Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Stock Composition and Abundance of Spawning Gemfish Rexea solandri (Cuvier), Gempylidae, in South-eastern Australian Waters

Data collected during a study of the New South Wales trawl fishery showed a marked increase in landings of gemfish Rexea solandri (Gempylidae) during the late 1970s, which was due to the exploitation of winter spawning aggregations. Catches peaked at 5100 t in 1980, but declined to about 3000 t over the following few years, rising again to around 4000 t in 1987. Daily landings data for individual vessels were analysed for the period 1973-86. Fishing effort (target days) was standardized by comparison of each vessel's catch per target day with that of an arbitrary standard vessel. Catch per standard day declined by about 70% between 1980 and 1983. The mean caudal fork length of gemfish from spawning run catches declined from 79 cm to 71 cm over the period 1975-85, reflecting a reduction in the number of large fish in the catch and the recruitment of smaller fish into the spawning aggregations. Ages of gemfish were estimated from counts of hyaline zones on the sagittal otoliths. For age classes 1 to 3, otolith-determined ages were validated by means of modal analysis of monthly length-frequency data, but no validation was possible for the older age classes. Males sampled from spawning-run catches were estimated to be predominantly 4-8 years of age, with a maximum age of 11, whereas females were estimated to be predominantly 5-10 years old, reaching a maximum age of 16. For each sex, the proportion of older fish in the catch declined between 1980 and 1986, and there was a corresponding increase in the prominence of newly recruited age classes. It was concluded that there had been a substantial decline in the relative abundance of spawning gemfish, and that significant changes had also occurred in the size and age composition of the stock, consistent with the effects expected to result from exploitation.
Why fly? The possible benefits for lower mortality

In adult endotherms—birds and mammals—mortality rates are lower in flying than non-flying species. Rates vary with size, but allowing for this they are higher in penguins than flying birds, and in rodents than bats. These observations are most simply explained in terms of predation since flight, allowing movement in three dimensions, increases the chances of escape. There are various problems in obtaining and comparing data on rates of mortality and this partly explains a wide scattering of points. Nevertheless the main results are statistically significant, mostly at P<0.001. Amongst birds, there are several other significant differences. Mortality rates are lower at lower latitudes, and in aquatic compared to terrestrial species, with cliff-nesters having lower rates than other aquatic birds and co-operative breeders than other terrestrial ones. No latitudinal effect was detected in mammals. The exceptionally low rates of mortality in bats and swifts are attributed to their being particularly hard to catch.
EFFECT OF THE ADDITION OF DRIED SHIITAKE (LENTINULA EDODES) TO CORN CRACKERS ON THEIR CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ABILITY TO BIND Fe(III) AND Zn(II) - A SHORT REPORT

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of corn crackers with a 10% and 20% addition of dried shiitake and to estimate the sorption of Fe and Zn by these products under conditions of pH values similar to those found in the human alimentary tract. Contents of protein, fat and ash were determined using standard analytical methods. Soluble and insoluble fractions of dietary fiber were assayed using the Asp’s enzymatic method. Contents of minerals were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sorption of Fe and Zn was estimated under in vitro conditions (simulated to imitate those occurring in the alimentary tract), using buffer solutions with pH=1.8, pH=6.6, and pH=8.7 as dispersion media. The products were found to be characterised by high contents of fiber, Fe, Cu, Mg and K, and low contents of Na and Ca. A low ability to bind Fe and Zn of not more than 22% was observed in the analysed material. Experimental results obtained indicate that the products with the addition of dried shiitake could be used as a food additive; however, in order to promote them as a good source of microelements it is necessary to determine the sorption capacity of dried mushrooms in in vivo tests. Effect of the addition of dried shitake to corn crackers on their chemical composition and metal binding J. Regula & A. Gramza-Michalowska
Habitat Associations of Grasshopper Sparrows in Southern Québec

