Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Riverine networks constrain β‐diversity patterns among fish assemblages in a large Neotropical river

Summary Riverine metacommunities have been studied mainly in streams and headwaters, and little is known about how dendritic networks affect metacommunity structure in large river systems. We, therefore, examined fish assemblages in the Upper Tocantins River, Amazon Basin, to investigate the hypothesis that riverine networks constrain metacommunity structure. In particular, we investigated (i) taxonomic and functional β-diversity along the river channel (main stem) and major tributaries (branches); (ii) the relative importance of the turnover and nestedness components; and (iii) the relationship between β-diversity and spatial structure (the distance decay of similarity). Fish assemblages were sampled over a year (2007–2008) at 17 sites distributed along the main stem (n = 8) and branches (n = 9). We recorded 170 fish species in the 100-km river section studied. Local species richness ranged from 45 to 79, with higher mean values in the main stem; local assemblages, however, showed high functional richness, with no significant difference between the main stem and branches. We observed that the turnover component contributed 87.7% of the variation in taxonomic β-diversity (Jaccard), while the nestedness-resultant contributed 12.3%. Taxonomic β-diversity was on average 2.5 times higher than functional diversity, and taxonomic turnover was on average four times greater than functional turnover. In addition, a null model showed that observed values of functional β-diversity were not different from random expectations, given the observed level of taxonomic β-diversity. Branches showed higher species turnover, while significant distance decay of similarity was observed only along the main stem. Functional β-diversity was not different between the main stem and branches and did not correlate with watercourse distance. Our study revealed that fish metacommunity in this large river shows species turnover, but with high functional similarity. In addition, different β-diversity patterns between the main stem and branches indicate that the dendritic network constrained metacommunity structure. Mass effects and dispersal limitations probably explain β-diversity patterns in the main stem, while a combination of mechanisms (i.e., disturbance, specific biological functions and dispersal constraints) affect diversity in the branches.
Settlement of Callinectes sapidus megalopae on artificial collectors in four Gulf of Mexico estuaries

Standardized artificial collectors were used to document trends in settlement of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) megalopae in four Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Blue crab megalopal settlement was generally episodic within an estuary and asynchronous among coastwide sites. Daily settlement of megalopae at a given site and rankings of total numbers among sites varied greatly from year-to-year. Although spawning is protracted and megalopae are available in offshore waters throughout most of the year, most megalopae were collected during August-October. Limited settlement of megalopae in late spring and early summer occurred in the two estuaries (Galveston Bay in 1992 and Terrebonne Bay in 1991) for which sampling was conducted during this period. Within several estuaries, there were no clear environmental variables that corresponded most closely to peak events of megalopal settlement. Combinations of equatorial tides and onshore winds (when present) were the most apparent environmental variables correlated with high daily settlement at Mobile Bay mouth. The majority of high settlement events for Mississippi Sound were associated with tropic tides coupled with onshore winds. The relative importance of environmental variables affecting settlement varied from year-to-year in several of the estuaries. Limited coherence between gulf sites was not supported by plausible mechanisms for transport, with the exception of a 2- to 3-d lag from the mouth of Mobile Bay to a mid-estuary site. Inter-regional comparisons of monthly settlement means during peak settlement months were robust and consistent with regional climatic controls (temperature and salinity) and long-term water level patterns (lunar periodicity and meteorology). Large numbers of blue crab megalopae recruited to gulf estuaries. Numbers of settling blue crab megalopae declined with distance from the Gulf of Mexico, but still recruited in fairly large numbers well into the two estuaries where such data were available.
Effects of the allelopathic plant Artemisia herba-alba Asso on the soil seed bank of a semi-arid plant community

