Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of Thalassia testudinum and sediment biogeochemistry in Santa Rosa Sound, NW Florida

Abstract Thalassia testudinum belowground biomass weights, leaf weights, leaf growth rates, areal shoot densities (m−2), and leaf C:N:P ratios were compared to a set of biogeochemical parameters to gain information on seagrass–sediment interactions that may influence seagrass growth. Data were compiled from three surveys conducted in Santa Rosa Sound, located in northwest Florida, at three different meadows in sequential years. Biomass measurements and leaf growth rates decreased between stations along transects from shallow to deeper water. Belowground biomass weights decreased and leaf C:P ratios increased with temperature reflecting a seasonal growth pattern. The T. testudinum parameters were highly correlated with each other. Sulfate reduction rates (at times exceeding 1000 nmol ml−1 day−1) were among the highest recorded for seagrass beds with temperature accounting for 79% of the variation. Even though sulfate reduction rates were high, total Fe:reduced S ratios indicated sufficient Fe to account for all reduced S as pyrite. Sediment Fe, C, N, and organic P concentrations increased with sediment depth, whereas inorganic P decreased with depth, suggesting burial of organic P and root uptake of inorganic P. Leaf C:N:P ratios indicated P-limited growth for two surveys. NH4 + was detected in water above the sediment surface during some surveys demonstrating T. testudinum meadows at times may serve as sources of inorganic N to the water column. Plant parameters correlated with concentrations of sediment organic C and N, Fe, S, and porewater NH4 +. These results highlight the importance of the organic matter and Fe contents of sediments to seagrass growth.
The breeding Teal (Anas crecca) of a coastal raised mire in central West Wales

Between 13 and 18 pairs of Teal successfully bred on the coastal peatland complex of Cors Fochno, Dyfed, during 1980–83. Nests located were all within 50 m of ditches, which were the subsequent feeding areas of broods. Clutches were started between 22 April and 19 May; mean clutch size was 9.25 (n = 10). A total of 74 eggs in eight clutches gave rise to 46 ducklings, and mean brood size for families less than 5 days old was 6.21 (n = 53). Of these 240 ducklings less than 5 days old from 53 broods, 151 fully fledged or attained adult size, a total mean brood size at this age of 3.80 (n = 45). Blocking of ditches on the site gave rise to deep linear pools with abundant emergent vegetation and was followed by a three- to four-fold increase in the number of nesting Teal.
Emergência e crescimento inicial de plântulas de Eugenia jambolana Lam. após remoção da polpa

The fruit species of the genus Eugenia have great potential for environmental restoration, enabling not only the recovery of flora and fauna attraction. In the present research it was evaluated the effect of different treatments for removal of the pulp on the emergence and early growth of seedlings of Eugenia jambolana Lam. The treatments were rubbing with sand (T1), lime (T2), wood dust (T3), human tasting (T4), fermented for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours (T5, T6 , T7 and T8, respectively) and the control - whole fruit without any treatment (T9). After removing the pulp the seeds were washed in water and subsequently dried in a lab environment for 24 hours, and then sown in trays containing sand, using four replicates of 25 seeds per treatment. In assessing the effect of treatments it was determined the water content, percentage and index of germination speed, length and seedling dry weight. The water content of seed treatments reduced friction with lime and removing human, being higher in the control, but all treatments promoted high rates of emergency in relation to the control and the best results obtained in vigor removal treatments and human fermented for 24 and 96 hours.
Heartless and primitive? 3D reconstruction of the polar acochlidian gastropod Asperspina murmanica

