Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in the prey ingested and the variations in the Nile perch and other fish stocks of Lake Kyoga and the northern waters of Lake Victoria (Uganda)

The fish stocks of Lakes Kyoga and Victoria have changed since Nile perch, Lates niloticus (L.), was introduced, and this is reflected in the prey ingested by the predator. Initially, haplochromine cichlids constituted the main prey of most sizes of Nile perch. As the stocks of these have declined, Caridina nilotica (Roux) and Anisopteran nymphs have become the dominant food of the juveniles, while Rastrineobola argentea (Pellegrin), juvenile Nile perch and Oreochromis niloticus (L.) have become the main food of larger Nile perch. Apart from R. argentea, most of the native fish species of these lakes have disappeared. The stocks of Nile perch in Lake Kyoga, to which it was introduced earlier than to Lake Victoria, have declined after dominating the fishery since 1965. and have been superseded by O. niloricus. an introduced herbivore. Similar changes are now occurring in Lake Victoria. The Nile perch might not maintain the high yield realized in the two lakes when haplochromines were abundant. It is therefore necessary to exercise caution with high and long-term investments aimed specifically at developing the Nile perch fishery.
Lepidosauromorph reptiles from the Middle Jurassic of Skye

Abstract The Middle Jurassic Kilmaluag Formation (previously known as the Ostracod Limestones) of the Great Estuarine Group in Skye, Scotland, has yielded an assemblage of Bathonian terrestrial vertebrates including mammals, tritylodonts, crocodiles and turtles. This paper presents the first description of Jurassic lepidosauromorph reptiles from Scotland. Two genera are represented: a crown-group lizard referable to the late jurassic/early Cretaceous genus Paramacellodus (Squamata: Scincomorpha) and a stem-group lepidosauromorph, Marmoretta Evans, 1991, first described from the late Bathonian of Kirtlington, Oxfordshire. The Skye material of Marmoretta includes the first associated skull and postcranial remains. These confirm the original description and reconstruction, and provide further support for a hypothesis of relationship which places Marmoretta as the sister taxon of Lepidosauria.
Le système endophytique d'Arceuthobium oxycedri. II. Aspects ultrastructuraux des zones de contact entre les tissus de l'hôte et du parasite

Ultrastructural study of the contact areas between the endophytic system of Arceuthobium oxycedri and the tissues of its host, Juniperus oxycedrus, shows that a crushed zone often occurs around the large cortical strands and along the primary sinkers in the secondary phloem of the host; such a structure seems rather unfavourable to the transfer of substances. On the other hand, the presence in the secondary xylem of half-bordered pits in direct contact with the cells of the primary and especially secondary sinkers certainly makes it easier for exchanges to take place. At the tip of the sinkers, the cells of the parasite, in the course of their growth, damage the cells of the host and sometimes penetrate into the lumen of its tracheids. Electron microscopy shows important acid phosphatase and ATPase activities at the level of the plasmalemma, plasmodesmata, and also some small endo- or exo-cytotic vesicles in the primary and secondary sinkers. Such activities are a sign of intense active transfer processes.
Timber-grade studies on Corsican Pine in the Tapanui District and their silvicultural implications.

Logs from a random selection of final-crop 52-year-old Pinus nigra (laricio) Arn. trees were sawn to 1 in. boards and 2 in. framing timber. Grade recovery from sawing to framing was fairly good, but, owing to early encasement of knots, board grades were poor. Maintenance of a deep green crown improves recovery of board grades; acute branch angles and butt sweep accentuate degrade due to knot encasement. A practical division at a sawmill is to cut logs 8 in. or less in smallend diameter, to boards, and larger logs predominantly to framing timber. Further tending of these old stands is not justified Investigation of younger stands confirmed that the timing of pruning is vital, and that wider initial spacing up to 8 x 8 ft results in deeper green crowns and gives greater latitude in timing tending. The maximum-top-height limits deduced for the timing of pruning to 6 ft before timber degrade through knot encasement occurs are 14 ft for 4x4 ft, 16 ft for 6x6 ft, and 20 ft for 8x8 ft spacing. Comparable limits for pruning to 16 ft are 32 ft for 4 x 4 ft and 40-44 ft for 8x8 ft spacing.
Nutrient-poor grasslands on siliceous soil in the lower Aar valley (Middle Hesse, Germany) - neglected vegetation types in the intersection range of four classes

