Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geographical distribution of morphological abnormalities and wing color pattern modifications of the pale grass blue butterfly in northeastern Japan

The pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha has been used as an environmental indicator to evaluate the biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident. A high morphological abnormality rate (AR) of this butterfly was detected in 2011 from radioactively contaminated areas at 37–38°N. However, the geographical AR distribution has not been documented for the entirety of northeastern Japan. Additionally, the geographical distribution of the wing color pattern modification rate (MR) of temperature‐shock type remains undocumented. Here, we collected adult butterflies from many localities in northeastern Japan in 2014 and examined the local AR and MR. Both AR and MR were generally low throughout the 44 local populations surveyed. Latitudinal AR and MR distributions indicated a gap zone at approximately 39°N. The mean AR and the mean MR of the populations south of the gap zone were low (AR = 3.0%, MR = 1.1%), whereas those of the northern populations were relatively high (AR = 10.6%, MR =10.3%). Logistic regression analyses revealed that abnormalities and modifications were associated with temperature‐related variables. We conclude that abnormalities and modifications are generally rare, but that their rates are higher in the northern populations than in the southern ones. These results, along with evidence from other studies, strongly suggest that the high AR detected in 2011 from contaminated areas was induced by anthropogenic radioactive mutagens. This study presents a basic dataset of the current wildlife state of Z. maha in northeastern Japan, which facilitates a future use of this butterfly species as an environmental indicator.
Invertebrate macrofauna of a temporary pond in Central Italy : composition, community parameters and temporal succession

The macroinvertebrate fauna of a temporary pond located in a natural reserve near Rome was studied in 1989-1990. Sixteen samples were collected from the pond filling until its drying (about every 15-30 days). A total of 15,000 individuals belonging to 86 taxa (most at species level) was collected during the study. 67 taxa belonged to Insecta (mostly to Coleoptera and Diptera) and 19 to other zoological groups, 6 of which were recorded for the first time in temporary waters. Oligochaetes and dipterans were dominant in the community. The fauna exhibited a remarkable richness and a great turnover of species. The number of taxa was low (9) after the pond was filled (September), increased until a maximum (51) in May and then regularly declined (20) until few days before the pool dried up (early August). This parameter correlated positively with pH values, pond area and wet phase duration. The feeding guilds were represented mostly by detritivores and predators, while the habit organization was dominated by burrowers. The direct relationships between taxonomic diversity and both trophic and habit diversities suggest a good partitioning of food and space resources among taxa. The macrofauna belongs primarily to Group 1 and 2, and secondarily to Group 4 of WIGGINs et al. (1980) classification. The temporal succession of the pond life indicated the existence of three phases, denoted as filling, aquatic and drying phases, each characterized by distinctive environmental conditions and faunal groups. There was a high faunal similarity between the first and the last phases due to the great simplicity of the community. The intermediate phase can also include three sub-phases according to the season. The results were compared with data from the few intensive studies on temporary ponds carried out in other countries.
Determination of critical density in Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) as a deciding factor influencing the transmission of Japanese encephalitis virus in southern India

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes a severe neurobiological health hazard, namely, Japanese encephalitis (JE) which has been rampant in Cuddalore district in the 1970s and 1980s, transmitted mainly by Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The authors have been working on various aspects of transmission dynamics of JE in Cuddalore district, south India, for past more than two decades and have analyzed varied data on ecology and biology of vector Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, to develop a model for depicting the critical density which is a primary requisite to develop control strategy against vector. Such a model of critical density for the vector will be helpful to forecast prospective outbreaks of the disease exacting heavy morbidity and mortality in many parts of India.
Effect of different kinetin concentration on growth andflowering attributes in gladiolus cultivars

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during the year of 2008-09 to study the effect of kinetin on growth and flowering attributes in gladiolus cultivars. Treatment consisted of kinetin at 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm along with control on 5 cultivars of gladiolus viz.,Archana, Gunjan, J.V. Gold, Sabnum and Snow Princes. Experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that, maximum length of leaf was recorded with kinetin at 150 ppm followed by kinetin 200 ppm with cv. Gunjan whereas width of longest leaf were noted in cv. Snow princes with kinetin concentrations at 200 and 100 ppm respectively. However, maximum number of leaves/plant was registered with cv. Gunjan at 200 ppm kinetin followed by J.V. Gold at 150 ppm respectively. Among flowering parameters early spike emergence and length of spike were noticed with cv. Sabnumwhen kinetin was spread at higher concentration 200 ppm. In general higher size of first floret was recorded with cv. J.V. Gold at 50 ppm kinetin whereas higher size of fifth floret was recorded with cv. J.V. Gold at 100 ppm. Kinetin at 200 ppm exerted maximum length of spike in cv. Sabnum at 200 ppm kinetin concentration, whereas maximum number of florets/spike was also recorded with cv. Sabnum when kinetin applied at 100 ppm.
Laboratory- and field-based approaches for evaluating connectivity in a dynamic coastal environment: applications for management and conservation

