Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological characteristics of the invasive pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea – a case study from Rhodes

In this study, the ecological and societal impact of the invasive pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus on coastal habitats of an area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea (Rhodes Island) was investigated. Seasonal quantitative samplings in two common coastal habitats were used to investigate habitat use of different life-stages. Sandy areas were found to be highly important for the early life stages of L. sceleratus . In contrast, Posidonia oceanica habitats were mainly preferred by larger (> 29 cm) reproductive adults, not exceeding 64 cm. Lagocephalus sceleratus was found to feed on invertebrates and fish while size classification revealed a tendency for a diet shift with increased size. During early life stages, L. sceleratus inhabits sandy bottoms where it feeds on various invertebrates. The predominant molluscan species found in the diet of larger (> 20 cm) L. sceleratus individuals were the economically important Sepia officinalis and Octopus vulgaris . The size at which 50% of individuals reach maturity was estimated to 19 cm. With increased size, habitat shift to seagrass meadows most possibly occurs to meet both the increased demand in prey availability and requirement of appropriate spawning ground. Condition factor of L. sceleratus showed significantly higher values during summer than all other seasons and this was attributed to spawning season and increase in feeding. Societal impacts were alarming due to increased public attention concerning its lethal effects (presence of tetrodotoxin), if consumed. Its high abundance in the coastal fish communities of the studied area combined with ecological and societal impacts, clearly classify L. sceleratus a pest for fisheries and potential threat for biodiversity.
Soybean mosaic potyvirus enhances the titer of two comoviruses in dually infected soybean plants

Soybean plants dually infected with soybean mosaic potyvirus (SMV) and either one of two comoviruses, cowpea mosaic virus (CMPV) or bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), showed greatly increased symptom severity over that induced by the individual viruses. The titer of the comovirus (but not of SMV) in the dually infected plants was significantly higher than that in singly infected plants. Electron microscopic examination of thin sections of leaves from dually infected plants revealed that both SMV and CPMV (or BPMV) were present in the same cells (.)
Effects of temperature and food quality on anuran larval growth and metamorphosis

Summary 1. Anurans exhibit high levels of growth-mediated phenotypic plasticity in age and size at metamorphosis. Although temperature and food quality exert a strong influence on larval growth, little is known about the interacting effects of these factors on age and size at metamorphosis. 2. Plasticity in growth rates, maximum larval mass, mass loss, larval period and size at metamorphosis was examined in Iberian Painted Frogs ( Discoglossus galganoi Capula, Nascetti, Lanza, Bullini & Crespo 1985) under different combinations of temperature and diet quality. 3. Temperature and diet had strong effects on the maximum size reached by tadpoles throughout the premetamorphic stages. Larval body mass varied inversely with temperature. The effect of diet depended on temperature; larvae fed on a ‘carnivorous’ diet (rich in protein and lipids) achieved a larger size than larvae offered an ‘herbivorous’ diet (rich in carbohydrates) at 17 ° C but not at 12 or 22 ° C. 4. Larval period was insensitive to diet composition, and varied only with temperature. Primarily the interacting effects of food quality and temperature affected size at metamorphosis. Size at metamorphosis varied inversely with temperature under the plant- and the animal-based diets. However, the carnivorous diet resulted in bigger metamorphs at 17 and 22 ° C, but did not influence final mass at 12 ° C. Maximum size over the larval period explained most of the variation in mass loss after the premetamorphic growing phase.
Climate change and its impact on tropical montane ecosystems in Southern India

The montane regions (>2000 m MSL) of the Western Ghats in southern India feature stunted ever- green forests (C3 plant type) interspersed with extensive grasslands (C3 or C4 plant types). We have studied the vegetational history of this ecosystem in relation to climate change during the late Quaternary through stable- carbon isotope analysis of peat deposits as indicators of C3 or C4 plant types. Grasslands (of C4 type) were predominant during the last glacial maximum (20-18 kyr BP) and again during 6-3.5 kyr BP, while forest and possibly C3 grassland expanded during the deglaciation, attaining their peak distribution at 10 kyr BP. The shift in C3 and C4 plant types seems related to changes in moisture and atmospheric C02, with lower moisture and CO2 levels favouring the latter plant types. The oscillating climate and vegetation has influenced the
Improving the adaptation of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, phalaris, and cocksfoot for Australia

