Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed traits and seed bank longevity of wet sclerophyll forest shrubs

In wet sclerophyll forests seedling recruitment either occurs after intermittent fire events or continuously during intervals between fires in gaps created by small-scale disturbances. The dormancy and dispersal characteristics of seeds will influence how plant species exploit these contrasting recruitment opportunities. For example, long-lived seed banks may be crucial for persistence of species that are unable to recruit during intervals between fires if the length of fire intervals exceeds the life span of standing plants (senescence risk). To better understand mechanisms of population persistence during prolonged absence of fire in montane wet sclerophyll forests, we studied seed bank dynamics in four understorey species. We chose two species thought to have fire event-driven recruitment, Banksia integrifolia subsp. monticola (Proteaceae) and Goodia lotifolia (Fabaceae), and two species that are thought to have canopy gap-phase recruitment, Trochocarpa laurina (Ericaceae) and Tasmannia stipitata (Winteraceae). We measured seed rain, seed bank density and used seeds buried in nylon mesh bags to estimate rates of seed decay in the soil over time. All species produced a substantial seed crop on an annual basis. The annual seed crop in three species (G. lotifolia, T. stipitata and T. laurina) was released in a dormant state and developed a persistent seed bank, while one species (B. integrifolia) lacked dormancy and rapidly germinated under laboratory and field conditions. Seed bank characteristics of G. lotifolia appear to promote episodic recruitment after large landscape-scale fires, those of B. integrifolia appear to promote more continuous recruitment in response to smaller fires and other disturbances that avoid widespread mortality of established plants, while seed bank characteristics of T. stipitata and T. laurina may facilitate both episodic and continuous recruitment under respective types of disturbance. The four species appeared to have varied vulnerabilities and mechanisms for reducing immaturity risk and senescence risk to persistence of their populations under recurrent disturbance. Dormancy, seed bank longevity and seed rain are likely to be useful syndromes for predicting the response of wet sclerophyll forest understorey species to changed disturbance regimes.
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Small Berries

The popularity of small berries has rapidly increased in Western countries given their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities and health-promoting properties. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid (FA) profile, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of extracts of 11 berries cultivated in the North West of Italy. Berry samples were extracted and evaluated for FA profile and total anthocyanin (TAC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and for their radical scavenging activities against 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical. The main polyphenols of berry extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-UV-ESI HRMS in positive ion mode. Results showed that the highest TAC and TFC contents were recorded in black currants, blackberries, and blueberries. Maximum and minimum DPPH• radical scavenging activities, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity, and FRAP measurements confirmed the same trend recorded for TAC and TFC values. HPLC-HRMS analyses highlight how blueberries and blackberries have the highest concentration in polyphenols. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, and γ-linolenic acids significantly differ between berries, with oleic and α-linolenic acid representing the most abundant FAs in raspberries. Among the berries investigated, results of phytochemical characterization suggest choosing black currants and blueberries as an excellent source of natural antioxidants for food and health purposes.
Selection potential of different prolificacy traits in the finnish landrace and large white populations

Heritabilities and genetic correlations for different prolificacy traits were estimated to assess possibilities of selection for high number of piglets weaned. Three litter-size traits: total number of piglets born (TNB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), number of piglets weaned (NW); four piglet survival traits: number of stillborn piglets (NSB), percent of stillborn piglets (NSB%), piglet mortality between birth and weaning (PM), percent of dead piglets during suckling (PM%); and three traits measuring time intervals: age at first farrowing (AFF), first farrowing interval (FFI), and gestation length (GL) were analysed. The Finnish national litter recording scheme provided data on the first parity litters of 11 329 Landrace and 8 362 Large White pigs born between 1986 and 2000. The heritabilitiy estimates were moderate for AFF and GL (0.24–0.37), and low for all the other traits (0.03–0.11). The genetic correlations between TNB and PM (0.68 in Landrace and 0.43 in Large White) and between NBA and PM (0.64 in Landrace and 0.31 in Large White) suggest that selection only for high TNB or NBA will lead to increased PM. The results showed further that GL will increase indirectly if the selection pressure is for low PM (r g =−0.050 in Landrace and −0.43 in Large White.
Maintenance of androdioecy in the freshwater clam shrimp Eulimnadia texana: longevity of males relative to hermaphrodites

