Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Canopy dynamics of Eucalyptus maculata Hook. II: Canopy leaf area balance

The leaf area balance of a regenerated stand of E. maculata was monitored for a period of 2½ years on the basis of repetitive non-destructive measurements of production and loss of leaf area in sample branches of a group of trees representative of the forest. Leaf area loss measured in sample tree canopies was closely correlated with forest leaf fall (litter) and verified the phenological harmony between the sample group and the forest. Production and loss of leaf area from sample trees were scaled to the mean annual forest leaf fall to estimate production and loss at forest dimensions. Basal area of E. maculata tree bole was closely correlated with canopy leaf area. Basal area ratio (sample/forest) remained constant and was used to adjust sample group leaf area (determined by direct measurement) to forest dimensions for calculation of the forest leaf area balance. Basal area as an estimator of leaf area was insensitive to seasonal variations but provided a valuable reference datum. Leaf area index (LAI) of the eucalypt overstorey determined from basal area virtually remained unchanged. LAI of forest eucalypts estimated from the detailed leaf area balance fluctuated between 2.65 and 3.12. Maximum values of LAI were attained at the peak of growth seasons when rates of leaf production were high relative to leaf loss. Estimated annual production and loss of leaf area were not equal.
Analyzing Pollinator-Mediated Selection in a Plant Hybrid Zone: Hummingbird Visitation Patterns on Three Spatial Scales

Clines across hybrid zones can be produced by several forms of natural selection. We illustrate an approach to studying pollinator-mediated selection in plant hybrid zones, using two species of Ipomopsis (Polemoniaceae) as a model system. We measured visitation to flowers in natural and experimental populations by two major types of pollinators, hummingbirds and hawkmoths, at up to three different spatial scales. Using measures of pollinator visitation, we calculated phenotypic selection gradients and characterized the form of selection in the hybrid zone. Hummingbirds overvisited Ipomopsis aggregata compared with Ipomopsis tenuituba and morphological hybrids at all spatial scales, especially the largest scale of kilometers. These responses may depend in part on the presence of other hummingbird-visited plants in the community. Hummingbird behavior produced directional selection favoring wide corolla tubes and intense red coloration. Hawkmoths, in contrast, overvisited plants with narrow corolla tubes. When both types of pollinators were present, corolla width experienced disruptive selection, consistent with a model of hybrid disadvantage. In the natural hybrid zone, however, hawkmoths are rare participants. In most years plants experience visitation from hummingbirds alone. Thus, selection by pollinators usually fits an advancing wave model in which traits characteristic of I. aggregata are favored everywhere. Modeling the evolution of clines in response to such pollinator-mediated selection will require further theoretical development that allows for selection intensity to vary with spatial scale and with the abundance of unrelated plants visited by the same pollinators.
Evaporative Water Loss as a Restriction on Habitat Use in Endangered New Zealand Endemic Skinks

Abstract Conservation efforts for two endangered lizard species, the chevron skink (Oligosoma homalonotum) and the striped skink (Oligosoma striatum), have been hindered by a lack of knowledge on their habitat preferences. Reports of some individuals being found in moist microenvironments has led to speculation that both species may be physiologically restricted to such habitats. Estimates of water loss in these two species were compared with water loss in two relatively common species, the speckled skink (Oligosoma infrapunctatum) and Falla's skink (Oligosoma fallai), that are inhabitants of semiarid habitats. When the effect of body size was accounted for using analysis of covariance, results indicated that chevron and striped skinks lost 34% more water through evaporation than the semiarid inhabiting species did. When compared to water loss rates in lizards elsewhere, all New Zealand species had relatively high rates of loss for their size. It is predicted that high rates of water loss in chevron and striped skinks would lead to these species preferentially inhabiting moist sites. Recommendations include that future survey effort for both species should be focused on areas with high moisture content. The results also raise implications for land management on Great Barrier Island and provide insight into the current distribution of chevron and striped skinks.
REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF TWO APHIDOPHAGOUS LADYBEETLES, CHEILOMENES SEXMACULATA AND COCCINELLA TRANSVERSALIS