This study re-examines in detail the microanatomy of the Arctic opisthobranch Asperspina murmanica, the only acochlidian that was described as retaining a well-developed mantle cavity, and evaluates its supposedly basal position within the Acochlidia. Several specimens were recollected at the type locality in Russia. Spicules and radulae were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Semithin sections were prepared and a computer-based three-dimensional reconstruction of all major organ systems was made using amira software. Our results show significant differences from the original description, e.g. the nervous system shows paired rhinophoral and gastro-oesophageal ganglia and large aggregations of precerebral accessory ganglia, whereas the presence of a postulated posterior genital ganglion can be excluded; the radula is asymmetric; the circulatory system includes a small heart; and the reproductive system comprises a sac-like ampulla and three female glands. The most surprising discrepancy to the original description refers to the complete absence of any mantle cavity. The gonopore, anus and nephropore open separately to the exterior. Instead of being aberrant or basal, A. murmanica fits well with other Asperspina species and comes closest to the Mediterranean Asperspina rhopalotecta. The monotypic genus/family Minicheviella/Minicheviellidae Starobogatov (1983) is confirmed as a junior synonym of Asperspina/Asperspinidae Rankin (1979).
Effect of manures and composts on nematodes, borer weevils and yield of plantain.

ABSTRACT The paper evaluated pest control in and yield of plantains when manured with matured compost, poultry and cattle farm yard manures treated or untreated with wood ash or Furadan. The application of untreated poultry farm yard manure significantly improved plantain establishment and yield and reduced pest damage. Plantains which received untreated compost had retarded growth, heavy pest build-up and rapid yield decline. The inclusion of wood ash in other manures effectively checked damage due to plantain weevil and nematodes.
Studies on graminicolous species of Phyllachora Nke. in Fckl. V. A taxonomic monograph

This monograph describes the genus Phyllachora as it occurs on members of the Gramineae, discusses the reliability of criteria for delimiting species, and gives a taxonomic account of the Phyllachora species found on grasses. A world-wide survey of graminicolous Phyllachora specimens has led to the conclusion that of the 278 species and varieties named in the literature, only 95 are valid species and a further 21 are doubtful species. Of the 95 valid species, three (P. americana, P, longinaviculata, and P. microsperma) have been given new names, and five (P. bulbosa, P. koondrookensis, P. platyelliptica, P. polytocae, and P. rostellispora) are new species. Two species complexes are discussed. The P. fallax complex includes four species which, although fairly readily separated, have several features in common and may be better delimited in future as varieties. The P. shiraiana complex includes seven bambusicolous species, few of which have been seen by the author, and the published descriptions of which are closely similar. It is possible that six of these species are synonyms of P. shiraiana s. str. A key to graminicolous Phyllachora species and a guide to its uses are provided as well as a host index, including 135 grass genera, and an index to Phyllachora species, their synonyms, and doubtful species.
Distribution of mitochondrial DNA variation in lake sturgeon (Adpenser fulvescens) from the Moose River basin, Ontario, Canada

We analysed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation of lake sturgeon (Adpenser fulvescens) from the Moose River basin. Our objective was to address various proximate and ultimate factors which may influence the distribution of lake sturgeon mtDNA haplotype lineages in this watershed. The lake sturgeon sampled were characterized by only two mtDNA hapiotypes based on a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with 40 restriction endonucleases and direct sequencing of 275 nucleotides in the mtDNA control region. We detected no heterogeneity in the mtDNA haplotype frequencies of lake sturgeon captured from different sites within rivers including those separated by major hydroelectric installations. However, lake sturgeon from one tributary had significantly different haplotype frequencies than those from other tributaries suggesting that they composed a discrete genetic stock. These results suggest that gene flow among most sites is significant and is an important factor affecting the distribution of mtDNA variation in this species. The genetic structuring and diversity are discussed in relation to lake sturgeon management and conservation.
Ichthyofauna of the Selvagens Islands. Do small coastal areas show high species richness in the northeastern Atlantic?

Abstract The Selvagens Islands are located in the northeastern Atlantic between the Canary Islands and Madeira Island. As a result of their small size, remote location and harsh sea conditions only a few studies have been conducted to describe their marine species diversity. We were able to identify 29 new coastal fish species, an increase of 33% in the ichthyofauna described for these islands (n = 88). There is a prevalence of species with tropical affinities and only 2.3% (n = 2) are endemic to Macaronesia. Considered a stepping-stone colonization vector from the nearest continental shore, as proposed by other authors for this region, the Selvagens Islands host 34.1% of the ichthyofauna described for the much larger Canary Islands (nspecies = 258, submerged area nSelvagensIs. = 2.3%) and 47.3% of the ichthyofauna described for the more distantly located Madeira Island (nspecies = 186, submerged area nSelvagensIs. = 17.9%). Interestingly, 6.8% (n = 6) of the species failed to bridge the gap between the Selvagens Islands and Madeira Island. Data collected so far showed no trend toward an increasing number of species with high dispersal capability. The Selvagens Islands are an example of a high coastal species diversity occurring even in very small areas of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean.
Espaçamento para a cultura da Mandioca

