Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Germination behaviour of seeds of the New Zealand woody species Ascarina lucida, Coprosma grandifolia, Melicytus lanceolatus, and Solanum laciniatum

Abstract Germination rates, percentage germination success, and phenomena related to germination delay were determined for seeds of Ascarina lucida, Coprosma grandifolia, Melicytus lanceolatus, and Solanum laciniatum, taken from freshly collected fruit. The experimental treatments simulated natural conditions that the seeds could experience after dispersal. In a treatment where seeds were cleaned, kept moist, and well-lit, most germinated in autumn-winter and percentage germination success was high (91–100%) for all species. Seeds of each species germinated moderately to very well (56–100%) on soil. The same applied to Ascarina and Solanum seeds in the dark but success for Coprosma and Melicytus was lower (30% or less). Solanum and Melicytus seeds survived burial (5 cm depth) for nearly 18 months. Replanted at the soil surface, all Solanum and 44% of Melicytus seeds germinated. After being kept dry for c. 5 months most Solanum seeds germinated (96%), those of Melicytus moderately well (68%), and those of .
Herbivory modifies the genetic structure of birch populations

We studied the effects of selective herbivory on genetic diversity in seedling populations of silver birch (Betula pendula), a light-demanding pioneer tree species. The experimental populations consisted of 20 families competing with each other in dense stands. The seedling stands were randomly assigned to insect and vole exposure and fertilization treatments. The study covered the first two growing seasons, during which considerable thinning occurred within the experimental populations. We compared the observed mortality to a simulated control representing random mortality. Our results show that mortality resulted in decreased diversity compared to the simulated control. When insect and vole herbivory and nutrient enrichment treatments were compared to each other, taking into account differences in mortality due to the treatments, vole herbivory led to increased diversity among the tallest seedlings (i.e. canopy layer). This is noteworthy, since the canopy layer includes those with the best prospects of surviving in competition for light. When mortality was accounted for, 2-year natural exposure to insects had no effect on diversity; but cluster analysis showed that insect herbivory changed the genetic composition of the experimental populations. Our results demonstrate the importance of herbivores in shaping the genetic structure of plant populations during the thinning phase.
Development of a Real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici from Basil Seed and Roots

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using a TaqManprobe was developed to detect the causal agent of wilt and crown rot of basil from infec- ted plants and seed in Italy. The aim of the study was to diminish testing time, previously performed using nested-PCR, and to create the conditions for future automation. The sensitivity of the assay was shown to be similar to the detection limit of the available nes- ted-PCR procedure. The advantages of real-time PCR system include halving of the testing time, as well as the ability to identify both internally and externally infected seed to the sensitivity of 1 pg of genomic DNA. The assay was able to detect the presence of the pathogen in infected seed up to a sensitivity of 24 (SD: ±10) CFU per 100 seeds.
Digestibilidade aparente e trânsito gastrintestinal em tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), em função da fibra bruta da dieta

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in purified diets, the effects of different levels of crude fiber on the apparent digestibility and gastrointestinal transit rate in Nile Tilapia. Five circular fishbowls (250 L) with a closed system of water filtering, replenishment and heat for feeding and five digestibility fishbowls with individual filtering replenishment and heat system were used. Thirty-two fishes, averaging initial weight of 30.65 ± 0.50 were used. A completely randomized design with five levels of crude fiber (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5%) and five replicates was used. It was concluded that increasing levels of crude fiber in purified diets significantly affect the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract. Levels up to 5.0% crude fiber did not reduce the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein and levels up to 7.5% crude fiber did not reduce the apparent digestibility of ether extract of purified diet in Nile tilapia. However, the increase of dietary crude protein significantly reduce the gastrointestinal transit rate.
Bee fauna potential visitors of coriander flowers Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) in the Mitidja area (Algeria)

