Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Floristic differences between riparian corridors of regulated and free-flowing boreal rivers

Riparian ecosystems are central elements in many landscapes because of their shape, diversity and function as filters and corridors. They are also among the environments most disturbed and threatened by humans. Human-induced changes in riparian vegetation and flora were assessed by comparing free-flowing and regulated rivers in northern Sweden. Although riparian vegetation structure is rather uniform along free-flowing rivers, it varies distinctly along regulated rivers because of different water-level fluctuations in storage reservoirs, run of the river impoundments and unimpounded but regulated reaches. The total species richness of vascular plants per river in the riparian zone was similar between four free-flowing and four regulated rivers in northern Sweden. However, species richness per 200 m long site was considerably lower, and almost all groups of species were more species-poor per site in the regulated rivers due to perturbations caused by regulation. Both free-flowing and regulated rivers showed an increase in the species richness of ruderal plants towards the coast. In contrast, the species richness of natural plants showed different longitudinal patterns in the two types of rivers, and differences were largest along the middle reaches of the rivers. The reasons why responses in vegetation and flora to human perturbation varied downstream along regulated rivers are not known, but factors such as different disturbance patterns, irregular distribution of remnants of former riparian soils and vegetation and differences in regional plant species richness and plant dispersal along the river corridor may be important.
Molecular Detection of Phytophthora cryptogea on Calendula officinalis and Gerbera jamesonii Artificially Inoculated with Zoospores

In this work, a protocol for zoospores production of Phytophthora cryptogea, an economically important plant pathogen was optimized. Five different concentrations of zoospores (5 · 10 5 ,5 · 10 4 ,5 · 10 3 , 5 · 10 2 ,5 · 10 1 zoospores ⁄ ml) from four different isolates of P. cryptogea (Maria 1, Maria 2, S3 1-A, Amazzone) were used as inoculum on pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) and gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) plants. Maria 1 was the most virulent isolate both on pot marigold and gerbera plants according to disease severity. A rapid and sensitive pathogen DNA extraction protocol suitable for large quantities of plant samples was adopted. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was able to detect the pathogen in artificially inoculated symptomless pot marigold (collected day 12) and gerbera plants (day 8) after pathogen inoculation, with the suspension of 5 · 10 5 ,5 · 10 4 , 5 · 10 3 P. cryptogea zoospores ⁄ ml. Real-time PCR showed the possibility to detect the pathogen in artificially inoculated symptomless pot marigold (collected day 8) and gerbera plants (day 4) after pathogen inoculation, with the suspension of 5 · 10 5 ,5 · 10 4 P. cryptogea zoospores ⁄ ml. The first symptoms appeared on pot marigold plants 14 days after pathogen inoculation and on gerbera plants 10 days after inoculation. Real-time PCR showed the possibility to detect the pathogen 4 days before conventional PCR and 6 days before the appearance of disease symptoms both on pot marigold and gerbera plants.
Vegetative and reproductive morphology of the type species of Gloiocladia, G. furcata (Faucheaceae, Rhodophyta)

N. Sánchez and C. Rodríguez-Prieto. 2005. Vegetative and reproductive morphology of the type species of Gloiocladia, G. furcata (Faucheaceae, Rhodophyta). Phycologia 44: 222–233. The type species of Gloiocladia, G. furcata, is described in detail, and its characters are compared with those of other species currently accepted in Gloiocladia. The presence of a subcortex of ovoid, angular or stellate cells, connected by secondary pit connections to form a network parallel to the thallus surface, is confirmed. Female reproductive structures and postfertilization stages are described for the first time. Plants are procarpic, with the 3-celled carpogonial branch and two-celled auxiliary cell branch borne on a cortical cell that acts as supporting cell. The auxiliary cell contains a large proteinaceous inclusion. After fertilisation cells of the carpogonial branch fuse and connect to the auxiliary cell. The auxiliary cell divides into a primary gonimoblast cell that contains the proteinaceous inclusion and a lower auxiliary cell. A fusion cell between the auxiliary mother cell, the lower auxiliary cell and adjacent vegetative cells is formed. Gonimoblasts arising from the primary gonimoblast cell produce several erect projections bearing lobes of ovoid carposporangia. Basal nutritive cells are present, with erect persistent filaments (= tela arachnoidea) surrounding the fertilised procarp and the gonimoblast. Ostiolate cystocarps, with or without horns, arise on branch margins. Spermatangia remain unknown. Tetrasporangia are grouped in slightly raised nemathecia. In the family Faucheaceae, the presence of a subcortex in all individuals and the presence of basal nutritive tissue with erect persistent filaments in fertile female thalli are confirmed to be important taxonomic characters. These observations support the proposal of Norris (1991) to include Gloioderma in Gloiocladia but do not clarify the relationship between Gloiocladia and Fauchea.
Dynamics of Quality Bluegill Populations inTwo Michigan Lakes with Dense Vegetation

