Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Abscisic Acid and Water Stress on Development and Morphology of Wheat

Experiments were conducted to compare the effects of abscisic acid (ABA) and water stress treatments on leaf morphology and floral development in a spring wheat. In one experiment injections of ABA or a control solution were given twice a week into the base of the main stem for a period of 3 weeks. In a similar experiment control plants were watered daily and treated plants were subjected to water stress by watering only once a week. In both experiments the treated plants produced smaller leaves and fewer spikelets per ear. Analysis of epidermal morphology using polystyrene imprints of selected leaf blades from the main stem and a tiller of each plant showed that, compared with control plants, both ABA and water stress decreased the mean cell size, reduced the number of stomata per leaf, and increased the production of trichomes in all the leaves sampled. Data for stomatal lengths and stomatal indices showed differences between a main stem leaf and a tiller leaf which were consistent for both experiments. It is concluded that ABA could mediate many of the responses of wheat plants to prolonged water stress. The possible adaptive value of these responses is discussed.
The effect of water current on foraging behaviour of the rheophilic cyprinid Chondrostoma nasus (L.) during ontogeny: evidence of a trade-off between energetic gain and swimming costs

The main aims of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between the energy balance of young stages of a rheophilic cyprinid, Chondrostoma nasus, and water current and (2) the critical water velocities for this species during its early ontogeny. Experiments were conducted in a recirculating flume. Water velocity and type, size and density of prey were varied. The foraging behaviour of three size classes of nase (15, 20 and 25 mm TL) was filmed and analysed with an Image Analysis System. Capture success and consumption were determined and the following critical water velocities were measured: (1) nul benefit water velocity (NBWV); (2) nul consumption water velocity (NCWV); and (3) maximum sustainable water velocity (MSWV). The capture success drastically declined above a certain value of water velocity which increased with body size. Consumption varied with density and size of prey and with fish size. It was high within a range of water velocities which increased with fish size and then declined to the NCWV. The profitable range of water currents increased during ontogeny, and swimming costs in early larvae were higher in proportion to the maximal energy intake, compared with larger fish (positive net energy gain between 0 and 7 cm s−1 in 15 mm TL nase and between 0 and 15 cm s−1 in 20 and 25 mm TL nase). Although the three defined critical water velocities did not differ from each other in early larvae, MSWV in 20–25 mm TL nase were significantly higher than the NBWV and the NCWV. The MSWV of nase showed a linear increase with fish size. A comparison with values from the literature for other fish species shows that MSWV may depend more on body shape than on species-specific life history patterns. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of variations in ocean color1

Spectral measurements of downwelling and upwelling daylight were made in waters different with respect to turbidity and pigment content and from these data the spectral values of the reflectance ratio just below the sea surface, R(λ), were calculated. The experimental results are interpreted by comparison with the theoretical R(λ) values computed from the absorption and back-scattering coefficients. The importance of molecular scattering in the light back-scattering process is emphasized. The R(λ) values observed for blue waters are in full agreement with computed values in which new and realistic values of the absorption coefficient for pure water are used and presented. For the various green waters, the chlorophyll concentrations and the scattering coefficients, as measured, are used in computations which account for the observed R(λ) values. The inverse process, i.e. to infer the content of the water from R(λ) measurements at selected wavelengths, is discussed in view of remote sensing applications.
Effect of Non-Protein Nitrogen Supplementation of Low Protein Rations on Laying Hen Performance with a Note on Essential Amino Acid Requirements

Abstract YOUNG et al. (1965) and Chavez et al. (1966) have presented evidence that non-amino acid sources of nitrogen can partially replace dietary protein for the laying hen. The former results were not unexpected in view of the large proportion of the maintenance requirement (ca. 66%) which can be met by non-essential amino acids (Leveille and Fisher, 1958; Leveille et al., 1960) and the ability of this same type of nitrogen to maintain (Shapiro and Fisher, 1962) and/or partially replete limited quantities of body protein reserves (Wessels and Fisher, 1965). Also understandable was the small production advantage (3.5%, Chavez et al., 1966) obtained with non-protein nitrogen supplementation of low protein diets, because maintenance N requirement relative to that necessary for egg formation is small (ca. 27%, Shapiro and Fisher, 1965). Egg formation per se would not be expected to benefit from non-protein nitrogen as the ratio of essential: non-essential amino acids .
Recognition of Aboriginal rights, interests and values in river research and management: Perspectives from northern Australia

