Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Trials on the Nursery Culture, Overwintering, and Field Grow-Out of Hatchery-Reared Northern Quahogs (Hard Clams), Mercenaria mercenaria (L.), in Eastern Maine

ABSTRACT The easternmost commercial population of hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, in Maine was discovered recently near the low intertidal in Goose Cove, in the town of Trenton (Hancock County). A fast- and slow-growing morph was identified that reaches commercial size (50.8 mm shell length) in 4 y and 5 y, respectively. Fast-growing individuals were selected as broodstock, and conditioned to spawn at the Downeast Institute. The fate and growth of cultured juveniles was followed for 5 mo beginning in July 2006 at 4 stocking densities (2,500–10,000 animals/1.1 m2 floating, nylon window screen-lined tray; n = 20) at a coldwater field nursery approximately 60 km east of Trenton, in the town of Beals, ME (Washington County). Survival was nearly 100%, and growth was density dependent, with animals attaining a final mean shell length ±95% confidence interval of 8.4 = 0.13 mm and 7.6 ± 0.218 mm in the lowest and highest density treatments, respectively. In November 2006, cultured seed was separated into 2 sizes (large, 8.7 ± 0.2 mm; small, 5.1 = 0.2 mm) and overwintered in window-screen bags (0.2 m2) at densities ranging from 0.6–1.6 kg (large) and 0.5–1 kg (small), representing approximate densities ranging from 3,360–15,510 individuals per bag. Bags were placed on horizontal shelves within modified lobster traps (overwintering containers) that were added to a 35,000-L tank receiving ambient seawater for 177 days until May 2007. Seawater temperatures during this interval ranged from -1-10°C. Survival rates exceeded 99%, and no negative effects resulting from stocking density were observed. Hatchery seed was transplanted in May 2007 to the lower intertidal at Goose Cove and a second intertidal location approximately 30 km east of Beals at Duck Brook Flat, in the town of Cutler, and the fate and growth of these juveniles was followed for 6–7 mo. Survival was independent of planting densities (330–1320 individuals/m2), and predator netting did not enhance survival compared with controls without netting. Growth was seasonal, with the greatest incremental shell increases occurring between early July and late September. Growth rates varied between planting locations, with clams adding approximately 10 mm shell length at Goose Cove between May and December (initial shell length, 8.2 mm; final shell length, 17.9 mm) and approximately 5 mm shell length at Duck Brook Flat between June and November (initial shell length, 9.3 mm; final shell length, 14.3 mm). Hard clam farming in eastern Maine may help to diversify a wild shellfish industry that is currently in decline for most species except lobsters; however, additional efforts are needed to explore alternative grow-out sites and methods to enhance growth rates.
Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies of Commiphora africana root extracts.

The crude ethanolic extract of Commiphora africana root was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform; water and 10% aqueous methanol and screened for chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity. The n-hexane fraction, which was the most bioactive was chromatographed on a column silica gel to give a number of purified components. The components from the nhexane were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. S. aureus (ATCC 13709) was susceptible to fractions C1 - C11 giving zonal inhibition of between 1-3 mm. Ethanolic crude root extract (2000 µg mL -1 ) proved highly active against C. albicans, while 10% aqueous methanol was the most active against E. coli. Though C. africana root crude extracts, fractions and components showed promising in-vitro antimicrobial activity, it was not as high as that of the standard antibiotics used for comparison.
Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Sphaeranthus indicus L on Paracetamol Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

Aqueous extract of root of Sphaeranthus indicus L. was evaluated for hepatpprotective activity in rats. The plant extract 200 & 300 mg/kg body weight showed a remarkable hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity as judged from the serum marker enzymes levels in liver tissues. Paracetamol overdose caused significant (p<0.001) increase in aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase, γ‐Glutamyl transferase, Total Cholesterol and serum triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, total bilirubin with a reduction of total protein and high density lipoprotein . Treatment of rats with different doses of plant extract (200 & 300 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P<0.001) altered serum marker enzyme and lipid levels to near normal against acetaminophen treated rats. The activity of the extract at dose of 300 mg/kg was comparable to standard drug, silymarin (50mg/kg body weight). Results indicate the hepatoprotective properties of Sphaeranthus indicus L against acetaminophen induced
The paradox between the long-term decrease of egg mass size of the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis and its long- term constant abundance in a highly turbid estuary (Gironde estuary, France)

