Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The response of the carrot to water supply and fertilizer on a gravel soil

An experiment designed to show the effects of a complete fertilizer and of water applied extra to the rainfall on the yield of carrots grown on a gravel soil in good heart, has demonstrated that the fertilizer mixture was entirely without effect. The interaction water level × fertilizer was not significant, so that the increases in yield of carrot roots (increases which were 61·46 and 127·5 ― above the mean of the plots for rainfall only in the case of the total crop, and 61·73 and 111·5 ― for ware carrots, for 3 and 6 in. of water extra to the rainfall, respectively) were due entirely to the additional water. The response in yield of the roots of the total crop and of ware to the second application of extra water showed no falling off compared with the response to the first extra application. There was evidence to prove that additional water caused heavier infestation of the roots by aphis.
Phylogeny of Thalassinidea (Crustacea, Decapoda) inferred from three rDNA sequences: implications for morphological evolution and superfamily classification

The infraorder Thalassinidea is a group of cryptic marine burrowing decapods of which the higher taxonomy is often contentious. The present analysis attempts to reconstruct phylogenetic relationship among 12 of the 13 currently recognized families using partial nuclear 18S, 28S rDNA and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. The infraorder is divided into two distinct clades, with the first clade consisting of Thalassinidae, Laomediidae, Axianassidae and Upogebiidae, and the second clade including Axiidae, Calocarididae, Eiconaxiidae, Callianassidae, Ctenochelidae, Micheleidae, Strahlaxiidae and Callianideidae. Within the first clade, the Upogebiidae is the basal family. The Axianassidae shows low affinity to other laomediid genera indicating that it is a valid family. The interfamilial relationships are less well resolved in the second clade. The Axiidae is paraphyletic with respect to Calocarididae and Eiconaxiidae. Thus, the status of these two latter families is not supported if the currently defined Axiidae is maintained. All three families appear to be basal in the thalassinidean clade. The Micheleidae is closely related to the Callianideidae and they form a sister group to the Strahlaxiidae. The monophyletic Callianassidae aligns with the Micheleidae + Callianideidae + Strahlaxiidae clade. The relationship among the Axiidae + Calocarididae + Eiconaxiidae clade, Callianassidae + Micheleidae + Callianideidae + Strahlaxiidae clade and the Ctenochelidae cannot be resolved which might be due to a rapid radiation of the three lineages. Our results do not support the generally used classification scheme of Thalassinidea and suggest that the infraorder might be divided into two superfamilies instead of three as suggested based on larval morphology, second pereiopod morphology in adults and gastric mill structure. The two superfamilies are Thalassinoidea (i.e. Thalassinidae, Laomediidae, Upogebiidae and Axianassidae) and Callianassoidea (i.e. Axioidea + Callianassoidea, as defined in Martin and Davis (2001) but excluding Laomediidae and Upogebiidae). It also appears that gill-cleaning adaptations are important in thalassinidean evolution while the presence of linea thalassinica is a result of parallel evolution.
Importance of environment in determining secondary structure in proteins.

We report here the effect of bulk solvent environment on the secondary structure of several peptides. In previous work, equivocal peptide sequences that are predicted to be alpha-helical from amino acid preference but are found to be beta-strand in their proteins were shown to be alpha-helical in alcohol solvents and beta-strand in nonmicellar sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy [Zhong, L. , & Johnson, W. C. , Jr. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 4462-4465]. Here we show that equivocal sequences that are predicted to be beta-strand but are found to be alpha-helical follow the same pattern; they are alpha-helical in alcohol solvents and beta-strand in nonmicellar SDS. Furthermore, we investigated a control sequence with only a strong alpha-helical propensity and a control sequence with only a strong beta-strand propensity. Both of these well-behaved sequences followed the same pattern as the equivocal sequences. The exceptionally stable Y(EAAAK)3A is an alpha-helix in all solvents, but analyses of the CD spectra indicate the loss of helix with an increase in beta-strand and other structures on changing solvent from trifluoroethanol (TFE) to SDS, similar to the other peptides. We find that solvent is a very important factor in determining the secondary structure of an amino acid sequence in vitro and can override the propensity for a secondary structure due to sequence. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Gene dispersal inference across forest patches in an endangered medicinal tree: comparison of model-based approaches

