Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small-scale variation within a Modiolus modiolus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) reef in the Irish Sea. III. Crevice, sediment infauna and epifauna from targeted cores

Beds of Modiolus modiolus, in areas of moderate to strong tidal currents, develop into reefs with a relief of wave like undulations 0.09–0.45 m in amplitude and length scales of 6–18 m. Cores taken by diver operated suction sampler were targeted at positions on the ridges and troughs of a reef, in the Irish Sea off north-west Wales, allowing the fauna to be compared between adjoining ridges and troughs. Sessile epifauna was mostly attached to the larger mussels clumped together on the ridges. The crevice fauna and infauna were also nearly three times more abundant on the ridges, but the lists of species were similar from the two sub-habitats. Species richness was higher on the ridges, however, diversity and evenness measures were similar for ridges and trough samples. The Modiolus sub-habitats were found to be distinct from other macrofaunal assemblages in the wider southern Irish Sea. Deposition of faecal pellets in the spatially complex habitat amongst the mussels provided conditions suitable for an infauna more typical of inshore muddy sands enriched by organic matter. The scale of the ridge and trough morphology may increase variability between replicates when grabs are used remotely to sample this type of biogenic feature.
Wheat Phosphorus Availability: 1—In VitroStudy; Factors Affecting Endogenous Phytasic Activity and Phytic Phosphorus Content

Phytasic activity and phytic P content, which are important factors in determining the availability of P, were measured in 56 wheat samples. The different agronomic and genetic factors which could have an influence on these two variables were studied, specifically N and/or P fertilisation, date of harvest, pre-harvest sprouting and variety of French wheat. Phytasic activity ranged from 206 to 775 mU g -1 , with an average of 508 mU g -1 and a standard deviation of 109 mU g -1 . Only the variety of wheat appeared as a significant factor explaining the endogenous phytasic activity (P = 0.006). The phytic P content varied between 0.92 and 2.80 g kg -1 DM, with an average of 218 g kg -1 and a standard deviation of 0.35 g kg -1 DM. None of the factors studied significantly affected the phytic P content of the wheat. This content was correlated with the total P content (r = 0.56 ; P < 0.05). The activity of the endogenous phytase was independent of the quantity of its substrate, the phytic phosphorus of the kernels of wheat.
Sodium Source and Level in Broiler Diets With and Without High Levels of Animal Protein

Abstract Two studies of identical design were conducted to evaluated Na and Cl requirements of broilers brown to 56 days, utilizing different sources of Na that varied in their Cl content, and to compare diets void or high in animal protein that varied in their K Content. Corn-soybean meal diets with 0 or 10% fish meal were supplemented with either sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate to provide diets with 0.15, 0.20, or 0.25% Na. Diets with fish meal contained about 0.22% less K than diets void of fish meal. A Na level of 0.15% was sufficient to maintain maximum body weight, feed conversion, and tibia ash of male broilers grown to 56 days. Higher levels resulted in increased litter wetness and were of no benefit in regard to live performance. Sodium bicarbonate was equal to sodium chloride as a source of supplemental Na but displayed no productive advantages. Minimizing Cl levels thro8ugh the use of sodium bicarbonate was ineffective in minimizing litter wetness. Inclusion of 10% fish meal resulted in severely depressed performance during the period of 42 to 56 days, coinciding with a severe reduction in electrolyte balance associated with reduced K level.
Effects of a Grass‐Selective Herbicide in a Vetch–Rye Cover Crop System on Nitrogen Management

Cover crop kill date affects N fixation by hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), N uptake by cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), residue C/N ratio, and subsequent N availability. Data are needed on spring management of vetch-rye cover crop mixtures, compared to pure stands, to estimate fertilizer nitrogen (FN) equivalents. A 2-yr study evaluated spring management of hairy vetch (HV), pure rye, a vetch-rye mixture, and a no-cover check on N accumulation and subsequent no-till corn N uptake following corn FN rates of 0, 45, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha -1 . A grass-selective herbicide (GSH) was applied in late March to the pure rye and the vetch-rye mixture, leaving HV to accumulate N until early May. These treatments were compared to the same covers killed in early May. Cover crop N uptake was lowest for rye, intermediate for the mixtures, and highest for HV. The N content in the pure rye and vetch-rye mixture was significantly increased if the previous year's corn had received excess FN. The cover crop mixture produced greater rye growth if fall soil nitrate N was high, while low soil nitrate N resulted in greater yield of HV in the mixture. There was no difference in corn N uptake for the late- vs. early kill pure rye, or of the rye component in the vetch-rye mixture. A vetch-rye mixture functioned like a "dual purpose" cover by conserving fall residual N, producing a lower C/N ratio residue than pure rye, and supplying more N to the succeeding corn than pure rye, although the N supplied was still less than pure vetch.
FEEDING BEHAVIOR AND FOOD HABITS OF WINTERING HARLEQUIN DUCKS AT SHEMYA ISLAND, ALASKA

