Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene flow between introduced and native Eucalyptus species: Exotic hybrids are establishing in the wild

F1 hybrids between exotic Eucalyptus nitens plantations and native E. ovata have previously been reported among seedlings grown from open-pollinated seed collected from E. ovata, on the island of Tasmania. Such exotic hybrid seedlings have now been found in the wild adjacent to plantations at three locations. The proportion of exotic hybrids in open-pollinated seed collected from nearby mature E. ovata was 5.5%. This level compares with only 0.4% for natural hybrids between native species at these sites (E. ovata, E. viminalis and E. rodwayi). Detection of hybrids was initially based on their deviant morphology, which was generally intermediate between parental species. This subjective classification was then successfully verified by morphometric and allozyme analyses. Pure E. nitens seedlings (wildlings) were restricted to within 30 m of these plantations, whereas established hybrids were found up to 310 m from the plantations. This pattern of establishment reflects dispersal of exotic seed and pollen respectively. It is likely that the recent expansion of the eucalypt plantation estate in Australia will cause an increase in the frequency of exotic hybrids. However, the long-term impact of such hybridisation is yet to be assessed.
Population parameters of Mullus barbatus in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea), using length frequency analysis

¼ )0.305, C ¼ 0.27 andWP ¼ 0.45. Potential lifespan was estimated to be 5.3 years.Total mortality (Z) based on the length converted catch curvewas 3.70 (seasonal data) and 3.85 (non-seasonal data). Naturalmortality (M) was 1.07 and the exploitation ratio (0.71–0.72)revealed an overﬁshed stock.IntroductionThe red mullet, Mullus barbatus Linnaeus 1758, is a benthicspeciesinhabitingsandyandmuddybottomsofthecontinentalshelf, with a widespread distribution along the MediterraneanSeacoasts(Hureau,1986). Itshabitatextendsfromtheshallowlittoral zone (especially juveniles) down to 300 m, but is morecommon in depths between 20 and 50 m. In Turkey, the redmulletisofgreatcommercialvalueandisoneofthemaintargetspecies ofthe small- and large-scale ﬁshery. Annual catchesﬂuctuatedduringthelastdecadefrom2450to4774 tonnes;theconsiderable decrease in M. barbatus catch along the Turkishcoasts in the past few years is primarily due to improperﬁsheries management and also to illegal ﬁshing activities.Mullus barbatus was the subject ofseveral growth, repro-duction (Togulga and Mater, 1992; Sahin and Akbulut, 1997;Tu¨reli andErdem, 1997; C¸elik andTorcu,2000) andselectivitystudies along Turkish coasts (Tosunoglu et al., 2003a,b;O¨zbilgin and Tosunoglu, 2003; Tokac¸ et al., 2004). In thispaper, we attempt to improve previous assessments byestimation ofseasonal growth and mortality parameters.MaterialandmethodsSamples were collected during 2002 in monthly intervals atIzmir Bay onboard the R/V Egesu¨f(27 m length, 500 HPengine) by using a conventional bottom trawl with a cod-endmesh size of24 mm. Depth range ofthe ﬁshing ground was25–30 m. Towing speed varied between 2.2 and 2.6 knots, andtowing duration was limited to 45 min for all hauls. A total of95 valid hauls was made, with haul numbers in each month asfollows: January: 4, February: 20, March: 15, April: 15, May:1, June: 3, July: 18, August: 6, September: 7, October: 3,November: 3. The December 2002 sampling was omitted fromthe study because ofinvalid hauls. All ﬁsh obtained weremeasured to the nearest 0.5 cm immediately after capture, andmonthly length–frequency distributions for use in growthestimation were constructed. Since the number ofﬁsh sampledin each month varied, length–frequency distributions werestandardized to express each length class size as a relativefrequency per 1000 ﬁsh. The seasonal von Bertalanﬀy growthfunction (VBGF) was used to estimate growth parameters:L
Key Factors Controlling the Metapopulation Dynamics of the Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis in an Artificial Habitat Network of Irrigation Ponds

