Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of work on nutrient utilisation in semicaptive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the feed consumption, nutrient utilisation, blood biochemical and faecal microbial profile of working and nonworking semicaptive Asian elephant. During each trial, six captive elephants were placed in two groups of three each. Elephants in one group performed the scheduled work at the park, i.e., 4-h safari with tourists, while the other group performed no work. During nighttime, all the elephants were kept in respective individual enclosure so that feed consumption and faeces voided could be measured accurately. During day time, all the elephants were allowed to forage in nearby forest. Intake (kg/d) of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and sugarcane leaves was more (P < 0.01) in nonworking elephants as compared to working elephants. Working elephants consumed more (P < 0.01) forages during foraging than nonworking elephants. Average daily dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI (% body weight, BW) were comparable between the groups. Apparent digestibility (%) of DM, OM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), hemicellulose, cellulose and gross energy (GE) were higher (P < 0.01) in working than nonworking elephants. Activity of ALT (IU/l) was higher in working as compared to non-working elephants. The relative population of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens and total fungi were numerically increased in working elephants as compared to nonworking elephants. It was concluded that 4 h of work has no adverse impact on food consumption and blood metabolite profile of semicaptive Asian elephants; rather it improved the digestibility of nutrients. Work showed positive effect in restricting the calorie supply closer to requirement.
Calcium-binding proteins in the vorticellid spasmoneme

The proteins of the contractile spasmoneme from Vorticella convallaria, Carcheslium polypinum, and Zoothamnium geniculatum have been extracted in the detergent, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as well as urea and guanidine hydrochloride (GuCl). After SDS extraction, the molecular weight distribution of the proteins was examined by means of SDS- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Significant amounts of material corresponding to the contractile proteins actin and tubulin are not present. The contractile organelles in the three species examined contain a group of closely related proteins of molecular weight near 20,000, which constitute a major part (40-60%) of the dry mass. The 20,000 mol wt proteins in Zoothamnium bind calcium with high affinity (pK congruent to 6) and are termed "spasmins. " By means of urea polyacrylamide gel electrophorsis, it is demonstrated that in Carchesium and Zoothamnium certain spasmin components bind calcium even in the presence of 6 M urea. The binding of calcium in 6 M urea suggests a functional relationship between the spasmins and the calcium- binding proteins of striated muscle which behave similarly. The calcium binding in urea also indicates that the spasmins within a single spasmoneme have different calcium affinities, and this difference in calcium-binding properties may be an important factor in the physiological function of the organelle.
Comparative ecology of 11 sympatric species of Macaranga in Borneo: tree distribution in relation to horizontal and vertical resource heterogeneity

1 Horizontal and vertical heterogeneity of resource availability, coupled with the specialized use of resources by tree species, results in complex patterns of tree species distributions in tropical rain forests. We studied the horizontal and vertical distributions of 4014 individuals in 11 species of early successional Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) in tropical rain forest in Sarawak, Malaysia.
The design and interpretation of experiments to study animal production from grazed pasture

SUMMARY Experiments designed to assess differences between treatments in pasture productivity as measured by the production of animals are complicated by the stocking rates chosen. The paper attempts toderive a simple model relating production per animal and production per unit area to stocking rate for meat animals, based on biological considerations. A method is proposed which would allow meaningful grazing experiments to be carried out employing only one stocking rate, thus considerably reducing the expense of this type of experimentation. The model is applied to some recent data obtained by Hodgson (1966) and Appleton (1967, personal communication).
Different mycorrhizal fungal strains determine plant community response to nitrogen and water availability

Most research on the mycorrhizal positive–negative responsiveness continuum (or “mutualism–parasitism continuum”) has focused on individual plant species growing at different levels of P availability. Here, we explore this continuum in an experimental plant community inoculated with three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal strains (both single and mixed) growing under four resource availability scenarios. These scenarios are a factorial combination of two levels of water and N availability. Each AM fungal strain had a different origin: an arid ecosystem, a farmland, and a mine. We hypothesized that the response of the plant community to mycorrhizal inoculum would depend on the associated AM fungal strain and would be negatively related with increased nitrogen and water availability. Our results showed that mixed-strain AM fungal inoculation had more positive effects along a wider range of water and N availability scenarios than single-strain inoculation. In contrast, mycorrhizal growth response of plants inoculated with a single AM fungal strain shifted from positive to neutral and negative depending on resource availability. Adaptation of each strain to its local conditions might confer different properties to the mycorrhizal symbiosis. Therefore, we conclude that AM fungal origin and environmental limiting resources are crucial factors to predict plant community mycorrhizal growth response in changing ecosystems.
DISTRIBUTION OF ARABINOGALACTAN PROTEINS DURING MICROSPOROGENESIS IN THE ANTHER OF BELLIS PERENNIS L. (ASTERACEAE)

