Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeding behaviour during brooding in the oyster Ostrea chilensis: gut retention time in adults and larvae and potential use of larval faeces by adults

The brooded larva of Ostrea chilensis is not an obligate lecithotroph, as has often been supposed, because it removes particles from the mantle cavity of the parent oyster. The ingestion of exogenous particles by the larva becomes apparent when the shell length of the veliger is approxi- mately 290 µm, the same stage at which the velar ciliature is also visible for the first time. Experi- ments using red plastic marker particles showed that gut retention time in brooding oysters was sig- nificantly greater (10 to 11 h) than in non-brooding oysters (8 h), providing a mechanism for more efficient use of the ingested food. Although there was no significant difference in gut retention time between oysters brooding early and late larval stages, the late brooders eliminated most of the faeces earlier than the early brooders. Experiments using 14 C-labelled algae demonstrated a shorter gut retention time in the larva (6 h) than in the non-brooding adult (10 h). Faeces from larvae contained relatively more chlorophyll a and less phaeopigment than faeces from brooding adults. The data sug- gest that the digestive system of the larva is much less efficient than that of the adult. Following the introduction of larvae previously fed 14 C-labelled algae into the pallial cavity of the brooding parent, the radiolabel was detected in the faeces of the adult, suggesting that the parent may ingest faeces produced by the larvae. The increase in gut retention time by the adult during the brooding period and the ingestion of larval faeces compensate for the high energy costs associated with the brooding process.
Phylogenetic relationships between the families of recent Thysanoptera (Insecta)

One family, the Phlaeothripidae, is recognized in the suborder Tubulifera, whereas extant species of Terebrantia are classified into seven families: Uzelothripidae, Merothripidae, Aeolothripidae, Adiheterothripidae, Fauriellidae (stat. n.), Heterothripidae and Thripidae. A phylogenetic analysis of the relationships between these families is given, based on consideration of 35 imaginal characters; however, the relationships of Uzelothripidae and Phlaeothripidae to the rest of the Thysanoptera remain equivocal. The Phlaeothripidae are either derived independently from Protothysanoptera, or else are the sister-group of the Thripidae, the most specialized family of Terebrantia. Diagnostic characters, diversity, distribution and relationships of each family are discussed. Keys to family and, in Fauriellidae, to genus are provided. Holarthrothrips Bagnall (=Adiheterothrips Ramakrishna, syn. n.) and Oligothrips Moulton are removed from Heterothripidae to Adiheterothripidae and Fauriella Hood, Opisthothrips Hood and Ropotamothrips Pelikan (=Osmanothrips Priesner, syn. n.) from Heteromripidae to Fauriellidae (stat. n.). These transfers leave Aulacothrips Hood, Heterothrips Hood and Scutothrips Stannard as the only genera in Heterothripidae.
The species richness of termites (Isoptera) under differing levels of forest disturbance in the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve, southern Cameroon

ABSTRACT Five forest plots of differing disturbance levels were sampled qualitatively for termites in the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve, southern Cameroon, using 100 m belt transects. Results showed a large reduction in species richness in two severely disturbed plots compared with a Near Primary plot, but little difference in two less disturbed regenerating plots; there is some evidence for a slight increase in species richness in the regenerating plots. Soil-feeders predominate in the primary and regenerating plots, but are greatly reduced in the severely disturbed plots. Wood-feeders appear to be more resilient to disturbance than soil-feeders, although their species richness is low in the most disturbed plots. The Termitinae are the dominant taxonomic group in the Near Primary plot, the Apicotermitinae in the less disturbed regenerating plots and the Macrotermitinae in the clear felled areas. There appears to be no secondary invasion of plots by savanna-associated species, and the small apparent increase in species richness in the less disturbed regenerating plots appears to be due to the influx of forest species usually associated with natural gaps.
Re-investigation of Polyoeca dichotoma and Acanthoeca spectabilis (Acanthoecidae: Choanoflagellida)