Abstract Ammodramus savannarum (Grasshopper Sparrow) is a grassland passerine considered at risk in several regions of eastern USA and Canada. Detailed information is lacking on structure and breeding-habitat components for Grasshopper Sparrows in eastern Canada. We surveyed Grasshopper Sparrows in suitable habitats in southwestern Québec and described habitat characteristics to increase our knowledge of the species' breeding-habitat associations in eastern Canada. Grass-hopper Sparrows were detected in grass-dominated abandoned fields, pastureland, and hayfields generally located on poor sandy soil supporting low and sparse vegetation. Suitable sites with or without Grasshopper Sparrows did not differ in their structural components nor in their plant composition. Sites used by Grasshopper Sparrows were embedded within a perennial crop-dominated matrix where forest cover was reduced, and were larger than sites where they were absent. Conservation and stewardship activities should aim to secure large tracts of grasslands in southwestern Québec.
EVIDENCE FOR INTROGRESSIVE HYBRIDIZATION BASED ON CHLOROPLAST DNA POLYMORPHISMS AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN WILD EVERGREEN AZALEA POPULATIONS OF THE KIRISHIMA MOUNTAINS, JAPAN

For the purpose of determining the origin of horticultural evergreen azalea cultivars, this study was focused on the natural populations of azalea in Kyushu (south main island of Japan). The Kirishima mountains, the volcanic mountain mass in Kyushu, are an important centre of diversity for the Japanese evergreen azaleas. Rhododendron kiusianum Makino grows above 1000m alt. , whereas R. kaempferi Planch. is distributed below 600m alt. Putative natural hybrid populations of these two species are found in the intermediate region (1000–600m alt.). These two species have been clearly distinguished by their respective morphological features. Rhododendron kiusianum has small pink-purple flowers and small elliptical leaves, whereas R. kaempferi has larger red-orange flowers with dark blotches and large oblong leaves. Interspecific hybrids show phenotypes within the range of the two species, especially with regard to flower colour and leaf shape. A morphological cline of these characteristics corresponding to altitude has been observed between these two species. PCR-RFLP analysis of chloroplast DNA detected specific bands for the two species in the 16S rDNA region when digested with Hha I restriction enzyme. Populations of interspecific hybrids were composed of individuals that had a banding pattern of either R. kiusianum or R. kaempferi . This indicates that R. kiusianum and R. kaempferi are clearly distinct species. Furthermore, natural hybrid populations consist of individuals that have one of two cpDNA. Some individuals in the populations of R. kiusianum (T-1430 and T-1030) possess the cpDNA pattern of R. kaempferi , which suggests that cytoplasmic introgression has occurred in the populations of R. kiusianum from R. kaempferi .
Lack of genetic divergence between Mogera wogura coreana from Korea and M. w. robusta from Northeastern China and adjacent Russia (Soricomorpha: Mammalia), reexamined from 12S rRNA and cytochrome b sequences

Abstract To reexamine taxonomic status of endemic Mogera wogura coreana from Korea, we first obtained partial 12S rRNA sequences (893 bp) and complete cytochrome b gene sequences (1140 bp) of this subspecies, and these sequences and partial cytochrome b sequences (402 bp) were compared to the corresponding haplotypes of M. wogura from East Asia, obtained from GenBank. The one of three 12S rRNA haplotypes in M. w. coreana was identical to one 12S rRNA haplotype of M. w. robusta from East Asia: 10 complete and 13 partial cytochrome b haplotypes of M. w. coreana formed a single clade with one complete and four partial cytochrome b haplotypes of M. w. robusta, respectively. We considered that M. w. coreana from Korea is an endemic subspecies with only morphological differences, although it is necessary to reexamine the subspecies status of M. w. coreana. Additionally, in the 12S rRNA and complete cytochrome b sequences, M. wogura from Japan was distinct from the two continental subspecies of M. w. coreana and M. w. robusta with average distances of 1.76 and 5.65%, respectively; insular M. wogura, with within-group distances of 2.09 and 4.38%, respectively, was also genetically more divergent than the mainland M. wogura, with within-group distances of 0.08 and 0.57%, respectively. Thus, we considered that insular M. wogura of Japan dispersed into neighboring East Asian continent, which is opposite to the traditional hypothesis on the origin of Japanese M. wogura.
Ecological effects of changes in fire regimes in Pinus ponderosa ecosystems in the Colorado Front Range

