Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The cyanobacterial genus Phormidesmis

Characteristics and detailed morphology of the genus Characterization and detailed morphology of the genus Phormidesmis TURICCHIA et al. 2009 are presented. This genus is more related to thin cyanobacteria of the family Pseudanabaenaceae than to the genus Phormidium sensu stricto, which is confirmed by ultrastructural analysis, showing mainly parietal arrangement of thylakoids. Other potential and similar morphotypes from the genus Phormidium are discussed.
Heavy Metal Contamination of the Loučka River Water Ecosystem

Vitek T. , P. Spurn˘, J. Mare‰, A. Zikova: Heavy Metal Contamination of the Louaka River Water Ecosystem. Acta Vet Brno 2007, 76:149-154. Heavy metal contamination of the Louaka River water ecosystem was assessed in July 2005. We analyzed concentrations of T-Hg (total mercury), Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni in water, sediments, zoobenthos, and in the brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) muscle and liver tissues (a total of 28 individuals) at four sampling sites. The highest Pb and Ni concentrations (4.634 - 12.050 and 0.689 - 24.980 mg·kg -1 ) were found in sediments. The zoobenthos was most contaminated by Zn and Cu (0.556 - 1.505 and 2.925 - 74.300 mg·kg-1). The heavy metal contamination of river water was highest in Ni and Cr (0.1 - 6.8 and 0.5 - 10.0 mg·l -1 ). Concentrations of heavy metals in the brown trout muscle were following (in mg·kg-1): Pb 0.108 ± 0.073 - 1.010 ± 0.506, Cd 0.003 ± 0.002 0.026 ± 0.022, Zn 3.956 ± 0.371 - 5.801 ± 1.718, Ni 0.058 ± 0.018 - 0.102 ± 0.046, Cr 0.028 ± 0.005 - 0.073 ± 0.039, Cu 0.329 ± 0.079 - 0.437 ± 0.064 and Hg 0.065 ± 0.008 - 0.106 ± 0.047. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) in the brown trout muscle were in Pb and Zn. Cd, Cu and Zn were markedly accumulated in the brown trout liver (concentrations 0.107 ± 0.066 - 0.223 ± 0.078, 59.973 ± 38.951 - 145.800 ± 48.286 and 30.671 ± 3.574 - 34.274 ± 7.226 mg·kg -1 ). Humans of 60 kg body mass may consume 1.5 kg of brown trout muscle from the Louaka River weekly without any risk. Adverse influence of the Uniglas distillery on the Louaka River environment contamination by heavy metals was not confirmed.
Four new and four known species of Tylencholaimoidea (Dorylaimida: Nematoda) from China

Four new and four known species of soil nematodes belonging to the superfamily Tylencholaimoidea Filipjev, 1934 are reported from China. Tylencholaimus orientalis sp. nov. is characterized by having a 0.45–0.61‐mm body; a 5–6‐µm odontostyle; a monoprodelphic genital system with a short post‐uterine sac; and a conoid to hemispheroid tail. Tylencholaimus sinensis sp. nov. is characterized by having a 0.76–0.82‐mm body; a 7–7.5‐µm odontostyle; an amphidelphic genital system; a conoid to hemispheroid tail; and males with 32‐µm spicules and three ventromedians. Proleptonchus sinensis sp. nov. is characterized by having a 1.4–1.7‐mm body; wide amphids; 8–9‐µm odontostyle; a monoprodelphic genital system, the posterior branch with well‐developed uterus and oviduct rudiments; slender and slightly arcuate spicules; and a short conoid tail with thick cuticle at terminus. Dorylaimoides alpinus sp. nov. is characterized by having a 1.4–1.5‐mm body; a lip region offset by a depression; a 12–13‐µm odontostyle; an arcuate odontophore; an amphidelphic genital system with transverse vulva; and a tail that gradually tapers to a blunt terminus.
Species Range and Abundance of Insect Predators of the Bean Aphid, Aphis Fabae Scop. (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Common Beans in Kenya

