Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upper Carboniferous seed fern (Pteridospermophyta) pollen organs from Silesia (Poland) and related evolution considerations

Extinct seed ferns (Pteridospermophyta) fill a key position in the evolutionary tree of seed plants. Their reproductive structures enable to recognition of the interrelationship within seed ferns and other seed plants descending from them. Seed fern reproductive structures from Poland are very rarely found and very poorly known, especially the pollen organs to which this paper is dedicated. A new genus and species Silesiatheca formosa Pacyna & Zdebska, gen. et sp. nov. of lyginopteridalean aggregated synangia was recognized based on specimens preserved within sideritic nodules from Sosnowiec. The genus Codonotheca is recognized from European Carboniferous for the first time. The least evolutionarily advanced species of Codonotheca − Codonotheca silesiaca Pacyna & Zdebska sp. nov., is described based on specimens with weakly expressed radial symmetry and slight fusion of the sporangia. this species matches the hitherto hypothetical simplest species of Codonotheca very well, constituting the initial form for all the more compound pollen organs of Medullosales. For the first time in the European Carboniferous the North American species Aulacotheca campbellii (White, 1900) Halle, 1933 is recognized. A new emended diagnosis for the typical species Boulayatheca fertilis (Kidston, 1914) Taylor & Kurmann, 1985 is proposed, based on specimens from Poland. Two new species of genus Boulayatheca Taylor & Kurmann, 1985 are recognized. Boulayatheca ciliata Pacyna & Zdebska, sp. nov. with a synangium surface covered with hairs (a feature hitherto unknown in the Boulayatheca genus) and Boulayatheca saganii Pacyna & Zdebska, sp. nov . with a markedly elongated synangium. Occurrence of Whittleseya Newberry, 1853a emend. Halle, 1933 typical species − Whittleseya elegans Newberry, 1853a was confirmed in Lower Silesia based on new specimens. Some specimens referred to earlier in the literature as W. elegans were ascribed here to the new species W. silesiaca Pacyna & Zdebska, sp. nov . , which differs from typical species in synangium shape and sporangia clustering into groups. The new species Whittleseya campanulata Pacyna & Zdebska, sp. nov . has a large synangium and sporangia clustering into groups. Heterogeneity within the genus Whittleseya is recognized, where some species, including those new described here, probably formed compound synangia. The aggregated synangia of Medullosales are recognized in thecompression state of preservation for the first time they are the base for establishing a new genus and species Kotasotheca annaeadamii Pacyna & Zdebska, gen. et sp. nov. The genus Dolerotheca Halle, 1933 was recognized in the Polish Carboniferous for the first time and a new species Dolerotheca migierii Pacyna & Zdebska, sp. nov. was described. T.N. Taylor’s model of evolution of medullosalean pollen organs was confirmed, and the new taxa described were included within it.
Spawning synchrony and aggregative behaviour of cold-water echinoderms during multi-species mass spawnings

Although many marine invertebrates reproduce by releasing gametes into the water, major spawning events have rarely been observed for cold-water invertebrates. We documented mass spawnings by the sea star Asterias vulgaris and the ophiuroid Ophiopholis aculeata on 6 July 1996 and 2 July 1998, and by these 2 species plus a second ophiuroid Ophiura robusta and the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis on 3 July 2003. In each year, the abrupt spawning events coincided with the first major intrusion of warm surface water into a region normally dominated by cold upwelling. The behaviours of the ophiuroids and sea stars favoured fertilization success. First, they spawned from elevated surfaces, with the central disc raised, to increase suspension and mixing of gametes. Second, many individuals pseudocopulated, which involved crawling over one another in the case of the sea star, and individuals holding their central discs together in the case of the 2 ophi- uroids. Models of fertilization success need to incorporate such behaviours to better understand fertilization in the sea.
Vegetational history of Carbury Bog (Co. Kildare, Ireland) during the last 850 years and a test of the temperature indicator value of 2H/1H measurements of peat samples in relation to historical sources and meteorological data

