Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of zooplankton abundance, distribution patterns and patchiness in a large humic lake using an Optical Plankton Counter

Zooplankton usually behaves in complex and dynamic ways on various temporal and spatial scales and its spatial distribution is usually highly aggregated, as it possesses a large-scale spatial variability similar to that observed in the physical environment in general. We assess here the suitability of the Optical Plankton Counter for estimating zooplankton abundance, as well as the day-to-day temporal and spatial patterns in its distribution during the open water season. The influence of certain environmental variables on zooplankton abundances is also examined. Abundances of mesozooplankton-sized particles were measured with the Optical Plankton Counter monthly at five stations in a large mesohumic lake from May to September 2005 and agreed rather well with zooplankton abundances counted using a microscope. The poorest agreement was in autumn, when the Counter overestimated the zooplankton abundance, and for some samples in July, when it underestimated the abundance. Fluorescence and chlorophyll a had a significant effect on the Counter readings. Both the intercept and the slope of chlorophyll a varied randomly between depths, because the chlorophyll a decreased much more markedly in deeper waters than did the Counter particle counts. This emphasized the stratified nature of sampling. In addition to seasonal variations, there were also marked short-interval variations (day-to-day) in zooplankton abundances in all the sampling periods. These patterns are highly dynamic and can on some occasions change rapidly in response to fluctuations in the weather. There were no clear differences in zooplankton abundance between the sampling stations. The horizontal heterogeneity was less pronounced than the seasonal and short-interval heterogeneity, possibly because there were no trophic gradients in the basin. While the Optical Plankton Counter provided a rapid assessment of temporal and spatial patterns of zooplankton abundances, it does have limitations. At times it either overestimated abundances due to a large contribution from non-zooplankton particles, or underestimated abundances due to coincidence.
Nutritional value of peas (Pisum sativum L.) for broilers: apparent metabolisable energy, apparent ileal amino acid digestibility and production performance

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of four cultivars (Santana, Miami, Courier and Rex) of peas (Pisum sativum L.) for broilers. In Experiment 1, the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and the apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of these four cultivars were determined. The cultivar effects were found to be not significant (P > 0.05) for the AME and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids, with the exception of arginine, which was lower (P 0.05) to those fed the maize-soybean meal diet. In general, the digestive tract development was unaffected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of peas. The excreta scores of birds fed diets based on Santana, Miami and Rex were similar (P > 0.05) and that of the Courier-based diet was lower (P < 0.05) than those fed the maize-soy control diet. These results suggest that peas are good sources of metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, and that they can be included at 200 g/kg level as a partial replacement for soybean meal in broiler starter diets without adverse effects on performance.
Effect of zeranol on fat deposition and carcass traits in beef heifers

Non-pregnant beef heifers implanted with zeranol at birth and at 100 and 200 d of age were fed a finishing ration for 78 d to slaughter at 21–22 mo of age. Rate of fat deposition, grade fat and marbling score were less (P < 0.05) and carcass weight, rib-eye area and lean-meat yield were greater (P < 0.05) for implanted heifers than for non-implanted heifers. Key words: Zeranol, ultrasound, fat deposition, carcass, beef heifer
Thermoregulatory accuracy, precision, and effectiveness in two sand-dwelling lizards under mild environmental conditions

We investigated thermoregulation and habitat use in two sympatric lizard species of the family Phrynosomatidae (side-blotched lizards, Uta stansburiana, and sand-dune lizards, Sceloporus arenicolus) in southern New Mexico to determine whether thermoregulation was necessary and detectable under mild temperature conditions, and what behavioral mechanisms the lizards used to thermoregulate throughout their daily activity. We measured lizard temperature preference (Tsel) in a laboratory thermal gradient as well as field body temperature (Tb) at the study site. We then calculated several indices of thermoregulation to evaluate the effectiveness of thermoregulation for both species. In addition, we recorded and compared micro- and macro-habitat use for the two species; we also compared these habitats with randomly selected microsites. Uta stansburiana thermoregulated less precisely in a laboratory gradient than did S. arenicolus and had a slightly higher preferred temperature. Environmental thermal heterogeneit.
Identification and isozyme characterisation of Meloidogyne spp. infecting horticultural and agronomic crops, and weed plants in Florida