The clam shrimp Eulimnadia texana exhibits a rare mixed mating system known as androdioecy. In this ephemeral-pond branchiopod crustacean, males coexist with hermaphrodites, which can outcross with males or self-fertilize. We provide an estimate of the longevity of males relative to hermaphrodites (1  σ), an important parameter of a model that was developed to explain the conditions under which this system would be stable. Under both optimal rearing conditions and various sex-ratio treatments, hermaphrodites from two study populations lived significantly longer than males. Since various aspects of mating have been found to be costly to males and females/hermaphrodites in other taxa, we explored this possibility as well. Hermaphrodites showed no differences in longevity when kept in groups provided with different mating opportunities. Males, however, lived significantly longer when mating opportunities were increased, a result contrary to what we had expected. Behavioral observations, however, suggested t.
Phospholipid fatty acid profiles at depositional and non-depositional sites in the North Sea

The distribution of ester-linked phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) in sediments of 12 sampling stations located in the German Bight, Skagerrak/northern Kattegat, Frisian Front, Oyster Ground, eastern North Sea and the Dogger Bank area was studied to compare the in situ microbial community structure of depositional and non-depositional sites. A total of 36 fatty acids in the range of C 12 to C 24 were determined. They consisted of saturated, branched, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and hydroxy fatty acids, and variation was revealed in the relative proportions (mol %) of these fatty acids. The distribution of specific fatty acids was significantly different between depositional and non-depositional sites. Additionally, we could discriminate communities of sites which are intermediate in sedimentation regime. Highest total PLFA content was found at depositional sites. The PLFA profiles of all sites were dominated by bacteria, with highest bacterial contribution to the sedimentary PLFA pool at depositional sites. A high proportion of aerobic prokaryotes (up to 40%) at depositional sites indicated the occurrence of aerobic microniches in the corresponding anoxic sediments. Bacterial groups being a component of the degradation pathways of complex macromolecules (e.g. Cytophaga and Actinomycetes) were found in significant higher abundances at depositional sites compared to the other sites. At depositional sites, sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) (e.g. Desulfobacter spp.) were more abundant compared to the other stations. The relative contribution of microeukaryotes to the sedimentary PLFA pool was significantly higher at depositional sites. A nutritionally limited benthic system at non-depositional sites in the offshore is indicated by a microbial community exposed to higher physiological stress than those of the organically enriched sediments of the depositional sites.
A molecular genetics of Drosera spatulata complex by using of RAPD analysis

RAPD analysis was carried out using to infer the characteristics of RAPD generated DNA fragment and to investigate phylogenetic relationships in three species of D. spatulata complex with different types of genome compositions and ploidy levels. A total of 60 decamer random sequences were initially screened to select using analysis primers. The result of RAPD analysis in the present study showed that D. rotundifolia and D. tokaiensis clustered more closely than D. spatulata. Thus, DNA fragments obtained from RAPD primer might have a priority to amplify certain DNA from the haploid genome set with larger chromosome size than that of smaller size in Drosera spatulata complex species.
Slime mold beetles of the genus Anisotoma (Leiodidae): classification and evolution

