Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rooting depths, lateral root spreads and below‐ground/above‐ground allometries of plants in water‐limited ecosystems

1 In water‐limited environments, the availability of water and nutrients to plants depends on environmental conditions, sizes and shapes of their root systems, and root competition. The goal of this study was to predict root system sizes and shapes for different plant growth forms using data on above‐ground plant sizes, climate and soil texture. 2 A new data set of > 1300 records of root system sizes for individual plants was collected from the literature for deserts, scrublands, grasslands and savannas with ≤ 1000 mm mean annual precipitation (MAP). Maximum rooting depths, maximum lateral root spreads and their ratios were measured. 3 Root system sizes differed among growth forms and increased with above‐ground size: annuals < perennial forbs = grasses < semi‐shrubs < shrubs < trees. Stem succulents were as shallowly rooted as annuals but had lateral root spreads similar to shrubs. 4 Absolute rooting depths increased with MAP in all growth forms except shrubs and trees, but were not strongly related to potential evapotranspiration (PET). Except in trees, root systems tended to be shallower and wider in dry and hot climates and deeper and narrower in cold and wet climates. Shrubs were more shallowly rooted under climates with summer than winter precipitation regimes. 5 Relative to above‐ground plant sizes, root system sizes decreased with increasing PET for all growth forms, but decreased with increasing MAP only for herbaceous plants. Thus relative rooting depths tended to increase with aridity, although absolute rooting depths decreased with aridity. 6 Using an independent data set of 20 test locations, rooting depths were predicted from MAP using regression models for three broad growth forms. The models succeeded in explaining 62% of the observed variance in median rooting depths. 7 Based on the data analysed here, Walter’s two‐layer model of soil depth partitioning between woody and herbaceous plants appears to be most appropriate in drier regimes (< 500 mm MAP) and in systems with substantial winter precipitation.
Antioxidant activity of the mycelium of 21 wild mushroom species

In this study, the antioxidant activity of mycelia from 21 wild mushrooms – Agaricus bresadolanus, Auricularia auricula-judae, Chroogomphus rutilus, Fomes fomentarius, Ganoderma lucidum, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Gymnopus dryophilus, Infundibulicybe geotropa, Inocybe flocculosa var. crocifolia, Inocybe catalaunica, Lentinula edodes, Lentinus sajor-caju, Lycoperdon excipuliforme, Macrolepiota excoriata, Morchella esculenta var. rigida, Morchella intermedia, Omphalotus olearius, Pleurotus djamor, Postia stiptica, Rhizopogon roseolus and Stropharia inuncta – were investigated. Antioxidant properties of ethanol, chloroform and water extracts of these 21 mycelia were studied by two methods: free radical scavenging (DPPH) and the scavenging activity of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS.+). Among the 21 mushroom extracts, Omphalotus olearius displayed the most potent antioxidant activity. The study has shown that these wild macrofungi have potential as natural antioxidants.
Bothriocephalus scorpii [Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea] in turbot and brill from british coastal waters

Three hundred and thirty-one turbot and 350 brill of varying ages were examined for infection with the tapeworm Bothriocephalus scorpii (Müller, 1776). This survey showed that: (i) turbot and brill acquired infections of B. scorpii before they were 1 year old; (ii) all the adult turbot were infected with B. scorpii, often heavily, whereas only half the adult brill were infected and then only slightly; (iii) differences in the structure of the gut mucosa could account for the strong attachment of the scoleces in turbot compared with the loose attachment in brill.
Seed-size effects on lentil (Lens culinaris) yield potential and adaptation to temperature and rainfall in West Asia

