Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An integrated management plan for the control of Opuntia stricta (Cactaceae) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Opuntia stricta is the most problematic alien plant species in the Kruger National Park (KNP) where 30000 ha around Skukuza have been invaded by the weed. Control of 0. stricta is expensive and time consuming and there are insufficient resources available for the task at present. Biological control using the moth Cactoblastis cactorum has only been partially successful and herbicidal control remains the main method for tackling the problem. In order to optimise the control operation against 0. stricta, a management plan has been developed for the KNP. The infested region of the park has been divided into 18 management units, each of which will be treated in turn. During the first three years the control operations will clear 0. stricta from the peripheral units, to prevent the spread of the weed into other areas of the KNP, after which the central units will be tackled. The objective is to destroy all mature fruiting plants and those nearing maturity to curb long-range (seed) dispersal of the weed. The small juvenile plants, which are difficult to detect, will be suppressed by C. cactorum. After five years the problem should be contained to the extent that an ongoing 'holding' programme will be sufficient to keep the weed in check. The success of the plan will depend on increased resources being committed to alien plant control in the Kruger National Park.
Natural Resource Management implications of the pre-European non-volant mammal fauna of the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Sinkholes and coastal caves located in, around and between the Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Parks were surveyed for pre-European fossils, which were collected from or just below the sediment surface. Twenty-four pre-European fossil samples, including eight already in the collections of the South Australian Museum, were analysed and 25 native and five introduced species of non-volant mammal were identified. Native and introduced species were often found together, indicating that the sites have accumulated mammal remains in both pre- and post-European times. Only four of the non-volant native mammals recovered are known to be extant in the study area today: Lasiorhinus latifrons, Macropus fuliginosus, Cercartetus concinnus and Rattus fuscipes. In contrast, 20 native species recorded have been extirpated and one (Potorous platyops) is now extinct. C. concinnus was recorded from only one of the fossil assemblages but is known to be widespread in the study area today. This may indicate recent vegetation change related to European land management practices and have implications for natural resource management in the area.
Comparison of time budget of behaviors between penned and ranged young cattle focused on general and oral behaviors

To consider cattle welfare, time budget of behaviors of young cattle in pen and pasture conditions were compared. Behavioral observations of 103 steers in seven pens and 1136 steers in six ranges were performed during daylight over 3 days in each rearing condition. The pen condition had Japanese Black × Holstein cross, and the pasture conditions had assorted breeds of Angus, Murray Grey, Shorthorn, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and their crosses aged 5–15 months. The ranges varied in vegetation from extensive native pasture to intensive improved pasture. The daytime proportion of behaviors and activity patterns were compared between rearing conditions. The proportion of walking was much lower in the pen condition (1.0 ± 0.2%) compared to all pasture conditions (at least 9.4 ± 4.0%; all P < 0.05), but grooming (5.9 ± 1.2%), investigating (2.5 ± 0.2%) and tongue playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) covered the loss. Fluctuation patterns of the proportions of eating (P < 0.001) and resting (P < 0.001) were different between pen and pasture conditions, whereas the pattern of the proportion of walking was not different. The proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was not different to that in one on the farm (42.2 ± 12.6%), which had a thick improved pasture. However, the proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was lower than that in two farms (58.8 ± 5.0% and 61.6 ± 16.5%) with low pasture availability (both P < 0.05). The proportions of oral behaviors such as self-grooming (3.9 ± 1.0%), allogrooming (2.0 ± 0.2%), licking objects (1.3 ± 0.4%) and tongue-playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) compensated for the lack of eating. These results indicate that we can learn a well-balanced proportion of behaviors for cattle by making comparisons of time budget of behaviors and activity pattern between various rearing conditions. In addition, it is indicated that cattle under pen conditions under a restricted feeding period might compensate for a lower time spent feeding by performing other oral behaviors.
Genetic variability, character association and path analysis for seed yield and its component characters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L) under rainfed environment

Genetic variability, characters association and path analysis between grain yield and its contributing characters were studied using sixteen genotypes of wheat under rainfed conditions. Highly significant differences among genotypes for all the characters were observed. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation coupled with high heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean were reported for grain yield, biological yield, days to 50% flowering, spikelets per spike, effective tillers per plant and days to maturity indicating predominance of additive gene effects in controlling these characters. Seed yield had significant and positive correlation with days to maturity, plant height, effective tillers/plant, 1000-grain weight and biological yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed positive direct effect of days to 50 % flowering, plant height, spike length, number of seeds per spike, biological yield and harvest index on seed yield. These characters were considered as most important for selection and improvement of seed yield in rainfed wheat breeding programme.
Role of the Rab11-associated intracellular pool of receptors formed by constitutive endocytosis of the β isoform of the thromboxane A2 receptor (TPβ)