Light and electron microscopical reinvestigation of Polyoeca dichotoma Kent revealed that Acanthoecopsis spiculifera Norris, the type species of the genus, is a synonym for Polyoeca dichotoma. Since this step invalidates the use of the name Acanthoecopsis, a new genus Acanthocorbis was established for the three species formerly included in Acanthoecopsis. The three dimensional arrangement of costal strips forming the loricae of Polyoeca dichotoma and Acanthoeca spectabilis Ellis were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The arrangement of costal strips were similar in both species. The longitudinal costal strips and those forming the spines were arranged outside the supplementary costae and those of the transverse bonds.
Thermodynamic Compatibility of Substrate Proteins Affects Their Cross-Linking by Transglutaminase

The formation of heterologous dimers and polymers between different proteins by transglutaminase reaction was studied. Although β-casein and β-lactoglobulin formed homologous polymers in single-substrate systems, only β-casein was polymerized; β-lactoglobulin became a nonreactive substrate in a β-casein/β-lactoglobulin binary system. In contrast, succinylated β-casein formed heterologous dimers, trimers, and oligomers with β-lactoglobulin. Also, β-casein did not form a heterologous dimer or polymer with bovine serum albumin (BSA), whereas α-lactalbumin formed a heterologous dimer and polymer with BSA. Analyses of reaction products of other binary systems, such as α-lactalbumin/β-casein, β-lactoglobulin/ovalbumin, and α-lactalbumin/ovalbumin, suggested that heterologous cross-linking between two proteins by transglutaminase probably depends on the thermodynamic compatibility of mixing of the substrate proteins at the enzyme's active site. Thus, cross-linking between dissimilar proteins, such as caseins and.
Larval Spirurida (Nematoda) Parasitizing Two Crab Species (Uca uruguayensis and Chasmagnathus granulatus) from the Southwest Atlantic Coast of Argentina

Abstract As a result of the parasitological examination of the crabs, Uca uruguayensis (Ocypodidae) and Chasmagnathus granulatus (Varunidae), third-stage larval nematodes belonging to the family Acuariidae and to the genus Ascarophis were found in the crabs' hemocoel, both free and embedded in host tissues. Larval nematodes are described and illustrated here. The presence of these larval nematodes in both crab species may be influenced by the similarity in the crabs' habitat and feeding behavior. Both species of burrowing crabs inhabit the upper intertidal zones and feed on sediments, and consequently, they have similar chances of coming into contact with eggs and infective larval nematodes deposited in the feces of birds and fish definitive hosts. Since the life cycles of the larval nematodes from U. uruguayensis and C. granulatus remain unknown and because the adult stage is undescribed, they cannot be assigned to a given genus or species. The validity of a previous record of Skrjabinoclava sp. in U. uruguayensis from Bahía Samborombóm is also discussed.
Choughs Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax breeding in Wales select foraging habitat at different spatial scales

Capsule At coarse spatial resolution breeding Choughs showed strongest selection for grazed habitats, while at a finer resolution they selected areas with shorter swards and more friable soils. Aims To explain habitat preferences of foraging Choughs during breeding using the physical characteristics of the habitats at three spatial resolutions: between broad habitat and management types, between compartments within types, and within individual compartments. Methods The use of 15 different habitat and management types by 14 pairs of Choughs at four coastal breeding sites was measured and selection coefficients obtained. Vegetation and soil characteristics were used to explain variation in these coefficients at a coarse spatial resolution. Similar data in ‘selected’ and ‘avoided’ parts of individual compartments were used to explain preferences at a finer resolution. Results Grazed habitats were most heavily used, although paths and stone-faced earth banks were most strongly selected. Sward height explained most variation in selection coefficients at a coarse spatial resolution, with the shortest swards used most. Within compartments, ‘selected’ foraging sites had shorter swards and soil that was easier to probe. Comparisons between years suggested large-scale preferences were the same, but changes in physical characteristics did not explain changes in the use of individual compartments. Conclusion These and previous results suggest consistency in habitat selection at a coarse spatial resolution. The use of grazing to maintain or increase the area of sward approaching 2 cm in height is recommended to ensure that where prey size and density are profitable, some are always accessible.
Acacia Gum is a Bifidogenic Dietary Fibre with High Digestive Tolerance in Healthy Humans

