Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal scale, phytoplankton ecology and palaeolimnology

SUMMARY 1. Scales of temporal analysis in limnology generally cover dial through to interannual changes, with occasional longer studies with up to 50 years continuous sampling data. Lakes, however, have been changing over much longer time periods than this, as is apparent from palaeolimnological studies. Temporal scales are, however, largely relative, with an individual's perspective controlling what is deemed short or long term. 2. Phytoplankton populations are variable over a variety of timescales, and the sediment record can readily record these changes from interannual through to 103-year timescales. Because of anthropogenic influences, such as acidification and eutrophication, phytoplankton communities probably have been altered dramatically in many lakes, often before routine sampling began. Records of changing phytoplankton populations at timescales relevant to limnologists can be derived from, for example, varved sediments and used to address specific problems, such as the degree of long-term interannual variability and timescales of sexual reproduction. 3. Palaeolimnologists tend to interpret changes in sediment assemblages in terms of ecological and physiological processes which are relevant at scales that may not be resolvable in lake sediments. There is a clear need for sediment records to be interpreted in terms of the processes which operate at timescales that match the resolution of that sediment sequence. 4. Increasingly fine sampling resolutions are being attempted by palaeolimnologists, often without consideration of the reasons for such an approach or to the repeatability of the results. The increased variability associated with high-resolution sampling can make it difficult to separate noise from the ecological signal. There is a clear need for replication. 5. The necessary temporal resolution is defined by the aim of any given palaeolimnological study. If the main emphasis of a study is, for example, establishing background phosphorus concentrations, a coarser sampling resolution is probably acceptable than that required for many ‘ecological’studies.
Evolution and Classification of Beetles

Coleoptera are generally thought to be more closely related to the Neuropteroidea than to any other group of Holometabola. Possible synapomorphies of beetles and neuropteroids are: (a) presence of a gula in the adult, (b) oblique attachment of the forewings with an enlargement of the costal field (humeral and epipleural areas of the beetle elytron), (c) form of the ovipositor, (d) structure of the stemmata (larval ocelli), and (e) absence of cruciate cervical muscles (35, 51, 64, 81, 87a). Some of these features, however, have been examined in very few Coleoptera. Mickoleit (81) concluded that the beetle ovipositor represents the plesiomorphic form of that found in neuropteroids, so that Coleoptera could not be the sister group of any particular neuropteroid order; but Hamilton (48) argued on the basis of wing venation that Coleoptera and Megaloptera are sister groups. Evolution of beetles from megalopteran-like ancestors is supported by the elytral structure in Lower Permian beetles, where the venation resembles that of a megalopteran forewing, and a hindwing from the Upper Permian, which has characteristics of both groups (20, 35, 89, 90). The postition of Strepsiptera is still unclear, but the group is usually considered to be closely related to beetles based on the following evidence:
Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology

Practitioners use encyclopaedic texts like this in several ways. If they already know the disease, they use the text to obtain current information on treatment and prognosis, and to see what differentials they should be considering. If the presentation is unfamiliar, they might browse the text looking for photographs that fit the mysterious case presentation. Over the years, one of the criticisms of Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology was that there weren’t enough clinical photos, especially in colour. A structural criticism was that it used pages of very small colour photographs to illustrate diseases, often at some distance from the disease description. This made the use of the book as a quick reference much more cumbersome and time consuming.
Nitrate : phosphate ratios and Emiliania huxleyi blooms

