Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disjunct distribution of Hypericum nummularium L. (Hypericaceae): molecular data suggest bidirectional colonization from a single refugium rather than survival in distinct refugia

Hypericum nummularium has a strongly disjunct, bi-areal distribution in Europe: it is abundant in the Pyrenees and grows in a very restricted part of the Alps, more than 1000 km away. My aim was to estimate the genetic divergence between these areas and to identify the factors responsible for the disjunction: glacial relicts, bidirectional colonization from a common refugium, long-distance dispersal and/or human introduction? Internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequencing (680 bp) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting (104 polymorphic markers) showed very low differentiation between populations in the Alps and the Pyrenees, indicating that H. nummularium probably survived in a single refugium. Moreover, levels of genetic diversity were similar in the two areas, making human introduction and long-distance dispersal unlikely. Thus, the species probably survived in one refugium, subsequently colonizing both areas more or less simultaneously. The comparison of genetic and geographical distances suggested a step by step migration in the Alps (isolation by distance), whereas random dispersal events were more likely in the Pyrenees. Finally, I discuss possible causes for the restricted distribution area of H. nummularium in the Alps (e.g. unsuitable habitat, low dispersal capacities) and conclude that strong human disturbance is probably the major limit to the expansion of the species in this region. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 87 , 437‐447. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) ‐ biogeography ‐ disjunction ‐ dispersal ‐ genetic structure ‐ glaciation ‐ internal transcribed spacers (ITS) ‐ phylogeography.
Evaluation of productivity and biochemical components in fruit of different Viburnum accessions

* Corresponding author. E-mail: l.cesoniene@bs.vdu. lt Accessions of the genus Viburnum with edible fruits were investigated in the field collection of the Kaunas Botanical Garden of VMU and those most valuable were selected. Three accessions of V. opulus and the species V. trilobum were distinguished for productivity and raceme size. Biochemical examination of fruit revealed a considerable variation among the accessions in regarding the content of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and carotenoids. V. trilobum and V. sargentii fruits should be appreciated as a source of valuable biochemical components, phenolic in particular.
INHERITANCE OF FERTILITY RESTORATION OF FIVE SOURCES OF CYTOPLASMIC MALE STERILITY IN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

The cross combinations involving six male sterile lines of five different cytosterile sources viz., IR 58025 A and PMS 2 A (WA), IR 68885 A (Mutant-induced by gamma irradiation of IR 62829 B), IR 54755 A (ARC), G 46 A (Gambiaca) and D 297 A (Dissi), when crossed with five common restores viz., Ratnagiri 3, Swarna, IR 5, IR46 and IR 54, showed more than 80% spikelet fertility restoration in all the combinations except IR 54755 A x Swarna and IR 54755 A x IR 54. The F2 segregation classification based on pollen as well as spikelet fertility in the 28 cross combinations, indicated the presence of two independent dominant fertility-restoring genes. The mode of action of the two genes varied in different crosses revealing three types of interaction viz., epistasis with dominance, epistasis with incomplete dominance and epistasis with recessive. Change in fertility restoration by same restorer with CMS line of same source and different source could be due to the influence of female parent genotype or fertility restoring genes has different penetrance and is affected by modifier.
Response of microphytobenthos to flow and trophic variation in two South African temporarily open/closed estuaries

Abstract Variations in microphytobenthic biomass were investigated in relation to major environmental factors in the Mdloti and Mhlanga temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCEs), South Africa, from March 2002 to March 2003. Both estuaries receive different volumes of treated sewage waters. This has caused eutrophication and an increase in the frequency of mouth opening, particularly at the Mhlanga. No significant differences were found in microphytobenthic chl a concentrations between the two estuaries. At the Mdloti, microphytobenthic biomass varied considerably, with values ranging from 1.33 to 131 mg chl a m-2 during the open phase, and from 18 to 391 mg chl a m-2 during the closed phase. At the Mhlanga, microphytobenthic biomass ranged from 7.0 to 313 mg chl a m-2 during the open phase, and from 1.7 to 267 mg chl a m-2 during the closed phase. Unlike in the Mdloti, the higher microphytobenthic biomass values at the Mhlanga were not always associated with the closed mouth state. For the duration of the study, the Mdloti functioned as a typical temporarily open/closed system, with prolonged open and closed phases, while the Mhlanga behaved more like a permanently open estuary than a TOCE (it lacked a period of prolonged mouth closure).
Seed Source Variation in Black Siris ( Albizia lebbek Benth.)