Abstract The main perennial pasture grasses sown in Australia are perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). The area of adaptation, and the longevity and yield of these species are likely to improve considerably over the next decade as a result of the activities within the Australian Grass Improvement Program. Recent use of summer‐dormant cultivars of phalaris has proved successful and novel summer‐dormant cultivars of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue will soon be released to commerce. Of these four naturalised species, all but tall fescue have been commonly sown by farmers in Australia for 60–130 years. However, only phalaris has been subjected to detailed and sustained research. Breeders have provided a range of phalaris cultivars for early to late‐season environments with improved seedling vigour, winter growth, and reduced anti‐quality factors. They have also addressed edaphic limitations. Prog.
Geographical variation of Indian Russell’s viper venom and neutralization of its coagulopathy by polyvalent antivenom

Abstract Indian Russell’s viper venoms of four different geographical locations were found to vary in composition, coagulopathy and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. Venom from Kerala showed highest procoagulant activity followed by Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Karnataka whereas PLA2 activity was highest in venom from West Bengal. The commercial polyvalent antivenom differentially neutralized the aforesaid activities of the crude venoms. Antivenomics study showed the presence of non-immunodepleted and partially immunodepleted proteins in the crude venoms. Thus, Indian Russell’s viper venom from different region varies in composition and accentuates the need to design regiospecific antivenoms to confront the problem of envenomation more effectively.
Chakhao (delicious) rice landraces (Oryza sativa L.) of North-east India: collection, conservation and characterization of genetic diversity

Rice landraces have been developed through artificial selection imposed by farmers during the long-term domestication process. Although the global rice diversity is well characterized, few studies have conducted an in-depth analysis of genetic diversity on a local scale. In India, there are many locally adapted non-Basmati aromatic rice landraces in which the pace of improvement is slow, despite their high economic values. The aromatic and quality rice landraces of Manipur, locally called Chakhao (delicious), are important, considering their high economic and cultural values. To conserve and encourage improvement of these landraces, we collected Chakhao accessions from eight districts of Manipur. The aim of the current study was to investigate the level of genetic diversity and structure of 37 Chakhao landraces based on genotyping with 47 microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity analysis revealed high gene diversity (0.673) within the Chakhao population, with values ranging from 0.303 (Poireiton) to 0.471 (mixed Chakhao). The Chakhao rice accessions could be divided into six subgroups based on genetic structure analyses. The population structure derived from the STRUCTURE analysis largely correlated with the farmers' classification of Chakhao landraces. The results of genetic diversity analyses and the indigenous knowledge of the names and use of Chakhao landraces would facilitate the conservation and utilization of this unique genetic resource.
Estabelecimento de mudas de Eucalyptus spp. e Corymbia citriodora em diferentes substratos

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of seedlings of six eucalypt species produced on substrates with different proportions of organic waste: coconut fiber and rice hulls. The experiment was carried out in the forest nursery of the University of Brasilia (UnB). The substrates used comprised combinations of two residues mixed with vermiculite at three proportions (25%, 50% and 75%). The species were evaluated separately, each with 6 treatments arranged in a completely randomized design in a 2x3 factorial (two residues and three proportions) with 8 repetitions. The following parameters were evaluated: height, diameter, number of leaves, dry mass of shoots and roots, height/diameter ratio, and Dickson quality index. Higher measures of height, diameter, dry mass of shoots, and height/diameter ratio were observed on the substrate with coconut fiber compared with the substrate with rice hulls for most species evaluated. The incorporation of 25% of vermiculite to coconut fiber residue provided a higher quality standard of seedlings for all species studied.
Analysis of Karyotypes of Scilla permixta and the Allied Species with Special Reference to the Dislocation of the Chromosome

