Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Melanistic Locust

In the latter part of July, I892 I had the good fortune to stumble upon a thriving settlement of that elegant locust Paroxya atlantica Scudd. in the near vicinity of Cambridge, namely, on the bank of Charles River at Faneuil station. This find was unexpected from the fact that this species is a southern locust and, I believe, has been previously taken in Nev England only in the southernmost portions. Several weeks later I took one male in a meadow at Newtonville, at quite a distance from the river. These two localities are the only places in which I have met with this species north of Connecticut, where [ have taken it at Niantic in a situation similar to that at Faneuil, and at Stamford in the long sedge of bushy pasture meadows, at an elevation considerably above tide-water. At Faneuil the first specimen taken, a female, was captured while sweeping over some weeds at the edge of the saltmarsh in search of other Acrididae, and search being made, a number of specimens, mostly males, were secured. These were found to be most plentiful on a species of Spartina, or cord-grass, along some of the ditches and tidal runways, and while quite active were not difficult to capture, usually trying to escape observation by sidling around the stout grass-stems in preference to flight, which was resorted to only when alarmed. Among those secured on this occasion was one male which presented a marked contrast to the others in being deep greenish-black in color, with a peculiar oily lustre which became shining on the smoother portions of the body, particularly on the sides of the pronotum, and the thoracic and abdominal sterna. A fuller description is appended. At a second visit a few days later three more black males were secured, and also two female nymphs as deeply colored as the adult males. No black adult females were taken, though several secured at this time and at a third visit were extremely dark in coloring. The dark, heavy-bodied females, which seemed to prefer remaining on or near the rubbish of dead stalks and weeds covering the ground, were not noticeable objects; but the more active, black males were quite conspicuous against the green background of the higher zone of growing vegetation which they fi’equented.
Molecular structure of cellulose and starch

From the results of initial acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose, and from certain data in the literature it is concluded that (1) native cellulose possesses an indefinitely high molecular weight; (2) as a consequence of common procedure adhered to by most investigators, native cellulose is unintentionally degraded to about DP 3000; (3) mild, initial acidic degradation, intentional or accidental, causes further decrease in the DP values down to the probable limiting value of 128 or 256, with complete loss of the tensile strength of the cellulose fiber; and (4) the few covalent bonds (about 0.3%) which become cleaved during these mild reactions are equally spaced, acid-sensitive, and entirely different from the regular 1,4-glycosidic bonds which are responsible for the random hydrolysis of cellulose in strongly acidic media. It is suggested that these acid-sensitive linkages represent hemiacetal or acetal bonds which originate from openchain glucose anhydride residues of “limit hydrocellulose” units and connect the latter along the a and b axes of the fiber. The length of the “limit hydrocellulose” is supposed to correspond to that of 27 = 128 glucose anhydride residues—that is, 660 A. , or twice these figures. Extension of this concept to starch leads to the postulate of a three-dimensional network of glucose anhydride units of indefinite number. The latter are held together by regular 1,4-α-glucopyranosidic bonds and, at short intervals, probably by acetal bonds of open-chain glucose anhydride residues. On mild, acid-catalyzed hy-drolysis these acid-sensitive linkages rupture rapidly and completely, giving rise to a material which consists of linear molecules only, containing 1,4-, 1,6-, and possibly 1,3-, glycosidic bonds between two adjacent glucose anhydride residues.
Increased Mortality of the Swaine Jack-pine Sawfly, and Foliar Nitrogen Concentrations After Urea Fertilization