The diversity and abundance of insect predators of the bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scop. (Homoptera: Aphididae) on common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. , were evaluated in Central Kenya. Predators included species in the Orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Neuroptera. Coccinellidae were the most abundant and diverse group and several species, such as Hippodamia variegata Goeze and Platynaspis capicola Crotch, had hitherto not been recorded on common beans in Kenya. Higher numbers of predators developed on beans during the short rains (up to 540/100 m2 plot) as compared to the long rain season (182/plot) of 1985. In both seasons, numbers of coccinellid larvae were high after the fourth week of bean growth. The study provides evidence of an important build-up of insect predators on beans. RésuméLa diversite et l’abundance des insectes predateurs de l’aphide du haricot, Aphis fabae Scop. (Homoptera: Aphididae) etaient evaluees sur le haricot commun dans le Kenya Central. Les especes des predateurs comptaient les membres des ordres des Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera et Neuroptera. La famille des Coccinellidae constituaint le group le plus abondant et le plus diversive dont plusieurs especes telles que Hippodamia variegata Goeze et Platynaspis capicola Crotch n’etaient pas encore reportees sur le haricot commun au Kenya. En 1985, la densite de population des predateurs la plus elevee (jusqu’a 540 insectes/ parcelle de 100 m2) etait abservee pendant la petite saison des pluies par comparaison a la grande saison a laquelle correpondait une densite d’environ 182 insectes par parcelle. Pendant les deux saisons, le nombre de larves des coccinellides etait plus eleve apres la quatrieme semaine de vegetation. Cette etude fourmit la preuve d’un important developement des insectes predateurs sur le haricot.
Enhancing Botanical Diversity on Minesoils: An a posteriori Assessment

Plant community and floristic development were compared on smooth- and rough-surfaced minesoil seedbeds within two subalpine coal mines in western Canada. Five plant community-types were identified among 67 sites that were up to 16 years old. Smooth-surface seedbeds had a greater abundance of seeded graminoids and reduced quantities of indigenous species relative to rough-surfaced seedbeds. The average number of taxa, number of indigenous taxa, indigenous forb cover, and shrub frequencies were greater on rough- than smooth-surfaced sites, although total indigenous forb cover was <5% on sites up to 5 years old. Greater indigenous species richness and cover occurred with lower seeding and fertilization rates.
Mating and oviposition in the hylodine frog Crossodactylus gaudichaudii (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

Males of Crossodactylus gaudichaudii call from stream edges, and they regularly dive and excavate oviposition places under stones and rocks. A female ready to spawn visits a male, and both animals dive and dig themselves under a stone to lay eggs. Oviposition takes only 1 to 2 minutes. The male visits the eggs again after the female has left, and afterwards carefully closes and conceals the entrance to the oviposition crevice. After hatching, the larvae remain in their crevice for about 2 more weeks, until they are fully pigmented and able to swim in the current. The implications of the observations are discussed. The behaviour observed is compatible with the idea of hylodine-dendrobatid relationships although not sufficient to support this hypothesis.
New channel introduction and customer touchpoint experience in a multichannel environment

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Sexual dimorphism, moult and body condition of seabirds killed by longline vessels around the Prince Edward Islands, 1996–97

Ryan, P.G. 1999. Sexual dimorphism, moult and body condition of seabirds killed by longline vessels around the Prince Edward Islands, 1996–97. Ostrich 70 (3&4): 187–192. A total of 393 seabirds from nine species killed by longline fishing in South African waters around the Prince Edward Islands during summer 1996–97 were sexed, measured, and their body fat levels and primary moults scored. Males of Whitechinned Petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis and Greyheaded and (Indian Ocean) Yellownosed Mollymawks Thalassarche chrysostoma and T. [chlororhynchosj bassi averaged 1–9% larger than females. Measures of bill depth were the most dimorphic characters in all three species. I recommend that if only a single measure is taken to estimate sex of adults, bill depth at the base be the standard measure for petrels, and bill depth at the nail be the standard measure for mollymawks. Discriminant functions are described for predicting the sex of unknown individuals; the proportion of misclassified birds ranged from 2–10.
Distribution and characterisation of entomopathogenic fungi from Korean soils