The objective of the present study was to determine whether acacia gum (GUM) is a prebiotic fibre and to evaluate its intestinal tolerance in healthy subjects. The effects of increasing doses of GUM were compared to those of sucrose (SUC) on stool output, concentration of the main bacterial populations in stools, and occurrence and severity of intestinal symptoms (flatulence, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea). Ingestion of GUM 10 and 15 g/day for 10 days increased total lactic acid-producing bacteria and bifidobacteria counts in stools, without affecting total anaerobe and aerobe counts. The magnitude of this selective effect was greater in subjects with a low initial faecal concentration of bifidobacteria. Faecal digestibility of GUM was around 95% and its caloric value was estimated to range between 5.5 and 7.7 kJ/g. In addition, stool weight increased 30% because of greater faecal water content. Digestive tolerance of GUM was high and not statistically different from that of SUC up to a daily dose of 30 g. Above this dose, the main complaint was excessive flatulence. However, the mean degree of severity remained mild (<1), even at doses >50 g/day. Other intestinal events were rarely reported. Thus GUM is a very well tolerated dietary fibre with bifidogenic properties believed to benefit intestinal health.
The Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Biochemical Constituents of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

ABSTRACT Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is primarily grown for seed and seed oil. The fresh green herb, called cilantro or Chinese parsley, is also very popular all over the world for the usefulness in soups, salads, dressing of vegetables, seasoning, and chutney. Besides, green herbs are rich in vitamin C, A, and B2. In view of the usefulness of green herbs in a number of kitchen preparations and human nutrition, an experiment was carried out for 2 consecutive years (from November to April, 2000–2001, and 2001–2002) at a horticulture farm, Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Horticulture, Udaipur, India to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators (IAA, NAA and GA3 each at 10, 20, and 50 ppm concentration) and the method of their application (pre-plant soaking, spraying 20 days after sowing (DAS) and pre-plant soaking + spraying 20 DAS) on herb growth, yield, and biochemical constituents (carotenoid and chlorophyll content) of coriander. The results (average of 2 years' data on pooled basis) showed that application of treatment was significant over control in all the observations recorded. GA3 50 ppm applied through pre-plant soaking + spraying 20 DAS recorded maximum plant height (23.85 cm) and number of green leaves per plant (22.03), while fresh weight of leaves per plant (5.58 g) and carotenoid content (1.075 μg/g) were with NAA 20 ppm applied through pre-plant soaking + spraying 20 DAS mode. Higher concentration of NAA (50 ppm) when applied through pre-plant soaking + spraying 20 DAS mode resulted in maximum total chlorophyll content (16.43 μg/g). The results obtained from the investigation showed that a significant improvement by plant growth regulators and their method of application in herb growth, yield, and quality characteristics occurred. This suggested that GA3 at 50 ppm applied through pre-plant soaking + spraying 20 DAS significantly improve the vegetative growth of coriander herb while NAA at 50 ppm improved the quality of the coriander herb.
Outmigrating men: A window of opportunity for women's participation in community forestry?

Abstract Encouraging women to become active participants has been an important goal of the community forestry program in Nepal. Achieving this goal has been elusive, and studies have identified a range of formal structures and informal processes that can exclude women. This study explored whether there is a relationship between men's outmigration and women's participation in community forestry. Data were collected using a semi-structured survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women from two community forest user groups. The analysis indicated that men's outmigration provides a “window of opportunity” to increase women's participation, as the left-behind wives were more likely to attend and voice their opinions during the general assembly. However, the extent to which outmigration represents an opportunity depends on family type and composition. The women who do not have an adult man in the household are those who become most involved in the community forest user group. By participating in the general assembly, they may achieve increased participation in forest decisions.
Undersowing Legume Crops for Green Manuring of Lettuce

