Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Forest Phisiognomy affect the Structure of Orchid Bee (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) Communities? A Study in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

We describe and discuss the composition, abundance and diversity of euglossine in three vegetation types of the Atlantic Forest (Lowland Seasonal Semideciduous, Submontane Seasonal and Dense Montane Ombrophilous Forest) in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, compare them to previous studies in the region and investigate the importance of the vegetation types, climatic and geomorphological factors on the species composition. Male euglossine bees attracted by fragrances were sampled monthly from August/2008 to July/2009 using entomological nets and traps. Euglossine bee communities exhibited differences in their species composition and abundance along the year and in the vegetation types. The precipitation, altitude and vegetation types demonstrated a significant influence on the ordination of the euglossine communities. Our study found differences in the composition of euglossine bee communities as well as in their patterns of abundance and dominance among different vegetation formations, stressing the importance of the conservation of landscape mosaics in the region.
Nesting and Developmental Biology of the Cleptoparasitic Bee Stelis ater (Anthidiini) and Its Host, Osmia chalybea (Osmiini) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

ABSTRACT Herein we provide the first account of the nesting biology of Osmia (Helicosmia) chalybea Smith and of its cleptoparasite Stelis (Stelis) ater Mitchell, a newly confirmed host association. The nesting behavior of O. chalybea is similar to what is known about other members of the subgenus Helicosmia, but novel information concerning egg eclosion and cocoon structure and function are reported. Eggs of S. ater were discovered both on the front surface of the host provisions as well as deeply buried in the pollen-nectar mixture. From numerous observations, larval S. ater attacks host immatures or conspecifics whenever encountered. Because young larvae are unable to crawl (perhaps a family characteristic), the hospicidal individual may be in its third to fifth stadium or even in its second stadium, although none of the latter was certainly identified. Although usually a single cleptoparasitic egg or larva was found in a cell, two or three were occasionally observed there. The cocoon of S. ater was also examined closely. Although its construction differs in a number of ways from that of the host cocoon, the functions of both seem to be the same, i.e., excluding parasitic/parasitoid arthropods and preventing desiccation while allowing exchange of air with the outside through complex filtering devices at the front ends of cocoons. Known parasites/parasitoids in the area of study include the minute parasitoid wasp Melittobia digitata Dahms (Eulophidae) and the parasitic mite Chaetodactylus rozeni Klimov and O'Connor (the latter recovered from adults of O. chalybea). The nearly airtight cocoon fabric of both bee cocoons presumably assists immatures in maintaining their water balance through their many months of confinement. Ovarian statistics for both species are presented and compared with congeners, and their eggs/mature oocytes are described. Both have five larval instars. Comparative taxonomic descriptions of last larval instars are presented, and mandibular shapes of other larval instars are diagrammed.
Physical, chemical and microbial community characteristics of lakes of the Larsemann Hills, Continental Antarctica

Numerous freshwater lakes have developed on the three small ice-free peninsulas that constitute the Larsemann Hills, Princess Elizabeth Land, Antarctica. All the lakes are ultra-oligotrophic and ice covered for 9-11 months each year, resulting in a photosynthetically distinctive seasonal environment with uniformly low water temperatures. The benthic communities are dominated by thick cyanobacterial mats in the deeper parts of all but the few shallow brackish lakes. In these brackish lakes, the photosynthetically active mats are located in the lake margins as the deeper parts of these lakes are strongly anoxic under winter ice cover. In the more freshwater lakes, a depth-related zonation of mat type was observed, which showed pigment modifications to a substantial depth consistent with measured penetration of PAR and UV radiation, even under the extensive ice cover. The thick organic deposits and intact mat structure at depth suggest slow decomposition rates within the mats. The plankton are almost entirely microbial, with two forms of planktonic rotifer and the cladoceran, Daphniopsis studeri present in very low numbers. A desmid, Cosmarium, occurred in relatively large numbers in Heart Lake, a coastal system. The desmid group is very rare in continental Antarctica. Abundances of bacteria, heterotrophic and phototrophic nanoflagellates, and ciliates were consistently low. Microbial community diversity is low when compared to other sites in continental Antarctica (e.g. Dry Valleys) but broadly comparable to that of freshwater lakes in the nearby Vestfold Hills. The invertebrate grazer is present in such low numbers that food web structure can be considered to have a single trophic level based on the microbial loop. In view of the sparse autotrophic plankton and barren catchments, DOC supply to the microbial heterotrophs was probably derived in large part from the benthic mats rather than from planktonic photosynthetic exudates.
How mobile are fish populations? Diel movement, population turnover, and site fidelity in suckers