Intracellular trafficking pathways of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), following their agonist-induced endocytosis and their consequences on receptor function, are the subject of intense research efforts. However, less is known regarding their constitutive endocytosis. We previously demonstrated that the β isoform of the thromboxane A2 receptor (TPβ) undergoes constitutive and agonist-induced endocytosis. Constitutive endocytosis of GPCRs can lead to the formation of an intracellular pool of receptors from which they can recycle back to the cell surface. In the present report, we show with the help of two TPβ mutants (TPβ-Y339A and TPβ-I343A) specifically deficient in constitutive endocytosis that this intracellular pool of receptors serves to maintain agonist sensitivity over prolonged receptor stimulation in HEK293 cells. Second messenger generation by the TPβ-Y339A and TPβ-I343A mutants was drastically reduced compared to the wild-type receptor as suggested by dose−response and time-course experime.
Reproductive Cycle and Fecundity of Primiparous and Multiparous Female Snow Crab, Chionoecetes opilio, in the Northwest Gulf of Saint Lawrence

A total of 1 691 mature female Chionoecetes opilio was collected by beam trawl in Baie Sainte-Marguerite on seven occasions from April 1991 to May 1992. Quantitative analyses of ovaries, brood, eggs, and spermathecal contents were performed on a subsample of 318 females. Females moulted to maturity in March and April. Development of ovaries and brood were phased and lasted 24–27 mo. Eggs hatched mainly from April to June. Spermathecae contained zero to three ejaculates, and the mean blotted weight of freshly deposited ejaculates was significantly greater in primiparous (0.513 g) than in multiparous (0.249 g) females. The weight of stored ejaculates decreased over time independently of spawning events. Fecundity was correlated positively with carapace width and negatively with mean egg diameter. Eggs of primiparous females were on average 1.4–2.7% larger, but 16.4–22.7% fewer per brood, than those of multiparous females. Some large multiparous females had small broods, due possibly to lesser fertility. Fem.
Changes in the Blood of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) After Short-Term and Long-Term Exposure to Copper

Seven blood characteristics — red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (Hc), hemoglobin (Hb), plasma chloride (Cl), plasma glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (PGOT, L-aspartate:2-oxoglutarate amino transferase), osmolarity (Os), and total protein (TP) — were measured in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) that had been exposed to three concentrations (67.5–69.2, 38.2–39.0, and 22.8–24.0 μg/liter) of Cu(II) for 6 and 21 days. Concentrations of 67.5–69.2 and 38.2–39.0 μg/liter caused statistically significant increases in RBC, Hc (6-day only), Hb, PGOT, and TP (6-day only), whereas Cl and Os decreased during both exposure periods. Five blood characteristics (RBC, Hb, Hc, Cl, and PGOT) were also measured in brook trout, which were exposed for 337 days to Cu(II) concentrations of 32.5, 17.4, 9.5, 5.7, and 3.4 μg/liter. After this long-term exposure, no changes were observed in the blood except for a measurable decrease in PGOT values at 32.5 and 17.4 μg/liter. The disappearance of initial blood changes, after ext.
Viscosity of guar gum and xanthan/guar gum mixture solutions

The viscosity of diluted guar gum solutions and the viscosity of xanthan and guar gum mixture solutions have been studied. Guar gum solutions showed pseudoplastic behaviour. Apparent viscosity increased with gum concentration and decreased with the temperature at which viscosity was measured. A maximum in the plot of viscosity versus increasing dissolution temperature was observed at 60 °C. This behaviour was related to differences in molecular structure of the polymers solved at different temperatures. Mixtures of xanthan and guar gum showed a higher combined viscosity than that occurring in each separate gum. This synergistic interaction was affected by the gum ratio in the mixture and dissolution temperature of both gums. The effect of polysaccharide concentration (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg m−3), xanthan/guar gum ratio (1/5, 4/2, 3/3, 4/2 and 5/1) and dissolution temperature (25, 40, 60 and 80 °C for both gums) on the viscosity of solutions of mixtures were studied. The highest viscosities were observed when 2.0 kg m−3 gum concentration was used together with a ratio of xanthan/guar gum of 3/3 (w/w) and dissolution temperature of 40 and 80 °C for xanthan and guar gum, respectively. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrous oxide fluxes from corn fields: on‐farm assessment of the amount and timing of nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilization is considered as an important source of atmospheric N2O emission. A seven site‐year on‐farm field experiment was conducted at Ottawa and Guelph, ON and Saint‐Valentin, QC, Canada to characterize the affect of the amount and timing of N fertilizer on N2O emission in corn (Zea mays L.) production. Using the static chamber method, gas samples were collected for 28‐days after preplant and 28‐days after sidedress fertilization at the seven site‐year, resulting in 14 monitoring periods. For both methods of fertilization, peak N2O flux and cumulative emission increased with the amount of N applied, with rates ranging from 30 to 900 μg N m−2 h−1. Depending on N amount and time of application, cumulative emission varied from 0.05 to 2.42 kg N ha−1, equivalent to 0.03% to 1.45% of the N fertilizer applied. Differences in N2O emission peaks among fertilizer treatments were clearly separated in 13 out of 14 monitoring periods. Total N2O emissions may have been underestimated compared with annual monitoring in 10 out of the 49 cases because the monitoring period ended before N2O efflux returned to the baseline level. The flux of N2O was negligible when soil mineral N in the 0–15 cm layer was < 20 mg N kg−1. While rainfall stimulated emission, soil temperature > 15 °C was likely the driving force responsible for the higher levels of N2O found for sidedress than preplant application methods. However, caution must be taken when interpreting these later results as preplant fertilization may have continuously stimulated N2O emissions after the 28‐days monitoring period, especially in situations where N2O effluxes have not fallen back to their baseline levels. Increasing fertilizer rates from 90 to 150 kg N ha−1 resulted in slight increases in yields, but doubled cumulative N2O emissions.
Reproduction and early development in Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot: Chlorophyceae1