The present work had the objective of evaluating the effect of different line spacing upon some agronomic parameters of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) culture. The experiment was conducted in county of Palotina, in the west region of Parana State, Brazil. The studied spacing were 0.8, 1.0, 1.4 e 1.6 m between lines and 0.6 m between plants, which rendered population densities of 20,830, 16,660, 13,880, 11,900 and 10,410 plants/ha. For the production of fresh and dry root matter and stem fresh matter, the best space between lines was 1.0 m. The highest number of tuberous roots per plant, obtained with the space of 1.40 m between lines did not guarantee the highest productivity of root matter/ha. The production of the vegetative portion was not influenced by space between lines.
The Survival of Salmonella Spp. In Relation to Exposure to Lactic Acid and the Storage Time of Turkey Carcasses

The studies aimed at determining the influence of lactic acid on Salmonella spp. during storage of turkey carcasses’ samples for 2, 4 and 6 days. The initial average contamination of turkey carcasses’ elements with Salmonella spp. was 2.4 · 10 bacteria. Following the immersion in water in average 4.3 · 102 Salmonella spp. cfu was recovered and that number was assumed as the inoculum. The number of Salmonella spp. decreases during storage of turkey carcasses’ samples in the refrigerator at 4C. Compared to elements of carcasses immersed in sterile water the largest reduction, by two logarithmic cycles was recorded after 2 days of storage of samples treated with 1% lactic acid. In case of the other variants of the experiment when 1% solution of lactic acid was applied S. Enteritidis grew in numbers within the same logarithmic range. Compared to the samples immersed in sterile water, 2% lactic acid caused reduction in the number of Salmonella spp. on elements of poultry carcasses by one logarithmic cycle both immediately after contamination and after 2 and 6 days of storage; unfortunately after 4 days of storage S. Enteritidis grew in numbers that were within the same logarithmic range. During storage of the turkey samples tested at 4C for 2, 4 and 6 days, the numbers of Salmonella spp. decreased. That decrease compared to samples immersed in sterile water was the largest after 2 days of storage after application of 1% lactic acid. WPŁYW KWASU MLEKOWEGO I CZASU SKŁADOWANIA TUSZEK INDYCZYCH NA PRZEŻYWALNOŚĆ PAŁECZEK SALMONELLA
Seroprevalence of Salmonella and Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in chickens in Rajshahi and surrounding districts of Bangladesh

A serological survey on the prevalence of antibodies against Salmonella and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) was carried out in layer chickens in Rajshahi and surrounding districts of Bangladesh. A total of 605 sera samples were examined by rapid plate agglutination (RPA) test using commercial Salmonella and MG antigens to determine the Salmonella and MG specific antibodies. Out of 605 sera samples 14.05% had single Salmonella, 45.12% had single MG and 11.24% had their concurrent infection. Prevalence of Salmonella was recorded the highest (37.60%) in adult compared to young (16.66%). On the contrary, MG and their concurrent infections were recorded the highest (71.66% and 13.33%) in young compared to adult (50.40% and 10.40%). The prevalence of Salmonella, MG and their concurrent infections were recorded the highest (34.28%, 68.57% and 17.14%) in large flocks compared to small flocks (21.25%, 50% and 8.75%). The prevalence of Salmonella infection was the highest (30.37%) in summer followed by winter (23.69%), rainy (25%) and autumn (23.33%). The prevalence of MG infection was the highest (61.58%) in winter followed by autumn (56.88%), rainy (55%) and summer (49.63%). Whereas, their concurrent infection was the highest (12.11%) in winter followed by summer (11.85%), rainy (10.83%) and autumn (10%).
Reticulate evolution in Phlox as seen through protein electrophoresis.

