Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LIFE TABLE OF OLIGONYCHUS BIHARENSIS (HIRST) (ACARI: TETRANYCHIDAE) A PEST ON VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.)WALP.

Post embryonic development of Oligonychus biharensis (Hirst) was traced on cow pea in the laboratory at 30 + 2 o C & 70 + 5% RH. Rearing of the life stages of the mite was carried out following leaf flotation technique. The life cycle of the species was found to comprise both sexual and parthenogenetic generations with slight variations in their respective durations. The respective durations of pre -oviposition period, oviposition period and post -oviposition period were found to be 1.5 days, 11.5 + 0.75 days and 0.9 + 0.25 day. Ovipositional rate of the species was observed to be 50.9 + 4.7 eggs and 40.2 + 1.4 eggs for mated and unmated females respectively. Total duration of sexual development and parthenogenetic development was observed to be 6.45 + 0.05 days and 6.0 + 0.07 days respectively. The sex ratio (male: female) was 1-2: 10.
The Effects of Stomatal Size on Feeding Preference of Azalea Lace Bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Hemiptera: Tingidae), on Selected Cultivars of

Additional index words. Stephanitis pyrioides, feeding preference, host plant resistance, plant breeding, stomatal area Abstract. Azalea lace bug (ALB), Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), is an important economic pest of azaleas in the southeastern United States. In this study, 33 commercially available cultivars of evergreen azalea, Rhododendron spp. , were evaluated for S. pyrioides feeding preference in both choice and no-choice feeding bioassays. Mean stomatal length and area, which were hypothesized to affect ALB feeding preference, were also measured for each of 33 cultivars and results were correlated with indices of ALB feeding (mean feces) and fecundity (mean eggs). An azalea cultivar, Fourth of July, was least preferred by ALBinbothno-choiceandchoice tests,whereas 'Watchet'wasmostpreferred.Cultivars Fourth of July and Delaware Valley White had the smallest mean stomatal areas despite their disparate susceptibilities to ALB feeding. Although stomates through which ALB insert their proboscides vary in size among azalea cultivars, they confer no obvious resistance to ALB feeding preference. Therefore, the mechanism for lace bug resistance in azalea remains elusive.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities and soil chemistry in harvested and unharvested temperate Nothofagus rainforests

The composition of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal communities in Nothofagus rainforests and the responses of the fungal communities to timber harvesting have been unknown. We investigated EcM communities in two sites, 9 to 11 years after timber harvesting, and tested whether changes in the communities were driven by soil chemistry. The fungal communities in both sites were highly diverse, yet 53 out of 140 distinct terminal restriction fragment length polymor- phism (T-RFLP) patterns were shared between the sites. At both sites, timber harvesting reduced the presence of EcM roots and caused shifts in the fungal community in the organic soil horizons. At one site, Laccaria spp. increased in har- vested areas, which partially correlated with an increase in soil mineralizable nitrogen. The other site showed a decreased abundance of Russula sp. (cf. R. purpureotincta, R. roseostipitata) in harvested areas, which correlated with declines in soil carbon and organic horizon depth, and a decline in the abundance of rare species at the edge of harvested areas, which was related to inorganic phosphorus. The results show that EcM fungal communities in Nothofagus temperate rainforest are highly diverse at the local scale, yet have a high degree of similarity across sites. These communities are directly af- fected by timber harvesting and by shifts in soil chemistry following timber harvesting. Resume´ : La composition des communautes de champignons ectomycorhiziens (EcM) dans les forets ombrophiles de No- thofagus et leurs reactions a la recolte de bois ne sont pas connues. Nous avons etudieles communautes de champignons EcM dans deux sites, 9 et 11 ans apres la coupe, et verifiesi les changements dans les communautesetaient regis par les caracteristiques chimiques du sol. Les deux communautes fongiques etaient fortement diversifiees mais 53 des 140 patrons T-RFLP distincts etaient communs aux deux sites. Dans les deux sites, la recolte de bois a reduit la presence des racines ectomycorhizees et provoqueun changement dans la communautefongique dans les horizons organiques du sol. Dans un site, Laccaria spp. a augmentedans les zones recoltees et cette augmentation etait partiellement correleeal'augmentation de N mineralisable dans le sol. Dans l'autre site, l'abondance de Russula sp. (cf. R. purpureotincta, R. roseostipitata) a di- minuedans les zones recoltees et cette diminution etait correleeala diminution de C dans le sol et a la profondeur des ho- rizons organiques. L'abondance des especes rares a aussi diminueala limite des zones recoltees en lien avec le P organique. Les resultats montrent que les communautes de champignons EcM dans la foret ombrophile tempereed eNotho- fagus sont fortement diversifiees al'echelle locale mais ont un degreelevede similariteentre les sites. Ces communautes sont directement influencees par la recolte de bois et par les changements des caracteristiques chimiques du sol provoques par la recolte de bois. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Effectiveness of Colchicine and Oryzalin at Inducing Polyploidy in Watsonia lepida N.E. Brown

