Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Relationships within Zygophyllaceae Based on DNA Sequences of three Plastid Regions, with Special Emphasis on Zygophylloideae

Abstract Parsimony analysis of nucleotide sequences of the plastid gene rbcL and non-coding trnL-F region was used to examine phylogenetic relationships of 36 members of Zygophyllaceae, especially of the four genera forming subfamily Zygophylloideae (Zygophyllum, Fagonia, Tetraena and Augea). The two data sets were analyzed separately, and in combination. Results of the three analyses were largely in agreement and support previous division of Zygophyllaceae into five subfamilies. Zygophylloideae were further divided into five clades each with high bootstrap support, although the branches connecting these clades are poorly supported. Zygophyllum appears polyphyletic and may need further revision. The taxonomic positions of Morkillia, Sericodes, Pintoa, and Tribulopis are also clarified. Communicating Editor: Kathleen A. Kron
Red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris ) released in conifer woodland: the effects of source habitat, predation and interactions with grey squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis )

Fourteen radio-tagged red squirrels were released in pine woodland containing grey squirrels. Movements of the squirrels were related to the tree species of the donor site. Survival after release was lower than for the grey squirrels: of 11 red squirrels that survived at least a week, only three survived more than three months and none for four months. More than half were eaten or cached by predators, mainly foxes; an experiment with grey squirrel carcasses indicated that they had been killed, not scavenged after death. Hypertrophied adrenals, disease and loss of weight indicated stress as another factor in the deaths. Data on overlap of core ranges, and reluctance of red squirrels to enter traps used by grey squirrels in the mixed population, indicated interference competition between the two species, with grey squirrels possibly dominant. We recommend: (i) that care should be taken to release translocated animals in similar habitat to their origin; (ii) that grey squirrels should be excluded from future release areas until red squirrels have settled and, before biodiversity is reduced by landscape management for red squirrels; (iii) more research to determine whether interactions with grey squirrels or differential predation will ultimately displace red squirrels in conifers.
Sensitivity of a dynamic global vegetation model to climate and atmospheric CO2

The equilibrium carbon storage capacity of the terrestrial biosphere has been investigated by running the Lund–Potsdam–Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model to equilibrium for a range of CO2 concentrations and idealized climate states. Local climate is defined by the combination of an observation‐based climatology and perturbation patterns derived from a 4 × CO2 warming simulations, which are linearly scaled to global mean temperature deviations, ΔTglob. Global carbon storage remains close to its optimum for ΔTglob in the range of ±3°C in simulations with constant atmospheric CO2. The magnitude of the carbon loss to the atmosphere per unit change in global average surface temperature shows a pronounced nonlinear threshold behavior. About twice as much carbon is lost per degree warming for ΔTglob above 3°C than for present climate. Tropical, temperate, and boreal trees spread poleward with global warming. Vegetation dynamics govern the distribution of soil carbon storage and turnover in the climate space. For cold climate conditions, the global average decomposition rate of litter and soil decreases with warming, despite local increases in turnover rates. This result is not compatible with the assumption, commonly made in global box models, that soil turnover increases exponentially with global average surface temperature, over a wide temperature range.
Seed morphology of some tribes of Brassicaceae (implications for taxonomy and species identification for the flora of Egypt)

Seed morphology of 45 taxa belonging to 23 genera of Brassicaceae were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The taxa included representatives of the tribes Arabideae, Euclidieae, Hesperideae, Lunarieae, Matthioleae, and Sisymbrieae, which all occur in Egypt. Macro- and micromorphological characters, including seed shape, colour, size, the position of the radicle relative to the cotyledons, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, outer periclinal cell wall and relief of outer cell walls, are presented. Three types of basic anticlinal cell wall boundaries are recognised and six different shapes of the outer periclinal cell wall are described. A key for the identification of the investigated taxa based on seed characters is provided.
Three‐dimensional geometry of a pterosaur wing skeleton, and its implications for aerial and terrestrial locomotion