A total of 327 root samples collected from horticultural and agronomic crops, and weeds associated with these crops in Florida crop production regions, were examined. Isozyme phenotypes, esterase (EST) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) phenotypes were used to characterise and identify the species of Meloidogyne present in these samples. At least 26 females from each sample were examined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Sixteen major bands of EST activity were found, corresponding to 12 phenotypes. A species-specific EST phenotype was consistently associated with each of the Meloidogyne spp. identified: Meloidogyne arenaria, M. floridensis, M. graminicola, M. hapla, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. mayaguensis and M. partityla. Two unique EST phenotypes, which have not been described, were found associated with three unidentified nematode populations. Five bands of MDH activity and four phenotypes were also found among the populations. During this study, new host records were determined for M. floridensis and M. mayaguensis, two recently reported Meloidogyne spp. in Florida. Plant species found as new hosts of M. floridensis were Cucumis sativus, Phaseolus sp. , Solanum melongena and one weed species, Emilia sonchifolia, and the M. incognita-resistant peach rootstock ‘Flordaguard’. New hosts for M. mayaguensis were Carica papaya, Capsicum annuum var. Longum, and six weed plants, including Eclipta prostrata, Fatoua villosa, Panicum sp. , Poinsettia cyathophora, Solanum americanum and also one unidentified weed species belonging to the family Acanthaceae. To our knowledge, Florida is the only geographic area of North America where M. floridensis and M. mayaguensis have been detected.
Estimating scavenger and search bias for collision fatality surveys of large birds on power lines in the Karoo, South Africa

Bird collision mortality associated with power lines is a global conservation challenge, but periodic carcass counts along power lines underestimate actual mortality because of survey biases. We conducted a scavenger trial over 90 days and three observer detection trials after 1, 48 and 90 days using 44 wild goose carcasses to identify explanatory variables and estimate correction factors for these biases. Scavenging activity was high but mostly occurred in situ; only 16% (95% binomial CI 5–27%) of carcasses were removed by the end of the 90-day trial period (all within the first three weeks). Observer experience did not significantly affect detection rate, with experienced observers locating 75% (95% CI 68–83%) of carcasses compared with 67% (95% CI 58–75%) by naïve observers. Vegetation height, distance from the line and carcass spread were significant explanatory variables. The pattern in detection rate linked to carcass age was variable; there were fewer detections after 48 days, but rates at day 1 and day 90 were similar for experienced observers because bleached bones were highly visible. This suggests that long survey intervals are acceptable for the detection of large bird carcasses in arid environments such as the Karoo where collisions are infrequent but widespread events.
Comparative demography of two populations of the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo)

On a effectue des analyses demographiques sur deux populations de requins marteau tiburo (Sphyrna tiburo) vivant dans deux baies du sud-ouest de la Floride. On a evalue les taux de survie du requin marteau tiburo a l'aide de deux relations theoriques pour la baie Florida, ainsi qu'a l'aide de deux methodes converties pour tenir compte de la taille, pour la baie Tampa. Les taux de reproduction nets par generation variaient de 1,04 a 3,45, la duree de la generation allait de 4,0 a 5,1 ans et les taux instantanes d'accroissement de la population variaient de 0,011 a 0,272 pour la population de la baie Tampa. Dans le cas de la population de la baie Florida, les taux de reproduction nets par generation variait de 1,32 a 3,61, la duree de la generation allait de 4,1 a 5,1 ans, tandis que les taux instantanes d'accroissement de la population variait de 0,068 a 0,283. La composition par âge stable prevue, l'esperance moyenne de vivre plus longtemps et la valeur de reproduction pour des femelles des deux populations etaient semblables. Les tables de survie que nous avons elaborees indiquaient un accroissement de population legerement plus eleve dans la baie Florida; neanmoins, cette difference est le resultat, estimons-nous, des methodes utilisees pour evaluer la mortalite. Les facteurs environnementaux ou l'heritabilite peuvent expliquer les differences d'evolution biologique chez ces deux populations. En somme, les taux instantanes d'accroissement de la population pour ces especes sont considerablement plus elevees que celles calculees pour d'autres especes d'elasmobranches a l'aide d'une methodologie semblable.
Acid Hydrolysis from Corn Stover for Reducing Sugar