Abstract Question: What is the relative importance of low- and high-severity fires in shaping forest structure across the range of Pinus ponderosa in northern Colorado? Location: Colorado Front Range, USA. Methods: To assess severities of historic fires, 24 sites were sampled across an elevation range of 1800 to 2800 m for fire scars, tree establishment dates, tree mortality, and changes in tree-ring growth. Results: Below 1950 m, the high number of fire scars, scarcity of large post-fire cohorts, and lack of synchronous tree mortality or growth releases, indicate that historic fires were of low severity. In contrast, above 2200 m, fire severity was greater but frequency of widespread fires was substantially less. At 18 sites above 1950 m, 34 to 80% of the live trees date from establishment associated with the last moderate- to high-severity fire. In these 18 sites, only 2 to 52% of the living trees pre-date these fires suggesting that fire severities prior to any effects of fire suppression were sufficient to kill many trees. Conclusions: These findings for the P. ponderosa zone above ca. 2200 m (i.e. most of the zone) contradict the widespread perception that fire exclusion, at least at the stand scale of tens to hundreds of hectares, has resulted in unnaturally high stand densities or in an atypical abundance of shade-tolerant species. At relatively mesic sites (e.g. higher elevation, north-facing), the historic fire regime consisted of a variable-severity regime, but forest structure was shaped primarily by severe fires rather than by surface fires. Nomenclature: Weber (1976).
Putting the Child-Centred Investment Strategy to the Test: Evidence for the EU27

Under the social investment paradigm, a child-centred investment strategy has been developed. The mainstay of such a strategy is the provision of childcare services, which are expected to increase maternal employment rates, further children's human capital and mitigate social inequalities in early life. In this article, I critically assess the child-centred investment strategy and question whether childcare services in European countries are, in their current state, up to the task of producing the anticipated benefits. The argument I develop is fairly simple: in order to be effective, childcare services should be provided for all social groups, and in particular for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Drawing on recent EU-SILC data, I show that in all but one country this condition is not met: childcare services are often taken up at low or moderate levels, and children from low-income families use them to a much lesser extent than those from high-income families. In order to overcome these childcare deficits, countries should pursue a consistent investment strategy which entails increasing both the supply of childcare and employment opportunities for all social groups. This will require huge budgetary efforts for most member states.
Nematode movement along a chemical gradient in a structurally heterogeneous environment. 1. Experiment

Summary - The effects of structural heterogeneity on both chemical diffusion and nematode movement are examined with the development of a theoretical mode! The model considers three factors affecting nematode movement : soil structure, nematode foraging strateg)' and chemotaxis. Using a continuous model, we develop a discrete system which aIJows nematode trails to be simulated in any of the four experimental conditions given by Anderson et al. (1997). We show that structural heterogeneity causes mixed levels of attractant concentration over small areas as well as " fingering " of the attractant. Soil structural heterogeneity also restricts the foraging strategy of the nematode which then becomes a strategy to avoid structural" traps ". The effect of localised increases in structural densiry is shown to increase significant1y " fingering " of the attraetant.
Overyielding in mixed forests decreases with site productivity