Summary. Most applied metapopulation studies have focused on habitat structures that are the result of landscape fragmentation but few have studied the dynamics in newly created patches. In artificial habitats, factors determining habitat quality can become especially relevant. Here, we studied the dynamics of linked populations of the little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis inhabiting a group of irrigation ponds, sited and designed purely for agricultural purposes. We used five years of detection/nondetection data to parametrise incidence function models, in order to analyse the metapopulation dynamics of the species. We aimed to detect the role of pond size, isolation and intrinsic pond characteristics related to the habitat quality (i.e. pond construction design) in determining pond colonisation, extinction and turnover rates. We also used repeated surveys during one year to calculate detection probability of the species in the system. The incidence function model used accurately predicted the proportion of irrigation ponds occupied and detection probability was high (0.88). Little grebes inhabiting the irrigation ponds performed as a metapopulation with extinction events related to pond size and colonisation events related to pond construction design but unaffected by isolation factors. Our simulations highlight the importance of pond construction design in the persistence of the metapopulation and show a simple method for studying the dynamics of a population using detection/non-detection data.
Harvest frequency effect on plant height, grass tiller production, plant cover and percentage dry matter production of some forage grasses and legumes in the derived savannah, Nigeria

Four legumes, Lablab purpureus, Stylosanthes hamata, Centrosema pascuorum and Stylosanthes guyanensis and 4 grasses, Sorghum almum, Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana and Andropogon gayanus were investigated in a 2-year study at Nsukka, derived savannah, Nigeria. The response of these species to cutting management (4 and 8-weekly intervals) was evaluated. Increasing the interval between harvests increased (P<0.05) plant height and percentage dry matter production in the grass and legume species. Cutting treatment did not influence the extent of legume cover; however, the extent of grass cover was increased (P<0.05) by 30% when the interval between harvests was increased from 4 to 8 weeks. Weed cover in the grass plots was depressed (P<0.05) by 21% with increased interval of cut from 4 to 8 weeks. The tallest (P<0.05) plants among the legumes were obtained in S. guianensis when cutting was done at the interval of 8 weeks. Harvesting the grasses at the interval of 8 weeks produced the tallest plants in A. gayanus in 2007. The highest (P<0.05) tiller number per meter square was produced in both years when A. gayanus was harvested at 4-weekly interval. S. guyanensis and S. hamata suppressed (P<0.05) weed growth more than L. purpureus or C. pascuorum . Percentage dry matter production was lower (P<0.05) in L. purpureus compared with the other legumes. Grass cover remained relatively high with P. maximum and A. gayanus .
Differential Expression of Members of the β-Galactosidase Gene Family during Japanese Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia L.) Fruit Growth and On-tree Ripening

Galactosidases are thought to play a key role in cell wall metabolism during fruit growth and ripening. In this study we cloned seven β-galactosidase (β-Gal) cDNAs from japanese pear fruit and designated them PpGAL2, PpGAL3, Pp-GAL4, PpGAL5, PpGAL6, PpGAL7, and PpGAL8, in addition to the previously described JP-GAL hereinafter termed PpGAL1. mRNA expression patterns of these clones were characterized throughout fruit growth and on-tree ripening, and in leaves and shoots in three japanese pear cultivars, ʻHousuiʼ, ʻKousuiʼ, and ʻNiitakaʼ. The shared amino acid sequence identity among the eight japanese pear β-Gal (PpGAL) clones ranged from 50% to 60%. They all contained the putative active site containing consensus sequence pattern G-G-P-(LIVM)(2)-x(2)-Q-X-E-N-E-(FY) belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 35. Expression of all the clones was both development- and tissue-specifi c. PpGAL1 and Pp- GAL4 were only expressed in the ripe fruit while PpGAL2 and PpGAL3 were expressed in both expanding and ripening fruit with their abundance being highest in the ripe fruit. The abundance of PpGAL5, PpGAL6, and PpGAL7 mRNAs was highest in expanding fruit but decreased drastically upon the onset of ripening. PpGAL8 was only detected in very young fruit (15 days after full bloom) and not in expanding and ripening fruit. These results indicate that in japanese pear fruit β-Gal is encoded by a multigene family whose members show distinct and overlapping expression during the various phases of fruit development. Some of the members are not only fruit-specifi c but also ripening-specifi c and, therefore, may play a crucial role in cell wall disassembly during japanese pear fruit softening.
Is resolution the solution?: the effect of taxonomic resolution on the calculated properties of three stream food webs

