Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the amino acid contents of roe, whole body and muscle tissue and their A/E ratios for largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacepéde, 1802)

Nutritional amino acid requirements of varying size classes of largemouth bass were estimated using A/E ratios. Nutrient and amino acid contents of roe and carcass of the different size classes were determined and compared to results of selected, classic works related to the concept of ideal protein and relationship between the contents of individual, essential amino acids and the total contents of essential amino acids – A/E ratios. Protein content in the roes of the largemouth bass were higher in comparison to the carcass, but the content of lipids of the roes and of the carcass didn’t present significant difference (P<0.05). Largemouth bass showed higher muscle protein content in comparison to other species. Although some authors report variation in the contents of some amino acids in the carcass of selected species, differences observed in this study regarding carcass amino acid contents of tilapia, speckled catfish and largemouth bass were not significant (P<0.05), values of the ratio A/E followed the same trend. Results, herein presented, indicate that the amino acid profile of largemouth bass could be used as complementary tool for balancing amino acids in formulated feed for the species, and in the validation of amino acid requirements determined in performance studies.
The internal cranial anatomy of the Plesiosauria (Reptilia, Sauropterygia): evidence for a functional secondary palate

In the late 19th Century, the choanae (or internal nares) of the Plesiosauria were identified as a pair of palatal openings located rostral to the external nares, implying a rostrally directed respiratory duct and air path inside the rostrum. Despite obvious functional shortcomings, this idea was firmly established in the scientific literature by the first decade of the 20th Century. The functional consequences of this morphology were only re-examined by the end of the 20th Century, leading to the conclusion that the choanae were not involved in respiration but instead in underwater olfaction, the animals supposedly breathing with the mouth agape. Re-evaluation of the palatal and internal cranial anatomy of the Plesiosauria reveals that the traditional identification of the choanae as a pair of fenestrae situated rostral to the external nares appears erroneous. These openings more likely represent the bony apertures of ducts that lead to internal salt glands situated inside the maxillary rostrum. The 'real' functional choanae (or caudal interpterygoid vacuities), are situated at the caudal end of the bony palate between the sub-temporal fossae, as was suggested in the mid-19th Century. The existence of a functional secondary palate in the Plesiosauria is therefore strongly supported, and the anatomical, physiological, and evolutionary implications of such a structure are discussed.
Moose winter browsing affects the breeding success of great tits

Abstract In many areas, ungulates may have a large impact on the landscape due to their large body size and wide distribution. Moose (Alces alces) winter feeding has been carried out for a decade in parts of Hedmark County, southeast Norway. Previous studies have documented a gradual decline in browsing pressure away from the feeding stations. We utilized this gradient to study the indirect effects of moose browsing on a passerine bird, the great tit (Parus major). The downy birch (Betula pubescens) trees surrounding the feeding stations are subject to an intense browsing pressure gradually decreasing outwards. We put up nest boxes at feeding stations (i.e., sites of intense browsing pressure), with nearby controls with low visible browsing. The number of tall birch trees and the birch canopy cover was lower in browsed compared to control plots. Due to the reduced birch canopy cover, the total biomass of arthropods available around the nest boxes was lower in browsed compared to control plots. Great tit breeding pairs produced 1.3 fewer fledglings in browsed compared to control plots. We suggest this difference to be caused by lack of food in the browsed plots. Hence, moose browsing may reduce the breeding success of great tits through a series of knock-on effects through two other components of the boreal forest community.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization of corn on the development, survivorship, fecundity and body weight of Peregrinus maidis (Hom., Delphacidae)