HARLOW, W. M. (1927). The Effect of Site on the Structure and Growth of White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis L. Ecology VIII. HARTIG, R. (1894). Untersuchungen uber Entstehung luid Eigenschaften des Eichenholzes. Forstl. -Naturwiss. Zeitschr. III. IIOLL.ENDONNER, F. (1912). Ueber die histologische Untersuchung des Holzes von Biota orientalis and Thuja occidentalis. Ber. d. D. Bot. Ges. IWAKI, T. (1918). Microscopical Distinctions of some Japanese coniferous Wood. Bot. Mag. Tokyo, XXXII. JACCARD, P. (1915). Ueber die Verteilung der Markstrahlen bei den Coniferen. Ber. d. D. Bot. Ges. XXXIII. KLEEBERG, A. (1885). Die Markstrahlen der Coniferen. Bot. Ztg. XLIII. MYER, J. E. (1922). Ray Volumes of the commercial Woods of the United States and their Significance. Journ. Forestr. XX. OGURA, V. (1920). Some Observations on the Growth in Thickness of Trees, especially with Regard to that of Cryptomeria japonica, DoN. Bot. Mag. Tokyo. XXXIV. PENHALLOW, D. P. (1907). A Mannual of the North American Gymnosperms. SI roN, S. (1902). Der Bau des Holzkorpers sommerand winter-griinen Gewachse and seine hiologische Bedeutung. Ber. d. D. Bot. Ges. XX. WEINSTEIN, A. I. (1926). Summary of Literature relating to the Volume, Distribution, and Effects of Medullary Rays in Wood. Journ. Forestr. XXIV, No. 8. WIESEHUEGEL, E. G. (1932). Diagnostic Characteristics of the Xylem of the North American Aides. Bot. Gaz. XCIII. YAsul, K. (1928). Studies on the Structure of Lignite, Brown Coal, and Bituminous Coal in Japan. Journ. Facult. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo. Ser. 3, Bot. I, pt. 4.
Rapeseed Meals, Methimazole, Thiocyanate and Iodine Affect Growth and Thyroid. Investigations into Glucosinolate Tolerance in the Pig

In two factorial experiments with a total of 81 growing pigs, the effects of antithyroid compounds and rapeseed meal (RSM) diets differing in glucosino-late content were tested without or with supplementary iodine. In Experiment 1, a 4×3 factorial arrangement was used to investigate the effects of antithyroid compound inclusion and supplementary iodine. Pigs received a grain–soya bean meal diet (control) or this diet with 250 mg kg-1 methimazole (MMI), 1000 mg kg-1 thiocyanate (SCN- as KSCN) or 80 g kg-1 high glucosinolate RSM (9·5 mmol glucosinolates kg-1), each diet supplemented without or with iodine; 0, 125 μg kg-1 (requirement) or 500 μg kg-1. In Experiment 2, a 5×3 factorial arrangement was used to study the effects of dietary glucosinolate content and iodine supplementation. Pigs received a grain–soya bean meal diet or four diets with 160 g kg-1 RSM differing in glucosinolate content (0·6, 2·4, 6 or 19 mmol kg-1 diet), each diet supplemented with iodine: 62·5 μg kg-1, 125 μg kg-1 (requirement) or 250 μg kg-1. Irrespective of the iodine dosage, MMI suppressed production of thyroxine and resulted in goitre, myxoedema and cretinism. SCN- induced clinical hypothyroidism when there was no supple-mental iodine. Despite high iodine supplementation, glucosinolate load (19 mmol kg-1 diet) decreased growth, feed intake, iodine store of the thyroid and serum concentration of thyroid hormone and resulted in goitre formation. In the case of diets with ⩽6 mmol glucosinolates kg-1, iodine prevented antithyroid effects. However, more iodine was required by these pigs than by control animals to a high T4 serum concentration. The lowest glucosinolate level tested (0·6 mmol kg-1 diet) yielded the same thyroid hormone status and thyroid weight as the control, however, the iodine content of thyroid gland was decreased. In conclusion, iodine administration prevents the effects of a low glucosinolate intake only, by overcoming the depressed thyroxine released of the thyroid, resulting in regression of goitre. © 1997 SCI.
Movement patterns of three species of sparrow in the central Monte desert, Argentina: differences between and within species