Mortality of the Swaine jack-pine sawfly larvae (Neodiprionswainei Midd.) introduced as colonies on jack-pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) foliage was measured in untreated and urea-treated plots of natural forest. Following applications of urea (400 kg N/ha) repeated in two successive years, natural mortality increased from 40 to 70% after 4 weeks, from 33 to 51% after 6 weeks, and from 18 to 36% after 4 weeks for larvae introduced as 1st instar, 2nd instar, and 3rd instar, respectively. This was accompanied by a marked reduction in foliage consumption as revealed by direct measurements or by the weight of frass collected. With 3rd-instar larvae sprayed with a suspension of the virus Borrelinavirusswainei (Smirnoff), viral infection developed much more rapidly in larvae placed on fertilized trees, mortality reaching 100%, double that measured on unfertilized trees. Single applications of urea at lower rates (100 and 200 kg N/ha) revealed a trend of increasing mortality for both unsprayed and virus-sprayed larv.
Morphology and Ecology of New Records of Cyanobacteria Belonging to the Genus Oscillatoria from Hong Kong Rocky Shores

Abstract As part of a species richness survey and ecological investigation of intertidal epilithic cyanobacteria, samples were collected during winter (November 1998-March 1999) and summer (July-September 1999) from various rocky shores around Hong Kong. Morphological and ecological descriptions are provided for 15 species belonging to the genus Oscillatoria, namely Oscillatoria cf. annae, O. bonnemaisonii, O. cf. borneti, O. brevis, O. chalybea, O. cf. curviceps, O. cf. irrigua, O. cf. limosa, O. margaritifera, O. cf. obtusa, O. cf. ornata, O. cf. princeps, O. cf. proboscidea, O. cf. salina and O. sancta, all of which are new records for Hong Kong. Of these, eight species (O. cf. annae, O. cf. borneti, O. cf. curviceps, O. cf. irrigua, O. cf. obtusa, O. cf. ornata, O. cf. proboscidea and O. cf. salina) are reported for the first time as marine epiliths. Most of the species were restricted to the mid- and lower eulittoral shore and were found in the winter months.
Wildlife Research in a changing world

Wildlife populations on both land and in the sea are under increasing pressure from both direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts. Threats to wildlife, such as over-exploitation, habitat loss, invasive species, infectious disease and climate change persist; yet in some situations, wildlife populations are the subject of management to reduce their unwanted impacts on economic, agricultural and conservation interests. The contrasting requirements of declining and overabundant populations, sometimes existing as part of the same ecosystem, mean that wildlife management needs to be viewed increasingly as part of an integrated social–ecological system. Moreover, solutions to wildlife-management problems may require new combinations of ecological knowledge, technological innovation and an understanding of the social and economic factors involved. The disciplinary scope of Wildlife Research will be broadening to reflect these changes. Wildlife Research has tended to focus on terrestrial systems in the past, but research approaches and findings are increasingly relevant across different environments, and consequently, we will also be expanding our coverage of freshwater and marine systems. We are planning to publish at least one Special Issue each year, to highlight new areas of research and the increasing internationalisation of wildlife management, and we welcome suggestions for these. We are also pleased to be able to offer fast-track publication of papers that contain results of high topical significance or policy relevance. We hope that the increased topical, disciplinary and geographical coverage of Wildlife Research will enhance its position as one of the leading international journals in applied ecology and environmental management.
The influence of native versus exotic streetscape vegetation on the spatial distribution of birds in suburbs and reserves

Management practices in the landscape matrix can have significant effects on the spatial distribution of animals within adjacent protected areas. This has been well established in agricultural and forested areas, but less is known about how management of the suburban matrix affects adjacent reserves. We argue that it is critically important to understand the impact of suburban management on reserves, as flawed planning decisions can have negative conservation outcomes and waste limited resources.
Genetic improvement in yield of semidwarf rice cultivars in Colombia