Abstract Population characteristics of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and associated species were studied intensively to determine why many large bluegills were present at two Michigan lakes—Dead Lake and Blueberry Pond—in which macrophytes covered 41–83% of the surface. Both lakes contained unusually high proportions and densities of bluegills greater than 203 mm in total length due to high survival of adults, low fishing mortality, a favorable growth pattern, and low recruitment to age 2 or 3. Growth was rapid from 75 to 200 mm, then growth slowed and condition deteriorated among older fish. Rapid growth was stimulated by consistently low recruitment and consumption of limnetic Daphnia spp. and littoral benthos for food. Low recruitment was partially due to predation; a diet study at one lake estimated 303,300 juvenile bluegills per year were consumed by piscivores, mostly largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. Each lake contained dense populations of slow-growing piscivores, but these fish constituted le.
The distribution of the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) in Victoria and its relation to soil type

Surveys, based on the examination of cereal plants for infestation by Heterodera avenae Woll. , have shown that this nematode occurs commonly in the Mallee and Wimmera districts of Victoria. Its occurrence elsewhere in the Victorian wheat belt appears to be restricted by soil type. Glasshouse trials have shown that the solonized brown soils of the Mallee, and the friable grey clay soils that occur in the Wimmera, are more suitable for multiplication of the nematode than the red-brown earths. Differences in soil structure provide the best explanation for this distribution pattern in Victoria and other areas of the Australian wheat belt. A pH between 6 and 8 had no effect on larval activity, so soil reaction is not considered to be a factor limiting the distribution of H. avenue.
PaRaSItoSES IntEStInaIS EM CRIanÇaS DE CRECHES PÚBLICaS LoCaLIZaDaS EM BaIRRoS PERIFÉRICoS Do MUnÍCIPIo DE CoaRI, aMaZonaS, BRaSIL

The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was studied in children attending public day care centers in peripheral neighborhoods in the municipality of Coari, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Coproparasitological examinations were performed in 211 children resulting in 66.4% of positive samples. The etiological agents most frequently found were: Ascaris lumbricoides (37%), Trichuris trichiura (21.6%), ancylostomatides (5%), Entaboeba histolytica/E. dispar (14%), E. coli (11%), Giardia duodenalis (4.4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.8%), Endolimax nana (1%), Enterobius vermicularis 2.4%), Hymenolepis nana (2%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (0.4%). Actions to educate the target public about prevention and treatment are necessary to solve the problem of intestinal parasitoses in the community studied in order to avoid child health hazards due to the lack of knowledge about these diseases in the family and in the school.
Lipophilic contaminants in marine mammals: review of the results of ten years' work at the Department of Environmental Biology, Siena University (Italy)

Organochlorine contaminants (HCB, DDTs and PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were valuated in three Mediterranean cetaceans: the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), and in three Argentinean pinnipeds: the southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens), the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and the subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis). Two kinds of sample were obtained from the different species of cetaceans and pinnipeds in order to evaluate the toxicological risk to which a species or population is exposed those from stranded specimens and those from free-ranging specimens. In this paper, the use of a non-destructive approach, biopsy sampling, for freeranging marine mammals is recommended.
Concentrations of Selected Trace Elements in Marine Bivalves and the Dietary Risk to Residents of Dalian City, Northern China