Variation with respect to different pod and seed characteristics among 20 seed sources from Punjab, Haryana and Uttaranchal was studied. Correlation coefficient among pod and seed characteristics, germination percentage and growth parameters of mother trees was also estimated. The correlation matrix revealed that statistically significant correlation exists between seed weight, seed width, and seed length. Germination per cent was positively correlated with number of seeds per pod. Highest germination percentage was found in Raipur seed source in Ropar Forest Division though there was a high variation in germination percentage among all the seed sources. Based on our finding it is suggested that the seeds of Albizia lebbek should preferably be collected from healthy and fresh pods.
Chapter 12: New Felid Material from the Ulaan Tologoi Locality, Loh Formation (Early Miocene) of Mongolia

Abstract Herein I describe new felid material from the early Miocene, Ulaan Tologoi locality of Mongolia. A dentary fragment and a metapodial are the first large felid fossils to be recovered from the early Miocene of Asia. Both specimens are referred to the genus Pseudaelurus. Comparisons of these Asian specimens to previously described European, Asian, and North American species provide insights into the size and form of this cat. I review the Asian literature on early felids and discuss possible causes for fossil felid scarcity in the early Miocene of Asia.
SETTLING AND FEEDING RESPONSES OF BROWN PLANTHOPPER TO FIVE RICE CULTIVARS

Mollah MLR, Hossain MA, Samad MA, Khatun MF (2011) Settling and feeding responses of brown planthopper to five rice cultivars. Int. J. Sustain. Crop Prod. 6(1), 10-13. Settling and feeding responses of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal.) to five rice cultivars were studied in terms of nymphal and adult preference, feeding rate, body weight change, ingested and assimilated food during March to September, 2006 in Entomology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Both nymphs and adults showed distinct non-preference reactions to resistant cultivars Swarnalata and T27A for settling. Swarnalata had the lowest percentage (10.4) of nymphs at 72 hours after release which was at par with T27A while the highest percentage (34.0) of nymphs settled on TN1. On the contrary, the lowest percentage (7.2) of adults settled on T27A which was identical with Swarnalata whereas TN1 was highly preferred by N. lugens female. Adult female feeding on susceptible TN1 excreted the highest amount of 19.8 mg honeydew and gained body weight by 42.0 per cent while they gained the lowest body weight by 8.3 per cent and excreted only 2.1mg of honeydew during 24 hours feeding on resistant T27A. The quantity of food ingested and assimilated by female brown planthopper was also significantly much lower on resistant T27A as compared to that on susceptible TN1.
Remarkable Movements of an American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in Florida

Abstract Here we present the remarkable movements of an individual Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile) over a 14-year period. The crocodile was originally marked in Homestead, FL as a young-of-the-year in 1999, and was later recaptured multiple times more than 388 km away along the southwest coast of Florida. After several relocations and numerous sightings, this individual who has become known as Yellow Number 1 was found back within the same canal system in which it was first captured.
Prey consumption and functional response of a phytoseiid predator, Neoseiulus womersleyi, feeding on spider mite, Tetranychus macfarlanei

