Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tagetis (PST) population dynamics both on and in Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) leaves as affected by rain events

Abstract Field trials were conducted to evaluate the season long population dynamics and location (in leaf or on leaf surface) of an antibiotic resistant strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tagetis (PST) applied to Canada thistle leaves. An application preceding 2 to 3 d of hot dry weather was compared to an application preceding 2 to 3 d of cool wet weather. Leaf samples were taken weekly to assess the population of PST found inside the leaves and on the leaf surface. While PST populations initially differed, populations were similar for both treatments one week after application. While this suggests that environment did not have a major impact, weather conditions for testing this hypothesis were not ideal. Over the first 35 d of the experiment, little rainfall was observed. PST populations were low and stable. However, rain events over the 40 d that followed resulted in great oscillations in mean PST populations and in some cases significant population increases. During dry periods, internal and total PST populations differed significantly, suggesting the external populations played a major part in population composition. However, the two sampling periods that closely followed three consecutive days of rainfall indicated internal populations were not significantly different from the total, suggesting that internal populations played the primary role in population composition. The results of this research provide evidence that rain events lead to overall PST population increases and to greater proportions of PST inside Canada thistle leaves, suggesting that it is better to apply PST during wet periods than dry. Nomenclature: Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. , CIRAR.
A potential trade-off with stictic acid improves ascospore viability in Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia

Abstract The goal of this paper was to explore trade-offs between fecundity and carbon based secondary metabolites (CBSM) production within the thallus of three species of Rock-shield and Ring lichens, Arctoparmelia centrifuga, Xanthoparmelia viriduloumbrina and X. cumberlandia. Fecundity was measured by numbers of apothecia per thallus, number of spores per apothecium and percent spore germination, and it was compared with the quantity of the major CBSMs produced by the thallus. Results showed negative correlations between stictic acid and all three measures of fecundity for X. cumberlandia, which are consistent with trade-offs. When thallus and apothecium quantities of CBSMs were compared, stictic acid was the only CBSM with levels in the apothecium that were significantly higher than those in the thallus supporting a function that may protect ascospores against herbivory. Other CBSMs are hypothesized to have functions associated with the thallus and UV protection of green algae.
The external ear in Crocodilia

Summary. 1 Crocodilians possess a slit-like external auditory meatus, bounded above by a large superior ear-flap, and below and in front by a small inferior ear-flap. The anterior part of the meatus in living animals is usually open when the top of the head is out of water and closed when it is submerged. The posterior part of the meatus is nearly always closed, even when the head is above the surface. 2 The superior ear-flap is operated by two muscles of the hyoidean group, the more superficial one being the M. levator and the deeper one being the M. depressor. Both muscles are attached to the skull and to the auricular plate, a mass of dense connective tissue which reinforces the upper ear-flap. These muscles act in an indirect fashion by rotating the auricular plate around a longitudinal axis, and both are related to the deep aspect of the plate. 3 The anterior part of the meatus is opened as a result of downward movement of the inferior ear-flap. This is effected by means of a Y-shaped structure composed of dense connective tissue and here termed the ypsilon. The lateral arm of the ypsilon is attached to the lower ear-flap, the medial arm to the postorbital bone, and the stem, which projects forwards into the orbit, to the depressor auriculae inferior muscle. This muscle runs transversely across the floor of the orbit and is probably a derivative of the levator bulbi muscle. 4 The functional significance of the ear-flap in protecting the tympanic membrane from mechanical injury is discussed, and some points of contrast between the external ear in crocodiles and that in mammals are noted.
Projections of the impacts of gear‐modification on the recovery of fish catches and ecosystem function in an impoverished fishery

