Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Female Mate Choice Cues in a Group of Lake Malawi Mbuna (Cichlidae)

Abstract The mechanisms that underlie the diversity of cichlids in the East African Great Lakes are poorly understood. Sexual selection through female choice based on male body coloration has often been suggested as a driving force behind the speciation of these fishes. The objectives of this study were to investigate, through mate choice trials, the cues that guide species-isolating female choice. In a group of sympatric Lake Malawi mbuna (rock-dwelling fish), we investigated both visual and chemical cues that might guide female choice by giving gravid females a choice between a heterospecific and a conspecific male. Visual cues, in contrast to olfactory cues, were sufficient to stimulate courtship and thus guide female choice of males. Furthermore, in contrast to other studies on related species, we found that females courted only with conspecifics even if color was not a cue. Species-isolating female choice is likely based primarily on visual information.
Are there any differences between taxa groups having distinct ecological traits based on their responses to environmental factors?

The aim of this study was to explore the differences between taxa groups with different ecological strategies for persistence, regarding their responses to environmental factors and seasonal variation. We studied the relationship between the seasonal patterns and habitat attributes of the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) and the Colepotera, Heteroptera (CH) assemblages. Sampling was carried out in May, July and October of 2009. Samples were taken according to the AQEM protocol at 10 stream sections in the Mecsek Mountains. Based on multivariate analyses (RDA, pRDA), distinctive differences were found between the EPT and the CH taxa groups regarding their response to local chemical variables and variables describing the riparian vegetation. The measured environmental variables had a higher relative influence on the distribution patterns of EPT and CH assemblages than spatial variation of species patterns. The physical structure of aquatic habitats, including the type of bedrock, had greater effects on CH than EPT patterns, whereas the structure of riparian vegetation was more important for EPT than CH. Average density and average taxon richness of EPT were seasonally variable, but CH assemblages were not.
Effect of rice bran supplementation on cookie baking quality.

Rice bran, a by-product obtained during polishing of un-milled rice, contains a large quantity of essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, fiber, amino acids and antioxidants. Supplementation of rice bran in cookies can improve their nutritional value. In the present study, cookies were prepared from wheat flour with supplementation of rice bran @ 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent. The rice bran was stabilized with acid and dry heat treatment before supplementation. Chemical analysis of the cookies revealed that there was no significant difference in chemical and physical properties of cookies supplemented with acid stabilized rice bran (ASRB) and heat stabilized rice bran (HSRB). The moisture, crude protein, fat and mineral contents were significantly increased with the increment of rice bran. Average width, thickness and spread factor of cookies also increased with the increase in percentage of rice bran. Sensory evaluation of cookies showed that scores for color of cookies decreased significantly with increase in level of rice bran and sensory scores were significantly higher in the cookies prepared with HSRB. However the decrease was non-significant at 10 percent level of substitution. Highest scores for overall acceptability of supplemented cookies was recorded at 15 percent level of substitution as compared to other treatments. Hence it is concluded from the results that supplementation of HSRB @ 10 percent is more suitable for production of rice bran supplemented cookies.
PHIALOPHORA-LIKE FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH KIWIFRUIT ELEPHANTIASIS

SUMMARY An unusual disease, named elephantiasis for its typical symptoms, has been seen in orchards of kiwifruit cv. Hayward in Emilia-Romagna (northern Italy) since 2001. Phialophora-like isolates were obtained from the necrotic wood and were studied in vitro for phenotype and tissue colonization ability. We used primers amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) for molecular identification. Phaeoacremonium strains were further identified with b-tubulin-specific primers. Strains of Cadophora, Lecythophora and Phaeoacremonium were classified and characterized. The isolates differed in their ability to colonise tissue. P. aleophilum and C. melinii showed the highest colonization index. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Cadophora melinii isolated from kiwifruit plants.
Distribution of abundance across the range in eastern North American trees

Aim: We analysed spatial datasets of abundance across the entirety, or near entirety, of the geographical ranges of 134 tree species to test macroecological hypotheses concerning the distribution of abundance across geographical ranges. Location: Our abundance estimates came via the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Eastwide Database, which contains data for 134 eastern North American tree species. Methods: We extracted measures of range size and the spatial location of abundance relative to position in the range for each species to test four hypotheses: (a) species occur in low abundance throughout most of their geographical range; (b) there is a positive interspecific relationship between abundance and range size; (c) species are more abundant in the centre of their range; and (d) there is a bimodal distribution of spatial autocorrelation in abundance across a species range. Results: Our results demonstrate that (a) most species (85%) are abundant somewhere in their geographical range; (b) species achieving relatively high abundance tend to have larger range sizes; (c) the widely held assumption that species exhibit an 'abundant-centre distribution' is not well supported for the majority of species; we suggest 'abundant-core' as a more suitable term; and (d) there is no evidence of a bimodal distribution of spatial autocorrelation in abundance. Main Conclusions: For many tree species, high abundance can be achieved at any position in the range, though suitable sites are found with less frequency towards range edges. Competitive relationships may be involved in the distribution of abundance across tree ranges and species with larger ranges (and possibly broader niches) may be affected more by biotic interactions than smaller ranging species.
Genetic Structure And Demography Of Chloropyron palmatum, An Endangered Annual Plant