ABSTRACT To assess the potential health risks associated with selected trace elements due to consumption of bivalves, a screening-level risk assessment was conducted through consideration of internationally accepted dietary guidelines and the calculation of hazard quotients. Seventeen edible bivalve species were collected from a local market in Dalian City, China. The ranges obtained for the trace elements analyzed in mg/kg dry weight were as follows: Cu (1.8–133), Zn (56–693), Mn (5.7–150), Se (0.2–3.8), Ni (0.56–7.67), Cd (0.04–10.3), Cr (0.48–2.23), Pb (0.01–1.63), Hg (0.07–0.35), and As (0.22–4.00). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of bivalves was 15.0–255.1 times lower than the RfD guidelines for all the trace elements studied. Further, the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) of the trace elements analyzed were well less than 1. Therefore, there were no potential human health risks to Dalian City consumers of marine bivalves.
Persistence of the entomoparasitic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in maize fields

The entomoparasitic nematode (EPN) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) is a promising candidate for the biological control of larvae of the maize pest Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). An easily applicable and economically feasible method is the inundative release of EPNs together with sowing of maize in spring. At that time, however, D. v. virgifera eggs are still diapausing and larval hatch will only start about four to 6 weeks after EPN application, depending on climatic conditions. Efficacy of the nematode application against the targeted pest species therefore depends on the ability of the biocontrol agent to persist in the pest's environment, at least until emergence of the first larvae. To address this key issue, 18 field trials were carried out at six locations in Germany, Austria and Hungary between 2010 and 2011. Fields differed in their soil type and in the presence or absence of a host. Nematodes were either applied as fluid stream (suspended in water) or as microgranules (without water) into the soil during the sowing process. Persistence of the nematodes was determined by examining soil samples, using larvae of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) as a bait. Results showed that EPNs, either applied as a suspension or as microgranules, were able to persist in the soil of all field sites. EPNs could be detected for at least 6 weeks in the soil. Persistence levels were higher in sandy soil types than in clay or silty soils. The applied EPN formulation had no effect on the persistence level of EPNs in the soil, and the presence or absence of the host insects had a minor effect. It can be concluded that EPNs applied with sowing of maize persist long enough to potentially control the later hatching larvae of the maize pest D. v. virgifera.
Rheological, gelling and emulsifying properties of a glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate generated by transglutaminase

Summary The impacts of oligochitosan glycosylation and cross-linking on some properties of a commercial caseinate were investigated in this study. The glycosylated and cross-linked caseinate with glucosamine content of 4.74 g kg−1 protein was generated by transglutaminase (TGase) and oligochitosan at pH 7.5 and 37 °C, with fixed substrate molar ratio of 1:3 (acyl donor to glucosamine acceptor), caseinate content of 50 g L−1, TGase of 10 kU kg−1 protein and reaction time of 3 h, respectively. In comparison with the caseinate, the glycosylated and cross-linked caseinate had decreased reactable amino groups (0.58 vs. 0.51 mol kg−1 protein), higher apparent viscosity, decreased emulsifying activity index (about 14.5%) and statistically unchanged emulsion stability index (92.6 vs. 90.5%). Based on the mechanical spectra of the acid-induced gels, the glycosylated and cross-linked caseinate showed shorter gelation time (95 vs. 200 or 220 min) than the caseinate or cross-linked caseinate. The gels prepared from the glycosylated and cross-linked caseinate also had enhanced hardness, springiness and cohesiveness. The results indicated that TGase-mediated oligochitosan glycosylation and cross-linking has the potential to obtain new protein ingredients.
Chorion morphology of the Eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini (Donovan) (Lepidoptera:Saturniidae)

