Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncovering discordance between taxonomy and evolutionary history in Florida raccoons

Due to perceived isolation of near shore islands, there are currently five subspecies of raccoons (Procyon lotor) recognized in Florida, USA. In this study, we elucidated molecular genetic differences between subspecies using 173 samples from eight localities collected throughout Florida. We sequenced two mitochondrial genes and genotyped eight nuclear microsatellite loci to test two hypotheses: (1) the five morphologically and geographically defined subspecies of raccoons in Florida represent genetically distinct populations and (2) due to differing habitat availability between island and mainland subspecies, island populations would exhibit reduced levels of genetic diversity compared with mainland populations. Our mitochondrial results identified 37 unique haplotypes, many of which are shared between described subspecies. However, our analyses of genetic differentiation suggest a recent restriction of gene flow among three clusters of raccoons, which do not correlate to traditional geographies for subspecies identification. Finally, we provide evidence of reduced genetic diversity in island populations compared with their mainland counterparts using both mitochondrial and microsatellite data, which demonstrate that haplotype diversity, allelic richness, and heterozygosity are significantly reduced in island sites. These data stress the importance of using multiple lines of evidence when naming taxa to ensure concordance between evolutionary history and taxonomy.
Nestedness of habitat specialists within habitat generalists in a butterfly assemblage

The habitat requirements of a species are the resources, conditions and space required for survival and reproduction. The habitat requirements of butterflies have been well studied, but the extent to which individuals within a species and between species utilise and share the habitat is poorly known. In a butterfly assemblage in northern Italy, we found that adults from 30 species avoid deciduous high‐density forests and their ecotones, and they were positively related to open areas and their ecotones. Besides these common features, five groups of species can be discriminated in relation to a gradient from open area to forest, and species within groups were not equally specialised, as observed from a bipartite network analysis. In particular, some species appeared to be specialised and others appeared to be generalist, suggesting a nested pattern of resource use, rather than a clustered pattern in which each species uses a different subset of habitat types. The degree of variation in specialisation among species varied with the number of species falling in each group. Thus, an increased number of species, and thus possibly competition, is more likely to promote the co‐occurrence of generalist and specialised species (nested patterns) rather than an increased niche segregation among species. Ascertaining how species overlap their habitat use at a local scale can be relevant for conservation purposes, because specialised populations are potentially more susceptible to network distortions.
Effects of Weak Light on Rice Sucrose Content and Sucrose Degradation Enzyme Activities at Grain-Filling Stage

Two cultivars IR72(Indica) and Nipponbare(Japonica) were used with shading treatment after anthesis to study the dynamic changes of sucrose content and the activity of sucrose degradation enzymes.The results showed that sucrose contents were decreased,sucrose degradation accelerated,sucrose synthase(SS) activity was decreased and both vacuolar invertase(VCI) and cell wall bound invertase(CWI) activities were increased under the weak light.The shading treatment was favorable to sucrose degradation by increasing invertase activity.Correlation analysis showed that starch filling rate in grains was positively and significantly correlated with sucrose synthase activity and cell wall bound invertase activity,which played an important role in sucrose degradation and starch synthesis.
Large Carnivores as Tourism Flagship Species for the Zimbabwe Component of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Wildlife tourism provides an opportunity to offset conservation costs and promote co-existence between people and wildlife. To promote conservation through wildlife tourism, one can use flagship species; charismatic species that increase awareness and public recognition of a site, and stimulate financial and political support for conservation. Due to their large area requirements and sensitivity to disturbance, promoting conservation of large carnivores automatically promotes conservation of other species, and the use of large carnivores as flagship species has been positively related to ecosystem conservation. In this study, we interviewed wildlife tourists to determine which large carnivores could serve as flagship species for the Zimbabwe component of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), an area that is expected to become a premier tourist destination and make a significant contribution to conservation. Based on likability and the possibility to raise funds and promote the area, lion (Panthera leo) was the most suitable flagship species, closely followed by leopard (Panthera pardus). Spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) was the least suitable flagship species. Despite its endangered status, African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) did not seem to have a high potential to serve as a flagship species for the area. Although cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was less often mentioned as a species tourists were hoping to see or a favourite species seen, cheetah was liked as much as lion and leopard and provided similar potential to raise funds and promote the area. Flagship species status does not have to apply to a single species, it can also successfully apply to a cohort of species. With the KAZA TFCA being in the unique position of harbouring the largest free-roaming cheetah population in Zimbabwe, it would be appropriate if the area was promoted by using large cats as a flagship species cohort.
Modeling the spatial distribution of larval fish abundance provides essential information for management

