Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Genera of the Collemataceae with Simple Spores (Excluding Physma)

Based on ontogenetical characteristics the family Collemataceae is here delimited by me to contain seven genera : Collema, Leptogium, Leciophysma, Homothecium, Physma, Ramalodium, and a new genus Leightoniella (Henssen, 1966). These genera have in common the same ascocarp ontogeny, in which the apothecium is developed entirely from the ascogone and its associated stalk cells. The surrounding thalline hyphae do not take part in the formation of either the excipulum proprium or the paraphyses. In most of the genera the excipulum proprium forms an enclosing cup-shaped layer all round and below the hymenium, but in Leciophysma and Homothecium it is medially undeveloped below. The ascocarp primordium and the mature apothecium may be attached within the gelatinous thallus by outwardly radiating hyphae called anchor hyphae. The base of the excipulum proprium may also be elongated to form a foot or stalk-like protuberance. Supporting tissues are differentiated in many of the species at the base of the thallus beneath the hymenium or at the thalline margin. A further character of taxonomic importance is to be found in the anticlinal or periclinal arrangement of the hyphae of the excipulum proprium.
Chemical Compositions and Internal Anatomy of the Gelated and Granulated Juice Sacs of Sanbokan (Citrus sulcata hort. ex Takahashi) Fruit

In Sanbokan fruit, chemical compositions of the granulated juice sacs in the stem-end region of segment and the gelated and granulated sacs in the middle region of segment were investigated. Some microscopical observations were also made on these juice sacs.By the microscopical observations, we found that the epidermis of the granulated juice sacs were extremely thicker than that of the healthy sacs in the stem-end region of segment, but, in the middle region of segment, it was slightly thicker than that of the healthy sacs. Cell wall polysaccharide contents of the epidermis and inner parenchyma were suggested to be higher in the granulated sacs than the healthy sacs by staining with PAS.Pulp and alcohol-insoluble solid (AIS) contents were higher in the granulated juice sacs than the healthy sacs. Cell wall polysaccharide content was also higher in the gelated and granulated sacs, and it was especially true for hot water, hemicellulose and cellulose fractions.In the stem-end region of segment, free acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and RNA were lower, while bound acids, vitamin C, total-N, AIS-N and amino-N were higher in the granulated sacs than the healthy sacs. Total sugars differed little between them. In the middle region of segment, all the chemical components measured were lower in the gelated sacs than the healthy sacs. In the granulated sacs, however, AIS-N and amino-N were higher than in the gelated and healthy sacs, and total sugars, bound acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C and total-N were higher than in the gelated sacs but lower than in the healthy sacs. RNA was almost the same as, and free acids were lower than in the gelated sacs.In the stem-end region of segment, mineral components (crude ash, Ca, Mg, K, Na) were all higher in the granulated juice sacs than the healthy sacs. In the middle region of segment, they tended to be slightly lower in the gelated sacs than the healthy sacs. In the granulated sacs, Ca was higher, while K was lower than in the gelated sacs.On the basis of these results, we discussed the development of gelation and granulation in juice sacs of Sanbokan fruit.
Root characteristics associated with divergent selection for seedling aluminum tolerance in soybean

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) roots are susceptible to Al toxicity. This study tested the hypothesis that seedling characteristics could serve as selection criteria for plant tolerance to Al. Phenotypic-recurrent, divergent selection programs for seedling tolerance to Al were completed within two broad-base soybean populations based on a laboratory screen. Genotypes differing in seedling tolerance to Al, rate of electron release (and H + release) from the root surface, and root thickness (g cm #751 ) were identified
Determinants for Escherichia coli RNA polymerase assembly within the β subunit

Abstract We used binding assays and other approaches to identify fragments of the Escherichia coli RNAP β subunit involved in the obligatory interaction with the α subunit to form the stable assembly intermediate α2β as well as in the interaction to recruit the β′ subunit into the α2β sub-assembly. We show that two regions of evolutionarily conserved sequence near the C terminus of β (conserved regions H and I) are central to the assembly of RNAP and likely make subunit-subunit contacts with both α and β′.
Detection of RNA of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus from New Zealand wild rabbits