Aims Seed bank strongly influences composition and structure of aboveground vegetation. Little attention has been paid to the role of allelopathy driving soil seed bank dynamics, even though allelochemicals released by allelopathic plants might determine whether a species can or cannot germinate from the soil seed bank and, therefore, to co-exist in the neighborhood of the allelopathic species. Hence, the effects of allelopathic plants on community organization through the effects of allelochemicals on soil seed bank remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed spatial heterogeneities in soil seed bank caused by the presence of allelopathic plants, and evaluated allelopathic effects on seed bank germination and seedling mortality. Methods We examined the effects of the allelopathic shrub Artemisia herbaalba Asso on the spatial structure (in terms of species richness and seed density) of the soil seed bank of a semi-arid ecosystem in NE Spain. Specifically, we evaluated seed bank richness and density at three microsites: under the canopy of A. herba-alba individuals, under the canopy of Salsola vermiculata L. (a non-allelopathic shrub) individuals, and in bare soil. In addition, we assessed the effects of aqueous extract of A. herba-alba on soil seed bank germination (seedling emergence and emergence timing) and seedling mortality. Important Findings We found that seed bank richness and density were higher under shrub canopy than they were in bare soil. A. herba-alba and S. vermiculata microsites had similar seed bank richness. However, seed bank density was higher under A. herba-alba because of the high abundance of A. herba-alba seeds. Aqueous extract reduced seedling emergence from the seed bank by 50%, and affected mortality of some emerged seedlings. On the other hand, aqueous extract did not influence the emergence timing of seedlings. We conclude that, although the presence of allelopathic plants does not cause relevant changes in seed bank structure relative to similar non-allelopathic shrubs, their presence can actually result in a reduction of seedling emergence from the seed bank, which leads to low plant species richness and density nearby. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of an allelopathic plant on the structure and germination in an entire soil seed bank.
The skull of Triceratops in the palaeontology gallery, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris

The specimen of Triceratops calicornis Marsh, 1898 exhibited in the gallery of palaeontology in the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle of Paris consists of a skull lacking the lower jaw, except for the predentary. It was presented in October 1912, when Marcellin Boule was chairman of the Palaeontology department, and registered as MNHN 1912.20. This specimen, long overlooked in the literature, is described herein for the first time. Since its erection by Marsh in 1889, up to 16 species have been referred to the genus Triceratops. However, during the last 20 years, our comprehension of the biology and variability of large living tetrapods has called into question the validity of these Triceratops species. Although a consensus on this question now seems to emerge, several models have been still discussed recently. The description of MNHN 1912.20 offers an opportunity to discuss these different hypotheses.
Effect of organic extracts from Meliaceae on Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B biotype in tomato plants.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC EXTRACTS FROM MELIACEAE ON BEMISIA TABACI (GENNADIUS) B BIOTYPE IN TOMATO PLANTS. The effect of organic extracts from Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, Toona ciliata and Trichilia pallida (Rutales: Meliaceae) on eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) B biotype was assessed. Leaves and branches were dried, ground and submitted to extraction (Soxhlet) with dichloromethane and ethanol. To establish an adequate concentration for the subsequent tests, eggs were used originating from 40 adults maintained for 24h on tomato leaves in voile cages. After 9 days, the number of nymphs was determined and the dichloromethane extract from T. pallida leaves was sprayed at different concentrations (0.32, 0.56, 1.0, 1.8 and 3.2%); water and acetone were also used (controls). The nymphal mortality was evaluated after 7 days. An entirely randomized design was used, with 7 treatments and 4 replications. Afterwards, dichloromethane and ethanol extracts were sprayed on eggs at the selected concentration (0.56%), in different experiments. After 9 days, the egg mortality was evaluated and a new spraying was conducted to assess the nymphal mortality after 7 days. These experiments were conducted in a randomized block designed (10 treatments and 4 replications). The data was submitted to regression analysis, analysis of variance and compared by the Tukey test. A higher yield was observed for the ethanol extracts in relation to the dichloromethane extracts. The dichloromethane extracts from leaves and branches from meliaceas significantly affected the survival of the whitefly eggs and nymphs. The ethanol extracts affected the nymphal phase, but did not present ovicidal activity.
Morphology of tube-like threads related to Limnochares aquatica (L., 1758) (Acariformes: Hydrachnidia: Limnocharidae) in the laboratory

