Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biotechnical methods in colony management, and the use of Apiguard® and Exomite™ Apis for the control of the varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

Summary The benefits of incorporating biotechnical methods into honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony management for varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman) control was evaluated. The effect of modifying bottom boards was determined by dividing the test colonies into three treatment groups: normal floor, mesh floor, and sticky floors. Invasion pressure was estimated by treating five colonies continuously with Bayvarol®. The effect of drone brood trapping as a method of reducing mite populations was examined by dividing the colonies into two test groups: colonies with and without (control) drone brood trapping. In the former, a shallow (super) frame was placed in the brood box. At three week intervals, the sealed drone brood was removed and the total number of sealed cells and viable varroa mites were counted. Brood area and honey bee population were also measured on each sampling date. Standard management practices were used throughout the season. The percentage efficacy of Apiguard® and Exomite™ Apis under Irish weather conditions was examined from August—September 2005. Both products were administered according to the manufacturer's instructions for a four week period. Total mite drop was counted and the percentage efficacy was estimated by treating all colonies with Bayvarol®. Variation in floor type reduced mite population growth early in the foraging season, but the effect was not significant. In contrast, a significant benefit was realized by the inclusion of drone brood trapping as a colony management strategy for reducing varroa mite populations. Although colony development was not affected by drone brood trapping, the possible impact of removing large number of drones unnecessarily is discussed. Apiguard® was more effective than Exomite™ Apis as an autumn treatment under Irish weather conditions. The recorded percentage efficacy (∼85%) was, however, relatively low when compared with that reported for elsewhere in Europe and would be insufficient as a sole autumn treatment for the effective control of the varroa mite. Results also indicate that brood area post-treatment reduced the percentage efficacy of both products, but colony development was not affected.
Agricultural drought analyses for temperate Australia using a biophysical pasture model. 2. Relationship between rainfall and the start and end of predicted droughts

This paper reports relationships between predicted soil water content (SWC) on the first day of the month (SWCFOM, mm of water) and previous monthly rainfall for 100 years of daily climate data (1905–2005) at four sites (Albany, Western Australia; Hamilton, Victoria; and Wagga Wagga and Barraba, New South Wales). Overall, predicted SWCFOM was correlated (P < 0.05) with rainfall in the previous one, two, or three months. However, the proportion of variation in SWCFOM that could be attributed to its regression on previous rainfall was variable and the relationship tended to improve when individual months were examined. At the three winter-rainfall sites (Albany, Hamilton, and Wagga Wagga), there was a reasonably good relationship between the start of a predicted drought and the end of the growing season and also between the end of a predicted drought and the occurrence of break-of-season. However, for the summer-rainfall dominant site at Barraba, rainfall occurrence was less seasonally defined and there was no clear relationship. While analysis of historical rainfall data for the months in which predicted agricultural droughts started or ended provided some useful insights, it was concluded that it would probably be more instructive to model SWC outcomes for a range of future rainfall scenarios and then examine their likelihood of occurrence using rainfall percentiles.
Histological changes during the adventitious shoot formation in seedling explants of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultured in vitro

Adventitious shoots differentiated directly from explant tissue without intermediate callus on all types of examined explants (shoot tip, cotyledonary node, cotyledon and hypocotyl) of Capsicum annuum L. cv. Bryza. First cell divisions took place as early as after 3 days of explant culture within epidermal and subepidermal layers of explants, and in the case of cotyledon also within mesophyll cells located near epidermis. Mitotic activity in these layers led to the formation of meristemoids (meristematic centres). In all types of studied explants, meristematic centres appeared approximately at the same time (after about 7 days of culture). In the second week bud primordia began to differentiate from meristematic centres. Subsequently some of shoot primordia developed into leaves and leaf-like structures (mainly on cotyledon explants), and also into adventitious buds with well developed apical meristem and leaf primordia.
Downstream Movements and Estuarine Residence by Atlantic Salmon Parr (Salmo salar)

Downstream migrations and estuarine residence by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr and smolts were studied in a small river on the northwest coast of Newfoundland in 1983 and in 1987. There were large downstream migrations in the spring and small downstream migrations in the fall. The major differences between the two types of migrant were that parr migrated about 1 wk before smolts and at a younger age compared with smolts and while parr remained in the estuary throughout the summer, smoits did not. Modal age and mean size were less for parr sampled in the estuary compared with those sampled at the counting-fence which suggested that the smallest parr were not captured by the fence. The estuarine population of parr represented a significant proportion of the river's total production of salmon. Parr were found throughout the estuary in salinities up to 24 parts per thousand but were most abundant near the river mouth. There was evidence that larger parr became smolts and eventually migrated to sea, but s.
Pyrithione, a Zinc Ionophore, Inhibits NF-κB Activation

