Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Voltage-dependent Na+ channels in pyrethroid-resistant Culex pipiens L mosquitoes†

In some insect species, knockdown resistance (kdr) to pyrethroids and DDT is linked to point mutations in the sequence of the para-type voltage-dependent sodium channel gene. The effects of pyrethroids were assayed on six Culex pipiens strains: two were susceptible to pyrethroids and the four others displayed various levels of resistance, but, in each case, a kdr-type mechanism was strongly suggested. Degenerate primers were designed on the basis of the corresponding sequences of the para orthologous gene reported from several orders of insects. These primers were used to amplify the region of the sodium channel gene which includes the positions where the kdr and super-kdr mutations have been found in Musca domestica. As expected, the amplified fragment was highly homologous to the para sequences. The super-kdr-like mutation (methionine to threonine at position 918 of the M domestica para sequence) was never detected in any strain. In contrast, the same kdr mutation (leucine to phenylalanine at position 1014) was present in some Culex pyrethroid-resistant samples. An alternative substitution of the same leucine to a serine was detected in one strain slightly resistant to pyrethroids but highly resistant to DDT. These data have allowed us to design a PCR-based diagnostic test on genomic DNA to determine the presence or the absence of the kdr allele in single C pipiens collected in several countries. The validity of this test was checked by comparing the frequency of the resistance allele and the toxicological data.
Evaluation of microdesmis puberula leaf meal as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets

A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the leaf meal of Microdesmis puberula as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets. Microdesmis puberula is a preferred tropical browse plant. The leaves were harvested, chopped to facilitate drying, spread evenly in a room for four days until the material becomes crispy while still retaining it's greenish colouration. The material was milled using a hammer mill to produce the leaf meal. Microdesmis puberula leaf meal contain 17.32% crude protein, 6.52% ether extract, 12.25% total ash, 24.84% crude fibre, 24.06% NFE and an appreciable percent of minerals. Three broiler starter diets were formulated to contain the meal at dietary levels of 0%, 5% and 10% One hundred and eighty (180), 14 -day old hubbard broiler chicks were divided into three groups of sixty birds each and randomly assigned to the three treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were collected on feed intake, body weights and feed conversion ratio. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the group on the control (0%) diet and the groups on diets containing 5% and 10% inclusion levels of the leaf meal. The group on the control (0%) diet performed significantly (P<0.05) better than the groups on the leaf meal diets. The results of this study suggest that dietary inclusion of Microdesmis puberula leaf meal at 5% and 10% levels significantly (P<0.05) depressed performance of broiler chicks,
LIGHT‐GROWN PLANTS OF THE CUCUMBER LONG HYPOCOTYL MUTANT EXHIBIT BOTH LONG‐TERM AND RAPID ELONGATION GROWTH RESPONSES TO IRRADIATION WITH SUPPLEMENTARY FAR‐RED LIGHT

Seedlings of wild type (WT) and the lh mutant of Cucumis sativus were grown in white light and given supplementary far‐red radiation either to the whole plant, or via fiber‐optic probes directed at the apical region of the hypocotyl. In both WT and mutant seedlings, reducing the ratio of red to far‐red radiation resulted in significant increases in extension growth. Direct measurement of extension rate by transducer techniques revealed that the mutant seedlings responded to additional far‐red radiation by an increment in extension rate that was equivalent to that observed with the WT seedlings. Assuming that the lh mutant is deficient in phytochrome B (Kendrick and Nagatani, The Plant Journal1: 133–139, 1991), these results indicate that although phytochrome B clearly has an important role in the induction of the shade avoidance syndrome, it is unlikely to be the sole responsible receptor.
RESOURCE LIMITATION IN A STREAM COMMUNITY: PHOSPHORUS ENRICHMENT EFFECTS ON PERIPHYTON AND GRAZERS'

