sont semblables à ceux observés chez les autres Eriophyoidea et sont décrits en détail et illustrés pour la première fois chez un Eriophyoidea. La mue chez le C. psilaspis est de type prodéhiscent. Les données présentées ici ne confirment ni n’infirment l’hypothèse alternative selon laquelle la première stase active est la larve plutôt que la nymphe. Toutefois, eu égard aux données ontogénétiques recueillies, la larve est considérée ici comme étant la première stase active.
Factors influencing the decision to join a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm

ABSTRACT Community support agriculture (CSA) is a form of direct marketing of agricultural products that can be an important facet of a more sustainable, locally based food system. This study estimates the probability of becoming a CSA member using a binomial logit regression model. Data were collected through phone interviews with members, ex-members, and non-members of three CSA farms in Vermont. Results indicate that price, productivity shifters, consumer beliefs, and awareness impact the probability of membership. Suggestions for target marketing to increase CSA membership are included.
Impact of Diet on Metabolism and Swimming Performance in Juvenile Lake Trout, Salvelinus namaycush

Juvenile lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, of similar size were fed one of three isocaloric diets, each differing in protein and lipid content. Oxygen consumption and swimming performance were measured in a recirculating water flume at intervals throughout the 70-d feeding trials (10 °C). Swimming speed was increased by stepwise velocity increments (5 cm∙s−1) and oxygen consumption was measured at each velocity between 20 and 45 cm∙s−1. Oxygen consumption for a given speed did not differ significantly throughout the feeding trial nor among the diets implying a similarity in the quality and quantity of substrate catabolized for energy. Basal metabolism (0 cm∙s−1) was also independent of diet and feeding interval. Critical swimming speed increased with dietary and carcass protein content to suggest a direct association with muscle mass and number of myofilaments.
Influence of Relative Humidity and Film Composition on Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Permeabilities of Edible Films

At low relative humidity (RH), an edible wheat gluten film presents very low oxygen and carbon dioxide permeabilities [1.24 and 7.4 amol/(Pa m s), respectively, at 25 °C]. For higher than 60% RH, O2 and CO2 permeabilities increase exponentially [to 1290 and 36 700 amol/(Pa m s), respectively, at 95% RH], presumably due to the plasticizing effect of water molecules. Pectin, chitosan, pullulan, and myofibrillar protein films are also very permeable to O2 and CO2 at high RH. The selectivity ratio (CO2/O2 permeability) of all films tested at high RH was very high (from 10 to 28) as compared to conventional synthetic films (4 to 6). Keywords: Edible film; gas permeability; relative humidity
SHARK ATTACKS ON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS ADUNCUS) IN SHARK BAY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: ATTACK RATE, BITE SCAR FREQUENCIES, AND ATTACK SEASONALITY

Shark predation may have been a central factor influencing the evolution of sociality in dolphins, as well as a determinant of dolphin habitat use and behavior. To understand the role of predation in driving interpopulation differences in behavior and sociality, it is important to quantify differences in predation risk among populations. This study describes the frequency of shark-inflicted scars and estimates the shark attack rate on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Shark bite scars were found on 74.2% (95 of 128) of non-calves, and most of these scars were inflicted by tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Although there were no differences among age/sex classes in the frequency of scarring, significantly more adult males than adult females bore multiple scars. The rate of unsuccessful shark attack was estimated to be between 11% and 13% of dolphins attacked each year. Large sharks (>3 m) were responsible for a disproportionate number of attacks. However, bites from small carcharhinid sharks on 6.2% of dolphins suggest that some of these small sharks may be dolphin ectoparasites. Both the scar frequencies and attack rate suggest that Shark Bay dolphins face a greater risk of predation than bottlenose dolphins in other locations.
Resting pastures to improve land condition in northern Australia: guidelines based on the literature and simulation modelling

