Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Composição de gastrópodes terrestres em duas áreas do Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentado (CEADS), Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: um estudo-piloto

A survey of the Ilha Grande land snails was carried out in order to compare the diversity and similarity among two regions of secondary Atlantic Rain Forest. The diversity was estimated using the richness and the equitatibility; the alpha diversity was calculated using the Simpson index (γ). The Sorensen and Jaccard indexes were used to calculate the similarity. A quantitative survey of two 600 m2 area, one in each studied region, recorded 336 individuals snails distributed in 23 species and 13 families. The region with more altered secondary forest showed higher richness (17) and diversity (γ = 3,6) than the region more preserved (richness = 14; γ = 2,78), but, the same equitatibility (0,20). The similarity was medium by Jaccard index (IJ = 0,52) and low by Sorensen index (IS = 0,15). These differences could be explained by the dominance of Subulinidae (four species and 117 specimens) in the more altered region and Systrophiidae in the more preserved (four species and 97 specimens).
Optimum Muscle Design for Oscillatory Movements.

A simple model represents oscillatory movements such as many animals use for running, swimming or flight. A plate is oscillated in a fluid by a pair of muscles that exert the forces needed to overcome its inertia and hydrodynamic drag. The muscles have spring-like tendons. Empirically-based equations that take account of the force exerted by a muscle and the rate at which it is shortening are used to estimate the metabolic energy cost of the oscillation. The maximum shortening speed (νmax) of the muscles and the elastic compliance of their tendons are varied to find the optimum combination that minimizes metabolic cost. If hydrodynamic forces predominate (as in swimming), the cost is highly sensitive to muscle speed (which should be relatively high) but less sensitive to compliance. If inertial forces predominate (as in running) the cost is highly sensitive to tendon compliance, and less sensitive to muscle speed (which should preferably be low). The muscles that power the locomotion of various animals are discussed in the light of these conclusions.
Thymopoiesis Following Chronic Blockade of β‐Adrenoceptors

Abstract The present study was undertaken in order to further clarify putative role of the adrenergic innervation in the regulation of the intrathymic T‐cell maturation. For this purpose adult male DA rats were subjected to either 4‐day‐ or 16‐day‐long propranolol treatment (0.40 mg propranolol/100 g/day, s.c.) and the expression of CD4/8/TCRαβ on thymocytes, as well as thymocyte proliferative and apoptotic index, was assessed in these animals by flow cytometric analysis. Propranolol treatment, in spite of duration, increased both the thymocyte proliferative and apoptotic index (vs. respective vehicle‐treated controls). In 4‐day‐treated animals the thymus cellularity and thymus weight remained unaltered, while in 16‐day‐treated rats the values of both of these parameters were reduced (since increase in the thymocyte apoptotic index overcame that in the proliferative index). The treatments of both durations affected the thymocyte phenotypic profile in a similar pattern, but the changes were more pronounced in rats exposed to the treatment of longer duration. The relative proportion of the least mature CD4−8− double negative (DN) TCRαβ− cells was increased, those of thymocytes at distinct differentiational stages on the transitional route to the CD4+8+ double positive (DP) TCRαβlow stage decreased (all subsets of TCRαβ− in both groups of rats, and those with low expression of TCRαβ in rats subjected to 16‐day‐long treatment) or unaltered (all subsets of TCRαβlow cells in 4‐day‐treated rats). Furthermore, the percentage of CD4+8+ DP TCRαβlow cells was significantly elevated, as well as those of the most mature CD4+8− TCRαβhigh and CD4−8+TCRαβhigh cells (the increase in the percentage of former was much more conspicuous than that of the latter), while the relative proportion of their direct detectable precursors (CD4+8+ DP TCRαβhigh) was reduced. Thus, the present study: i) further supports notion of pharmacological manipulation of adrenergic action as an efficient means in modulation of the T‐cell development, and hence T‐cell‐dependent immune response, and ii) provides more specific insight into T‐cell maturation sequence point/s particularly sensitive to β‐adrenoceptor ligand action.
Evaluating Sampling Strategies for Larval Cisco (Coregonus artedi)