SUMMARY A palynological study of contiguous samples of the upper 128 cm of Carbury Bog, Co. Kildare, Ireland, showed details of the fluctuating human impact on the vegetation during the last c. 850 years. During the period of c. 1130–1440 A.D. the landscape around Carbury Bog was still dominated by forest. During the second half of the 15th century there was a considerable reduction of the forested area, reflected in the pollen diagram. The commercial exploitation of the forest during the 17th century resulted in almost complete deforestation. The pollen records for the 18th century vegetation show a rise in the curves of Pinus, Fraxinus and Fagus as a consequence of planting of these trees. Apart from pollen many other palynomorphs (‘Types’, a.o. fungal spores and rhizopods) were recorded. The spectrum of Types appeared to be comparable with the Type spectrum of continental raised bogs. The results of the macrofossil analysis in combination with the indicator values of some Types were used in a detailed reconstruction of the local vegetation succession and the changes in hydrological and trophic conditions. The disappearance of Sphagnum imbricatum during the late medieval period possibly was caused by the increased influx of dust, as a consequence of man's impact on the environment around the bog. The recent importance of S. magellanicum as a peat forming species is possibly the effect of an increased atmospheric deposition of nitrate. Parallel to the analysis of micro- and macrofossils a sample series from the same monolith was analysed for the ratio of the stable isotopes 2H and 1H. Theoretically the 2H/1H ratio in cellulose of peat-forming plants should be indicative for palaeotemperatures, but, apart from a temperature dependent signal, this ratio is also strongly related to specific characteristics in the isotopic behaviour of different peat forming species. The overall fractionation is a complex function of climatic and plant-physiological parameters. In the present study the results of the 2H/1H measurements were compared with Lamb's palaeoclimatic data derived from historical sources and meteorology. The 2H/1H ratios of Carbury Bog appeared to be negatively correlated with the medieval climatic optimum, the Little Ice Age and the subsequent phase of warming climate. There is an obvious relationship between the 2H/1H ratio and the local succession of peat forming taxa and, as a consequence, with strictly local hydrological and trophic conditions. The present study shows that a climatic signal in the 2H/1H ratio of peat samples is completely dominated by the direct effects of the spectrum of plants. In addition, the variation in the duration of the growing season in different climatic periods may have had a considerable influence on the 2H/1H ratio of the peat-forming plants.
Phylogeny of two tetraploid Hordeum species, H. secalinum and H. capense inferred from physical mapping of 5S and 18S-25S rDNA

We previously showed that H. secalinum and H. capense are allotetraploids carrying the Xa genome of H. marinum and the I genome of an unidentified diploid species. In this study, intraspecific variation in each tetraploid species was investigated with regard to intergenomic translocations and chromosomal distribution of rDNA sites. Genomic in situ hybridization revealed that three H. secalinum accessions examined did not carry intergenomic translocations, but that two of three H. capsense accessions analyzed carried a pair of intergenomic translocations. Multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that H. secalinum included two types of rDNA pattern differing in the presence or absence of an extra 5S rDNA site in a submetacentric chromosome pair of the Xa-genome origin. The extra 5S rDNA site was found in all H. capense accessions examined. This 5S rDNA site is characteristic of H. marinum ssp. gussoneanum, but is absent in ssp. marinum. Polymorphisms in the 5S rDNA site infer that H. secalinum included two types, one having ssp. gussoneanum 2x and the other having ssp. marinum, as the Xa-genome donor. We conclude that H. capense originated from a limited number of H. secalinum accessions introduced probably through migrating birds to South Africa.
Hardwood Snag Fragmentation in a Pine-oak Forest of Southeastern Arkansas