The spider mite, Tetranychus macfarlanei (Baker and Pritchard) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a pest of various crops and trees with a cosmopolitan geographic range that includes the country of Bangladesh. This study was conducted to evaluate the biological control potential of the predacious mite, Neoseiulus womersleyi (Schicha) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), against T. macfarlanei . The consumption rate (when offered egg, larvae, protonymph, and deutonymph as prey) and functional responses (over different prey densities) of N. womersleyi were investigated in laboratory experiments. Experimental results showed that the predator consumed significantly more larvae than other stages of T. macfarlanei . Logistic regression indicated that the predator exhibited a Type II functional response on all immature stages of prey; the number of prey consumed increased with prey density up to a maximum after which it slowly decreased. The attack rate ( a ) and handling time ( T h) coefficients of a Type II response were estimated by fitting Holling’s disc equation to the data. The lowest estimated value of a and the highest value of T h were obtained for the predator feeding on deutonymphs. The lowest value of T h was obtained for the predator feeding on larvae. However, the attack rate on larvae was not significantly different than the attack rate obtained on eggs and protonymphs. The predicted maximum daily prey consumption was 212.8 eggs, 238.1 larvae, 53.5 protonymphs, and 29.6 deutonymphs. Thus, our results suggest that N. womersleyi could be a highly efficient biological control agent of T. macfarlanei at least at low prey densities, although field studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.
The role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in cultured bovine granulosa cells

Infertility in dairy cattle restrains the economic success of this industry. Abnormal foUic1e growth, anoestrus and anovulation are among the principal causes of dec1ining fertility in high-yielding dairy cattle. To resolve these problems, more basic knowledge is required to understand the endocrine mechanisms that control normal growth of the ovarian foUic1e. Gonadotropin stimulation of responsive follic1es is associated with increased synthesis of estradiol-17~ (E2) and progesterone (P4). E2 is a key marker of growth and selection of the dominant follic1e, ~d P 4 synthesis is necessary for the induction of ovulation. Granulosa cells play an important role in determining the fate of the developing foUic1e towards ovulation or atresia because these cells produce E2 and P 4 and are the main target for cell proliferation and apoptosis signaIs. Transforming growth factor-~l (TGF-~l) is an important factor produced by the foUic1e cells and is known to modify E2 and P 4 secretion, ovarian function and fertility. The physiological effects ofTGF-~l on granulosa cells is unc1ear.In rodent granulosa cells of E2-treated immature rats, TGF-~l stimulates E2 and P4 in vitro, but in cultured granulosa cells of domestic animaIs, TGF-~l inhibits E2 and P4. The first objective ofthis study was to determine the mechanism of action ofTGF-~l on the steroidogenic enzymes that transform androgens, estrone (El) and cholesterol to E2 and P4 in FSH-stimulated and quiescent bovine granulosa cells. The second objective was to study the effect ofTGF-~l on granulosa cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Bovine granulosacells were obtained from 2-5 mm foUic1es and were cultured in serum-free medium in the presence or
FORAGING IN A PATCHY AND DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE: HUMAN LAND USE AND THE WHITE STORK

In the agricultural landscapes of Europe, the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) prefers to forage on meadows with short vegetation. Thus, food supply for the nestlings and, consequently, breeding success of this central-place forager depend on the temporal and spatial mowing activities of farmers around the nest to generate a patchy and dynamic food availability. Using a spatially explicit model, we study the impact of different land use patterns on food supply and breeding success of a central-place forager. The conclusions of our model are twofold. First, for the White Stork, our model suggests that sequential (asynchronous) mowing increases breeding success compared to the synchronous mowing activities presently applied by farmers. Second and more generally, we conclude that, with increasing heterogeneity and dynamics of the landscape, the patch selection strategy be- comes increasingly important for predicting food supply. Thus, landscape-oriented behavior is an important, but often neglected, component of conservation biology and management, especially in agricultural landscapes.
Nitrogen studies in Lolium perenne grown for seed I. Level of application

In field trials in 1971–73, perennial ryegrass cv. S23 and S24 were given up to 200 kg ha−1 nitrogen (N) and dry weight, seed yields and seed yield components measured. Optimum levels of applied N ranged from 80 kg ha−1, where livestock had grazed the crop in the establishment year or where residual N levels were about 70 kg ha−1, to 120 kg ha−1 where residual N was low. Application of more than 120 kg ha−1 did not increase yields further because of increased lodging and increased production of vegetative tillers. Seed set was 37–55% in S24 and 25–29% in S23 and was decreased by lodging.
Nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of certain underexploited legume seeds