A field experiment was used to test whether stream periphyton was nutrient limited, and if so, whether the grazing insects that consumed this resource were food limited. Eight replicate wooden flumes were placed in an unshaded riffle in Augusta Creek, a third- order, hardwater trout stream in southwestern Michigan (USA). Phosphorus, in the form of Ca(H2PO4)2, was added to four of these flumes for 105 d. The average concentration of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) maintained in P-enriched flumes (85 ,g/L) was >5 times as great as in control flumes (15 jug/L). After 77 d of nutrient enrichment, periphyton biomass per unit area on substrates with reduced grazer densities was 1.8 x as great in P-enriched flumes as in control flumes. The larvae of two species of grazing caddisflies (Leucotrichia pictipes and Psychomyia flavida) in P-enriched flumes also had higher individual mass, developmental rates, and population densities. These responses resulted in standing crops of final-instar larvae in P-enriched flumes that were 2.1 x and 1.5 x as great as those in control flumes for Psy- chomyia and Leucotrichia, respectively. This demonstration of food limitation supplements previous behavioral studies showing that both grazer species aggressively defend feeding territories, and contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that resource limitation is more important in some stream food webs than previously recognized. Resource limitation of these grazer populations may be due in part to the rarity of catastrophic flooding and drying in Augusta Creek. Such stable flows could permit consumer populations to reach higher densities than in frequently disturbed streams.
Fire‐regime complacency and sensitivity to centennial‐through millennial‐scale climate change in Rocky Mountain subalpine forests, Colorado, USA

Key uncertainties in anticipating future fire regimes are their sensitivity to climate change, and the degree to which climate will impact fire regimes directly, through increasing the probability of fire, versus indirectly, through changes in vegetation and landscape flammability. We studied the sensitivity of subalpine forest fire regimes (i.e. fire frequency, fire severity) to previously documented climate variability over the past 6000 years, utilizing pollen and macroscopic charcoal from high‐resolution lake‐sediment records in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We combined data from the four lakes to provide composite records of vegetation and fire history within a 200 km2 study area. Rates of forest burning were relatively complacent to millennial‐scale summer cooling and decreased effective moisture. Mean return intervals between fire episodes, defined over 500‐year periods, generally varied between 150 and 250 years, consistent with tree‐ring‐based estimates spanning recent centuries. Variability around these long‐term means, however, was significantly correlated with variability in summer moisture (i.e. more burning with drier summers), inferred from existing lake‐level and supporting palaeoenvironmental records. The most pronounced change in fire regimes was in response to decreased subalpine forest density ca. 2400 cal. year BP, itself a response to regional cooling. This indirect impact of climate was followed by a decrease in charcoal production per fire, a proxy for crown‐fire severity, while the long‐term rate of burning remained unchanged. Over the last 1500 years, increased summer evaporation and drought frequency were associated with increased fire severity, highlighting a direct link between fire and climate. Synthesis. Subalpine forest fire history reveals complacency and sensitivity of fire regimes to changing vegetation and hydroclimate over the past 6000 years. Complacency is highlighted by non‐varying fire frequency over millennia. Sensitivity is evident through changes in biomass burned per fire (and inferred fire severity), in response to climate‐induced changes in forest density and, more recently, increased summer drought. Overall, the palaeo record suggests that (i) fire severity may be more responsive to climate change than fire frequency in Rocky Mountain subalpine forests and (ii) the indirect impacts of climate on vegetation and fuels are important mechanisms determining fire‐regime response to climate change.
Resting Stages of Plankton in Recent North Adriatic Sediments

Plankton-derived resting stages were found in 26 sediment cores collected in the North Adriatic Sea; 46 morphotypes were identified, 38 were attributed to taxa according to their morphology and, in some hatching cases, also according to the morphology of the derived active forms. Six species of Dinophyta were recorded for the first time from the North Adriatic Sea. Each morphotype was described in detail. Twenty-nine resting stages were Dinophyta; one was a Chrysophyta; two were Tintinnina; and six were metazoans. At every site Dinophyta cysts were more abundant than Metazoa cysts. Cyst bank densities were variable, with empty forms generally more abundant than full ones; cyst concentrations were highest at the mouth of the Po River delta.
Polyandry and competition for territories in bronze-winged jacanas