Eurytemora affinis egg mass size—a commonly used demographic parameter—was surveyed in the Gironde estuary. Its decrease between 1978 and 2003 contrasted with the stability of population density during this long-term period. Different hypotheses were tested to explain this paradox. (i) Upstream shift of the population: Even though the population of E. affinis shifted upstream due to a greater penetration of marine water, no relationship between the population shift and demographic parameters was observed: the egg mass size exhibited the same evolution upstream. (ii) Water warming: No early egg production and no change of female size that could metabolically limit the egg mass size was observed. (iii) Food limitation: The change in food quality observed did not result in any change in total copepod abundance. (iv) Faster renewal of egg masses: The paradox cannot be explained by this factor and the number of adults observed nowadays is higher than the number of eggs produced by females, whereas fecundity rates strongly increased. The paradox is probably explained by the expulsion of viable subitaneous eggs. This may represent a recent behaviour adaptation of the copepod to environmental changes.
Signals of need and quality: Atlantic puffin chicks can beg and boast

Need and hunger models of honest begging predict that lower-quality offspring should call more, or beg, to signal their poor body condition or hunger. In contrast, quality models of begging predict that offspring of higher fitness should call more, or boast, to signal their viability to parents. We observed 2 types of calls in Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) chicks: a shorter peep call and a longer screech call. Poorly fed chicks screeched during a higher proportion of parental visits than well-fed chicks. Food-supplemented chicks showed a decrease in the proportion of food visits with screech calls, whereas control chicks did not. Chicks in good body condition peeped more than chicks in poor body condition and these chicks showed a greater increase in the peep call rate after supplemental feeding than chicks that started off in poorer condition. Screech calls may signal need and/or hunger to parents, whereas peep calls may signal chick quality. This combination of signals should allow parents to make strategic resource-based decisions, allocating more food to hungry or lower-quality chicks when resources are abundant and preferentially feeding high-quality chicks when resources are scarce.
One of a thousand - a new species of Trigonopterus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cryptorhynchinae) from New Guinea

A new species of Trigonopterus Fauvel, 1862 is described: Trigonopterus vandekampi sp. n. It occurs relatively commonly on foliage of lowland rainforests in West New Guinea. The genus Trigonopterus is hyperdiverse, but the majority of its species are undescribed. This description is the first one including both important morphological and molecular characters and provides a foundation for forthcoming studies on the functional morphology of this species.
Biphasic haustorial differentiation of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix race II) associated with defence responses in resistant and susceptible coffee cultivars

The objective of this study was to assess whether defence responses in coffee (Coffea arabica) were linked to a specific developmental stage of the rust fungus Hemileia vastatrix. Histological observations in compatible and incompatible highyielding Brazilian coffee cultivars showed that the fungus produced ‘pioneer’ haustoria in adjacent and subsidiary stomatal cells soon after entering the stomata, followed by later developed ‘secondary haustoria’ which invade mesophyll cells. In the incompatible interaction between Race II and cv. Tupi, a strong and transient H2O2 generation at infection sites was detected at 39 h post inoculation (hpi) during secondary haustoria formation. In addition, clear-cut differences in defence gene expression between compatible and incompatible interactions were only observed during the secondary haustoria formation. Transcripts of the pathogenesis-related (PR) genes CaPR1b and CaPR10 accumulated to maximal levels at 39 hpi (38- and 86-fold, respectively) in the incompatible interaction, but stayed at low levels in the compatible interaction. In contrast, the CaWRKY1 gene and the CaRLK gene were only induced in the susceptible cultivar. These results indicated that the specific resistance of cv. Tupi was expressed after differentiation of the H. vastatrix secondary haustoria. Analysis showed no evidence of specific recognition of coffee rust at the pioneer haustoria stage, suggesting that haustoria components are not recognized by, or not secreted into, the subsidiary and adjacent cells of the stomata. Additionally, the present study provides new insights into the colonization process of the coffee rust fungus.
Effect of water stress on potato growth, yield and water use in a hot and a cool tropical climate