SUMMARY Among lentil-growing regions, it is only in West Asia that both large-seeded, yellow cotyledon and small-seeded, red cotyledon lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) are grown by farmers. This study examined the adaptation to temperature and rainfall of the two seed-size groups in West Asia; first in germplasm evaluated in Syria in the 1978/79 and 1979/80 seasons and assessed for cold susceptibility in Turkey in the 1979/80 season, and second in breeding lines over the decade 1984–93 at three sites in West Asia. Large-seeded material consistently had a longer reproductive growth period than the small-seeded group by 2·8 days, an extended period being required to fill its greater seed mass per pod. In the breeding material, the large-seeded group consistently produced taller plants and more straw than the smaller seeded-group. Germplasm with large seeds was less susceptible to winter cold than that with small seeds. Additionally, in the breeding material there was an advantage in seed yield of the largeseeded group over the small seeds in average temperatures < 10 °C from January to April, with the converse true at higher temperatures. In the breeding material, the large-seeded group showed an advantage in seed yield over their small-seeded counterparts at the two wetter sites, whereas the smallseeded group was better adapted to dry environments. Based on this adaptation, the potential of some regions currently growing exclusively large-seeded lentil for producing the other seed type is emphasised.
Impacto da fertilização nitrogenada sobre características agronômicas de híbridos de milho lançados em diferentes décadas

Genetic selection of maize hybrids is often conducted using high N rates during the breeding cycle. This procedure may either lead to the release of genotypes that present nitrogen luxury consumption or require a stronger N input to accomplish their yield potential. This work was carried out to evaluate the effects of N rates on grain yield and N use efficiency of hybrids cultivated in different decades in Southern Brazil. The trial was performed in Lages, Santa Catarina State. A split plot design was used. Hybrids Ag 12, Ag 28, Ag 303 and Ag 9012, released during the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's, respectively, were evaluated in the main plots. Nitrogen rates equivalent to 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1 were side-dressed in the split-plots when each hybrid had six fully expanded leaves. Modern-day hybrid Ag 9012 had higher grain yield than hybrids of earlier eras, regardless of N rates. Under high doses of N, the older hybrids Ag 12 and Ag 28 took up more N and presented higher values of shoot dry matter at flowering than Ag 9012. Nonetheless, they set less grains per ear which contributed to decrease their grain yield and N use efficiency.
Size Variation and Aggression among Male Xylocopa virginica (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at a Nesting Site in Central Oklahoma

Abstract We studied aggression and size variation among males in the carpenter bee Xylocopa virginica (L.) at a nesting site in Central Oklahoma. Male size (estimated by head capsule width), male–male and male–female interactions as well as male site fidelity were recorded at three locations: 1) in the immediate vicinity of the nesting site, 2) at the periphery of the same nesting site and 3) at milkweed flowers (a nectar source) in an adjacent pasture. Nesting site males displayed significantly higher levels of aggression than males at the other two locations. These males were also significantly larger than those at flowers in the pasture while males at the nesting site periphery were intermediate in both size and intrasexual aggression among the three male categories. Male–female interactions (chases and contacts) occurred most frequently closest to the nesting site, but not significantly so relative to males in the nesting site periphery. We also found evidence that some males remain faithful to territories near the nesting site. Unlike the other two locations, no male–male or male–female interactions were observed at the flower site during one-minute focal observation periods. In contrast with several Neotropical Xylocopa species described in the literature, our study indicates that male X. virginica practice female and/or resource polygyny.
Wading a lost southern connection: Miocene fossils from New Zealand reveal a new lineage of shorebirds (Charadriiformes) linking Gondwanan avifaunas

An endemic and previously unknown lineage of shorebirds (Charadriiformes: Scolopaci) is described from early Miocene (19–16 Ma) deposits of New Zealand. Hakawai melvillei gen. et sp. nov. represents the first pre-Quaternary record of the clade in New Zealand and offers the earliest evidence of Australasian breeding for any member of the Scolopaci. Hakawai melvillei was a representative of the clade that comprises the South American seedsnipes (Thinocoridae) and the Australian Plains-wanderer (Pedionomidae), and presumed derived features of its postcranial skeleton indicate a sister taxon relationship to Australian pedionomids. Our findings reinforce that terrestrial adaptations in seedsnipes and the Plains-wanderer are convergent as previously proposed, and support an ancestral wading ecology for the clade. Although vicariance events may have contributed to the split between pedionomids and H. melvillei, the proposed sister taxon relationship between these taxa indicates that the split of this lineage from thinocorids must have occurred independently from Australia and Zealandia's separation from the rest of Gondwana. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FD3E50A9-EE95-4660-880A-A60B0DE2CEF4
Spatial patterns and habitat associations of Fagaceae in a hill dipterocarp forest in Ulu Gadut, West Sumatra