Abstract Coriander Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is a year-round condiment and aromatic Mediterranean plant. It is cultivated in several countries in North Africa, in Europe, and Western Asia. In the El Harrach area of Algiers, the insect fauna visiting crop flowers includes Diptera (Syrphidae), Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera such as Chrysididae, Vespoidea, and Apoidea (Bees). The latter super-family comprises the majority of insect pollinators. Visiting bees belong to four families: Apidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae, and Colletidae. The main visitors are honeybees and six species of Andrenidae: Andrena flavipes, Andrena thoracica, Andrena lagopus, Andrena bimaculata, Andrena discors, and Andrena cinerea elliptica. The three species Andrena lagopus, Andrena bimaculata, and Andrena cinerea elliptica have 100% pollinating visits while Apis mellifera has only 63%. Andrena cinerea elliptica is the most frequent and the most abundant species.
Effectiveness of fatty acids and their monoglycerides against gram-negative pathogens.

Summary The effectiveness of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids and their monoglycerides against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella sp. A total of 20 ppm of myristic and palmitic acids and their monolgycerides showed a promising bioactivity (60–80%) against E. coli O157:H7 within 10–24 h; 50 ppm of monolaurin inhibited Y. enterocolitica and E. coli O157:H7 by >90% of control for 96 h; otherwise, 40 ppm of monolaurin and 30–50 ppm of lauric acid reduced Y. enterocolitica growth by >65% of control. The effect of lauric acid and its monoglyceride against Salmonella spp. was moderate (inhibition of approximately 30%). The results of this paper suggested some interesting ideas: the same compound could exert an inhibition or a stimulation of microbial growth; moreover, the studied compounds seemed to act in a reversible manner, as the inhibition of micro-organism was quite strong within the first 10–24 h and decreased for a prolonged incubation.
71. The Heat Denaturation of Albumin and Globulin in Milk

The heating of milk causes denaturation of the lactalbumin and lactoglobulin to an extent depending on both the temperature and the time of heating. A series of data has been given for the amounts of albumin and globulin denatured on heating samples of milk at various temperatures from 63 to 80° C, for periods of from 2½ to 60 min. An average of 10·4 per cent, of the total soluble protein was denatured after 30 min. heating at as low a temperature as 63° C. Smooth curves were obtained for the progress of denaturation with time at each temperature, and, over the range of 63–75° C, the relative increase in velocity of denaturation for each rise in temperature of 1° C. was found to be constant, the temperature coefficient of the reaction being 1·5.
Holocene forest dynamics in southern Ontario, Canada: fine-resolution pollen data

Holocene fossil pollen data of fine temporal and spatial resolution were obtained from two small, closed lake basins in southern Ontario, Canada. Forest development is recorded in the pollen sequences, which document the invasion and expansion of tree populations during the early Holocene. Subsequent forest dynamics are discussed in terms of the main factors driving vegetation change, including climate, soil development, migration, disturbance regime (abiotic and biotic), and competition, which operate on a species pool with a variety of biological and ecological characteristics. The relative importance of these factors, influencing forest dynamics during the Holocene, appears to have varied over time. Key words: Fine resolution pollen data, forest dynamics, southern Ontario, Holocene.
The selection of stubble fields by wintering granivorous birds reflects vegetation cover and food abundance