Rabbit numbers have returned to high levels in some areas of New Zealand following the initial spread of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). We undertook to determine whether possible infection with an RHDV-related virus was interfering with the initiation of new outbreaks of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). RHDV RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) using RHDV-specific primers from tissue samples of wild rabbits that had been shot in the field. RHDV RNA was detected in 11 of 19 rabbits from an area of Otago where the rabbit population had greatly expanded and in 2 of 8 rabbits from the West Coast where outbreaks of RHD had not been previously reported. Among the 13 rabbits positive for RHDV RNA, 10 had detectable antibodies against RHDV. The nucleotide sequences of the isolates — a segment of the RHDV capsid gene — shared about 99% identity with that of the Czech strain V351 and that of a 1997 New Zealand wild isolate, but shared only about 84% identity with that of a European benign rabbit calicivirus. These results provide evidence for persistent infection of RHDV in rabbits.
Delineating Kocuria turfanensis 2M4 as a credible PGPR: a novel IAA-producing bacteria isolated from saline desert

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-producing bacteria Kocuria turfanensis strain 2M4 was isolated from the rhizospheric soil of halotolerant plant Suaeda fruticosa from a unique saline desert of Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India. Rhizobacteria was bright orange pigmented, gram-positive, coccoid, non-endospore forming, and aerobic in nature. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that 2M4 isolate matched best with type strain of K. turfanensis HO-9042T. Isolate optimally produced 38 µg ml−1 IAA when growth medium was supplemented with 600 µg ml−1 of L-tryptophan. Thin layer chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis were performed to corroborate IAA production. To characterize rhizobacterial isolate as a plant growth-promoting bacteria, it was tested for phosphate solubilization where it solubilized maximum 12 µg ml−1 phosphate in presence of fructose, produced 53% siderophore units under iron-free minimal MM9 medium and produced 1.8 µmol ml−1 ammonia in peptone water broth. Plant growth promotion by test isolate was studied on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under non-saline and saline soil. There was increase by 18% in total plant length and 30% in fresh biomass observed under non-saline control soil. Under saline soil, test isolate showed 17% increase in total length of the plant and 13% increase in fresh biomass.
Pterygiophore-Interdigitation Patterns in Larvae of Four Morone Species

Abstract The diagnostic potential of dorsal and anal pterygiophore-interdigitation patterns was examined in larvae of striped bass Morone saxatilis, white bass M. chrysops, white perch M. americana, and yellow bass M. mississippiensis. The number and position of pterygiophores relative to interneural spaces 1–6 and 10–13 and to interhaemal spaces 12–15, as well as total number of dorsal and anal pterygiophores, are characters useful in delimiting larvae of these species. Interdigitation patterns useful in distinguishing yellow bass from white perch larvae were not found; however, these two species may not co-occur. Received November 12, 1983 Accepted May 9, 1983
Shyness and boldness in greater rheas Rhea americana Linnaeus (Rheiformes, Rheidae): the effects of antipredator training on the personality of the birds

The shy-bold continuum is an axis of behavioural variation for some species, but the consequences of shyness and boldness in antipredatory behaviour is unknown. Bold animals have the tendency to be predated first after release in comparison to shy animals, who naturally avoid the predators. Antipredatory training has been used to enhance the defence behaviours of naive animals by various researchers around the world. For greater rheas, Rhea americana (Linnaeus, 1758), this kind of study is pioneer. In this study we have investigated if there are relationships between personality and performance of greater rheas in antipredatory training. We also investigated if the training procedures influenced the behaviour of the birds when presented to novel objects. Fifteen zoo-borne greater rheas were studied and 16 personality tests were run, being eight before the application of antipredator training, and eight after the training. We presented to the birds four novel objects (ball, box, bag and person) and recorded their behaviour and the distance of the birds in relation to the objects. Results showed that the birds behave boldly before training and shyly after it. The antipredator training modified significantly the behaviour of the rheas, making them more careful about novel situations. Personalities affected the behaviour of the birds during antipredator training. The study of the animal personalities can be an useful tool in reintroduction programs since it helps to choose the animals with the highest chance of survival to reintroduce.
An 802-year tree-ring chronology from the Quebec boreal forest