ABSTRACT To improve our ability to assess larval cisco (Coregonus artedi) populations in Lake Superior, we conducted a study to compare several sampling strategies. First, we compared density estimates of larval cisco concurrently captured in surface waters with a 2 ×1-m paired neuston net and a 0.5-m (diameter) conical net. Density estimates obtained from the two gear types were not significantly different, suggesting that the conical net is a reasonable alternative to the more cumbersome and costly neuston net. Next, we assessed the effect of tow pattern (sinusoidal versus straight tows) to examine if propeller wash affected larval density. We found no effect of propeller wash on the catchability of larval cisco. Given the availability of global positioning systems, we recommend sampling larval cisco using straight tows to simplify protocols and facilitate straightforward measurements of volume filtered. Finally, we investigated potential trends in larval cisco density estimates by sampling four time periods during the light period of a day at individual sites. Our results indicate no significant trends in larval density estimates during the day. We conclude estimates of larval cisco density across space are not confounded by time at a daily timescale. Well-designed, cost effective surveys of larval cisco abundance will help to further our understanding of this important Great Lakes forage species.
The Effect of Overt Prepositional Input on Students’ Written Accuracy

I believe that there should be a focus on problematic language issues such as prepositions in the language classroom in order to provide continuous exposure to such features. Consequently I provided my students with supplementary activities on prepositions, and also promoted learner autonomy by highlighting urls which deal with collocation. Analysis of the students written output shows the input to have been successful in focussing students’ attention on this problematic language aspect. While a pre-input writing task generated 83 prepositional errors , at the rate of 1 in every 48 words, longer post-input tasks only generated 76 prepositional errors at the rate of 1 in every 215 words. Consequently, I plan to continue providing students with input on this often neglected language feature, in order to increase students’ written accuracy.
Seedling survival and dynamics of upper timberline in Central Apennines

Despite several studies on the timberline dynamics in Europe were carried out in the last decades, very few papers refer to mountain areas where the timberline is composed of broadleaved trees, and no research was conducted on the dynamics of Apennine beech timberline in relation to seedling survival. The research aim was to analyse the beech wood timberline dynamics in the central Apennines, with reference to seedling survival. Furthermore, factors affecting seedling survival were identified. To assess the forest ecotone dynamics, vegetation layer cover, rock fragment cover and information about forest management and krummholz occurrence were collected in sampling plots placed over 1,600 m a.s. l. , on north-facing slopes. The beech seedlings occurring in Brachypodium genuense-dominated stands above the timberline were counted and monitored along two growing seasons. Soil temperature, soil moisture, and photosynthetically active radiation available for seedlings (PHAR) in grasslands above timberline were measured. The research outputs indicate that timberline is not a natural boundary and that there is no evidence of its extension upwards. The greatest number of beech seedlings was recorded in late spring. The one-year mortality rate ranged from 71 to 100%. None of the seedlings still alive in the early autumn of the first year were recorded in the following spring. The competitive exclusion by Brachypodium genuense individuals, which limit the incident PHAR, and the low soil moisture during summer, were identified as the main factors that account for the high mortality of seedlings and affect beech regeneration above timberline. The effect of competition is probably intensified by the lack of pioneer shrubs which could otherwise serve as nurse plants for beech seedlings and protect them from browsing by wild ungulates. Thus, both the current and the past land use may be considered as driving forces in timberline dynamics. Probably, also the trend of global warming, that in the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean climatic context would determine the increase of summer drought stress, could worsen the effect of competitive exclusion of beech seedlings, so that it can be hypothesized that the expansion upwards of the upper timberline in the Apennines could be totally blocked.
Evaluation of Artificial Barriers in Small Rocky Mountain Streams for Preventing the Upstream Movement of Brook Trout

