Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degradation of the crocodile population in the Olifants River Gorge of Kruger National Park, South Africa

1.Top predators such as crocodiles often reflect ecosystem degradation. The recent spate of close to 200 Nile crocodile deaths may reflect the ecosystem state of the Olifants–Letaba River system in the Kruger National Park. This paper investigates whether the crocodile deaths were indeed the consequence of a rare and perhaps acute event given the variability in annual population growth rates of crocodilians. 2.Spotlight- and helicopter-based surveys designed to correct for availability and detectability bias were used to estimate population sizes of crocodiles from 2008 to 2010 in and around the Olifants River Gorge, the focal area of crocodile deaths. 3.Correction factors derived from individually observed crocodiles for both spotlight- and helicopter-based counts were lower than those typically used for Nile crocodiles as well as other crocodile species. Even so, corrected spotlight- and helicopter-based estimates were comparable and the number of crocodiles in the focal study area declined significantly from 780 (95% CI: 637–1222) to between 460 (spotlight estimate, 95% CI 375–665) and 505 (aerial estimate, 95% CI: 559–1746) during the period of crocodile deaths. The average annual decline of 35% was at the lower end of the distribution of annual population growth rates across the rivers of Kruger National Park. 4.The crocodile deaths reflect a possible rare event that suggests a degraded crocodile population, possibly the consequences of broad-scale cascades of environmental deterioration of the Olifants–Letaba River system. 5.Even so, the potential risk of local demise of the population in the focal study area in the short term may be diminished through evolutionary, demographic and spatial resilience inherent within crocodiles that can accommodate the as yet unknown disease dynamics of pansteatitis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced growth of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) in response to manipulated ecosystem warming

Global models project impending climate changes that could significantly alter plant species composition in ecosystems. Climate manipulation experiments provide an opportunity to investigate such effects. Here we describe and apply a method for extracting the age‐detrended growth rate of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) and show that experimental ecosystem warming enhances the growth rate of this shrub. Snowmelt date, not soil temperature or moisture, is demonstrated to be the dominant climate variable controlling the observed effect. Our findings suggest that global climate change will result in increased growth and range expansion of sagebrush near northern or high‐elevation range boundaries in the Western United States.
Three new species of Dorylaimoides Thorne & Swanger, 1936, with a description of Xiphinema orbum n.sp. (Nematoda: Dorylaimoidea).

Three new species of Dorylaimoides viz. D. arcuatus, D. parateres, and D. pakistanensis, are described and a key to various species of the genus added. Xiphinema orbum n. sp. related to X. insigne Loos, 1949, is described from paddy soils of India.
Crescimento e níveis de solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos em cultivares de Vigna unguiculata submetidos à salinidade

Os efeitos da salinidade no crescimento e nos teores de solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos foram analisados em sete cultivares de Vigna unguiculata. As plantas foram cultivadas em solucao nutritiva sem NaCl (controle) e com NaCl a 75 mM (estresse salino), em casa de vegetacao. Apos 14 dias da semeadura, adicionou-se 25 mM de sal diariamente, durante tres dias, perfazendo o total de 75 mM. A coleta foi realizada no 33o dia. A salinidade reduziu a materia seca de todos os cultivares, sendo Pitiuba e Vita 5 os menos afetados e TVU o que sofreu maior reducao. A suculencia foliar e o indice de esclerofilia foram concordantes com o grau de tolerância, aumentando significativamente, em funcao da salinidade, apenas nos cultivares com menores reducoes nas materias secas. Contrariamente, a relacao raiz/parte aerea teve maior aumento nos cultivares mais afetados. Os teores de Na+ e Cl- foliares aumentaram em resposta ao estresse salino, sendo o Na+ acumulado em niveis maiores nos cultivares mais afetados, especialmente no TVU. Os niveis de K+ foliar, que se mostraram mais elevados que os de Na+ e Cl-, foram poucos afetados pela salinidade, de modo que a relacao Na+/K+ aumentou mais nos cultivares mais afetados e, possivelmente, se constituiu num fator importante para a maior reducao em seus crescimentos. As variacoes nos teores de prolina, carboidratos soluveis e N-aminossoluveis em resposta a salinidade indicam uma falta de proporcionalidade entre seus niveis e o grau de tolerância a salinidade nos cultivares de feijao-de-corda estudados.
Shading Effects on Susceptibility of Rosa spp. to Defoliation by Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Abstract Published anecdotal reports suggest that Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica Newman, feed more heavily on host plants growing in full sun than on shaded plants. We studied the effects of shading on foliar characteristics of roses (Rosa variety floribunda ‘Class Act’) and determined preference and fecundity of beetles provided with sun- or shade-conditioned leaves. Defoliation by P. japonica also was compared between sun-grown and experimentally shaded roses in the field. Leaves from plants grown in full sun were smaller and thicker than ones from shaded plants, with slightly higher tannins. Leaf toughness and nitrogen levels were not affected by shading, but leaves from sun-grown plants had relatively higher sugar content. Beetles consistently consumed more foliage from sun-grown plants than from shade-grown plants in laboratory preference tests. However, beetles fed continuously for 2 wk on leaves from sun- or shade-grown plants had similar fecundity. In the field, beetles fed somewhat more heavily on foliage of roses grown in full sun than on plants grown under cloth canopies that provided 73% shading. Plants grown under semitransparent canopies of spun-bonded fabric sustained intermediate damage, suggesting that one way that shading may reduce defoliation is by rendering the shaded plants less apparent or accessible to host-seeking beetles. Implications of this work for understanding feeding behavior of P. japonica, and for pest management through planting site selection, are discussed.
The effect of seed size on germination and seedling growth of Cryptocarya alba (Lauraceae) in Chile