Movement of organisms is an important mechanism controlling an array of processes within ecosystems. Recent analyses suggest that movement is composed of individual displacement (distance moved by individuals) and turnover (proportion of individuals moving). Turnover of individuals is important because it influences population size and structure, as well as interactions among individuals and different species within a habitat. We used stationary antennas and passive integrated transponders tags to monitor individual habitat use, turnover, and displacement of Sonora suckers (Catostomus insignis) and desert suckers (Catostomus clarkii) in the West Fork Gila River, New Mexico, USA. Many tagged fish used our focal stationary antenna reach, but only a subset was consistently present. Population size and turnover rates were variable from day to day. Although some individuals spent the majority of their time within the focal reach, most made extended departures (one or more days) from their home pools. Many indi.
Lake performance differences in response to land use and water quality: Data envelopment analysis

Abstract Alsharif KA, Fouad G. 2012. Lake performance differences in response to land use and water quality: Data envelopment analysis. Lake Reserv Manage. 28:130-141. Comparisons of lake conditions to surrounding land use classifications and water quality can be used to assist management of lake resources. This study used Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a performance measurement tool used in economics and operations research and management science, to compare lakes based on land use classifications and water quality. Lake performance ratings reflecting land use and water quality conditions were generated by DEA models that assessed surrounding land use and the reciprocal of the chlorophyll a concentration in the Tampa Bay region, Florida, USA. Using the performance continuum established by the DEA, lakes were categorized according to their management demands. Increased catchment, natural land, and agricultural land area were all related to lower performance measurements. It was found that higher DEA performance measurements were estimated for lakes located in smaller catchments that had a lower possibility for runoff and transport of contaminants. Overall, DEA successfully functioned as an assessment tool for comparing lake conditions based on land use in the catchment. The results produced by this novel application of DEA can prioritize management efforts toward lakes that suffer from the least beneficial water quality and land use conditions.
Suppression of clubroot formation in Chinese cabbage by the root endophytic fungus, Heteroconium chaetospira

Root-colonizing fungi were isolated from a total of 663 root segments of Chinese cabbage plants grown in soils collected from wheat, rape, Chinese cabbage, and napier grass fields. Most of the 322 isolates were from the wheat field soil and comprised 18 genera and two septate fungal groups. Hyaline and dark septate fungi accounted for approximately half the isolates from the wheat field soil. Sixteen isolates almost completely suppressed clubroot in sterile soil. Amongst these 16 isolates, two from Heteroconium chaetospira were also effective in nonsterile soil. Chinese cabbage seedlings from seed treated with these two isolates appeared healthy, and inoculation with one isolate promoted growth. Hyphae of the fungus covered the root surface and extensively colonized the inner cortical tissues.
Growth and Feed Conversion of Sub-Yearling Atlantic Sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus, at Three Feeding Rates

Abstract Growth and survival of fingerling Atlantic sturgeon, Aci-penser oxyrinchus, were examined at three different feed rates. Sturgeon (mean initial weight±SD of 28±12 g) were offered a closed-formula, commercially-available sturgeon diet (48.5% protein, 16.2% fat, 9.9% moisture, 7.6% ash, 0.5% fiber and 17.4% nitrogen free extract) via 24-hour, time-controlled feeders at rates of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5% body weight per day (BW/day). Mean water temperature was 16.8°C. After 49 days of feeding, final length, final weight and feed conversion were all significantly affected by feeding rate (P ≤ 0.05). Peak feed conversion occurred at a ration of 1.5%, while maximum increase of both length and weight occurred at approximately 3.0%. No mortality occurred during the seven-week trial. The choice of feeding rates will ultimately depend upon production requirements and the culturist. Offering diet at a rate of 3.0% BW/day will result in significantly greater growth accompanied by high survival. Delivering diet at a rate of 1.5% BW/day will result in equally high survival and require approximately 50% less diet. It will, however, yield lower growth rates.
The temperature dependence of organic matter decomposition: seasonal temperature variations turn a sharp short‐term temperature response into a more moderate annually averaged response