This study reports on the three-dimensional spatial arrangement and movements of the skeleton of Anhanguera santanae (Pterodactyloidea: Ornithocheiridae), determined using exceptionally well-preserved uncrushed fossil material, and a rigid-body method for analysing the joints of extinct animals. The geometric results of this analysis suggest that the ornithocheirids were inherently unstable in pitch and yaw. As a result, pitch control would probably have been brought about by direct adjustment of the angle of attack of the wing, by raising or lowering the trailing edge from the root using the legs if, as is indicated in soft-tissue specimens of a number of unrelated pterosaur species, the legs were attached to the main wing membrane, or by using long-axis rotations at the shoulder or wrist to raise and lower the trailing edge from the wingtip. An analysis of the three-dimensional morphology of the wrist lends support to the idea that the pteroid – a long, slender wrist bone unique to pterosaurs that supported a membranous forewing – was directed forwards in flight, not towards the body. As a result, the forewing could have fulfilled the function of an air-brake and high-lift device, and may also have had an important role in pitch, yaw, and roll control. The joint analysis is consistent with a semi-erect quadrupedal model of terrestrial locomotion in the ornithocheirids. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 154, 27–69.
A New Dermatemydid (Testudines, Kinosternoidea) from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, Willwood Formation, Southeastern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming

ABSTRACT Gomphochelys nanus, new genus and species, is described from the earliest Wasatchian (biohorizon Wa 0; ∼55.8 Ma) of the southeastern Bighorn Basin, Washakie County, Wyoming. The new taxon represents the only known dermatemydid from the Paleocene—Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) interval and extends the lineage back from previous records by approximately 2 million years. Gomphochelys nanus has a thick tricarinate carapace and differs from other dermatemydids in attaining a smaller adult body size, having reduced plastral features, a posteriorly situated gular—humeral sulcus, an acarinate pygal, and thick shortened peripherals. Reexamination of previously described fossil dermatemydids suggests that the taxa Baptemys tricarinata and Kallistira costilata are junior synonyms of the middle—late Wasatchian Notomorpha garmanii, and Baptemys fluviatilis is likely a junior synonym of Baptemys wyomingensis. Gomphochelys nanus is a stem dermatemydid that is similar to N. garmanii but differs in possessing symplesiomorphies with the Late Cretaceous—Paleocene genera Agomphus and Hoplochelys. Aspects of shell morphology suggest that G. nanus was a commensurate swimmer and bottom-walker like extant Dermatemys and Staurotypus. The presence of a dermatemydid (a tropically distributed clade) in the southeastern Bighorn Basin during the PETM (when global temperatures increased by 5°C–10°C over a period of ∼60 ky) further supports the hypothesis that climate was megathermal in the region during this interval and is consistent with previously documented geographic range changes in both plants and animals. Dermatemydids disappear from the fossil record at the end of the PETM and don't reemerge until the next warming event, Eocene Thermal Maximum 2. http://zoobank.Org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:19A98079-5CAD-4BC5-8C21-2810AA576D98
Intra‐ and Intersystem Variation in Largemouth Bass Recruitment: Reproduction, Prey Availability, and the Timing of Year‐Class Establishment