Using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) JIM13, JIM15 and MAC207, we investigated the temporal and spatial dis- tribution of some arabinogalactan protein (AGP) epitopes in cells of the Bellis perennis L. anther at different developmental stages. AGP epitopes recognized by JIM13 were detected in the protoplasts of tapetal cells, divid- ing microsporocytes, and microspores; AGP epitopes recognized by JIM15 were present in the cytoplasm of tapetal cells only at the stage with tetrads of microspores in the anther loculus. AGP epitopes recognized by MAC207 were present in the cells of different somatic tissues of the flower bud, but after asymmetric mitosis in the microspore they appeared abundantly in the protoplasts of immature pollen and were still present in mature pollen grains. Callose, revealed by mAb, appeared at the same stage of microsporocyte division as AGPs labelled with JIM13 and JIM15. We discuss the differences in callose and AGP localization and the possible role of the latter during anther development.
Caste size differences in Polistes gallicus (L.) (Hymenoptera Vespidae)

In several species of wasps belonging to the genus Polistes, the first workers to emerge during the colonial cycle are smaller than the foundresses. As the cycle proceeds, the emerging workers are larger and larger, so that when the future reproductives appear they are no larger than workers of the same age. This study analyzes the size differences found in the workers and foundresses in a sample of 638 females collected in the course of one year. After anatomical analysis, each female was assigned to one of the following groups: foundress, future foundress and worker. Each individual was measured for maximum head width and right wing length. Although the size of emerging females also increases in P. gallicus as the season advances, workers are always smaller than the foundresses, and the future reproductives always larger than workers found on the nest at the same time. Results also suggest that the smaller future foundresses are selected out during overwintering.
From the matrix to roadsides and beyond: the role of isolated paddock trees as dispersal points for invasion

Vertebrate seed dispersers play an important role in determining the spatial distributions of many plants, yet few studies have examined patterns of dispersal in fragmented rural landscapes. This study investigated the factors that influence the occurrence and density of roadside populations of two vertebrate‐dispersed trees (Brachychiton populneus and Schinus molle) in roadside environments.
THE ESTIMATION OF NUMBERS OF BACTERIA BY TENFOLD DILUTION SERIES

Results obtained by dilution series are sometimes so unlikely that doubt is cast on the validity of the method. Criteria for the rejection of results are discussed and a Table is given of acceptable results for tests with five tubes for each of three tenfold dilutions. Methods of estimating the concentration of bacteria for other numbers of tubes or of dilutions are suggested. The inherent lack of precision of the dilution series method is stressed.
Fauna de besouros bioluminescentes (Coleoptera: Elateroidea: Lampyridae; Phengodidae, Elateridae) nos municípios de Campinas, Sorocaba-Votorantim e Rio Claro-Limeira (SP, Brasil): biodiversidade e influência da urbanização

Brazil hosts the richest biodiversity of bioluminescent beetles in the world. However, no surveys on the regional biodiversity have been made. Furthermore, studies on the effect of urbanization on bioluminescent beetle's biodiversity are still missing. Such kind of studies could be especially helpful to select new night environment bioindicators. Bioluminescent species of the Elateroidea superfamily occurring in three large and expanding urban areas in Sao Paulo State: Campinas, Sorocaba-Votorantim and Rio Claro-Limeira municipalities, were catalogued. In Campinas, the occurrence of bioluminescent beetles in different sites has been monitored during the past 20 years. There were 26 species in Campinas, 21 in Sorocaba-Votorantim and 19 in Rio Claro-Limeira, occurring mainly in conserved remnants of Atlantic Rain-forest, secondary growths, marshes and open fields. Whereas fireflies (Lampyridae) are found in almost all habitats, click beetles (Elateridae) and railroadworms (Phengodidae) occur predominantly in woody environments. Urban sprawl has an evident impact on the biodiversity of this selected group of beetles, and special attention should be given to the effect of artificial night lighting in the occurrence of these beetles. The lampyrids Aspisoma lineatum Gyllenhal, 1817 (Lampyrinae: Cratomorphini) and Bicellonychia lividipennis Motschulsky 1854 (Photurinae) are the most common species in urbanized areas, whereas many other species of lampyrids, elaterids and phengodids are rarely found in such environments. These studies offer insights on the potential use of a selected group of luminescent beetles found in this region as nocturnal environment bioindicators.
Coleoptera Collected from Rotting Fishhook Barrel Cacti (Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britton and Rose), with a Review of Nearctic Coleoptera Associated with Succulent Necrosis