Abstract: Spatial distribution patterns and habitat associations of Fagaceae species in a Fagaceae-codominated hill forest in Sumatra were investigated. Ten Fagaceae species believed to be zoochorous (animal-dispersed seed) and five codominant canopy and emergent anemochorous (wind-dispersed seed) species from Anacardiaceae and Dipterocarpaceae were studied. Five Fagaceae species and all codominant anemochorous species were significantly aggregated while the other five Fagaceae species showed a random distribution pattern. The median distance of small saplings from the nearest reproductively mature tree tended to be shorter for aggregated species than spatially random species. This implied that some Fagaceae species dispersed over longer distances than anemochorous species. Relationships between four habitat variables and distribution of the target species were examined with torus-translation tests. Three Quercus and one Lithocarpus species showed positive habitat associations. Two Quercus species aggregated at the preferred habitat, but the others were randomly distributed. Thus tree species with specific habitat preference do not only aggregate at the preferred habitat. The three ridge-specialist Quercus species showed gradual changes in habitat association, which could reflect avoidance of competition among the species. Most of the Lithocarpus species showed little correlation with habitat variables. Coexistence of the three Quercus species partly reflected subtle differences in topographical preferences. Distribution of five of the six Lithocarpus species was unrelated to topography, so other mechanisms must be sought to account for the maintenance of coexistence in this species-rich genus.
Laboratory measurements of angular distributions of light scattered by phytoplankton and silt

We present laboratory measurements of scattering properties of 15 different types of coastal and inland water phytoplankton species and two types of estuarine sediments. These properties are the scattering function as well as the angular distribution of a ratio of scattering matrix elements, which in practice equals the degree of linear polarization of the scattered light if the incident light is unpolarized. Laser light with a wavelength of 633 nm was used, and a scattering angle range from 20° to 60° was covered. The results can be used in the context of water quality studies and to test results of theoretical models. The measured scattering functions are all strongly peaked in forward directions, but not equally so. For the covered angles, they vary significantly as a function of scattering angle. The measured angular distributions of the degree of linear polarization are mostly bell shaped, showing a maximum near 90°, whose magnitude is clearly different for the phytoplankton compared to the silt particles. We find that the morphology and structural features of the particles studied play an important and complex role in their light‐scattering behavior. In particular, internal cell structures such as gas vacuoles alter the scattering patterns of the phytoplankton species considerably. The external shape of the cells appears to have a much smaller influence. The experimental results are compared with results of Mie calculations and with the “standard scattering function” of San Diego Harbor water. In most cases, Mie calculations cannot provide an adequate approximation of the measured scattering behavior, which indicates that more sophisticated models are required. Only 3 of the 17 measured scattering functions resemble the San Diego Harbor standard scattering function. One of these pertains to small silt particles, showing that this function is representative for water dominated by these particles.
DESCRIPTION OF IMMATURE STAGES OF ALAGOASA JANUARIA BECHYNÉ (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Abstract The immature stages of the flea beetle Alagoasa januaria Bechyné (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) are described and illustrated. Terminal addition of setae in later instars is present. The life history of Alagoasa januaria is discussed. Alagoasa januaria feed on Stachytarpheta cayennesis (Rich.) Vahl (Verbenaceae). Differences between these and other known Oedionychina immatures are discussed. Resumen. —Se describen e ilustran las fases inmaduras (huevo, larva y pupa) del escarabajo Alagoasa januaria Bechyné (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae). En el segundo estadio larval aparecen cerdas. Se discute la historia natural del Alagoasa januaria. El Alagoasa januaria se alimenta de Stachytarpheta cayennesis (Rich.) Vahl (Verbenaceae). Se discuten las diferencias entre el Alagoasa januaria y otros Oedionychina inmaduros conocidos.
NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY AND STATUS OF SOME FOREST MAMMALS IN FOUR EASTERN ARC MOUNTAINS, TANZANIA

