Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eusyllinae (Polychaeta, Syllidae) from Australia with the description of a new genus and fifteen new species

Large collections of Syllidae (Polychaeta) from around Australia, housed at the Australian Museum (Sydney), have been examined and identified. Australian material from the Hamburgische Zoologische Museum der Universitat, Hamburg, Germany was also examined. All known Australian species of the subfamily Eusyllinae (Syllidae) are described and figured. Some were examined using the Scanning Electron Microscope to illustrate characters and methods of reproduction in this subfamily. Keys to genera and species are given. A total of 53 species are reported from Australia belonging to 14 genera: Amblyosyllis Grube, 1857 (3 species); Anoplosyllis Claparede, 1868 (1 species); Astreptosyllis Kudenov & Dorsey, 1982 (2 species); Eusyllis Malmgren, 1867 (3 species); Nudisyllis Knox & Cameron, 1970 (1 species); Odontosyllis Claparede, 1863 (9 species); Opisthodonta Langerhans, 1879 (3 species); Paraehlersia San Martin, 2003 (2 species); Paraopisthosyllis Hartmann-Schroder, 1991 (4 species); Pionosyllis Malmgren, 1867 (15 species); Psammosyllis Westheide, 1990 (1 species); Streptodonta n.gen. (1 species); Streptosyllis Webster & Benedict, 1884 (3 species); and Syllides Orsted, 1845 (5 species). A total of 15 new species are described: Amblyosyllis enigmatica, A. multidenticulata, Odontosyllis marombibooral; Opisthodonta hanneloreae, Paraopisthosyllis alternocirra, P. ornaticirra, Syllides tam, Pionosyllis rousei, P. kalimna, P. yolandae, P. mariae, P. mayteae, P. ancori, P. koolalya, and P. heterochaetosa. A new name, Pionosyllis hartmannschroederae, is proposed for Typosyllis (Langerhansia) longisetosa HartmannSchroder, 1990 as this is junior homonym of Pionosyllis longisetosa (Hartmann-Schroder, 1965). Additionally, five species are new records for Australia: Odontosyllis gravelyi Fauvel, 1930; Opisthodonta morena Langerhans, 1879; Pionosyllis corallicola Ding & Westheide, 1997; Streptodonta pterochaeta (Southern, 1914) and Syllides japonicus Imajima, 1966. A discussion of the reproduction and systematics of the subfamily is given. SAN MARTIN, GUILLERMO, & PAT HUTCHINGS, 2006. Eusyllinae (Polychaeta: Syllidae) from Australia with the description of a new genus and fifteen new species. Records of the Australian Museum 58(3): 257–370. Records of the Australian Museum (2006) Vol. 58: 257–370. ISSN 0067-1975 www.amonline. net.au/pdf/publications/1466_complete. pdf This is the second contribution to the Australian Syllidae, based on the large collections housed in the Australian Museum from all around Australia, and revision of material collected and described by Hartmann-Schroder (1979– 1991). The material examined was collected predominantly from southern Australia, and no material was examined from north of 14°S on either the west or east coast of Australia. This paper also summarises material already published by San Martin (2002, 2005) and San Martin & Lopez (2003). A general introduction to the family Syllidae is given by
Digestive enzymes of large cabbage white butterfly, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from developmental and site of activity perspectives