Productive fisheries are strongly linked to the ecological state of the essential habitats. In this study, we developed a methodology to assess the most important reproduction habitats of fish by using larval survey data and Bayesian species distribution models that predict the spatial distribution and abundance of fish larvae. Our case study with four commercially and ecologically important fish species in the coastal zone of the northern Baltic Sea demonstrated that the production of fish stocks can be concentrated to an extremely limited area compared with the entire suitable production area. The area suitable for larval production varied from 3.7% to 99.8% among species, but the smallest area responsible for 80% of the cumulative larval production was two to five times more limited, varying from 1.4% to 52.9% among species. Hence, instead of the traditional approach of modeling only habitat suitability for fish production, marine spatial planning and management should take into account the areal produ.
Marine algal viruses

Virus infections affect all groupings of marine algae. The majority of viruses affecting eukaryotic algae are icosahedral and contain double-stranded DNA within a proteinaceous capsid. Some are large (> 300 nm) with a genome in excess of 300 kb. Virus particles are universally distributed in seawater and, as shown throughout phytoplankton blooms, their relative numbers vary over relatively short time scales. There is continuous replenishment and removal of particles from marine ecosystems. Two algal/virus systems are discussed in detail, one involving Chlorella and the other Ectocarpus. In vegetative cells of infected Ectocarpus plants the viral genome is carried latently in close association with the host genome and virus particles only appear in reproductive structures. Following crosses between infected and uninfected plants, meiosis results in the elimination of the viral genome from some of the progeny. New infections can be achieved by exposing motile Ectocarpus spores to freshly released suspensions of virus particles. Virus infections are often associated with the collapse of phytoplankton blooms and may play an important part in phytoplankton population dynamics and within microbial food webs. The ecological and economic implications of algal virus infections are discussed briefly.
Interaction of Carbon Metabolism in the Azolla-Anabaena Symbiosis

La symbiose Azolla-Anabaena est une association entre la lentille d'eau Azolla et la cyanobacterie fixatrice d'azote, Anabaena azollae. L'association, ainsi que les deux partenaires isoles, peuvent realiser la photosynthese. Cependant, les auteurs montrent qu'Anabaena contribue tres peu a la fixation totale du carbone de l'association, et que la fougere fournit du carbone fixe a Anabanea
Measuring codon usage bias

In protein-coding genes, the genetic code defines the translational mapping from nucleotide triplets (or codons) to amino acids. Synonymous codons translate to the same amino acid and are indistinguishable at the protein level. However, most genes and organisms do not use synonymous codon uniformly; certain synonymous codons are used preferentially, a phenomenon called codon usage bias (or shorter, codon bias). In this chapter we discuss the biological causes and the statistical measures of codon usage bias. Given the large number of existing codon bias measures, the specifics, utility, and comparative performance of different approaches may be often elusive, especially to a novice in the field. Here we review, classify and compare most codon bias measures proposed to date.
New species of cestode parasite Senga jadhavii Sp. Nov from freshwater fish Mastacembelus armatus from Godavari basin M.S. (India) AM Fartade, MM Fartade

The present communication deals with the description of a new species of genus Senga jadhavii from fresh water fish Mastacembelus armatus from Godavari basin provided new data on their morphology. The present worm differ from the known species of the genus in the shape and size of the scolex, number of hooks and arrangement of rostellum, shape of Segment, number of testes, position of cirrus pouch and arrangement of vitellaria.
Consumer interest in social sustainability issues of whitefish from capture fisheries in the north-east Atlantic

Capture fisheries in the north-east Atlantic account for approximately 10% of all fish consumed from capture fisheries globally. The literature shows that consumers show considerable interest in social sustainability of products in general and of fish specifically. This interest, however, has not yet been investigated for fish from the north-east Atlantic. The first objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate whether consumers are interested in social sustainability issues of whitefish from the north-east Atlantic by determining preferences for four social sustainability issues with distinct benefits in relation to a known reference point (i.e. approach to overfishing). The second objective of this study was to determine to what degree case-specific and general psychographic consumer characteristics explain preferences for these issues. Choice modelling results from an online survey among 457 Dutch consumers show that consumers have the strongest preference for the environmental sustainability issue approach to overfishing. In addition, results on the social sustainability issues showed that consumers prefer fish welfare over product quality, worker safety and local employment, indicating that in this case, consumers place animal benefits over personal, worker and community benefits. The case-specific psychographic characteristic concern contributed most to explaining preferences for the environmental sustainability issue, whereas the general psychographic characteristic personal relevance contributed most to explaining preferences for the social sustainability issues. This result is likely explained by the principal focus on MSC certification in markets for fish products, which caused consumers to form opinions (e.g. concern) on overfishing, but not on social sustainability.
Fuzzy logic implementation for photovoltaic maximum power tracking