Seed size is a life history trait that may affect the fitness of parent plants and the population regeneration process. It has been observed that large seeds increase germination, seedling growth, and survival. As a consequence, large seeds can produce more vigorous and competitively superior seedlings. In this study, we evaluated the effect of seed size on germination and seedling growth in Cryptocarya alba (Mol.) Looser (Lauraceae), a common tree of the central Chilean matorral. We collected seeds at "Quebrada de Ia Plata" (Metropolitan Region), and we sowed them under laboratory conditions. We defined three seed size classes based on seed length: small, medium and large seeds. Large seeds germinated in greater numbers than small seeds. Seedlings coming from large seeds had larger shoots and a greater probability of producing leaves. Further, seedling size (measured as dry biomass in roots, shoots and leaves) was strongly affected by seed size, although root allocation was proportionally higher in seedlings coming from small seeds, while leaf allocation was higher in seedlings coming from large seeds.
Effects of Non-Phytate Phosphorus Levels and Phytase Sources on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical and Tibia Parameters of Broiler Chickens

A 3×3 factorial arrangement with dietary non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) levels and phytase sources (3- and 6-phytase) was conducted to evaluate the effects of NPP levels, phytase sources and their possible interactions on growth performance, serum biochemical and tibia parameters of broiler chickens from hatch to 42 days of age. A total of 540 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into nine dietary treatments, each containing 5 replicates pens with 12 birds per pen. Interaction was statistically significant in the performance till day 21 of trial, supplementation of low NPP diet decreased body weight (BW) (P<0.001), depressed average daily gain (ADG) (P<0.001) and deteriorated average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P<0.001) over day 42. During the 8-to-21-day period, even if interaction between NPP levels and phytase sources was significant (P<0.01), BW, ADG and ADFI always increased due to dietary supplementation of phytase, with source not differing. Dietary high NPP enhanced serum calcium and P concentrations on day 21 and 42 (linear contrast, P<0.01), while decreased alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity on day 42 (linear contrast, P<0.001), and interaction was not significant. Both dietary sources of phytase decreased serum AKP activities on day 42 (P<0.001), and urea nitrogen content on day 21 (P<0.01) and 42 (P<0.001). Both phytase improved ash percentage on day 21 and P content in tibia at 21 and 42 days of age (P<0.001). The results confirmed that dietary supplementation of phytase may enhance P availability during the 8-to-21-day period. Nevertheless, no difference between the two phytase sources was observed.
EFFECT OFCRYOPRESERVATION ON THE POST THAW SURVIVEABILITY OF BUFFALO BULL SPERMATOZOA WITHOUT SEMINAL PLASMA

Semen samples from Nili Ravi buffalo bulls were collected and divided for three treatments i.e. A (whole semen), B (spermatozoa free of seminal plasma) and C (spermatozoa resuspended in seminal plasma). Each frctction was extended in two different extenders viz. E1 (mi! k-egg yolk glycerol), E2 (lactose-fr uctose­ egg yolk-glycerol) by the ratios of 1: 10. After equilibration of 5 h ours, all samples wen� frozen at -196 ·�C.
Effect of wet feeding and enzyme supplementation on performance and immune responses of broiler chicks