Abstract Investigation of digestive enzymes in the alimentary tract of insects is very important for knowledge on physiology of nutrition. The overall results of this study showed the presence of the majority of digestive enzymes including α-amylase, α- and β-glucosidase and galactosidase, lipases and proteases in the midgut of Pieris brassicae. It was found that the fourth and fifth instar larvae had the highest enzymatic activity, but the obvious differences were found in the cases of sites of enzyme activity known as soluble and membrane-bound fractions. The highest enzymatic activities in the soluble fractions were found in cases of α-amylase, lipases and proteinases such as trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and elastase. In contrast, glycosidases and exopeptidases (amino and carboxypeptidases) demonstrated the highest enzymatic activity in the membrane-bound fractions. However, no enzymatic activity was observed on cysteine protease as a type of proteinases. By using line regression, parameter β (slope) showed larval dependency on enzymes along with developmental and feeding processes. It was found that α-glucosidase had the highest slope and the membrane-bound fraction of general proteases had the lowest, showing high and low dependencies of larvae to α-glucosidase and exopeptidases, respectively, in addition to second priority on β-glucosidase and α-amylase. Optimal pHs of soluble and membrane-bound α-amylase were found at 9 while all assayed glycosidases had the highest activity at pH 8 for both fractions. Soluble fraction of lipase had the highest enzymatic activity at pH 8 in comparison with membrane-bound fraction at pH 10. The soluble fraction showed the highest proteolytic activity at pH 9, while the highest proteolytic activity was observed at pH 8 in the case of the membrane-bound one.
Yield and Nitrogen Content of Corn under Different Tillage Practices

The objective of the study was to determine whether tillage and residue practices have a significant effect on the yield and N content of corn (Zea mays L.) under nonlimiting soil N conditions. Nitrate leaching has been identified as a source of non-point-source pollution. By identifying tillage practices which maximize corn N uptake, recommendation ; can be based on how to minimize N loss. A 2-year field study was conducted in southwestern Quebec on a 2.4-ha site of a Typic Endoaquent (Humic Gleysol) cropped to corn. Three types of tillage practice (conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-till) were combined with two residue levels (with and without) in a randomized complete block design. The effect of these practices on corn yield and corn N were studied. Seedling emergence rates in spring, and corn moisture content at harvest, were also monitored. Residues hindered initial plant emergence in the no-till plots. Corn N and moisture contents in 1996 and 1997 indicated that no-till with residue had a delayed maturity relative to the other treatments. However, total corn biomass and grain yields were not affected by tillage or residue treatments. No correlation between corn yield and corn N content was found.
The sensory and microbiological quality of fresh sliced mushroom (Agaricus bisporus L.) packaged in modified atmospheres

Summary The effect of modified atmospheres, generated by using different packaging films, on the quality of sliced mushrooms was evaluated. The carbon dioxide and oxygen content inside the packages as well as the colour, texture, weight loss, sensory attributes, mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Pseudomonas fluorescens, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and anaerobic spores were determined. Modified atmospheres containing 2.5% CO2 and 10–20% O2 reduced the microbial counts and improved the mushrooms’ appearance when compared with an air atmosphere. Modified atmospheres containing 15% CO2 and <0.1% O2 inhibited mushroom development and toughening and reduced microbial growth. Although these atmospheres had no effect on colour, they did allow the development of off odours and anaerobic spores were detected. No differences in microbial growth or mushroom spoilage were observed under the different moisture contents generated in the packages at 4 °C. Aerobic bacteria counts were considered very high even at the beginning.
Morphology, cytology and taxonomic remarks of four species of Stigeoclonium (Chaetophorales, Chlorophyceae) from Argentina

Four species of Stigeoclonium from Argentina were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. For species identification, we collected data related to the prostrate system and zoospore germination. We also determined the chromosome number for each species. Stigeoclonium aestivale showed a more developed erect system than the prostrate one, zoospore germination was predominantly of erect type and the chromosome number was 8. Stigeoclonium tenue presented well developed, erect and prostrate systems, zoospore germination was initially of the prostrate type and the chromosome number was 5. In Stigeoclonium variabile the prostrate system predominated over the erect one, zoospore germination was strictly of the prostrate type and the chromosome number was 3. Stigeoclonium farctum presented a more developed prostrate system than the erect one, zoospore germination was strictly of the prostrate type and the chromosome number was 8. The ontogeny of the zoospore germination was related to the final relative development of the prostrate and erect portions of adult thalli.
The effects of dilution rate and glucose concentration on continuous acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum immobilized on bricks