Summary 1. We tested the hypothesis that in territorial, sex-role reversed birds the distribution of resources may determine the dispersion of males, which may, in turn, determine the dispersion of females (i.e. the converse of the classical view of breeding systems in most species). 2. Bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus) territories were exclusive within the sexes, and female territories encompassed 1–4 male territories. The breeding density was limited by both habitat availability (floaters settled when new habitat flooded) and competition for territories (floaters filled natural and experimental vacancies). 3. Territory vacancies created by removal experiments were filled quickly either by floaters, neighbours, or male co-mates that expanded their territories. Changes in male territories had a significantly greater impact on female territories than vice versa, in terms of size and overlap before and after the experiment. Female dispersion was therefore influenced by the dispersion of males. However, males also played an active part in mate changes through occasional territory adjustments, and sexual interactions with females. 4. There was no evidence for a relationship between dispersion of resources and male territory size, but heavier males defended larger territories. Both neighbouring males and co-mates constrained the size of male territories. There was no evidence that polyandry arose through males settling on and subdividing female territories, but rather males competed for space, and female territories were superimposed on the mosaic of male territories. 5. Female territory size was positively correlated with harem size, but seemed to be unrelated to habitat quality. Females may have attempted to maximize territory size to encompass as many males as possible. Males in larger harems defended smaller territories. The degree of polyandry therefore depended on both male and female territory sizes.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABILITY IN THE ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES CENTAUREA CORYMBOSA (ASTERACEAE)

Centaurea corymbosa is an endemic plant species restricted to a 3-km2 area in southern France. This species is known from only six small populations that are highly differentiated genetically. Matrix models based on eight years of data (1994–2001) were used to assess the pattern of variation in the demographic vital rates of this species, and to investigate the causes of their variation. Asymptotic growth rates λ varied widely between years and populations (0.613–1.424). Randomization tests were developed to test for spatial and temporal variation in the asymptotic growth rates. These tests rely on individual data on both survival and fecundity. As our demographic survey only allowed us to estimate average fecundities, additional fecundity data collected from 1994 to 1996 were used to assess the distribution of individual fecundity expected within populations under demographic stochasticity or sampling error. Randomization tests showed that asymptotic growth rates were significantly different between popu.
Satellite tracking Lesser Flamingo movements in the Rift Valley, East Africa: pilot study report

The Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is thought to be highly nomadic. In East Africa, the number of individuals on a given lake has been shown to double or halve in a period of just two weeks. In general, interlake movements are believed to take place mostly at night. However, movement timing and patterns for individual birds are unknown. Between 12 and 23 October 2002, we affixed two solar-powered and two battery-powered satellite transmitters (PTTs) to four large (>2kg) adult male Lesser Flamingos at Lake Bogoria, Kenya. During the first three months, the four birds exhibited markedly different movement patterns. One moved 687km, making seven visits to four different lakes (mean stay: 11.4d). Another made five visits to only three different lakes (mean stay: 18.5 days), travelling only 263km. On two occasions, it remained on one lake for long periods (34 days and 70 days). A third moved among lakes in Kenya and Tanzania 44 times, visiting nine different lakes, spending an average of only 2.3 days at each and travelling a total of 4 792km in the process. The fourth is believed to have been predated on Lake Bogoria at the end of the first month. During the last six months of the study, the most active bird settled down and the behaviour of the three remaining birds was much more similar. They each spent long periods of time (e.g. 45-137d) at just one or two sites. During the study period, one bird made several short (21-81km) interlake flights during daylight hours. Flight speed was estimated to be approximately 68km h-1 during the only flight when speed could be calculated. Both solar-powered PTTs functioned well; light reaching the solar panels was not impaired by feathers or dried mineral crystals, both initial concerns. The solar-powered PTT with a pre-set 'on/off' duty cycle performed much better than the other with no pre-set duty cycle, indicating that small solar-powered units need substantial 'off' time to recharge their batteries, even in areas with 12h of sunlight daily. The key site network for Lesser Flamingos in East Africa consists of seven alkaline lakes in Kenya and Tanzania (Logipi, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elmenteita, Natron, Manyara and Eyasi) and an ephemeral fresh water wetland in central Tanzania (Bahi Swamp). The conservation status of these eight sites varies from well-protected (lakes Bogoria, Nakuru and Manyara) to completely unprotected (Logipi, Natron, Eyasi and Bahi Swamp), with Elmenteita being partially protected.
Use of cellulose-acetate electrophoresis for rapid identification of allozyme genotypes of Phytophthora infestans