It has been hypothesized that phosphate limitation, classically indicated by NO3 : PO4 ratios >16, is one of the critical factors allowing the coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi to bloom. This hypothesis is based on physiological studies showing that E. huxleyi has an exceptionally high affinity for orthophosphate and is able to use organic phosphate. Indeed, E. huxleyi has been found to bloom at high NO3 : PO4 ratios in some mesocosm studies and in the oceanic northeast North Atlantic. Recent E. huxleyi blooms on the southeastern Bering Sea shelf, however, occurred under low NO3 : PO4 conditions, which is indicative of nitrogen rather than phosphorus stress. A review of field studies of blooms where nitrate and phosphate were measured indicates that NO3 : PO4 was in fact frequently low. A survey of most of the areas of the world ocean where satellite‐detected E. huxleyi blooms occur also shows that NO3 : PO4 ratios are generally low. These observations suggest that E. huxleyi is able to exploit situations where either phosphorus or nitrogen is limiting to competing species. They also indicate that attention should be directed to examining organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and ammonium during E. huxleyi blooms to better understand the role macronutrients play in these blooms.
Population Processes of the Silky Desert Mouse Pseudomys apodemoides (Rodentia), in Mature Heathlands

The population ecology of P. apodemoides was examined at two mature heathland localities in western Victoria. At the more mesic Little Desert site animals bred in spring and summer, but at the xeric Big Desert site they bred in winter. Such a discrepancy may arise from phenological differences between the two sites, rather than successional or climatic differences. Both populations were characterized by high levels of transience, and one instance of long-term dispersal was recorded. The breeding system may be promiscuous, and large; unstable groups of animals of both sexes may occupy individual burrows. The sex ratio at breeding was female-biased, which generates a capacity for rapid response to fluctuations in food resources. This is valuable in habitats frequently perturbed by fire and drought.
Molecular identification of mycorrhizal fungi by direct amplification of microsatellite regions

We have screened the genome of ecto- and endo-mycorrhizal fungi by using primers designed on microsatellite sequences: (CT) 8 , (CA) 8 , (GACA) 4 , (TGTC) 4 , (GTG) 5 . PCR experiments proved that microsatellites such as (GTG) 5 exist as short repeated sequences in 11 species of Tuber (Ascomycetes) and seven species within Glomales (Zygomycetes). Variations in the banding pattern obtained by DNA fingerprinting enabled all these species and some isolates to be distinguished according to the number, size and intensity of the fragments. (GACA) 4 and (TGTC) 4 also led to successful amplifications in some isolates from Tuber and Glomales. These experiments demonstrate that microsatellite primers are reliable, sensitive and technically simple tools for assaying genetic variability in mycorrhizal fungi, and can be used to discriminate mycorrhizal symbionts with different taxonomic features. (GTG) 5 in fact led to species-specific fingerprints in both truffles, which are closely related species, and in Glomales, which are quite separate species in evolutionary terms.
Observation on the Mating Behaviour of the Helmet Crab Telmessus cheiragonus (Brachyura: Cheiragonidae)

The mating behaviour of the helmet crab, Telmessus cheiragonus, was observed in the laboratory to obtain information of its fishery management and seed production. Females always moulted before copulation and all moulting females copulated with their mates, while males performed precopulatory guarding before their mates moulted. The average duration of precopulatory guarding was 11.8±5.0 SD days. Sex ratios in experimental tanks did not influence the first guarding duration of male but diminished the female's guarded duration under female-biased treatment. Competition among males for females was observed; larger males appeared to have a competitive advantage. Males started copulation in 41.2±10.9 SD min after females moulted and the copulation lasted for 110.6±6.6 SD min. Postcopulatory guarding duration was 4.0±6.6 SD h. Small males tended not to guard and to copulate with females larger than themselves. Common features and differences in mating behaviour between T. cheiragonus and Erimacrus isenbeckii is discussed.
Taxonomic evaluation of anamorph characters in identification of powdery mildew fungi on cucurbits.