Abstract Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) suppresses NF-κB activity and exhibits cytotoxic effects in bovine cerebral endothelial cells (BCECs), and we have previously reported that these PDTC effects were accompanied by an increase in intracellular zinc levels. To further explore the role of zinc in the modulation of NF-κB activation, we studied the effect of pyrithione, a zinc ionophore, on NF-κB activation in BCECs. Pyrithione inhibited NF-κB activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Ca-EDTA, but not Zn-EDTA, prevented pyrithione inhibition of NF-κB activity. Pyrithione increased the intracellular zinc level within 15 min. This effect was also abolished by Ca-EDTA, but not by Zn-EDTA. The potency of pyrithione on NF-κB inhibition and zinc influx was approximately one order of magnitude more potent than PDTC. These findings establish the regulatory role of intracellular zinc levels on NF-κB activity in BCECs.
Survival rates in West African savanna birds

Despite widespread interest in life histories and the comparison of parameters between tropical and temperate regions, there are still relatively few multispecies studies assessing annual survival in Afrotropical species. We used data from systematic mist-netting of savanna birds in Nigeria, between 2001 and 2008, to estimate survival for 40 Afrotropical bird species. Best-supported models were those incorporating constant survival (27 of 40) or the effects of transience (13 of 40). Survival ranged from 0.269 to 0.948 (mean ± SE = 0.64 ± 0.02), varied within and between families, and showed a positive relationship with mass in passerines. Survival was highest in the insectivorous Malaconotidae (0.79 ± 0.13) and lowest in the granivorous Estrildinae (0.51 ± 0.04). This pattern was also evident in a comparison of survival between guilds (highest in insectivores and lowest in granivores) suggesting that these species encounter seasonal starvation risks or exhibit a seasonal response to water availability, i.e. emigration from the study area leading to reduced site fidelity and lower apparent survival. Our estimates of adult survival are higher than those previously obtained from this site, comparable with those from other Afrotropical studies (i.e. >0.60) and higher than those from temperate zones (0.53 ± 0.01, n = 79).
Temporal and spatial distribution of the commercial shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti (Dendrobranchiata: Penaeidae) in the south-eastern Brazilian coast

The goal of the present study was to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of L. schmitti in three bays of the northern coast of the State of São Paulo, Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) and Mar Virado (MV), over a period of two years (1998 and 1999). Abiotic factors were monitored to test their influence on the distribution of the species through redundancy analysis. The shrimp were captured using a commercial fishing boat equipped with double-rig trawling nets at six sampling points. A total of 5658 individuals were collected during the study (4437 and 1221 in the first and second years, respectively). The number of individuals differed between years, bays, seasons and sampling locations. The highest number of L. schmitti was collected in MV (N = 2747), followed by UBM (N = 1649) and UBA (N = 1262). Shrimp abundance correlated positively with organic matter content, salinity and temperature, with the highest number of individuals collected from sites with intermediate levels of organic content (4 and 6%) and increasing when the sediment had a higher proportion of fine and very fine sand + clay. Abundance was also associated negatively with rainfall, given that the analysed population showed a seasonal pattern, with an increase in capture rate in those months following the rainy season. Average rainfall was 222.47 ± 138.68 mm, with a maximum of 538 mm and a minimum of 22.4 mm. The results obtained in this study suggest that, in the region of Ubatuba, temperature, salinity, organic content and rainfall modulate the distribution of these animals.
Reproduction and Moult Synchronism in Nephrops Norvegicus (L.) (Decapoda, Nephropidae) in the Western Mediterranean: Is Spawning Annual or Biennial?

Les resultats initiaux de recherches sur le cycle de reproduction de la langoustine, Nephrops norvegicus, dans la mer Catalane (Mediterranee nord-occidentale) sont presentes, a savoir: âge a 50% de maturite (Le 30,5 mm), sex-ratio (predominance des mâles en automne et en hiver), periode de maturite des gonades (avril-aout) et periode de ponte (aout-janvier). Un type de synchronisme entre mue et reproduction en fonction de la classe de taille et du sexe est propose. C'est entre decembre et avril qu'a ete observee une periode principale de mue pour toutes les classes de taille et les deux sexes. Deux autres periodes de mue, moins prononcees existent, l'une en ete pour les juveniles des deux sexes, l'autre en automne pour les mâles. Le synchronisme dans le cycle biologique est compare a celui decrit dans d'autres parties de la Mediterranee et dans l'Atlantique. L'auteur aborde egalement la question de savoir si les femelles de cette espece pondent chaque annee.
Effect of high molecular weight glutenin subunits on bread-making quality using near-isogenic lines.