In the lower siliceous uplands of Central Europe, various types of nutrient-poor grasslands are widespread and grow intermingled. These species-rich grasslands, often dominated by taxa of the Festuca ovina aggregate, comprise various phytosociological classes. They are remnants of a historic rural landscape and are of conservation importance. Few studies on such grasslands are available and there has been disagreement in assigning them to appropriate habitat types or syntaxa. We investigated such nutrient-poor grasslands in the lower Aar valley (Middle Hesse, Rhenish Massif). We surveyed 104 vegetation plots distributed throughout the valley and identified syntaxa to (sub)association level. We carried out supervised classification combining cluster analysis, a priori assignment to classes based on prevailing diagnostic species, and regional refinement based on phi-value maximisation of the units. As a result, we classified five associations within four classes: Polytricho piliferi-Festucetum tenuifoliae/Galio harcynici-Deschampsietum flexuosae and Festuco rubrae-Genistelletum sagittalis (Calluno-Ulicetea), Jasiono montanae-Festucetum ovinae (Koelerio-Corynephoretea), Gentiano-Koelerietum pyramidatae (Festuco-Brometea) and Arrhenatheretum elatioris (Molinio-Arrhenatheretea). Ecologically, soil acidity (resulting from Ca concentrations of the bedrock) was the main cause of floristic dissimilarity of the grasslands and thus community differentiation. Many stands grew on soils with intermediate pH and showed a peculiar mixture of basiphilous and acidophilous species. We conclude that (i) our approach of supervised classification yields convincing reproducible results when a syntaxonomic system is adapted top-down to a geographically restricted area, (ii) nutrient-poor siliceous grasslands dominated by taxa of the Festuca ovina aggregate can be well assigned to ecologically meaningful syntaxa, and (iii) the nutrient-poor siliceous grasslands of the Lahn-Dill Highlands are of high conservation relevance and in urgent need of protection. (Less)
A Study of the Relationships of Diapause Phenomena and Other Life History Characters in Temperate Butterflies

A correlation coefficient matrix and two-way contingency tables reveal multiple associations among the life history characteristics of diapause, voltinism, phagism, and distribution. Diapause is at the hub of numerous intercorrelations, a position shared by voltinism. Diapause and voltinism are significantly correlated with phagism and frost-free day (FFD) numbers and range, each of which, in turn, is correlated with one or more of the other characters. When these data are treated to a PC analysis, the latent principal components of the intercorrelations become apparent. The major influence on the variations in the patterns of the characters in this study is a result of thermal habitat differences (measured by number of FFD). The niche width or resource diversity of the species (measured by breadth of the thermal range of distribution and diversity of acceptable host plants) and foodplant growth forms (the factor least implicated by simple univariate methods) are also principal components of the patterns of variation of these characters. Discernible patterns emerge with respect to thermal habitats and foodplant growth form and the stage at which diapause occurs. Species which fail to undergo any form of diapause during their life cycle are confined to warm habitats and are most frequently associated with herbaceous host plants. Associations with warmer habitats and woody host plants are apparent for species which undergo reproductive diapause as adults. The species which undergo diapause as pupae are relatively diverse with respect to these factors, but show definite clustering associated with woody host-plant species and relatively warm habitats. Species that undergo diapause as larvae are relatively diverse in relation to the three principal components, although a large number of these species are associated with colder habitats and herbaceous host-plant species. In contrast to species which undergo diapause as larvae or pupae, those species which undergo egg diapause are narrowly defined in both thermal habitat and foodplant-type and are associated with cooler habitats and woody host-plant species.
Heterotic parameterizations of crosses between tropical and temperate lines of popcorn - doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v33i2.9607