Abstract Chloropyron palmatum (Ferris) Tank & J.M Egger (formerly Cordylanthus palmatus [Ferris] J. F. Macbr.) is an annual plant that inhabits seasonally flooded wetlands with saline and alkaline soils in California. In 1986, the plant was listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We aimed to inform conservation strategies for the species’ five remaining populations by examining the genetic diversity and structure of the populations (on the basis of nuclear DNA markers) and their potential response to demographic and environmental stochasticity. We also assessed fluctuations in population size and whether there was evidence of hybridization between C. palmatum and Chloropyron molle (A. Gray) A. Heller subsp. hispidum (Pennell) Tank & J.M. Egger (formerly Cordylanthus mollis A. Gray subsp. hispidus [Pennell] T.I. Chuang & Heckard). Populations of C. palmatum were genetically distinct with a FST of 0.23, indicating substantial genetic structure among populations. Within populations, there was no evidence of isolation by distance. However, individuals in two adjacent vernal pools were genetically distinct. The pattern of genetic variation within populations suggests that the historical frequency and extent of seed dispersal by overland flooding has strongly affected the genetic structure of populations. Despite founder effects and population bottlenecks, small and large populations had similar levels of genetic variation. We found no evidence of hybridization. All extant populations of C. palmatum are genetically variable and distinct. We recommend that hydrologic connectivity be considered if seeds are collected and sowed with the intent of increasing the size of natural populations or creating experimental populations.
Inhibitory effects of permethrin on flight responses, host‐searching, and foraging behaviour of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Although it is well known that the application of broad‐spectrum synthetic insecticides reduces the effectiveness of natural enemies, the details of the actual mechanisms, including the lethal and sublethal effects of this reduction, are not fully understood. The inhibitory effects of a pyrethroid insecticide (permethrin), Adion 20% EC on the flight responses, host‐searching behaviour and foraging behaviour of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were investigated under laboratory conditions. In choice trials, the wasps showed significant preference for P. xylostella‐infested Komatsuna plants over insecticide‐treated plants, suggesting an inhibitory effect of the insecticide on the flight response of C. vestalis. When offered a pair of plants, the wasps showed a significant preference for P. xylostella‐infested plants compared to uninfested plants. However, significantly more wasps were attracted to infested permethrin‐treated plants than to uninfested plants, suggesting that the wasps are attracted to the volatile infochemicals from the infested plants, even if treated with permethrin. The searching time was significantly shorter and the mortality of C. vestalis adults on the insecticide‐treated plants significantly higher than in the control plants treated with distilled water. These results suggest that the application of the insecticide had an inhibitory effect on the wasps’‐searching behaviour and consequently reduced the effectiveness of C. vestalis as a biological control agent against P. xylostella. In addition, the strength of the inhibitory effect of permethrin on the attraction of the wasps to the plants is critical to the survival of C. vestalis. Our results suggest that the attraction of the wasps to the permethrin‐treated infested plants increases the risk of their exposure to this insecticide.
Screening for QoI resistance in UK populations of Rhynchosporium secalis

While the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, operating through its HGCA division, seeks to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate at the time of printing no warranty is given in respect thereof and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused (including that caused by negligence) or suffered directly or indirectly in relation to information and opinions contained in or omitted from this document.
Use of Witches' Brooms by Abert Squirrels in Ponderosa Pine Forests

Abstract Abert squirrels (Sciurus aberti) are ecologically dependent on ponderosa pine forests. Southwestern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatum) is a common parasite of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) that can result in the formation of an abnormal growth structure or branching pattern in its host known as a witches' broom. Management of this parasite has generally included intensive removal of infected trees. Previous studies have identified witches' brooms as important for wildlife; however, little is known about the relationship between it and Abert squirrels. We examined the contents of 226 dwarf mistletoe-induced witches' brooms in 144 ponderosa pine trees for evidence of Abert squirrel use between September 2000 and November 2001 and documented use in 39 brooms (31 caching and foraging sites and 8 nest sites). We compared the physical characteristics of brooms with evidence of use to those with no evidence of use to predict the probability of a broom being used as a caching and foraging site by Abert squirrels. As number of branches within a broom and tree height increased so did the probability of Abert squirrel use. We recommend managers retain ponderosa pine trees ≥18 m in height having brooms with >7 branches to provide usable caching and foraging sites for Abert squirrels.
C4‐derived soil organic carbon decomposes faster than its C3 counterpart in mixed C3/C4 soils