Genetic modification and manipulation offers the possibility of introducing novel traits into existing plants, thereby increasing marketability. Polyploid induction has in the past produced plants that are more compact and have larger flowers, leaves, and fruit, making them more desirable to consumers. The effect of pulse treatments (0, 24, 48, and 72 h)of colchicine(25, 50, 125, and 250 mM) or oryzalin (30, 60, 90, and 120 mM) on in vitro-grown Watsonia lepida N.E. Brown shoots was investigated. Explant survival was higher and more consistent with oryzalin treatment compared with treatment with colchicine. More mixoploids than tetraploids were produced with both compounds. The optimum treatment for producing tetraploids was 120 mM oryzalin for 24 h. Of the 30% explants that survived this treatment, 33% were found to be stable tetraploids.
Summer Ground Layer Biomass and Nutrient Contribution to Above-ground Litter in an Indiana Temperate Deciduous Forest

ABSTRACT Eastern deciduous forests of North America have productive ground layers, but information regarding the role of ground layer vegetation in carbon cycling is limited. The ground layer, here defined as all vascular plants ≤1 m in height, contributes most of its biomass and nutrient content annually to the above-ground litter pool. This study assessed the species composition and biomass and nutrient contributions of summer ground layer vegetation to the above-ground litter pool at the AmeriFlux Site in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Indiana. Two hundred fifteen 1-m2 subplots were sampled for ground layer species and cover (%). Forty-three of those subplots were harvested for above-ground biomass and tissue nutrient analysis. A 10-cm soil sample was obtained from each harvested subplot and analyzed for pH, organic matter and nutrient content. Boehmeria cylindrica (false nettle), Lindera benzoin (spicebush), Viola spp. (violets), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) and Asplenium spp. (spleenworts) were the most important and abundant ground layer species. Ground layer species were distributed along gradients of weathering and soil organic matter. Mean ground layer cover was 36.7 ± 17.4 % and mean calculated ground layer biomass was 24.7 ± 15.4 g/m2 in the mid- to late-growing season. Ground layer biomass was positively correlated with available soil P. Woody plants accounted for approximately 51% of ground layer biomass followed by non-graminoid herbs (35%) and graminoids (14%). Ground layer litter, comprised of graminoids, non-graminoid herb foliage and stems and woody plant foliage, contributed 26.5 g/m2 and 11.1 g C/m2, or ≤5% of the biomass and C, to the above-ground litter pool in 1999. While the ground layer contributed relatively small quantities of biomass and C to the above-ground litter pool, it provided nutrient-rich tissues with C:N ratios lower than tree leaf litter. With the exception of K, tree leaf litter contributed more nutrients by mass to above-ground litter than did ground layer litter because tree leaf litter comprised 88% of the biomass of above-ground litter.
Styloid crystals in the genus Libertia (Iridaceae)

Abstract Styloid crystals are reported in the leaves of the New Zealand species Libertia cranwelliae, L. edgariae, L. grandiflora, L. ixioides, L. micrantha, L. mooreae, L. peregrinans, the australian species L. paniculata and L. pulchella, and the South american species L. chilensis and L. sessiliflora. Styloid crystals appear to be absent from rhizomes examined in this study, except those of L. micrantha. The presence of styloids in L. micrantha and L. pulchella supports the retention of these species in Libertia rather than Sisyrinchium.
The Development of Ruminant Digestion in the Calf. I The Digestion of Barley and Soya Bean Meal