A B S T R A C T Seed protein profiles were used to document the genome constitutions of seven Phlox taxa believed to be stabilized derivatives of hybridization between P. pilosa and P. carolina, P. druminondii or P. amoena. These species have very distinctive seed protein profiles. Analyses of profiles from these and other phloxes not involved in the reticulum (P. maculata, P. glaberrima and their hybrid derivative P. maculata subsp. pyramidalis) demonstrated that profile components are inherited as co-dominant units, alteration of ploidal level does not alter the profile, profile components may undergo segregation and recombination, and profile components in hybrids do not recombine in vivo or in vitro to produce new proteins. The putative derivatives of hybridization between P. pilosa and P. carolin, i.e., P. pilosa subsp. detonsa, P. pilosa subsp. sangamonensis, P.
Soybean leaf morphology and defoliation tolerance

Plant tolerance to pest injury is an ideal component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs, because it places no selection pressure on pest populations, but tolerance is little understood and its use in pest management is limited. In field experiments in 1994, 1995, and 1996, we characterized tolerance to defoliation in 'Clark' soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] isolines differing in leaf morphology : 3- and 5-leaflet, narrow and wide leaflet. Sequential defoliation was imposed manually at the R2 stage (full flowering), based on an insect consumption model. In 1994 and 1996, with ample rainfall, all isolines expressed yield compensation or overcompensation for defoliation as high as 75%, due to compensatory regrowth and delayed leaf senescence; in 1995, however, when rainfall was marginal, defoliation caused significant yield reduction. Equal amounts of leaf tissue removed resulted in different leaf area indices (LAIs). Wide-leaflet isolines had higher LAI than narrow-leaflet isolines, but the narrow-leaflet isolines, particularly Clark-3N, had greater light interception capacity for a given LAI level and had a higher light extinction coefficient in 1995. This shows that light was available to leaves in the lower canopy in the narrow-leaflet isoline. Both low and high defoliation treatments caused significant yield reductions in all isolines, except that low defoliation did not significantly affect the yield of Clark-3N in 1995. The narrow-leaflet isolines apparently tolerated defoliation better than the wide-leaflet isolines because the narrow-leaflet isolines had greater light interception and maintained equal or better yields, despite similar defoliation. In addition to LAI, both canopy light interception and light extinction coefficient are important criteria for selecting cultivars tolerant to defoliation.
The Feasibility of Increasing Lipid Extraction in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Waste by Proteolysis

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of increasing lipid extraction in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) waste using different enzymes and to minimize the periods of hydrolysis to evaluate the performance of the lipid fractions. When processing waste tilapia, commercial enzymes were added that were composed of neutrase and alcalase acting at different hydrolysis times to produce the best yields. The treatment proved feasible for obtaining the protein hydrolysates. The type of enzyme and the hydrolysis time determined the degree of fractionation. The enzymes performed well, and the highest efficiency occurred within 2 h of hydrolysis. By fractionating, the obtained by-products can be applied in the preparation of feed, as the lipid fraction treatments yielded significant amounts of polyunsaturated fats and suitable n-6/n-3 ratios.
Intra-specific variability in the temporal organisation of foraging of the limpet Patella caerulea on mesotidal shores

This paper describes preliminary results on the temporal organisation of foraging behaviour in the limpet Patella caerulea in the North Adriatic Sea. Limpet activity was monitored in the field using radio telemetry during three continuous 15-day recording periods in spring, summer and winter. The results showed greater activity during immersion or when splashed by waves compared to periods of emersion and a general prevalence for activity during the daylight compared to night-time. Activity patterns varied between study periods, indicating that individuals used different tidal or diel phases according to the time of year, with the fraction of activity performed during immersion being greater during winter than during spring or summer. During winter sampling there was also an increase (although non-significant) in total activity compared to spring (increase = 81%) and summer (increase = 24%). The results also demonstrate an increase in between-individual variability in the summertime compared to the winter or spring.
Rates of nitrogen excretion by species of Mytilus (Bivalvia: Mollusca)