Characteristics of Sphaerotheca fuliginea and Erysiphe cichoracearum anamorphs were examined from a large number of cucurbits collected from 9 states in India, to evaluate their use in identifying the species. Conidial shapes, presence of fibrosin bodies in conidia, conidial dimensions and length/breadth index, morphology of germ tubes and point of their origin, and development of appressoria were consistent characters, irrespective of cucurbit host and locality. It is suggested that the characteristics are of great taxonomic importance and can be reliably used to identify the species.
Assessing Morphological and Genetic Variation in Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) by Sequence-related Amplified Polymorphism and Cluster Analysis

Additional index words. molecular marker, germplasm, bixin, genetic improvement, two-step cluster, AMOVA Abstract. Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is the sole source of bixin, a seed-specific red apocarotenoid pigment used worldwide. Genetic improvement of annatto has focused on increasing bixin content as well as fostering traits that favor higher content such as pod indehiscence and flower color, among others. Eighty-seven samples collected from two separate important agricultural regions of the southeast of Mexico were characterized morphologically and analyzed genetically for the first time. The sequence-related amplified polymorphism was used for genetic analysis. Two-step cluster analysis of the individuals based on morphological traits produced three groups: one containing individuals with desired morphological characteristics and two others with complemen- tary traits. Like the morphological analysis, the genetic analysis indicated high genetic variation, although the dendrogram based on Nei and Li's similarity coefficient showed them to be dispersed by collection site. However, calculated similarity index values indicated all individuals exhibited high genetic variation. The results are an important advance toward a more effective genetic improvement of annatto because crosses between the different morphological and/or genetic groups described here have the potential to produce a recombination of desired traits in hybrid offspring.
Virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria against the hazelnut weevil Curculio nucum

The virulence of different entomopathogenic nematode strains of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae, isolates from Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula), and their symbiotic bacteria was assessed with regard to the larvae and adults of the hazelnut weevil, Curculio nucum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The nematode strains screened included one Steinernema affine, five Steinernema feltiae, one Steinernema carpocapsae, one Steinernema sp. (a new species not yet described) and one Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The pathogenicity of all the strains of nematodes was tested on larvae and only four of them on adults of the hazelnut weevil. Larval mortality ranged from 10% with S. affine to 79% with Steinernema sp. Adult mortality was higher in S. carpocapsae, achieving 100% adult weevil mortality. The pathogenicity of the symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus bovienii, X. kozodoii, X. nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens was studied in larvae and adults of C. nucum. In the larvae, X. kozodoii showed a LT50 of 22.7 h, and in the adults, it was 20.5 h. All nematodes species except S. affine tested against larvae showed great potential to control the insect, whereas S. carpocapsae was the most effective for controlling adults.
Recent Approaches in the Development of Encapsulated Delivery Systems for Probiotics

The concept of probiotics has been well-known for more than a century. The availability and survival of the consumed probiotics in the colon has not been proved convincingly and needs further studies and clarification. It was not known whether the fastidious probiotics could reach the targeted site of action due to gastrointestinal stress. However, probiotics must sustain themselves in high number, survive during passage through the stomach to the intestine, and react symbiotically with the host when they reach the colon. This review consolidates some of the recent findings and new strategies on the development of a delivery system for targeted colonic delivery of probiotics.
Deficiency of Antioxidant Vitamins and Some Hematological Indices of Pre-Eclamptic Subjects

Pre-eclampsia is an important clinical syndrome with an elevated blood pressure and marked proteinuria and may be associated with haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. Recently, oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. The current research consisted of 77 women with preeclampsia and 45 normotensive subjects attending Rasheed Shekoni specialist hospital and General hospital Dutse. Serum antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and some hematological indices were analyzed in both groups. Results revealed a statistical decrease (p<0.005) of vitamin A, C, E and platelet in pre-eclamptic compared to normotensive women. Antioxidant and platelet concentrate supplementation may supress the development of pre-eclampsia.
Microhabitat selection by the lotic amphipod Gammarus pseudolimnaeus Bousfield: mechanisms for evaluating local substrate and current suitability