Wild underexploited edible legume seeds, Cassia obtusifolia, Entada scandens and two germplasms of Phaseolus lunatus, were investigated for their proximate composition, minerals, seed protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acid composition and certain anti-nutritional substances. The seeds of P. lunatus (both germplasms) had a higher content of crude protein than cultivated lima beans. C. obtusifolia and E. scandens were rich in crude lipid and crude fibre. All four wild legume germplasm seed samples appeared to be good sources of minerals: iron, zinc and manganese. While the globulins constituted the major seed proteins in C. obtusifolia and E. scandens, albumins formed the major seed protein fraction in both germplasms of P. lunatus. Seed lipids in all the investigated samples contained a large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic acid as the predominant fatty acid. With the exception of E. scandens, the seed materials contained low levels of free phenols, tannins and L-DOPA. Haema.
Larval development and metamorphosis in the marine pulmonate Amphibola crenata (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

The development of the free-swimming veliger of Amphibola is followed from hatching to settlement, and the larval structures compared with those of post-metamorphic juveniles and adult snails. Observations of living specimens and light-microscope sections were combined with scanning electron microscopy to build up a composite picture of veliger structure. Four stages in the development of veligers are recognized, each being characterized by the appearance of organ systems such as the mantle cavity, larval heart, adult heart and kidney, and larval pallial gland. At or after metamorphosis, the larval systems (heart, kidney and pallial gland) disappear, and the developing adult organs move to the positions characteristic of adult snails. Organogenesis in Amphibola veligers is compared with that of prosobranch and opisthobranch larvae, and with that of pulmonate larvae with direct development. The closest similarity is seen to be with opisthobranch veligers.
DIFFERENCES IN LIFE‐HISTORY CHARACTERISTICS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF FUCUS SERRATUS AND FUCUS VESICULOSUS (FUCALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) IN THE CENTRAL BALTIC SEA

On the rocky shores of southeast Sweden, in the central Baltic Sea, the brown seaweed species Fucus serratus L. and Fucus vesiculosus L. form dense constantly submerged stands. The relative proportion of the two species in the belt is shifting both vertically and geographically. Our hypothesis is that differences in life‐history characteristics and the tolerance to physical factors such as wave force, freezing, and light may alter the competitive outcome between the two species with increasing wave exposure. This study included a combination of field studies and laboratory experiments. In sheltered locations, F. serratus and F. vesiculosus grow in mixed stands from 0.5 to 3 m deep, whereas at exposed sites F. vesiculosus grow from 0.5 to 2 m deep and F. serratus mainly from 1 to 5 m deep. The two Fucus species differed markedly in their tolerance to physical stress as well as in a number of reproductive and vegetative characteristics. Tolerance to freezing and wave action was higher in F. vesiculosus compared with F. serratus. Fucus vesiculosus also produced 10 times more eggs per receptacle, allocated significantly more tissue per frond for reproduction, and produced more reproductive fronds per individual than did F. serratus. In addition, the survival rate of F. vesiculosus germlings was slightly higher than that of F. serratus germlings during the first year. These differences in life history characteristics are suggested to partly explain the observed distribution patterns of the two Fucus species in the Baltic Sea.
The dynamics of intestinal helminth communities in eels Anguilla anguilla in a small stream: long-term changes in richness and structure