ABSTRACT The objective of this experiment was to investigate the potential of several species of undersown legume crops to deplete soil nitrate and to accumulate nitrogen (N). A further objective was to measure the effects of the legume crops as a green manure for a succeeding early lettuce crop. In two years, different undersown legume crops were compared with a control treatment where no crop was undersown. In November, at the end of their growing season, the legume crops reduced the content of mineral nitrogen in the top 1 m of the soil to one third of what was available when no crop was undersown. The N uptake in shoots and roots was in the range of 100–160 kg ha−1. The legume crops were incorporated at the beginning of April the succeeding year. In May, the content of soil mineral nitrogen was 3–4 fold the content in November. The main increase was seen in the top 0.25 m profile of the soils in which the legume crops had been grown. In July, the N mineralized from the incorporated legume crops and from other soil organic matter was estimated to be 36 and 38 kg ha−1, respectively. The yield of lettuce was increased by 20–45% when grown after legume green manure crops compared with the control treatment. The yield level was comparable to that obtained in conventional horticulture.
Probable involvement of thaxtomin A in pathogenicity of Streptomyces scabies on seedlings.

Inoculation with Streptomyces scabies significantly (P < 0.05) reduced shoot height of seedlings in 11 of 14 plant species tested. Reduction in shoot height was 53 to 89% in crucifers and 35 to 67% in legumes, whereas effects on monocot seedlings were more variable. Other symptoms on seedlings included necrosis of roots and thickening of roots and shoots. S. scabies strain 87-22 was more virulent on seedlings than was strain 84-34. A nonpathogen, S. lividans strain TK24, did not consistently reduce the seedling height of any plant species and did not produce growth abnormalities or necrosis. Both supernatants of cultures of S. scabies strains and thaxtomin A, a phytotoxin produced by S. scabies, reproduced the symptoms of pathogenic strains on seedlings. Concentrations of 50 to 100 μM thaxtomin A greatly reduced the total length of radish seedlings and caused tissue necrosis and death, whereas concentrations of 10 to 25 μM caused shoot and root stunting and thickening. Cross sections of roots and shoots demonstrated that tissue thickening was due to cell hypertrophy, rather than cell hyperplasia. Thaxtomin A is a broad-spectrum phytotoxin and may be responsible for plant pathogenicity in S. scabies.
Affinage et qualité du Gruyère de Comté. III. Fermentation lactique et teneur en acides gras volatils des fromages de Comté

L'etude des relations existantes entre les differentes formes optiques des lactates et les acides gras volatils est abordee a plusieurs stades de l'affinage (3 semaines, 1 mois et demi, et en fin d'affinage). Le coefficient de correlation entre lactate L et D passe de 0,89 avant affinage a + 0,80 a la coupe; la correlation entre C2 et C3 augmente regulierement au cours de l'affinage. En fin d'affinage, il est demontre l'existence de trois groupes de composes independants en relation avec la fermentation propionique (Lactates, C2 et C3), la lipolyse (C4 et C6) et le catabolisme de certaines fractions azotees (iC5). Une evaluation stoechiometrique des composes impliques dans la fermentation propionique en fin d'affinage montre que les quantites de C2 et C3 produites au cours de la phase d'affinage en cave chaude sont liees a la diminution de la teneur en lactates. On observe cependant une quantite de 104 mg/lOO g de fromage d'acide acetique non expliques par la fermentation propionique.
Simultaneous Optimization of Egg Distribution and Sex Allocation in a Patch-Structured Population

The reproductive strategy of a female distributing her eggs over many patches comprises decisions on (1) how many eggs to deposit in a given patch, (2) what sex ratio to produce, and (3) how many patches to visit. In this article simultaneous evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) solutions are presented for cases in which there is local mate competition and these three decisions interact, a situation that has not been studied previously. Y. Yamaguchi developed a model of optimum sex allocation for foundresses that contribute different numbers of eggs to one patch. Yamaguchi's model is extended here to examine the more general case in which females distribute their eggs over several patches. The key element is that females that visit a larger number of patches (relative to other females) and thus produce smaller clutches in each patch should produce a (relatively) smaller proportion of daughters. These females obtain a higher fitness per egg but invest more time in traveling. A simultaneous ESS is obtained for three variables, that is, clutch size, sex ratio, and number of patches visited, and for two different cases, namely, egg-limited females (no travel costs) and time-limited females (traveling is costly). Analysis shows that sex-allocation strategies can be an important driving force in the distribution of eggs over patches. The predictions of these models are strongly influenced by whether or not the females are able to use information about each other's clutch size. To test the validity of the model predictions, the dispersal behavior of plant-inhabiting predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is considered in detail. The females distribute their eggs over many patches even when there is an ample supply of food. The models suggest that dispersal of the predatory mite females is a consequence of the sex-allocation games they play.
Estimating soil carbon sequestration under elevated CO2 by combining carbon isotope labelling with soil carbon cycle modelling