SUMMARY Irrigation experiments are described in which three cultivars were subjected to varying degrees of drought in the cool and hot seasons in Lima, Peru. The most severely draughted plots received, on average, 20% and 35% less water than the well-watered control plots, resulting in 20% and 52% yield reduction in the cool and hot seasons, respectively. Average fresh tuber yields ranged, according to cultivar, from 1370 to 2450 g/m2 in the summer and from 2800 to 4450 g/m2 in the winter, with tuber dry-matter percentages of c. 17% and 20%, respectively. The production of total dry matter per unit intercepted solar radiation (the conversion coefficient, estimated from the slope of the regression, in g/MJ) was markedly less during the hot season but, regressed on a photo thermal quotient ∑((MJ/m2)/(°C > 4·5°C)), a common relationship across seasons was achieved. The conversion coefficient was less in draughted than in well-watered plots, more so in the hot season. Crop transpirational and evapotranspirational water use efficiencies (WUE) were less in the hot season largely because of the greater saturation vapour-pressure deficit. However, because of greater harvest index (HI) and more-efficient interception of solar radiation per unit of applied water by draughted than by well-watered plots in the summer, and despite a lower conversion coefficient, draughted plots showed greater WUE. Based on total water applied and final fresh tuber yields, WUE was, on average, 3·9 and 12·4 kg/m3 in the hot and cool seasons, respectively, values close to the extremes of the range of published values. Low HI in the summer was, to some extent, responsible for this seasonal difference.
SOLVING TAXONOMIC AND NOMENCLATURAL PROBLEMS IN PACIFIC GIGARTINACEAE (RHODOPHYTA) USING DNA FROM TYPE MATERIAL

Molecular data obtained by a procedure for extracting PCR‐amplifiable nuclear and chloroplast DNA from old and formalin‐fixed red algal herbarium specimens were used to elucidate problems in the systematics of Pacific Gigartinaceae. Correspondence between nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 region or the RUBISCO spacer from type specimens and modern collections supports the following conclusions. (1) The type of Fucus cordatus Turner, now Iridaea cordata (Turner) Bory, came from the southern hemisphere (probably from Isla de los Estados, Argentina) rather than from Banks Island, B.C., Canada. (2) The type of Iridaea heterocarpa P. et R. [Mazzaella heterocarpa (P. et R.) Fred. ] represents the tetrasporangial phase of a species of Chondrus, possibly C. crispus Stackh. (3) The types of Iridaea lilacina P. et R. , I. phyllocarpa P. et R. , and Iridophycus furcatum S. et G. represent a single species from Alaska, Mazzaella phyllocarpa (P. et R.) Perest. , currently but incorrectly called M. heterocarpa. (4) The type of Iridophycus oregonum Doty represents the tetrasporangial phase of the species from southern Alaska to southern California known incorrectly as M. heterocarpa. (5) Mazzaella splendens (S. et G.) Fred. is more closely related to M. linearis (S. et G.) Fred. than it is to M. flaccida (S. et G.) Fred. (6) Iridophycus coriaceum S. et G. is conspecific with M. splendens, whereas Rhodoglossum coriaceum E.Y. Dawson is an independent species: Mazzaella coriacea (E.Y. Dawson) Hughey. (7) Iridaea cornucopiae P. et R. is conspecific with Mazzaella laminarioides (Bory) Fred. , and the type probably came from Chile rather than from the North Pacific. (8) Plants attributed to Iridaea cornucopiae in Pacific North America are referable to Mazzaella parksii (S. et G.) comb. nov. (9) Rhodoglossum parvum G. M. Smith et Hollenb. is an independent species: Mazzaella parva (G. M. Smith et Hollenb.) comb. nov. (10) Grateloupia squarrulosa S. et G. , Grateloupia johnstonii S. et G. , and Gigartina pectinata E.Y. Dawson represent a single species: Chondracanthus squarrulosus (S. et G.) comb. nov.
USF1 and USF2: Molecular regulators of the switch between proliferation and differentiation in postnatal rat Sertoli cells