Abstract Reproduction and early development of Codium fragile from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, was studied in the laboratory. Zygotes and germlings were obtained in culture and observed over a period of several months. The possibility of parthenogenetic development of female gametes in this population was investigated. It was found that zygotes and germlings are produced only in the presence of both male and female plants. No utricles were produced by young germlings, even after 3 to 4 months in culture. The existence of a “juvenile filamentous stage” without utricles is suggested. Asexual propagation as an effective means of rapid dissemination is discussed.
Differentiation of Striated Muscle Fibers in Monolayer Cultures of Rat Anterior Pituitary

Striated muscle fibers appeared in monolayer cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells maintained in αMinimum Essential Medium (αMEM). As muscle differentiation in cultures of pituitary cells under ordinary conditions has not hitherto been reported, an in vitro study was undertaken to determine what factor(s) is responsible for this myogenesis. When dispersed anterior pituitary cells were culrured in three different media, αMEM, Medium 199 and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), only αMEM induced a high incidence of striated muscles. The nature of the serum (fetal calf, calf and horse) and its concentration (1–10%) did not affect myogenesis.
The RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Regulates IFN-γ Production and Responses in Innate Immunity

Receptor tyrosine kinases are emerging as a class of key regulators of innate immune responses. We have shown previously that the RON receptor tyrosine kinases (murine Stk), expressed on tissue-resident macrophages, inhibit classical macrophage activation while promoting hallmarks of alternative activation, thus regulating the critical balance between the inflammatory and wound-healing properties of activated macrophages. We have also shown previously that RON−/− mice are more susceptible to in vivo endotoxin challenge than wild-type mice, suggesting that the expression of this receptor confers a degree of endotoxin resistance to these animals. Here we demonstrate that, in response to in vivo LPS challenge, RON−/− mice harbor significantly increased systemic levels of IFN-γ and IL-12p70 and increased levels of IL-12p40 transcript in their spleen. This elevation of IFN-γ can be attributed to splenic NK cells responding to the elevated levels of IL-12. Analysis of RON and IFN-γ receptor double-knockout mice indicates that the enhanced susceptibility of RON−/− mice to endotoxin challenge is dependent on IFN-γ-mediated signals. In vitro studies demonstrate that stimulation of primary peritoneal macrophages with macrophage-stimulating protein, the ligand for RON, inhibits IFN-γ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation and CIITA expression, resulting in reduced surface levels of MHC class II. Further studies demonstrating the induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 via macrophage-stimulating protein/RON signaling provide a potential mechanistic insight into this regulatory pathway. These results indicate that the RON receptor regulates both the production of and response to IFN-γ, resulting in enhanced susceptibility to endotoxin challenge.
A BIOSYSTEMATIC STUDY OF THE CREEPING SPEARWORTS AT LOCH LEVEN, KINROSS

Summary Synthetic interspecific hybrids and backcross progeny of Ranunculus flammula L. and R. reptans L. have been compared for their morphology, phenotypic response to submersion, fertility, and breeding system, with transplant specimens of R. reptans-like plants from Loch Leven. The two species were found to be fully inter-fertile. The Loch Leven transplants were found to show a striking similarity to backcross progeny of F1 interspecific hybrids ×R. reptans, thus providing experimental evidence for the introgressive hybrid status of these plants as proposed by previous authors.
Historical assemblage distinctiveness and the introduction of widespread non-native species explain worldwide changes in freshwater fish taxonomic dissimilarity