On the rocky shores and islands of Lake Duparquet, in the southwestern Quebec boreal forest, Thujaoccidentalis L. reaches ages in excess of 800 years. Annual ring widths from 38 trees were used to develop an 802-year chronology (1186–1987) standardized by polynomial regressions. Excellent cross dating, correlation with a shorter chronology located 14 km inland, and 33.6% common variance in a chronology subsample all point to the existence of a climatic signal. After autoregressive modeling to obtain a serially random residual chronology, correlation and response functions were used to identify the growth–climate relationship. The resulting model reduced 19.2% of the chronology variance. Precipitation in June as well as low temperature in June or July seemed to have a positive influence on growth. Likewise, a drought index was closely related to growth, indicating that the chronology could be used to estimate past drought conditions. Moisture deficits are thus inferred for the 13th century as well as durin.
Response of root and cotton strip decay to nitrogen amendment along a barrier island dune chronosequence

The influence of nitrogen amendment on fine root decomposition was evaluated on sites located along a barrier island chronosequence (24-, 36-, and 120-year-old dunes). The degree to which exogenous nitrogen limits decay at each site was evaluated through a fertilization experiment. Decay substrates included native roots and cotton strips that differed in carbon and nitrogen chemistries. Root decay on younger sites (24 and 36 years old) showed a slight but significant increase in native root decay in response to fertilization. Cotton strips decayed significantly faster in response to fertilization on all sites during three different time periods except on the oldest site in the winter–spring. Nitrogen mineralization and soil nitrogen availability responded to fertilization in a manner consistent with nitrogen limitation. Nitrogen immobilization potential was low in unfertilized plots and increased on younger sites as a result of fertilization. Suppressed lignin degradation in 120-year-old dune roots sugges.
Mortalidad de adultos de Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) provocada por extractos naturales biocidas de áfidos

Adultos de Cycloneda sanguinea fueron expuestos a residuos de extractos de trichilia, eucalipto, paraíso y ricino (n=10/trat). La mortalidad se comparó mediante Chicuadrado y pruebas Post-hoc pareadas (alfa=0,05). La prueba fue significativa y todos los extractos se separaron del testigo, ordenándose: trichilia > paraíso > eucalipto = ricino > testigo.
THE INFLUENCE OF HABITAT HETEROGENEITY ON BIRD DIVERSITY IN IRISH FARMLAND

Abstract:The intensification and specialisation of agricultural practices have led to a widespread decline of farmland bird diversity across much of Europe. Increasing habitat heterogeneity at multiple spatial scales has been suggested as one possible strategy to reverse these declines. This study examined the relationship between habitat heterogeneity, as measured by a number of indices, and bird diversity at farm scale using study sites in the east and south-east of Ireland. Generalised Linear Models indicated that there was a positive relationship between the documented heterogeneity of farmland habitats and the numbers of bird species observed during standardised farm surveys. However, this relationship was not evident when bird diversity was quantified using both the Shannon and the Simpson's diversity indices. It is concluded that agri-environmental policy that aims to influence the heterogeneity of habitats at the farm level can provide a useful means to maintain farmland biodiversity. Future research should aim to develop an improved system of habitat classification and a deeper understanding of the ecological value of different habitat types in Irish farmland.
Using signal processing techniques for DNA sequence comparison

The most widely used algorithm for the comparison of two sequences of DNA are O(m*n) on the lengths, m and n, of the sequences been compared. The authors present a comparison algorithm that is O(nlog n) on the length, n, of the longer sequence. This algorithm uses techniques developed for rapid comparison of two discrete signals, in particular, cross-correlation using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The authors treat the DNA as a discrete signal with each nucleotide base represented by a single point in the signal. There are only four possible values that the signal can assume which they represent by one of four complex numbers. The comparison is made by performing a cross correlation between one signal and the complex conjugate of the other. Any significant peak in the resulting signal indicates a strong similarity between the two sequences. The authors present the results of comparison of two strains of the human immunodeficiency virus and of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses. Their results suggest that this technique is a powerful method for comparing very long sequences of DNA. <<ETX>>
Why taxonomic stability is a bad idea, or why are there so few species of primates (or are there?)