Propagule dispersal in plants is a fundamental mechanism for colonizing new sites and adapting to changing climates, as well as for maintaining genetic diversity. Contrasting past and current gene dispersal can provide useful insights to gauge the extent of recent human disturbances and guide management strategies. However, research on gene dispersal of plants is not yet exhaustive because evolutionary or environmental impacts are often species-specific and most existing studies have focused on analysis of dispersal at a single site, which may not be helpful for landscape-level inferences and management interventions. In the present study, we assessed whether current gene or propagule dispersal would be more restricted than past gene dispersal at multiple patches of the endangered medicinal tree, Prunus africana. We employed eight highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in conjunction with isolation-by-distance, spatial genetic structure (SGS), and parentage assignment models to estimate gene dispersal distance in a spatial extent of approximately 400 km2. There was no significant difference between gene dispersal distances across the different models (Friedman chi-squared = 7.286, d.f. = 5, P = 0.2002). Estimates of current gene dispersal distance were comparable to dispersal in the last few generations. However, gene dispersal distance was much shorter in smaller than bigger forest patches. Further, significant (P < 0.05) SGS was detected in most forest patches, with the extent of SGS among adults being stronger in the smaller than bigger patches. These results suggest the need for practicing enrichment plantings in most forest patches, particularly in the smaller ones, to assist gene exchange among individuals and patches. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114, 887–904.
Estimating population size and habitat suitability for mountain nyala in areas with different protection status

Many species of large herbivores are declining in numbers as a consequence of direct exploitation or habitat loss. In the Ethiopian highlands, rapid human population growth has resulted in an expansion of human settlements and farmland, threatening many endemic species such as the mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni. Despite being listed as an endangered species, the mountain nyala is still the most important trophy hunting species in Ethiopia. We counted faecal pellets of mountain nyala within plots distributed along transects to estimate population size and identify key environmental variables associated with the presence of faecal pellet groups. The total mountain nyala population was estimated at 3756 (95% confidence intervals: 2506–7135) individuals, mainly occupying woodlands while avoiding human developments (agriculture and settlements). The total suitable area was estimated at 8333 km2. Only 31.6% of the total population lived within a national park, while 53.5% of the population inhabited two controlled hunting areas in the eastern mountains. Abundance was 3.7 times higher in areas patrolled by wardens, regardless of being in a national park or hunting area, suggesting that formal protection must be followed by surveillance to avoid poaching and habitat destruction. We found no negative correlation between pellet abundance and trophy hunting. Yet, it is too early to conclude that trophy hunting is sustainable as it has only recently been initiated in the studied populations.
Caracterização morfológica e molecular de genótipos de mangaba

The objective was to assess the genetic diversity among 25 Mangaba genotypes in the Iramaia-Chapada Diamantina region, Bahia, using morphological markers and RAPD markers. The following measurements were performed in mature fruits: longitudinal (LD) and transverse (TD) diameter, fruit (FM), seed (SM) and the pulp (PM) mass, pulp yield (% P) and the count seed number (SN). The chemical characters were evaluated in mature fruit: pH, acidity (Ac), total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AA), total sugar (TS) reducing sugar (RS), non-reducing sugar (NRS) and total soluble solids /acidity (TSS/Ac). For amplification were tested 51 random primers. The average results of the measurements were LD (37.03 mm), TD (34.34 mm), FM (24.45 g), SM (2.42 g), PM (22.03 g), and SN (11.14). For chemical evaluations were checked the average results: % P (88.44%), AA (80.23 mg100g-1), Ac (0.96%), pH (3.67), TSS (14.15 oBrix) TS (9.26 mg100g-1), RS (5.13 mg100g-1), NRS (4.13 mg100g-1) and TSS/Ac (14.56 mg100g-1). Eight random primers were selected for having more intense bands and six (OPA 08, OPB 12, OPB 19, OPH 15, OPH 18, OPH 19) were sufficient to generate 28 polymorphic bands. Among the morphological markers, FM and PM were the most effectively contributed to divergence. The formation of six and seven groups for molecular markers and morphological, respectively, indicated the presence of genetic variability in the population.
Nitrogen addition stimulates forest litter decomposition and disrupts species interactions in Patagonia, Argentina

Nitrogen (N) deposition and biodiversity loss are important drivers of global change, with uncertain consequences for carbon (C) and nutrient turnover in terrestrial ecosystems. We evaluated the simultaneous effects of N deposition and plant diversity on litter decomposition within a temperate forest in Patagonia. We identified ‘tree triangles’ created by the intersection of three tree‐canopies that directly controlled micro‐environmental conditions on the forest floor, and combined it with an N addition treatment. Triangles were composed of one or three Nothofagus species (N. dombeyi, N. obliqua or N. nervosa). We placed litterbags containing litter of each of the Nothofagus species and litterbags containing a mixture of the three species within all triangles and assessed mass loss over 2 years. We used a standard litter type in all triangles to independently evaluate triangle effects on decomposition. N addition had strong and positive effects on decomposition with an average 46% increase in the decomposition constant. Litter species significantly differed in their response to N addition; litter with higher lignin content and lower labile C content had larger increase in decomposition due to fertilization. Also, N addition disrupted two types of species interactions that control decomposition. The affinity relation between litter and decomposers, that enhanced decomposition of home litter (‘home‐field advantage’) that was demonstrated to be significant for all three Nothofagus species, disappeared with N addition. Second, N addition modified litter species interactions, transforming neutral effects of litter mixtures to positive, nonadditive effects on mass loss. Finally, N addition stimulated N release from decomposing litter which was modulated by plant species effects. Together, these results suggest that N addition to unpolluted forests increases C loss, contrary to what has been observed for temperate forests in industrialized areas of the world, and that alterations in nutrient pools have effects on species interactions, including the elimination of affinity effects for decomposition.
Redescription of Hexaconularia He and Yang, 1986 (Lower Cambrian, South China): implications for the affinities of conulariid‐like small shelly fossils