The large difference in the degree of discrimination of stable carbon isotopes between C3 and C4 plants is widely exploited in global change and carbon cycle research, often with the assumption that carbon retains the carbon isotopic signature of its photosynthetic pathway during later stages of decomposition in soil and sediments. We applied long‐term incubation experiments and natural 13C‐labelling of C3 and C4‐derived soil organic carbon (SOC) collected from across major environmental gradients in Australia to elucidate a significant difference in the rate of decomposition of C3‐ and C4‐derived SOC. We find that the active pool of SOC (ASOC) derived from C4 plants decomposes at over twice the rate of the total pool of ASOC. As a result, the proportion of C4 photosynthesis represented in the heterotrophic CO2 flux from soil must be over twice the proportional representation of C4‐derived biomass in SOC. This observation has significant implications for much carbon cycle research that exploits the carbon isotopic difference in these two photosynthetic pathways.
Frullania subarctica—a new species of the Frullania tamarisci complex (Frullaniaceae, Marchantiophyta)

This study tests the phylogenetic affinity and clarifies the taxonomy of Frullania tamarisci s. l. in Russia and adjacent areas based on critical morphological reinvestigation and DNA analyses. More than 100 accessions of F. tamarisci s. l. from the collections of KPABG, VBGI and UBC were studied morphologically, and the nrITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and trn L– trn F cpDNA loci of sixteen accessions were sequenced. Molecular data were combined with accessions from GenBank and phylogenetic estimations by maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches were performed. The tree topologies obtained were congruent and resolved the specimens previously referred to F. nisquallensis from Russian North in a clade together with an accession from Alaska. This clade is only distantly related to European F. tamarisci s. str. and temperate western North American F. nisquallensis. Taking into account the morphological differences, we describe a new species Frullania subarctica Vilnet, Borovich. & Bakalin sp. nov. The species status for F. appendiculata occurring mainly in temperate East Asia was supported by molecular evidence, based on specimens from the Primorsky Territory of Russia. Populations of F. tamarisci s. str. from the Russian North West and the Caucasus Mountains are quite similar to those from European countries both morphologically and molecularly.
The effect of salt content on nectar intake of a New World generalist avian nectarivore (Cyanerpes cyaneus: Thraupidae)

ABSTRACT Generalist avian nectarivores visit flowers that produce copious sugar-dilute nectar, and some species can not compensate energy intake when fed solutions with low sugar content (≥5% w/w). Intake of dilute sugar diets by specialist avian nectarivores is limited by salt content, but the potential role of salt on nectar intake of generalist nectarivores has not been tested. We examined intake rate and digestion of solutions with varying sucrose concentrations (2.5–30% w/w) by Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) and the effect of salt content (20 and 40 mM L−1 NaCl) on the intake rate and digestion of dilute sucrose solutions (2.5% w/w) of this generalist nectarivore. We tested the hypothesis that Red-legged Honeycreepers do not show compensatory feeding when fed dilute sugar diets, and that salt limits the intake rate and digestion of these solutions. We found that this generalist nectarivore showed compensatory feeding when fed sucrose diets ≥5%, but they did not compensate sugar intake when fed a 2.5% sucrose diet. Sucrose intake, sucrose apparent assimilation, and body mass increased when birds were fed dilute sugar diets to which NaCl was added. Addition of salt facilitated feeding on dilute sugar diets, probably by reducing Na+ losses, and increasing Na-dependent glucose transport. Further work on the renal and digestive physiology of generalist avian nectarivores would clarify the role of salt on the intake of dilute sugar solutions.
Polymorphisms of Growth Hormone (GH|MspI) Gene in Indonesia Local Chicken and the Crossbred using PCR-RFLP

The aimed of the research was to identify the chicken growth hormone (cGH) gene polymorphisms in local chicken, the crossbred, commercial meat type and layer. cGH gene plays a crucial role in controlling growth and metabolism, leading to potential correlation between cGH gene polymorphisms and economic traits such as meat and egg production. Polymorphism in intron 4 of cGH gene was studied in 229 chicken blood samples consist of kampung, pelung, sentul, commercial meat type, layer, merawang, commercial meat type x kampung, kampung x commercial meat type, sentul x kampung and pelung x sentul chickens. A specific primer set was used to amplify a fragment of growth hormone locus using PCR. PCR products were digested with MspIrestriction endonucleases. The amplified fragment digested with MspIenzyme revealed 2 alleles A and B with the frequency of 0.88-0.96 and 0.04-0.12, except in layer chicken only had 1 allele A with the frequency of 1.00. Results showed that cGH gene in MspI locus at kampung, pelung, sentul, commercial meat type, merawang, commercial meat type x kampung, kampung x commercial meat type, sentul x kampung and pelung x sentul chickens were polymorphics, except the layer chicken was monomorphics. The populations of Indonesia local chicken that was studied in this research had low heterozygosity but it was still in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Simulation of population development in the predator-prey system under changing conditions of interaction