We examined the heterotic parameterizations of diallel crosses among 10 popcorn inbred lines in two different environments (municipalities of Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara, Rio de Janeiro State) and originating from tropical, temperate and subtropical germoplasm. Traits, including grain yield (GY), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), days to silking (FL) and popping expansion (PE), were measured. The inbred lines and the hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The sources of genotypic variation, inbred lines and heterosis had significant effects on all traits. When the sources of heterotic variation were compared separately, estimated mean heterosis was found to be significant for all traits. When inbred lines and specific heterosis was investigated, only popping expansion was not significantly different, demonstrating that heterotic effects are favorable for developing superior hybrids. A direct relation between ĝ i and was made clear, especially for traits that were slightly influenced by the effects of dominance. Additivity was determined to have the best effect for improving popping expansion. The hybrid combinations had positive estimates of heterosis for the GY but not for PE. The hybrids P 1 x P 3 and P 2 x P 4 had the best responses for the GY and PE. The superiority of the combination P1 x P3 shows that the addition of genomes with different edaphoclimatic adaptations is an important factor in obtaining superior hybrids.
Immunolocalization of sex steroid hormone receptors in canine vaginal and vulvar tissue and their relation to sex steroid hormone levels

The aim of this immunohistochemical study was to describe the cellular distribution of the estrogen receptor-α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR) in canine vaginal and vulvar tissue. Samples were taken from dogs in different stages of the estrous cycle. Nuclear staining for ERα, PR and AR was observed in surface epithelium, stromal and smooth muscle cells. Receptors were also expressed in vulvar skin. Cytoplasmic staining for AR was observed in basal and parabasal cell layers of vulvar and vaginal epithelium. For all three receptors, staining intensity was generally higher in stromal cells compared with epithelial cells, suggesting that stromal cells may be more receptive to steroid hormone action. Therefore, as in other tissues of the female genital tract, stromal-epithelial interactions induced by sex steroid hormones may be of importance in canine vaginal and vulvar tissues. No cyclic changes in receptor immunostaining were observed. Significant positive correlations were found between receptor immunostaining in some vaginal and vulvar cell groups and the serum concentrations of estradiol-17β and testosterone, but not with the serum progesterone concentration. Significant negative correlations were found between ERα immunostaining in epithelial and stromal cells of the vagina and the serum estradiol-17α concentration, suggesting a negative feedback mechanism between estradiol-17β and its receptor. Both cell types play a role in the differentiation of vaginal epithelium, under the influence of estradiol-17β
Comparativein VitroSkin Absorption and Metabolism of Coumarin (1,2-Benzopyrone) in Human, Rat, and Mouse

The in vitro percutaneous absorption and skin metabolism of coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) was studied in metabolically viable human, rat (F344), and mouse (CD1 and DBA/2) skin. Following application of [14C]coumarin (3.7 microg/cm2; 0.02% in ethanol) to unoccluded skin in flow-through diffusion cells of a skin absorption model (SAM), the absorption through the skin into the receptor fluid at 72 hr was rapid and extensive in all species, reaching (mean +/- SD) 50.4 + 9.1% of the applied dose in human, 51.3 +/- 7.3% in rat, and 44.9 +/- 13.5% in mouse. When the skin was occluded immediately after exposure, the extent of absorption at 72 hr was enhanced in all species. At 72 hr, substantial amounts of [14C]coumarin were found in unoccluded mouse skin (31.7 +/- 13.6%), with less in human (10.2 +/- 6.5%) and rat (12.7 +/- 5.0%) tissue. When occluded, the skin residues at 72 hr were 10.4 +/- 11.7% (mouse), 8.5 +/- 3.9% (human), and 11.9 +/- 7.5% (rat). The absorption of coumarin through rat skin into the receptor fluid over 72 hr was linearly related to the applied dose (r2 = 0.998 unoccluded skin; r2 = 0.999 occluded skin) over the dose range 3.7 to 378.7 microg/cm2. The nature and extent of cutaneous metabolism was studied following (i) topical application for 24 hr to human, rat, and mouse skin in the SAM system; (ii) incubation at 37 degrees C for up to 6 hr with human, rat, and mouse whole skin homogenates; and (iii) incubation at 37 degrees C for up to 24 hr with freshly isolated and cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. HPLC and GCMS analyses of skin extracts and receptor fluid confirmed that, in all three species, only the parent compound, coumarin, was present at all times from 10 min to 24 hr. These data indicate that topically applied coumarin is rapidly and extensively absorbed through human, rat, and mouse skin, and that the compound remains metabolically unchanged during absorption. These observations may have implications for the safe and effective use of coumarin in consumer products which come into contact with the skin and as a topical therapeutic agent.
Effects of removed flowers on dry mass production and photosynthetic efficiency of sweet pepper cultivars 'Derby' and 'Cupra'.