Connectivity of marine populations, defined as the magnitude of discrete population units interconnected through dispersal, has important implications for the ecology and management of commercially harvested species. Sustainable management requires consideration of the spatial-temporal structure of exploited populations. Connectivity measurement requires accuracy in providing relevant spatial information. My thesis bridges laboratory and field based approaches to provide integrated and reliable estimates of connectivity. Using controlled laboratory experiments, I determined that the interaction of temperature and salinity influenced composition of juvenile Atlantic cod otoliths, thus questioning whether otoliths can reconstruct environmental history when environmental variables are studied in isolation. Utilizing a field survey, I demonstrated that otolith chemistry differences could discriminate among juvenile cod from adjacent bays and coasts of origin. Assignment of residuals derived from laboratory model predictions and field observations improved discrimination, illustrating underlying fine-scale biocomplexity in otolith chemistry, and potential influence of environment on assignment at small spatial scales. These results demonstrate the utility of otolith chemistry as a tool to evaluate contributions of sub-populations to Atlantic cod stocks, and, highlight limitations imposed by environmental variation at scales less than 100 km. In a second series of experiments that focused on larval American lobster, I demonstrated that swimming ability and vertical position in the water column varied significantly among ontogenetic stages and did not did not increase linearly with development. Through a series of common garden experiments, I demonstrated biogeographic variability in swimming ability and the influence of environment. Variability in swimming apparently reflects ambient conditions of the pelagic habitat of origin. Utilizing a biophysical model incorporating observed swimming behaviours, I demonstrated that larval behaviour significantly influenced the magnitude, direction, and duration of dispersal, and that this influence varied both spatially and temporally. These results provide a biological-behavioural context to parameterize bio-physical models and an approach to improve accuracy of dispersal models and advance understanding of connectivity. By improving aspects of design and testing assumptions, these analyses provide a template for future use of otolith chemistry and biophysical modelling, punctuating the need for calibration and validation of the assumptions of each strategy when applied to dynamic field conditions.
Diagnosis and treatment of postoperative aseptic meningitis

To summarize the experience on diagnosis and treatment of aseptic meningitis, the clinical characteristics and corresponding treatment of postoperative aseptic meningitis were retrospectively analyzed in 108 patients. The following symptoms and findings were noticed in all patients: Fever (38 to 40°C); consciousness disturbance without progressive aggravation; increase of leukocyte count and protein in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF); slight increase or normal glucose in the CSF; negative bacterial culture. All patients were treated with intravenous dexamethasone and lumbar puncture, and recovered completely. Among these patients, 94 recovered in the hospital and the remaining 14 requested discharge and recovered in the following one month. Within 3 to 7 days following craniocerebral operations, these patients who had the following symptoms and findings: Fever (38 to 40°C); positive meningeal irritation sign; increase of leukocyte count and protein in the CSF; normal glucose in the CSF, effectiveness following implosive therapy with large dose dexamethasone (15 or 20 mg intravenously) and 3 consecutive negative bacterial cultures of CSF, can be diagnosed as aseptic meningitis. Implosive therapy with large-dose dexamethasone and cerebrospinal fluid drainage are the main therapeutic strategies.
Defoliation and Regrowth in the Graminaceous Plant: The Role of Current Assimilate

Infra-red gas analysis and a quantitative radiocarbon tracer technique were used to measure photosynthesis, and the export, distribution and utilization of current assimilate in the regrowth of leaf tissue and the growth of stem and root of partially-defoliated uniculm barley plants. After defoliation, which removed all leaf tissue above the ligule of leaf 3, the rate of photosynthesis of the remaining two older leaves fell to 90-95 per cent of that of control leaves, but they exported more of their assimilated carbon to meristems elsewhere in the plant during the first 48 h after the defoliation. The level of export from the two older leaves began to decline when new leaf tissue regrew from the shoot apex, and fell below that of the control leaves 4 days after defoliation. The two older leaves supplied the assimilate used in the regrowth of new leaf tissue immediately after defoliation: previously they had exported most of their assimilate to root. There was no evidence that 'reserves' were mobilized to meet the needs of regrowth at leaf meristems or, indeed, of the growth in stem and root; current photosynthesis supplied sufficient assimilate to account for all observed growth. In general, the plants responded to defoliation with a rapid and marked reallocation of assimilate from root to leaf meristems, with the result that root growth was severely retarded but new leaf tissue grew at 70-100 per cent of the rate observed in control plants.
Reproductive ecology of Baltic sprat and its application in stock assessment