Abstract Reproductive behaviour of two aphidophagous ladybeetles, Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Coccinella transversalis was studied. A premating period of 5.0±0.5 and 11.7±0.4 days and a pre‐oviposition period of 5.5±0.7 and 12.7±0.5 days was observed for C. sexmaculata and C. transversalis, respectively. Males of both the species exhibited courtship in five steps, viz. approach, watch, examine, mount and attempt. Sexually immature, recently mated and ovipositing females rejected male advances in both the species. Chemical, visual and behavioural cues probably play a role in mate recognition. Quiescent mating occurred in C. sexmaculata, whereas abdominal shakings in the form of bouts and strokes were characteristic in C. transversalis. C. sexmaculata had a relatively prolonged mating duration (133.4±z8.9 min) than C. transversalis (37.9±2.0 min), possibly due to the absence of active processes, i.e., bouts and strokes. The active processes in C. transversalis decreased with multiple matings in a day. Unmated adults of both the species mated more vigorously than the mated ones. Reproductive performance of both the species was best after multiple matings.
Leaf illumination and root cooling inhibit bean leaf expansion by decreasing turgor pressure

Phaseolus vulgaris plants with expanding primary leaves were subjected to dark-light or light-dark transition at a root temperature of 25 o C, or to root cooling to 10 o C. Illumination or darkening caused rapid changes in water flux through the plants and in epidermal turgor pressure when analysed by pressure probe. However, these were not concurrent with variations in bulk leaf water potential and turgor pressure as determined by the pressure chamber method. In addition, the turgor pressure of epidermis measured with the pressure probe was invariably 0.05 to 0.15 MPa lower than that measured in bulk tissue with the pressure chamber. Cooling roots to 10 o C induced water stress and wilting
Evolutionary analysis of Pinus leiophylla: a study using an Intron II sequence fragment of mitochondrial nad1

A phylogenetic analysis was done using a mitochondrial marker to study the relationship between Pinus leiophylla Schiede & Deppe and Californian, Mesoamerican, European, and Asian pines. The type II intron between the nad1 b and c exons was chosen for the analysis. Nineteen otus (15 species with mitotypes in two species) from the Pinus and Picea genera were used. Amplification using the two primers generated an approximately 1000 bp product, depending on species. Parsimony branch and bound analysis resulted in 135 shortest trees with 1323 steps (CI = 0.9131 and RI = 0.9511). The strict consensus tree showed P. leiophylla associated with Eurasian pines. Though unusual, it is not the first time this association has been proposed. Given these results, P. leiophylla is likely one of the oldest pine species in the Americas and probably arose from a Eurasian ancestor that initially invaded North America at between 25°N and 35°N latitude and later colonized Mexico.
Do sub‐Arctic winter moth populations in coastal birch forest exhibit spatially synchronous dynamics?

Summary 1 Populations of cyclic forest insects are known to exhibit large-scale spatially synchronous dynamics. Region-wide climatic disturbances, the Moran effect, have often been invoked as the mechanism underlying this synchrony. However, no previous study has been designed specifically to examine spatial population dynamics more closely and to evaluate underlying mechanisms. 2 We perform a study on winter moth populations in sub-Arctic birch forest, where habitat discontinuity was included in the study design, to evaluate if dispersal barriers would act to decouple dynamics. All the study populations were situated in the same climatic region where 10-year population cycles have been known to prevail. The total spatial extent of the study was smaller than the spatial scale of synchronous dynamics reported from previous studies on cyclic insects. 3 We found that moth populations had mainly synchronous dynamics within sites consisting of 1·8 km transects in prime moth habitats (mature birch forest) and within a large island with continuous birch forest. However, sites on different islands could be maximally out of phase. 4 These results suggest that climate was not synchronizing winter moth populations in this ecosystem and that biotic mechanisms are probably involved. 5 Our study highlights the value of performing studies with a particularly dedicated design for elucidating the patterns and mechanisms of spatio-temporal population dynamics.
Resource Division in an Understory Herb Community: Responses to Temporal and Microtopographic Gradients