The effects of high molecular weight glutenin (HMWG) subunits on bread-making quality were investigated by using eight kinds of near-isogenic lines (NILs) and recurrent parent Harunoakebono. No significant difference was found in flour yield from milling and flour protein content among NILs. There was no significant difference in bread-making quality between HMWG subunits 1 and 2 * at the Glu-A1 allele. A comparison of subunits 17 + 18 with subunits 7 + 8 and 7 + 9 at the Glu-B1 allele showed no significant difference in SDS-sedimentation volume and dough strength. However, the specific loaf volume of the former was higher than that of the latter. Subunit 20 revealed the weakest physical property of dough at the Glu-B1 allele and indicated that the physical property values of the dough were close to those of subunits 2 + 12,4 + 12, and 2.2 + 12 at the Glu-D1 allele in spite of having subunits 5 + 10 at Glu-D1. However, subunit 20 showed a higher specific loaf volume than subunits 2 + 12, 4 + 12, and 2.2 + 12. HMWG subunits 2 + 12, 4 + 12, and 2.2 + 12, which are shared by most Japanese wheat cultivars, indicated much poorer bread-making quality than subunits 5 + 10. It is assumed that subunits 2.2 + 12 have the most negative effect on bread-making quality among all HMWG subunits except for null alleles, although subunits 2.2 + 12 were not significantly different from subunits 2 + 12 or 4 + 12 on physical dough properties.
PROGRAM RELOKASI PERMUKIMAN BERBASIS MASYARAKAT UNTUK KORBAN BENCANA ALAM LETUSAN GUNUNG MERAPI TAHUN 2010 (Community Based Resettlement Program for the Victims of Natural Disaster of Merapi Volcano Eruption 2010)

The most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi erupted with devastating in October and November 2010. Besides some infrastructure facilities are damage, about 2,900 houses were destroyed. 350,000 people were evacuated and accommodated in refugee camps. To accommodate the survivors of Merapi Volcano eruption whose houses were destroyed by the heat clouds it necessary to find a strategy for integrated housing development which is environmental friendly and sustainable. The strategy which is choosen to implement relocation program for survivors of Merapi eruption is the Community-Driven Resettlement. Community involvement from the beginning of the planning process until the end shows that the power of community involvement in the development process greatly affect the sense of belonging the residential area. By the strategy of Community-Driven Resettlement the inhabitants can keep, maintain, and develop their settlements very well. The development of sustainable resettlements was planned holistically by considering aspects of disaster mitigation, eco-settlement and community livelihood.
The Population Dynamics of Microparasites and Their Invertebrate Hosts

We show how directly transmitted microparasites, broadly defined to include viruses, bacteria, protozoans and fungi, may regulate natural populations of invertebrate hosts. The study combines elements of conventional epidemiology (where the host population is assumed constant) with elements of prey-predator studies (which conventionally emphasize how prey and predator populations may be regulated by their interaction). To this end, we construct simple models embodying the essentials of the dynamical interaction between invertebrate hosts and their directly transmitted microparasites. In successive refinements, these models include the effects of recovery and disease-induced mortality, castration or diminished reproduction of infected hosts, vertical transmission, latent periods of infection, stress-related pathogenicity, the interplay between disease and other density-dependent constraints on host population growth, and free-living infective stages. In analysing the dynamical behaviour of these models, we focus on: the possible regulation of the host population by the parasite; the basic reproductive rate of the parasite, and the way in which it affects the dynamics and the evolution of the host-parasite association; and the threshold host density and its implications for endemic or epidemic maintenance of the infection. These are examined in the light of synoptic compilations of field and laboratory data on: birth rates (and disease-induced reduction thereof), natural death rates and disease-induced death rates of hosts; latent periods and efficiencies of vertical transmission of pathogens; the rate of production and lifetime of free-living infective stages; and some characteristics of long-term cycles and of epidemic outbreaks of disease in forest insects. In particular, our models suggest that the baculovirus and microsporidian infections of many temperate forest insects will tend to produce stable cycles in host abundance and in prevalence of infection, with periods in the range 5-12 years. Enough is known about the European larch budmoth and an associated granulosis virus for us to undertake a detailed comparison between theory and data that strongly suggests that the observed 9-10 year cycles are driven by the host-parasite interaction. We also discuss the possible control of invertebrate pest species by pathogens, showing how our models could guide laboratory or field studies, to help estimate whether a given pathogen is capable of regulating the target pest population, and, if so, roughly what quantity is needed to effect a specific level of (local) control. Throughout, the emphasis is on the biological ingredients of the models, and on the biological conclusions to be drawn; mathematical details are given in appendixes.
Sex Roles in the American Oystercatcher