The aim of this study is to extract the reducing sugar by acid hydrolysis of corn stover. The corn stover was hydrolyzed by using H2SO4 at different concentrations (0-6%, v/v),reaction times (15-180 min) at temperature 122 C with ratio of 1 g of corn stover to 20 ml of H2SO4 solution. The samples were analyzed the reducing sugar by HPLC. The optimal conditions of acid hydrolysis was at 1% H2SO4 (v/v), 122 C for 60 min, which produced 24.96 g/L of reducing sugar. The hydrolysed sample composed of 12.4 g/L of xylose, 2.9 g/l of glucose and 3.2 g/L of arabinose. Also, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was analyzed the morphology of untreated and treated corn stover which showed the breakdown fibril of treated sample.
Sexual dimorphism and synchrony of breeding: variation in polygyny potential among populations in the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula

Male-biased sexual dimorphism in both size and body mass is a common characteristic of many polygynous mammals and is often attributed to sexual selection favoring large males. The degree of dimorphism is thought to be related to the potential for some males to monopolize access to estrous females, which is in turn related to the distribution of receptive females in space and time. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the temporal distribution of breeding females and the degree of mass dimorphism among 11 populations of the common brushtail possum from northern Australia. Breeding patterns varied from complete aseasonality in some populations to a seasonal concentration of births within 2 or 3 months in others. We predicted that in populations in which mating opportunities were distributed throughout the year, dominant males would be able to monopolize access to larger numbers of estrous females than in populations in which matings were more seasonal, and in such populations, large body size in males would be favored. We found that dimorphism was related to seasonality of breeding, being greatest in populations with a more aseasonal pattern. Mean body mass of male possums also decreased with increasing population density. Population density may influence the degree of breeding synchrony within populations, particularly in locations with a more seasonal climate. The present study is the first to demonstrate plasticity in mass dimorphism in response to local variation in the synchrony of breeding in a mammal species. Copyright 2003.
Tropical Savanna Vegetation of the Llanos of Colombia

The Llanos Orientales of Colombia are between 3? and 70 lat N, extending as a level plain between 600 and 200 m above sea level, east of the Andes Mountains. The hot trop- ical climate shows a seasonal pattern of rainfall, divided between one rainy season and one dry season. In the survey of a 45,000-square-mile study area within this llanos region, 10 savanna types were recognized and classified on a floristic basis. Three of these types were floristically distinct, but with the homologous factor of all having relict forests. The other seven savanna types intergraded along a gradient of increasing humidity, and for convenience were divided into dry, humid, and inundable savannas. A great number of species were shared by these last seven types, their distinction being based on the relative dominance of species in the different types. The various theories on the origins of tropical savanna are discussed in the light of this new information on vegetation and that found in a concurrent soil survey. No single factor is believed responsible for savanna formation, but deflection from forest development is considered the result of several adverse factors, with savanna formation accelerated once the. process has started.
Competition between Eurasian otter Lutra lutra and American mink Mustela vison probed by niche shift