Although the nitrogenous excretory products of a number of marine bivalve molluscs have been identified (Hammen, Miller & Geer, 1966; Hammen, 1968; Emerson, 1969; Allen & Garrett, 1971; Bayne, 1973 a) and average values for rates of nitrogen excretion recorded for some species (Lum & Hammen, 1964; Hammen et al. 1966; Bayne, 1973a), there is little information available on the ways in which environmental factors may affect either the balance between the various nitrogenous end-products, or their rates of excretion. The most thorough investigations have dealt with the effects of reduced salinity, which causes an increase in the rates of excretion of ammonia by Macoma inconspicua (Emerson, 1969), Mya arenaria (Allen & Garrett, 1971) and Mytilus edulis (Bayne, 1975). Dilution of the medium is also known to accelerate the loss of amino acids from the body, as part of the mechanism of volume regulation (Pierce & Greenberg, 1972, 1973). There is some evidence of altered rates of excretion during starvation (Hammen, 1968; Emerson, 1969; Bayne, 1973 a, b) and differences in excretion rate due to differences in animal size have been documented for Donax vittatus by Ansell & Sivadas (1973) and for Mytilus californianus by Bayne, Bayne, Carefoot & Thompson (1976 a, b).
Sensory Structures in Tadpole Larvae of the Ascidians Microcosmus exasperatus Heller and Herdmania momus (Savigny)

In this paper we describe the larval morphology of two species from the ascidian family Pyuridae, Microcosmus exasperatus and Herdmania momus, with special emphasis on components of the cerebral vesicle. Larvae have not previously been described for any species in the large genus Microcosmus. Besides a difference in size (larvae of H. momus are about 40% larger than those of M. exasperatus), larvae of the two species differ primarily in the number and arrangement of sensory structures. Both species possess a well-developed statocyte but only H. momus has an ocellus. The absence of an ocellus in M. exasperatus is unique among pyurid ascidians. An auxiliary vesicle was found situated on the left side of the cerebral vesicle in both species. However, unlike the larvae of H. momus and other pyurid species, there is no apparent communication between the auxiliary and cerebral vesicles of M. exasperatus. Epithelial cells in the auxiliary vesicles of both species carry modified cilia about 2 μm in diameter; auxiliary vesicles of H. momus also have simple cilia with axonemes in a 9 + 0 microtubule configuration. In H. momus the membranes of the epithelial cells are highly convoluted and extend into the lumen of the auxiliary vesicle. Morphological arrangements of auxiliary vesicles and globular cilia reported so far in ascidian tadpoles are contrasted and discussed.
A multifactorial explanation for variation in breeding performance of Brent Geese Branta bernicla

The dramatic differences in annual breeding success of Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta b. bernicla are generally interpreted as being caused by variable conditions on the arctic breeding grounds. The recently revived discussion on this issue mentions, in particular, the cyclic variation in abundance of lemmings, resulting in cyclic variation of predation pressure on bird nests by arctic foxes, as the main factor determining whether Brent Geese are able to breed successfully or not. New data on the spring condition of Brent Geese in Western Europe and wind conditions during migration from the spring staging areas to the breeding grounds show that these factors also influence breeding output.
Low frequency of extra-pair fertilizations in the Great Tit Parus major revealed by DNA fingerprinting

Multilocus DNA fingerprinting was used to estimate the frequency of extra-pair fertilizations in a low density, island population of Great Tits Parus major. A total of 69 pairs and 516 offspring from 82 breeding attempts were examined. Only 18 offspring (3.5%) in seven different nests were not fathered by the attending male. The sample included one brood in which all nine chicks were fathered by an extra-pair male. One chick from a nest of eight was the result of intra-specific brood parasitism. Three chicks from a brood of nine could be matched with the male but not with the female. Observations at this nestbox suggested that mate switching had occurred during the laying period. The percentage of extra-pair fertilizations did not differ between first clutches and (experimentally induced) replacement clutches. Females mated to small males were more likely to have extra-pair young in the nest. Because both extra-pair paternity and intraspecific brood parasitism are rare in this population, a reliable measure of reproductive success can be obtained by counting the number of offspring. [KEYWORDS: Intraspecific brood parasitism; mixed reproductive strategies; conspecific nest parasitism; eastern bluebirds; genetic similarity; female preference; sperm competition; hatching failure; sexual selection; tree swallows]