Aim Taxonomic dissimilarity between assemblages can result from two processes - the replacement of species (turnover) and differences in richness - but it remains unclear how anthropogenic drivers (introductions and extirpations) affect these processes. Here, we investigate how historical patterns and anthropogenic drivers shape the changes in dissimilarity and its turnover component in freshwater fish assemblages both in historical (i.e. pre-industrial) times and at the present day. Location World-wide. Methods We used a global database of fish assemblages in 1054 river basins throughout the world to quantify the change in turnover through its contribution to taxonomic dissimilarity between the two periods. We then used random forests to disentangle the relative roles of historical distinctiveness, species introductions and species extirpations on changes in dissimilarity and on the contribution of its turnover component. Results The pairs of basins exhibited a decrease in the contribution of turnover to taxonomic dissimilarity of 82% and 61% in homogenized and differentiated pairs, respectively. The historical number of shared species and its change after species introductions and extirpations accounted for more than 60% of the change in dissimilarity and in the turnover contribution in the six biogeographical realms. Main conclusions The historically high distinctiveness between pairs of basins, due to a low number of shared species, has promoted high levels of taxonomic dissimilarity. The world-wide changes in taxonomic dissimilarity among fish assemblages are to a large extent coupled to a decrease in the contribution of taxonomic turnover to taxonomic dissimilarity. Hence, the dissimilarity between assemblages declines with decreasing species replacement. These changes are mainly explained by introductions of a small set of widespread non-native species, which promote an increase in the number of shared species. Alongside historical distinctiveness, species introduction processes can determine whether assemblages become more homogenized or more differentiated. Our results suggest that taxonomic differentiation can quickly turn to homogenization as the number of species introductions increase.
Environmental Determinants of Allosyncarpia ternata Forests That Are Endemic to Western Arnhem Land, Northern Australia

Allosyncarpia ternata S. T. Blake dominates closed forests on rugged sandstone escarpments on the western edge of the Arnhem Land Plateau, northern Australia. The forests occur in a floristic continuum between fire-protected wet monsoon forests in the base of canyons and frequently burnt, eucalyptdominated savannas that occur in all other topographic positions. An indirect gradient analysis of 69 quadrats from these three vegetation types at six different localities showed that no measured edaphic variable was correlated with this floristic transition. A detailed study of a single patch of Allosyncarpia on level terrain with rock-free, sandy soils showed that Allosyncarpia trees occur on sites with significantly deeper soils and higher concentrations of available K in the surface soil compared to surrounding eucalypt savannas. However, there was no significant difference in dry season surface soil moisture content between these communities. There is also evidence that there is no significant difference in subsoil moisture supply. Xylem pressure potential of Callitris intratropica (which is equally abundant in both Allosyncarpia and eucalypt communities) was found to be statistically similar at the beginning and end of the dry season. The Allosyncarpia forest was made up of a mosaic ranging from stands co-dominated by savanna species with grassy understoreys to stands co-dominated by monsoon forest species with dense understoreys. No measured environmental factors were significantly related to the patterning of these stands within the forest. Seed throw of Allosyncarpia is limited to several metres from the canopy edge and seedlings were only observed beneath the canopy. Field experiments demonstrated that seedling survival in the savanna can be enhanced by the provision of shade, and nursery experiments demonstrated that the growth of seedlings provided with ample water is suppressed by full sunlight. Dry season fires in grass fuels ranging from 2 to 8 t ha-1 were found to be lethal to seedlings <100 mm tall. Although most Allosyncarpia trees recover following fire damage, the present distribution of the species may be best explained as a consequence of wildfires. However, there is need for confirmation that the species range is contracting under current fire regimes. This is probably best derived by analysis of existing remote sensing data.
Genotoxic Effects of Carbendezim (fungicide) on the Root Apicalmeristems of Allium cepa L.

Higher plants are recognized as excellent genetic models to detect environmental mutagens, and are therefore, frequently used in monitoring studies. The genotoxic potential of carbendezim (fungicide) was investigated by using chromosome aberration in Allium cepa L. root tip cells. In this study, the effects of Carbendezim, a systemic fungicide were investigated in the mitotic cell division in onion (Allium cepa L.) root tip cells during germination. Allium cepa L. roots were treated with 1g/L, 2g/L and 3g/L concentrations of Carbendezim and distilled water as control at 6 hours, 12 hours and 18 hours duration. All the concentrations used, caused several abnormalities in mitotic cell divisions and the Mitotic Index in the onion root tip cells decreased when the concentrations of Carbendezim solution is increased. The total percentage of aberrations generally increased in a dose and time dependent manner.