Summary 1 Fields left fallow after harvest (i.e. stubble fields) support high wintering densities of many species of granivorous bird. We examined correlates of use by eight such species of different types of intensively managed wheat and barley stubble fields, organic wheat fields and set-aside fields on mixed lowland farmland in central England. Field occupancy was studied in relation to the physical characteristics of fields and seed abundance. 2 Higher seed abundance was associated with greater occupancy by linnet Carduelis cannabina, grey partridge Perdix perdix, chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and corn bunting Miliaria calandra. Larger areas of bare earth within stubble fields were associated with greater occupancy by linnet, yellowhammer, reed bunting and corn bunting, but lower occupancy by woodpigeon Columba palumbus. 3 On conventional intensively farmed sites, seed abundance and area of bare earth were significantly greater on barley stubbles than on wheat stubbles. 4 Seed numbers fell throughout the winter in all stubble types, although reductions were greatest on intensive barley stubbles, intermediate on intensive wheat stubble and lowest on undersown organic wheat stubbles. 5 Within fields occupied by linnets, areas used for feeding had significantly greater quantities of seeds known to be important in their diet. Feeding areas also had a greater area of bare earth than randomly selected ‘non-feeding areas’. 6 Linnets and reed buntings were rarely found on fields where densities of weed seeds important in their diets fell below 250 seeds m−2. In autumn, yellowhammers and grey partridges rarely fed on fields where cereal grain density was below 50 m−2. However, in spring, both species fed on these fields irrespective of grain density, perhaps indicating a switch to other food sources. 7 We suggest that land managers wishing to maximize the value of overwinter stubble fields for granivorous birds locate such fields where there is a substantial natural regeneration of weed flora and where previous cropping (e.g. barley) is likely to offer a sparse stubble with substantial areas of bare ground.
Measuring Biosphere‐Atmosphere Exchanges of Biologically Related Gases with Micrometeorological Methods

Ecologists are expected to play an important role in future studies of the biosphere/atmosphere exchange of materials associated with the major biogeochemical cycles and climate. Most studies of material exchange reported in the ecological literature have relied on chamber techniques. Micrometeorological techniques provide an alternative means of measuring these exchange rates and are expected to be used more often in future ecological studies, since they have many advantages over the chamber techniques. In this article we will provide an overview of micrometeorological theory and the different micrometeorological techniques available to make flux measurements.
Prevalence of six Campylobacter species in a New Zealand dairy goat herd

Abstract The occurrence of Campylobacter, a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans, was investigated on five occasions over 9 months at a housed dairy goat farm in New Zealand. Six Campylobacter species were sought in 249 fresh faecal samples of adults does using a combination of culture and molecular identification. Seventy-four (30%) samples were positive for Campylobacter. Four species were detected: C. jejuni (20%), C. coli (7%), C. lari (2%) and C. hyointestinalis (2%). These species have known association with human infection. C. fetus and C. upsaliensis were not detected. There were significant differences among samplings in the prevalence of C. jejuni (P < 0.001), C. coli (P < 0.001) and C. lari (P < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of good farm hygiene to prevent risk to workers handling the goats and disposing of bedding material, and to consumers of goat milk or meat.
Song-based species discrimination in a rapid Neotropical radiation of grassland seedeaters

Acoustic signals among newly diverged taxa have the potential to convey species identity, information that is key to reducing hybridization. Capuchino seedeaters constitute a remarkable example of recently radiated endemic species from the grasslands of South America. They are sexually dimorphic and show striking differences in male plumage coloration and song. Contrasting with this divergence in phenotype most species show extremely low neutral genetic differentiation and lack of reciprocal monophyly, which is interpreted to be a product of recent common ancestry and hybridization. Here we use field-based playback experiments to test for the first time if males of two species, Sporophila hypoxantha and S. palustris, discriminate between conspecific and heterospecific song. Using various measures of behavior we find that both species react more strongly to their own songs. The response to playback from another southern capuchino cannot be differentiated from that of a control song from a more distantly related Sporophila species. Additionally, we did not find evidence for reinforcement as the response of S. hypoxantha did not differ between individuals that co-occur with S. palustris and those that do not. Our finding suggests that song, a culturally inherited trait, may help maintain reproductive isolation between species in the rapid and explosive capuchino radiation.
Origin of the preovulatory follicle after induced luteolysis during the early luteal phase in ewes