The paper presents a simulation study and an experimental implementation of a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for a Cu/spl circ/k converter in a stand alone photovoltaic (PV) energy scheme. DC-DC power converters are used to convert the unregulated DC input into a regulated DC output at a desired voltage level. An FLC algorithm is selected and used to control the nonlinear PV power system. The control objective for the Cu/spl circ/k converter is to move the operating point of the PV system to its peak power point. A system that consists of PV generator, converter, AC PWM inverter and load models is simulated, analyzed and experimentally implemented. The simulated system with FLC is investigated at different solar insolation levels. The fixed structure FLC shows a robust performance when applied on a wide operating range of the proposed converter, and AC PWM inverter.
Dormancy in plants

Dormancy is a strategy of higher plants to survive adverse conditions by pausing growth and development, which can occur in different organs like seeds and buds. Dormancy is controlled both by genetic and environmental factors and most of our knowledge about its regulation has been obtained by studying seeds. Seed dormancy is an important adaptive trait in wild plants and has been under negative selection during domestication. The plant hormone abscisic acid has been shown to play a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of dormancy, whereas gibberellins promote germination. Additional regulators include reactive oxygen species and epigenetic modifications. Large differences in seed dormancy have been found within species and the identification of the underlying genes revealed several novel genes that specifically regulate dormancy. Key Concepts Dormancy allows plants to hold life when conditions do not favour growth. Dormancy is one of the main determinants of timing in the plant life cycle. Dormancy is an adaptive trait with strong variation between and within plant species. Dormancy is regulated both by (epi)genetic and environmental factors. The plant hormone abscisic acid has a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of dormancy. Specific dormancy regulators show haplotype variation in nature. Keywords: adaptation; after-ripening; DELAY OF GERMINATION 1; domestication; dormancy; dormancy cycling; environment; epigenetic factors; plant hormones
Heterofermentative Lactobacilli Causing Ropiness in Basque Country Ciders.

Ropy strains of heterolactic Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from bottled spoiled ciders produced in the Basque Country. The isolates were able to produce slime experimentally on glucose containing medium and apple must. The production of ropy slime occurred during exponential growth and the increase in viscosity was correlated with production of polysaccharide. They were characterized with regards to growth at different pH, sulfur dioxide (SO2), ethanol and temperatures and showed similar behavior. All ropy strains grew in the presence of high ethanol concentrations (15%) and at low temperatures (10 and 15°C). In addition, these were tolerant to 10, 25 and 50 mg/l of total SO2 (pH 3.8), but with longer lag times as the concentration of SO2, increased. However, the ropy lactobacilli studied were affected by the pH of the medium and in general pH below 3.7 limited their growth seriously.
Pigments from microalgae and microorganisms: Sources of food colorants

A review focusing on research works in the field of food colorants over the past 10 uears. Innovations will improve the economy of pigment prodn. by isolating new or creating better microorganisms by improving the processes. Among microalgae, two success stories arise from efficient prodn. of carotenoids: (3-carotene from Dunaliella and astaxanthin from Haematococcus. Regarding phycobiliproteins or phycocyanin, researchers should first carry out toxicol. studies required before these compds. can be used as food colors. [on SciFinder(R)]
ENTERIC VIRUSES AS CONTAMINANTS AND BIOINDICATORS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES: A REVIEW

Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and other diseases can be caused by enteric viruses transmitted by fecal-oral route. Human adenoviruses (HAdV), rotavirus A and C (RVA), hepatitis A and E virus (HAV and HEV, respectively), human astroviruses (HAstV), human noroviruses (HuNV) and enteroviruses (EV) are, among the enteric viruses, the most frequently detected in environment samples. These viruses are usually introduced into aquatic environments by human, industrial, or agricultural activities and are widely distributed all over the world. They have the common characteristics to be structurally stable and can also absorb to solid particles and biofilms, thereby protecting themselves from inactivating factors. This revision aimed to present and discuss: i) most relevant enteric viruses for human and animal health; ii) enteric viruses as contaminants and bioindicators in environmental samples; iii) molecular and cell culture methods for enteric virus detection; iv) use of enteric viruses for microbial risk assessment. Impacts of enteric viruses on environment and the potential use as bioindicators of the sanitary security, such as presence and infectivity studies were discussed as development of new tools for disinfection, monitoring, risk modeling and management, among other studies. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.17525/vrrjournal.v20i2. 255
Evaluation of the Boron and Phytase, Alone or in Combination, in Broiler Diets