Interspecific competition is one of several constraints that might prevent an individual from maximising its energy intake. When an interspecific competitor is introduced, an individual is often forced to shift its diet according to the intensity of the competitive pressure. In this paper, we explore whether the introduced American mink (Mustela vison Schreber) shifts its diet when the density of its potential competitor, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.), is increased. We compared the diets of otter and mink at the same location but at two moments in time when the relative densities of these two species were different while controlling for the abundance of aquatic prey. Mink and otters are semi-aquatic mammals belonging to the same guild of mustelids and otters are expected to be the dominant competitor because they are larger and better at hunting underwater. The diets of otters and mink overlap to a great extent but while otters specialise mainly on aquatic prey, mink are able to exploit both aquatic and terrestrial prey. These observations prompted the hypothesis investigated in this work that at higher otter densities the diet of mink should change to include a higher proportion of terrestrial items. This hypothesis was supported by the data and at higher otter densities mink diet was observed to consist of a higher proportion of mammals and birds while fewer fish were present, although this pattern was present only in winter while no changes were observed in spring. Meanwhile the diet of otters remained basically unchanged. In the second part of the study, we investigated whether niche breadth and niche overlap between otter and mink changed at different otter densities. We found that niche overlap declined as the density of otters increased, in agreement with the prediction of habitat selection theory.
Vegetation of Alejandro Selkirk Island (Isla Masafuera), Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile1

Abstract: We analyzed the vegetation of Alejandro Selkirk Island using the Zürich-Montpellier approach for taking relevés and subsequent classification by a multivariate approach and manual refinement. The resulting vegetation table demonstrates patterns of dominance and variation and the resulting vegetation units that were mapped onto aerial photographs to produce a vegetation map. Additional observations of several inaccessible sectors were gained from photos taken during a boat trip around the island. These results are combined in a colored map that shows the following vegetation units: (1) Dicksonia externa Tree Fern Community (upper montane forest); (2) Lophosoria quadripinnata Fern Community; (3) Fern-Grassland Mosaic; (4) Myrceugenia schulzei Forest (lower montane forest); (5) Anthoxanthum-Nassella Grassland; (6) Coastal Grassland with Juncus procerus; (7) Open Grassland (including Coastal Herb Communities); (8) Rocks, Erosional Zones; and (9) Cultivated and Escaped Plants Near the Settlement. In some cases these units consist of several communities together, often forming mosaic patterns where detailed resolution is not practicable. Unit 7, Open Grassland, has been applied to all areas with a plant cover below 40%, and unit 8, Rocks, Erosional Zones, indicates no or scarce vegetation (cover notably below 10%). Some plant assemblages cannot be shown on the map: (a) the small clusters of Drimys confertifolia; (b) the mostly linearly or patchily arranged Gunnera masafuerae community; (c) several plant assemblages found in the canyons; and (d) the Histiopteris incisa clusters between the tree ferns and tall ferns. We discuss composition of the observed plant communities, especially regarding alien impact, and compare our findings with those on Robinson Crusoe, the largest island of the archipelago.
Metabolic costs of pursuit and attack in early larval Atlantic cod