Abstract. Leiodid beetles of the genus Anisotoma are redefined and reclassified, based on a cladistic analysis of the world fauna, and evolutionary and biogeographic hypotheses are discussed. Agathidium is the probable sister group of Anisotoma. Anisotoma consists of six monophyletic species groups, involving thirty‐five known species, including thirteen new species: bifoveata, maculata, latustriata, sinuosa, campbelli, exigua, tenuiucida, hidalgoensis, montana, colima, autlanensis, scopula and reticulonota. Speciation may occur at a rapid rate in Anisotoma, between 10 000 and 1 000 000 years. Anisotoma arose in North America, from a hypothetical Holarctic common ancestor of Anisotoma and Agathidium, and spread into Palearctic and Central American regions. Taxonomic history, natural history, and methods are briefly discussed, and the following given where appropriate: synonymies, diagnoses, descriptions, natural histories, distributions, remarks, materials examined, maps, keys to species and species groups, illustrations, and habitus drawings. Lectotypes are designated for Horn, LeConte, Melsheimer and Portevin species as needed. A. obsoleta (Horn) is renamed A. homi due to preoccupation. The Japanese genus Eucyrta Portevin is reduced to a synonym of Anisotoma.
Radiotracking the Numbat, Myrmecobius fasciatus, in the Perup Forest of Western Australia

A population of numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus, exists in the jarrah forest in the Perup Management Priority Area, east of Manjimup, W.A. Radiotracking of four individuals suggests large home ranges; the animal which was radiotracked the longest traversed more than 100 ha. Numbats radiotracked in different seasons displayed different activity and feeding patterns. Termite activity, as determined by weather conditions, may be the main factor influencing numbat activity. The termite species eaten by the numbats are those most common in the forest. The location of areas of concentrated activity within the home range shifted from time to time; the numbats' specialized feeding behaviour may explain this. Numerous hollow logs are used for overnight or daytime shelter. Burrows were used in cold weather. Nests made from finely shredded bark material were found in both logs and burrows. Forest management practices may be modified and used to maintain an area of habitat suitable for the numbat.
Three New Species of Petrocodon (Gesneriaceae), Endemic to the Limestone Areas of Southwest China, and Preliminary Insights into the Diversification Patterns of the Genus

Abstract Three new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon ainsliifolius, Petrocodon lithophilus, Petrocodon viridescens , from limestone areas of Yunnan, China are described and illustrated. Their independent species status is demonstrated in phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast trnLF intron-spacer sequences. The phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships with their congeners are discussed from a morphological point of view. Morphological convergences, particularly of the flower, appear to characterize this calciphilous genus. Preliminary results are based on the material included, phylogenetic relationships inferred, and geographic distributions. The limestone area in Southeast Yunnan and West Guangxi appears as the center of origin and diversification of Petrocodon, with separate range expansions to eastern karst regions.
Comparative efficacy of trash fish versus compounded commercial feeds in cage aquaculture of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (Bloch) and tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) (Forsskål)

Trash fish/low valued fish is still the most commonly used feed in marine cage culture in Asia. Use of trash fish is controversial with regard to the sustainability of the farming practices, and related issues on environmental degradation. In this study, the results of farm based trials on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) to evaluate the efficacies of the use of commercial pellet feed in comparison to trash fish/low valued fish in marine cages in Thailand are presented. In spite of the variations observed in each of the farm sites, the results indicate that the overall growth performances and fish survival rates between the two feed types were similar, for both species. However, better cost-benefit and resource use were recorded for fish reared on trash fish/low valued fish. No significant differences were observed in water quality parameters, dissolved oxygen, transparency and ammonia, between sites where pellet or trash fish were used, inside and outside the cages and for both species. The results of the present study are discussed in the light of the current controversies on the use of trash fish/low valued fish in marine cage culture.
On How an Archosaurian Scale Might Have Given Rise to an Avian Feather

Griffin, D. R. 1952. Bird navigation. Biol. Rev. 27:359-400. Mueller, H. C. 1966. Homing aind distance orientation in bats. Z. Tierpsychol. 23 :403-421. Wilkinson, D. 1952. The random element in bird navigation. J. Exp. Biol. 29:532-560. Williams, T. C. , and J. M. Williams. 1967. Radiotracking of homing bats. Science 155: 1435-1436. Williams, T. C. , J. M. Williams, and D. R. Griffin. 1966. The homing ability of the neotropica~l bat Phyllostomus hastatus, with evidence for visual orientation Anim. Behav. 14:468-473. Wilson, D. E. 1971. Ecology of Myotis nigricans (Manmmalia: Chiroptera) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama Canal Zone. J. Zool. 163:1-13. Wilson, D. E. , and J. S. Findley. 1971. Spermatogenesis in neotropical Myotis. J. Mammal. 52:420-426.
The influence of temperature and fine‐scale resource distribution on resource sharing and domination in an ant community