Abstract Artificial barriers are important management tools for protecting populations of native fishes from encroaching nonnative species. We evaluated the effectiveness of gabion and culvert barriers in preventing upstream movement of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis in four small Rocky Mountain streams that contained native populations of Colorado River cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus. A rock-filled gabion in one stream and a road culvert in a second stream appeared to block upstream movement of brook trout; no fish marked and released downstream of the barriers were subsequently found upstream of the barriers. However, in a third stream, 18 of 86 brook trout marked and placed downstream of a rock-filled gabion barrier were later found upstream of the barrier during 3 years of evaluation. These fish ranged in length from 81 to 224 mm total length, so all size-classes were able to navigate past the structure. One brook trout moved upstream past the gabion twice, the second time during l.
Forage–cattle relationships in a communally managed semi-arid savanna in northern Zululand, South Africa

Development of extensive livestock production in KwaZulu-Natal is constrained by seasonal variability of rangeland production and low forage nutritional quality. A three-year study was implemented to determine the seasonal variation in herbaceous biomass and chemical composition of veld, animal weight, body condition and blood metabolites in a communal area where farmers wished to commercialise. The period of study was not characterised by unusual climatic conditions. Herbaceous biomass increased in wet months and decreased in dry months. Crude protein concentration was higher in wet seasons than dry seasons. Neutral detergent fibre was generally high. Calves gained 0.53–0.63 kg d−1 during the wet season and took 15 months to reach weaning weight. The mean weights and body condition scores of cows and bulls increased during wet seasons and decreased during dry seasons. Blood urea nitrogen was low in the dry season while creatinine concentrations increased in the dry season and dropped in the wet season. The results indicated that the quantity and quality of forage were insufficient for the development of commercial beef production. Further research is needed to develop and test strategies for improving the availability of nutrients in situations where communal farmers wish to develop livestock production.
Optimal Resource Allocation and the Marginal Value of Organs

Using Pontryagin's maximum principle from optimal control theory, I investigate patterns of optimal allocation of energy toward the several state variables constituting an organism's body (e.g., locomotor system, acquisition or protective structures, etc.) and affecting its production rate (P) and/or mortality probability (μ). The trade-offs between state variables are assumed to be linear, the environment is constant, and the time horizon is infinite (i.e., no maximal longevity is assumed). The following rules are shown to be necessary conditions for the allocation strategy to result in the maximum feasible rate of increase (r*): all allocation must go to the organ(s) that provide(s) the highest return, in terms of increasing P/(r* + μ), provided that this return exceeds investment; if several organs provide the same return, then allocation must be simultaneous and must be such that the returns decrease at the same rate; and as soon as the highest return is equal to investment, all production must be channeled into reproduction. These results extend previous analyses and are discussed in the several contexts of ontogenetic changes and phenotypic plasticity in resource allocation, patterns of growth and survival, density dependence and r/K theory, complex life cycles, and colony expansion paths of insect societies.
Structural differences between soybean seeds coat with contrasting permeability.