Two different cultivars, 'Cupra' and 'Derby', of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants were grown with fruits (CON) or without fruits, removed of all flowers (RF) on stems, at glasshouse from 12 February to 6 June, 2008. We studied the influence of removing flowers on plant characteristics, dry matter distribution and dry matter production. When plants were grown with RF, plant height and number of internodes were increased by 18% and 24%, respectively. Vegetative part of plant was increased by 70% for leaves, 88% for stem and 114% for root than vegetative organs in CON. Strong generative growth, on the other hand, could be inhibited the growth and development of vegetative organs. The treatment with RF was promoted dry matter distributed into vegetative organs by 11 to 20.5% point; especially, stem was much larger than control. Large leaf area, leaf area index and low specific leaf area (SLA) were measured at RF treatment. Low SLA implied a high leaf weight per unit of leaf area, which means thicker leaf than CON. High leaf area index showed high light interception, consequently, high dry mass production would be expected at RF treatment. Total dry mass including root and fruit, however, was not different between the treatments. Stomata conductance (SC) was observed much lower in 'Cupra' than 'Derby, which was 13% and 64% lower than control, respectively. The crop showed lower light use efficiency (total dry mass per unit intercepted photosynthetically active radiation integral, g MJ) with lower SC at RF treatment. Low SC could indicate low photosynthesis rate, and hence low light use efficiency and less extend dry mass production at RF treatment.
Producción de leche y curvas de lactancia en tres razas de cabras en el trópico seco de México Milk production and lactation curves in three goat breeds in the dry tropic of Mexico

An experiment was carried out with 20 Creole goats (C), 19 Nubian (N) and 14 White Celtiberic (B), all of them with their offspring and undergoing their second parturition, in order to a) evaluate milk production per day (MP), b) evaluate the effect of environmental factors infl uencing MP, c) characterize their lactation curves, and d) evaluate factors infl uencing the lactation curve parameters. The GLM procedure of SAS was utilized to accomplish objectives a, b and d, whereas a linearized Wood model was utilized for objective c. There were signifi cant differences in MP due to breed, stage of lactation, type of birth and breed x stage of lactation interaction. Nubian goats produced 1066.9±31.8 g/d, followed by Creole goats (856.1±28.1 g/d) and fi nally by B goats (745.0±35.9 g/d). An irregular pattern was found in the stage of lactation; maximum productions were observed in weeks 1 and 9. Does raising twins produced more milk (1036.2±37.9 g/d) than does raising singles (742.5±17.4 g/d). The milk production curve of N does was above the corresponding curves of Creole and B does during most of the lactation period; only in weeks 9 and 10 the milk production curve of C does was above that of N does. The shape of the lactation curve differed among breeds, a factor that is explained by the size and sign of the lactation curve parameters. The peak of MP and the day when this value was observed were 0.848 kg on day 16 for the C goats, 1.175 kg on day 3 for the N goats, and 0.806 on day 25 for the B goats. The lactation curve parameters “a” and “b” were affected by breed and type of birth. It is concluded that there are important differences in milk production and the shape of the lactation curves of these breeds, a factor that must be considered in genetic improvement programs and general management in these regions.
The potential role of flaxseeds on hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and toxicity induced by lead acetate in adult male albino rats