ABSTRACT Water mites Limnochares aquatica (L., 1758) during maintenance in the laboratory for a long period of time in constant conditions periodically produced certain whitish flocculent material consisting of long rigid unbranched tube-like threads 1.3 ± 0.3 µm in diameter crossing freely. These threads were studied using light-optical as well as transmission electron microscopical and scanning electron microscopical methods. Microbiological staining was also applied to the threads to exclude their bacterial or fungal origin. The thread wall is built of fine fibrils arranged at different angles to the long axis of threads that is reflected in a certain stratification of the wall. Threads are mostly hollow or may contain electron-dense homogeneous material. No cell components are present in the thread composition. Numerous dermal glands with their small slit-like orifice scattered throughout the mite body surface are thought to produce these threads. Most probably the thread formation is a reaction of mites to stress under laboratory conditions, and this is expected to be a type of defensive reaction.
From the wild red jungle fowl to domesticated chickens: modification of eimerian-microbiome-host interactions

Domestication of chickens from the wild red jungle fowl and modernisation of the poultry industry has changed both poultry and their intestinal microbiome, specifically the eimerian-microbiome-host relationship. Eimeria spp. represent an enteric parasite that has a long co-evolutionary history with their hosts. These parasites have adapted to suit an environment in which chickens thrive and the chickens' intestinal environment, including the changing host microbiome. This review will delve into the changes in eimerian-host interactions with wild red jungle fowl versus domesticated chickens. The changing nature and composition of the intestinal microbiota as it followed the red jungle fowl into domestication and the relationship of this evolving microbiota with coccidia will be explored. Better comprehension of the web of interactions among the evolving eimerian-microbiome-host relationship will allow for the responsible exploitation of these relationships to maximise poultry health and productivity.
The Oriental species of Platydema Laporte & Brullé, part 2, with descriptions of 11 new species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Diaperinae) 1

The following 11 species of the genus Platydema Laporte & Brulle, 1831 (Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae Latreille, 1802) from the Oriental Region are described as new: Platydema bicolicum n. sp. (Luzon), P. brancuccii n. sp. (Laos), P. brendelli n. sp. (Borneo), P. fouqueorum n. sp. (Thailand), P. pendolocum n. sp. (Sulawesi), P. quezonicum n. sp. (Luzon), P. sampunacum n. sp. (Sulawesi), P. saundersi n. sp. (W Malaysia, Singapore, Sulawesi), P. wallacei n. sp. (Bali), P. weberi n. sp. (Sulawesi), and P. zetteli n. sp. (Luzon). A lectotype is designated for Platydema lynceum Lewis, 1894 (P. ussurianum Kaszab, 1977 n. syn.). Additionally, new records of several known species are listed, which significantly extend the distributional patterns in the Oriental and adjacent Palaearctic Regions.
Orientation of mannitol related genes can further differentiate strains of Vibrio vulnificus possessing the vcgC allele

The bacterium Vibrio vulnificus exhibits a high level of strain to strain genetic variation, and can be divided into three biotypes. The main cause of human infections, biotype 1, has been separated into clinical and environmental strains based on either DNA PCR, 16s rRNA sequence, or intergenic spacer regions. The DNA PCR method is based on the vcg (virulence correlated gene) locus, with a Cgenotype corresponding to clinical isolates and an E-genotype corresponding to environmental isolation. Here we show that C-type strains can be further divided into two subtypes. Strains of the one subtype have been isolated from environmental sources and human cases, while the other subtype has heretofore only been recovered from the environment
Ege Bölgesi'nde Ticari Bir İşletmedeki Gökkuşaği Alabaliği (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) Anaçlarinin Yumurta Verimi ve Yavrularinin Büyüme Özelliklerinin Araştirilmasi