A exposicao das sementes de soja a ciclos alternados de elevada e baixa umidades antes da colheita, provocado pela ocorrencia de chuvas frequentes, orvalho ou as flutuacoes diarias da umidade relativa do ar, resulta na deterioracao por umidade, a qual pode ser apontada como a principal causa para a baixa qualidade das sementes. Alguns trabalhos tem evidenciado a existencia de genotipos de soja contrastantes para qualidade fisiologica de sementes. Tais diferencas podem existir em virtude da total ou parcial impermeabilidade do tegumento a penetracao de agua, o que torna as sementes menos susceptiveis aos danos mecânicos, as adversidades climaticas e a deterioracao por umidade. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiologica das sementes dos genotipos de soja CD-202 (tegumento amarelo, permeavel e susceptivel a deterioracao) e TP (tegumento preto, semi-permeavel e resistente a deterioracao) e identificar diferencas estruturais existentes entre os tegumentos desses genotipos. Na determinacao da qualidade fisiologica das sementes utilizaram-se os testes de germinacao e vigor (condutividade eletrica e envelhecimento acelerado). Para avaliacao da estrutura dos tegumentos, foram coletadas sementes de soja em diferentes estadios de desenvolvimento (25, 40 e 55 dias apos a antese). Essas amostras foram encaminhadas ao Laboratorio de Imunologia e Microscopia Eletronica da Embrapa Clima Temperado, onde os tecidos de tegumento foram visualizados em microscopio otico Olympus BX 51 com aumento de 40x, atraves de cortes histologicos na regiao oposta ao hilo. De acordo com os resultados do trabalho, sementes do genotipo TP apresentaram qualidade fisiologica superior em relacao ao genotipo CD-202. Quanto a caracterizacao morfologica, foram detectadas diferencas entre as estruturas dos tegumentos de soja de coloracao preta e amarela, as quais podem estar relacionadas a qualidade de sementes.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A SHORT FORM PERIDININ‐CHLOROPHYLL‐PROTEIN (PCP) cDNA AND PROTEIN FROM THE SYMBIOTIC DINOFLAGELLATE SYMBIODINIUM MUSCATINEI (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM THE SEA ANEMONE ANTHOPLEURA ELEGANTISSIMA (CNIDARIA)



 1

Peridinin‐chl‐proteins (PCPs) are highly abundant light harvesting pigment proteins unique to the photosynthetic dinoflagellates. Although extensive studies have examined PCP proteins, only four complete pcp nucleotide sequences have been reported to date. PCPs occur in two different forms, a short form with a molecular mass of 14–16 kDa and a long form with a mass of 30–35 kDa, which is thought to have arisen by a gene duplication event. This study describes PCP and its cDNA from Symbiodinium muscatinei (LaJeunesse and Trench), a symbiotic dino‐flagellate resident in the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt). Two‐dimensional PAGE of S. muscatinei proteins revealed numerous strongly staining spots at a molecular mass of 15.7 and varying pIs. The N‐terminal peptide sequence from one of these spots could be successfully aligned with PCPs from other dinoflagellates, and a complete cDNA sequence was generated by reverse transcriptase PCR, using primers based on the peptide sequence. Northern analyses of RNA revealed a single 1.0‐kb band, suggesting that only the short form of the gene is expressed. The S. muscatinei pcp predicted amino acid sequence displayed a 50%–70% identity with the other known pcp sequences. Interestingly, S. muscatinei PCP was best aligned with the only other short form sequence known, that from Heterocapsa pygmaea, and not with the long form from the congener Symbiodinium sp. from the coral Acropora formosa. Phylogenetic analysis of the five pcp sequences suggests that the PCP gene family is divided into two distinct clades, a short form and a long form, and indicates the existence of two separate genes for the two forms.
Population Structure and Biodiversity of Chinese Indigenous Duck Breeds Revealed by 15 Microsatellite Markers

Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is one of the most important domestic avian species in the world. In the present research, fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to evaluate the diversity and population structure of 26 Chinese indigenous duck breeds across the country. The Chinese breeds showed high variation with the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranging from 0.401 (Jinding) to 0.615 (Enshi), and the expected heterozygosity (He) ranging from 0.498 (Jinding) to 0.707 (Jingjiang). In all of the breeds, the values of Ho were significantly lower than those of He, suggesting high selection pressure on these local breeds. AMOVA and Bayesian clustering analysis showed that some breeds had mixed together. The F ST value for all breeds was 0.155, indicating medium differentiation of the Chinese indigenous breeds. The F ST value also indicated the short domestication history of most of Chinese indigenous ducks and the admixture of these breeds after domestication. Understanding the genetic relationship and structure of these breeds will provide valuable information for further conservation and utilization of the genetic resources in ducks.
Factors Influencing Recruitment of Crappies in Chautauqua Lake, New York