Elevated CO2 concentrations generally stimulate grassland productivity, but herbaceous plants have only a limited capacity to sequester extra carbon (C) in biomass. However, increased primary productivity under elevated CO2 could result in increased transfer of C into soils where it could be stored for prolonged periods and exercise a negative feedback on the rise in atmospheric CO2.
The Effects of Regulation on Trust

It was hypothesized that regulation would reduce the importance of trust within an interaction. Participants, acting as buyers and sellers, traded goods either with or without regulation. With no regulation, sellers could sell different quality goods than they advertised, although buyers found out after each trading session what they had actually bought. With regulation, sellers always had to sell the same quality good they advertised. In Experiment 1, a new buyer and seller were brought into the trading for both conditions after 12 trading sessions. In Experiment 2, after 12 trading sessions, participants in both conditions had the option to pay a fee before buying the good to check if a seller's offer was truthful; therefore, sellers in the regulation condition were no longer automatically regulated on every trade. In Experiment 1, trust was more important to participants when there was no regulation, and buyers without regulation had both more trust and distrust than buyers with regulation. Sellers' use of deception was positively related to buyers' distrust in the sellers, and the new buyer brought into the exchange was deceived more than the old buyers. In Experiment 2, the previously regulated sellers used more deception than did previously unregulated sellers, but participants in the previously regulated condition did not pay to check the sellers' offers more than participants in the previously unregulated condition.
Genetic investigations of laboratory stocks of the complex of Anopheles balabacensis Baisas (Diptera: Culicidae)

Examination of the polytene chromosomes and cross-breeding data confirmed the specific status of Anopheles dirus Peyton & Harrison within the complex of A. balabacensis Baisas. The data also strongly suggested that A. dirus itself is a complex of at least two species, one of which, a hitherto unrecognized species, provisionally designated A. dirus species B, previously known as the Perlis form, occurs in northern Peninsular Malaysia. A distinct population from Thailand was designated A. dirus species A. The mosquitoes studied also include material from natural populations in Sabah, here provisionally designated A. balabacensis s.s. , and may represent the first genetic analysis of this species. The Sabah material is distinct from either of the A. dirus forms. Hybrid males from crosses of A. balabacensis × A. dirus species A and of A. dirus species B females × A. dirus species A males were sterile. Chromosome studies also showed that reproductive isolation was accompanied by genetic changes in both the autosomesand X chromosome in the hybrid larvae.
Alterations of seed variables under storage in nitrous oxide (N2O) atmospheres for two recalcitrant Quercus species

Abstract Storage of recalcitrant seeds was, and still is, problematic. This study investigated the effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) on storage of recalcitrant oak seeds. Containers of Quercus alba and Quercus macrocarpa seeds were placed under three atmospheric treatments: air, 80/20% and 98/2% of N2O/oxygen. Every 2 weeks (total of 12 weeks), a sample of five seeds was used to evaluate seed respiration in each atmosphere. Another set of five seeds was used to determine moisture content, seed, pericarp and embryo fresh weight, and embryo dry weight. Germination percentage was evaluated based on a total of 50 seeds for each treatment and each sampling time. Analysis revealed a treatment effect on seed fresh weight and moisture content, with increased values for N2O treatments. Quercus alba had greater respiration than Q. macrocarpa. The percentage of germination for Q. alba showed a consistent pattern, while for Q. macrocarpa it gradually increased. Storage time had an effect on the mean values for most of the seed variables.