Abstract The foraging ecology of wintering Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) is poorly understood and information on basic food habits is lacking for this species in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska where the largest winter concentrations occur. We investigated feeding behavior and food habits of wintering Harlequin Ducks in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska with respect to sex and temporal and environmental variables to document behavioral responses to winter conditions, resource use, and nutritional requirements. We found that on average, Harlequin Ducks spent most of the diurnal period feeding (70% males, 76% females). However, more time was spent feeding during evenings, midwinter, cold weather, and high tides. Gastropods, crustaceans, and diptera larvae made up 83% of the diet, but diet composition changed throughout winter. Despite change in food habits, diet energy density was stable throughout winter.
Effect of High Stocking Rates on Growth and Survival of the Endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Hybognathus amarus

The endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus was cultured in 2.44-m-diameter outdoor tanks in a 131-day yield trial to assess growth, survival, and percentage of taggable-sized fish ( >35 mm total length) when stocked at 500/tank (1.07 million/ha), 1,000/tank (2.14 million/ha), and 1,500/tank (3.21 million/ha). At harvest, fish averaged 45.6 mm and 0.94 g in the 500/tank treatment, 42.6 mm and 0.74 g in the 1,000/tank treatment, and 38.4 mm and 0.55 g in the 1,500/tank treatment; the differences were significant ( P = 0.05). Survival in the three treatments was 70%, 64%, and 52%, respectively, but the differences were not significant. Percent taggable-sized fish was 86%, 89%, and 65%, respectively, but the differences were not significant. Yield was 672.5 kg/ha, 1,026.6 kg/ha, and 887.8 kg/ha, respectively; yield in the 1,000/tank treatment was significantly greater than that in the 500/tank treatment, but was not significantly greater than that of the 1,500/tank treatment. This facility is a conservation facility and a major goal is to raise fish without formulated feed. Fertilization produced good growth for the first month, but little growth occurred during the second month so supplemental feed had to be used for the final 60 d of the yield trial.
Determining Optimal Stocking Rates Using a Stock–Recruitment Model: An Example Using Walleye in Northern Wisconsin

Abstract We propose that stock–recruitment models can be used to estimate optimal stocking rates. Data to estimate the optimal stocking rates can be obtained in a relatively short amount of time by sampling similar populations over a few years. Whether the goal of stocking is endangered species recovery or supplementation of recreational fisheries, accurately determining the optimal stocking rate is of ecological and financial importance. As an example, we applied this approach using a Ricker stock–recruitment model to walleye Sander vitreus stocking in northern Wisconsin lakes. Using June stocking data and fall age-0 survey data for 39 lakes over a 14-year time period, we found that the stocking rate resulting in the greatest number of age-0 walleyes was 60 age-0 walleyes/ha. Similarly, using June stocking data and fall age-1 survey data in 18 lakes over a 9-year time period we found that the stocking rate resulting in the greatest number of age-1 walleyes was 75 age-0 walleyes/ha. About 16% of the varia.
Toxicological Effects of Hepatotoxins (Microcystins) on Aquatic Organisms

Some cyanobacteria produce microcystins, hepatotoxins with strong cytotoxicity mediated by inhibition of protein phosphatases. New evidence, however, suggests other toxic mechanisms, including oxidative damage and disruption of osmoregulation. Augmented levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxides, and DNA damage were reported after microcystin exposure. The tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is one of the most important antioxidants, and it was reported that microcystin is conjugated with GSH. Microcystin conjugation could deplete the intracellular stores of GSH, leaving the cell more susceptible to oxidative stress. Inhibition of Na + , K + -ATPase by microcystin may be responsible for osmoregulation failure in freshwater fishes.
THE MALE GAMETOPHYTE OF ZEA MAYS L.: III. THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND CALCIUM ON POLLEN GERMINATION AND TUBE GROWTH

Corn pollen germination on an aqueous medium containing sucrose, calcium, boron, and 1% methyl cellulose produced tubes which attained growth rates of 12 μ/min at 30 °C. After 30 to 60 min they fell to about half this value. Rates of elongation in the early stages of growth increased with a Q10 of 2 between 12 and 30 °C. The time required for the initiation of germination is a hyperbolic function of temperature. Maximum germination occurred at 20–23 °C; maximum rate of elongation during the first hour at 30–33 °C.Only a trace of germination occurred below 50 p.p.m. CaCl2∙2H2O and maxi mum at 250–300 p.p.m. Calcium levels had no effect on the time of initiation of germination, on the rate of elongation at 30 °C nor on the mean tube lengths after 30 min and 60 min of germination. A "population effect" was evident on the aqueous medium and was more pronounced at low levels of calcium.Two types of tests produced no evidence of a chemotropic response of pollen tubes to a calcium gradient. Pieces of style and e.
Age and Growth of the Utah Chub, Gila Atraria (Girard), in Panguitch Lake and Navajo Lake, Utah, from Scales and Opercular Bones