Sprat is an important ecological key species in the Baltic Sea. Temporal and spatial variability in reproductive traits of Baltic sprat was investigated in relation to biotic and abiotic parameters. The seasonality of important spawning traits were analysed. Models of sex ratio and maturity at length were established. The ovarian dynamics in relation to postovulatory follicles (POF) were described with the major finding that the degeneration of POF equals the spawning interval. A temperature dependent model on Baltic sprat egg development was established. All obtained results were finally used to implement the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) to the Baltic sprat stock. The knowledge obtained by the present thesis will serve as basis to (i) enhance existing assessment methods and to test alternative indices for sprat stock reproductive potential, (ii) implement alternative assessment methods and (iii) further investigate the population dynamics and ecology of Baltic sprat.
Does predation risk affect habitat use in snowshoe hares?1

Abstract: During winter and summer 1999, we radiotracked 45 snowshoe hares in two areas: one where the density of terrestrial predators had been reduced due to trapping and one where predators were protected. We tested the hypothesis that a higher risk of predation in the area without trapping (HR) would make hares use smaller home ranges with less food and more cover than hares in the lower-risk area (LR), particularly during winter, when plant cover is reduced. Snow tracking confirmed the lower occurrence of terrestrial predators in the area with trapping. Home-range size did not differ between sites, but core areas were proportionally larger for HR hares than for their LR counterparts. LR hares were more active in the outer part of their home ranges than in the cores, whereas HR hares showed the opposite tendency. Forage abundance was higher, but cover was lower, in home ranges of LR than in home ranges of HR hares, particularly during winter. Conifer twigs above the snow were the predominant form of cover during winter, whereas tall herbs likely played the same role during the growing season. Direct and indirect effects of predation likely explain the observed patterns of habitat use by snowshoe hares.
Challenges to Estimating Tree Height via LiDAR in Closed-Canopy Forests: A Parable from Western Oregon

We examine the accuracy of tree height estimates obtained via light detection and ranging (LiDAR) in a temperate rainforest characterized by complex terrain, steep slopes, and high canopy cover. The evaluation was based on precise top and base locations for 1,000 trees in 45 plots distributed across three forest types, a dense network of ground elevation recordings obtained with survey grade equipment, and LiDAR data from high return density acquisitions at leaf-on and leaf-off conditions. Overall, LiDAR error exceeded 10% of tree height for 60% of the trees and 43% of the plots at leaf-on and 55% of the trees and 38% of the plots at leaf-off. Total error was decomposed into contributions from errors in the estimates of tree top height, ground elevation model, and tree lean, and the relationships between those errors and stand- and site-level variables were explored. The magnitude of tree height error was much higher than those documented in other studies. These findings, coupled with observations that indicate suboptimal performance of standard algorithms for data preprocessing, suggest that obtaining accurate estimates of tree height via LiDAR in conditions similar to those in the US Pacific Northwest may require substantial investments in laser analysis techniques research and reevaluation of laser data acquisition specifications. FOR . S CI. 56(2):139 -155.
Comparison of growth performance and slaughter characteristics of Limousin and Charolais heifers

Abstract. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of breed and a diet containing linseed on the growth and carcass composition characteristics of heifers. A total of 48 Limousin (LI) and Charolais (CH) heifers with an average weight of 270 kg were assigned to two diets containing either extruded linseed (LIN) or no supplemental oilseed (CON). The target slaughter weight was set at 500 kg. The diet had no effect on any of the observed production traits. The CH heifers had higher live weight gains ( P P P P m. longissimus lumborum et thoracis area ( P P
Growth of 'Tifway' bermudagrass following application of nitrogen and iron with trinexapac-ethyl

A field study was conducted to assess the effects of N and Fe with trinexapac-ethyl (TE) on established 'Tifway' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis) during 2 years at Griffin, Ga. There were no TE x Fe or N treatment interactions when applied in three applications at 4-week intervals each year. Combinations of Fe with TE improved turfgrass quality over TE alone at 1 to 2 weeks after each treatment. The improvement from Fesources was 17% higher with Sprint 300 and SoluPlex, 33% higher with Ferromec and LawnPlex, and 67% higher with ferrous sulfate. Vegetative suppression of 'Tifway' bermudagrass at 14 weeks after treatment ranged from 46% in 1994 to 28% in 1995 when treated with TE at 0.1 kg.ha -1 in three applications at 4-week intervals. Neither N or Fe influenced vegetative growth when applied with TE. Chemical name used: 4 (cyclopropyl-α-hydroxy-methylene)-3.5-dioxoxyclohexanecarboxlic acid ethyl ester (trinexapac-ethyl).
Effect of feeding normal and low protein diet alternately to Labeo rohita fingerlings on growth performance and biochemical composition