There is a rising interest in the role of species diversity in ecosystem functioning and services, including productivity. Yet, how the diversity–productivity relationship depends on species identity and abiotic conditions remains a challenging issue. We analysed mixture effects on species productivity along site productivity gradients, calculated from a set of abiotic factors, in two biogeographic contexts (highlands and lowlands). We compared the productivity of 5 two‐species mixtures (i.e. 10 cases of mixed species) with that of monocultures of the same species. Five main European tree species were considered: sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst). Our data set was compiled from the 2006 to 2010 French National Forest Inventory data base and covers 2361 plots including pure and mixed stands. Overall productivity of mixtures in highlands, that is European beech–Norway spruce, European beech–silver fir and to a lesser extent, silver fir–Norway spruce, was found to be higher than expected from the productivity of corresponding monospecific stands. Overyielding was mainly due to European beech for the first two mixtures and to silver fir for the third one. No effect of mixture was found for sessile oak–Scots pine and sessile oak–European beech stands in lowlands. Overyielding of sessile oak mixed with Scots pine was not strong enough to significantly increase overall stand productivity. Overyielding of European beech was balanced by an underyielding of sessile oak. The mixture effect changed along site productivity gradients for six cases out of the 10 studied, with a stronger and positive effect on sites with low productivity. The magnitude of this change along site productivity gradients varied up to 89% depending on the tree species. Synthesis. The nature of species interaction in mixtures with regard to productivity changes with species assemblage and abiotic conditions. Overyielding is strongest when species grow in highlands on less productive sites. A negative link between mixture effect and site productivity was found, in line with the stress‐gradient hypothesis.
Importance of life history studies for conservation of fragmented populations: A case study of the understory herb, Trillium camschatcense

Trillium camschatcense is a common perennial woodland spring herb in Hokkaido, Japan. Anthropogenic land conversion (e.g. road construction and agricultural development) has resulted in a highly fragmented landscape with a large number of forest remnants and T. camschatcense is now often found in the understory of small remnant forests surrounded by pastureland or agricultural fields in the Hidaka region, Hokkaido. Accordingly, T. camschatcense in this region must have experienced dramatic changes in population size and spatial distribution, which may have significantly reduced seed production and genetic diversity. First, we summarize a series of life history studies on T. camschatcense . Second, we introduce approaches to understand the effects of forest fragmentation on the understory herb, T. camschatcense . Finally, we conclude that integration of data on demographic, reproductive biology and genetic approaches is essential for plant conservation, and we emphasize that it is important to have basic life history data, such as long-tem demographic data and variation in breeding system, on ‘common species’ before those species become ‘new rares’.
Amino acid efficiency with dietary glycine supplementation: Part 1

Over the years a large body of information has accumulated for the amino acid glycine, which prove that this amino acid is critical to animal nutrition in order for feeding to be more economic, eco-sustainable and supportive of animal health and food safety. Underpinning these glycine efficacies are its multifaceted metabolic interrelationships with other essential amino acids, and the resultant physiological responses. Key among these interactions is the inter-convertibility between glycine and serine, the participation of glycine in sulphur amino acid metabolism, and its biochemical linkages with arginine. Crucial to this is the metabolic release of glycine in threonine catabolism and cellular application in N detoxification- all linked to body amino acid homoeostasis. This is the first of a two-paper series reviewing the biochemistry and multifunctional metabolic involvements of glycine and the impacts on physiological efficiency of sulphur amino acids, threonine, arginine and total crude protein, mainly in broilers.
A comparison of sampling methods for larvae of medium and large epipelagic fish species during spring SEAMAP ichthyoplankton surveys in the Gulf of Mexico

Annual ichthyoplankton surveys have been conducted in the Gulf of Mexico during spring since 1982 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP). Historically, ichthyoplankton has been assessed using bongo and surface neuston nets. A new sampling gear, the S‐10 net, was tested between 2009 and 2011. This is a 1 × 2 m frame fitted with a 0.505 mm mesh net, towed in a yo‐yo fashion between the surface and 10 m. Sampling effectiveness of the three gears was compared by examining the abundance and length of larvae of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and seven co‐occurring pelagic taxa (Auxis spp., Euthynnus alleteratus, Coryphaena spp., Katsuwonus pelamis, other Thunnus spp., family Istiophoridae, and Xiphias gladius) and vertical distributions of scombrid taxa were examined using MOCNESS samples. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) of net type and time of sampling (day/night) indicated that net type was a significant factor in assessing abundance and length for all taxa. Highest abundances for seven of eight taxa were in S‐10 samples, and MOCNESS samples confirm highest scombrid abundance between the surface and 20 m. Our results show sampling effectiveness strongly depends on the depth fished by the net and that the S‐10 net was more effective than standard SEAMAP bongo and neuston nets. Thus, future sampling with the S‐10 net may improve the annual index of larval abundance for the western population of Atlantic bluefin tuna, traditionally based on abundance from bongo samples.
The turtle is in the details: microhabitat choice by Testudo hermanni is based on microscale plant distribution