1. The regulation of fishing gear is a widely accepted fisheries management solution that requires further research to improve the chances of achieving sustainable yields, maintaining ecological integrity, and assisting fishers to escape from poverty. Fishing traps are a good candidate for modification because they are used widely, represent one of the most profitable gears, and often catch key species known to promote ecological resilience. 2. The ecological and economic implications of modifying fishing traps with escape slots were examined in a heavily fished and poor artisanal Kenyan fishery. Catches of fish from traps with four escape slot sizes (2, 4, 6, and 8 cm,) were examined for differences in the catch rates and composition and to calibrate a simulation model. The simulation model was used to predict how the ecological and economic outcomes will change as the standing stock responds to the new size selectivity of the fishing traps. 3. The results suggest a fishery's wide implementation of the 2 cm escape slots could provide an immediate benefit to the ecosystem by reducing the catch of juvenile fishes and algal browsers, which could help avoid or reverse coral–macroalgal phase shifts that can reduce reef biodiversity. However, the model predicts a decline in per trap profits in the first year that the 2 cm escape slot is implemented. This period would be followed by profitability increasing by a factor of 1.6 and 2.2 in the second year for the 2 cm and 4 cm escape slots respectively. 4. Sequential implementation of 2 cm slots followed by 4 cm slots in the fourth year reduces the total economic cost of implementing the 4 cm slots by 34%. Consequently, sequential implementation of these traps is suggested as a potential way to simultaneously conserve key ecosystem functions and reduce poverty.
Reduction of body fatness and meat fat content in lambs by supplementing their diet with isomerised grapeseed oil.

Investigated was the effect of isomerised grapeseed oil supplementation on carcass composition and body fat in lambs and fat content of their meat. Grapeseed oil alkaline isomerisation and crystallisation with urea resulted in synthesis of conjugated dienes amounting to linoleic acid (CLA) 77.6% FFA. The enrichment of fattening lambs ́ rations with the additive at 18 g/animal/day did not influence body weight gain, carcass weight and Longissimus dorsi parameters (weight, width, depth). However, it reduced body fatness by 19 to 25%, and decreased the fat content of muscle tissue by 17 to 22 percentage points.
Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the European roe deer: the refuge area theory revisited

The extant taxa of central and northern Europe are commonly believed to derive from Pleistocene ancestors, who moved to the north from three separate glacial refugia: the Iberian and Italian peninsulae, as well as the southern Balkans. The issue of postglacial dispersal patterns was addressed through the investigation of population structure and phylogeography of the European roe deer, Capreolus capreolus. The genetic diversity in 376 individuals representing 14 allegedly native populations across their European range was assessed, using ten autosomal microsatellite loci and restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the mitochondrial D-loop and NADH dehydrogenase 1 gene segments. Our results suggest the existence of three major genetic lineages of roe deer in Europe. One comprises populations in the south-western limit of the species’ distribution (i.e. Iberia), where an internal substructure splits a northern from a southern sublineage. A second lineage includes populations of southern and eastern Europe, as well as a separate sublineage sampled in central-southern Italy, where the existence of the subspecies Capreolus c. italicus was supported. In central-northern Europe, a third lineage is present, which appeared genetically rather homogeneous, although admixed, and equally divergent from both the eastern and western lineages. Current patterns of intraspecific genetic variation suggest that postglacial recolonization routes of this cervid to northern Europe could be due to range expansion from one or more refugia in central-eastern Europe, rather than proceeding from the Mediterranean areas. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 88, 85–100.
Active Respiration of Fish in Relation to Ambient Concentrations of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

The oxygen consumption at a steady rate of activity maintained by a mild electric stimulus was measured for Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), Catostomus commersoni (Lacepede), Ameiurus nebulosus LeSueur, Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus) and Carassius auratus (Linnaeus) in the presence of various combinations of oxygen and carbon dioxide. At a given level of oxygen the logarithm of the rate of oxygen consumption decreases linearly with the concentration of carbon dioxide. The linear relation so found is characteristic of a given species and the sensitivity to carbon dioxide decreases with increasing acclimation temperature. The oxygen concentration determines the level of active oxygen consumption in the absence of carbon dioxide and when the concentration approaches the lower lethal limit the effect of the addition of carbon dioxide is enhanced. The data found for these species for active metabolism was combined with data in the literature for resting metabolism to give estimates of the metabolism available for.
Marine fish diversity on the Scotian Shelf, Canada