A total of 800 day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four test diets to assess the efficacy of phytase, fermented from Aspergillus niger, and boron, as boric acid, on the growth performance and mineral profile in chickens. The dietary treatments included the basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with boron (20 mg/kg), phytase (500 phytase units/kg diet), or a combination of boron and phytase. The following parameters were measured: growth performance indices, serum biochemicals, ash and the mineral profile of the tibia, breast muscle, liver and excreta. Boron decreased the overall feed conversion ratio by 1.9% (P<0.05) but did not affect the body weight and feed consumption of chickens grown for 42 days (P>0.05). The performance indices were not significantly influenced by dietary regimens for the first 21 days of the experiment (P>0.05). The addition of boron alone and boron + phytase resulted in significant increases in the boron concentrations of serum, bone, breast muscle, liver and excreta (P< 0.001). The serum alanine aminotransferase activity of chicks fed phytase was higher (P<0.05) than all other treatments. The ash content and mineral composition of the breast meat, liver and tibia did not respond to individual or combined dietary modifications (P>0.05). The chickens administered a diet with boron excreted less Cathrough excreta. However, the ash content and Fe and Cu concentrations in the excreta increased in response to phytase supplementation (P<0.05). In summary, supplementation with boron alone improved the feed conversion efficiency of broiler chickens fed diets containing adequate levels of nutrients. However, the combination of boron and phytase did not cause further improvements in broiler performance or the bioavailability of minerals.
MICROBIAL COMMUNITY OF BLACK BAND DISEASE ON INFECTION, HEALTHY, AND DEAD PART OF SCLERACTINIAN Montipora sp. COLONY AT SERIBU ISLANDS, INDONESIA

It is crucial to understand the microbial community associated with the host when attempting to discern the pathogen responsible for disease outbreaks in scleractinian corals. This study determines changes in the bacterial community associated with Montipora sp. in response to black band disease in Indonesian waters. Healthy, diseased, and dead Montipora sp. (n = 3 for each sample type per location) were collected from three different locations (Pari Island, Pramuka Island, and Peteloran Island). DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) was carried out to identify the bacterial community associated with each sample type and histological analysis was conducted to identify pathogens associated with specific tissues. Various Desulfovibrio species were found as novelty to be associated with infection samples, including Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfovibrio magneticus, and Desulfovibrio gigas, Bacillus benzoevorans, Bacillus farraginis in genus which previously associated with pathogenicity in corals. Various bacterial species associated with uninfected corals were lost in diseased and dead samples. Unlike healthy samples, coral tissues such as the epidermis, endodermis, zooxanthellae were not present on dead samples under histological observation. Liberated zooxanthellae and cyanobacteria were found in black band diseased Montipora sp. samples.
Zaldi-haragiaren ezaugarritzea: konposizio kimikoa eta gantz-azidoen profila

Horse-meat production, trade and supply values have been summarized. In order to characterize the nutritional quality (chemical composition and fatty acid (FA) profile) of horse-meat, a survey has been performed along regions of both sides of the Cantabrian Mountains in spring (n = 41) and winter (n = 41). In general, the effect of collection season has been significant for the percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, while region effect has been significant for muscle fat content and its FA profile. The higher fat content has been associated with a higher monounsaturated FA but lower polyunsaturated FA and dimethyl acetal content. Differences observed could be related to breed and differences in production system among regions. Nevertheless, horse-meat is characterized by low fat product being an important source of n-3 polyunsaturated FAs.
Change and the Evolution of C, Photosynthesis

grow in xeric sites, such as deserts and epiphytic habitats*. C, plants dominate warm to hot, open sites, but on a floristic basis com- prise the lowest percentage of the terrestrial flora. Tropical and tem- perate grasslands, with abundant warm-season precipitation, are domi- nated by C, species. C, plants have great economic significance, both as crops and weed+. For this reason, C, plants have undergone much scrutiny