Summary 1 The influence of the level of taxonomic resolution on estimates of food-web properties was studied in three grassland streams in New Zealand. The food webs, each of which contained ≈ 100 species of algae, macroinvertebrates and fish, were progressively aggregated into higher taxonomic groupings and the effect on food-web properties was assessed. Aggregation was also carried out differentially on particular taxonomic groups to mimic the usual approach to taxonomy in stream food-web studies. 2 Of the commonly used food-web properties, mean chain length and linkage complexity varied little with the degree of taxonomic resolution. Estimates of connectance were markedly higher in coarsely resolved (family level) food webs, possibly as a result of a decrease in the number of web elements. 3 Connectance, linkage density, linkage complexity and prey : predator ratios, but not mean chain length, were strongly affected by inconsistency in the level of resolution used among different taxonomic groups within a food web. 4 In order to make meaningful comparisons among food webs a standardised approach to methodology, resolution and effort is needed.
In vitro evaluation of anti-staphylococcal activity of Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma praelongum and Ganoderma resinaceum from Pune, India

Antimicrobial activity of Ganoderma praelongum, Ganoderma resinaceum and Ganoderma lucidum were evaluated against thirty strains of clinical isolates of methicillin resistant and methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) by the well agar diffusion and microtiter plate dilution. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were used as extractive solvents. Standard antibiotic disks of methicillin, vancomycin, linezolid, and mupirocin were used for susceptibility testing of the test microorganisms. Maximum activity of crude extracts was exhibited by ethyl acetate. Sesquiterpeoids extract of G. praelongum (35.67 ± 0.62 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.390 – 6.25 mg/ml. Diterpenoids and triterpenoids displayed moderate activity while polysaccharides IIIa and IIIb showed weak activity. All bacterial strains were resistant to polysaccharides I and II.
Polymorphisms and Biologic Effects of Acidic Mammalian Chitinase in Asthma

In this study, we hypothesize that human acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) binds and is regulated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and that AMCase interacts with Galectin-3 (Gal-3) to mediate anti-apoptotic functions. We further hypothesize that asthma-associated polymorphisms of AMCase alter chitinase activity and modulate anti-apoptotic effects. We investigated the interactions between AMCase, Gal-3 and EGFR by establishing binding and co-expression in vitro; apoptotic effects were evaluated via Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining. Molecular cloning was performed to generate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of AMCase associated with asthma. Our data showed that co-expression of AMCase and EGFR induces chitinase activity; we found that AMCase and Gal-3 bind each other in vitro, and that they co-localize in the cytoplasm of cells. Co-transfection of AMCase and Gal-3 demonstrates greater anti-apoptotic effect than Gal-3 alone, while recombinant Gal-3 induces apoptosis, which is not blocked by incubation with recombinant AMCase. From these data, we conclude that AMCase is regulated by EGFR, and that AMCase and Gal-3 physically interact, however contrary to our hypothesis, the anti-apoptotic effects of AMCase are unlikely to be mediated by Gal-3. Further exploration of this pathway using SNP constructs generated in this study will shed light on the mechanism of AMCase in asthma.
Induced mutation in ornamental gingers (Zingiberaceae) using chemical mutagens viz. colchicine, acridine and ethylmethanesulphonate.