Four male Friesian calves were fitted with re-entrant duodenal cannulae within 1 week of birth. To 5 weeks of age the calves were given milk, then weaned over 2 days and offered a diet containing 60% barley, 20% soya bean meal and 15% wheat chaff. Total collections of digesta flowing to the duodenum after weaning were made for 12-hr periods at weekly intervals for 8 weeks. Of the dry matter ingested, 76% was recovered at the duodenum 1 week after weaning, 58 % at 2 wceks after weaning and 46% at 8 weeks after weaning. The digestion of acid detergent fibre (ADF) in the stomach was 20% in the first week after weaning and increased to 52% by 8 weeks. The flow of nitrogen to the duodenum was similar to the nitrogen intake. In the first week after weaning, 32% of the nitrogen flowing to the duodenum was of microbial origin; this increased to 74% by 7 weeks after weaning. The flow of essential amino acids to the duodenum as a percentage of intake was greater than that of non-essential amino acids. Also, the apparent digestion of essential amino acids in the intestines was greater than that of non-essential amino acids. By comparing thc apparent digcstion of amino acids in the hind gut with their requirement for the growth of the calves, it was calculated that methionine would bc thc first limiting amino acid and threonine the sccond.
Variations du rendement fromager en pâte molle. Relations avec la composition du lait et les paramètres de la coagulation

Résumé Des transformations fromagères de type pâte molle ont permis d'étudier l'influence des variations de la teneur en protéines (TP) et de la nature de ces protéines sur le rendement fromager, Ces relations ont été comparées à celles obtenues avec les paramètres de la coagulation mesurés au Formagraph. Les fabrications pilotes sont réalisées avec des laits de mélange à 4 niveaux différents de TP (29,4; 30,1; 30,8; 32,2 g/I). 4 répétitions effectuées à 1 semaine d'intervalle portent sur 40 kg de lait réfrigéré 24 h et écrémé partiellement (taux butyreux = 26,6 g/I). Le pourcentage de caséines dans les protéines totales et les pourcentages des différentes caséines (us' 13, y + K) dans "ensemble des caséines ne varient pas significativement avec le niveau de TP. Le taux butyreux et la teneur en protéines permettent d'expliquer 77% des variations du rendement fromager frais mesuré 1 j après transformation, alors que le temps d'obtention de la fermeté standard (K20) explique 74% des variations, La meilleure prédiction du rendement fromager frais est établie à partir du K20 et de la teneur en protéines (~ = 0,86), Le rendement ajusté en matière sèche (MS) ou le rendement exprimé en MS (rendement frais x teneur en MS des fromages) sont expliqués au mieux par la seule teneur en protéines (~ = 0,66 et 0,71 respectivement); les paramètres de la coagulation ne sont pas corrélés significativement au rendement ajuste en MS ou au rendement sec. La prise en compte de la teneur en caséines totales au lieu de la teneur en protéines n'améliore pas la prédiction du rendement frais mais l'augmente pour le rendement ajusté en MS ou le rendement sec. Parmi les différentes caséines, seule la teneur en caséine 13 du lait explique une part importante des variations du rendement frais (~ = 0.63).
Technique review Utilisation of proteomics datasets generated via multidimensional protein identification technology

Technological developments in proteomics have had a dramatic impact on biology in recent years. One of these developments — named multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) — couples two-dimensional chromatography of peptides in mass spectrometry-compatible solutions directly to tandem mass spectrometry, allowing for the identification of proteins from highly complex mixtures. Since the initial descriptions of MudPIT, this approach has been implemented in the analysis of whole proteomes, organelles and protein complexes. Key aspects of many of the analyses are the validation of MudPIT datasets with alternate strategies and the integration of MudPIT datasets with other biochemical, cell biology or molecular biology approaches. This paper presents strategies for validating MudPIT datasets and incorporating these datasets into biologically driven experimental design.
Relationships between organic matter composition and methyl mercury content of offshore and carbon-rich littoral sediments in an oligotrophic lake