The Samia cynthia ricini chorion was observed for its surface and inner structures by scanning electron microscopy. A micropyle opening was present at the anterior pole region of the chorion surface, surrounded by 12 to 20 petal-shaped cell imprints forming a single rosette. There were 6 to 10 “sperm ducts,” dangling from the inside surface of the chorion at the anterior pole region; these were connected to the micropyle and probably facilitated the polyspermy. All surface areas were confirmed to have network patterns made of comparatively uniform polygonal imprints. Aeropyles opened at the junction of three polygonal units, and there was an additional large hollow at the intermediate region of each polygonal unit. Cross-sections of the chorion revealed three layers, the outer, middle and inner layers. The middle layer, which was the thickest, was further divided into the upper, intermediate and lower parts; the aeropyles and the additional hollow penetrated almost to the intermediate part. The intermediate part was characterized by irregular lamellae, which were porous and thus may facilitate gas changes.
Comparison of Whey Protein Model Foulants for Studying Cleaning of Milk Fouling Deposits

The need to generate consistent and reproducible fouling layers for the study of cleaning mechanisms has prompted the use of whey protein solutions as model systems. We have employed both forced flows over heated surfaces—which are thereby fouled—or natural convective flows subjected to thermally induced gelation in sealed vessels. Specifically, deposits were generated from the same whey protein powder (30% WPC) by (1) formation of ‘surface deposits’, from a solution flowing over a heated surface, (2) gelation, termed ‘G80’, where the bulk temperature in the sealed vessel remains C. Evident differences in deposit structure and properties were recorded and related to differences in cleaning behaviour observed using fluid dynamic gauging (FDG) in three modes: (i) quasi-stagnant mode, (ii) quasi-stagnant mode with fluid sampling, and (iii) duct flow with thermal resistance measurements. The surface and G80 deposits showed similarities, while the G90 deposit differed markedly. Larger differences between the surface and G80 deposits were observed under cleaning-in-place conditions.
Fungal and Bacterial Production during the Breakdown of Yellow Poplar Leaves in 2 Streams

We compared the production and biomass of fungi with that of bacteria during the breakdown of yellow poplar leaves (Liriodendron tulipifera) in 2 streams that differed in water chemistry. The hardwater stream contained higher concentrations of nutrients (N and P) than the softwater stream. Fungal biomass (determined from ergosterol concentrations), production (determined from rates of [14C]acetate incorporation into ergosterol), and sporulation rates associated with leaves were greater in the hardwater stream than in the softwater stream. Bacterial biomass (determined from direct counts and cell volume estimates) was similar on leaves in both streams, but bacterial production (determined from rates of [3H]leucine incorporation into protein) was greater on leaves in the hardwater stream than in the softwater stream. Fungal biomass associated with leaves was always much greater than bacterial biomass (385-1236× in the hardwater stream, 32-185× in the softwater stream) during leaf breakdown. Fungal production reached maximum values within the first 2 wk after leaves were submerged in the hardwater stream. In the softwater stream, fungal production was low and remained relatively constant throughout the study with a minimum occurring after 28 d. In both streams, bacterial production increased throughout leaf breakdown. Even so, with the exception of 1 date, production of fungi was greater (2-108× in the hardwater stream and 0.9-35× in the softwater stream) than bacterial production during leaf breakdown. On the basis of both biomass and production, fungi played a greater role than bacteria in the breakdown of yellow poplar leaves in these streams.
Conservation Status of Five Headwater Stream Specialists in South Dakota