Studies of niche division among forest herbs are relatively rare, yet in many temperate forests a majority of the vascular species are herbaceous. Although the distributions of herbaceous species often change along the major gradients provided by topography, moisture, or elevation (Davidson and Buell 1967; Bell 1974), the high within-plot diversities of some mesic herb communities, where a single square meter may contain more than a dozen species, imply that microgradients are equally important. Among the microenvironmental gradients already shown to affect he distributions of herbaceous understory species are: (1) microtopography, including tree fall mounds and local soil moisture gradients (Struick and Curtis 1962); (2) structure of the canopy, including the position and size of openings, throughfall, ight, and distance from trees (Moir 1966; Anderson et al. 1969; Eber 1972); (3) seasonal change, including differences in temperature and illumination (Vezina and Grandtner 1965; Bazzaz and Bliss 1971). This study investigates understory response to two types of microgradients-seasonal change and microtopography-in a species-rich cove hardwood forest.
Distribution, Density and Habitat Relationships of the Ural Owl Strix uralensis macroura in Croatia

We surveyed the Ural Owl Strix uralensis macroura from 1993 to 2007 to determine the geographic range of the species in Croatia and to provide information on its density and habitat preferences. We conducted playback surveys at 365 survey points within 19 plots (total survey area 1070 km2) systematically covering all of the major forest types in Croatia. Surveys were also carried out at 144 calling stations arranged in transects and at 133 stations scattered over larger areas. Playback surveys were conducted twice at stations in plots and along transects, and once at scattered stations. A total of 234 Ural Owl territories were located. We estimate the total population of the Ural Owl in Croatia to be 700–1000 pairs, and include an updated map of its distribution. The owls occurred in Dinaric fir—beech forests, montane beech, Sessile Oak Quercus petraea and Common Oak Quercus robur forests. The majority of the population, around 80%, was located in Mountain Croatia, where mixed Dinaric fir—beech forests predominated, at densities ranging from 1.1 to 5.4 pairs/10 km2 (average 2.3 pairs/10 km2). The highest density was found in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, in forests that have not been commercially logged for more than 50 years. Approximately 20% of the total population was found in the western part of Lowland Croatia, in the zone of beech and Sessile Oak-hornbeam forests, with average density of 0.9 pairs/ km2, as well as in Common Oak forests, with density of 0.7 pairs/10 km2. In Mediterranean Croatia the Ural Owl was found only in the mountainous zone of thermophile beech forests. There we recorded a density of 0.3 pairs/km2 and estimate the population at 15–25 breeding pairs constituting approximately 2% of total population in Croatia.
Molecular marker analysis of kernel size and shape in bread wheat

The economic value of wheat grain is determined by the kernel morphology which is an important parameter for manufacturing different food products requiring specific grain characteristics. Although kernel size and shape have emerged as important breeding objectives, not much information is available about the number or location of associated gene(s)/quantitative trait loci. In the present study, a recombinant inbred line population of 106 plants (F 7 ) was phenotyped for four traits, namely kernel length. width, weight and factor form density (FFD) and genotyped with different polymerase chain reaction-based markers. Transgressive segregants were observed for all the traits and genetic correlation studies showed positive correlations between the majority of the traits. The number of markers associated with each trait ranged from two to nine and the phenotypic contribution by an individual marker ranged from 3.3 to 16.6%. Many of the markers showed linkage to more than one trait. Strategies for improving the wheat grain quality traits and the utility of such markers in marker-assisted selection (MAS) efforts are discussed.
Postheading Biomass Distribution for Monocrops and Mixtures of Small Grain Cereals