Summary Aboriginal people perceive land and water as equal components of country, and hold distinct perspectives on water relating to identity and attachment to place, environmental knowledge, resource security, and the exercise of custodial responsibilities to manage interrelated parts of customary estates. This paper documents Aboriginal perspectives from certain areas in northern Australia, defined as the region of tropical savannas stretching from Townsville to Broome, and offers a number of suggestions for improving current knowledge of Aboriginal values and Aboriginal participation rates in water and catchment management. The paper highlights the cultural significance of rivers and water in selected northern regions, and provides a preliminary outline of research and management priorities as determined by key north Australian Aboriginal land management organizations. Priorities include developing the capacity for collaborative aquatic resource management, conservation of traditional ecological knowledge, riparian resource inventories and threat assessment, as well as improved Aboriginal participation in catchment management and water policy. Although there is a strong north Australian focus to this paper, the issues raised are relevant to water and natural resource management policy throughout Australia.
Electrokinetic Potential in B-Thalassemia Erythrocyte Membranes: Effect of Static Magnetic Field (2T)

ABSTRACT The effects of the static magnetic field (SMF) on zeta potential of erythrocytes from patients with heterozygous ‘thalassemia’ and healthy subjects were studied by means of cell micro-electrophoresis. Electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of ‘thalassemic’ erythrocytes from patients in pregnancy decreased significantly after SMF exposure (0.1 - 2 T) compared to the same membranes without SMF pre-exposure. Significantly decreased extent of lipid peroxidation was observed in ‘thalassemic’ erythrocytes from patients in pregnancy increasing the dose of SMF pre-treatment. SMF exposure increased the aggregate's formation in erythrocyte suspension from healthy subjects as well as in ‘thalassemic’ erythrocytes at the expositions (0.5–2 T). Lectin—membrane interaction was tested on the EPM of erythrocytes in norm and pathology. Thus lectin binding may provide information about changes in glycoprotein complexes of the membrane. We studied the effect of Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin (Phytohemagglutinin, PHA-M) on the surface charge density and 90° light scattering (LS) of erythrocytes in physiological pH (PBS, pH 7.6). PHA-M induced an increase in EPM of normal erythrocytes at doses of 60 pg PHA/ml and 150 pg PHA/ml. There was an enhancement in zeta potential of thalassemic erythrocytes upon pre-treatment with the 200 pgPHA/ml. SMF (0.1–2T) altered electrokinetic properties of ‘thalasemic’ erythrocytes with increased agglutinability, which could be due to reduction of zeta potential as well as decrease in lipid peroxidation products of erythrocyte membranes.
Effects of multiple acute stressors on the predator avoidance ability and physiology of juvenile Chinook Salmon

Abstract Northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis are the predominant predators of juvenile Pacific salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. inthe Columbia River, and their predation rates are greatest just below dams. Because juvenile salmonids are commonly subjected to multiple stressors at dams in the course of their seaward migration, high predation rates below dams may be due in part to an increase in the vulnerability of stressed fish. I conducted laboratory experiments to examine the predator avoidance ability and physiological stress responses of juvenile chinook salmon O. tshawytscha subjected to treatments (stressors) designed to simulate routine hatchery practices (multiple handlings) or dam passage (multiple agitations). Both stressors resulted in lethargic behavior in the fish, and agitation also caused disorientation and occasional injury. When equal numbers of stressed and unstressed fish were exposed to northern squawfish for up to 1 h, significantly more stressed fish were eaten, but this effect w.
Identification of Major Flavonoids in Petals of Edible Chrysanthemum Flowers and Their Suppressive Effect on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Major flavonoids contained in petals of edible chrysanthemum flowers (Chrysanthemum×morifolium Ramat. forma esculentum Makino, c.v Kotobuki) were identified, and their chemical compounds in relation to their radical scavenging activities and preventive effects against liver injury were compared. Based on retention times and UV spectra, three peaks on the HPLC chromatogram of the polyphenol fraction of edible chrysanthemum flowers confirmed the presence of luteolin 7-O-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, and luteolin. Spectroscopic analysis determined the chemical structure of the three newly isolated compounds to be luteolin 7-O-(6''-O-malonyl)-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-(6''-O-malonyl)-glucoside, and acacetin 7-O-(6''-O-malonyl)-glucoside. Increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities in mice (induced with liver injury by injection of carbon tetrachloride) were strongly suppressed by oral administration of luteolin and luteolin 7-O-(6''-O-malonyl)-glucoside, which have stronger radical scavenging activity than other compounds. Thus, it is suggested that compounds with chemical structures such as luteolin and luteoin 7-O-glucoside, which have maolonic acid on its glucosyl moiety, appear to readily available for mitigation of liver injury.
Ecological niches and their evolution among Neotropical manakins (Aves: Pipridae)