1. Marine life in offshore regions has not been fully censused, yet related conservation policy relies on our ability to identify areas of high biodiversity. 2. We assessed the census of marine finfish on the Scotian Shelf, Northwest Atlantic using data collected during annual research vessel surveys between 1970 and 2000. The species accumulation curve did not reach an asymptote reflecting that new species continued to be discovered throughout the survey period. Only 0.12% of the area of the Scotian Shelf has been sampled since 1970. 3. Since 1974, when over 50% of the species had been discovered, the community composition has been relatively constant. However, the dominance structure has changed dramatically as reflected in the geographic contraction of the formerly abundant, large-bodied piscivores concomitant with the geographic expansion of their prey species. 4. The region is under-sampled, and species' distribution and abundance are changing. A precise estimate of diversity is elusive. As an alternative, we searched for physical correlates of finfish diversity to identify its possible surrogates. Surrogates have potential both as a method for understanding process and as a tool for conservation management. We examined the effect of area and depth range on species richness. High species richness was associated with larger areas and greater depth range at large spatial scales. 5. Highly diverse areas include the Bay of Fundy, the Eastern Gully, the slopes, Western Bank and the northeastern shelf. Until now, the northeastern shelf has been under-appreciated as a highly diverse area. Such information will be important for environmental impact assessments as well as selection of ‘sensitive’ or protected areas. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cholesterol Modulates -Secretase Cleavage of Amyloid Precursor Protein (*)

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and cholesterol metabolism are genetically linked to Alzheimer's disease, the latter through apolipoprotein E, a lipid and cholesterol transport protein. We have examined the hypothesis that the processing of APP is disrupted by elevated cholesterol, which is known to modulate the activity of several transmembrane proteins. In the current study, cholesterol, solubilized by methyl-β-cyclodextrin or ethanol, was added to the culture media of APP 751 stably transfected HEK 293 cells. Radiolabeled APP and APP (the soluble N-terminal derivative following α-secretase cleavage) were precipitated from lysates and conditioned media of stably transfected HEK 293 cells; the relative levels were determined by quantitative densitometry following separation by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The data show that cholesterol, solubilized by methyl-β-cyclodextrin, greatly reduced the levels of APP. Low doses of ethanol-solubilized cholesterol similarly caused a dramatic reduction of APP. By contrast, levels of APP holoprotein remained the same or increased. The large decrease seen in APP production was not due to nonspecific inhibition of secretion because several secreted proteins increased in level. Cholesterol, which impedes membrane fluidity, may lower APP production by impeding the interaction of the substrate with its protease(s). If APP were to function trophically, as suggested by other studies, the current conclusion suggests that changes in cellular cholesterol levels in Alzheimer's disease could contribute to neuronal degeneration by decreasing the production of APP.
Influence of films of different permeability on ethylene synthesis and ripening of MA-packaged apricots

Abstract The storage of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) at 10°C, wrapped in three plastic films of differing degrees of permeability to O 2 and CO 2 , was studied. The metabolism of the fruit itself modifies the gaseous composition below the film. This reaches an equilibrium after 4 to 6 days, with final O 2 and CO 2 concentration depending on both the permeability of the film used and fruit respiration activity. In all cases ethylene production was inhibited by more than 75%, with the highest inhibition produced in the films of least permeability. This inhibition of ethylene synthesis was produced both at the ACC-synthase level and at the ethylene forming enzyme level. The variation of the atmosphere surrounding the fruit was shown to retard softening and preserve the sensory characteristics in optimum condition for consumption during longer periods than would be the case in an unaltered atmosphere.
Influences of fire history and topography on the pattern of a severe wind blowdown in a Colorado subalpine forest