Biomass distribution during the harvest period can affect the yield and quality of silage produced from cereal crops. Our objectives were to determine the changes in biomass distribution among morphological structures and how management practices could affect those changes. Three field studies were conducted to evaluate the productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), triticale (x Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.), and rye (Secale cereale L.) grown as monocrops and mixtures. Seeding rates ranging from 250 to 750 seeds m(-2) were evaluated to determine their effects on biomass distribution from heading to the soft-dough growth stages. While seeding rate had a profound effect on per plant biomass, it had little effect on biomass per unit land area or the distribution of the biomass between leaves, stems, and spikes. During the postheading period for all tests, the leaf component declined and the spike component increased. The stem component declined for all tests, but variation was found for the tests harvested on the basis of the oat and triticale components. Composition biomass weights from our spring cereal tests averaged across the three sampling times (heading to soft dough) were 18% leaf, 50% stem, and 31% head for 'Noble' barley; 18% leaf, 44% stem, and 37% head for 'AC Mustang' oat; and 22% leaf, 43% stem, and 35% head for 'Wapiti' triticale. Plant populations and total, leaf, stem, and spike biomass per plant for mixtures were found to be intermediate to the monocrops. Total biomass quantity and distribution among leaves, stems, and spikes were affected by genotype, production practices, and time of harvest, with the latter having the greatest effect. Understanding cultivar, species, and management effects is important for optimum feed quantity and quality.
Organization of the Acrosome and Helical Structures in Sperm of the Aplysiid, Aplysia kurodai (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia)

Spermiogenesis in the aplysiid, Aplysia kurodai (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia) was studied by transmission electron microscopy, with special attention to acrosome formation and the helical organization of the nucleus and the other sperm components. In the early spermatid, the periphery of the nucleus differentiates into three characteristics parts. The first part is that electron-dense deposits accumulate on the outer nuclear envelope. This part is destined to be the anterior side of the sperm because a tiny acrosome is organized on its mid-region at the succeeding stage of spermiogenesis. The second part, in which electron-dense material attaches closely to the inner side of the nuclear envelope, is the presumptive posterior side. A centriolar fossa is formed in this part and the axoneme of the flagellum extends from the fossa. A number of lamellar vesicles derived from mitochondria assemble around the axoneme and form the flagellum complex. The third part is recognized by the chromatin which condenses locally along the inner nuclear envelope. During development of the spermatid, this part extends to form a spiral nucleus accompanied by chromatin condensation and formation of microtubular lamellae outside the extending nucleus. Finally, in the mature sperm, a tiny, spherical acrosomal vesicle is detected at the apex. The slender nucleus, overlapping both the primary and secondary helices which are composed of different structural elements, winds around the flagellum axoneme.
White nectarines bloom, harvest degree days, yield and fruit traits over a span of five years in the intermountain region of the United States

White-fl eshed nectarines have gained popularity in recent years but there is limited information on their adaptability. Thus, the objective of this trial was to investigate growing degree-days (GDD; base temperature of 4.4 oC), full bloom and harvest dates, fruit quality, and yield of fi ve white-fl eshed nectarines [(Prunus persica var. nectarine)] under conditions of southwest Idaho in the Intermountain Region of the United States during 2003-07. The average response analyses over these years indicated that ‘Arctic Jay’ and ‘Arctic Pride’ bloomed earlier, while ‘Arctic Mist’ bloomed later than other cultivars. Arctic Jay was the earliest and Arctic Snow was the latest cultivar to harvest and needed 136 days and 181 days between full bloom and harvest, respectively. On average, ‘Arctic Pride’, ‘Arctic Mist’, and ‘Arctic Snow’ were harvested after the second half of September, and the periods between bloom and harvest for these cultivars were 166, 180, and 181 days, respectively. The difference between the earliest and latest cultivar for full bloom dates was only 2 days or 14 oC GDD, while the range for harvest dates was 16 days or 608.2 oC GDD. ‘Arctic Jay’ had excellent fruit quality attributers and on average, was harvested on 21 August. ‘Arctic Pride’ had moderately large fruit size and high SSC and extremely attractive skin and fl esh color, but had moderately low yield. Considering all factors evaluated in this project, ‘Arctic Jay’, ‘Arctic Queen’, and ‘Arctic Pride’ were suitable choices for early, mid, and late season cultivars, respectively. ‘Arctic Mist’ could have some potential for planting in this study. The growing season was not suffi cient to mature ‘Arctic Snow’ and thus not recommended for the region.
The Genus Typhlobelus: Monophyly and Taxonomy, with Description of a New Species with a Unique Pseudotympanic Structure (Teleostei: Trichomycteridae)