Abstract Age and growth were calculated for 222 Utah chubs collected from Panguitch Lake and 212 Utah chubs collected from Navajo Lake, southern Utah, in 1952–1953 from both scales and opercular bones. Scales were measured with the aid of a projector. Opercular bones were measured directly. The center of growth of the opercular bone is posterior to the posterior lip of the fulcrum. Correction for curvature is necessary in opercular bone measurements. Agreement of dominant age classes for successive years, agreement of empirical length-frequency modes of young fish with calculated length-frequency modes of lower age classes, agreement of ages as indicated by scales and opercular bones, agreement of age with sexually immature fish, and an increase in length with an increase in age are accepted as evidence in support of both methods. The opercular-bone method displays no appreciable advantages over the scale method.
Relative effects of in‐stream habitat and land use on fish distribution and abundance in tributaries of the Grey River, New Zealand

Abstract The distribution and abundance offish was investigated over 2 years at 78 sites in Redjacks Creek and adjacent tributaries draining native, exotic, and mixed forest catchments within the Grey River system, South Island, New Zealand. The abundance of diadromous fish decreased with altitude and distance from the sea, whereas the abundance of non‐diadromous fish species, especially dwarf galaxias (Galaxias divergens), increased with altitude and distance from the sea. Species abundance varied with average stream depth and velocity, generally in accordance with micro‐habitat preferences. The relative influences of diadromy, land use, and physical habitat on fish distribution and abundance were difficult to separate. Differences in fish abundance in the three land‐use categories were often attributable to differences in physical habitat. Nevertheless, there were indications that land use and its effect on the stream environment was influencing the distribution of some fish species. Ammocoetes (Geotria.
Desperate Needs, Desperate Deeds: Why Mainstream Parties Respond to the Issues of Niche Parties

This study explores agenda-setting dynamics between mainstream and niche parties on two issues owned by niche parties: immigration and European integration. It proposes an analytical distinction between opposition and government parties to understand which mainstream parties will engage in dialogue on these issues. Building on prospect theory, mainstream opposition parties (MOPs) are expected to be risk-acceptant and inclined to follow the agenda of niche competitors. Conversely, mainstream government parties (MGPs) are risk-averse, will systematically ignore shifts in the agenda of niche parties and only increase their attention in response to MOPs. Time-series analyses between 1974 and 2003 on the case of Denmark confirm the hypotheses.
Effect of Leptin and IGFBP-3 Gene Polymorphisms on Serum IgG Level of Cattle Calves

Leptin and IGFBP-3 are two proteins that play an important role in growth and metabolism of the animals. They are also involved in the immune function of animals and, thus, are candidate genes for the study of association with immune functions. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of these two genes was done to screen 64 crossbred (Holstein FriesianxHariana) female calves of one year of age. From each RFLPs (fragments) three genotypes were observed. In all the RFLPs the mutant homozygotes were very less in numbers and, hence, were excluded from the least squares analysis. The serum IgG level was estimated using SRID assay. The mean level of serum IgG was 28.83±2.73 mg/ml. The effect of these identified genotypes on serum IgG level of calves at one year of age was analysed using least squares analysis. The HaeIII RFLP-AB genotype had significantly (p<0.05) higher serum IgG level (31.86±3.05) than the HaeIII RFLP-AA (25.62±2.96) genotype. There was no significant effect of leptin genotypes on the IgG level. The present results indicated a role of the IGFBP-3 gene on serum IgG level of cattle calves.
Respiration of Barley Plants. III--Protein Catabolism in Starving Leaves

In an earlier paper (Yemm 1935) the results of analytical and gasometric experiments with starving barley leaves were described. These experiments indicated that the respiratory mechanism was considerably modified under conditions of extreme starvation: the rapid breakdown of carbohydrates, conspicuous at first, may play only a minor part in the later stages. It was suggested that protein catabolism is important in the respiration of highly starved and yellow leaves. The evidence for this conclusion was drawn primarily from observations of the respiratory quotient; such data are notoriously difficult to interpret and alone they do not lead to any satisfactory certainty. In the present case further information could be gained by biochemical examination of the transformation of proteins and other nitrogenous compounds occurring during progressive starvation. By this means the preliminary analysis of the living system by gasometric methods could be extended. It is known that loss of protein occurs in plants under conditions of carbohydrate shortage. Onslow (1931) has collected together analytical data which show this in both etiolated seedlings and isolated organs, while the researches of Chibnall (1922a, 19246), Mothes (1926), and Vickery, Pucher, Wakeman and Leavenworth (1933) have provided information especially for detached leaves. However, any detailed comparison of the results available with the starving barley leaves is obviously hazardous, since differences, both of the leaf type and of starvation conditions, may lead to confusion. Therefore, biochemical data have been sought for barley leaves starved under the controlled conditions previously used: a description of the analytical methods and results is given in this paper.
Wheat Resistance to Bacterial Leaf Streak Mediated by Silicon