Abstract We investigated the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in 1080 soil samples representing multiple locations and conditions in Korea. Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from soils using a selective medium containing dodine and antibiotics. Following an initial identification based on morphology, the fungal isolates were more precisely identified by the sequence of their nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. As a result, entomopathogenic fungi were found to occur in 32% (342 isolates) of the soil samples studied. The most abundant species were Beauveria spp. (125 isolates) and Metarhizium spp. (82 isolates). Entomopathogenic fungi were more often recovered from natural mountain and riparian soils than from agricultural habitats. The pathogenicity of isolated fungi was evaluated by using wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. It was determined that 60% (207 isolates) of the isolates were pathogenic using this model. These entomopathogenic fungi may, therefore, have potential use against a variety of agricultural pests. This is the first study of the isolation and distribution of entomopathogenic fungi in representative sampling locations throughout Korea.
Studies of Egg Yolk Pigmentation

Abstract THE nature of the carotenoid pigments (xanthophylls) which are deposited in the beak, shank and adipose tissues of chickens and in the yolks of eggs, the methods of their measurement, and the effects of antioxidants upon their utilization, have been studied recently by Marusich et al. (1960); Bunnell et al. (1962); Sullivan and Holleman (1962); Madiedo et al. (1964a,b); Bornstein and Bartov (1966); Bartov and Bornstein (1966), and others. Following the synthesis in quantity, according to the method of Isler et al. (1958), of β-apo-8′-carotenal and canthaxanthin, crystalline samples of these materials became available in pure form for studies of pigmentation in broilers and in egg yolks. The present report deals with comparisons of β-apo-8′-carotenal, canthaxanthin, and a number of natural sources of xanthophylls for pigmentation of egg yolks when added to (1) a standard laying diet containing yellow corn and a low level of alfalfa meal, (2) a practical .
Frequency of avirulence genes in Leptosphaeria maculans in western Canada

Abstract Changes in pathogenicity of populations of Leptosphaeria maculans, the cause of blackleg disease of canola and other Brassica spp. , have been observed in western Canada. These changes in the population are believed to have resulted from the use of specific resistance (Rlm) genes in Brassica spp. , many of which have only recently been identified. We determined the frequency of 10 avirulence alleles for 96 isolates of L. maculans collected between 1997 and 2005 from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada from infested canola stubble in field plots or farmers’ fields. Cotyledon interaction phenotypes were scored after inoculation of each isolate on a differential set of Brassica varieties or lines carrying the known resistance genes LepR3 and Rlm1 to Rlm10, except for Rlm8. The avirulence (AvrLm) alleles present in each isolate were inferred from the data. Due to the presence of confounding resistance genes in the host differentials, AvrLm1 and AvrLm2 could not be determined in nine of the isolates, AvrLm6 in two isolates and AvrLepR3 in 49. Based on the number of isolates in which the avirulence genes were confirmed, AvrLm1 was detected in 46.0% and AvrLm9 in 60.4% of the isolates in this collection. A high proportion of isolates carried AvrLm2 (96.6%) and AvrLepR3 (97.9%), and all isolates carried AvrLm6 and AvrLm10. The proportion of L. maculans isolates carrying AvrLm3, AvrLm4, AvrLm5 and AvrLm7 was much lower and varied between 10.4 and 29.2%. In total, 16 races of L. maculans were identified based on 10 avirulence alleles, with seven races accounting for 89.7% of the isolates. Information on the avirulence frequency in the pathogen population will be useful for development of resistance management strategies to control blackleg disease in B. napus oilseed rape in western Canada.
Effects of chlorpyrifos on individuals and populations of Daphnia pulex in the laboratory and field

Effects of the insecticide chlorpyrifos (cpf) on young (<1 d old) and adult (7–9 d old) Daphnia pulex and the ability of D. pulex to recover after exposure were tested in the laboratory. Populations of D. pulex exposed to cpf were studied in the laboratory and field. In the field, cpf was applied in a single dose. The effects of that dose on D. pulex populations were tested and compared with the effects of a simulated single dose and its ensuing decay on populations in the laboratory. The lowest no‐observed‐effect concentration was about 0.05 μg/L (actual concentration). Chlorpyrifos immobilized D. pulex several days before death. Juveniles became immobilized faster than adults. Even when no longer exposed, D. pulex immobilized by cpf died. In the laboratory and field, observed population dynamics and effects of cpf on these dynamics were very similar. The median effective concentration for population size after 2 and 7 d of exposure did not differ between the laboratory and field (2 d, 0.38 and 0.31 μg/L, respectively; 7 d, 0.25 and 0.34 μg/L, respectively). Effects of cpf on single‐species Daphnia populations in the laboratory and field can be predicted from effects observed in tests with individuals.
The effects of the combination of salinity and excess boron on the water relations of tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Poncho Negro, in relation to aquaporin functionality

