Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Thalassiosira weissflogii from nitrogen and silicon starvation

The ecological success of marine diatoms comes despite their unusual additional requirement for silicon, a nutrient that often limits their growth in the ocean. There may be, however, some physiological and ecological advantages to silicon limitation. A model of nitrogen and silicon metabolism in diatoms (Flynn et al. 1997; Flynn and Martin‐Jézéquel 2000) suggests that silicon‐starved diatoms will recover more quickly than nitrogen‐starved (but otherwise identical) diatoms on the resupply of nutrients. In culture, following 24 h of stationary phase induced by nutrient exhaustion, silicon‐starved Thalassiosira weissflogii displayed maximum growth rates within a few hours of the readdition of silicon. But 37 h elapsed before nitrate‐starved cultures began dividing again and nitrate‐starved cultures did not reattain maximum growth rates over the period investigated. The model suggests that, in terms of number, cells descended from the nitrate starved will never catch up to cells descended from the silicon starved if both populations are simultaneously supplied with a pulse of nutrients. The longer the lag between nutrient supply and the resumption of growth in the nitrate‐starved cells, the greater the proportion of the supplied nutrients that ends up in the descendants of the silicon starved. In the model run, the silicon‐starved cells acquired 75% of the added nutrients and the nitrate starved acquired only 25%. Silicon limitation may thus be a mechanism by which diatoms ensure they respond more quickly than other phytoplankton to the upwelling of nutrients into the euphotic zone.
Time-series analysis of copepod diversity and species richness in the southern Bay of Biscay off Santander, Spain, in relation to environmental conditions

Changes in the copepod species composition and their relative abundances at two stations on a cross-shelf section oV Santander (Spain) in the southern Bay of Biscay are described by means of species richness, Shannon-Weaver diversity, and similarity coeYcients. The seasonal and inter-annual variability in these indices is compared with changes observed in thermal stratification indices from monthly collected data over 5 years (June 1991 to June 1996). Copepods represent the main taxonomic group in the zooplankton assemblage in terms of abundance and persistence. Ordination of the samples by their similarity coeYcients has a clear temporal meaning, and the clusters formed are linked to seasonal characteristics of the water column. Autocorrelation and spectral analysis of species richness and diversity show a 12-month periodic cycle throughout the time series, with a less important peak every 30 months. The long-term trends between these indices and the standard deviation of water column temperature (as an index of thermal stratification) are of opposite sign. The significant negative correlation between the pairs suggests a strong relationship between the maintenance of copepod diversity and environmental conditions. 1998 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Effects of an Invasive Fish (Gambusia affinis) and Anthropogenic Nutrient Enrichment on American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) Tadpoles

Abstract Pollution and the introduction of nonnative predators, typically fish, are two frequent human-associated stressors in freshwater ecosystems. Amphibians appear to be particularly susceptible to these stressors. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to examine the independent and interactive effects of an invasive fish, the Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and ammonium nitrate, an agricultural fertilizer, on American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) tadpoles. Mosquitofish tended to have a negative effect on American Toad survivorship. American Toad metamorphs from mesocosms with mosquitofish were smaller than those from mesocosms without mosquitofish. Mosquitofish also delayed metamorphosis of the American Toads. Ammonium nitrate addition did not affect survivorship. However, American Toad metamorphs from ammonium nitrate addition treatments were smaller than those from treatments without ammonium nitrate addition. Mosquitofish and ammonium nitrate addition each had independent effects on American Toads, but there was no evidence for significant interactions between these two stressors.
Factors determining the occurrence of Flat Bugs (Aradidae) in beech dominated forests