Abstract 1. In order to coexist in sympatry, subordinate species must somehow obtain resources that dominant taxa may generally control. This study examines the response of an ant community to fine‐scale variation in resource distribution, as a mechanism enabling resource acquisition by subordinates in the presence of dominant taxa. Food (6 g) was portioned as one, eight, or 64 items in a 0.4‐m2 area, centred on nests of Monomorium sydneyense Forel, considered the most dominant ant in the area. This ant is a newly established exotic species in our study site of Tauranga, New Zealand.
Two New Species of Longidoridae (Dorylaimida) From Saudi Arabia

Two new species of Longidoridae are described from poorly growing date palms in Saudi Arabia. Longidorus orientalis n. sp. , found in Dirab and Riyadh, (and also in soil around roots of grapevine in several localities in Iraq) is characterized by round, continuous lip region, bilobed amphids and hemispherical female tail, body length of 4-6 mm and odontostyle length of 96-113 μm. L. taniwha apud About-Eid, 1970 from Egypt is possibly identical with it. Xiphinema phoenicis n. sp. closely resembles X. diversicaudatum (Micoletzky, 1927), but is distinctly more slender ("a" being 83-124 in females, 92-126 in males; in diversicaudatum 67-84 in females, 66-92 in males), the vulva is more posterior (45-51 vs 38-46), the odontophore is shorter relative to the odontostyle, and the females possess a well developed, more compact Z-organ. X. phoenicis was found only at Riyadh, together with numerous specimens of Longidorus africanus Merny, 1966, and a few L. siddiqii Aboul-Eid, 1970 and Xiphinema italiae Meyl, 1953.
Functional Regression and Correlation Analysis

In fisheries, many applications of regression analysis are based on functional relations, but application of predictive regression results in two regression equations. Ricker proposed application of a method developed by Teissier to estimate the geometric mean functional relation when the parameters of a functional relation are of biological significance. Functional regression results in a single equation relating variables as opposed to the two equations that result when predictive regression is applied. The geometric mean functional relation also is given by bivariate normal correlation analysis when the correlation coefficient is 1. Bivariate normal correlation analysis provides a model for functional regression. An equation for variation of observed values about the functional regression line is obtained, and functional regression is compared with predictive regression. If the model assumptions are met, the one equation of functional regression is less precise for prediction than the two equations of .
Damage to surface roots of Eucalyptus marginata trees at sites infested with Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Large surface roots from naturally occurring Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Smith trees at two sites, part of each site being infested by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands, were excavated to determine whether the number and/or size of pathogenic lesions could account for known differences in growth rate. There were no differences in the number of insect galleries, rots, number of phloem lesions or total lesion length per metre root length within different areas of the same site infested or uninfested by P. cinnamomi. Three P. cinnamomi and nine Cryphonectria cubensis (Bruner) Hedges lesions were found on more than 300 m of root length. It was concluded that these lesions are unlikely to result in significant differences in tree growth.
Neuregulin‐Increased Expression of Acetylcholine Receptorε‐Subunit Gene Requires ErbB Interaction with Shc