As elevated levels of boron (B) are accompanied by conditions of excessive salinity with drastic consequences for crops, it is crucial to find a crop that is tolerant to these conditions. In this work, the interaction between salinity and excess B with respect to aquaporin-mediated changes by blockade of mercury and water relations were studied as well as the osmotic adjustment of the plants. The treatments, for tomato ‘Poncho Negro’ cultivated hydroponically in a controlled environment chamber, were control (75 and 150 mM) NaCl and/or 5 mg L–1 or 20 mg L–1 B. Hydraulic conductance (L0) of detached exuding root systems exhibits large variations in response to abiotic stimuli. No additive (synergic) effects of B and salinity were observed. Under salinity, the plants increased their turgor, compensating for the decrease in the leaf water potential through the reduction in the leaf osmotic potential by the accumulation of soluble sugars and proline. The involvement of Hg2+-insensitive aquaporins or the osmotic gradient as the main force for water flow through the apoplastic pathway must be contemplated. Finally, all the data reveal the tomato cv. Poncho Negro to be a germplasm of agronomic interest and a good alternative for cultivation areas with high content of salts and the excess B of the soil and irrigation water.
STUDIES IN AMERICAN ORCHIDS: II. THE GENUS BRACHIONIDIUM LINDL.

The genus Brachionidium is one of the most poorly defined taxa in the whole Vegetable Kingdom. The obscurity displayed in the type descriptions of B. parvifolium, B. tuberculatum, and B. concolor has prevented systematists from understanding the genus properly and from studying its position and relationship among the genera of Pleurothallidinae. The genus originally included the three above-named species. With the aid of photographs of types, recent collections have been classified. In addition to these, five new species are described, all from tropical America, viz. from the Andean Region. In addition to the complete revision of this genus, and its immediate relationship, special attention is given to all 20 genera of the subtribe Pleurothallidinae. The interrelation of these genera is examined and illustrated from a dynamic point of view.
Importance of grazing and soil acidity for plant community composition and trait characterisation in coastal dune grasslands

ABSTRACT Question: Does grazing by large herbivores affect species composition or community-wide variation in plant functional traits? Location: Dune grasslands at the Belgian coast. Methods: Plant cover and soil data were collected in 146 plots that were randomly selected at 26 grazed and ungrazed grassland sites. Plant community composition was assessed by Detrended Correspondence Analysis and mean values of plant trait categories were calculated across the plots. Results: Differentiation of plant composition and communitywide plant trait characteristics was largely determined by grazing, soil acidity and their interaction. In ungrazed situations, a clear floristic distinction appears between acidic (non-calcareous) and alkaline (calcareous) grasslands. In grazed situations, these floristic differences largely disappeared, indicating that grazing results in a decrease of natural variation in species composition. At higher soil pH, a larger difference in plant community composition and community-wide plant traits was observed between grazed and ungrazed plots. In ungrazed situations, shifts in plant functional traits along the acidity gradient were observed. Conclusions: Grazing is responsible for shifts in plant community composition, and hence a decrease in plant diversity among grasslands at opposing acidity conditions in coastal dune grasslands. Therefore, care should be taken when introducing grazing as a system approach for nature conservation in dune grasslands as it may eliminate part of the natural variation in plant diversity along existing abiotic gradients.
Morphometric relationship of length–weight and chelae length–width of eastern white river crayfish (Procambarus acutus acutus, Girard, 1852), under culture conditions