Abstract Accurate knowledge of the movements of passerine populations in the southern hemisphere is difficult to attain, in part owing to differences in movements between and within species and between and within populations. In temperate South America, descriptions of patterns of movements are often based on reports of local changes in abundance and occurrence of species and there have been few detailed studies of movements at the local population level. We banded and monitored individuals of three species of sparrow -the Many-coloured Chaco-Finch (Saltatricula multicolor), Ringed Warbling-Finch (Poospiza torquata) and Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) in a temperate site in the central Monte desert, Argentina, to evaluate differences in site-attachment between and within species. We found resident populations of all three species, the juveniles of which showed little site-attachment. We also observed a large influx of mobile Ringed Warbling-Finches and Rufous-collared Sparrows during the non-breeding season. We confirmed population partial migration of two subspecies of Rufous-collared Sparrows (and, possibly, a third otherwise resident subspecies), and possibly also within Ringed Warbling-Finches. The influxes of mobile individuals during the non-breeding season may be in response to unpredictable climate and consequent availability of resources, as has been found in arid regions of Australia and Africa. Our results provide a basis for a better understanding of the evolution of movement patterns of birds in temperate South America.
Mammals of medium and large size from a fragmented seasonal forest landscape in Mato Grosso do Sul state, central-western Brazil

The southern cone of Mato Grosso do Sul state is poorly known in terms of mammal community composition. This information is very important to propose an environmental management plan. The present study provides information on the composition of medium and large size mammals in the municipality of Bataypora, in the Ivinhema river basin, southwestern Brazil. The mammal community was sampled during 19 field sampling occasions by the identification of vestiges, such as burrows, feces, vocalization and tracks, as well as through direct observations. I recorded 24 mammal species distributed in eight taxonomic orders. Thirteen species were frequently recorded, six species were rarely recorded, and six species are considered threatened in Brazil or in global level. The area presents almost half of the medium and large-sized mammal fauna from Mato Grosso do Sul state, but fragmentation and sugarcane plantations may represent a threat to the local biodiversity conservation.
Postnatal development of thermoregulation in the semiaquatic muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Developmental changes in thermoregulatory ability were followed in 1- to 34-d-old muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) tested individually and in groups composed of 5 littermates. During their first 10-11 d of life, 20- to 60-g nestlings displayed limited thermogenic ability and could not maintain a stable body temperatures (Tb) during 2 h exposure to an air temperature (Ta) of 10 or 25°C. At 25°C, a Ta approximating nest temperatures in the field, nestlings were homeothermic at ca. 10-11 d of age, when they were fully furred, capable of limited swimming, and within 1-2 d of opening their eyes. The onset of thermoregulation occurred at a body mass (60 g) that was considerably less than predicted on the basis of adult body size. Huddling with littermates reduced the cooling of 20- to 60-g young at a Ta of 10°C, but did not advance the age (mass) at which they became effective homeotherms. Huddling by 20- to 60-g nestlings raised the mean Tb, leading to a substantive (64%) gain in the rate of oxygen consumption (V.
Susceptibility of the Quercus rubra root system to Phytophthora cinnamomi; comparison with chestnut and other oak species

Summary The susceptibility of oak seedlings (Quercus palustris, Quercus robur, Quercus rubra) and chestnut seedlings (Castanea sativa) to Phytophthora cinnamomi was tested. The dynamics of infection was examined in plant material raised in a rhizotron. In the oak species, primary root tissues were susceptible whereas secondary cortical tissues showed some resistance to P. cinnamomi. Secondary cortical tissues of the tap root in C. sativa were susceptible. Inoculations with P. cinnamomi were performed both in situ and on excised roots of mature Q. rubra. In both cases, the resistance of Q. rubra roots and shoots was negatively correlated with diameter at the inoculation point. Small roots (l–5-cm diameter) were resistant, whereas collar and trunk were susceptible. In contrast to oak, small excised roots of mature C. sativa (0.7–2-cm diameter) were susceptible to P. cinnamomi. This may explain why P. cinnamomi does not induce a decline of the attacked oaks, but rather a trunk canker.
Platelet‐activating factor detection, metabolism, and inhibitors in the ethanologenic bacterium Zymomonas mobilis