Investigation of fecundity and development rate of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstock in a commercial farm in Ege Region. In this study, reproductive performance as survival of eggs and larvae, of rainbow trout broodstock (O. mykiss) in a commercial trout farm in Ege Region were investigated. Mean total and relative fecundity values were 2659±100.5 egg/individual and 1708±44.2 egg/kg, respectively. Fertilization rate on average was 91.87±1.55%. After fertilization, survival of the eyed eggs and hatching rate related to total fecundity were 86.02±1.91%and 64.83±4.48%, respectively. Up to free swimming stage (to 16 th day) survival rate was 41.87±0.34%of the total fecundity and survival rate of fry from 16 th day to 120 th was 28.98±3.58%of the total fecundity. There was a positive relationship significantly between broodstock weights-total fecundity and egg diameter, also between total fecundity and egg diameter, while the relationship between broodstock weights and relative fecundity was significant but weak. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between fertilization-eyeing, hatching and free swimming rates (p<0.05). Larvae reached mean weighing 2300±17.1 mg from 30 th day to 120 th day at mean 10°C. Our results show similarity with researches that have been done before. We conclude that trials should be done with broodstock selecting from breeding and at hatcheries which have free disease factors.
Bioconversion of cellulose into fermentable sugars by Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells for the production of ethanol using Cellulolytic fungi isolated from soil

The fungal species with cellulase activity was isolated from the soil using standard procedures. Two isolates were found to produce relatively high amount of cellulase. The production of cellulase by the two isolates was achieved in liquid shake culture containing Carboxymethyl cellulose as substrate. The filter paper activity and CMCase activity of the two isolates were also compared. The 9 day culture filtrate of the two isolates also exhibited highest activity. Ethanol production was checked in the media containing CMC as substrate after saccharification and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The ethanol yield was found to be maximum on the 9 day culture of both the isolates. Thus the current work deals with comparison of cellulase activity of the two isolates and alcohol production of two isolates by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.
Water and forests in the Mediterranean hot climate zone: a review based on a hydraulic interpretation of tree functioning

Aim of the study : Water scarcity is the main limitation to forest growth and tree survival in the Mediterranean hot climate zone. This paper reviews literature on the relations between water and forests in the region, and their implications on forest and water resources management. The analysis is based on a hydraulic interpretation of tree functioning. Area of the study : The review covers research carried out in the Mediterranean hot climate zone, put into perspective of wider/global research on the subject. The scales of analysis range from the tree to catchment levels. Material and Methods : For literature review we used Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar as bibliographic databases. Data from two Quercus suber sites in Portugal were used for illustrative purposes. Main results : We identify knowledge gaps and discuss options to better adapt forest management to climate change under a tree water use/availability perspective. Forest management is also discussed within the wider context of catchment water balance: water is a constraint for biomass production, but also for other human activities such as urban supply, industry and irrigated agriculture. Research highlights : Given the scarce and variable (in space and in time) water availability in the region, further research is needed on: mapping the spatial heterogeneity of water availability to trees; adjustment of tree density to local conditions; silvicultural practices that do not damage soil properties or roots; irrigation of forest plantations in some specific areas; tree breeding. Also, a closer cooperation between forest and water managers is needed. Keywords : tree hydraulics; tree mortality; climate change; forest management; water resources.
DRB1*04 and DQB1*03 Alleles are Very Prevalent in Bahraini Families with Both T2DM and T1DM