The narrowing gap between commercial and experimental yields in irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) has renewed interest in genetic yield improvement. Evaluation of past gains is useful for identifying areas with potential for further enhancement. Tall rice cultivar Bluebonnet 50, introduced semidwarfs «IR8» and «IR22», and 13 semidwarfs developed locally from 1971 to 1989 were grown in Columbia under irrigation and rainfed conditions with and without blast (Pyricularia grisea, Sacc.) control during 1992 and 1993. The objective was to estimate progress from introduction and breeding of semidwarfs. Both types of semidwarfs yielded 80 and 122% more than Bluebonnet 50 under irrigation and rainfed conditions with blast control, respectively. Without blast control, the yield advantage (126%) was significant only in 1993. Tillering of semidwarfs was higher in all environments, ranging from 379 to 721 panicles per square meter versus 173 to 392 panicles per square meter for Bluebonnet 50. Panicles were smaller, ranging from 61 to 95 filled grains per panicle versus 118 to 187 filled grains per panicle for Bluebonnet 50. Mean grain yields of introduced and local semidwarfs were similar, but the latter were 10 to 15 cm taller. Linear regressions of means of local cultivars on year of release were nonsignificant (P>0.05) for the irrigated and rainfed-with-blast-control environments. For rainfed conditions without blast control, yield increased 0.13±0.04 t ha -1 ; panicle size (1.1±0.4 grains yr -1 ) and plant height (1.1±0.2 cm yr -1 ) also increased. Breeding in Colombia has improved adaptation of semidwarf rice to rainfed environments
Novel modulators of amyloid‐β precursor protein processing

Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is modulated by the action of enzymes α‐, β‐ and γ‐secretases, with the latter two mediating the amyloidogenic production of amyloid‐β (Aβ). Cellular modulators of APP processing are well known from studies of genetic mutations (such as those found in APP and presenilins) or polymorphisms (such as the apolipoprotein E4 ɛ‐allele) that predisposes an individual to early or late‐onset Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, several classes of molecule with modulating functions in APP processing and Aβ secretion have emerged. These include the neuronal Munc‐18 interacting proteins (Mints)/X11s, members of the reticulon family (RTN‐3 and RTN‐4/Nogo‐B), the Nogo‐66 receptor (NgR), the peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase Pin1 and the Rho family GTPases and their effectors. Mints and NgR bind to APP directly, while RTN3 and Nogo‐B interact with the β‐secretase BACE1. Phosphorylated APP is a Pin1 substrate, which binds to its phosphor‐Thr668‐Pro motif. These interactions by and large resulted in a reduction of Aβ generation both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of Rho and Rho‐kinase (ROCK) activity may underlie the ability of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and statins to reduce Aβ production, a feat which could also be achieved by Rac1 inhibition. Detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action of these novel modulators of APP processing, as well as insights into the molecular neurological basis of how Aβ impairs leaning and memory, will open up multiple avenues for the therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease.
Selection for high linoleic acid content in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Inbred sunflower lines with high and stable levels of linoleic acid over a wide range of maturation temperatures have been produced. Normally linoleic acid (the polyunsaturated component of sunflower oil) is inversely proportional to temperature during seed maturation. During Queensland's hot summers, linoleic acid content may drop to <50%. Processors require a linoleic acid content of at least 62% of the total fatty acids in oil used for the production of polyunsaturated products, e.g. margarine. Four generations of breeding material (F2-F6 of Hysun 33xHysun 32) were grown and matured under hot summer conditions (approximately 30¦C max., 18¦C min.). The fatty acid composition of individual seeds was determined by non-destructive analysis, and sunflower breeding lines with up to 25% higher (actual) linoleic acid than the standard variety Hysun 32 (which averaged 48% linoleic acid when matured under hot summer conditions) have been produced.
Comparison of azinphosmethyl toxicity to juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)