AssTR.KT. -Because snags are important to forest wildlife as breeding, roosting and foraging sites, resource managers who wish to maintain this component in forest stands need to be aware of snag fragmentation rates. Measurements were taken in uneven-aged pinehardwood stands in southeastern Arkansas to determine fragmentation rates for hardwood snags 2 to 6 yr after stem injection with herbicides. Crown and bole condition of snags were also assessed. Pinus echinata Mill. and E! taeda L. were the dominant overstory components and were undisturbed. Q~ercus spp. accounted for 91% of hardwoods >25 cm dbh. Since small diameter snags deteriorated first, snag diameter distributions changed from unevensized to even-sized structure as time since mortality increased. Within 3 yr of injection, 57% of snag boles had broken below crown height. Number of wildlife cavities per snag increased with time since mortality. At 6 yr after injection, 44% of residual snags had evidence of wildlife cavities. Less than 50% of hardwoods <25 cm dbh were still standing 5 yr after herbicide injection.
DNA markers for eating quality of indica rice in Indonesia

Rice eating quality is considered to be one of the top priorities in determining the agronomical value of rice; thus, the rapid evaluation of eating quality at early breeding generations in breeding programmes for better eating quality is of great importance. In an attempt to develop DNA markers associated with eating quality of indica rice, we used multiple regression analysis to test 54 markers, which were preselected for their possible association with eating quality, using 24 indica varieties with different palatability scores. Of these markers, eighteen markers were found to be significantly associated with palatability according to sensory evaluation. Accordingly, a marker set in the model regression equation with a high R2 (0.997) was formulated to estimate indica rice palatability. Validation suggests that markers and the statistical parameters formulated by the equation could be a potential tool to predict the palatability of cooked Indonesian indica rice and could be reliable in developing country-dependent model equations for eating quality.
Diversity and abundance of litter frogs at altitudinal sites at Serra do Japi, southeastern Brazil

It was sampled the litter frogs at altitudinal sites of a semideciduous mesophytic forest located at Sena do Japi (Jundiai, Sao Paulo, 23o17'S, 47o00'W, 800-1300m altitude, 1500mm rain/year). Forty two plots of 8x8m were sampled in the dry/cold season of 1995: 21 at a Higher Site (HS) (1000m) and 21 at a Lower Site (LS) (850m). The plots were evenly located near, mid-distance, and far from the stream-bed. It was found a total of five species, three at each site. Eleutherodactylus guentheri comprised 83% of the individuals at HS and E. juipoca 67% at LS. The density of individuals was higher at HS and near the stream. The greater density at HS may be due to greater humidity there, provided by mist. The frogs may aggregate in wetter places (stream edges) in the dry/cold season. The studied sites represent harsh and early successional environments and both these factors may be acting together to produce the low observed diversity.
Spatial patterns of the Chaco vegetation of central Argentina: Integration of remote sensing and phytosociology

Abstract In this study we report the first application of Landsat TM imagery to Chaco vegetation studies at a regional scale in Argentina. We produced a map showing 13 clearly differentiated land-cover types, and described the composition and structure of the plant communities, in an area of almost 40 000 km2 in central Argentina. The land-cover map obtained shows that the Chaco vegetation in central Argentina is highly disturbed. In the lowland part of the area the dominant land-cover types are largely cultural landscapes and substitute shrublands, which have displaced the original Chaco forests, leaving only small isolated remnants generally confined to sites with some kind of constrain for agriculture. The use of TM images and the multivariate analysis of phytosociological data showed a qualified, high accuracy mapping capability for land-cover types in the Chaco region (ca. 85% overall accuracy). Our results highlight the utility of TM and field data in a subtropical to warm-temperate region, which is promising where other ancillary data are not available and a rapid acquisition of reliable vegetation data is required, so constituting a starting point for an imperative and more extensive classification and mapping of the endangered Chaco region. Nomenclature: Zuloaga et al. (1994); Zuloaga & Morrone (1996, 1999). Abbreviations: AVHRR = Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer; MSS = Multi Spectral Scanner; TM = Thematic Mapper.
Single Cellular Algae Digestive Supplement Designed by Yeast & Lactobacillus Rearranged Leukocyte Subsets through Activation of Complement Components