The first edition of the Smithsonian’s Mammal Species of the World listed 181 species of the order Primates.1 The second edition had 233 species.2 The new “Bible,” Groves’ Primate Taxonomy, (2001) has 356.3 What is going on? And have we reached maximum yet? Among the orders of placental mammals, the Primates rank fifth in the second edition of Mammal Species of the World, after the Rodentia (2,015 species), Chiroptera (925 species), Insectivora (428 species), and Carnivora (271 species). Being arboreal and widely frugivorous, Primates are, perhaps, most similar ecologically to the rodent family Sciuridae (squirrels) and the chiropteran family Pteropodidae (fruit bats). Both of these families contain a high number of species: Wilson and Reeder2 list 273 species of Sciuridae and 166 of Pteropodidae. Neither of these numbers is an overestimate. So there “ought,” perhaps, to be rather a high number of Primates. How have the different primate families fared in the past 20 years? Box 1 shows that between the publication of Honacki, Kinman, and Koeppl’s1 book in 1982 and that of Groves’ volume in 2001, the numbers of Cheirogaleid, Lemurid, Indrid, Galagonid, Tarsiid, and platyrrhine species have more than doubled, and those recognized in most other families have likewise increased. The reasons for these increases seem to fall into five categories: discovery of new species in the field, resurrection of “forgotten” species, discovery of chromosome heterogeneity, taxonomic revisions, and new species concepts. I will deal with each of these categories in turn.
Co-learning in the development of lotus pasture technology in Australia

A 5-year project was undertaken in New South Wales, Australia, to develop and implement lotus pasture technology (Greater lotus, Lotus uliginosus; birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus). The project was modelled on a core experiment/co-learning paradigm. A core experiment investigated issues of species adaptation and grazing management, and a co-learning phase aimed at promoting simultaneous improvement and adoption of lotus technology. Most participants felt that involvement with co-learning gave them increased technical knowledge of lotus. Increased knowledge facilitated changes that included farming practice changes (such as establishing lotus pastures or modifications to grazing management), or changing the approach to learning and problem solving towards a co-learning mode. The strengths of the co-learning model were that it was flexible, farmers and industry sponsors worked together, and it increased the effectiveness of the project. The weaknesses were that those groups with informal structures found it difficult to function as a team, and the time limits imposed by the project limited the learning experience.
Some Properties of the Stem and Pollen Starches of Rice

Starch was isolated from rice stems, pollen and grain. The stem starches in all varieties were similar and their amylose contents were not correlated with those of the endosperm starches. However, the amylose content of the pollen starches reflected that of the endosperm starches. Einige Eigenschaften der Stengel- und Pollenstarken von Reis. Aus Reisstengeln, -pollen und -kornern wurde Starke isoliert. Die Stengelstarken aller Arten waren ahnlich und ihr Amylosegehalt hatte keine Beziehung zu den Endospermstarken. Dagegen war der Amylosegehalt der Pollenstarken dem der Endospermstarken ahnlich.
AFLP markers for analysis of genetic diversity and structure of teak (Tectona grandis) in India