Objectives: Several investigations in families with both T1DM and T2DM have been reported to elucidate the genetic interaction between T1DM and T2DM and the clinical consequences for both diseases. The frequent occurrence of T1DM in relatives of patients with T2DM has also been previously observed. This study investigated whether the T2DM parent/grandparents share a specific HLA class II-DRB1and DQB1 alleles and their haplotype combination with the T1DM child. Methods: Twenty four Bahraini families with a T1DM child and either parents or grandparents with T2DM and with no family history of T1DM were selected. HLA class II-DRB1 and DQB1 were examined by SSP-PCR method and the distribution was analyzed. Results: In relation to DRB1*, the most common shared allele was DRB1*04:01:01 83% (n=20), while the most common shared DQB1* allele was DQB1*03:02:01 83% (n=20). In addition, the most common shared haplotype was DRB1*04:01:01-DQB1*03:02:01 83% (n=20). Conclusions: The current study showed that DR4 and DQ3 alleles and its haplotype combination are the highest prevalence in the selected Bahraini families with mixed T1DM and T2DM patients. T2DM parents possessing this haplotype are more likely to have a child with T1DM, especially in families with no history of T1DM. The excess transmission of DR4-linked haplotypes from parents with T2DM to offspring with T1DM has been clearly observed in the present study.
Genetic markers provide insight on origins of immature green turtles Chelonia mydas with biased sex ratios at foraging grounds in Sabah, Malaysia

An understanding of population dynamics is needed to assess the viability of migra- tory species. Monitoring of marine turtles at foraging grounds may detect changes in population trends that would take decades to be seen at nesting beaches. Mixed Stock Analysis using molec- ular markers provides a tool for estimating the origin of turtles sampled at foraging grounds. Here, we analysed mitochondrial DNA sequences of 90 immature green turtles at 2 foraging grounds in northwestern Sabah, Malaysia. We used data from 30 Indo-Pacific green turtle rookeries as the baseline for tracing the origin of turtles at the 2 foraging grounds. The inferred origins of turtles at the 2 locations were not different and indicated that the majority originated from 3 major popula- tions in Southeast Asia, the Turtle Islands of Sarawak in northwestern Borneo (29%), the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area (TIHPA) (28%) and Peninsular Malaysia (25%). Previous analy- ses indicated a 1:4 female-biased sex ratio at the foraging grounds, and based on our results, this largely reflects the use of unshaded beach hatcheries at some of the source rookeries for decades, which resulted in mostly female hatchlings. This result is supported by differences in the origins of male and female turtles. The result suggests a greater proportion of males originating from Peninsular Malaysia and fewer males originating from Sarawak and possibly the TIHPA com- pared to females. We discuss the implications of hatchery practices that influence sex ratios of hatchlings and recommend future research to improve the management of marine turtles in the region.
Effects of feeding a live yeast culture on market turkey performance and cooked meat characteristics

Pas de differences zootechniques significatives entre les lots recevant ou non des levures aliments, ni selon le sexe des animaux. On constate cependant une nette diminution de la proportion de tissu adipeux abdominaux chez les femelles recevant des levures vivantes
Factors Influencing the Survival and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on the Surface of Canadian Retail Wieners.

A study of survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes on Canadian retail wieners was undertaken to assess the potential hazard of this product. All-beef, poultry or beef/pork wieners from a total of six processing plants were surface-inoculated with a three-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes , and stored under vacuum at 5°C for up to 28 days. Of a total of 61 samples tested, 40 (65.6%) supported growth of the pathogen. A model was derived for 35 samples with stepwise multiple regression analysis, which used initial pH (pH0), initial lactic acid bacteria counts (LAB0), and LAB after 14 days (LAB14) to explain 48.1% of the variation in the L monocytogenes counts after 14 days. The observed times to 1-log increase in counts for 25 samples in which growth occurred were compared to times predicted by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Pathogen Modelling Program. The latter model, based on storage temperature, and initial pH, nitrite and salt concentrations, explained only 12.4% of the variation in the observed times. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the wiener surface was composed of a dense layer of coagulated protein. This may alter the ability of L. monocytogenes to develop relative to growth conditions in the meat formulation. These results suggest that retail wieners may support growth of L monocytogenes , which could present a health hazard to target groups of consumers if subjected to post-processing contamination. They also suggest that further work is needed to derive adequate models to allow an accurate prediction of the growth of L. monocytogenes on ready-to-eat meat products.