Abstract Native stream fish zoogeography has changed substantially across North America during the last century because habitat degradation, stream fragmentation and introductions of nonnative species have led to numerous extinctions, extirpations, and altered distributions. Insufficient information regarding imperiled species often results in reactive, rather than proactive, management, and knowledge of species status and ecology is critical in identifying conservation priorities. We used fish collection records and a habitat assessment to update the status of five fishes of conservation interest in South Dakota (Northern Redbelly Dace Chrosomus eos, Finescale Dace Chrosomus neogaeus, Northern Pearl Dace Margariscus nachtriebi, Blacknose Shiner Notropis heterolepis, and Plains Topminnow Fundulus sciadicus). We compiled records from previous collections within the White, Little White, and Keya Paha River Basins in South Dakota as well as adjoining and neighboring drainage basins in Nebraska. We also sampled fish and habitat at 42 stream reaches within the White, Little White, and Keya Paha river basins during 2010–2012, focusing on tributary streams. We detected all target species except for Finescale Dace. All species preferred tributary streams over larger rivers (third order or greater). All target species except Blacknose Shiner exhibited patchy distribution and abundance patterns, normally occurring at low relative abundance where present but occasionally detected at moderate to high relative abundance. Each target species was limited to landscapes with perennial, springfed streams that are not present in neighboring drainages. This study updates the distribution of conservation listed species, identifies landscape level habitat filters, and offers guidance for conservation and research efforts.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE SILICIFIED DIATOM CELL WALL—REVISITED

“Opinion”, as I understand it, is a platform to encourage the exchange of personal ideas and personal opinions, or to discuss the value of methods and different approaches, such as for instance a “web based taxonomy” (Sterrenburg 2002). Medlin's (2002) “Opinion” might rather be called a “Minireview” and as such it is highly valuable for students of diatoms, and for teachers as well. The first part in particular, could serve as an introduction to a lecture on diatoms. The second part addresses the question raised in the title of Medlin's article: “why silica or better yet why not silica? ”, and here I would like to add some aspects not readily apparent to readers who had not taken part in the 1996 discussion via the Diatom List-server about the use of silica as solidifying cell wall material. Although now globally summarised by Medlin (2002), the link below is for those who are interested in the original contributions and the references given. http://www.indiana. edu/~diatom/silica.dis In addition, I would like to comment on some aspects of the diatom's cell biology—based mainly on my own work—where I believe clarification might be helpful to avoid possible future continued misquotations and misunderstandings, and especially to encourage re-investigation. Sentences of Medlin's article (2002) which I believe require comments, follow in quotation marks and underlined.
Parasitological evaluation and body indices of Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Vandelli, 1829) traded in a fair of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

This study evaluated the parasitic fauna and body index of Osteoglossum bicirrhosum specimens intended for fish trade. Fish were parasitized by ectoparasites, Monogenoidea Telethecium na-salis (10%), Gonocleithrum aruanae (100%) and Branchiura Argulus sp. (10%). The parasitic intensity of G. aruanae was positively correlated to the weight-length relationship (p 3.00) and the relative condition factor indicated good body condition in the examined fish (Kn = 1). The splen and hepato-somatic index were on average 0.13 ± 0.08% and 0.83 ± 0.22%, respectively. This was the first study on evaluation of O. bicirrhosum health planned for the consumer in a market of fresh fish of the Amazonas State.
Effects of Recreational Trails on Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in Forested Urban Parks

ABSTRACT: Though typically considered benign, recreational trails have the potential to both alter vegetation and disturb birds in ways that might influence parental nest attendance rates and other behaviors that ultimately can affect reproductive success. We hypothesized that recreational trails negatively impact avian reproductive success either by (1) reducing nest attendance due to direct human disturbance or (2) modifying vegetation characteristics surrounding nests. From April to August of 2006 and 2007, 263 nests of Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were monitored in 14 forested riparian sites containing paved and unpaved recreational trails in central Ohio. Vegetation characteristics were measured around 161 nests and 114 random locations. Trail use was estimated using cameras at seven of 14 sites. Nest attendance was not related to distance to trail, nest height, or trail use. We found little evidence that daily nest survival rates were related to distance to trail, nest attendance, trail use, or site. Rather, daily nest survival was best explained by and positively related to nest height. Though vegetation characteristics in randomly-located plots were unrelated to distance from trail, nests closer to trails were surrounded by more small stems (dbh < 8 cm), less native vegetation, and were placed at greater heights and farther from the foliage edge. Thus, birds may modify nest-site selection in relation to recreational trails.