Five amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations (E-AAC × M-CAT, E-AAC × M-CTG, E-ACA × M-CTC, E-ACA × M-CTA, and E-ACC × M-CTA) were employed for analysis of genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of 96 genotypes of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) from 10 natural locations in India. The analysis of the AFLP marker data by both versions, i.e., GST and θ, of F statistics showed a similar trend due to the outcrossing nature of teak. The primer combination E-AAC × M-CAT detected maximum polymorphism in the teak genome. The analysis of molecular variance assigned a large proportion of the genetic diversity to within sampled locations and a very small proportion to among locations. The population genetic structure resolved by the neighbor joining tree, principal coordinate analysis, and no-admixture and admixture model Bayesian-based analyses irrefutably revealed two distinct centers of teak diversity, i.e., central India and peninsular India. Furthermore, the very high proportion.
Using phenology prediction in weed management: a review

Summary The success of weed management based on ecological principles and weed biology will depend on a better understanding of the effect of environment on lift history strategies, growth, and competition of weeds; and crops, and particularly upon the ability to predict weed and crop phenology, This paper reviews the importance of phenotypic plasticity to weed and crop competition and other biological interactions. We also discuss the utility of phenological predictions in weed management and review current weed phenology models that are based on thermal time. By understanding the variables that drive plant phenotypic responses, new approaches and more long-term solutions for weed problems can be developed.
Performance of single versus mixed coral species for transplantation to restore degraded reefs

Coral transplantation has become a potential tool for the restoration of coral cover in degraded reef habitats. Yet, very few investigations have attempted to determine whether there is an advantage for at least two species to be used together in coral transplantation. It is hypothesized that corals would perform better in terms of survival and growth when transplanted in mixed‐ than in single‐species plots. Single‐species plots were compared with combinations of two species at several reef sites, using three separate coral species, namely, Porites cylindrica, Pavona frondifera, and Hydnophora rigida. P. cylindrica performed consistently well in terms of survival whether alone or in the presence of another species. In a stressful environment with strong wave action, P. frondifera performed better when mixed with P. cylindrica than when alone. However, this difference was not evident where wave action was weak. The influence of mixing on the growth rates of H. rigida and P. frondifera transplants could not be examined completely because of high mortality because of predation by the starfish Acanthaster planci and the gastropod Drupella sp. Interestingly, the presence of P. cylindrica appeared to minimize the impact of predation on P. frondifera transplants. The setback caused by predation stresses the importance of other factors that influence the outcome of restoration interventions. Future initiatives should take into consideration management measures when selecting sites in relation to wave action and predators, control predator outbreaks, and use coral species, e.g. P. cylindrica that are less susceptible to predation.
Developmental instability, hybridization and heterozygosity in stick insects of the genus Bacillus (Insecta; Phasmatodea) with different modes of reproduction

Several genetic factors are assumed to influence developmental instability (DI). One is the level of heterozygosity, with higher levels often being associated with decreased DI; another is genetic incompatibility in hybrids, which in several cases has been shown to increase DI. The genus Bacillus includes species which have both amphigonic heterozygous reproducing populations and homozygous parthenogenetic reproducing populations (B. rossius rossius and B. r. redtenbacheri). Furthermore, Bacillus includes hybrid parthenogenetic species, which have very high levels of almost fixed heterozygosities (B. atticus, B. whitei, B. lynceorum). We investigated the phenotypic variance (σ2p) and the impact of hybridization and level of heterozygosity on DI in females from these populations and species of Bacillus. DI was estimated as fluctuating asymmetry (FA) for three bilateral traits: the labial palpus, the maxillary palpus and the antenna. For the labial palpus and maxillary palpus we found, in general, a lower level of DI in the amphigonic females compared with parthenogenetic counterparts from the same species and with parthenogenetic females from the three hybrid species. A higher DI of the antenna was found in the hybrid species when compared with both parthenogenetic and amphigonic populations of the nonhybrid species, suggesting that the genes controlling antenna development are located on the sex chromosomes. The development of the investigated bilateral characters in the hybrid species seemed to be affected more by factors relating to genetic incompatibilities as a consequence of hybridization than by the stabilizing force of increased heterozygosity. Only few differences in σ2p were observed, supporting the possibility that the observed differences in DI are related mainly to internal genetic factors. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 87, 249–259.