Cellulose-acetate electrophoresis (CAE) provided excellent resolution of allozyme genotypes of Phytophthora infestans at the two loci Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi) and Peptidase (Pep). The cellulose-acetate system has many advantages over traditional starch gel analyses. It is much faster, running in only 15 to 20 min compared to 16 to 18 h for starch gels, and because of the short run times the gels do not need to be cooled during electrophoresis. Cellulose acetate is purchased as precast plates, which eliminates the time required to pour starch gels. Both Gpi and Pep can be analyzed using a single buffer in the CAE system, whereas four buffers are required to resolve these enzymes using starch gels. Finally, only very small amounts of tissue (e.g., 3,000 sporangia washed from lesions or infected tuber slices) are required for CAE, so it can be useful even when the fungus has not been isolated into axenic culture. These advantages may allow CAE to be useful as a diagnostic tool in field situations, where rapid determination of genotypes could aid disease management strategies. Because populations of P. infestans in the United States and Canada currently are highly clonal, mating type and response to metalaxyl are highly correlated with allozyme genotype. Therefore, CAE of allozyme genotypes could provide a rapid, accurate method for predicting mating types and metalaxyl sensitivities of P. infestans within fields.
Trends in the evolution of life, brains and intelligence

Abstract The fI term of Drake's equation – the fraction of life-bearing planets on which ‘intelligent’ life evolved – has been the subject of much debate in the last few decades. Several leading evolutionary biologists have endorsed the thesis that the probability of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe is vanishingly small. A discussion of this thesis is proposed here that focuses on a key issue in the debate: the existence of evolutionary trends, often presented as trends towards higher complexity, and their possible significance. The present state of knowledge on trends is reviewed. Measurements of quantitative variables that describe important features of the evolution of living organisms – their hierarchical organization, size and biodiversity – and of brains – their overall size, the number and size of their components – in relation to their cognitive abilities, provide reliable evidence of the reality and generality of evolutionary trends. Properties of trends are inferred and frequent misinterpretations (including an excessive stress on mere ‘complexity’) that prevent the objective assessment of trends are considered. Finally, several arguments against the repeatability of evolution to intelligence are discussed. It is concluded that no compelling argument exists for an exceedingly small probability fI. More research is needed before this wide-ranging negative conclusion is accepted.
Canopy light transmittance in a chronosequence of mixed-species deciduous forests

We measured the photosynthetically active radiation transmitted through the canopies of 24 Maryland forest stands, each around midday in midsummer. We then compared the observed values of PAR transmittance with stand age and measures of canopy structure. Generally, transmittance was low, with positively skewed frequency distributions. The geometric mean transmittance followed a distinct pattern with stand age. It was lowest (about 1%) in the youngest stands, increased to about 2.5% as forests approached ages of about 50 years, and then declined with age in the oldest sites (65–340 years). Transmittance was not significantly correlated with many simple measures of forest structure, including estimated aboveground biomass and leaf area index. Better predictions of transmittance used information on the vertical arrangement of the canopy, such as leaf area density. The results are contrary to the common assumptions that forests get consistently darker through time, and that transmittance is inversely proporti.
Morphology of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of the hemlock woolly adelgid