This study examined key environmental cues used by Gammarus pseudolimnaeus during microhabitat selection, and cues and mechanisms used to evaluate and react to changing current conditions. Thigmotactic cues for complexity and texture were used independently during microhabitat selection. Neither the external leg sensilla nor the antennae appeared to detect these cues. Neither hydromechanical cues detected by either the antennae or type II microtrich sensilla nor visual cues appear to play a key role. The amphipods showed no ability to compensate when deprived of individual cues. These results suggest that internal proprioceptors were involved, that current is not a major proximal factor, and that the presence of substrate interstices is the critical factor considered during microhabitat selection, not substrate size. Animals displayed a mechanical capability to turn into the flow, probably owing to differential inertial forces resulting from the centre of gravity being located forward and above the physic.
A NEW SPECIES OF LIOLAEMUS (SQUAMATA: IGUANIA: LIOLAEMIDAE) FROM NORTHWESTERN PATAGONIA (NEUQUÉN, ARGENTINA)

A new species of the Andean-Patagonian Liolaemus elongatus-kriegi complex is described. The new species differs from all other members of the complex in the distinct coloration of the dorsum, a bright red-yellow belly, and other morphological traits. Liolaemus punmahuida is known from a small area in the Tromen Volcano in northwestern Patagonia above 3000 m.
Seasonal and size-based predation on two species of squid by four fish predators on the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf

Abstrac t—Longfin inshore (Loligo pealeii) and northern shortfin (Illex illecebrosus) squids are considered important prey species in the Northwest Atlantic shelf ecosystem. The diets of four major squid predators, bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), goosefish (Lophius americanus), silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis), and summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), were examined for seasonal and size-based changes in feeding habits. Summer and winter, two time periods largely absent from previous evaluations, were found to be the most important seasons for predation on squid, and are also the periods when the majority of squid are landed by the regional fishery. Bluefish >450 mm, silver hake >300 mm, and summer f lounder >400 mm were all found to be significant predators of squid. These same size fish correspond to age classes currently targeted for biomass expansion by management committees. This study highlights the importance of understanding how squid and predator interactions vary temporally and with changes in community structure and stresses the need for multispecies management in the Northwest Atlantic.
Concentration and time dependent cytoprotective effects of anthocyanins against oxidative hemolysis induced by water and lipid soluble free radical initiators: an in vitro study

The non-enzymatic, free radical-mediated peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes is now correlated with a variety of pathological conditions, and considered as a primary event associated with hematotoxicity of variety of drugs and chemicals that induce erythrocyte hemolysis. The plant derived polyphenols including anthocyanins have been suggested to enhance red blood cell resistance to oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. The present study was designed to investigate the concentration and time dependent anti-hemolytic activity of anthocyanins using in vitro models of azo compounds-induced erythrocyte membrane peroxidative damage. Three different concentrations (1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg/ml) of anthocyanins solution were incubated with erythrocytes suspension 30 min before addition of either water soluble (AAPH) or lipid soluble (AMVN) free radical initiators. The level of hemoglobin released into the solution was determined spectrophotometrically, both in presence and absence of anthocyanins. Moreover, the most effective concentration was selected to be added at different time intervals (zero time, 2 and 3 hours) post challenge with either AAPH or AMVN and the extent of hemolysis was determined as mentioned before. The results showed that anthocyanins, concentration dependently attenuated hemolysis induced by azo compounds, and substantial cytoprotective effects of anthocyanins were observed when they added simultaneously with azo compounds, while delayed addition of anthocyanins for 2 and 3 h diminished but not abolished the protective effect of anthocyanins. In conclusion, anthocyanins can effectively display concentration and time dependent cytoprotective properties against azo compounds-induced peroxidative hemolytic damage.
The Increase in Anchorage with Tree Size of the Tropical Tap Rooted Tree Mallotus wrayi , King (Euphorbiaceae)