A plant fermentation was carried out by Yeast and Lactobacilli against single cellular algae (f-Chlorella). These materials were proved by as safe in animal safety experiment. We sought to look into changes of immune-competent cells that commonly utilized f-Chlorella including after administration of immno-suppressed animals. The effects by f-Chlorella on the regurational effect to the host were measured. Our results showed that f-Chlorella regulated the level of lymphocytes, while conventional-Chlorella worked to adjust the level of granulocytes. In our clinical study with 20 healthy volunteers, granulocyte and lymphocyte ratio was obtained as neutral in the peripheral blood. In rodents, immune-compromised host as well as normal animal were prepared with cancer chemotherapeutic agent (Mytomycin-C), and then tried to rescue the immune-competent rebel. Our observations showed that both Chlorella derivatives regulated in number and functions. The effect was more prominent in f-Chlorella than that of conventional one. We discussed the significance and mechanism of f-Chlorella on the level of leukocyte subsets in number and function. These effects were considered to bring the potential elevation of antibody secreting cell by the localized heamolysis in gel method. We also proposed an idea that exhibited tonic effects were brought via activating the complement components in the serum. Moreover, we tried to access further to the anti-oxidative activities of this f-Chlorella. This modification brought to the significant lifted up for immune competent cells and anti-oxidative activity for phagocytic cells.
Influence of Rifampicin on Testosterone Metabolism in the Rat Prostate

The effect of rifampicin on the metabolism of testosterone in the prostate was studied in rats. Prostate weights were significantly higher than in controls (p < .001). Treated rats showed an increased number of acini and glandular hyperplasia with protein hypersecretion. The conversion of testosterone into androstanediol was significantly higher in animals treated with rifampicin (p < .001).
Influence of conjugated linoleic acids on body composition and selected serum and endocrine parameters in resistance‐trained athletes

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are believed to influence body composition, blood lipids and certain endocrine parameters in animals and humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a six months dietary supplementation of 7 g CLA-oil (containing 54% CLA) daily in two groups of male and female resistance-trained athletes who were at a different training stage. The volunteers were matched according to their previous training: 7 beginners (3♀/4♂) and 7 advanced athletes (2♀/5♂). During the intervention period they performed a standardized training routine three times per week. Blood samples were taken and body mass index, body composition (bioelectrical impedance assessment) and nutrient intake (7-day food record) were recorded at baseline as well as during and following dietary supplementation Results: Serum lipid concentrations, serum leptin, soluble leptin receptor and IGF-I levels or body composition were similar in the two categories of athletes after CLA supplementation. However, despite a higher energy intake, a significant reduction of body fat (P <0.05) was observed and both groups tended to increase their body cell mass (not significant). Total body water increased in the novice athletes (P <0.05). Furthermore, total cholesterol (P = 0.049) increased over baseline levels in the novice athletes. These levels remained within the physiological range. In all athletes there was a significant correlation between percentage body fat and leptin (baseline: r2 = 0.46, P = 0.01, CLA: r2 = 0.49, P = 0.011), as well as between fat mass and serum leptin levels (baseline: r2 = 0.35, P = 0.033, CLA: r2 = 0.60, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Over a period of six months no differences were observed in the effects of a commercial CLA-triacylglyceride (54% CLA, 7g/d) on selected endocrine parameters, blood lipids, food intake and body composition between advanced and novice resistance-trained athletes who take part in a regular training program.
ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF A POPULATION OF ORCHIS SIMIA LAMK. IN THE NETHERLANDS, 1972 TO 1981

Summary Observations in chalk grassland in South Limburg, Netherlands, were made over a 10-year period on the development of a population of Orchis simia which probably originated from a single individual. The original plant (‘mother plant’) flowered for 10 successive years and, in years when the inflorescence was not damaged by grazing animals, produced viable seed. The species is clearly self-compatible. Juvenile plants with only one or two narrow leaves were found for the first time 4 years after the mother plant had flowered. Thereafter, recruitment to the population occurred annually, but the number of new plants in any one year was low (5 to 13). Some juvenile plants flowered 3 years after appearing above ground, while others have still to flower after 6 years above ground. Only those plants which had developed four or five leaves in the rosette with a minimum leaf area of more than 60 cm2 flowered. The height of the flowering stem and number of flowers on the inflorescence at the mother plant varied considerably from year to year but in every year it was more vigorous than the juvenile plants. New plants were also developed by vegetative means, but this method of reproduction is considered to be unimportant compared with spread by means of seeds.
The effect of time of sowing on the grain yield of irrigated wheat in the Namoi Valley, New South Wales