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of wet feeding and enzyme supplementation on performance, carcass traits, and immune responses of broiler chickens. Total of 280-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in factorial arrangement (2×2) in a completely randomized design with 4 dietary treatments and 5 replicates of 14 chickens. Dietary treatments were included of two forms of wet (1.5 kg added water to 1150 g diet) and dry diet as well as either enzyme (0.35 g/kg) or no enzyme addition to the wheat-based diet. Performance of chickens was evaluated through measurement of body weights (BWs) during day 4–44 of age, feed intake (FI), and weight gain (WG) were measured at the same period, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. In order to carcass measurements, two birds per pen were slaughtered at the end of rearing period. Antibody titer against Newcastle and influenza viruses and sheep red blood cells was determined to evaluate the immune responses. BW, WG, and FI of broilers insignificantly increased by wet feeding (P>0.05). Heart, liver, and gizzard relative weights were significantly influenced via feeding diet in wet form (P<0.05). Digestive tract parameters include of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum weights were markedly decreased by enzyme inclusion (P<0.05). None of the immune-related parameters were statistically different among treatments. As conclusion, the results of the present trial shows that wet feeding can affect performance, moreover enzyme inclusion might influence some digestive organs of broilers.
Effect of Interceding Date on Growth and Yield of Three Legume Crops Intercropped With Maize

A study was conducted at the experimental site of the Assosa Research Center, located in Western Ethiopia, with the objective to determine growth and yield of three legume crops intercropped with maize at different dates. Accordingly, factorial combination of three legume crops, namely; soybean (Glycine max) and two common bean varieties [Back Dessie and Awash Melka (Phaseolus vulgaris)], and three intercropping date [simultaneously with maize, four and eight weeks after maize emergence (WAME)] plus sole crops of the respective species laid in randomized complete block design were used. Highly significant species × intercropping time interaction effects were observed on legume growth and biomass accumulation, whereby simultaneously seeded legume plants grew taller and appeared vigorous than the sole stand and delayed sowing. A highly significant effect of intercropping time was observed on the number of branches, total and percent effective nodules per plant, in which the highest mean numbers were, recorded when legumes were simultaneously planted with maize compared to pure stand. Highly significant species × cropping system interaction effects were also observed on legume yield related parameters (pods/plant and 100 seeds weight), total biomass and grain yields, where drastic reductions of yield attributes, total biomass and grain yields were observed due to delayed interceding. Values of partial and total land equivalent ratio (LER),and actual yield loss (AYL) of legume association with maize, generally fall as interceding of the legume crops was delayed, which indicated that bio-economic efficiency of legume crops in resource utilizations reduced when under seeded in already established maize. This was corroborated by the positive partial and total intercrop advantage (IA) values of simultaneous intercropping, where Black Dessie and maize association proved to be the most remunerative one. Generally, the results of this study revealed that the agronomic and economic advantages of intercropping got lesser and lesser when interceding of
Estimated density of four carabid beetle species in Mongolian oak and Korean red pine forest ecosystems on Baekdudaegan mountain range (Mt. Oade and Mt. Guryong) of South Korea

The estimation of animal population size is a primary field of interest for wildlife biologists, and such numerical estimation of wild animals is a very important factor in establishing national policy towards nature. Therefore, we performed this study to estimate the population density of carabid beetles preying on soil biota at the Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) forests and Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) forests of two mountains, Mt. Odae and Mt. Guryong. We used the trapping web method with pitfall traps to collect the beetles. We calculated the estimated density of a total of four carabid beetle species in two specific regions and converted them to an estimated beetle population size within a certain area by using the study area. From our estimates, one beetle species, Leptocarabus seishinensis seishinensis L. , displayed statistically significant results. Although there was no appreciable difference in the makeup of different carabid beetle species between the two forest communities, the population size of the beetle species was larger in Mongolian oak forests than in Korean red pine forests. The spatial distribution of carabid beetles by forest type did not show any preference for particular spots. Our results showed that carabid beetles did not have specific home ranges and that they were not density dependent. We expect to use the raw data to recognize the response of soil organisms to changes in the habitat environment and to track the patterns of change more accurately over long passages of time.
Leaf Functional Trait Responses of Quercus aquifolioides to High Elevations

Investigations about phenotypic plasticity and adaptive traits of species facing rapidly changing stressful conditions are particularly relevant in context of rapid climate change. Morphological and physiological traits of Quercus aquifolioides plants growing at 2600 m and 3500 m above sea level (in the vicinity of the tree line) were studied. Leaf mesophyll conductance (gm) and stomatal conductance (gs) decreased, whereas carbon isotope composition (δ 13 C), nitrogen concentration and dark respiration increased with elevation. The specific leaf area (SLA) did not change, whereas photosynthetic capacity was dramatically inhibited at higher elevation. Differences in decline of photosynthesis (~64%) and gm (~80%) at elevations were reflected by similar chloroplast (Pc) to atmospheric (Pa) CO2 partial pressure ratio between the two populations. Therefore, δ 13 C changes were not associated to either SLA or Pc/Pa, δ 13 C furnished an estimation of long-term Pc/Pa and, in turn, of long-term water use efficiency. Air temperature, which decreased consistently with altitude, significantly affected the long-term Pc/Pa. Plausibly, low temperature is the main determinant affecting δ 13 C at high altitude. In conclusion, phenotypic plasticity enabled Q. aquifolioides to maintain a positive carbon balance in response to dramatic environmental changes. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers
Relationship among depression, anxiety and social support in elderly patients from community outpatient clinic