American oystercatchers have extensive parental care. As a result sex roles are similar and highly complementary. During the pre-laying period the roles of males and females, except during copulation, are indistinguishable. During the laying period the roles diverge slightly with males spending more time chasing conspecifics. Presumably the similarity during pre-laying, and the differences during laying, function to prevent the male from being cuckolded. Males begin assisting in incubation as soon as the females begin incubating and then consistently perform the same proportion of incubation throughout this breeding stage. During incubation, females incubate more often than males, and consequently rest less, preen less and fly less than males. During chick-rearing males are involved in more chases than females and take more foraging trips to provision young but wait longer between successive trips. The pattern of foraging by each sex is complementary. Breeding season energy expenditure is approximately equal in both sexes. There is no evidence for conflict between the sexes over the contributions to parental care. Where sex roles diverge the differences in behaviour can be partly explained by the relative energetic efficiencies of each sex performing different tasks.
Reproductive trajectories over decadal time-spans after fire for eight obligate-seeder shrub species in south-eastern Australia

Intervals between fires are critical for the persistence of obligate-seeding shrubs, and are often used in planning fires for fuel reduction and biodiversity conservation in fire-prone ecosystems worldwide. Yet information about the trajectories of reproductive performance for such species is limited and information is often qualitative. To test existing assumptions about reproductive maturity periods for eight obligate-seeding shrubs (with both canopy and soil seedbanks) in foothill forests of south-eastern Australia, we used a chronosequence approach, with sites from 2 years to >40 years post-fire. Quantitative measurements of flowering and fruiting were used to fit models of reproductive response in relation to time-since-fire for each species. Inferred reproductive maturity for each species, based on modelled times to reach 80% of maximum flower production, varied from 5 to 18 years post-fire. For a subset of three species, models predicted 80% maximum seed production occurring 1–7 years later than flowering. Our results confirmed or extended assumptions about post-fire reproductive maturity for these species, and provided a basis for improved incorporation of plant life-history in ecological fire planning. We infer that increased fire frequency makes one of our study taxa, Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii (Sieber ex Rchb.) A.S. George, vulnerable to decline because of its long reproductive maturity period and serotinous seed storage.
Plant DNA Topoisomerases: Structure, Function, and Cellular Roles in Plant Development

Regulation of the topological state of DNA is critical for cellular viability. DNA topoisomerases alter DNA topology and participate in nearly all events related to DNA metabolism such as replication, transcription, recombination, and chromosome segregation. Despite significant progress in our understanding of the structure, mechanism, and the role of topoisomerases in diverse cellular processes in bacteria, yeast, and animal systems, the roles of plant topoisomerases are poorly understood. In recent years expression studies, characterization of recombinant topoisomerases, and gene knockout studies have highlighted the importance of topoisomerases in plant DNA replication, mitosis, cell proliferation, organelle division, meiotic recombination, morphogenesis, and plant development. We have focused this review specifically on plant topoisomerases, with an emphasis on their biological role in plant development.
Patch history, invertebrate patch dynamics and heterogeneous community composition : perspectives from a manipulative stream experiment

Recent research after bed-moving flow events has shown that local disturbance history can contribute to patchiness in stream communities. Patterns of recolonisation were studied following experimental disturbances in which patches of sediment were manipulated by removing 10 cm of surface sediment (scour) or by depositing 10 cm of clean sediment (fill) on top of existing sediments. Six invertebrate samples were collected from each patch type (including stable control patches) on five occasions up to six weeks after the manipulation. Immediately after the disturbance, distinctive macroinvertebrate communities occurred in scour, fill and stable patches. Community composition in scour patches remained distinct from fill and stable patches for the entire study period. Immediately after the manipulation, scour patches contained higher densities of hypogean taxa than did fill patches, but this difference did not persist for long, indicating that the relict community had little influence on the subsequent pattern of recovery. In contrast, fill patch communities were indistinguishable from stable patches by Day 14, most likely owing to recolonisation by buried invertebrates and invertebrate drift. Differences in patterns of recolonisation following different types of disturbance can result in patchy invertebrate communities that persist for several weeks after the disturbance.
Purification and Characterization of a β-Glucosidase from Polygonum tinctorium, Which Catalyzes Preferentially the Hydrolysis of Indican

An enzyme, β-glucosidase, which hydrolyzes indican (indoxyl-β-D-glucoside) was isolated in pure form from a plant, Polygonum tinctorium, and characterized. The enzyme showed specifically a low Km for indican (0.34 mM). The enzyme reacted with some other β-glucosides having aromatic groups but not with α-glucoside or other glycosides like galactoside. The activity was inhibited by several metal cations such as Cu2+ and by typical inhibitors for β-glucosidase such as D-glucono-1,5-lactone although these inhibitors required high concentrations.