Study of the evolution of ecological characteristics using phylogenetic information is only beginning, but several new tools and approaches open fascinating possibilities. The Pipridae is a diverse and well-known family of frugivorous birds that are easily sampled and that are broadly distributed across many Neotropical environments, and as such are appropriate for studies of ecological niche evolution. Using known occurrences and climate and topography data sets, we modeled ecological niches for each species in the family, and carried out analyses aimed at describing ecological niches of manakins and understanding historical patterns of ecological change in the family. Most species’ ecological niches were characterized by warm and relatively humid conditions, reflecting the great diversification of the family in lowland and montane forests of western South America. Ecological niche evolution was in general conservative, with most sister species pairs being closely similar ecologically, indicating that isolation rather than adaptation to new ecological conditions has dominated the diversification in this family. Exceptions to this pattern represent interesting foci for future research, whereas studies of ecological niches focusing on past distributions of manakins will allow further biogeographic inferences.
The Nematodes of Sheep in Manawatu District, New Zealand

Twenty-five species of Nematode have been found to be present in sheep in Manawatu district. The species of greatest economic importance were found to be in most cases of importance in other temperate climates. In the cases of certain species, saturation of Manawatu district has not yet occurred, e.g., in the cases of Cooperia oncophora, C. punctata and Ostertagia ostertagi. The countries of origin of the foundation stock have limited the number of species. Most of the importations have been made from Britain and Australia. As few nematodes of the sheep require intermediate hosts, their entrance to a new country, New Zealand, has not been prevented to any extent on this ground. Muellerius capillaris has been able to survive on account of the abundance of its normal host, which has been introduced also. The climate of Manawatu is such that the extremes of summer and winter are not severe enough to exert complete control on the various species. Infective stages are well able to survive these less favourable periods. The climate is sufficiently equable to enable out of door pasturing throughout the year, so that in the cases of most species of nematoda infection it is possible also throughout the year. The farming systems in vogue involve almost solely the use of permanent pasture which is mostly of high carrying capacity. This enables concentration of stock and in conjunction with continuous grazing throughout the year, enables the excessive multiplication of the various species of nematodes. The prominence placed on the fat lamb industry means that much attention is devoted to the raising of a population susceptible to worm infection. A prevailing practice is to introduce culls from the surrounding hill districts for purposes of fattening, and sheep from the Hawke's Bay district in time of drought. There is consequently a continual introduction of parasites in these animals. Cattle are the chief reservoir hosts of nematodes of sheep in Manawatu district. These occur in large numbers in the district and frequently dairying is combined with sheep farming, so that they become important sources of infection to sheep in respect to some species of worm, e.g., Cooperia oncophora, C. punctata and Ostertagia ostertagi. It would seem that the tendency in the district is towards the increasing of the carrying capacity of pasture. This should result in the multiplication of parasites, particularly Nematodes, to a greater extent than has been the case.
Regulation of Plant Phenolic Synthesis: From Biochemistry to Ecology and Evolution

The molecular and biochemical regulation of phenolic synthesis can be summarised as: (1) carbohydrates are partitioned in a manner ensuring growth; (2) carbohydrates are available for phenolic synthesis mainly during cell differentiation and after leaf maturation as the 'overflow'; (3) synthesis of a particular phenolic compound is specific to cell type and developmental stage; and (4) synthesis of certain phenolic compounds can be induced, independently of cell type, by factors such as wounding, microbial infection, and UV light. Recent advances in the understanding of the regulation of phenolic synthesis raises the question as to whether between-site and temporal variation in the amount and type of plants phenolics is due mostly to selection pressure by herbivores. Interdisciplinary studies by biochemists and ecologists are needed for a better understanding of the regulation of phenolic synthesis and plant-herbivore interactions mediated by secondary metabolites.
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIPS OF SOME COCCOID GREEN LICHEN ALGAE AND THE MICROTHAMNIALES (CHLOROPHYTA) WITH 18S RIBOSOMAL RNA GENE SEQUENCE COMPARISONS 1

Eight complete nuclear‐encoded small‐subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene sequences were determined for four genera of the Microthamniales (Pleurastrophyceae) and for Gloeotilopsis planctonica Iyengar & Philipose (Ulvophyceae, Ulotrichales) to investigate evolutionary relationships within the Microthamniales and the taxonomic position of this order within the green algae. Phylogenies inferred from these data revealed specific relationships at the level of genera and species that disagree with those inferred from vegetative cell morphology but agree with those inferred from motile cell characters. The rRNA phylogenies provide even better resolution than that gained from morphology alone. The coccoid lichen alga Trebouxia spp. is specifically related to other coccoid lichen and soil algae (i.e. Myrmecia biatorellae Boye‐Petersen and Friedmannia israelensis Chantanachat & Bold), forming the “Lichen Algae Group,” an evolutionarily distinct lineage within the Microthamniales. Trebouxia is a paraphyletic and Pleurastrum a polyphyletic genus in rRNA phylogenies. In contrast to previous hypotheses based on morphology, Pleurastrum terrestre Fritsch & John is not closely related to Trebouxia but occupies an isolated position within the Microthamniales. The filamentous alga Microthamnion kuetzingianum is not ancestral to coccoid members of the Microthamniales but is closely related with the coccoid Fusochloris perforata (Lee & Bold) Floyd, Watanabe & Deason. The Microthamniales are inferred to be an array of independent lineages that radiate nearly simultaneously and may also include some autosporic coccoid taxa previously classified in the Chlorophyceae. Monophyly of the Microthamniales could not be demonstrated unequivocally. In contrast to a hypothesis based on ultrastructure, the Microthamniales are evolutionarily distinct from the Ulotrichales. The latter are ancestral to the radiation of the Microthamniales and the Chlorophyceae in the rRNA phylogenies.
The body proportions of different breeds of bacon pigs