The habitat requirements of most Aradidae and the decisive factors that influence their occurrence are still poorly understood. To reduce this lack of knowledge a standardised survey of Aradidae in two large beech forest areas of Bavaria (northern Steigerwald and High Spessart) was conducted. The following hypotheses were tested: 1) With increasing ‘habitat tradition’ (temporal continuity), population densities of Aradidae increase, 2) Increasing dead wood supply supports higher abundance of Aradidae, 3) There are key structures for particular species with respect to type of dead wood, diameter and exposure to sunlight, and 4) The occurrence of particular fungi species determines the occurrence of Aradidae. In our study, Aradidae were sampled in point sample plots by flight-interception traps and time-standardised hand collection. To analyse specific habitat requirements additional sampling was performed to increase the sample size. Four species of Aradidae were observed in the two forest areas: Aneurus avenius, Aradus betulae, A. conspicuus and A. depressus. The results demonstrate that all species have different and specific habitat requirements. Especially for A. betulae ‘habitat tradition’ of standing dead wood of large dimensions infested by Fomes fomentarius seems to be crucial. Hence, A. betulae was only observed in the Spessart and only at the sites with ‘habitat tradition’.
A NEW SPECIES OF NEOMEONEURITES HENNIG (DIPTERA: CARNIDAE) FROM ARGENTINA, WITH A DISCUSSION OF MALE POSTABDOMINAL STRUCTURE IN THE GENUS

Abstract Neomeoneurites dissitus sp.nov., the second known species of the genus, is described from Neuquén territory, Argentina. The generic diagnosis is revised to accommodate the species. The structure of the male postabdomen of Neomeoneurites is discussed and some errors in previous interpretations of the postabdomen are corrected. Synapomorphic characters of the male postabdomen in Neomeoneurites include extensive fusion of the hypandrium and sternite 8, loss of the phallic guide, well-developed posteroventral hypandrial projections, and surstyli that are completely fused with the epandrium. Résumé On trouvera ici la description de Neomeoneurites dissitus sp.nov. du territoire de Neuquén, en Argentine, la seconde espèce du genre jamais rencontrée. La diagnose générique est révisée pour inclure l’espèce. La structure de la partie postérieure de l’abdomen des mâles de Neomeoneurites est examinée et certaines erreurs d’interprétation sont corrigées. Parmi les synapomorphies relatives au postabdomen des mâles chez Neomeoneurites, il faut noter la fusion importante de rhypandrium et du sternite 8, la perte du guide phallique, la présence de projections hypandriales postéroventrales bien développées et la présence de surstyli complètement fusionnés à l’épandrium. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Comparison of the thermoregulatory response of buffaloes and tropical cattle, using fluctuations in rectal temperature, skin temperature and haematocrit as an index

In previous comparative studies of buffaloes and temperate cattle, a greater increase in rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperature (ST), and a greater decrease in haematocrit (Ht) have been observed in buffaloes than in temperate cattle with an increase in ambient temperature (AT). Our series of previous experiments suggested that great changes in RT, ST and Ht are induced in buffaloes by a marked increase in blood flow from the body core to the surface, which accelerates dissipation of heat from the skin surface. On the basis of these suggestions, the present study was undertaken to compare fluctuations in RT, ST and Ht between buffaloes and tropical cattle. Fluctuations in the aforementioned parameters, particularly RT and Ht, were greater in buffaloes than in cattle. Moreover, the correlation for RT or Ht v. AT was significant for buffaloes (r=0·33 and −0·37, respectively) but not for cattle. The correlation coefficient for ST v. AT was significant in both species, but was greater in buffaloes (r=0·63) than in cattle (r=0·56). These results demonstrate that with changes in ambient temperature, RT, ST and Ht fluctuate much more in buffaloes than in tropical cattle, as found previously for temperate cattle. Therefore, the distinctive thermoregulatory responses of buffalo are confirmed as being specific to this species.
Determinação da escala de coloração da casca e do rendimento em suco do maracujá-amarelo em diferentes épocas de colheita

This work had the aim to determinate the peel color scale intended to identify the ripening stage of the yellow passion fruit and evaluate its juice yield in different harvest seasons. The experiments were constituted of 2 harvest seasons and they were accomplished during the period of low temperatures and less precipitation (EP1 - May/September) and high temperatures and more precipitation (EP2 - October/December), and seven ripening stages using ten replications. The results were compared by applying the Tukey test at the level of 5% of probability. Hunter b parameter was used as the yellowing index. It was verified that the yellow color progressed from the base to the fruit peduncle. Fruits from the EP2 season presented the lowest juice yield and the highest peel thickness in the early ripening stages. In fruits with at least 65% of yellow color peel, the harvest season did not influence in the peel thickness and in the juice yield, showing the highest level of juice. Fruits from the EP1 season showed the higher juice yield after 21,3% yellow color.
A New Species of Telmatobius (Anura: Telmatobiidae) from Montane Forests of Southern Peru, with a Review of Osteological Features of the Genus