Sertoli cells provide nutrients and growth factors for developing germ cells. Each Sertoli cell can support a finite number of developing germ cells. During development of the testis, cessation of Sertoli cell proliferation and the onset of differentiation establishes the final number of Sertoli cells and hence the number of sperm that can be produced. Studies in this dissertation explore the hypothesis that the transition from proliferation to differentiation is facilitated by E-box transcription factors that induce the expression of differentiation-promoting genes. The relative activities of E-box proteins were studied in primary Sertoli cells isolated from 5, 11, and 20 day-old rats, representing proliferating, differentiating, and differentiated cells, respectively. DNA binding by E-box proteins is nearly undetectable at 5 days after birth but peaks with initiation of differentiation at 11 days after birth and remains elevated. Upstream Stimulatory Factors 1 and 2 (USF1, USF2) were the predominant E-box proteins present within DNA-protein complexes formed after incubating E-box containing probes with nuclear extracts from developing Sertoli cells. Increased USF binding activity corresponded with elevated Usf1 mRNA and USF1 protein levels 11 days after birth. The potentiator of Sertoli cell differentiation, thyroxine, induces USF DNA binding in Sertoli cells prior to differentiation. Decreased nuclear expression of ID proteins may permit increased USF DNA binding during Sertoli cell differentiation. Several genes required for Sertoli cell differentiation and differentiated Sertoli cell functions have USF binding sites within their promoters. Two potential USF target genes, Nr5a1 and Shbg, were induced in 11 day-old Sertoli cells when compared with 5 day-old Sertoli cells. DNA binding studies of Nr5a1 and Shbg promoter sequences determined that USF1 and USF2 binding to E-box motifs increased during differentiation. In vivo binding assays confirmed that USF1 and USF2 occupy the E-box within the Nr5a1 promoter. These data support the ideas that increased USF protein expression induces differentiation-associated gene expression and that USF-mediated alterations in gene transcription are responsible for the onset of differentiation in developing Sertoli cells. These USF-mediated processes would then determine the final number of Sertoli cells present within the testes and the upper limit of fertility.
Seasonal cycle of phytoplankton community structure and photophysiological state in the western subarctic gyre of the North Pacific

We investigated the seasonal variability of the phytoplankton community in the western subarctic gyre (WSG) of the northwestern North Pacific with respect to structure (abundance, size, and taxonomic composition) and photophysiological state from 2006 to 2012 by using the chemotaxonomy program CHEMTAX, microscopy, and fast‐repetition‐rate fluorometry. Chlorophyll a standing stock (∫Chl a) varied seasonally from 20 to 52 mg m−2 and increased frequently to > 40 mg m−2 in June and July. Diatoms (20–35%) and prymnesiophytes (13–23%) comprised major portions of the ∫Chl a during the bloom period. Diatoms decreased to < 23% during the postbloom period, and prymnesiophytes became the most abundant group (24–35%). Mean Fv : Fm ratios (potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem II) in the mixed layer were relatively high (0.41–0.47) in winter and early spring, decreased rapidly to 0.32–0.39 concomitant with bloom development, and remained at low levels in the summer and autumn, although macronutrients [NO−3, PO3−4, and Si(OH)4] in the mixed layer were not depleted at any time. In June 2012, onboard‐ship iron (Fe)‐enrichment experiments stimulated increases of Chl a concentrations (from 0.64 to 7.15 mg m−3) and Fv : Fm (from 0.33 to 0.44). Seasonal variability of the phytoplankton community in the WSG is controlled mainly by Fe, with light and temperature limitation occurring in winter and early spring. Our study also suggests that the magnitude and duration of blooms in the WSG are strongly affected by Fe availability.
Plant persistence traits in fire-prone ecosystems of the Mediterranean basin: a phylogenetic approach