Abstract: Hexaconularia, a Lower Cambrian small shelly fossil (SSF) that has been allied with conulariids and scyphozoan cnidarians, is redescribed and refigured. A salient feature of this monospecific genus is the presence of distinct apical and abapical regions. The apical region probably represents an embryonic shell that apparently lacked a basal attachment structure. Comparisons of this feature with the apical end of the smallest known conulariids and with conulariids terminating in an apical wall (schott) reveal substantial differences in structure and ornamentation. Differences in apical anatomy between conulariids and Arthrochites, possibly the nearest SSF relative of Hexaconularia, are also apparent. Comparisons of Hexaconularia with Punctatus, an SSF taxon showing distinct apical and abapical regions in both posthatching specimens and prehatching embryos, suggest that the early development of Hexaconularia was direct. These results have important implications for hypotheses of a conulariid/scyphozoan affinity for Hexaconularia and its possible SSF relatives, and they suggest that Hexaconularia‐bearing strata may yield prehatching embryos of this genus.
Enriched rearing environment and wild genetic background can enhance survival and disease resistance of salmonid fishes during parasite epidemics

Summary 1. The importance and volume of aquaculture is increasing world-wide. Rearing practices play a key role in determining growth rate, survival and disease resistance in aquaculture fishes. Recent evidence suggests that in comparison with a standard stimulus-poor rearing environment, an enriched or variable rearing environment has significant positive effects on several traits underlying growth and well-being of fish. However, the effect of enriched rearing on one of the most important threats for aquaculture development, occurrence of parasitic infections, remains unknown. 2. We used surveillance data of experimental salmonid populations of wild and hatchery origin under semi-natural parasite exposure to explore effects of enriched rearing on outbreaks of important aquaculture pathogens and associated fish mortalities in production-scale fish densities. We also conducted controlled parasite exposures to investigate if enriched rearing reduces susceptibility of fish to infection in comparison with standard rearing conditions. 3. We found evidence of enriched rearing influencing survival and disease resistance of aquaculture fish during parasite epidemics. Essentially, populations from enriched rearing had a higher survival rate, lower parasite occurrence and greater resistance to most infections compared to fish held in standard rearing conditions. Similarly, fish of wild genetic background had lower mortality during some of the epidemics compared to fish of hatchery origin. However, we also demonstrate significant variation in these patterns and in some cases a tendency for opposite effects of enriched rearing and genetic background depending on the fish species and nature of the epidemic. 4. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that parasitic infections and epidemics can be managed through enriched rearing conditions. This may have important implications for economically and ecologically sustainable parasite and disease prevention strategies in aquaculture.
The effects of stress induced by cortisol administration on the repeatability of swimming performance tests in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

The impact of stress induced by cortisol administration on the swimming performance of the European sea bass was tested measuring the fish recovery capability using a respirometer. The recovery test consisted of two exhaustive swimming exercises (U crit) separated by a recovery period. Thirty-eight fish were subjected to this trial preceded or not (control group) by a cortisol (cortisol group) or saline (placebo) injection. For validation, the classical stress parameters (cortisol, glucose, lysozyme, Hct, Hb and RBCC) were monitored. During the recovery tests, only the cortisol group showed a significant reduction in the recovery capability that was interpreted as a sign of possible physiological impairment. Hct, Hb and RBCC did not show significant inter and intra-group differences, while cortisol and glucose increased as a response to fatigue in all the groups at the end of the trials. No immune (lysozyme) response was observed in control and placebo groups, while a reduction was evidenced in the cortisol group.
Laser scanning of forest resources: the nordic experience