The numerical models of populations behaviour, simulated under changing condition of populations interaction (the hungry or full-fed populations, the existence of persons in the personal areas or in the common territory), demonstrate the increase, reduction or damping of oscillations amplitude, that corresponds qualitatively to known experimental data, obtained for real population of bacteria.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHICKEN LYMPHOID SYSTEM

Synthesis and secretion of Ig by chicken lymphoid cells was studied. Both spleen and bursa cells synthesize and secrete IgM and IgG whereas Ig was not detected in thymus cells. In contrast to the spleen cells which synthesize H and L chains in balanced quantities, the bursa cells synthesize and secrete free L chains. In addition to the lymphoid cells which secrete IgM or IgG, the bursa appears to contain a cell population which synthesizes nonsecretory Ig. The structure of this Ig was studied by specific serological precipitation and by SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The H chains of this nonsecretory Ig are serologically related to µ-chains and exhibit a smaller molecular weight (i.e., ∼50,000) in SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis than H chains of IgG and IgM synthesized by the spleen cells (i.e., ∼70,000).
Rapid, Sensitive FluorometricDeterminationof Serum Triglycerideby Measuring Lipase-LiberatedFatty Acids

utilized in the studyof triglyceride lipase-catalyzed reactions (Wilton, DC. BiochemJ 1991;276:129-33). We now describea methodfor the rapidmeasurementof triglyceridein serumwiththefluorescence displacement assay. The methodinvolvesthe hydrolysis of a dilutedsample equivalentto 0.1 tL of originalserumwithexcesslipase (EC 3.1.1.3) from Rhizopusarrhizusand measuringthe fattyacidreleasedaftera settimeinterval,normally1 mm. Under the conditionsof the timed assay, about 2 mol of fatty acid are releasedper mole of triglyceride.The releasedfattyacidismonitored byfluorescence changeand is proportional to the concentration of triglyceridein the originalserumsample.The effectiverangeof serumtriglycerideconcentrationthat could be measured was 0.5-10 mmol/L(0.44-8.8 g/L), based on trioleinstandard. The assay is uniquein that it measureslipase-liberated fatty acids rather than liberated glyceroland as such is not subject to many of the criticismsof the glycerol-based methods.Comparisonof fasted serum samplesestablisheda highcorrelation betweenthefattyacidand glycerolmethods.
Management of chickpea root rot and collar rot by integration of biological and chemical seed treatment

Biologically and chemically treated chickpea seeds observed after one month showed that vitavax ( carboxin @ 1g- k9 seed) did not significantly affect the spore viability of Glioc/ adium virens ( Gv). Application of carboxymethyl cellulose ( CMC) with G.virens powder (109 spores- 9) in combination with vitavax provided maximum protection (81.9%) to the crop against chickpea root rot and collar rot pathogens in glasshouse. Chickpea seeds treated with Gv powder+ CMC+vitavax significantly increased seedling emergence (47.9%); final plant stand ( 85.8%) and grain yield ( 79.7%) which was statistically at par with the treatment Gv powder+vitavax and Gv suspension + vitavax in a sick plot.
Revised Key and Phylogenetic Analysis of Korean Rivellia (Diptera: Platystomatidae), with Redescriptions of Two Little Known Species

A total of 12 Korean Rivellia species were previously known in Korea. As a result of the continuing effort to investigate this genus in Korea, we discovered an additional species, R. depicta Hendel. We also collected R. asiatica that was the only recorded Korean species unavailable for our previous studies of Rivellia. In the present study, we provide redescriptions of these two species and a revised key to all 13 known species of Korean Rivellia. We also reanalyzed their phylogenetic relationships based on the expanded morphological dataset.
PRODUCTION OF PECTIC ENZYMES BY PATHOGENIC AND SYMBIOTIC RHIZOCTONIA STRAINS

Summary Five strains of Rhizoctonia, selected for their symbiotic and/or pathogenic characteristics, were investigated with regard to growth and pectic enzyme production in culture. Growth patterns of the strains were similar on glucose and pectin carbon sources, pectin being less efficient than glucose in terms of mycelial dry weight produced. Assays of endopolymethylgalacturonase, endopolygalacturonase and protopectinase in culture filtrates showed that on pectin media all of these enzymes were produced by each of the strains although the relative degree of activity varied. Enzyme production by the orchid endophyte strains used was no less than, and in one case was far greater than, that by the pathogenic strains. The significance of these results is discussed with regard to host/endophyte relationships.