ABSTRACT. We describe a new species of Telmatobius from cloud forests in the valley of the Río Kosñipata in the Cordillera de Paucartambo, Región de Cusco, Peru, where it inhabits roadside ditches and forest streams. The new species is among the larger Telmatobius known. It has a short rostrum and exceedingly long jaw. Males have nuptial excrescences composed of minute, closely spaced spicules. Osteologically, the new species is distinguished by unusual ossification of the endocranium. The sphenethmoid is synostotically united with the prootic and the ossification/mineralization of the dorsal neurocranial roof eliminates the parietal fontanelles, leaving only a small frontal fontanelle. Osteological comparisons are made between the new species and the 24 other species of Telmatobius for which there is information available in the literature. Preliminary evidence suggests that the suspensory apparatus of Telmatobius may have a unique combination of features distinguishing it from that of other anurans. Superficially, the new species resembles members of the Telmatobius bolivianus Group, but its phylogenetic relationships are unknown. Many anurans in the area of the type locality have experienced severe declines, and the new species, not seen since 2007, is considered as Critically Endangered.
Evaluation of Antiaris africana methanol extract and compounds for antioxidant and antitumor activities

A methanol extract from the stem bark of Antiaris africana Engler (Moraceae), as well as compounds isolated and identified as betulinic acid (1), 3β-acetoxy-1β,11α-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene (2), ursolic acid (3), oleanolic acid (4), strophanthidol (5), periplogenin (6), convallatoxin (7), strophanthidinic acid (8), methyl strophanthinate (9), and 3,3′-dimethoxy-4′-O-β-d-xylopyronosylellagic acid (10), were tested for their antioxidant and anticancer activities. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used for the antioxidant test while the potato disk tumor induction and XTT assays were used to detect antitumor activities. The antioxidant test showed that the methanol extract and compounds 1, 9, and 10, as well as vitamin C, used as reference antioxidant drug, were able to interact with more than 50% DPPH. The results of the potato disk tumor induction assay also indicated a pronounced tumor reducing activity of the methanol extract (83.12%) and compound 10 (96.64%). Samples showing more than 20% inhibition of Crown gall tumors were then tested against human DU-145 and hepatocarcinoma Hep G2 cells. The results showed inhibitory activities of 64.12% and 73.62%, respectively, on DU-145 and Hep G2 cells for the methanol extract. Compound 10 showed the highest inhibition potency on both cell lines with more than 70% inhibition at 50 μg/mL. The methanol extract showed an IC50 value lower than this at 30 μg/mL, a threshold value for potential antineoplastic extracts. The results of the present study provide supportive data for the traditional anticancer use of A. africana and indicate that the methanol extract as well as compound 10 represent a potential source of medicine for the treatment of cancer, having also interesting antioxidant properties.
Effect of supplementing phytase to corn-or wheat-based gestation and lactation diets on nutrient digestibility and sow and litter performance

Effect of an Escherichia coli derived, 6-phytase on nutrient digestibility and sow and litter performance were investigated. Six (exp. 1) or eight (exp. 2) sows per diet were randomly assigned to a positive control (PC), a negative control (NC) with reduced non-phytate phosphorus (P), NC + 500 FTU kg-1, or NC + 1000 FTU kg-1 diet from day 60 of gestation to day 22 postpartum. Diets in exps. 1 and 2 were based on corn and wheat, respectively. Energy, N, calcium (Ca), and P digestibilities were determined between days 73 to 77 (Period 1), 104 to 106 (Period 2) of pregnancy, and days 16 to 20 postpartum. Sow and litter performance were monitored. During gestation, phytase at 500 FUT kg-1 did not affect nutrient digestibility in exp. 1 but improved (P < 0.05) DE and digestibilities of DM, energy, N, and P in exp. 2. Increasing phytase to 1000 FTU kg-1 reduced (P < 0.05) digestibilities of energy and N (exp. 1). In both experiments, digestibilities of N, Ca, and P were higher (P < 0.05) in period 2 than period.
Pollination of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) and production in enclosures using the stingless bee Nannotrigona perilampoides