BACKGROUND: Owing to the rapid depletion of petroleum fuel, the production of butanol through biological routes has attracted increasing attention. However, low butanol productivity severely impedes its potential industrial production. It is known that the immobilization of whole cells can enhance productivity in the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) continuous fermentation process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a low-cost continuous operation for butanol production. RESULTS: Bricks were chosen as cell support because of their low cost and ease of use for immobilization. The solvent productivity for the bricks with immobilized cells was 0.7 g L−1 h−1, 1.89 times that of free cells (0.37 g L−1 h−1) at a dilution rate of 0.054 h−1. The productivity improvement can contribute to greater retention of biomass inside the reactor due to immobilization. The increase in glucose feed concentration raised total solvent production. However, it resulted in a decrease in yield (grams of solvents produced per gram of glucose introduced). Continuous operation with immobilized cells at a dilution rate of 0.107 h−1 resulted in a solvent productivity of 1.21 g L−1 h−1, 2.1 times that of the operation at 0.027 h−1. However, the yield (butanol produced per glucose consumed) was decreased to 0.19 from 0.29 under the same glucose feeding condition of 60 g L−1. CONCLUSION: The increase in dilution rate and feed glucose concentration enhanced productivity, but decreased the utilization of substrates and the final solvent concentration. Therefore, a balance between productivity and glucose utilization is required to ensure continuous process operation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Validation of daily increment formation in otoliths for three Diplodus species in the Mediterranean sea

The efficacy of two fluorochromes, chlorhydrate of tetracycline (CHTC) and alizarin complexone (ALC), to induce a label on the otoliths of juvenile sparid fishes by immersion techniques was tested in different experimental conditions. CHTC did not mark otoliths in natural sea water and was toxic in divalent cation-free sea water. Immersing fish in a 50-mg 1−1 ALC natural seawater solution for 24 h induced a well-defined mark on the otoliths and had no effect on survival. A daily periodicity of increment formation on otoliths was observed in captivity for Diplodus vulgaris and D. puntazzo, and was conserved in natural environment for D. sargus. The frequency of increment deposition did not vary with the age of juvenile fishes. Thus, otolith microstructure analysis will be a reliable method to give age estimates in these three sparid species during their juvenile life.
The Effect of Nutrient Enrichment on three Species of Macroalgae as Determined by Photoacoustics

The efficiency of photorophs in storing light energy in products of photosynthesis, or the quantum yield of the process, determines the flux of energy into any ecosystem, and is readily affected by any stress factor, physiological or environmental. Hence it can serve as a sensitive reporter of imminent ecosystem perturbation. Current methods of estimating that parameter are either indirect, or tedious and labor consuming. The photoacoustic method is based on the direct sensing o f the variable fraction of light energy degraded to heat, that wh ile absorbed by the plant cells or tissue, failed to be stored as energy rich photosynthate. Algae are the main primary producers in all water bodies, marine, freshwater, natural and man made, and as such they provide the energy basis for all aquatic ecosystems. The bio mass and vitality of the algal population responds rapidly to seasonal changes in environmental factors such as temperature, light, vertical mixing, eutrophication, pollution and nutrient limitation. Typical processes resulting fro m human activit ies such as non-point sources of agrochemicals, sewage outflows, and effluents from food, animal and other chemical processing industries as well as fro m urban and rural runoff, contribute considerable amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous, in many cases in addition to heavy metals, to natural and artificial water bodies. In this study, we examined by the photoacoustic method the effects of enrich ment by nitrogen and phosphorus on the photosynthetic efficiency of three co mmon Mediterranean seaweed species which were co llected fro m the field. The application developed by us, allows the rapid and direct determination of phytoplankton photosynthetic activity, by relating the energy stored photochemically to the total light energy absorbed by the plant material. The aim of this work was the examination of the applicability of the photoacoustic system to ecological work with macroalgae, since until now it has been successfully used only in homogenous phytoplankton cultures.
Abundance, phenology and impact of biocontrol agents on nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) in Canterbury 35 years into a biocontrol programme