The origin of the preovulatory follicle (POF) was determined by daily transrectal ultra-sonographic examinations in ewes given PGF2α on day 5 (n = 8) or day 9 (n = 8) post-ovulation. In all day-9 ewes, the POF originated from wave 2 while in the day-5 group it originated from wave 1 (n = 5) or wave 2 (n = 3). When the POF originated from wave 2 in day-5 ewes, the dominant follicle of wave 1 emerged earlier than in ewes with the POF from wave 1 (day –1.0 vs. day 0.8, P < 0.05) and was regressing at the time of PGF2α treatment (diameter 4.1 ± 0.4 vs. 2.8 ± 0.3 mm, P < 0.05). The dominant follicle of wave 1 became POF if it was in the growing or plateau phase at the time of luteolysis. If it was already in the regressing phase, the dominant follicle of wave 2 became the POF. Key words: PGF2α, luteolysis, ovarian follicular waves, ultrasonography, ewes
The optimal tree species composition for a private forest enterprise – applying the theory of portfolio selection

Abstract In addition to ecological and social aspects, the financial performance of tree species should be considered in the choice of adequate tree species composition. The current study analyzes the application of the portfolio theory of Markowitz for assessing a financially optimal tree species composition for a forest enterprise, accounting for the risk of calamities and fluctuating timber prices. We derive a concept of how to optimize multi-species portfolios of different types of stands (pruned or not, naturally or artificially regenerated) using the following risk measures: standard deviation, Value at Risk, and Lower Partial Moments. Portfolios were optimized for a private forest enterprise in Germany, with the following tree species: Norway spruce, Douglas fir, European larch, Scots pine, Beech, Oak, Common ash, Maple, and Common alder. Mixtures which achieved a required rate of return of 3% with the lowest risk were defined as the optimal portfolios. For the analyzed forest enterprise, mixtures with at most 40% of Douglas fir and 15% of Norway spruce were recommended. European larch and Scots pine combined should constitute 10% and naturally regenerated hardwood stands 35%. Pruning is optimal on at least 50% of softwood area.
Phylogeography of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract The pyralid moth Eldana saccharina Walker is an indigenous insect widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have shown that populations from West Africa have distinct behavioural differences compared to populations from East and southern Africa. In addition, the parasitoid guilds attacking populations in these different regions are markedly different. This marked geographical variation evoked a hypothesis of genetic differentiation. To evaluate this hypothesis a molecular analysis was conducted on populations of E. saccharina from throughout much of the species’ range, using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region of the mitochondrial genome. A minimum spanning network and a maximum parsimony tree separated the 21 specimens into three distinct groups. Results revealed the presence of substantial genetic differentiation that is related to geographic variation.
Localization of cytokinins in somatic and zygotic embryos of Tilia cordata using immunocytochemistry

Immunofluorescent and immunogold labeling was used to study the localization of cytokinins in developing somatic and zygotic embryos of Tilia cordata Miller. Broad-specificity polyclonal antibodies active against dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR)/zeatin riboside (ZR)-type and isopentenyladenosine (iPR)-type cytokinins were used for immunolabeling. Immunofluorescent microscopy showed that these cytokinins were concentrated in highly cytoplasmic cells showing meristematic character. Cotyledon initials and primary meristems of heart-stage somatic embryos, as well as heart-stage zygotic embryos, were labeled. During elongation of embryos, cytokinin immunoreactive material was concentrated to areas having meristematic character. Root apex, shoot meristem, and cotyledon cells of somatic and zygotic cotyledonary embryos, as well as epidermal and subepidermal cell layers of the hypocotyl, showed the strongest immunoreaction. The nucleoli, especially, had a very strong signal. Results at the ultrastructural level with gold-conjugated protein A supported these conclusions. Gold particles were distributed in the nuclei, especially in the nucleoli and throughout the ground cytoplasm. They were occasionally associated with plastids and mitochondria, but seldom with other organelles.
An evaluation of Merino wool quality:IV. The classification of fibres according to follicle type