Summary A flower isolation experiment was conducted to determine the effect of self and cross pollination in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) in Yucatán, Mexico. The number of fruits increased, differing significantly (p<0.01) between bagged flowers (BF=25%), flowers that received one visit (V= 79%) and those with unrestricted visits (UV=86%). Likewise the numbers of seeds and the fertilization index differed significantly between treatments (p<0.01). In a second experiment, the efficiency of the stingless bee Nannotrigona perilampoides (SB) for pollinating this crop was evaluated. The quality of the fruit and the production in kg/m2 were not different between SB and mechanical vibration (MV) but the latter showed significantly lower values in the polar diameter, weight and number of seed per fruit (p<0.01). Both SB and MV showed significantly higher values compared with a test treatment where no pollinator was used in all the evaluated variables (p<0.01). We conclude that C. chinense can be self pollinated but cross pollination is needed to increase the number and quality of fruits and especially for high seed production probably due to the increased transference of pollen grains. The use of N. perilampoides seems a good alternative to the use of mechanical vibration and non native bees for pollination of peppers in enclosures under tropical conditions.
Identifying hotspots of chimpanzee group activity from transect surveys in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract: Locating activity hotspots – areas of higher density, more intense use, or distinct social units – is a prerequisite for answering many questions in animal ecology. However, for many species, carrying out such research from direct observations in tropical habitat is time-consuming and unrealistic for non-habituated animals. This study aimed to locate chimpanzee home ranges from transect nest counts. For validation purposes, 233 line transects were sampled within the home ranges of four habituated social groups of chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. In total, 373 km of transects were surveyed over 188 days and 683 nests of chimpanzee were recorded. First, we characterized heterogeneity of nest distribution patterns, including variation in density and group size within the area. Second, we used scan statistics, a likelihood-based cluster technique to locate chimpanzee social groups and compared them with the known home range boundaries. Chimpanzee nest distribution was characterized by a positive density and group-size gradient away from the range periphery. Furthermore, nest distribution clusters corresponding to the four groups could be successfully identified, although additional clusters for, for example, low-density areas between social groups seem to be an unavoidable by-product. The approach taken can be extended to a wide spectrum of data stemming from direct observations, camera traps, acoustic or genetic sampling to derive information about structure and patchiness of wild animal populations.
Revision of Holidoteidae, an endemic southern African family of Crustacea, and re-appraisal of taxa previously included in its three genera (Isopoda: Valvifera)

The Holidoteidae Wägele, 1989, a family of three genera confined to southern Africa, are reviewed. Diagnoses are given for Austroarcturus Kensley, 1975, Holidotea Barnard, 1920 and Neoarcturus Barnard, 1914. Their type species are re-illustrated. Keys and brief diagnoses are provided to the six species of Austroarcturus, all from shelf depths (A. africanus Kensley, A. foveolatus Kensley, A. laevis (Kensley), A. quadriconis (Kensley), A. dayi (Kensley), A. similis (Kensley)) and the nine species of Neoarcturus, from slope depths (N. barnardi (Kensley), N. biserialis (Kensley), N. halei (Kensley), N. kensleyi n. sp. , N. longispinus (Kensley), N. nordenstami (Kensley), N. ornatus (Kensley), N. oudops Barnard, N. youngi (Kensley)). Holidotea is monotypic, H. unicornis inhabiting the lower shelf. Southern African species of ' Microarcturus ' Nordenstam, 1933, a generic name without type species and therefore a nomen nudum, are placed in Austroarcturus or Neoarcturus. Non-southern African species (mostly Antarctic or subantarctic) assigned to ' Microarcturus ' or described as species of it are placed in other genera in Antarcturidae, Austrarcturellidae, Pseudidotheidae and Rectarcturidae. 'Microarcturus' mawsoni Hale, Arcturus hirticornis Monod and A. patagonicus Ohlin which were included in ' Microarcturus ' by Nordenstam, and 'M. ' rugosus Nordenstam (herein redescribed) are placed in Fissarcturus Brandt. Three others are assigned to Mixarcturus Brandt: 'Microarcturus' abnormis Kussakin, Arcturus acanthurus Monod; and 'Microarcturus' digitatus Nordenstam (herein redescribed). The following, also from Antarctic and subantarctic waters, have also been placed in ' Microarcturus ' at various times and are reallocated to other genera: Antarcturus kilepoae Kussakin, Litarcturus stebbingi (Beddard); Rectarcturus kophameli (Ohlin); Austrarcturella oculata (Beddard); and Pseudidothea scutata (Stephensen). Four poorly known Australian species described by Whitelegge and included by Nordenstam in ' Microarcturus ' remain unclassifiable. A fifth, Arcturus serratulus, also placed in ' Microarcturus ', belongs in an undiagnosed new genus. 'Microarcturus' tannerensis Schultz belongs in another new genus, also as yet undiagnosed. Six Antarctic species, until now members of Neoarcturus, are not members of Holidoteidae and are assigned to the antarcturid genus Fissarcturus (F. elongatus (Brandt), F. minutus (Brandt), F. poorei (Kussakin and Vasina), F. robustus (Brandt), F. scelerosus (Brandt) and F. stebbingnordenstami (Brandt)). Neoarcturus fungifer Kussakin and Vasina is a probable member of Tuberarcturus and N. caecus Kussakin and Vasina is a member of Antarcturus. N. vinogradovae Kussakin and Vasina, N. cochlearicornis Kussakin and Vasina and N. paxillaris Kussakin and Vasina remain of doubtful generic affinities.
Direct detection of nif-gene sequences of Enterobacter agglomerans in soil