Abstract Incorporating potentially important events during the first year of life across multiple environmental conditions is needed to generalize models of fish recruitment. Using previous conceptual models as a framework, we quantified sources of intra- and intersystem variation in recruitment of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. We measured age-0 abundances, first-year growth, and potentially important environmental variables across 12 populations and 5–7 year-classes. Interpopulation differences in average recruitment to age 1 were set by variation in number of age-0 fish surviving to the fall. Survival to fall was in turn positively related to density of juvenile bluegills Lepomis macrochirus. First-year growth was positively related to turbidity and adult largemouth bass abundance. For individual lakes, variables explaining a significant amount of intrapopulation variation in recruitment strength were factors associated with either production of age-0 fish from the parental care stage (peak den.
Genetic variation in Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa (syn. E. sativa) is a cruciferous vegetable and oilseed crop that is high in erucic acid. It occurs throughout the Mediterranean region and western Asia, and has been naturalized elsewhere as a crop/weed escape. It is closely related to subsp. vesicaria and subsp. pinnatifida, which are endemic to Spain and north-western Africa, respectively. This study evaluated patterns and levels of diversity in the three subspecies based on 234 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), and evaluated agronomic and seed quality data in a field trial in western Canada. AFLP data revealed three main clusters: ‘Sativa’ (33 accessions of subsp. sativa), ‘Vesicaria’ (nine accessions of subsp. vesicaria) and a ‘Pinnatifida’ cluster (one accession of subsp. pinnatifida and three Moroccan accessions of subsp. sativa). The Sativa cluster separated into Mediterranean and Asian groups, likely reflecting differences in origin (wild versus cultivated) or primary usage, vegetable versus seed oil. The origin of the introduced Mexican population was confirmed as subsp. sativa. The highest levels of diversity were found in the Sativa cluster (88% AFLP polymorphisms) and the least in the Vesicaria (56%) and Pinnatifida (39%) clusters. Extensive variation was observed among the 159 subsp. sativa accessions evaluated in the field trial, and overall findings indicated a favourable agronomic potential.
Concentration dependency of biota‐sediment accumulation factors for chlorinated dibenzo‐p ‐dioxins and dibenzofurans in dungeness crab (Cancer magister) at marine pulp mill sites in British Columbia, Canada

Biota‐sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for some chlorinated dibenzo‐ p ‐dioxin and dibenzofuran congeners (PCDD/Fs) in Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) hepatopancreas and associated sediments are concentration independent as required by equilibrium partition models. In particular 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p ‐dioxin (2, 3, 7, 8‐TCDD), 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzofuran, the 2, 3, 7, 8‐substituted pentachlorodibenzofurans, and the non‐2, 3, 7, 8‐hexachlorodibenzofurans (HxCDFs) seem to fall into this group. The BSAFs for other isomers exhibit significant, nonlinear variations with sediment or crab PCDD/F concentrations. For some of these other isomers (e.g., the non‐2, 3, 7, 8 TCDDs and possibility the 2, 3, 7, 8‐substituted HxCDFs), association of a variable fraction of the total present with soot carbon may provide a satisfactory explanation for the concentration behavior. For the HxCDDs we propose that the nonlinear concentration behavior may arise from the thermodynamic properties of fluids confined in hydrophobic voids within particulate and colloidal material produced by the pulp mills. The nonlinear relationship between BSAFs and PCDD/F concentrations greatly complicates prediction of the potential for dioxin and furan bioaccumulation in crabs and the formulation of sediment quality criteria. We provide a nonlinear equation relating toxic equivalency and sediment concentrations.
Polymorphism and behaviour in the Arctic Skua (Stercorarius Parasiticus (L.))

Arctic Skuas are birds of the Arctic and sub-Arctic. The majority of them are light-coloured, but there is a Dark form which constitutes 70 to 80% of the population at the southern most limit of the breeding range of the species in northern Britain, decreasing further in frequency towards the north. Birds intermediate in colour phase can be recognized. The colour variation is largely due to two allelomorphs at a single locus. The heterozygotes are variable in expression and the Intermediate class contains representatives of both homozygotes. The Skua colony on Fair Isle, Shetland, was intensively studied from 1949 to 1963. During this time most birds (both chick and adult) were individually marked and the phases of nesting birds and their young noted. There were no differences between mating types in either breeding success or fecundity. In matings between phases, 60% involved pairs where the male was darker than the female. This arises because Dark males pair earlier than Pale ones. Since Arctic Skuas pair for life (although ‘divorce’ and ‘remarriage’ are not uncommon), this behaviour gives an advantage to males carrying the allelomorph for dark colour unless early hatching clutches are at some disadvantage. It is suggested that later hatching may be favoured in inland and northern parts of the species range, where the main food is small mammals (which usually become plentiful only later in the summer). The frequency of Pale birds is much higher in such areas. 'There is a fowl called the Scutiallan, of a black colour and as big as a Wild Duck, which doth live upon the vomit and Excrements of other Fowls whom they pursue and having apprehended them, they cause them to Vomit up what meat they have lately taken, not yet digested: The Lord’s Works both of Nature and Grace are wonderful, all speaking forth His Glorious Goodness, Wisdom and Power' (Brand 1701).
Cuticular water permeance of European trees and shrubs grown in polluted and unpolluted atmospheres, and its relation to stomatal response to humidity in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