Pasture rest is a possible strategy for improving land condition in the extensive grazing lands of northern Australia. If pastures currently in poor condition could be improved, then overall animal productivity and the sustainability of grazing could be increased. The scientific literature is examined to assess the strength of the experimental information to support and guide the use of pasture rest, and simulation modelling is undertaken to extend this information to a broader range of resting practices, growing conditions and initial pasture condition. From this, guidelines are developed that can be applied in the management of northern Australia’s grazing lands and also serve as hypotheses for further field experiments. The literature on pasture rest is diverse but there is a paucity of data from much of northern Australia as most experiments have been conducted in southern and central parts of Queensland. Despite this, the limited experimental information and the results from modelling were used to formulate the following guidelines. Rest during the growing season gives the most rapid improvement in the proportion of perennial grasses in pastures; rest during the dormant winter period is ineffective in increasing perennial grasses in a pasture but may have other benefits. Appropriate stocking rates are essential to gain the greatest benefit from rest: if stocking rates are too high, then pasture rest will not lead to improvement; if stocking rates are low, pastures will tend to improve without rest. The lower the initial percentage of perennial grasses, the more frequent the rests should be to give a major improvement within a reasonable management timeframe. Conditions during the growing season also have an impact on responses with the greatest improvement likely to be in years of good growing conditions. The duration and frequency of rest periods can be combined into a single value expressed as the proportion of time during which resting occurs; when this is done the modelling suggests the greater the proportion of time that a pasture is rested, the greater is the improvement but this needs to be tested experimentally. These guidelines should assist land managers to use pasture resting but the challenge remains to integrate pasture rest with other pasture and animal management practices at the whole-property scale.
Tolerância do sorgo granífero ao herbicida tembotrione

Grain sorghum is a prominent species among the crops used in succession in the Brazilian savanna region. However, no herbicide with selectivity to sorghum is currently registered for grass weed control. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the selectivity of tembotrione applied in post-emergence on grain sorghum crop (cultivar AG-1040). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design in a 5 x 3 factorial with four replicates. The treatments were five tembotrione doses, 0, 42, 88, 126 and 168 g a.i. ha-1; applied at three phenological stages of the crop: three, five, and eight expanded leaves. The variables evaluated were phytotoxicity level, plant height, shoot dry biomass and crop grain yield. Tembotrione showed higher phytotoxicity potential when applied at the early stages of sorghum growth. In spite of the different selectivity levels, which may vary depending on the dose and time of application, the sorghum cultivar studied showed a satisfactory tolerance to tembotrione. The results obtained indicate that this herbicide has the potential to be used in grain sorghum crop.
THE GUT FLORA OF THE CHICK. II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FLORA

SUMMARY: Viable counts were made in three media of material from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, ileum and caeca of chicks. Groups of birds 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 30 days old were studied. The results showed that a balanced gut flora is established one day after feeding. An indication of the actual development of the flora was obtained in chicks 4 hr after feeding. The relationship between the flora at different ages and that in newly-hatched chicks before feeding is discussed.
Thiazolidinedione, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligand, modulates the E-cadherin/β-catenin system in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, BxPC-3

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma induces terminal differentiation and growth inhibition associated with G1 cell cycle arrest in some cancer cells. The multifunctional molecule beta-catenin performs important roles in intercellular adhesion and signal transduction. However, no report has focused on actions of PPAR-gamma in regulating the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system. We examined whether thiazolidinedione (TZD), a potent PPAR-gamma ligand, could modulate the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, BxPC-3, that has been found to express PPAR-gamma. According to Western blotting, TZD markedly increased differentiation markers including E-cadherin and carcinoembryonic antigen, while beta-catenin did not change significantly. In untreated cells, fluorescence immunostaining demonstrated beta-catenin predominantly in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus; in TZD-treated cells, beta-catenin localization had dramatically shifted to the plasma membrane, in association with increased E-cadherin at this site. Thus, a PPAR-gamma ligand appears to participate not only in induction of differentiation in pancreatic cancer cells, but also in the regulation of the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system. Such ligands may prove clinically useful as cytostatic anticancer agents.
Energy Use in Organic, Green and Conventional Pear Producing Systems—Cases from China