Metabolic costs of pursuit and attack for early larval Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) feeding on 2 different prey types, a protozoan (Balanion sp.) and a copepod nauplius (Pseudodiaptomis sp.) were estimated from 5 to 20 d post-hatch. Parameters describing feeding patterns were determined from 3-dimensional observations using 2 orthogonal cameras. Feeding parameters were calculated using a digital image-analysis system for larvae in 3 size classes, and included pursuit duration, distance and speed for both burst and glide components, and attack duration, distance and speed. Metabolic rates were estimated for each component of pursuit and attack from the relationship between specific metabolic rate and swimming speed from previous respirometry studies on cod larvae. Estimated specific metabolic rates were used in a new model to determine specific and total energy expenditures, which incorporated each of the components of pursuit and attack. Values of total energy expenditure were used in a model to determine relative net energy gain during pursuit and attack of a larva on a protozoan and a copepod nauplius in 3 larval size classes. In Size Class 1 (5 to 6 mm total length, TL) first-feeding larval cod were small and poorly developed, had long pursuit and attack times and distances, and slow swimming speeds. In Size Classes 2 (6 to 7 mm TL) and 3 (7 to 8 mm TL) larger larvae were better developed, had shorter pursuit and attack times and distances, and faster swimming speeds. Specific metabolic rates during pursuit of a protozoan increased with increasing larval size, while specific energy expenditure decreased due to shorter pursuit times. Results from net energy gain equations showed that a cod larva gained 3 orders of magnitude more energy from consumption of a nauplius than a protozoan even though its energy expenditure during pursuit of a nauplius was 2 to 3 times that during pursuit of a protozoan.
Antibacterial Properties of Senecio sandrasicus. on Multidrug-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Abstract In this study, the antibacterial activity of Senecio sandrasicus. P.H. Davis (Asteraceae), an endemic species of southwestern Anatolia, was investigated. The antibacterial effects of extracts of chloroform, ethanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate, which were obtained from voucher specimens of the plant, were tested by a disk diffusion method against 10 strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The strains are resistant to various antibiotics including some widely used β-lactam antibiotics (penicillin and cephalosporins), β-lactam + β-lactamase inhibitors, monobactams, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides. The results showed that all of the four extracts of S. sandrasicus. had similar potencies against all tested bacteria. The activities were increased dependies on the doses of extracts; 3.6 µg/disk extracts had higher antibacterial activity than 0.4 µg/disk. The strains of S. maltophilia. , which are important pathogens, were inhibited by some extracts of S. sandrasicus.
RESPIRATION AND FERMENTATION IN THE CARROT, DAUCUS CAROTA. II. FERMENTATION AND THE PASTEUR EFFECT

IN THE preceding paper Marsh and Goddard (1939) presented results obtained with respiratory enzyme poisons showing that in carrot roots and in young carrot leaves a large fraction of the respiration is catalyzed by an oxidase similar to or identical with the cytochrome oxidase; in mature leaves a shift occurs in the oxidase to a system insensitive to cyanide, azide or carbon monoxide. The present paper is a study of the relation between respiration and fermentation in carrot root tissue. It will be shown that inhibition of respiration by lowered oxygen pressure, by cyanide, azide, or carbon monoxide results in Increased fermentation. It has long been known that many higher plants liberate CO2 when placed in pure N2 or other inert gas. Alcohol is also produced in many cases (Kostychev, 1931; Stiles and Leach, 1932). The ratio alcohol/CO2 produced has been investigated for manv plants; considerable variation in this ratio from one plant to another has been found, the values ranging from 0 to 0.99 (Kostychev, 1931). Although there has been much speculation as to probable importance of anaerobic CO2 production in higher plants, very little research has been conducted in the field since the later years of the nineteenth century. It is well known that in yeast (Meyerhof, 1926), animal tissues (Warburg, 1930), and in higher plants (Kostychev, 1931; Blackman, 1928) either no fermentation occurs in air or it occurs at a lower rate than under anaerobic conditions. If lactic acid production (in animal tissues) in N2 and in air, and oxygen consumption in air, be converted into terms of sugar decomposition according to the equations (1) C6H1206 -> 2CH3CHOHCOOH and (2) C6H1206 + 602 > 6CO2 + 6H20, it is found in many cases that more sugar is decomposed per unit time in N2 than in air. This phenomenon of an increased rate of sugar decomposition in transferring tissues from air to N2 is known as the Pasteur effect. The literature of the Pasteur effect has been well reviewed by Dixon (1937), Turner (1937), and Burk (1937). Although the transfer of a tissue from nitrogen into air allows oxidative sugar decomposition to occur (equation 2), at the same time there is such a large decrease in the rate of sugar decomposed by glycolysis (equation 1) that the result is an overall decrease in the rate of sugar decomposition. The ratio mols lactic acid in N2mols lactic acid in air/mols 02 in respiration, is known as the Meyerhof quotient (1926). Values of this quotient lie between 1 and 2 for many animal tissues (Burk, 1937) and for yeast (Meyerhof, 1926). (In the quotient for yeast, the term "mols CO2 of fermentation" is substituted for "mols lactic acid. " The expressions