The acute and sublethal responses of juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) were evaluated to determine the relative effects of exposure to azinphosmethyl (APM). Acute responses were based on 96‐h static‐renewal bioassays at salinities of 5 and 20‰. Sublethal responses were based on inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity after 24‐h exposures at each salinity and by measuring behavioral and stamina (swimming ability) responses of each species. The acute toxicity tests indicated that juvenile red drum were significantly more sensitive to APM than were mummichogs (mean lethal concentration [LC50] = 6.3–7.1 μg/L versus 65–84 μg/L). No significant differences were noted in the LC50 response of either species at reduced salinities. In contrast, mummichogs were more sensitive to APM‐induced inhibition of brain AChE activity than juvenile red drum (mean effective concentration [EC50] < 1.0 μg/L in mummichogs and >5.0 μg/L in red drum). Behavioral response tests indicated that neither species avoided pesticide‐laden water, which may increase their vulnerability to APM runoff. Stamina assays indicated that juvenile red drum experienced a decreased ability to swim after a 6‐h exposure to 12 μg/L APM. Mummichogs were less sensitive with respect to the effects of APM on swimming ability at concentrations as high as 24 μg/L APM (p < 0.1).
Predation by fish on intertidal oysters

Experiments in many parts of the world have indicated that sessile intertidal organisms are affected by fish predation. Farming of oysters Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale & Roughley) and Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) in New South Wales, Australia, depends on their natural recruitment and growth on intertidal structures in estuaries. We investigated the effects of predation by fish on numbers of oysters recruiting to experimental panels of 3 different sizes. We tested effects of excluding fish of different sizes using different sizes of mesh (12.5 and 50 mm). Numbers of oysters were significantly reduced on panels open to predatory fish. Numbers of oysters per unit area and subsequent predation on them did not vary, however, across 3 different sizes of panels, indicating that predation was not dependent on patch size. Mortality on panels open to predation averaged 40.0% (±4.3% SE). Fish also significantly altered the distribution of sizes of oysters. The effect of predation was almost entirely attributable to toadfish Tetractenos spp. Previous knowledge of the life history of oysters and succession in these intertidal assemblages suggests that effects of predation may not, however, have important long-term consequences on natural populations.
A combination of xylanase, amylase and protease influences growth performance, nutrient utilisation, starch and protein digestive dynamics in broiler chickens offered maize-, sorghum- and wheat-based diets

In order to examine the influence of an enzyme combination of xylanase, amylase and protease on growth performance and energy utilisation in boiler chickens offered maize-, sorghum- and wheat-based diets and also determine the impact of exogenous enzymes on digestive dynamics of starch and protein in the small intestine and their relativity to broiler performance, a 3 × 2 factorial array of dietary treatments were offered to 288 male Ross 308 chicks from 7 to 27 days post-hatch. Apparent digestibility coefficients of starch, protein and fat in the proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum were determined at Day 27. The digestion rates of starch, protein and energy were predicted by using exponential mathematical models to fit apparent digestibility coefficients with mean retention times in each small intestinal segment. Sorghum-based diets supported the highest weight gain (P 0.10). There were significant interactions between grain type and enzyme supplementation in FCR and the enzyme combination significantly improved FCR in maize-based diets only (P 0.25). In conclusion, feed conversion of sorghum-based diet (1.475) was significantly more efficient than those based on maize (1.518) and wheat (1.532) in non-supplemented diets. The enzyme combination significantly improved energy utilisation (AME) in all three grain-based diets and improved feed conversion efficiency in maize-based diets.
Two species of the genus Eryx (Serpentes; Boidae; Erycinae) from the Spanish Neogene with comments on the past distribution of the genus in Europe

Snakes of the living genus Eryx were widely distributed in countries lying between the Mediterranean and Black Seas in the period between the end of lower Miocene to the late Pliocene. Vertebral remains of Eryx reported from two Spanish localities, the uppermost Miocene (MN 13) of Salobrena and the middle Pliocene (MN 15) of Gorafe 5, belong to E. cf. E. jaculus and E. primitivus sp. nov., respectively. The available fossil record sugests that most representatives of Eryx inhabiting Europe in the past were similar to the recent Asiatic members of the genus. However, E. primitivus sp. nov., displaying primitive conditions in its caudal osteology, probably represented an early offshoot of a hypothetical ancestral stock leading to the extant species of Eryx.
In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Flower Buds of Eugenia caryophyllata