Although research on habitat use and habitat selection is essential for understanding population ecology and behavior, most such zoological studies have used only general habitat categories describing main habitat features instead of using modern plant ecological approaches. Here, we analyze Testudo hermanni microhabitat use at a coastal Mediterranean site in central Italy by modeling tortoise presence/absence at three spatial scales, using a logistic regression design and quantitative vegetation and plant community analysis to reveal correlates of tortoise habitat use on a fine scale. Our analyses showed that only a few plant species among the many present, and these on a very small spatial scale, are important determinants of tortoise presence and site selection. We also find that tortoises chose a paradoxical combination of high levels of bare soil and high total vegetation cover. This suggests that these tortoises are selecting small patches of habitat in a matrix of less desirable habitat. Our findings also have important implications for habitat management, in that increasing the number of habitat patches containing the few significant plants is likely to be desirable, whereas increasing the size of such patches is probably less relevant.
Anxiety and depression associated with vertigo: a cross sectional study from India

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Vertigo is a common clinical symptom in the community as well as in specialist settings. Depression and anxiety are common among vertigo patients and have a significant impact on the course of illness. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of Department of ENT, Government Medical College, Kottayam. Zung self-rating anxiety and Zung self-rating depression scales were used. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There were 158 patients in the study. The commonest diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (76; 48.1%) followed by migrainous vertigo (MV) (41; 25.9%), Meniere’s disease (MD) (31; 19.6%) and vestibular neuronitis (VN) (10; 6.3%). 74 (46.83%) patients had depression. Depression was most prevalent among MD (26; 83.87%) followed by MV (29; 70.73%). Mean depression score was highest with MD (58; SD=8.136) followed by MV (54.29; SD=10.441). 70 (44.03%) patients had anxiety. 50 being women and 20 men. A diagnosis of anxiety was most common in MD (25; 80.6%) followed by MV (33; 80.5%). Mean anxiety score was highest in MD (56.48; SD=11.003) followed by MV (54.15; SD=12.041), A diagnosis of anxiety was most common among patients with MD (25; 80.6%) followed by MV (33; 80.5%). </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> There is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in Meniere’s disease and migrainous vertigo in India as evidenced by this study. Identification and appropriate management of coexisting mental health problems to address the disability, poor quality of life and protracted course is an integral part of managing vertigo. </p><p class="abstract"> </p>
Influence of the marine abundance of pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and sockeye salmon (O. nerka) on growth of Ozernaya River sockeye

The length and weight of Russian sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) returning to the Ozernaya River (Kamchatka) was substantially reduced in years when the ocean abundances of Kamchatkan pink (O. gorbuscha) and sockeye salmon were high. We found that the density-dependent reduction in sockeye growth on a per-capita basis was greater for sockeye than for pink salmon. However, the overall effect of pink salmon abundance on sockeye growth was greater because of the higher numerical abundance of pink salmon. The strongest statistical relationships were found for sockeye from separate age groups; pooled data combining all age classes were statistically insignificant. We estimate that, if pink salmon were absent, the most strongly affected age group of sockeye salmon (2.1 males) would weigh twice as much at maturity than if pink salmon populations from eastern and western Kamchatka were both simultaneously at peak observed abundances. Trophic competition in the ocean between pink and sockeye salmon can therefore have a significant influence on the productivity of sockeye populations for the most strongly affected age groups. These effects are large enough that they should be explicitly considered in the management of salmon populations.