Abstract Classical weed biocontrol has long been criticised, worldwide, for a lack of post-release long-term monitoring. This paper reports on a rare opportunity to follow up, three agents and 35 years later, a biocontrol programme against nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) in New Zealand. In New Zealand, the establishment of all three agents has been reported previously, but impacts have only been assessed for the receptacle weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus). This paper reports on the abundance of the nodding thistle crown weevil (Trichosirocalus horridus), and on the abundance, phenology and impact of the seed predators, R. conicus and Urophora solstitialis, in Canterbury, based on field surveys and, for the seed predators, also from a cultivated population. Trichosirocalus horridus was abundant at all field sites and on rosettes of all sizes. Seed destruction per larva by R. conicus (34 seeds per larva) was similar to previous estimates, but U. solstitialis achieved rates (21 seeds per larva) three times higher than estimates elsewhere. Population-level seed predation by R. conicus (14 and 4% in the cultivated and field populations, respectively), by U. solstitialis (9 and 7%) and cumulatively by both (23 and 11%) is insufficient to cause nodding thistle populations in New Zealand to decline. The results show that the introduction of multiple biocontrol agents does not guarantee increased pressure on a target weed host population.
The effects of habitat and spatial features of wetland fragments on the abundance of two rallid species with different degrees of habitat specialization

Capsule Water Rail Rallus aquaticus and Moorhen Gallinula chloropus abundance is affected by habitat (both species), site isolation (Water Rail) and elevation (Moorhen). Aims To evaluate the effects of patch area, habitat, isolation, elevation and inter-specific interactions on the abundance of two under-studied species, Water Rail and Moorhen; i.e. a wetland specialist and a more generalist species, respectively. Methods We modelled species' abundance at 28 sites in a wetland system in Trentino (Italy), using variables describing both habitat and spatial configuration of sites. We evaluated spatial autocorrelation and carried out an aicc -based model ranking and averaging, whose results were cross-checked using hierarchical partitioning. Results Water Rail abundance was positively affected by cover of reed-bed and other wetland herbaceous vegetation, and negatively by the distance to the nearest wetland. Moorhen abundance was positively affected by cover of reed-bed and negatively by elevation and cover of woody vegetation. Conclusions Results matched the preference for reed-beds and other wetland herbaceous vegetation reported at the local scale for Water Rails, and highlighted a negative effect of spatial isolation. Our work further demonstrates how explanations of species occurrence and abundance in fragmented landscapes must consider variables describing both habitat quality and spatial configuration.
The Part Played by Recurrent Mutation in Evolution

Recurrent mutations not only provide the material for selection to act upon. They may give rise to primary and secondary effects, the former due to the accumulation of mutant genes, the latter to the selective value of conditions which protect the organism against lethal genes. Among the phenomena which can be accounted for by these phenomena are the disappearance of useless organs, recapitulation and the fact that the heterogametic sex is usually male.
Studies on the ecology of Lymnaea tomentosa, the intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica. 1. History, geographical distribution, and environment.

The role of Lymnaea tomentosa as the intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica is reviewed, and an account is given of its habitats and distribution in Australia. L. tomentosa lives and reproduces within the pH range 5-8, but appears to be more adapted to slightly acid conditions. The relationship of the snail to its biological environment is discussed and observations on its parasites and predators are recorded. The pathological effect of trematode infection of L. tomentosa is described.
Parental environmental effects due to contrasting watering adapt competitive ability, but not drought tolerance, in offspring of a semi‐arid annual Brassicaceae