Abstract: Corn plants, Zea mays L. cv. Saccharata ‘Guardian’ fertilized with low (100 mg N/l), medium (300 mg N/l) and high (500 mg N/l) nitrogen doses at three times per week were used to study the effect of foliar nitrogen on the development, survivorship, reproduction, intrinsic rate of increase and adult body weight of Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead), a serious pest and the vector of maize stripe tenuvirus and maize mosaic rhabdovirus in tropical and subtropical areas. The results showed that the higher nitrogen treatments resulted in the higher nitrogen concentrations in the plants. The insects that developed on corn plants receiving more nitrogen had a significantly shorter development time and higher immature survival rate and laid significantly more eggs. Plants with higher nitrogen concentration also resulted in significantly greater adult mass. Heavier body weight is advantageous because heavier adult females have greater daily oviposition rates than lighter ones. These life history parameters as well as population intrinsic rate of increase were positively correlated with the nitrogen levels in the treated plants. The differences of adult longevity and preoviposition period among different nitrogen treatments were also significant; however, no significant correlation was found between the nitrogen fertilization rate and adult longevity, as well as preoviposition period.
A new application for transponders in studying penguins

Abstract We developed an identification setup enabling automatic detection of the passage of free-living King Penguins implanted with small radio frequency transponders at Possession Island, Crozet Archipelago. An unique feature of the system is the use of antennas allowing automatic detection and identification on pathways up to 8-m wide without the use of flipper bands. We present results on demographic parameters of the King Penguin, and we found an unexpectedly survival rate of immature penguins. Such an identification system can be used for other birds, mammals, or reptiles that use regular pathways.
Stratified distribution of Fusarium and Bipolaris on wheat and barley with dryland root rot in South Australia

Dryland root rot of wheat and barley in South Australia is a syndrome from which the associated fungi Fusarium equiseti, F. acuminatum, F. oxysporum and Bipolaris sorokiniana were isolated consistently. Fusarium infections were concentrated on the subcrown internodes, crown roots and culm bases, and occurred with equal frequency on wheat and barley. Bipolaris infections were more numerous on barley than on wheat, and were concentrated on culm bases and subcrown internodes. Recoveries of each of the four fungi showed a pattern of infection that was neither randomly nor evenly distributed. Each fungus had preferences for certain sites which resulted in a stratified distribution over the roots and crown. When two barley cultivars were compared, the patterns of infection were different; the subcrown internode was attacked more severely, and there was a substantial increase in the amount of infection by all four fungi on one of the cultivars. Pathogenicity tests on barley and oats showed that all four species of fungi were capable of causing damage to roots, but there were differences between isolates of each fungus and differences in their ability to damage barley and oats.
Valor Nutritivo de Silagens de Híbridos de Sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) sob Doses Crescentes de Adubação

The nutritive value of five sorghum hybrids (AG-2002, AG-2005E, AG-X202, AG-X213 and AG-X215) silages, cultivated under increasing fertilization levels (control, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times of the recommended fertilization, corresponding to 0, 45.5, 91, and 182 kg/ha N; 0, 49, 98, and 196 kg/ha de P2O5; and 0, 14, 28, and 56 kg/ha de K2O, besides of 0, 42, 84, and 168 kg/ha S, respectively, that came from the used ammonia sulfate). A complete randomized block design in a factorial 5x4 arrangement (five hybrids and four fertilization levels) with four replicates was used. The seeding time was at 11.06. 1997 and plots were harvested at the soft dough stage of grain. From each plot, a sample was collected to fill up the experimental silos, which were opened after 60 days and sampled again to determine the pre drying weight and the nutritive value (CP, fiber fractions and IVDMD). Data were interpreted by means of analysis of variance and regression. The hybrid x fertilizer interaction was unrolled independently of its significance. The qualitative factor means were compared by Tukey test. The models were chosen based on regression coefficients significance, using Student "t" test, at 10% level, and on the determination coefficient. The silages nutritive value differed among the hybrids. AG2005E showed the highest nutritive value, whereas AG2002 and AGX213 showed the highest nutrient yield per unit of area. The fertilizers affected the silages nutritive value, but, inconsistently
Do by-catch reduction devices in longline fisheries reduce capture of sharks and rays? A global meta-analysis