Abstract Sixteen dead Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britton & Rose (Cactaceae), known variously as fishhook barrel cactus, candy barrel cactus, or compass plant, were discovered in various states of decay near Portal, Arizona during July 2011. A survey of the Coleoptera in the rotting cacti resulted in the collection of 976 specimens representing 11 families and 35 species. Volume of cactus was significantly positively correlated with moisture content and moisture content was significantly positively correlated with species richness and abundance. Findings indicated that there may be three distinct successional stages—wet (saturated), moist, and dry—during cactus late decomposition. A review of literature listing species collected from decaying cacti and succulents is provided with updated nomenclature. Photographs and basic biological information are provided for 20 taxa of interest and relevant literature containing descriptions, keys, distributional data, and biological/life history data is reviewed.
Adenosine receptors in rat brain synaptosomes: Receptor characterization and relationships with glutamate release

The role of adenosine receptor(s) activation in modulating glutamate release in synaptosomes isolated from different rat brain areas was investigated. Receptor binding studies with selective A1 and A2 adenosine receptor ligands were performed in parallel with functional studies on depolarization‐induced increases of intrasynaptosomal calcium concentrations and glutamate release. Specific binding to the selective A1 ligand [3H]‐Cyclohexyladenosine was detected, with highest densities in hippocampal synaptosomes, followed by c. striatum and cortex. In contrast, no specific binding to the selective A2a ligand [3]CGS 21680 was demonstrable in synaptosomes from any of the studied brain areas, suggesting that no adenosine receptors belonging to this receptor subtype are present on rat brain pre‐synaptic terminals. In parallel, the adenosine analogue cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) could partially inhibit the KCl‐induced glutamate release from hippocampal synaptosomes. The agonist‐induced effect was monophasic, dose‐dependent, and already demonstrable at the 10−8 M concentration, which indeed confirms that only A1 receptors inhibitory on calcium‐dependent release are functionally present in synaptosomal preparations. The effect on glutamate release was likely due to the ability of CPA to partially counteract KCl‐induced increases of intrasynaptosomal calcium concentrations. IT is therefore concluded that rat hippocampal synaptosomes represent an adequate in vitro model to study the molecular and functional correlates of pre‐synaptic adenosine receptors, and therefore investigate their role in both physiological and ischemia‐associated pathological neurotransmission. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Species richness–productivity relationships of tropical terrestrial ferns at regional and local scales

The species richness–productivity relationship (SRPR), by which the species richness of habitats or ecosystems is related to the productivity of the ecosystem or the taxon, has been documented both on regional and local scales, but its generality, biological meaning and underlying mechanisms remain debated. We evaluated the SRPR and three mechanistic hypotheses using terrestrial ferns in 18 study plots along an elevational gradient (500–4000 m) in Ecuador. We measured annual increases in above‐ground biomass of 6175 fern individuals from 91 species over 2 years, and estimated plot‐level tree productivity from increases in above‐ground woody biomass of 560 trees. Analyses were conducted by (i) comparing plots along the elevational gradient (regional scale) and (ii) comparing plots within each elevational belt (local scale). Fern diversity was related to the productivity of the fern assemblages, but not to above‐ground productivity of the trees. At the regional scale, we found a positive relationship of fern species richness to fern productivity that appeared to be determined by an increase in the number of fern individuals and niche availability. In contrast, at the local scale, this relationship was negative and likely driven by interspecific competition. Synthesis. Plot diversity of ferns appears to be limited by the number of available niches and competition to occupy these niches. At the local scale, this is reflected in a negative SRPR probably driven by competition, whereas with increasing scale, the positive influence of productivity emerges. This represents the first evidence that productivity and competition affect the diversity of tropical herb assemblages at the plot scale.
Reproductive cycle of the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

The gonadal index cycle of the echinoid Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis is described from observations on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada. An annual cycle, with spring spawning, is evident, but the exact timing of spawning and of gonadal growth varies. Consideration is given to controlling factors, using information from the present and previous studies. A number of gonadal events begin abruptly, which suggests they are controlled externally. An increase in energy channeled into gonadal growth in midsummer may be stimulated by an environmental cue. However, advanced gonadal growth will occur when excess food is available, and none will occur if food is not available. Spawning is not closely correlated with temperature, but records from the North Pacific, Arctic, and North Atlantic Oceans show that spawning is synchronized with the spring phytoplankton increase. An experimental study has confirmed that phytoplankton is the spawning cue. Concurrent observations of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus s.
μ‐opioid receptors are present in functionally identified sympathoexcitatory neurons in the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla

Agonists of the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) produce profound hypotension and sympathoinhibition when microinjected into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL). These effects are likely to be mediated by the inhibition of adrenergic and other presympathetic vasomotor neurons located in the RVL. The present ultrastructural studies were designed to determine whether these vasomotor neurons, or their afferents, contain MORs. RVL bulbospinal barosensitive neurons were recorded in anesthetized rats and filled individually with biotinamide by using a juxtacellular labeling method. Biotinamide was visualized by using a peroxidase method and MOR was identified by using immunogold localization of an antipeptide antibody that recognizes the cloned MOR, MOR1. The subcellular relationship of MOR1 to RVL neurons with fast‐ or slow‐conducting spinal axons was examined by electron microscopy. Fast‐ and slow‐conducting cells were not morphologically distinguishable. Immunogold‐labeling for MOR1 was found in all RVL bulbospinal barosensitive neurons examined (9 of 9). MOR1 was present in 52% of the dendrites from both types of cells and in approximately half of these dendrites the MOR1 was at nonsynaptic plasmalemmal sites. A smaller portion of biotinamide‐labeled dendrites (16%) from both types of cells were contacted by MOR1‐containing axons or axon terminals. Together, these results suggest that MOR agonists can directly influence the activity of all types of RVL sympathoexcitatory neurons and that MOR agonists may also influence the activity of afferent inputs to these cells. The heterogenous distribution of MORs within individual RVL neurons indicates that the receptor is selectively targeted to specific pre‐ and postsynaptic sites. J. Comp. Neurol. 433:34–47, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
THE HERPETOFAUNA OF ANYSBERG NATURE RESERVE, CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

ABSTRACT An annotated checklist of the reptiles and amphibians of Anysberg Nature Reserve (ANR) is presented. A total of 52 species and subspecies comprising six amphibians, five chelonians, 27 lizards and 14 snakes were recorded from the reserve. Interesting new distribution records include Homopus femoralis, Pachydactylus namaquensis, Gerrhosaurus typicus, Bradypodion gutturale and Bitis comuta-inomata complex. A list of species likely to occur in ANR is included. The relative composition and richness of the ANR herpetofauna is compared with that of the Karoo National Park (KNP) and the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP). The composition of taxa from ANR and KNP is generally similar with both having a high proportion of lizards, 51.9% and 51.4% respectively, but a relatively low proportion of frogs, 11.5% and 12.9% respectively. Lizards comprise only 28.6% of the AENP herpetofauna, but the proportion of frogs is 32.6%
Assessment of Variability of Muskmelon

It is necessary to determine how newly developed genotypes respond under field conditions. Variability in 45 genotypes of muskmelon [Cucumis melo L (Reticulatus group)] developed through random mating was assessed using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation based on 11 morpho-physiological traits under field conditions. Five principal components (PCs) out of 11 contributed 82.79% of the total variability. Genotypes were grouped into four clusters, with 14 genotypes in cluster 1, 26 in cluster 2, 3 in cluster 3, and 2 in cluster 4 based upon similarities and dissimilarities. Correlation indicated that yield/plant was positively correlated with number of lateral branches/plant, number of green leaves/plant, fruit weight, fruit/plant, and total number of leaves/plant. Membrane injury in leaves was significantly and positively correlated with number of lateral branches and number of fruit/plant. Number of green leaves/plant was positively correlated with total soluble solids (TSS) and yield/plant and may be able to be used as a morphological marker for selection of higher TSS and yield. Random mating is a useful technique to incorporate genes for high stress tolerance by developing new variability and new genotypes. The variability could be assessed using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation.
Genetic and morphological differentiation in some populations of Armadillidium aelleni (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea), a cavernicolous species of the Maltese archipelago

Abstract Specimens of Armadillidium aelleni Caruso & Ferrara 1982, from four Maltese caves were morphologically and genetically examined. Twelve enzymatic systems for a total of 15 loci (Pgm, Me, Got‐1, Got‐2, Idh‐1, Idh‐2, Mdh‐1, Mdh‐2, Phi, Ao, Est‐1, Gapd, Pep‐1, Acph, Fum) were analysed by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The populations studied were separated into two homogeneous groups by the presence of two diagnostic loci, Acph and Mdh‐1, and a partially diagnostic one, Pgm; these results were confirmed by the morphological analysis. The two groups should be considered as a case of incipient speciation.
Histological characterisation of the incompatible interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and the obligate biotrophic pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae

The obligate biotrophic pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae induces cataplastic galls in the roots of various species of the Brassicaceae. The ecotypes Ze-0, Tsu-0, and Ta-0 of Arabidopsis thaliana carry alleles of a dominant single gene ( RPB1 ) for resistance against this pathogen. The pathotype-specific resistance reactions in the roots were accompanied by a hypersensitive response. Infected cells were surrounded by necrotic boundaries and thereby the pathogen growth was restricted. The pathogen could induce hyperplasia and hypertrophy to a slight extent and develop spores within mini-galls surrounded by the necrotic cells, if it was able to colonise meristematic tissue. Ecotype Ze-0 showed the highest level of resistance to P. brassicae isolate ‘e’ as indicated by the very limited number of infected cells, whereas the resistance of the ecotype Ta-0 was rated lower. The results are discussed in relation to the interaction of the pathogen with Brassica crops.