The effect of time of sowing on the yield of 15 wheat cultivars grown under irrigation was examined at Narrabri, N.S. W. Sowing dates, which ranged from mid-April to mid-August, encompassed the period of sowing normally found with commercial crops. The length of the pre-anthesis period was affected by both temperature and photoperiod. There was evidence of a vernalization requirement for some of the winter and midseason cultivars, but, overall, photoperiod was the more important environmental factor determining pre-anthesis development. Each day's delay in sowing caused a delay of between 0.48 and 0.75 days in anthesis; the delays observed for spring wheats were generally greater than those reported for dryland wheat in eastern Australia. Winter cultivars generally did not show an optimum sowing or anthesis date. For spring cultivars, the optimum time of sowing was early June (range of about 3 weeks), while the optimum anthesis date was the last week of September (range of 1 week). Grain yields of spring cultivars were reduced by 6 and 16% per week's delay in sowing and anthesis respectively. Despite a non-limiting water supply, yields at late plantings were low, which was largely the result of hastened crop development and high temperatures during grain-filling. The environmental factors which determined the optimum sowing and anthesis dates were the incidence of early spring frosts and high spring temperatures. If frosts were not a factor at Narrabri, the optimum time of flowering would be 6-8 weeks earlier than the present optimum.
GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR LAMB BIRTH WEIGHT IN SPRING AND AUTUMN LAMBING

Genetic parameters for birth weight were estimated for two sets of spring-born and one set of autumn-born lambs of the same breed composition and genetic origin using a model that included random additive, additive maternal, permanent environmental maternal, litter and residual effects. Litter effects were significant for all data sets, indicating that within-year effects of common environment and (or) non-additive genotype were important for birth weight and should be included in genetic evaluation programmes. Estimates of variance components for autumn-born lambs differed significantly from those obtained from spring-born lambs or from the combined data. In contrast, estimates obtained for the two sets of spring-born lambs did not differ from those obtained when data on all spring-born lambs were pooled. The estimate of h2 for birth weight in spring-born lambs was over twice as large as that obtained for autumn-born lambs (0·26 v. 0·22). In contrast, the across-year repeatability of ewe effects was much larger in autumn lambs (0·41 v. 0·26) as was the full-sib littermate correlation (0·73 v. 0·49). Mean birth weights were also 0·4 to 0·6 kg less in autumn lambs. These results suggest that negative effects on birth weight that have been reported for lambs gestated during summer in equatorial and subtropical regions are also manifested (albeit at reduced levels) in less extreme climates (in this case, 37°, 15' N latitude and 654 m elevation) and that maternal variation exists in the ability of the ewe to maintain adequate lamb birth weights in autumn lambing systems.
Patterns of translocation of carbon in four common moss species in a black spruce (Piceamariana) dominated forest in interior Alaska

The patterns of translocation of carbon in different-age tissues of four common moss species in a black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) dominated forest near Fairbanks, Alaska, were studied by 14C labelling and carbohydrate analysis. A simple, in-vial combustion technique was developed for combustion of small (< 10 mg) radioactively labelled samples of plant tissue. The method was used to measure specific activity of 14C in moss tissue 2 h and 5, 15, and 25 days after labelling with 14CO2 gas in sealed chambers. The procedure was repeated three times during the summer. Patterns of 14C translocation varied by species; Polytrichumcommune Hedw. retained the most label after 2 h and Sphagnumsubsecundum Nees. the least. Polytrichumcommune had the second-highest fraction of 14C in brown tissue after 35 days and S. subsecundum the highest. Hylocomiumsplendens (Hedw.) B.S.G. and Pleuroziumschreberi (Brid.) Mitt, did not show consistent patterns of translocation 2 h or 35 days after labelling. 14C was found t.