Cuticular water permeance (P) of astomatous adaxial surfaces of intact leaves was determined in Acer pseudoplatanus L. , Betula pubescens Ehrh. , Corylus avellana L. , Fagus sylvatica L. and Prunus avium L. Water evaporating from the stomata-bearing abaxial leaf surface could not reach the moisture analyzer and the values of P presented here are therefore free from errors that often arise from unintentional inclusion of residual stomatal transpiration. Plants were exposed from before bud-break for several months to 20-50 ppb SO2 (Fagus), a combination of 50-60 ppb SO2 and 50-60 ppb NO2 (Betula), 300-400 ppb NO (Acer, Corylus, Fagus), regular ozone episodes of up to 120 ppb (Fagus, Prunus), or an elevated level of CO2 (600 ppm for 2 yr; Acer, Fagus). Permeances were in the range 0.6-2.9 x 10(-5) m s-1 and were unaffected by most treatments. In Prunus, P increased slightly but significantly in the NO treatment. In Corylus and Fagus, P was sometimes found to be reduced by fumigation with NO, but not always. Betula leaves grown under elevated SO2 and NO2 showed higher values of P only if they were visibly damaged. Minimum conductances (g(min) estimated from water loss rates of both sides of detached hypostomatous leaves were higher than P, and were more strongly affected by treatments. In these cases, the most probable explanation is some damage to stomatal function resulting in a reduced ability to close after leaf excision. Effects of growing conditions and time of year on P were found, which allowed a hypothetical interaction between P and stomatal sensitivity to air humidity to be tested in beech. No unambiguous indication of such a relationship was found.
VESICULAR‐ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA IN SOME NIGERIAN SOILS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA), TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM) AND MAIZE (ZEA MAYS)

Summary Spores of fungi forming vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza were collected from Ibadan, Iwo and Egbeda series at the experimental plots of Federal Department of Agricultural Research, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. These were used to inoculate cowpea, maize and tomato. The presence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza was detected in the roots of these plants after a few weeks of growth. Dry weights of roots and shoots, and total P and N were determined. There was a positive correlation between the presence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza and the amounts of P and N in the tissues.
Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence of Genu Varum in Children 6-10 Years of Age in Urhobo, Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Background: Genu varum (bow leg) is a deformity of the knee marked by medial angulations of the leg in relation to the thigh, an outward bowing of the legs, giving the appearance of a bow. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of genu varum among children between 6-10 years old in some Urhobo communities in Delta state, Southern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study populations were drawn by purposive sampling from Ughelli, Warri, and Sapele. Data were collected on 1000 children (500 males and 500 females). Physical examination of the children was carried out by measuring their medial intercondylar distances by using calipers and meter rule while the children stood erect with their ankles touching. Children with medial intercondylar distances greater than 0.2cm (the mean value for normal Nigeria children) demonstrates the deformity (genu varum) and the frequency, age. sex was recorded. Results and Discussions: Based on this data, 43 in 1000 volunteers had genu varum. It was also seen that the prevalence was highest in 6 years old age group and lowest in 10 years old age group. It was noted as the ages increase, the prevalence rates among the age groups decreases. The prevalence of this deformity in Urhobo communities is low when compared with the overall prevalence in Nigeria. The Urhobos live in the riverine area of Southern Nigeria and their occupation are mainly farming, hunting and fishing. Their meals consists mainly of products from the farm, hunting and sea foods which are very rich in protein/calcium. Children in Urhobo Communities are also well exposed to sunlight. Conclusion: The prevalence of this genu varum in this ethnic nationality although low can be further reduced with enlightenment and education of parents and children on the importance of balanced diet.
PARTICULATE DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE IN ARCTIC SEA‐ICE ALGAL COMMUNITIES: THE CRYOPROTECTANT HYPOTHESIS REVISITED