Summary The prediction that species richness and diversity of intestinal helminth communities in eels would change over time in response to habitat changes was tested over a period of 13 years in a small stream subjected to extensive human management. Nearly all measures of helminth community structure adopted indicated a decline in richness and diversity over the first 6 years followed by a recovery over the last few years to levels unexpectedly close to those at the start of the investigation. Changes in total number of species suggested that the component community was far richer (from 3–9 species) at the end of the period. By contrast, changes in diversity and dominance measures revealed less variation than expected and suggested that there was an underlying stability of community structure characterized by high dominance by a single species, although the identity of this changed, low diversity and a large proportion of the eel population harbouring 0 or only 1 species. A similar pattern of changes was recorded in the infra-communities, where values of species richness and diversity were very similar at the commencement and termination of the study. It appeared that those helminths that colonized in the recovery period contributed to community richness but had little impact on community structure. The helminth communities clearly did change in response to habitat changes, and the evidence for a fixed number of niches and an underlying constancy in helminth community structure in eels is evaluated.
PHYLOGENY OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Lemon sharks immunized with bovine serum albumin produced two molecular forms of antibodies detectable by passive hemagglutination of antigen-coated, tanned sheep erythrocytes. Throughout the course of immunization 2-ME-sensitive antibody was associated with a 19S immunoglobulin fraction (4–5 mg/ml serum) while late in the course of immunization antibody was found also associated with a 7S immunoglobulin fraction (7–8 mg/ml serum). No evidence for any anamnestic response was found in these animals. Naturally occurring hemagglutinins for sheep erythrocytes were found to be 2-ME-sensitive and present in the 19S immunoglobulin fraction. These immunoglobulin fractions were readily purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. Both immunoglobulin molecules yielded equimolar amounts of H and L polypeptide chains when subjected to extensive reduction and alkylation followed by gel filtration in 5 M guanidine-HCl. Antigenically reactive H and L chains were obtained by partial reduction and alkylation followed by gel filtration in 1 M propionic acid. The 7S and 19S immunoglobulin H chains were indistinguishable by fingerprints of tryptic digests, disc electrophoretic patterns, antigenic properties, and mass (molecular weight ∼70,000), thus suggesting these two molecules to belong to the same immunoglobulin class. The shark 19S and 7S immunoglobulin L chains were indistinguishable from each other by similar criteria and were different from the H chains. These L chains exhibited the electrophoretic heterogeneity of their mammalian counterparts. The 7S (shark immunoglobulin) molecule was shown to have a molecular weight of ∼160,000 and to consist of 2H and 2L polypeptide chains (total mass ≅180,000). The 19S molecule was shown to have a molecular weight of 800,000–900,000; therefore, there were probably five 7S subunits per 19S molecule, comparable to mammalian γM. Other reasons for considering the 7S and the 19S lemon shark molecules to belong to a class of immunoglobulins comparable to the γM class of mammals are that they both have high carbohydrate contents, and H chains of mass similar to µ chains. The lemon shark serum proteins with electrophoretic mobilities comparable to gamma G of mammals were not related to the immunoglobulins of this species. These proteins had no antibody activity and had no antigenic or chemical similarity to either the H chains, the L chains, or the intact immunoglobulin molecules from the lemon shark.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Body Weight and Egg Weight Traits in

In this study, genetic parameters for body weights at 2 (BW2), 4 (BW4) wk of age and body weight at sexual maturity (BWSM), age at sexual maturity (ASM), and egg weight at 15 wk of age (EW) were estimated by using pedigree records of female Japanese quails from a combined quail population. Estimations were calculated by Gibbs sampling method which has included multiple trait animal model and Bayesian assumption. Posterior means of heritabilities (h 2 ) for examined traits were estimated as 0.36, 0.44, 0.58, 0.37 and 0.25, respectively. Heritability estimations for body weights were increased by the age. Genetic correlations between body weights (i.e. BW2, BW4 and BWSM) were found as positive, and higher than other genetic correlation estimations. Genetic correlations between ASM with BW2 and BW4 were estimated as -0.22 and -0.21, respectively. A positive genetic correlation (0.17) was estimated between ASM and BWSM. It was determined that genetic correlations between EW and body weights (i.e. BW2, BW4 and BWSM) such as 0.10, 0.11, and 0.12, respectively. A level of 0.18 genetic correlations between EW and ASM was calculated. It was determined that all of the phenotypic correlation coefficients, except between ASM and EW, had the same sign as such in genetic correlation coefficients. While the highest phenotypic correlation coefficient (0.75) was found between BW2 and BW4, the lowest phenotypic correlation coefficient (-0.10) was found between ASM and EW.