Weights and measurements of sides of bacon made under standard conditions from different breeds and crosses of pigs and exhibited at the London Dairy Show from 1922–31 have been analysed statistically. 1. The actual live weight of the pig affects the carcass percentage more than does breed or type. 2. For a bacon pig of 200 lb. live weight, there is an optimum carcass percentage (about 79 per cent) and an optimum bacon percentage (about 58 per cent). The highest percentage is not necessarily best, for below about this level the proportion of bone will be too large and above this level the proportion of fat will be too large. 3. The reasons why certain measurements and proportions are necessary to meet market requirements are detailed. 4. The changes in the proportions of the side with increase in weight of the side are described. The proportional increase in bacon weight is much greater than the proportional increase in side length. Both belly thickness and thickness of shoulder fat increase in their proportions at a faster rate than side length, but not so fast as side weight. The thickness of fat over the loin is the only part measured which increases at a faster rate than side weight. 5. The subcutaneous layer of fat matures earliest at the shoulder, over the rump next, and on the loin last. The rate of increase of the back fat slows down as the sides increase in weight. This slackening of growth is greatest in the shoulder and least in the loin, the rump area being intermediate.
A phylogeny of Central African Boaedon (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae), with the description of a new cryptic species from the Albertine Rift

Abstract The Central African house snake Boaedon olivaceus has a large distribution from the forests of West Africa to Mabira Forest in Uganda. We sequenced two mitochondrial (cyt b and ND4) and two nuclear (c-mos and RAG1) genes from several populations of B. olivaceus in Central Africa and recovered two highly divergent lineages (Congo Basin and Albertine Rift) attributable to this species. Dating analyses with BEAST suggest the two lineages last shared a common ancestor during the mid-Miocene approximately 12 million years ago, and data from RAG1 showed consistent differences in two amino acids for topotypic Congo Basin B. olivaceus compared to the Albertine Rift lineage and all other examined species of Boaedon. Based on these striking molecular differences and significant differences in ventral scale counts and the number of supralabials contacting the eye, we describe the Albertine Rift lineage as a new species. The recognition of this new species bolsters the importance of the Albertine Rift as an important region for endemism and conservation in continental Africa. Based on the results of our phylogenetic analyses, the poorly known taxon Lycodonomorphus subtaeniatus upembae is elevated to full species status and transferred to the genus Boaedon. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D0C0E5B5-DBE9-4D21-B5FE-86221DDF60BA
Temperature- and moisture-dependent models of seed germination and shoot elongation in green and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus powellii, A. retroflexus)

To predict weed emergence and help farmers make weed management decisions, we constructed a mathematical model of seed germination for green and redroot pigweed based on temperature and water potential (moisture) and expressing cumulative germination in terms of thermal time (degree days). Empirical observations indicated green pigweed germinated at a lower base temperature than redroot pigweed but the germination rate of redroot pigweed is much faster as mean temperature increases. Moisture limitation delayed seed germination until 23.8 C (green pigweed) or 27.9 (redroot pigweed); thereafter, germination was independent of water potential as mean temperatures approached germination optima. Our germination model, based on a cumulative normal distribution function, accounted for 80 to 95% of the variation in seed germination and accurately predicted that redroot pigweed would have a faster germination rate than green pigweed. However, the model predicted that redroot pigweed would germinate before green pigweed (in thermal time) and was generally less accurate during the early period of seed germination. The model also predicted that moisture limitation would increase, rather than delay, seed germination. These errors were related to the mathematical function chosen and analyses used, but an explicit interaction term for water potential and temperature is also needed to produce an accurate model. We also tested the effect of mean temperature on shoot elongation (emergence) and described the relationship by a linear model. Base temperatures for shoot elongation were higher than for seed germination. Shoot elongation began at 15.6 and 14.4 C for green and redroot pigweed, respectively; they increased linearly with temperature until the optimum of 27.9 C was reached. Elongation was dependent on completion of the rate-limiting step of radicle emergence and was sensitive to temperature but not moisture; hence, elongation was sensitive to a much smaller temperature range. Beyond mathematical changes, we are testing our model in the field and need to link it to ecophysiological, genetic, and spatially explicit population processes for it to be useful in decision support for weed management.