The potential role of flaxseeds on hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and toxicity induced by lead acetate in adult male albino rats The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of flaxseeds against lead acetate-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in the liver and kidney of male rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into two main groups, the first group (n=6 ) was kept on the basal diet as negative control (-ve), while the second group (n=24) was received lead acetate in basel diet at ( 200 mg/kg diet ) and divided into four groups and treated with three doses of flaxseeds at 2.5 , 5 and 10 g / kg diet . The results showed that groups received lead acetate and treated with flaxseeds had significant enhance in plasma lipid levels, the antioxidant status and the liver and kidney functions. In the same line , flaxseeds lead to improve the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions towards the normal values of the control group . Flaxseeds decreased the levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production with concomitant elevation in glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Thus, this study concluded that , the flaxseeds had beneficial effects in decreasing toxication induced by environmental heavy metals especially lead acetate, and had good effect in reducing the toxic , lesion and lipid peroxidation induced by lead acetate. Flaxseeds is recommended due to their role in preventing lead toxicity and hyplipidemia. Encouraging food stuff fortification with flaxseeds and nutrition education programs are needed to inform the public about the importance of flaxseeds in protective and decreasing the risk of toxicity and hyperlipidemia .
The role of triploid hybrids in the evolutionary dynamics of mixed-ploidy populations

Theory suggests that the evolution of autotetraploids within diploid populations will be opposed by a minority-cytotype mating disadvantage. The role of triploids in promoting autotetraploid establishment is rarely considered, yet triploids are often found in natural populations and are formed in experimental crosses. Here, I evaluate the effects of triploids on autotetraploid evolution using computer simulations and by synthesizing research on the evolutionary dynamics of mixed-ploidy populations in Chamerion angustifolium (Onagraceae). Simulations show that the fate of a tetraploid in a diploid population varies qualitatively depending on the relative fitness of triploids, the ploidy of their gametes and the fitness of diploids relative to tetraploids. In general, even partially fit triploids can increase the likelihood of diploid-tetraploid coexistence and, in some cases, facilitate tetraploid fixation. Within the diploid-tetraploid contact zone of C. angustifolium, mixed populations are common (43%), and often (39%) contain triploids. Greenhouse and field studies indicate that triploid fitness is low (9% of diploids) but variable. Furthermore, euploid gametes produced by triploids can be x, 2x or 3x and contribute the majority (62%) of new polyploids formed in each generation (2.3 x 10 -3 ). Although triploid bridge, alone, may not account for the evolution of autotetraploidy in C. angustifolium, it probably contributes to the prevalence of mixed-ploidy populations in this species. Therefore, in contrast to hybrids in homoploid species, triploids may actually facilitate rather than diminish the fixation of tetraploids by enhancing the rate of formation.
Skeletal and dental variation within and between Mystacina species in southern New Zealand

Abstract Dental and skeletal measurements of the lesser short‐tailed bat Mystacina tuberculata from Codfish Island were compared with those from the greater short‐tailed bat M. robusta from the southwest Muttonbird (Titi) Islands off Stewart Island. All M. robusta were larger than any M. tuberculata and differed in shape of teeth, as measured by lengths and widths, and also had relatively smaller wing elements given other size differences. The population of M. tuberculata on Codfish Island comprises significantly larger individuals, as indicated by maxillary teeth measurements, than the late Holocene population of M. tuberculata in northern South Island. Such a latitudinal trend is the opposite of that known for M. robusta. The differences in adjacent populations and the different morphological response of the two taxa with latitude strongly support the distinction of M. robusta and M. tuberculata at a species level. These data suggest that skeletal data have more discriminatory power than external measurement data for assessing interpopulation or intertaxon variation in short‐tailed bats.