Relationships between organic matter (OM) compounds and methyl mercury concentrations ((MeHg)) have been examined in littoral and offshore sediments of Lake Lusignan (Quebec). The highest (MeHg) were generally found at the sediment-water interface with exceptionally high concentrations at littoral sites (5.8 ± 1.3 ng·g dry weight -1 ), which were four times more elevated than at offshore sites (1.6 ± 0.77 ng·g dry weight -1 ). Source-specific fatty acid (FA) biomarkers identified that littoral sediments contained more than twice as much terrestrial and bacterial OM compounds than offshore sediments, whereas the amount of labile algal OM was three times higher at littoral sites. Results indicate that (MeHg) were higher in the presence of labile OM substrates, and the amount of terrestrial OM compounds could not predict (MeHg). Correlations between (MeHg) and FA of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (a sulfate-reducing bacterium producing MeHg) could significantly account for 36% of (MeHg) at offshore sites; however, no significant relationships were found at littoral sites. This study illustrates that the microbial dynamics involved in producing and degrading MeHg in lacustrine sediments are complex and cannot be predicted solely by the quantifica- tion of FA biomarkers in D. desulfuricans or by biomarkers in the OM itself.
Pre-commercial thinning, birch admixture and sprout management in planted Norway spruce stands in South Sweden

Early management of the regenerated seedlings shapes the future stand properties. To address these issues, pre-commercial thinning (PCT) and control treatments were applied to planted Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) and naturally regenerated birch (Betula pendula Roth., Betula pubescens Ehrh.) stands in forest experiments in southern Sweden (lat. 56–57 N) containing 1.1–5.5 m tall saplings. The treatments were retention of 1000 or 2000 stems ha−1 of Norway spruce, with no birch or birch at 1000 stems ha−1. Treatments were replicated with and without annual removal of birch sprouts from stumps. The periodic annual increment (PAI) over five years was calculated for total stand volume and individual trees. The mean PAI of dominant trees was significantly higher both following all PCT treatments than controls, and following low rather than high-density PCT. Birch retention did not affect growth of the dominant trees but PAI was lower in plots with uncontrolled sprouting. The PAI of birch was significantly higher in low-density Norway spruce plots than in control plots and the high-density plots. The treatment response was significant even in stands with initial heights of only 1–2 m.
The Effects of Mergers and Acquisitions on the Performance of Nigerian Banks

The central theme of this study is mergers and acquisitions of Nigerian banks. The study is aimed at examining whether the banks cost of equity capital is independent on value of shareholders‟ funds. The objective is to investigate, if profit before interest/tax is independent of banks assets, value of shareholders‟ funds‟/bank loans, advances, value of deposits received by the bank and period of bank mergers and acquisitions and to examine whether there is significant relationship between deposits, loans, advances and profit before tax. The population of this study is all the Banks in Nigeria that went through the process of mergers and acquisitions. Simple random sampling technique was used to select five (5) Banks that succeeded the process, Skye Bank PLC, United Bank for Africa PLC, Union Bank PLC, First City Monument Bank PLC and Sterling Bank PLC. Secondary data was employed. The data were analyzed using panel regression technique and we found that mergers and acquisitions affect banks performance but does not affect bank‟s cost of equity capital. Findings are that as a result of the recapitalization of the banks, the banks now have greater ability to mobilize fund and grant more loans especially to the real sector of the economy to enhance economic growth and development. In conclusion, the study discovered that mergers and acquisitions affect the banks and their overall performance. Recommendations were made based on the conclusion arrived at from the research work.
Interaction network and the relationships between bromeliads and hummingbirds in an area of secondary Atlantic rain forest in southern Brazil