Leaf streak, caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa, is the major bacterial disease of wheat in Brazil and other countries worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of silicon (Si) on disease development and the biochemical mechanisms possibly involved in resistance potentialized by this element. Plants of cv. BR-18, susceptible to leaf streak, were grown in plastic pots containing Si-deficient soil amended with either calcium silicate (+Si) or calcium carbonate (−Si). The content of Si increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 96.5% for the +Si when compared with −Si treatment. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.05) between Si treatments for calcium content on leaf tissue, so variations in Si accounted for differences in the level of resistance to leaf streak. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.05) between Si treatments for incubation period, latent period, necrotic leaf area, and severity estimated by the software quant. However, chlorotic leaf area was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) by 50.2% for the +Si when compared with −Si treatment. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.05) between Si treatments for the bacteria population on leaf tissue; however, the values seemed to be somewhat lower in the +Si treatment from 4 to 8 days after inoculation (d.a.i.) on leaves from plants supplied with Si. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.05) between Si treatments for electrolyte leakage. The concentration of total soluble phenolics and lignin-thioglycolic acid (LTGA) derivatives did not show any apparent signs of increase during the course of infection and seemed to be slightly higher on plants not supplied with Si at the most advanced stages of bacterial infection. Chitinase activity was high at the most advanced stages of bacterial infection on leaves from +Si treatment and probably affected bacterial growth on leaf tissue. Peroxidase activity following bacterial infection was not increased by Si, but can be linked with the highest concentration of LTGA derivatives at 12 d.a.i. of plants supplied with Si. Polyphenoloxidase activity did not affect wheat resistance to leaf streak regarding of the Si treatments. The results clearly suggest that supplying Si to wheat plants can increase resistance to leaf streak possibly through an increase in tissue lignification and the participation of chitinases and peroxidases.
Prey Preference and Consumption by Some Non-Specialist Harvestman Species (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Summary Only a few studies of harvestman prey have dealt with food preference, consumption rate and the value of different food types. This study seeks to clarify these aspects in the non-specialist harvestmen Rilaena triangularis, Oligolophus tridens and Nemastoma lugubre. Food quality was tested with adult R. triangularis, while all three species were used in food preference experiments. The harvestmen were offered eight food types: earthworm, slug, plum, turkey meat, Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera), Sitobion avenae (Aphidoidea), Sinella curviseta (Collembola) and Folsomia Candida (Collembola). In the food quality experiment, consumption rate and effects on animal fitness were examined. In the preference experiment, feeding observations and consumption measurements were used to indicate preference. In general there was little agreement between preference, amounts consumed and food value. Drosophila melanogaster and turkey meat were high quality foods, but associated with high consumption rate of the former and low consumption rate of the latter. Slugs, earthworms, aphids and plum were low-quality foods, though O. tridens and N. lugubre ate surprisingly high amounts of plum. The low quality of slugs is due to pre-ingestive effects, that of earthworms to post-ingestive effects, while the value of S. avenae was limited by both. There is a general similarity between harvestmen and other generalist predators in the value of different food types.
Survival of the African white‐backed vulture Gyps africanus in north‐eastern South Africa

Old World vultures are in decline across their entire range. Although critical for the formulation of effective conservation measures, neither survival nor movement patterns of African vultures are adequately known. This paper presents survival and movement data on the African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) from South Africa. Survival estimates were modelled on resightings of tagged vultures. Birds were captured en masse and resighted between November 2005 and December 2010. A total of 93 adult and subadult birds were fitted with uniquely numbered patagial tags, which were resighted 3707 times (mean of 39.8 resightings per bird). The programme MARK was used to estimate survival. The best model was one where survival and recaptures varied only with time (e.g. year). However, owing to the fading (illegibility) of tags in later years, the relationship with time is probably spurious. The second best model was one where survival and recaptures varied with age and time. Annual survival estimates increased from 85.2% in second-year birds to 99.9% in adults. This corresponds well with the survival of two other Gyps vultures that have been studied to date and underscores the point that additional mortality of adults in these long-lived species will result in rapid population