Aims: This study investigated the antimicrobial effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of the flower buds of Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaeae) against a wide range of bacteria and yeasts cells isolated clinically from patients. Methodology: The agar diffusion method was used to establish the antimicrobial activity and the zones of inhibition caused by the extracts. The antimicrobial effects of 16% and 32% aqueous and ethanol extracts of Eugenia caryophyllata were investigated against 111 pathogenic bacteria and yeasts cells. The microbes used consisted of 11 Proteus mirabilis, 20 Salmonella typhi , 15 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 18 Escherichia coli , 19 Staphylococcus aureus, 12 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 16 Candida albicans species. Results: The ethanol extracts inhibited the growth of all the microbes employed in the study with inhibition zones ranging from 8.00±0.00 mm to 24.00±0.00 mm. The aqueous extracts however exhibited different degrees of antimicrobial activity with zones of inhibition ranging from 6.00±0.00 mm to 13.33±0.29 mm. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the flower
Localization of short‐term memory in the brain of the bee, Apis mellifera

ABSTRACT. Fixed honey‐bees were conditioned to a scent in a one‐trial learning paradigm. In contrast to free‐flying colour‐conditioned bees, fixed scent‐conditioned bees do not show a biphasic time dependence of the conditioned response. Small metal probes were used to cool localized areas of the antennal lobes, alpha‐lobes, and calyces of the mushroom bodies of the brain at various times after conditioning. Localized cooling impaired the formation of memory in all three structures. The susceptibility to impairment after conditioning lasted approximately 3 min in the antennal lobes, 7 min in the alpha‐lobes, and 10 min in the calyx area. It was possible to determine the influence of the contralateral hemisphere (relative to the learning antenna) by conditioning bees with only one antenna. No contralateral impairment was found in the antennal lobes; there were minor effects in the alphalobes; contralateral cooling led to reductions of the conditioned response only in the calyx area. The temperature dependence of memory impairment was different for the antennal lobes and the mushroom bodies (alpha‐lobes and calyces). The latter were most sensitive to cooling at 5°C. No correlation between cooling duration and impairment of memory was found in the antennal lobes, but there was a linear relation between impairment and cooling duration in the alpha‐lobes. Brief cooling (5 or 10 s) resulted in significant impairment of memory formation only in the calyx area. A series of control experiments proved that the impairment of memory is due to a reversible block of neural activity. It was possible to show that the impairment is specific for the three neural structures analysed, by cooling the lobula of the optic system at various times after conditioning. Lesions of the brain or application of KCl also resulted in time‐dependent reductions of the conditioned response. Cooling the entire animal at various times after conditioning led to similar memory impairment to that resulting from localized cooling of the alphalobes.
Evolutionary Relationships in Ephedra (Gnetales), with Implications for Seed Plant Phylogeny

Evolutionary relationships in Ephedra are difficult to resolve, mainly because there are few informative characters in investigated loci and long distances to outgroups. We address these problems by using a large data set that includes information from seven plastid and nuclear loci and 204 vascular plants. The deepest divergences in Ephedra are weakly supported and differ by analytical method, but they indicate a basal grade of species distributed in the Mediterranean area. New World species are monophyletic, with a South American clade possibly nested within a North American clade. A mainly Asian clade comprises several well‐supported subgroups, of which some are endemic to restricted geographic regions in East or Central Asia; others have a broad distribution that may extend into Europe (E. distachya, E. major) and/or Africa (E. pachyclada–E. somalensis). Ephedra laristanica and E. somalensis are nested within other species, whereas the recognition of E. milleri as a separate species is supported. Our results provide another example of how exceptionally difficult it is to disentangle the early divergences of seed plants. Bayesian analysis strongly supports the “gnetifer” hypothesis, a result rarely found in the literature, but it conflicts with our results from only chloroplast data (“gne‐cup”) and with results of most maximum parsimony analyses (“Gnetales sister”).