By-catch in marine fisheries, particularly those using pelagic and demersal longlines, is a major driver of declines in abundance of sharks and rays around the world. A wide variety of by-catch reduction devices (BRDs), that is, modified gears designed to reduce incidental captures of a variety of marine species while maintaining target catch rates, have been proposed, but the extent to which BRDs actually reduce the risk of catching sharks and rays remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of 27 publications that reported the capture of sharks and rays and, in some cases, of targeted teleosts in longline gear deployed with and without BRDs. The risk of shark and ray capture differed between types of BRDs, but only one BRD type, longlines raised off the bottom, reduced by-catch significantly. Circle hooks did not reduce the risk of capturing sharks and rays but might improve discard survival and are inexpensive, which might make them effective in reducing the detrimental effects of longlining on these species. In addition to being generally ineffective, some devices, such as electropositive and magnetic repellents, are expensive and have inherent construction drawbacks that are likely to make them unsuitable for commercial use. Overall, most BRDs did not affect the likelihood of catching targeted teleosts, but a substantial number of studies did not adequately assess target catch. We identified two poorly studied classes of BRD gear (i.e. raised demersal longlines, and monofilament nylon leaders), which represent promising directions for future research.
A matrix population model analysis for the tropical tree, Araucaria cunninghamii

The temporal stability of estimates of demographic behaviour for a sample population of the tropical rainforest gymnosperm Araucaria cunninghamii was analysed using a stage-classified (Lefkovitch) matrix model. Previously published life-table analyses, which used only 2 years of held data (1975–77), were compared with life-table analysis based on a further 5 years of field data for growth and survival (1977–82). The new analysis calculated the finite rate of natural increase, λ, as 1.009 ± 0.077. This value is closer to the theoretical value of 1.0 for a stable population than is the value calculated on the basis of only 2 years of field data (1.021 ± 0.093). However, the two estimates are not significantly different from each other or from a value of 1.0. Despite the similarity of estimates for λ, the life-table analysis based on 5 years of data showed some marked differences from the earlier analysis. Revised growth and survival rates imply a slower progression to reproductive maturity and shorter reproductive life for A. cunninghamii. The predicted stable stage distribution (SSD) showed a better fit to the initial stage distribution (ISD), and bulges in the frequency distribution for large trees can be explained by the varying rates at which individuals grow from one stage to the next. The relative contributions of survival, growth and fecundity to the observed population growth rate (elasticity) remained similar for both analyses. Survival rate contributes most significantly to the achieved population growth rate, and this appears typical of long-lived plant species. However, the pattern of elasticities across size-classes changed for the new analysis and identified different critical life history stages from those recorded previously. Elasticity is proposed as a measure for classifying species using the competitive (C), stress-tolerant (S) and ruderal (R) model of plant strategies.
Herbicide Resistant Transgenic Sugarcane Plants Containing the bar Gene