The mechanical development of the anchorage system of the tap rooted tropical speciesMallotus wrayiKing (Euphorbiaceae) was investigated by pulling over and examining trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 4.2 cm to 14.3 cm. The mode of mechanical failure depended upon the size of the tree: thicker trees (dbhapprox. 9 cm) failed in the ground with their tap roots pushing into the soil on the winchward side; in smaller trees (dbhapprox. 7 cm) the trunk snapped before anchorage failure; and in very small trees (of dbh<6 cm) neither type of failure occurred and the trees returned to their original upright position undamaged after the test. The anchorage strength of the trees was correlated with the second power of trunk diameter rather than with the third power that theory suggests is optimal because tap roots did not show an isometric increase in length or diameter. Therefore as trees grow larger the ‘factor of safety’ against anchorage failure falls, making them prone to fail in their roots. These results suggest that only relatively small tree species can rely solely on the tap root to prevent uprooting. It may be for this reason that most larger trees develop thick lateral roots.
First epidemiological description of tegumentar and visceral Leishmaniasis in Patrocínio Municipality, Minas Gerais (2000-2017)

Leishmaniasis is a disease that can affect visceral organs (visceral leishmaniasis; VL) or mucous membranes and skin, causing lesions of different forms and levels of severities (tegumentary leishmaniasis; TL). Like several others, leishmaniasis is a neglected disease, as the pharmaceutical industry seems to show little to no interest in developing new drugs targeting the disease. This study aims to trace the epidemiological profile of leishmaniasis in the Municipality of Patrocínio, State of Minas Gerais, over a period of time. Secondary data of reported cases from 2000 to 2017 were analyzed as provided by the Patrocinio Health Department. As no literature was found on the status of such a disease in Patrocinio, it is important to trace the epidemiological profile of leishmaniasis in the area. The findings pointed out that the disease affected predominantly male in the economically active population, mainly from the urban area, and that it had no relationship with professional activity. Twenty-two cases of leishmaniasis (15 of TL and 7 of VL) were reported, all of which were treated and cured. Five cases of TL and 1 case of VL were autochthonous, and confirmed cases of canine infection took place in 2011, 2016 and 2017.
Diversity of nitrogen isotopes and protein status in caribou: implications for monitoring northern ungulates

Abstract Nutritional condition is an important determinant of productivity and survival in caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We used samples of excreta (n = 1,150) to estimate diet composition from microhistology and 2 isotopic proxies of protein status for 2 ecotypes of caribou in 4 herds in late winter (2006–2008). Isotopes of nitrogen (&dgr;15N in parts per thousand [‰]) from excreta samples (urea, diet, and body N) were used to estimate indexes of protein status: the proportion of urea N derived from body N (p-UN) and the difference between the &dgr;15N of the body and urinary urea (&Dgr;body-urea). We examined dietary and terrain characteristics, &dgr;15N, p-UN, and &Dgr;body-urea by ecotype, herd, year, and foraging site. Multiple regression and an information-theoretic approach were used to evaluate correlates of protein status at each foraging site. The dietary and terrain characteristics of foraging sites did not vary by ecotype or herd (P > 0.108); diets were dominated by lichens (68% ± 14.1% SD). The &dgr;15N of urea, diet, body N, p-UN, and &Dgr;body-urea varied among foraging sites within each herd (P < 0.001). Although highly variable, the &dgr;15N of urinary urea was typically low (−4.68‰ ± 2.67‰ SD). Dietary N also had low &dgr;15N (−4.18‰ ± 0.92‰ SD), whereas body N was generally heavier in 15N (2.20‰ ± 1.56‰ SD) than urinary urea or the diet. Both measures of protein status were similarly diverse between ecotypes and among herds, which limited their applicability to monitor protein status at the population level. Although we observed limitations to interpreting estimates of p-UN from highly vagile ungulates, the &Dgr;body-urea may prove to be a useful index of protein status at smaller spatial and temporal scales. Indeed, a portion of the observed variance (r2 = 0.26) in &Dgr;body-urea at each foraging site was explained by the proportion of shrubs in the winter diet. There remains potential in using &dgr;15N in excreta as a noninvasive tool for evaluating protein status in northern ungulates; however, considerable analytical and sampling challenges remain for applying these isotopic approaches at large scales.