Parental effects (PE) can be adaptive and improve offspring performance when parents and offspring experience similar environmental conditions. However, it is unknown whether adaptive PE exist also in habitats where such similarity is unlikely due to strong temporal variation. In particular, we do not know whether PE can adapt offspring to fluctuating levels of neighbour competition in such habitats. Here, we tested for adaptive PE in terms of two key environmental factors in a semi‐arid annual system, competition and drought. While rainfall was stochastic in the study site, the competitive environment was partly predictable: higher plant densities followed after favourable (rainy) years due to high seed production. We therefore expected PE to adapt the offspring's competitive ability to these (predictable) fluctuations in plant densities, rather than to adapt the offspring's drought tolerance to the (unpredictable) occurrence of intensified drought. Parental plants of Biscutella didyma, an annual Brassicaceae, were raised under favourable watering and under drought conditions. Offspring performance was then tested under a full‐factorial combination of two neighbour regimes and six watering levels in the glasshouse. Offspring of parents grown under favourable conditions were stronger competitors. This was associated with a small shift in phenology but not with higher parental seed provisioning. Offspring from parents grown under drought showed no improved drought tolerance. Moreover, no PE were detectable when offspring were grown without neighbours. Our results suggest a novel path of adaptive PE: higher competitive ability was induced in offspring that were more likely to experience high neighbour densities. Together with the lack of adaptive PE towards drought tolerance, this emphasizes that a correlation between parental and offspring environment is crucial for adaptive PE to evolve. Our results also call for the inclusion of competitive effects in future PE studies. Synthesis. This study demonstrates the important role of adaptive PE for plant fitness (regarding competition) but also their limits (regarding drought) in temporally variable environments, based on the predictability of the respective environmental factor.
Effect of harvest time on fermentation profiles of maize ensiled in laboratory silos and determination of drying losses at 60°C

Abstract The objectives were to investigate the effect of premature ensiling of maize on alcohol fermentation in laboratory silos and the loss of fermentation products and glucose in silage following drying at 60°C for 48 h. During four consecutive weeks maize was harvested and ensiled for 60 days in vacuum-sealed laboratory silos. The content of DM in silage increased (p<0.001), whereas acetate and ethanol decreased (p<0.01) with later time of harvest. Concentrations of methanol and propanol were generally <1 g/kg DM and the content of 2-butanol <0.03 g/kg DM. The content of D-glucose was lower (p=0.03) in silage harvested the second week compared with the other harvest times (40.9 vs. 66–69 g/kg DM). Overall, silage pH was negatively correlated with L-lactate (r=−0.93). Drying increased pH, butyrate and valerate, although the numerical effect was small. A major portion of acetate was lost in drying, and the D-glucose content was reduced by approximately 45% after drying. Alcohols and esters were completely lost in drying. We conclude that ensiling of pre-mature maize does not lead to extensive alcohol fermentation in laboratory silos following 60 days of ensiling, and that dry matter correction based on fermentation products determined in dry samples may be erroneous due to inability to predict wet sample content from samples dried at 60°C.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus L., Malvaceae) and related hibiscus species

Microsatellite loci were isolated from the sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus L., Malvaceae), a pantropical plant with sea-drifted seeds. This study describes six dinucleotide microsatellite loci for which the primers produced clear and polymorphic amplification patterns with different levels of variability (between three and nine alleles). Six markers were amplified in four other species of hibiscus, greatly increasing the utility of these markers.
Effects of weak acids and external pH on the intracellular pH of Zygosaccharomyces bailii, and its implications in weak‐acid resistance

Weak acids and hydrogen ions in different concentration combinations affect the intracellular pH value (pHi) of Zygosaccharomyces bailii. The lowest pHi value measured was not at the most extreme, but at intermediate conditions of inhibition. Proton and organic‐acid ejection, on a cell volume basis, is greater in cells grown under inhibitory conditions and is stimulated by weak acids, whilst in cells not grown under inhibitory conditions acid efflux is lower and is depressed by weak acids; this may be important in the maintenance of tolerable pHi values in the presence of weak acids. The concentration of benzoic acid measured internally is identical to the value expected from its pK, external pH and pHi. Addition of fructose to starved cells causes both a decreased pHi and a concomitant efflux of previously loaded benzoic acid, quantitatively in accord with the shift in equilibrium of the freely permeable undissociated acid. There is no evidence that weak acids are actively extruded. Protoplast volume also varies with hydrogen‐ion and weak‐acid concentration and this too may play a role in intracellular pH maintenace.