We have obtained herbicide resistant transgenic sugarcane plants (Saccharum spp. hybrids) of the commercial cultivar NCo 310. A particle inflow gun was used to bombard embryogenic calli obtained from immature inflorescences with microprojectiles coated with a plasmid containing the coding region of the bar gene fused to the maize ubiquitin-1(Vbi-1) promoter, first exon, and first intron. Shoots were regenerated from calli selected for resistance to bialaphos (1 mg/ L), and rooted on herbicide-containing medium (3 mg/L). Plants regenerated on selective media were screened for the presence of the bar gene by polymerase chain reaction. Northern blot analysis showed that transgenics were producing chimeric transcripts of the proper size. Most of the transformants examined displayed resistance to the commercial herbicide Ignite applied either to leaf segments or to the entire plant at dosages lethal to nontransformed controls. Southern blot analysis confirmed stable integration of three to 10 copies of the transgene into the sugarcane genome. A well-characterized transformant was submitted to three rounds of vegetative propagation, as well as through meristem culture. All resulting propagated clones displayed herbicide resistance comparable to the original transformant. The above results demonstrate that the bar gene can be an effective selectable marker in sugarcane transformation studies.
Forage–sheep relationships in communally managed moist thornveld in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Communal rangelands have a wide range of vegetation communities that sustain livestock. Limited information exists on forage availability and quality in communal areas and how it influences Nguni sheep foraging behaviour. A study spanning almost three years was conducted to determine the seasonal variation in herbaceous biomass, chemical composition of forage, sheep performance and blood metabolites in a communal area of KwaZulu-Natal. A study was also implemented to evaluate the feeding behaviour of sheep. The dry months had low biomass compared to the wet months. Higher values of crude protein were observed in the wet seasons compared to lower values in the dry seasons. Neutral detergent fibre was high in all the seasons. Overall forage quantity and quality were poor relative to commercial farming standards. There was no significant difference in sheep weights between seasons. Blood urea N concentration was lower in the dry season than the wet season and was below the normal range. Cholesterol concentration was higher in the wet season than the dry season and was generally high relative to the normal range. Seasonal differences in creatinine concentration were not observed, but it was generally within the normal range. Foraging time was higher during the late dry season than the early wet season and bite size was higher in the dry season. Simulated bites were found to have substantially higher crude protein and lower fibre concentrations than the average forage on offer. It was therefore postulated that although communal areas may provide generally poor forage, Nguni sheep are able to maintain their body weight through selective feeding.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Dark Septate Endophyte Colonization along Altitudinal Gradients in the Tatra Mountains

Abstract The evaluation of fungal root endophytes of two multizonal mountain plant species (Soldanella carpatica and Homogyne alpine) in relation to altitude was conducted. The comparison of root colonization by coarse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the fine AMF endophyte (Glomus tenue), as well as the presence of dark septate endophytes (DSE) were assessed along altitudinal gradients (1000–2050 m a.s.l.) on calcareous and non-calcareous substrata in the Tatra Mts. (Western Carpathians). Additionally, AMF species composition in the rhizosphere of the investigated plants was determined. Coarse AMF dominated over the fine endophyte in roots of S. carpatica and H. alpina. In the case of S. carpatica, there was a tendency for coarse AMF colonization decline with increasing altitude, while the reverse trend was observed for the fine endophyte. In contrast, the altitudinal patterns of the two types were opposite in H. alpina. Fifteen AMF species associated with the rhizosphere of S. carpatica were identified at the sites located in the Western Tatra Mountains, whereas spores of only four species were isolated from the rhizosphere of H. alpina in the High Tatra Mountains. None of the identified AMF species was observed to occur both in the High and Western Tatra Mts. DSE accompanied AMF in the roots of S. carpatica and H. alpina at each site; however, the root colonization by this group of fungi was low. The DSE colonization did not have a consistent relationship with altitude in both plant species. The results suggest that at the investigated altitudes factors such as the type of substrata, host plants, and local plant species composition may play a more important role in determining root colonization as well as the establishment of a local AMF community than the climatic changes with increasing elevation above sea level.
EVIDENCE OF AN ORGANIC MATRIX FROM DIATOM BIOSILICA 1

Most biominerals appear to be composites of organic material and mineral. Whether biosilica is such a composite is unresolved because of a lack of evidence for such organic components. We present evidence that organic material exists within diatom biosilica and can be extracted using HF/NH4F solutions from frustules isolated from Cyclotella meneghiniana Kütz and diatomaceous earth. To eliminate organic casing on the silicified frustules as a source of organic materials, the casing was removed by oxidation of frustules with NaOCl before extraction. The removal of the casing was confirmed in that oxidized frustules no longer displayed the ability to be stained with ruthenium red and fluorescamine. Frustules examined with EDXA showed an emission peak from sulfur before treatment but no peak following treatment, indicating that oxidation removed organic sulfur. The organic material obtained from extracts of fresh frustules contained both soluble and insoluble components. Only soluble material was evident in extracts from diatomaceous earth. The soluble material appears to contain glycoproteins with relatively high levels of serine and glycine. The soluble proteins from fresh frustules also appear to be phosphorylated. Indirect evidence is presented that suggests the soluble proteins may contain regions of primary structure enriched in anionic amino acids. The soluble extracts differ from general cell contents when the two fractions are compared, suggesting that frustules contain specialized organic material. The identification of silica‐specific organic material suggests that mineralization in diatoms may be in part matrix‐mediated.
Extinctions in the fossil record