ABSTRACT From 1993 to 2000, observations were made of small to medium-sized mammals in seven poorly known submontane forest reserves and one village forest in the North Pare, South Pare, East Usambara and Nguu Mountains, Tanzania. Of 26 species recorded, three are Red-Listed as Threatened (Endangered: Zanj elephant shrew Rhynchocyon petersi; Vulnerable: red-bellied coast squirrel Paraxerus palliatus, and eastern tree hyrax Dendrohyrax validus) and five as Lower Risk (two dwarf galagos Galagoides spp., African buffalo Syncerus caffer, suni Neotragus moschatus, and Harvey's duiker Cephalophus harveyi). Most of our mammal records represent new distributions in the Eastern Arc Mountains, and one record of an unidentified squirrel in the Nguu Mountains is of conservation interest. Together with timber removal and cultivation, hunting appears to threaten the survival of mammals in these forests. There is an urgent need to establish long-term conservation programmes in these forests and more thorough surveys of mammals are necessary.
Revision of the Malesian and Thai species of Sauropus (Euphorbiaceae:Phyllanthoideae)

Fourteen species of Sauropus are recognised for Malesia, 21 for Thailand. Two species are described as new, S. asymmetricus of Sumatra and S. shawii of Borneo. Many new synonyms, especially for S. androgynus and S. rhamnoides, are provided. The latter two species have a much wider distribution than described before and both are difficult to separate from each other. A phylogeny based on morphological and palynological data proved futile, but showed that Sauropus together with Breynia and Glochidion are embedded in the paraphyletic Phyllanthus. Most species which formerly belonged to Synostemon and are now included in Sauropus are probably, with the exception of S. bacciformis, related to Breynia and Glochidion. Because of the poor phylogenetic results the circumscription of Sauropus is not changed (Synostemon still included), and an infrageneric classification is not provided.
Drosophilidae (Insecta : Diptera) of Three Torres Strait Islands, with Description of a New Species of Drosophila

Drosophilidae were collected from three Torres Strait islands: Thursday, Moa and Mount Adolphus. A total of 17 species of the six genera Drosophila, Mycodrosophila, Lissocephala, Sphaerogastrella, Microdrosophila and Leucophenga were collected, the largest island having the most diverse fauna. The new Torres Strait records given here extend the known distributions of several Australian species and link the ranges of other species found in Australia with south-east Asian records. A new species of the subgenus Scaptodrosophila, Drosophila moana, is described. An unidentified taxon of the south-east Asian nmuta subgroup, possessing entire frontal pollinosity, is also recorded.
Biometrical Studies On Genetic Diversity Of Some Upland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Accessions

Field experiments were conducted in 2005 in the Experimental Farm Station of the University of Agriculture. Makurdi, Nigeria to evaluate the performance and genetic diversity of some upland rice accessions. Preliminary results indicates highly significant (P<0.01) differences on all traits studied except for grain length, grain width, grain length/width ratio and 1000 grain weight, indicating genetic diversity among these accessions. Grain yield ranged between 0.54 t/ha (TOX 1870-30-102) and 3.7 t/ha (TOX 1010-21-5-124). Genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) was generally lower than phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV). Days to 50% heading, days to maturity, flag leaf area, panicle weight, panicle length, number of branches/panicle, number of seeds/panicle, grain weight/panicle and seed yield showed very low differences between their PVC and GCV values. Also these traits had high estimates for heritability and genetic advance. Genotypic correlation analysis of yield with other traits revealed that yield had a significantly positive correlation with flag leaf area, number of tillers, number of panicles, panicle weight, panicle length, number of branches/panicle, number of seeds/panicle and seed weigh/panicle, grain length and 1000 seed weight. The direct and indirect effect of the rice traits on yield was assessed. The implications of these results for varietal recommendations and crop improvement are highlighted. (Nature and Science. 2009;7(1):21-27). (ISSN: 1545-0740).
Expression of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone in the preoptic area and its relation with phases of estrous cycle of ewe