The two main fire response traits found in the Mediterranean basin are the resprouting capacity (R) and the propagule-persistence capacity (P). Previous studies suggested that these two traits might be correlated. In this paper we first test whether R and P have evolved independently. Then, we ask if the correlation occurs because (a) one trait is not the target of selection but it is genetically linked to the other trait which is the one under selection pressure (indirect selection), or (b) because different evolutionary responses to the same selective pressure are acting in parallel on populations at different genetic starting points (parallel selection). Finally, we test to what extent resprouting is associated with some vegetative and reproductive traits. To answer these questions we used a traits database for the eastern Iberian Peninsula and we assembled the phylogenetic tree on the basis of published information. The results indicate that the two traits are negatively associated and support the parallel selection scenario in which changes in R precedes changes in P. The phylogenetic–informed associations of resprouting with other traits (plant height, age at maturity) support the existence of allocation tradeoffs. The results are consistent with the biogeographical history of the Mediterranean basin flora where most of lineages already resprouted to persist after a disturbance during the Tertiary, thus making it improbable that an additional costly persistence strategy would evolve under the Quaternary climatic conditions.
ANCESTRAL STATE RECONSTRUCTION OF MIGRATION: MULTISTATE ANALYSIS REVEALS RAPID CHANGES IN NEW WORLD ORIOLES (ICTERUS SPP)

Abstract During the past century, numerous theoretical articles explored the evolution of seasonal migration in birds; many of these focused on environmental or social conditions that may have led to the origin of migration. More recent work has focused not on the origin of migration, but on changes in migratory behavior that have occurred in modern species and their immediate ancestors. We used a novel approach, a multistate ancestral state reconstruction of migration, to examine patterns of migratory evolution in the New World orioles (Icterus spp.). Both the multistate and binary reconstructions indicated repeated gains in migration. However, the multistate method revealed details of how migration may be gained that the standard binary-state reconstructions would not have shown. Our maximum-likelihood reconstruction, using branch lengths based on a molecular phylogeny, suggested multiple instances of rapid gain of migration. Furthermore, we found that every migratory species' migration type differed from that of its closest relatives. Surprisingly, no partially migratory species was closely related to a fully migratory species. These novel patterns involving gain of migration demonstrate the utility of multistate ancestral reconstruction for examining changes in migratory behavior in closely related birds. Reconstrucción de Estados Ancestrales de la Migración: Análisis con Múltiples Estados de Carácter Revelan Cambios Rápidos en los Orioles del Nuevo Mundo (Icterus spp.)
Systematic review of Nyctimene cepJzalotes and N. albiventer (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in the Maluku and Sulawesi regions, Indonesia

A univariate and multivariate statistical study of the morphology of island populations of Nyctimene in the Maluku region, Indonesia, distinguishes Nyctimene keasti Kitchener, 1993, from the Tanimbar and Kai Islands, as a species. The form from the Tanimbar islands is described as a new subspecies of N. keasti; it is not associated with N. cepha/otes as previously considered in lilt. Nyctimene cepha/otes is restricted to Sulawesi and the Maluku region. The Sulawesi population of N. cepha/otes is described as a distinct new subspecies. The Aru population of N. a/biventer is somewhat differentiated from the Papua New Guinea population of N. a. papuanus; its subspecific status is not determined. Close island populations of N. c. cepha/otes, N. k. keasti and N. k. subsp. novo show considerable morphological differentiation.
Vaginitis

SIR,-The clinical trials of Dr. R. F. Jennison and Dr. J. D. Llywelyn-Jones (Journal, January 19, p. 145) have shown that a 1% watery solution of gentian violet applied to the vagina was not effective in monilial vaginitis. In my experience the inefficacy is probably due to the acid reaction of the vagina: an acid reaction is known to decrease the permeability of living bacteria and fungi for basic substances. Recently I advanced a general principle of pharmacodynamics. The efficacy of any drug or chemical will be increased or decreased by diminishing or increasing respectively its solubility in the solvent or vehicle in which it is applied. ' Based on this principle, a ver% effective fungicidal paint was evolved, consisting of an alcoholic solution of methyl violet (1-2%), which is diluted before use with an equal part of 0.1% solution of bicarbonate. I found this paint to give rapid curative results, apparently without recurrences, in athlete's foot, pityriasis versicolor (axillaris), and in chronic subungual fungus infections. For monilial vaginitis I would suggest the use of a 0.1-0.5% alcoholic solution of methyl violet to be applied immediately after rinsing the vagina thoroughly with a weak solution of NaHCO3. I am confident that this method will give highly satisfactory therapeutic results. -I am, etc.,