Induced mutations have great potential and serve as a complimentary approach in genetic improvement of crops. Mutation studies in Zingiberaceae members has proven to be an ideal tool for generating material to be used in investigating genotypic as well as phenotypic variation. Now gingers have high ornamental demand and it has high potential in cut flower arrangements as well as in landscaping. Mutagenesis may induce some useful variation in them. An experiment was conducted using chemical mutagents for induced mutation in selected ornamental ginger species. The chemical mutagens used for the present study was ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS), acridine and colchicine. Experiments were conducted in different dosages of mutagents and washed with running water after regular intervals. The mutated and controlled plants are planted at the Calicut University Botanical Garden and the variations observed at maturity and data were recorded.
Detection of neutral amino acid mutations by immobilized pH gradients: The case of the Tγ variant in fetal hemoglobin Sardinia

A method for separating fetal hemoglobin Sardinia (AγT, a variant containing threonine in position 75 instead of isoleucine) from normal fetal hemoglobin is described, based on the use of shallow immobilized pH gradients (pH 7.30–7.55). The novelty of the fractionation technique is the direct analysis of intact, native hemoglobin tetramers, while present methods utilize only reverse‐phase, high performance liquid chromatography of denatured, heme‐free globin chains.
Plant litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in north Queensland tropical rain-forest communities of differing successional status

Abstract: Soil processes are essential in enabling forest regeneration in disturbed landscapes. Little is known about whether litterfall from dominating pioneer species in secondary rain forest is functionally equivalent to that of mixed rain-forest litter in terms of contribution to soil processes. This study used the litterbag technique to quantify the decomposition and nutrient dynamics of leaf litter characteristic of three wet tropical forest communities in the Paluma Range National Park, Queensland, Australia over 511 d. These were: undisturbed primary rain forest (mixed rain-forest species), selectively logged secondary rain forest (pioneer Alphitonia petriei) and tall open eucalypt forest (Eucalyptus grandis). Mass loss, total N, total P, K, Ca and Mg dynamics of the decaying leaves were determined, and different mathematical models were used to explain the mass loss data. Rainfall and temperature data were also collected from each site. The leaves of A. petriei and E. grandis both decomposed significantly slower in situ than the mixed rain-forest species (39%, 38% and 29% ash-free dry mass remaining respectively). Nitrogen and phosphorus were immobilized, with 182% N and 134% P remaining in E. grandis, 127% N and 132% P remaining in A. petriei and 168% N and 121% P remaining in the mixed rain-forest species. The initial lignin:P ratio and initial lignin:N ratio exerted significant controls on decomposition rates. The exceptionally slow decomposition of the pioneer species is likely to limit soil processes at disturbed tropical rain-forest sites in Australia.
Review of the lipid and essential fatty acid requirements of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli)

In order to investigate the effects of dietary lipid and essential fatty acids (EFA) on growth and biochemical change of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli), a series of studies was conducted. Juvenile rockfish required 0.9% n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3HUFA) in the diet. The requirements of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were both 1%, and DHA was superior to EPA as an EFA. Fatty acid compositions in polar lipid of fish were directly reflected from those of dietary fatty acids. The levels of protein, glucose, cholesterol, LDH, GPT and GOT in the serum of rockfish were significantly affected by dietary n-3HUFA levels. Abnormal and necrotic hepatic cells were found in rockfish fed the n-3HUFA-deficient diets. Ca2+-ATPase activities in the liver microsomal membrane were lower in fish fed the n-3HUFA-deficient diets than in those fed the n-3HUFA-sufficient diets. Apparent digestibilities of lipid and saturated fatty acids of rockfish fed the diet were affected by water temperature and fish size, especially in the diet containing beef tallow. These results may be used in developing feed formulation and improving the health of rockfish.
The forgotten resource: Community perspectives on conservation and well - being in Zahamena National Park, Madagascar

This research examines local perceptions of social well - being in two forest - dependent communities near Zahamena National Park (ZNP), Madagascar. Key informant interviews were conducted to observe how local context, including community and ecological factors, influenced perceptions of social well - being. Overall, residents expressed a broad sense of decreased wellbeing as local forest resource access changed following the creation of ZNP. While one community was more dependent on forest and non - timber forest products for their livelihood, both communities believed lack of access to the park and its resources negatively affected local social well - being. Further, both communities felt ZNP provided few benefits to local residents. In addition, informants alluded to a sense of distrust of conservation managers and believed their needs and concerns were neither heard nor addressed by current conservation programs. Such data confirm people living in rural communities adjacent to protected areas have limited impact on conservation policies and initiatives on the island. Implications of this research suggest a reassessment of institutional conservation policy and practices to reflect locally held social traditions and community beliefs about conservation.
The Welfare State: A Very Short Introduction