The particulate‐phase concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSOp) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPp) in sea‐ice algal communities from the North Water, northern Baffin Bay, were examined from April to June 1998. The concentrations of these compounds were measured in the bottom 2 cm of the ice at 36 locations throughout this region and are compared with results from water‐column samples collected for a complementary study. In general, levels of DMSPp (8.66–987 nmol·L−1, average 126 nmol·L−1) in sea‐ice algal communities were slightly less than those found in bottom sea‐ice algal communities from other polar locations but greater than those found in phytoplankton in other polar environments or at more temperate latitudes. Furthermore, DMSPp :chl a ratios (0.02–14.8 nmol·μg−1, average 1.91 nmol·μg−1) in the sea‐ice algal community were slightly less than those found in other polar environments. DMSOp was measured for the first time in sea‐ice algal communities. DMSOp concentrations varied from 1.35 to 102 nmol·L−1 (average 13.7 nmol·L−1). DMSOp:chl a ratios varied from 0.01 to 4.5 nmol·μg−1 (average 0.22 nmol·μg−1) and were significantly lower than the DMSPp:chl a ratios observed in this study. It has been hypothesized that DMSO can act as a cryoprotector in phytoplankton cells. However, the low concentrations of DMSO observed in the ice algae during this study indicate that intracellular concentrations of DMSO are unlikely to have a significant influence on the freezing point depression of intracellular fluids.
An overview of climate and crop yield in closed greenhouses

Summary The closed greenhouse is a recent innovation in the horticulture industry. Cooling by ventilation is replaced partly (in semi-closed greenhouses) or completely (in closed greenhouses) by mechanical cooling. Excess solar energy is collected and stored to be reused to heat the greenhouse. In temperate climates, this concept combines improved crop production with energy savings. This paper presents an overview of climate, crop growth and development, and crop yield in closed and semi-closed greenhouses. The technical principles of a closed greenhouse are described and the macroclimate and microclimate arising from this are studied. The consequences of the typical growth conditions found in closed greenhouses for crop physiology and crop yield are examined. Finally, the experiences of commercial growers are presented. In temperate climates, closed greenhouses can reduce the use of fossil fuel-derived energy by 25 – 35%, compared with open greenhouses. With high global radiation, the climate in closed greenhouses is characterised by high CO2 concentrations, high air humidity, improved temperature control, and a vertical temperature gradient. An annual increase in production of 10 – 20% is realistic, with reduced amounts of supplied CO2. The yield increase is primarily obtained through increased rates of photosynthesis due to the higher CO2 concentrations in closed greenhouses. To introduce this innovation into practice, knowledge transfer was a key factor for its implementation and the realisation of increased production levels. Future trends will require minimising the use of fossil fuels and increasing the level of control of the production process. Closed and semi-closed greenhouses fit seamlessly into this trend as they allow for a more controlled climate and higher levels of production, combined with savings in fossil fuel use.
Comparative Study on Rabbit Breeds for Post Weaning Growth Traits in the Humid Tropics of Nigeria

Rabbit meat is a cheap source of high quality animal protein which could be reared in any agro-vegetational zone without any cultural and religious constraints. The rate of growth and reproductive ability of the different breeds differ, however. The aim of the present study was to determine the post weaning growth traits of exotic rabbit breeds which are commercially available in Nigeria. The two rabbit breeds used for this study were New Zealand White and California White. The study commenced from when the rabbits were 8 weeks old and lasted till 30th week of age. Analyzed data revealed that both breeds were not significantly (P>0.05) different in live body weight and linear measurements. Age of rabbits has significant effect (P<0.01) on all the traits evaluated, that is, all the body dimensions measured increased in size as the animals advanced in age. In addition, there was statistically significant (P<0.01) positive phenotypic correlations between live weight and linear measurements. This implies that all the body dimensions were good indicators of live weight and anyone of them could be used to predict its value. Age of rabbits also has significant positive phenotypic correlation with all the traits. There was significant breed x age interaction effects on all the traits measured. In this study, it was revealed that either of the two breeds could be used to cross with our local breeds of rabbits in order to improve their productivity.