The reciprocal importance of bromeliads and hummingbirds has been proposed for many years, even suggesting coevolution between these two groups. Nevertheless, data are lacking that allow a better test of the relationships involved. Here we investigate the relationship between bromeliads and hummingbirds in an area of secondary Atlantic rain forest in southern Brazil. The study examined the interactions among 12 species of bromeliad and 10 of hummingbird at Reserva Natural Salto Morato, Paraná state. The number of flowering species of bromeliad and the species richness and abundance of hummingbirds were quantified monthly between November 2004 and October 2005. Focal observations on each bromeliad species were made to determine the hummingbird visitors. Neither species richness nor abundance of hummingbirds were related to bromeliad phenology. Together with the monthly variation in visit frequency by a given pollinator to a given plant, these factors indicate a generalization in the use of bromeliads by hummingbirds and argue against tight coevolution. Ramphodon naevius and Thalurania glaucopis were the main pollinators in the community. Aechmea nudicaulis was the most generalist bromeliad species. The generalist species interacted with other generalists or with asymmetric specialists and there was no specialist–specialist interaction. This produced a strongly organized and nested matrix of interactions. This nestedness is similar to other plant-pollinators networks, supporting the hypothesis that the evolutionary relationship between bromeliads and hummingbirds is no stronger than that of other pollination networks.
A revision of generic boundaries and nomenclature in the North American cleomoid clade (Cleomaceae)

The family Cleomaceae is in need of taxonomic revision, which begins here with a set of taxa informally recognized as the North American cleomoid clade. This group is evaluated first because molecular-based analyses almost comprehensively sample this lineage. These investigations revealed that the two largest genera, Cleomella and Peritoma , are para- or polyphyletic. Strong support from molecular data necessitates name changes for these taxa. Furthermore, controversy exists on the recognition of the remaining genera, owing to morphological variation and specialization. Three possible classification scenarios are described to accommodate monophyletic lineages based on previously-published evidence. The option to create the single large genus Cleomella is proposed, and as a result one new name, Cleomella oxystyloides , is provided, and 12 new combinations are made: C. arborea , C. arborea var. angustata , C. arborea var. globosa , C. californica , C. jonesii , C. lutea , C. multicaulis , C. palmeri , C. platycarpa , C. refracta , C. serrulata , and C. sparsifolia . Two lectotypes and one isolectotype are designated, and another lectotype is confirmed.
Heat transfer between Phaseolus vulgaris and the environment

Heat transfer was studied from intact leaves of greenhouse-grown Phaseolus vulgaris L. under still and forced air conditions. Microwaves were used to heat the leaves without disturbing the thermal equilibrium of the environment. Leaf temperatures were measured by thermocouples and an infrared radiometer. Convective heat transfer coefficient for a leaf was obtained by two experimental methods and compared with the theoretical results. The unsteady-state method proved to be quite satisfactory.Typical values of heat transfer coefficient for free convection varied from 1.86 × 10−4 to 3.64 × 10−4 cal cm−2 s−1 °C−1, as the temperature difference between the leaf surface and the surrounding air increased from 1.0 to 3.9 °C. Forced convective heat transfer coefficient, however, increased to about 10 × 10−4 cal cm−2 s−1 °C−1 at 610 cm s−1.
Immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in tree frog: trade-off between sexual signals and immunity?

The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH) assumes that testosterone plays a dual role in mediating both sexual signal expression and immunosuppression. Although there is good evidence of the ICHH in birds, it was primarily tested using only one sexual signal approach. By focusing on the European tree frog Hyla arborea, a species for which mate choice is based on both acoustic and visual signals, we test for the first time the ICHH in a multimodal communication system. The ICHH may be viewed as a universal way to explain signal honesty no matter the sensory modality used by animals. After studying the effects of testosterone on the acoustic and visual sexual signals through a daily testosterone supplementation, the effects of androgen on the immune system response were measured through a phytohaemagglutinin injection. In H. arborea, we demonstrate that both the acoustic and visual sexual signals were testosterone dependent. However, the phytohaemagglutinin injection did not provoke immunosuppression for testosterone-supplemented males. Surprisingly, the testosterone-supplemented males with a high body mass presented an immunoenhancement. Therefore, it seems that ICHH is not an integrating mechanism that is able to explain signal honesty in the multimodal signaling system used by H. arborea in mate choice. On the contrary, our results support the idea that multiple mechanisms (e.g., cost-added and index signals) operating simultaneously may explain signal honesty of both acoustic and visual signals.