The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in the energy consumption between the production of certified organic pear, green food certified pear, and conventional pear in two areas in China. Data were collected from interviews with farmers during 2007 and 2008. Energy inputs were significantly higher in organic systems compared with conventional and green systems. Fertilizer was the most important contributor to energy consumption in all three farming systems. Three calculation methods for energy value of manure have been found in the literature: substitution method, by-product method, and thermal method. The choice of various calculation methods for estimating the energy value of manure turns out to have great influence on the results in terms of energy inputs and energy efficiency. Additionally, energy inputs and energy efficiency were also influenced by other agricultural inputs, such as machinery and corresponding fossil fuels, human labor, etc. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed.
Studies on gametogenesis in Gyrinicola batrachiensis (Walton, 1929) (Oxyuroidea: Nematoda)

Cytological aspects of gametogenesis were investigated in populations of Gyrinicola batrachiensis (Oxyuroidea; Nematoda) from various anuran hosts. Populations parasitizing Rana clamitans reproduced by haplodiploidy. Females had eight chromosomes and oocytes underwent normal meiosis. Fertilized eggs containing eight chromosomes and unfertilized eggs containing four chromosomes were observed in the uterus of females. Males had four chromosomes and spermatozoa were produced mitotically. This is the first report of haplodiploidy in a nematode. Populations of G. batrachiensis parasitizing tadpoles in ponds where R. clamitans was absent reproduced by apomictic thelytoky. Females had six, seven, or eight chromosomes depending on the strain. There was no chromosome pairing nor bivalent formation. A diploid number of univalents divided to form a single polar body and a pronucleus. Apomictic strains of G. batrachiensis probably arose when mutations supressed the first meiotic division in haplodiploid strains. Apom.
Seasonal variability in the effect of elevated CO2 on ecosystem leaf area index in a scrub‐oak ecosystem

We report effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca) on leaf area index (LAI) of a Florida scrub‐oak ecosystem, which had regenerated after fire for between three and five years in open‐top chambers (OTCs) and was yet to reach canopy closure. LAI was measured using four nondestructive methods, calibrated and tested in experiments performed in calibration plots near the OTCs. The four methods were: PAR transmission through the canopy, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), hemispherical photography, and allometric relationships between plant stem diameter and plant leaf area. Calibration experiments showed: (1) Leaf area index could be accurately determined from either PAR transmission through the canopy or hemispherical photography. For LAI determined from PAR transmission through the canopy, ecosystem light extinction coefficient (k) varied with season and was best described as a function of PAR transmission through the canopy. (2) A negative exponential function described the relationship between NDVI and LAI; (3) Allometric relationships overestimated LAI. Throughout the two years of this study, LAI was always higher in elevated Ca, rising from, 20% during winter, to 55% during summer. This seasonality was driven by a more rapid development of leaf area during the spring and a relatively greater loss of leaf area during the winter, in elevated Ca. For this scrub‐oak ecosystem prior to canopy closure, increased leaf area was an indirect mechanism by which ecosystem C uptake and canopy N content were increased in elevated Ca. In addition, increased LAI decreased potential reductions in canopy transpiration from decreases in stomatal conductance in elevated Ca. These findings have important implications for biogeochemical cycles of C, N and H2O in woody ecosystems regenerating from disturbance in elevated Ca.
Bacterial ecology, antibiotics and selection for virulence

The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is well known. Here I describe possible mechanisms by which an increased rate of re-colonization of vertebrate guts by microbes caused by antibiotic use could lead to selection for increased virulence in currently mutualistic or benign microbes. The importance of understanding both the source and the frequency of colonization in such mutualisms is stressed and the possible importance of pseudo-vertical transmission in the evolution of these systems is discussed. A number of areas requiring experimental investigation are identified.