In Participatory Research: Working with Vulnerable Groups in Research and Practice, Jo Aldridge addresses the main issues and concerns surrounding doing research involving vulnerable or marginalized groups. Aldridge approaches this topic from an empirical and empathetic perspective, giving consideration to both the participant and researcher. This is achieved throughout each chapter by first addressing a situation that may cause a group to be considered vulnerable, then addressing an inclusive method to doing research with that group. Aldridge focuses on two main methodological approaches for researching vulnerable groups that highlight the importance of giving participants a prominent voice in the process. The first approach involves using photographs taken by the participants for analysis, to overcome the participants’ difficulties with communication. The second approach involves participants writing their own narratives of incidents leading to their becoming a member of a vulnerable group. The important aspect of these two approaches is that they put the participants in control of the research process and of what is collected for data. Through Aldridge’s descriptions of why both methods are not only appropriate, but effective for conducting qualitative research, she highlights the importance of thinking beyond simple interviews or surveys as methods for data collection. Beyond providing useful means to collect data about populations that have been marginalized in research for years, Aldridge shows how these methods create an inclusive and safe environment for studying these groups. Although the book initially reads as a guide for how to conduct research with vulnerable groups without intentionally exploiting them, it develops into a narrative about giving voice through research to those members of society that have otherwise been forgotten or seen as too controversial to focus on as research participants. Through using methods and ideology surrounding participatory research outlined in Aldridge’s book, research on vulnerable and marginalized groups can advance empirically while being mindful of focusing on the voice of the participants.
Aspects of the biology of Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchill) in Trinidad

A study was made of the biology of S. maculatus. Results of gonadal examination of 347 males and 409 females suggest spawning takes place from October to April, a period associated with low salinities. First spawning takes place at ages I1 and/or III for both sexes. Sex ratio results suggest spawning may be promiscuous, males outnumbering females. Egg counts from 12 ripe females ranged from 26 057 to 149 736. A period of abundance from May to September may be associated with a post-spawning feeding migration encompassing the island, possibly in a clockwise direction. Otolith were used to age 817 fish. Opaque and translucent rings are formed yearly. The translucent ring, representing a period of slow growth, is laid down during the spawning season. The fish can live for nine years with females growing faster than males. Growth parameters are compared with those obtained for Brazilian and Florida fish. Mortality rates were investigated and gill nets effected higher mortality rates than beach seines. Full recruitment takes place at age III for gill nets, and ages II and III for beach seines.
Population abundance and movement of Frankliniella species and Orius insidiosus in field pepper

1 A recent study revealed the capacity of the Orius insidiosus to suppress populations of Frankliniella spp. in field pepper during the spring when thrips are rapidly colonizing and reproducing. In this study, population abundance in pepper during spring, summer, and autumn was determined to understand better predator/prey dynamics under local conditions. Local movement between pepper flowers also was quantified to examine how population attributes of the predator allow suppression of rapidly moving populations of prey.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ALOE VERA LEAF AND GEL IN DIFFERENT EXTRACTS

Screening of antifungal activity of Aloe vera leaf and gel in three different solvents (aqueous, chloroform and ethanol) were carried out against selected fungal pathogens by agar diffusion method. They were tested against four fungal organisms like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. The susceptibility of the fungi to these extracts in different concentrations were compared. The highest in vitro inhibitory activity was observed with Candida albicans. Of all the three different extracts, ethanol extract of A. vera gel exhibited significant antifungal activity than the A. vera leaf extract. Hence, A. vera gel extract with ethanol can be used as an antifungal agent. The results of the present study provide a information about the role of A. vera gel for its antifungal properties.