This article reviews the research and application of airborne laser scanning for forest inventory in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The first experiments with scanning lasers for forest inventory were conducted in 1991 using the FLASH system, a full-waveform experimental laser developed by the Swedish Defence Research Institute. In Finland at the same time, the HUTSCAT profiling radar provided experiences that inspired the following laser scanning research. Since 1995, data from commercially operated time-of-flight scanning lasers (e.g. TopEye, Optech ALTM and TopoSys) have been used. Especially in Norway, the main objective has been to develop methods that are directly suited for practical forest inventory at the stand level. Mean tree height, stand volume and basal area have been the most important forest mensurational parameters of interest. Laser data have been related to field training plot measurements using regression techniques, and these relationships have been used to predict corresponding properties in all forest stands in an area. Experiences from Finland, Norway and Sweden show that retrieval of stem volume and mean tree height on a stand level from laser scanner data performs as well as, or better than, photogrammetric methods, and better than other remote sensing methods. Laser scanning is, therefore, now beginning to be used operationally in large-area forest inventories. In Finland and Sweden, research has also been done into the identification of single trees and estimation of single-tree properties, such as tree position, tree height, crown width, stem diameter and tree species. In coniferous stands, up to 90% of the trees represented by stem volume have been correctly identified from canopy height models, and the tree height has been estimated with a root mean square error of around 0.6 m. It is significantly more difficult to identify suppressed trees than dominant trees. Spruce and pine have been discriminated on a single-tree level with 95% accuracy. The application of densely sampled laser scanner data to change detection, such as growth and cutting, has also been demonstrated.
Communal life: honest signaling and the recruitment center hypothesis

The information center hypothesis in animal behavior is lack- ing both a sound theoretical basis (Richner and Heeb, 1995) and empirical support (Mock et al., 1988; Richner and Heeb, 1995). We suggest that the idea should be abandoned and further research into the evolution of communal roosting or breeding should concentrate on hypotheses that are explicitly based on individual selection. Large benefits at the food patch can arise from group foraging, and we propose here that roosts and breeding colonies may serve as a center where po- tential foragers can be recruited, and further suggest that display flights and calls at a roost or breeding colony can serve as honest signals used to recruit foragers to a newly discovered food patch. Under the conditions of high patchiness and ephemerality of food sources (i.e., the typical condition for which group foraging may be beneficial), food searching in- dividuals will be widely dispersed and recruitment at a roost or colony may then be more efficient than local enhancement or recruitment at the patch.
Woody biomass availability for bioenergy production using forest depletion spatial data in northwestern Ontario

Woody biomass contributes about 6% of total energy production in Canada. One obstacle to the adoption of woody biomass for energy production is accurate data on sustainable supply. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the assessment of woody biomass annually available for bioenergy production. The study area, located in northwestern On- tario, includes 18 forest management units (167 184 km 2 ) and three existing and one proposed biomass-based power gener- ating stations, with a potential annual demand of 2.2 million green tonnes (gt). First, pre- and post-harvest inventories were carried out to assess the availability of harvest residues. Second, two spatial database layers (land-use class and forest deple- tion) were developed. The pre- and post-harvest inventory data were combined with spatial data analysis to estimate woody biomass in each square kilometre of the study area. It was estimated that annually there was more than 2.1 million gt of for- est harvest residue and 7.6 million gt of underutilized woody biomass technically available between 2002 and 2009 for bio- energy production, with an average annual forest depletion rate of 60 867 ha, 0.6% of the total productive forest area. The study provides a tool for assessing the sustainable availability of woody biomass feedstock for power generation.
Ecological correlates of range structure in rare and scarce British plants

1 The distribution patterns of 391 rare and scarce British plants (species recorded in 100 or fewer 10 × 10 km squares) were characterized by their distributional area (area of occupancy at 1‐km scale: AOO1) and levels of aggregation (as reflected in fractal dimensions measured across two scales: D1−10 and D10−100). 2 Eighteen plant traits were tested for relationships to AOO, and to fractal dimension while controlling for AOO. These included both directly heritable traits (e.g. life‐form) and emergent properties that are, at most, indirectly heritable (e.g. typical local density). The latter set included an index of net distributional change and an index of range dynamism. 3 Only two traits, habitat preference and local abundance, were significantly related to AOO1, but about half were associated with fractal dimension. 4 Relatively aggregated fine‐scale distributions (high D1−10) were related to high local abundance, lack of specialized, long‐distance dispersal mechanisms, habitat preference and an increasing range size with relatively few local extinctions (i.e. a positive index of change with low dynamism). 5 Relatively aggregated coarse‐scale distributions (high D10−100) were related to the use of insect pollinators, obligate outcrossing, habitat preference and relatively stable ranges (low dynamism). 6 Multivariate analyses of subsets of conceptually related variables showed that few variables interacted to affect distributional variables. 7 A highly significant negative relationship between dynamism and fractal dimension appears to be driven primarily by high rates of local extinction, leading to relatively scattered, diffuse range structures. Furthermore, it suggests that recent population trends may be inferred from snapshots of contemporary distribution patterns. 8 The role and interpretation of phylogenetically informed analyses in studies such as this are debatable. However, we found similar relationships in both phylogenetically informed and conventional analyses for all variables except pollination vector (a strongly conserved trait). 9 The spatial pattern of plant species distributions is associated with a range of ecological traits, particularly those describing past changes in distribution. The analysis of distribution patterns therefore has the potential to inform future conservation effort.