Abstract Laricobius nigrinus Fender, native to western North America, was first released in 2003 for the biological control of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), in the eastern United States. Members of the genus Laricobius are known to feed on adelgids, but there is a lack of detailed taxonomic and ecological information on this group of insects. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of various life stages of L. nigrinus are presented in this study, accompanied by notes on its life history to facilitate its recognition. Résumé Laricobius nigrinus Fender, indigène à Amérique du nord de l'ouest, était premier relâché dans 2003 pour le lutte biologique contre le puceron lanigère de la pruche, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) dans l'est des Etats-Unis. Les espèces du genre Laricobius sont sus pour nourrir sur d'Adelgidae, mais il y a un manque d'information détaillée, taxinomique et écologique sur ce groupe d'insectes. Les descriptions et les illustrations détaillées de diverses étapes de vie de L. nigrinus est présenté dans cette étude ces notes accompagnées de sur son histoire de vie faciliter sa reconnaissance.
Microbial Diversity at a Hot, Shallow-Sea Hydrothermal Vent in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy)

Microbial community thriving at shallow hydrothermal vent named Black Point, close to the Island of Panarea in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy), was studied by microscopic, cultural and molecular methods. New strains of Bacillus and Geobacillus were isolated. Members of sulphur-oxidizing bacteria, belonging to the genera Halothiobacillus and Thiomicrospira were demonstrated by both culture-dependent and -independent methods. Genetic diversity of Bacteria was higher than that of Archaea. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences from Black Point showed low levels of similarity with other yet deposited sequences, suggesting that new bacterial phylotypes are present in this site. Dominant populations of Bacteria belonged to uncultured members of Proteobacteria (mainly of the class Gammaproteobacteria), Firmicutes and Acidobacteriaceae. Primary production appeared to be supported by chemosynthetic and photosynthetic bacteria affiliated with members of Gammaproteobacteria. Most of the archaeal sequences matched those of yet-uncultivated Archaea, thus their role at this vent is not well understood.
Proteolytic Enzymes in Green Asparagus, Kiwi Fruit and Miut: Occurrence and Partial Characterization

For the screening of potent proteases of plant origin, gelatinolytic activities were measured for various vegetables and fruits. Green asparagus, kiwi fruit and miut were found to possess high proteolytic activities. Optimum temperatures for the activities of green asparagus and miut were 40 to 45°C and that of kiwi fruit was 60°C. Optimum pHs for the three activities were in neutral or slightly alkaline regions. The proteolytic enzymes of kiwi fruit and miut were stimulated by cysteine and EDTA but that of green asparagus was unaffected by them.
Infection by Austrodiplostomum compactum metacercariae in fish from the Nova Avanhandava reservoir, Tietê river, São Paulo State, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the infection by the Austrodiplostomum compactum metacercariae in fishes from the Nova Avanhandava Reservoir, low Tiete river, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The parasites were collected from eye (aqueous and vitreous humor), fixed in AFA solution and stained with carmine. The morphometric analysis was performed using a computerized system for analysis of images QWin Lite 2.5 (Leica). Prevalence, mean intensity of infection and abundance of infected fish were calculated. Of the 22 species of fish registered, five were infected by metacercariae: Hoplias malabaricus, Metynnis maculatus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Satanoperca pappaterra and Schizodon nasutus. Of the 627 fish evaluated, 34% were infected. A higher prevalence was observed in P. squamosissimus and S. pappaterra. Schizodon nasutus and M. maculatus are new hosts reported for A. compactum metacercariae.
Growth, yield and chemical composition of different oilseed crops as influenced by sodicity

Summary An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 1980–1 and 1981–2 to study the effect of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of 87, 62, 44, 34 and 27 on growth, yield and chemical composition of toria (Brassica campestris var. Toria), raya (Brassica juncea L.) rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. Brown Sarson) and taramira (Eruca saliva). Number of branches per plant, number of siliquae per plant and seed yield of these crops were highest at 27 ESP. Increasing ESP decreased N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations and decreased that of Na in seed and stover. These crops can be grown successfully up to about 44 ESP without significant reduction in yield. Raya and rapeseed produced higher yields than the other oilseed crops on sodic soil.