feeding trial of 60 days was conducted to study the effect of alternate day feeding with normal and low protein diet to study the effect of such feeding on growth performance and nutrient utilization in Labeo rohita fingerlings. One hundred thirty five fingerlings were distributed in triplicate groups for each treatment. Three experimental isocaloric (401.32 to 410.28 kcal/100g) diets of 30%, 25% and 20% crude protein designated as A, B and C respectively were prepared, using locally available feed ingredients. Three different feeding schedules of normal protein diet continuously (diet A-30%) throughout the experiment, alternate feeding of 1-day diet A followed by 1-day diet B (1A/1B) and alternate feeding of 1-day diet A followed by 1-day diet C (1A/1C) throughout the experiment were tested by feeding the fishes at 5% body weight daily. Results showed that growth performance parameters, such as specific growth rate, percent weight gain, and final weight gain were relatively higher in the fish maintained on the feeding schedule of 1A/1B. Similarly, improved nutrient utilization in the form of feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were also significantly better for fish grown under this schedule. Overall digestive enzymes activity was also higher in the group fed 1A/1B. The study showed the possibility of improved nutrient utilization and protein saving without hampering growth.
POPULATION CHANGES IN NEW ENGLAND SEABIRDS

The populations of most of the species reviewed have increased steadily from a low ebb at the beginning of the 20th century. Some species such as the Alcidae have not regained their former distribution and abundance as sketched by Norton (1923), but others, such as the large gulls, appear to have greatly surpassed their numbers previous to 19th century exploitation. Most seabirds increased all together for several decades after 1900, then others joined in and increased especially rapidly while several lagged behind or failed. Several of the factors involved are discussed below. A. Factors associated with increasing populations 1. Protection. Protection from predation on the breeding grounds by humans and pet cats and dogs has evidently been a major factor. Of equal importance for Leach's Petrels and Laughing Gulls has been release from the effects of sheep. Close cropping by sheep removes the rank vegetation that Laughing Gulls require for nesting sites, and produces a dense turf of grasses through which petrels do not readily burrow. 2. Clutch size. One might expect species which lay a larger clutch of eggs (Double-crested Cormorant and Common Eider-up to 6 eggs) to increase more rapidly than those which lay smaller clutches (Herring Gull, terns and Black Guillemot-clutch size 2-3), and this has been generally true. But Laughing Gulls on Muskeget and Great Black-backed Gulls in Maine (clutch size of 3) increased as rapidly as either of the larger-clutched species. 3. Immigration. The unusually rapid increase of the Doublecrested Cormorant and Great Black-backed Gull populations in Maine may reflect some immigration of birds from Nova Scotia in the way that Herring Gulls emigrating from Maine contributed to the unusually rapid increase in Massachusetts during the 1940s. There is no evidence whether immigration of Laughing Gulls into Muskeget from southern colonies took place or not. From what evidence is available, however, it appears that both Great Black-backed Gull and Double-crested Cormorant populations in Nova Scotia were increasing during the same decades as were the populations in Maine, although the rate of growth is not clear. If one suggests that immigration contributed to the rapid increase in Maine, one must account for simultaneous increase of
What to do with audiovisual carriers after their digitization?: Proposal for a five-step decision making framework

Both traditional and more recent audiovisual carriers degrade. Even CD-ROMs have typically only a ten-year expected life span. In addition, playback equipment for both analogue and digital carriers will ultimately grow scarcer and more expensive to repair or replace. Archives and museums are inevitably faced with the decision of whether to preserve audiovisual carriers after their content has been digitized. This paper offers a draft decisionmaking framework developed by the Flemish Institute of Archiving (VIAA). Assuming that an institution already has a digital collection management system in place, the proposed framework addresses the concepts of favourability, possibility, value, preservation conditions and the risk for other carriers through a series of questions. The paper also addresses the disposal of carriers, should an organization decide that disposal is in the best interests of its collections.
The composition and new records of micro- and mesophytoplankton near the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain

In spite of the length of the Brazilian coastline, studies of marine phytoplankton species in offshore areas have been largely neglected. Regarding phytoplankton species composition, the aim was to assess biodiversity status, species frequency, and the similarities at different sites along the Vitoria-Trindade Seamount Chain. Phytoplankton net samples were analyzed. One hundred and seventy five infrageneric taxa were identified. They represented four phyla, viz., Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta, and Ochrophyta. Dinophyta was the most diverse, and its genus Tripos the largest contributor. This genus also represented more than half of the most common taxa in the sampled area. Thirty-five new infrageneric taxa were recorded, 12 of which are new reports for Brazil. Neritic stations assemblages were markedly different from those of seamounts and deep offshore. The high species diversity, especially among dinoflagellates can be considered typical of tropical oligotrophic waters. The new records demonstrate the gap in knowledge of phytoplankton biodiversity in Brazil.