Abstract Black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus and white crappies P. annularis were introduced to Chautauqua Lake from Sodus Bay of Lake Ontario (New York) in the late 1920s to establish a recreational fishery. The abundance of both species rapidly increased, and an intensive recreational fishery developed. Anecdotal accounts from the recreational fishery and catches in pound nets indicate that both species remained at high levels of abundance until the 1970s. However, the catch of age-2 crappies in gill-net samples has declined since 1978. Index trawling from 1978 to 1999 indicated that the year-class strength of black and white crappies was synchronized and fixed between fall of age 0 and fall of age 1. Age-0 crappie abundance was positively associated with the biomass of walleye prey (yellow perch Perca flavescens, sunfish Lepomis spp., and white perch Morone americana) and negatively associated with that of walleye Stizostedion vitreum, showing that availability of alternative prey affects walleye pre.
Milk production from silage 3. A comparison of red clover with grass silage

Silages were made from the primary growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or red clover (Trifolium pratense) and were given ad libitum to 52 British Friesian cows, together with 70 kg dry matter per day of a barley/ground maize/soya bean supplement in 2 years. Twenty of the cows were used in both years, providing a total of 72 observations. Three treatments were imposed during weeks 3 t o 20 of lactation: red clover silage, (RC/RC); red clover silage, weeks 3 to 10, grass silage weeks 12 to 20 (RC/PRG); grass silage (PRG/PRG). Apparent digestibility of the gross energy assessed in lactation weeks 14 and 15 was slightly lower for red clover than for perennial ryegrass (0·683, 0·706 and 0·701 for treatments RC/RC, RC/PRG and PRG/PRG respectively). There was no effect of previous treatment on the digestibility of perennial ryegrass diets (RC/PRG v. PRG/PRG). Cows given red clover silage consumed proportionately 1·22 of the dry matter and 1·09 of the digestible energy ingested by those given perennial ryegrass. The intake of perennial ryegrass in mid lactation was similar, irrespective of early lactation treatment. During weeks 3 to 20, cows given red clover yielded 1·9 kg more milk than did those given perennial ryegrass ( P P P Red clover silage rather than perennial ryegrass silage of similar digestibility resulted in higher silage intake and higher yields of milk, milk protein and lactose. However, the strategic use of red clover silage to increase yield in early lactation did not induce positive residual effects in mid lactation; rather, there was evidence of a negative effect on milk and milk-fat yield.
Nymphs in foraging populations of Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Food searching activity by subterranean termites involves workers, soldiers and nymphs. The present study was carried out for elucidating aspects of nymph foraging behavior in Brazil where the species Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann, 1896) is exotic. Monitoring was conducted through making regular collections from seven different colonies for a period of 22 months, which exhibited the production of forager nymphs all year round. A biometric study was conducted to determine the instars of the forager nymphs collected. The identification of male and female nymphs was also conducted for establishing the sex proportion, which was slightly male-biased. From the 533 forager nymphs collected, 34 were from the 3rd instar, 280 from the 4th instar and 219 from 5th instar. The results suggest that 3rd instar nymphs were not too active in the foraging activities because they were collected only in one colony and in an insignificant quantity.
Cladosporium epichloës, a rare European fungus, with notes on other fungicolous species.

Cladosporium epichloes Lobik, associated with Epichloe typhina (Pers.) Tul. & C. Tul. and known from three records worldwide, is reported from Poland for the fi rst time. The morphology and distribution data of this species as well as the fi rst records of Cladosporium uredinicola Speg. and Phoma glomerata (Corda) Wollenw. & Hochapfel as parasites of powdery mildews in Poland are presented. Information concerning specimens of fi ve other hyperparasitic species deposited in Herbarium Universitatis Lodziensis (LOD) is provided.