Summary Length–weight (TL vs WWT) and chelae length–width (ChL vs ChW) relationships were described for juveniles, males and females, and for form I and form II males of Procambarus acutus acutus. The length–weight relationships for juveniles, form I, form II males, and females could be described as: WWT = 5 × 10−3 TL3.09, WWT = 6 × 10−3 TL3.61, WWT = 6 × 10−9 TL3.26, and WWT = 6 × 10−4 TL3.5, respectively. In all forms, growth was allometric (P 0.05), but a significant difference was detected in mean ChL between form I and form II males (P < 0.05) and form I and females (P < 0.05). Form I males had longer ChL than form II males and females. The same trend was observed in mean ChW for form I and form II males, but a significant difference was detected between form II males and females (P < 0.05). In addition, results indicated that chelae lengths and widths increased allometrically with total length (TL) for both sex and sexual stages.
Developing state and transition models of floodplain vegetation dynamics as a tool for conservation decision-making: a case study of the Macquarie Marshes Ramsar wetland

Summary Floodplain vegetation states (communities) exhibit spatiotemporal dynamics in vegetation structure and composition, which reflect unique hydrological and connectivity patterns. Shifts in inundation regimes can drive succession and establish new stable states, determined by the magnitude and duration of the hydrological perturbation. We aimed to develop a modelling approach that is able to capture ecosystem dynamics, identify and quantify the main drivers of change, and provide a tool for conservation decision-making. We developed state and transition models for floodplain vegetation states based on surveys in 1991 and 2008 in the Macquarie Marshes (Australia), a Ramsar wetland of international importance. We used a Bayesian logistic regression approach to model state and transitions between vegetation states and investigated how flood frequency, distance to stream and fire frequency were associated with vegetation dynamics during this period. During 1991–2008, significant transitions have occurred towards drier states. Semi-permanent wetland vegetation had the lowest persistence probability (ppsis = 0·456) and a significant threshold response of transitioning to terrestrial vegetation (ptran = 0·505). Transition to drier states was driven by lower inundation probabilities followed by increased fire probability, and distance to nearest stream. Using developed models, we predicted persistence probabilities of vegetation states under an unregulated (i.e. no dams or diversions) and regulated water availability system. Under a regulated system, semi-permanent wetland vegetation had an average persistence of ppsis = 0. 67 and 0·08 in the northern and southern sections of the nature reserve, respectively. Under an unregulated system, the predicted persistence of semi-permanent wetland vegetation was considerably higher: ppsis = 0·87 and 0·38, respectively. Synthesis and applications. Developing quantitative models of state transitions significantly improved our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, identifying sensitive indicators for monitoring and thus supporting conservation decision-making. This helps managers understand potential trajectories of change in ecosystems in response to management options. For example, increasing environmental flows in the Macquarie Marshes is predicted to shift the community towards more of a wetland than the terrestrial state, resulting from river regulation. State and transition models identified how key ecological assets respond to drivers of change, particularly where these can be managed. This is critical for ensuring that all ecosystem components are managed and that these do not shift into undesirable states.
Increasing isolation reduces predator:prey species richness ratios in aquatic food webs

The number of species that live in a habitat typically declines as that habitat becomes more isolated. However, the influence of habitat isolation on patterns of food web structure, in particular the ratio of predator to prey species richness, is less well understood. We placed aquatic mesocosms at varying distances from ponds that acted as sources of potential colonists; then we examined how isolation affected the ratio of predator:prey species richness in the communities that assembled. In the final sampling, a total of 21 species (12 prey and 9 predators) of insects, crustaceans, and amphibians had colonized the mesocosms. We found that total species richness, as well as the richness of predators and prey, declined with increasing isolation. However, predator richness declined more rapidly than prey richness with increasing isolation, which lead to decreasing predator:prey ratios. This result conflicts with prior demonstrations of invariant predator:prey ratios in freshwater communities.
Reflection of Near-Ultraviolet Radiation From Flowers of Australian Native Plants

Eighty-six species of Australian native plants were assessed in the near-ultraviolet (UV-A) (320-400 nm) and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Relationships between flower colour, size, symmetry and UV-A reflection were examined. The frequency of species in this sample that reflected UV-A radiation was found to be consistent with major overseas studies. A quantitative photographic study of the spectral reflection from the yellow flower of Hibbertia obtusifolia DC. (Dilleniaceae) was conducted for radiation with wavelengths of 280-800 nm. How an insect with UV-A-, blue- and green-sensitive photoreceptors might see H. obtusifolia as a two-coloured flower, and how this could aid a floral visitor's orientation is discussed.