The psammophilic trichomycterid genus Typhlobelus is rediagnosed on the basis of additional synapomorphic characters, including: 1) the premaxilla displaced posteriorly, and connected to shaft of the mesethmoid rather than to its anterior tip; 2) the premaxilla with complex tridimensional shape, with a large dorsal process directed mesially and bearing teeth (when present) on the lateral end only; 3) the dentary portion of the coronoid process expanded into a broad plate; 4) the palatine club-shaped and oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the skull; 5) the semi-discoidal anterior portion of the mesethmoid; 6) the laminar anterior ascending process of the quadrate lacking a cartilaginous tip; 7) hyomandibula with a long posterior process; 8) the neural arch of the Weberian complex ring-like and forming two large dorsal foramina at its border with the supraoccipital; and 9) the basibranchials and hypobranchials poorly differentiated or absent. Additional diagnostic characters are presented for the species currently included in Typhlobelus. A new species of the genus, Typhlobelus auriculatus, from the Rio Xingu in northern Brazil, is uniquely diagnosed from all other trichomycterids, and probably from all other catfishes, by the presence of a well-defined lateral pit immediately posterior to the head, representing a modified pseudotympanus connected by a superficial groove to a pit entering the skull. The species is also unique in the lack of any laterosensory pores on the body or head. The new species is further distinguished from its congeners by the absence of an anal fin and by the presence of opercular odontodes, in addition to other characters of internal and external anatomy.
Optimization of the protein concentration process from residual peanut oil-cake

The objective of this study was to find the best process conditions for preparing protein concentrate from residual peanut oil-cake (POC). The study was carried out on POC from industrial peanut oil extraction. Different protein extraction and precipitation conditions were used: water/ flour ratio (10:1, 20:1 and 30:1), pH (8, 9 and 10), NaCl concentration (0 and 0.5 M), extraction time (30, 60 and 120 min), temperature (25, 40 and 60 °C), extraction stages (1, 2 and 3), and precipitation pH (4, 4.5 and 5). The extraction and precipitation conditions which showed the highest protein yield were 10:1 water/flour ratio, extraction at pH 9, no NaCl, 2 extraction stages of 30 min at 40 °C and precipitation at pH 4.5. Under these conditions, the peanut protein concentrate (PC) contained 86.22% protein, while the initial POC had 38.04% . POC is an alternative source of protein that can be used for human consumption or animal nutrition. Therefore, it adds value to an industry residue.
The relative merits of foregut and hindgut fermentation

Mammalian herbivores cannot break down cellulose except by fermentation, and may have Termentation chambers at either end of the gut: ruminants have their principal fermentation chamber in the stomach but horses ferment only in the hindgut. A mathematical model (Alexander, 1991) predicted that foregut fermenters should do better than hindgut fermenters on poor foods, and the reverse on richer. less fibrous foods. Further, the optimum gut for poor foods would have the hindgut fermentation chamber only a little smaller than the foregut chamber. However. it has been claimed that horses do better than ruminants on poor food, and the hindgut of ruminants is much smaller than the rumen. In this paper, the basic model is modified in ways designed to make it more realistic and the effects are investigated. None of the modifications alters the conclusion that the optimum gut for poor food has a large foregut fermentation chamber. However, the optimum proportions of fore-to hindgut, for poor diets, become more like those of real ruminants when account is taken of the diminishing volume of the food passing through the gut, and of incomplete mixing in the rumen.