Direct comparison of ancient extinctions to the present-day situation is difficult, because quantitative palaeontological data come primarily from marine invertebrates, fossilized species are usually drawn from the more abundant and widespread taxa, and time resolution is rarely better than 10 $^{3}$ -10 $^{4}$ years. A growing array of techniques permits quantitative error estimates on some of these potential biases, and allows calculation of species extinction intensities from genus-level data, which are more robust. Extensive as today's species losses probably are, they have yet to equal any of the Big Five mass extinctions. Background extinction patterns are potential sources of insight regarding present-day biotic losses; over 90% of past species extinction has occurred at times other than the Big Five mass extinctions. Mean durations of fossil species vary by more than an order of magnitude even within clades, rendering uninformative any global average for background extinction. Taxon-specific variation is evidently related to intrinsic biotic factors such as geographic range and population size. Approaches to extinction analysis and prediction based on morphological variety or biodisparity should be explored as an adjunct or alternative to taxon inventories or phylogenetic metrics. Rebounds from mass extinctions are geologically rapid but ecologically slow; biodiversity recovery and the re-establishment of some communities typically requires 5-10 million years.
Body morphology of crucian carp Carassius carassius in lakes with or without piscivorous fish

Crucian carp Carassius carassius was sampled during 1993 and 1994 in 21 lakes and ponds in east Norway. In 10 of these lakes and ponds no piscivorous fish species was present, and in the remaining II lakes and ponds predators such as perch Perca fluviatilis, pike Esox lucius, and trout Salmo trutta were common. In general, crucian carp was larger in the lakes with predators than in those without predators. The relative body depth (body height/body length) of crucian carp was significantly deeper in populations sympatric with predators (mean 0.358), compared to allopatric populations (mean 0.286). The variation in relative body depth was larger among the sympatric populations than among the allopatric populations. The observed difference in relative body depth may be due to 1) predator induced changes in body morphology, 2) increased growth rates in lakes containing predator due to reduced intraspecific competition, and 3) size-selective predation.
Analysis of Nutrient Composition of Purple Wheat

To investigate the nutritional characteristics of purple wheat, 41 kinds of nutrients were measured in seven purple wheat lines using one white wheat variety as control sample. Correlation analysis of nutrient contents was performed. Results show that the amounts of 40 kinds of nutrients in the purple wheat lines are higher than those of the control. For example, the amounts of sodium (Na) and manganese (Mn) in purple wheat are higher than the standards by 311.77–2017.65% and 548.15–733.33%, respectively; the contents of β + γ-vitamin E is higher than the standards by 300%; and zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) are all higher than the control by 100%. Therefore, the purple wheat has obvious advantages in terms of the nutrient contents. Correlation analysis studies show that protein has significant positive correlations with Glu, Mo, Pro, Fe, Tyr and Ile. Anthocyanin has significant positive correlations with Mo and Glu, and significant negative correlations with free Trp and Ca. Carotenoid has significant positive correlations with His, Lys, Val, Leu, Arg, Gly and I, and significant negative correlations with Ca. This paper is a first report on comprehensive nutrients of several purple wheat lines. Our results suggest that purple wheat is rich in nutrients and there are many significant correlations among different nutrients. The valuable information is very useful in biofortification breeding and functional food development.