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a signaling phospholipid with a significant physiological role in multicellular and unicellular organisms, including fermentative organisms such as yeast. Zymomonas mobilis is an ethanologenic α-proteobacterium currently studied for bioethanol production. In order to examine the presence of PAF and/or PAF inhibitors in Z. mobilis, a new one-step high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation procedure of total lipids was performed, using a C8 reversed-phase semi-preparative column. According to this method and to bioassays based on washed rabbit platelet aggregation, two lipid molecules with PAF-like activity and same retention times as those of standard PAF were detected; electron-spray ionization MS and MS/MS analysis revealed that they share similar structure with 16:0 and 18:0 PAF. Furthermore, other lipids extracted from Z. mobilis were found to exhibit a potent anti-PAF activity. Enzyme activities indicative of key PAF biosynthetic enzymes, such as dithiothreitol-insensitive cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and lyso-PAF acetyltransferase were detected in Z. mobilis homogenates. As for PAF degradation, activity similar to that of PAF acetylhydrolase was also discovered. Overall, the presence of PAF, PAF-specific inhibitors, and enzyme activities relating to PAF metabolism, suggests that PAF may play an intrinsic role in this biotechnological organism. Practical applications:Z. mobilis is a platform microorganism for bioethanol production and a potential source of high-value chemicals of interest to the food and healthcare industries. Further investigation of PAF's role is bound to affect applications involving this and other biotechnological organisms. The finding that Z. mobilis lipids exhibit potent anti-PAF activity opens up prospects for their identification, overproduction and pharmaceutical use. The presented HPLC method for lipid fractionation accomplishes a one-step separation of lipids from dense samples, which may be successfully employed to other lipid-rich sources such as blood.
Ultraviolet‐B‐induced responses in Arabidopsis thaliana: role of salicylic acid and reactive oxygen species in the regulation of transcripts encoding photosynthetic and acidic pathogenesis‐related proteins

Supplementary UV-B was shown to lead to a decrease in transcripts encoding the photosynthetic genes Lhcb and psbA and a concomitant increase in transcripts encoding three acid-type pathogenesis-related proteins, PR-1, PR-2 and PR-5, in Arabidopsis thaliana. UV-B radiation has been reported to lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we report that ROS are required for UV-B-induced down-regulation of the photosynthetic genes and up-regulation of PR genes, as the addition of antioxidants before UV-B treatment resulted in a marked reduction in the effect of UV-B on both sets of genes. Rises in ROS are frequently accompanied by increases in salicylic acid (SA) accumulation. UV-B treatment of transgenic NahG Arabidopsis plants, which are unable to accumulate SA, showed that the increase in PR transcripts, but not the decrease in photosynthetic transcripts, was dependent on the increase in SA. In addition, a 3 d exposure to UV-B radiation resulted in a 7-fold increase in SA levels. Oxidant treatment of NahG plants indicated that ROS could not up-regulate PR genes in the absence of SA accumulation; however, the down-regulation of photosynthetic transcripts was unchanged from that in wild-type plants. The results indicate that the effects of UV-B on the two sets of genes are mediated through two distinct signal tranduction pathways. One pathway is ROS-dependent but SA-independent and mediates the down-regulation of photosynthetic genes. The other is SA- and ROS-dependent and mediates the up-regulation of the acidic-type PR genes.
The Sensory Line System and Its Innervation in the Osteostraci (Agnatha, Cephalaspidomorphi)

A comparative study of the sensory line system and the lateralis nerve complex in osteostracans on one hand, and in petromyzontids on the other, reveals further similarities between these two groups. The interrelationships between the lateralis nerve complex and the other cranial nerves in osteostracans lead to the conclusion that, in these forms, the first, second and third branchial nerves correspond respectively to the ramus maxillaris trigemini, the ramus mandibularis trigemini and the facialis of petromyzontids.