Abstract : Selective transcription of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunit genes by neuregulin is one of the mechanisms involved in the synaptic localization of AChRs to the neuromuscular junction. Neuregulin stimulates ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases and subsequently activates the Ras/ERK pathway, which is required for neuregulin‐mediated induction of AChR subunit genes in muscle cells and synapse‐specific expression in vivo. Here we investigated the neuregulin transduction mechanism that leads to ERK activation after ErbB receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. Neuregulin increases the association of the adaptor proteins Grb2 and Shc with both ErbB2 and ErbB3 in C2C12 muscle cells. Dephosphorylation of the tyrosine‐phosphorylated ErbB proteins abolished their association with both Grb2 and Shc, suggesting a tyrosine phosphorylation‐dependent interaction. The interaction of Shc with the ErbB receptors is mediated by Shc's phosphotyrosine‐binding domain. In addition, neuregulin increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc. Mutagenesis approaches demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc is required for neuregulin induction of AChR subunit gene expression. Taken together, these data indicate that the interaction of ErbB receptors with Grb2 alone is insufficient for neuregulin‐activated transcription, but that ErbB receptor signaling via Shc is necessary and important.
EFFECT OF DEFOLIATION ON KERNEL DEVELOPMENT IN MAIZE

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of leaf removal on kernel dry matter accumulation, kernel moisture content, and rate of black layer formation in kernels, in relation to changes in soluble-solid content of the stem of maize (Zea mays L.). In 1970, defoliation was begun at mid-silking and continued at 2-wk intervals until 6 wk after mid-silking. The treatments consisted of (1) no leaf removal, (2) 50% of leaf blades removed, and (3) all leaf blades removed. In 1971, a treatment with complete leaf removal at 1 wk after mid-silking was added. Kernel number was greatly affected by the treatments during the first 2 wk after mid-silking, whereas later defoliation affected mainly kernel weight. Soluble-solid content in the stem declined rapidly after leaf removal, indicating an accelerated utilization of soluble carbohydrates from the stem for grain growth. Maturity, expressed as both kernel-moisture content and rate of black layer formation, was affected significantly by the defoliation treatments.
Expanding Distribution and Evolutionary Potential of Thymelicus lineola (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), an Introduced Skipper, With Special Reference to its Appearance in British Columbia

Abstract Thymelicus lineola, a univoltine grass-eating skipper introduced into southern Ontario from the Palearctic prior to 1910, is spreading rapidly and extensively in North America, moving outward in all directions from its origin. Its present distribution (doubtless inadequately known) includes parts of Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut; Edmundston, New Brunswick; all of southern Ontario northeast to Ottawa, plus Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Fort William; and Terrace, British Columbia. (The last record may stem from an independent introduction from Eurasia.) Dispersal and colonization are probably much aided (unwittingly) by man. Range expansion often seems to involve a sequence of events (associated with founding of initially small colonies that rather quickly reach high population densities) that may promote rapid evolutionary differentiation of populations.
Biomineralization of Fungal Hyphae with Calcite (CaCO3) and Calcium Oxalate Mono- and Dihydrate in Carboniferous Limestone Microcosms

The formation of biogenic fabrics in limestone by two fungi, Serpula himantioides and a polymorphic fungal isolate from limestone identified as a Cephalotrichum (syn. Doratomyces) sp. , was investigated. The fungal cultures were grown in laboratory microcosms consisting of Carboniferous limestone and after 21 d incubation at 25°C, biomineralization of fungal filaments was observed. Environmental electron scanning microscopy (ESEM) and X-ray micro-analysis (EDXA) of crystalline precipitates on the hyphae of S. himantioides demonstrated that the secondary crystals exhibited different crystalline forms but were similar in elemental composition to the original limestone. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) of crystalline precipitates showed they were composed of a mixture of calcite (CaCO 3 ) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC 2 O 4 · H 2 O). Analysis of crystals precipitated on the hyphae of the limestone isolate, using ESEM and EDXA, showed that the crystals exhibited similar morphological characteristics and elemental composition to the original limestone. XRD showed that they were composed solely of calcite (CaCO 3 ) or of calcite with some calcium oxalate dihydrate (CaC 2 O 4 · 2H 2 O). These results provide direct experimental evidence for the precipitation of calcite (CaCO 3 ) and also secondary mycogenic minerals, on fungal hyphae in low nutrient calcareous environments, and suggest that fungi may play a wider role in the biogeochemical carbon cycle than has previously been appreciated.