Introduction: Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) has been known as a key inhibitor of the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Ewe has estrous cycles comprising of follicular and luteal phases. Follicular phase is in turn divided into proestrous and estrous phases. Blood level of LH increases in follicular and decreases in luteal phases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate (1) the presence of GnIH neurons in the ewe preoptic area (POA) and (2) the alterations of GnIH expression during different phases of ewe estrous cycle. Methods: Three fertile three-year-old ewes in each phase (n=9) were selected and the number of GnIH neurons was estimated by using immunohistochemistry method. Results: GnIH neurons were present in the POA during different phases of estrous cycle. The number of GnIH neurons significantly increased in the luteal phase in comparison with the proestrous phase (P=0.001). Conclusion: GnIH expression in the neurons of POA of ewe is increased in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase. This can inhibit GnRH secretion in POA and reduce LH secretion during the luteal phase.
Relationships between Yield and Quality Parameters of Malting Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Phenological and Meteorological Data

In this study, phenological and meteorological data have been used to interpret variations in a time series of regional average yields and quality parameters of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L). The analyses were focused mainly on the grain filling period. Duration and occurrence of this development stage showed remarkable differences from year to year, as heading varied over more than four weeks and yellow ripeness over two weeks in the investigation period from 1974 to 1996. Yields above average were achieved only in years when grain filling duration exceeded 42 d. Protein concentrations below 10.5 % and grading percentages over 90 % required at least 44 d of grain filling. Temperature had the strongest influence on the length of grain filling, even though the calculated Growing Degree Days (base temperature 3 °C) were not absolutely constant. Mean daily temperature and relative air humidity were the best estimators with respect to grain yield. An optimum temperature range was found between 14 and 18 °C. Assuming a linear relationship, yield reductions between 4.1 and 5.7 % have been calculated for every 1 °C increase of the mean daily temperature. Relative air humidity was the best single estimator for grain protein concentration. The results of this study suggest that relative humidity during grain filling can be a more suitable parameter to describe drought stress effects than precipitation amounts from heading to yellow ripeness or from January 1 to yellow ripeness.
Diatoms from the surface sediments of the Skagerrak and the Kattegat and their relationship to the spatial changes of environmental variables

This paper deals with the distribution of diatoms in the surface sediments of the Skagerrak and the Kattegat and its correlation with the spatial changes of eight environmental variables. Eigenvalues and the values of the species-environmental correlation show that the measured environment variables account for the major gradients of diatom composition. The results of forward selection of the environmental variables and Monte Carlo permutation tests of statistical significance, together with canonical coefficients and intra-set correlations between environmental variables and the axes, show that summer and winter surface salinities are the most important environmental factors affecting diatom distribution in this area. Five diatom assemblages are distinguished in the Skagerrak and the Kattegat. The distribution of these assemblages is clearly correlated with the strong variations in salinity, and in particular with surface salinities during summer and winter.
Handicapped males and extrapair paternity in pied flycatchers: a study using microsatellite markers

We report an attempt to induce extrapair copulations and fertilizations in a species with a low intensity of sperm competition, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Shortly after pair formation males were made less attractive to females by removing certain wing and tail feathers. Earlier research has shown that this manipulation reduces a male's pairing success. The idea was to test whether females mated to such males (N= 9) were more likely to obtain extrapair fertilizations than females mated to unmanipulated controls (N= 9). Paternity testing was carried out on all 98 young in the 18 broods, using a set of six microsatellite markers isolated from the species. Extrapair fertilizations were revealed in only three (17%) broods; two broods of handicapped males and one of a control male. A total of seven (7%) offspring were not genetically related to their putative father, a level which agrees well with results of other studies of this and other populations. We conclude that there was no evidence to suggest that the fertilization pattern was altered by the experimental manipulation. One reason for the lack of response could be that female mate choice in this species is based on male phenotypic, and not genotypic, quality.