SUMMARY Histological sections of skin samples from two Merino flocks were studied to determine if coarse fibres were from primary (P) or secondary (S) follicles. The mean fibre diameters of P and S fibres were 23.7 and 19.7 µ respectively in flock 1 (significantly different P < 0.5) and 23.1 and 20.5 µ respectively in flock 2 (not significantly different). The percentages of fibres exceeding 30 µ in flock 1 were 10.1% P and 1.0% S. In flock 2, the percentages of fibres exceeding 30 µ were 10.3% P and 0.6% S fibres. If 30 µ is taken as an arbitrary level of fibre fineness, then the majority of coarse fibres wore from P follicles. The observed S/P ratios were 22.8/1 at 16 months on flock 1 and 21.7/1 at 15 months in flock 2.
Meiotic Chromosome Numbers in 9 Iranian Species of Oryzopsis (Poaceae)

Meiotic studies were performed in 9 Oryzopsis species of O. pubiflora, O. lateralis, O. holciformis, O. barbellata, O. munroi, O. microcarpa, O. sphacelata, O. virescense and O. molinioides showing the presence of 2n=2x=24 in all nine species studied. The species studied were diploid and had 12 chromosome number, and in O. microcarpa, O. sphacelata, O. molinioides and O. virescense chromosomes are new count. B-chromosomes 0–2 were observed in all species studied, which were smaller than A-chromosomes and did not pair with them. T-test analysis between the cells with B-chromosomes and those devoid of Bs showed significant difference in chiasma frequency and distribution as well as in chromosomes pairing only in O. munroi, with significant reduction in meiotic values in the presence of B-chromosomes. The occurrence of large pollen grains (possibly unreduced pollen grains) was observed along with small (normal) pollen grains in these species. Significant difference observed in chiasma frequency and distribution among species studied may be of use in species delimitation. Moreover species relationships obtained based on cytological data partly supports taxonomic treatment of the genus.
YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FLOWER HEADS OF SELECTED CULTIVARS OF POT MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis L.)

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is an annual ornamental plant which is also grown for herbal raw material used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. There are a lot of pot marigold cultivars which differ in colour and in size of inflorescen- ces as well as participation of ligulate flowers. In the field experiment there were five cul- tivars of pot marigold compared: 'Orange King', 'Persimmom Beauty' 'Promyk', 'Radio' and 'Santana'. As far as morphological features are concerned 'Orange King' turned out to be the best. It produced the most numerous and shapeliest inflorescences, with the big- gest number of ligulate flowers. Raw material yield of compared cultivars oscillated from 849 to 1661 kg·ha -1 of flower heads, and the ligulate flowers themselves from 449 to 1141 kg·ha -1 . In both cases the highest yield was obtained by 'Orange King', and the low- est by 'Promyk. ' The content of biologically active compounds in inflorescences of par- ticular cultivars also varied: flower heads of 'Persimmom Beauty' contained the highest amount of essential oil (0.41 ml·100 g -1 ), whereas 'Promyk' contained the highest amount of flavonoids (0.56% - expressed in hyperoside). In all cultivars inflorescence receptacle gathered the highest amount of essential oil and ligulate flowers gathered the least. The opposite tendency appeared in the case of flavonoids.
Altitudinal Distribution of Aquatic Beetles (Coleoptera) in Northern Tunisia: Relationship between Species Richness and Altitude

ABSTRACT An ecological study of the geographical distribution of aquatic Adephaga and Polyphaga (Coleoptera) in the mountains of northern Tunisia was carried out with an analysis of the effect of altitude on the distribution of 123 species collected from 64 sampling sites. Species richness was analyzed at different altitudinal levels and the indicator species were determined by establishing their altitude profile in terms of reciprocal species-factor information. Species richness decreases with increasing altitude. Thirty representative species are placed into three groups: species present along the entire altitudinal gradient; species present at high altitude; and species occurring at low altitude.
The distribution of α‐bungarotoxin binding sites on mammalian skeletal muscle developing in vivo

1. The distribution of α‐bungarotoxin binding sites on embryonic and neonatal rat skeletal muscle fibres was determined by autoradiography. Most of the bungarotoxin binding could be inhibited by curare. This observation, together with the spatial distribution of toxin‐binding sites, indicates that the distribution of bound toxin reflects that of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors on these developing muscle cells.