Objective To explore the relationship among depression, anxiety and social support in elderly patients in community outpatient clinic. Methods A total of 551 elderly outpatients from two community health service centers of Hongkou District in Shanghai were evaluated with patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), perceived social support scale(PSSS) for depression, anxiety, physical health and social support. Results The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were 26.1% and 17.2%, respectively. The scores of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were 2.0(4.0) and 1.0(2.0). There were statistically significant differences in the scores of family support, friend support, other support and social support among the elderly patients with different degrees of depression or anxiety (P<0.01). Family support(B=-0.196) and friend support(B=-0.171) were protective factors of depression in elderly patients in community outpatient clinic.Age, family support and friend support were protective factors of anxiety in elderly patients, while gender and fluctuation of physical diseases were protective factors of anxiety(P<0.05). Conclusions The depression and anxiety is intimately related to social support in elderly outpatients. Appropriate measures should be taken to optimize social support, mitigate bad mood negative improve their quality of life. Key words: Elderly outpatients; Depression; Anxiety; Social support
The role of seaweed extracts, Ascophyllum nodosum, in type reduction in fecundity of Meloidogyne javanica

Les effets d'extraits commerciaux de l'algue marine Ascophyllum nodosum sur la fecondite du nematode Meloidogyne javanica, eleve sur tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Ailsa Craig) sont evalues. Apres une generation, le nombre d'œufs du nematode recuperes sur les plantes traitees diminue considerablement en comparaison avec les plantes temoins, traitees avec de l'eau pure. Un plus faible nombre d'œufs sont recuperes sur les plantes infestees par des juveniles ayant incube dans des extraits d'algue en comparaison avec les plantes infestees par des juveniles ayant incube dans de l'eau pure
Urban domestic gardens (III): Composition and diversity of lawn floras

Abstract Question: How do lawn floras compare with those of semi-natural grasslands? Are the compositions of lawn floras determined by local, within-garden factors (e.g. lawn management and size) or by regional factors (e.g. climate and location)? Are lawn floras nested (like semi-natural grasslands) or not (like cultivated parts of gardens)? Are there gradients of species composition within lawns? Location: Sheffield, UK. Methods: We examined the composition of the floras of entire lawns and of two 1-m2 lawn quadrats in 52 gardens. Results: A total of 159 species of vascular plants was recorded, 60 of them only once. Most lawn species were forbs, but most lawn cover consisted of grasses. Lawn species were predominantly natives. Bigger lawns had more species, but richness was not closely linked to other environmental or management variables. Composition of lawn floras varied with altitude, with woodland and wetland plants more common in the higher west of the city, and weeds of waste ground in the east. The species-area curve derived from 1-m2 lawn quadrats was very similar to that of semi-natural grasslands. Lawn quadrats were significantly nested, with rarer species mostly confined to more species-rich quadrats. Trampling-tolerant Poa annua was more abundant in the part of the lawn nearer the house. Conclusions: In most respects, lawns behaved much more like semi-natural grasslands than like cultivated flower beds and borders. Species composition of lawns is strongly influenced by local climate. Most lawns show an internal gradient of composition, linked to a gradient of intensity of use. Nomenclature: Stace (1997).
CALCIFIED CARTILAGE IN THE PAIRED FINS OF THE OSTEOSTRACAN ESCUMINASPIS LATICEPS (TRAQUAIR 1880), FROM THE LATE DEVONIAN OF MIGUASHA (QUÉBEC, CANADA), WITH A CONSIDERATION OF THE EARLY EVOLUTION OF THE PECTORAL FIN ENDOSKELETON IN VERTEBRATES

Abstract Patches of spherulitic calcified cartilage are described inside the paired fins of the osteostracan Escuminaspis laticeps from the Upper Devonian of Miguasha, Canada, thereby confirming Belles-Isles interpretation of these patches as evidence for paired fin endoskeleton. The distribution of these calcified cartilage patches suggests that the osteostracan paired fin endoskeleton was a single cartilaginous plate located in the lateral half of the fin, and was thus not made up of separate radials. This morphology resembles that of the endoskeletal disc of the embryonic and larval pectoral fin of piscine gnathostomes, prior to its decomposition into radials, and may mirror the general condition for the clade that includes osteostracans and gnathostomes.