Specific nif sequences of Enterobacter agglomerans plasmid pEA9 were detected in total DNA recovered from soil 70 days after its inoculation with the bacteria, when these were no longer culturable on agar medium. For this, a modified method of DNA extraction from soil was used. No amplification of DNA sequences by PCR was necessary.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the bryozoan Crisia denticulata

Cyclostomata bryozoa are thought to reproduce via polyembryony, a clonal replication of a fertilized egg. To test this hypothesis and to assess the impact of their reproductive strategy on the structure of populations, we isolated microsatellite markers in Crisia denticulata (Cyclostomata, Stenolemata), using an initial enrichment step with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. A total of nine microsatellites, one tetra- and eight dinucleotides repeats were isolated; seven were found to be polymorphic in a test sample of 30 individuals, with allele numbers/locus varying from 2 to 6. The tetranucleotide locus showed heterozygote deficiency. These primers did not amplify the DNA of Crisia eburnea.
The Influence of The Introduced Tropical Alga Caulerpa Taxifolia, on the Biodiversity of the Mediterranean Marine Biota

The Mediterranean proliferation of Caulerpa taxifolia provides an opportunity to examine the extent to which an introduced species can modify biodiversity. During 1992, benthic invertebrates were sampled in Roquebrune-Cap Martin area, at depths of 6 and 10 m, from a Caulerpa station and a reference station. Species richness is slightly lower at 6 m within Caulerpa while the number of specimens is much reduced at both depths. Similarity indices compare well between reference and Caulerpa stations. Caulerpa taxifolia, distributed in tropical seas, was recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean in 1984, as a single 1 m2 patch. This surface increased to 3 ha by 1990, 30 ha in 1991, 100 to 430 ha in 1992, and 1000 to 2000 ha at the end of 1993 (Meinesz & Hesse, 1991; Boudouresque & Meinesz, 1994). Maximum colonization is between 2 and 6 m depth, but the alga has been observed down to 99 m. Density can reach 350 m of fronds and 14,000 leaves per m2. Caulerpa taxifolia colonizes any type of substrate and invasion results in a drastic impoverishment of the algal components of the communities (Boudouresque et al., 1992; Verlaque & Fritayre, 1994). According to these authors, maximal poverty of communities coincides with the maximal development of C. taxifolia (summer-autumn) and epiflora is negligible, except during spring. These changes may induce functional and structural modifications of the fauna that lived in the communities before infestation. Invasion, particularly of photophilic algae and Posidonia beds (Ros et al., 1985), can modify quality and intensity of physical, chemical and hydrodynamical factors, number and quality of shelters, quantity and quality of food, and exchange of individuals between communities and populations.