1 In 1997, a major windstorm blew down over 10 000 hectares of subalpine forest in Routt National Forest in north‐western Colorado. We tested whether fire history and topographic variation, across the landscape, determined subsequent susceptibility to damage from this windstorm. 2 We combined dendrochronological techniques with a geographical information system (GIS) to examine the relationship between the effects of the blowdown and the spatial heterogeneity of the vegetation. We reconstructed the spatial fire history in a c. 4400 ha area by first identifying distinct patches in the landscape on aerial photographs, and then in the field by determining the disturbance history of each patch by dating fire scars, ages of post‐fire cohorts and releases of remnant trees. 3 Both topographic position and fire history contribute to susceptibility to wind damage. Stands at higher elevations, on easterly slopes and closer to ridges were most affected. Younger stands (i.e. more recently affected by stand‐initiating fires) were less affected particularly in areas affected by low–moderate severity blowdown (< 80% damage). The ecological effects of the very severe 1997 windstorm were mediated by the legacies of fires which occurred several centuries ago. Interactions between natural disturbances, such as fire and blowdown, lead to synergistic effects on forest dynamics, even when disturbance is infrequent.
The occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Lake Baroon catchment, Queensland, Australia

We evaluated the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Lake Baroon catchment, Queensland, Australia. A total of 132 water samples were collected from 6 sites as well as from raw influent and treated effluent from a local sewage treatment plant (STP), over a 12-month period. Three new sites close to the entrance of the lake were added following initial assessment. The prevalence of faecal indicator organisms, E. coli and enterococci was also examined. There was no clear relationship between the level of indicator organisms, rainfall or the detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia for most sites. Of the five sites showing levels of contamination with Cryptosporidium , only three coincided with elevated rainfall. The highest level of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected in the raw influent from the STP, coincided with the occurrence of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the local area but no Cryptosporidium was detected in surface water samples during that period. Our results indicate that while the human contribution of Cryptosporidium is minimal, the high level of faecal indicator bacteria in surface water was not always associated with the presence Cryptosporidium in this catchment.
POLYPHYLY IN GUETTARDA L. (RUBIACEAE, GUETTARDEAE) BASED ON NRDNA ITS SEQUENCE DATA1, 2

Abstract The genus Guettarda (Guettardeae–Rubiaceae) comprises approximately 150 species, ranging from eastern Africa through the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans to the Neotropics. Sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were used to test the monophyly of Guettarda and its relationships to closely related genera within Guettardeae. The results indicate that Guettarda and two smaller genera, Antirhea and Stenostomum, are polyphyletic. Most Guettarda species fall into two distinct groups: a Neotropical lineage that also includes the widespread Indo-Pacific strand species G. speciosa (the type of the genus), and a New Caledonian lineage that, along with Antirhea and Timonius, comprises a dioecious Paleotropical clade. The Hawaiian endemic Bobea, traditionally considered close to Timonius and assumed to be of Old World origin, appears to be more closely related to Neotropical Guettarda species, suggesting that dioecy may have evolved twice within the tribe. The use of traditional gynoecium characters to delimit genera within Guettardeae is not congruent with the ITS phylogeny; other features, such as inflorescence architecture, sexual system, and palynology, appear to correlate more closely with the molecular phylogeny.
Responses of Bluegills and Black Crappies to Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, and Current in Backwater Lakes of the Upper Mississippi River during Winter

Abstract We conducted a radiotelemetry study to examine the effects of dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature, and current velocity on winter habitat selection by bluegills Lepomis macrochirus and black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus in the Finger Lakes backwater complex, Pool 5, on the upper Mississippi River. When DO was above 2 mg/L, both species selected areas with water temperature greater than 1°C and undetectable current. As dissolved oxygen concentrations fell below 2 mg/L, fish moved to areas with higher DO, despite water temperatures of 1°C and lower and current velocities of 1 cm/s. Areas with water temperature less than 1°C and current velocity greater than 1 cm/s were avoided. To incorporate the winter habitat requirements of bluegills and black crappies into habitat restoration projects, we recommend designs that allow the inflow of oxygenated water to maintain adequate DO without substantially decreasing temperature and increasing current velocity.
GROWTH, FLOWERING, VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION, AND DORMANCY IN THE SAFFRON CROCUS (CROCUS SATIVUS L.)

ABSTRACT The developmental processes in Crocus sativus L. were studied with the aim of improving cultivation methods. The effects of planting depth on rooting, sprouting, flowering, leaf development, and corn production were investigated. Total rooting and flowering capacities were not affected by planting depth. In the case of shallow planting, contractile roots, whose function is to lower the daughter corms into the ground, formed singly at die base of daughter corms. The sprouting rate was enhanced or reduced by shallow planting in the field, depending on the prevailing climatic conditions. Leaf elongation increased markedly with the planting depth. The number of sprouting buds and hence that of daughter corms decreased with the planting depth. The average size of the daughter corms was inversely related to their number. In the saffron crocus, the fibrous roots are situated at the base of the mother corm. During the growing season, mother corms shrink and their vitality is lost; assimilate translocatio.
Herbicide Dissipation from Low Density Polyethylene Mulch

Abstract Field and laboratory studies were conducted to examine herbicide dissipation when applied to low density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch for dry scenarios vs. irrigation. Analytical chemical analysis was used for quantification. In field studies, halosulfuron, paraquat, carfentrazone, glyphosate, and flumioxazin were surface applied to black 32-μm-thick (1.25 mil) LDPE mulch. LDPE mulch harvest began 1 h after treatment (HAT) then continued every 24 h for five consecutive rain-free days after treatment (DAT) to determine the level of herbicide dissipation from the LDPE mulch surface. In a related study, treated LDPE mulch was harvested 1 HAT, then sprinkler irrigation was applied, followed by a sampling five HAT, then the same irrigation and sampling procedure was repeated every 24 h for five consecutive DAT. The order for half-life, as defined as time for 50% dissipation (DT50), varied by herbicide and method of dissipation for dry and irrigated studies. Data indicated that glyphosate and paraquat dissipation was rapid following irrigation. Glyphosate and paraquat DT50 were both 1 h in the irrigated study, but 84 and 32 h for the dry scenario, respectively. This indicated that glyphosate and paraquat could be removed from LDPE mulch with rainfall or irrigation, primarily due to their high water solubility. Halosulfuron and flumioxazin DT50 were 3 and 6 h in the irrigated study, and 18 and 57 h for the dry study, respectively. Carfentrazone DT50 was similar at 28 and 30 h for the irrigated and dry studies, respectively. This indicated that carfentrazone was adsorbed to the LDPE mulch, and irrigation water did not remove it from the LDPE mulch. Results from 14C-herbicide laboratory studies were similar to those from field studies for halosulfuron, glyphosate, paraquat, and flumioxazin. Nomenclature: Carfentrazone; flumioxazin; glyphosate; halosulfuron; paraquat.
Changes in sleep, mood and subjective and objective responses to physical performance during the daytime in Ramadan

Twenty healthy young males were studied in Libya over a period one week before Ramadan to one week after it. Control values were obtained from the weeks before and after Ramadan, and experimental values from the first and last weeks of Ramadan. Participants answered a questionnaire about their sleep and naps, the food and fluid ingested, and activities they had undertaken. They also gave a urine sample for measurement of osmolality, measured grip strength and performed a 15-min bout of exercise. The rise in heart rate and perceived exertion during exercise and blood lactate after exercise were measured. Nocturnal sleep and daytime dehydration, activities and sleepiness, perceived exertion when exercise was undertaken, lactate metabolism and responses to physical activity all changed during Ramadan. In addition, there were compensatory changes after sunset. These results contribute to an understanding of physiological changes during Ramadan in healthy individuals.