The temperature dependence of organic matter decomposition is a critically important determinant of any long‐term changes of soil‐carbon stocks in response to global warming. Because of practical experimental constraints, most knowledge of this temperature dependence is based on short‐term studies. These studies generally show a strong temperature dependence of organic matter decomposition. At the same time, many modelling studies, especially global studies, or studies that investigate the effects of climate change, use longer time steps, such as annual. It is investigated here to what extent the use of short‐term temperature dependencies are appropriate, or how they may need to be modified, for application over longer time steps. The work indicated that for global applications, it is critically important to explicitly consider seasonal temperature variations. Across the globe, observed annual mean temperature and the annual temperature range are negatively correlated. Inclusion of this correlation means that the strong short‐term temperature dependence becomes much weaker when data are expressed as annual averages for the temperatures experienced across the globe. For short‐term responses, the temperature dependence of organic matter decomposition is greater at low than high temperature and deviates strongly from an assumption of a constant Q10 across temperature. For annually averaged values, this pattern also weakens, and temperature dependencies change only slightly with temperature. Using short time steps for simulations leads to the expectation of more positive changes (sequestration) in soil carbon especially for cold regions of the globe than would be predicted for simulations at annual time steps without explicit consideration of seasonal temperature variations. These considerations help to reconcile some of the apparent differences in temperature dependencies obtained by different workers using different approaches.
Elevational gradients in the neotropical table mountains: patterns of endemism and implications for conservation

The aim of the present study was to describe the diversity patterns along elevational gradients that are crucial for conservation management and for understanding diversification processes in montane environments. This article analyses the distributional range and elevation patterns of endemic and non‐endemic (NE) vascular plants living on a unique set of Neotropical table mountains (tepuis). To investigate the potential causes of the high degree of diversity and endemism we tested the role of elevation, area and the mid‐domain effect (MDE). We also aimed to discuss the origin of the current tepuian biota.
Effect of Winter Feeding Rate, Feed Form and Trigger Temperature on Yield and Condition of Golden Shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas

Abstract Two trials evaluated winter feeding strategies for small golden shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas destined for the crappie, Po-moxis spp. market. Fish were stocked at 615 g/pool (approximately 127 or 158 fish/m2, trials 1 and 2, respectively) in aerated, 5.9-m2 pools for 100 and 104 days, respectively. In the first trial, fish were fed a commercially available 32% crude protein crumbled, extruded pellet once daily at feeding rates of 0% (fertilizer only), 1%, or 2% of body weight/day (bw/d) on days when the afternoon air temperature was >7°C. Unfed fish lost weight, and their condition declined. Fish fed at 1% maintained both weight and condition, while fish fed at 2% gained weight. Fish in the second trial were fed once daily at 1% bw/d on those days when the air temperature was either >7°C or >10°C, with either a commercially available crumbled, extruded pellet or a sinking pellet (compressed). Fish fed crumbles were in significantly better condition at harvest than fish fed a sinking pellet, regardless of trigger feeding temperature, although average weight was not significantly different. Feeding on days with air temperatures >7°C provided 13% more feeding days than a trigger temperature >10 °C, and fish grew more over the winter. Two condition indices, relative weight (Wr) and Fulton's condition factor (K), proved useful in evaluating the condition of golden shiners cultured using different feeding strategies.
Phylogenetic analysis of the Blephariceromorpha, with special reference to mountain midges (Diptera: Deuterophlebiidae)

Abstract. A cladistic analysis of the Blephariceromorpha (here including the Nymphomyiidae, Deuterophlebiidae and Blephariceridae) and related Diptera provides a test of the phylogenetic hypotheses of Rohdendorf (1964, 1974), Hennig (1973), Wood & Borkent (1989) and Courtney (1990a). In particular, monophyly of the Blephariceroidea and Blephariceromorpha (sensu Wood & Borkent), and their relationship to other Diptera, is tested. Evaluation of larval, pupal and adult characters supports the hypothesis of Wood & Borkent, as modified by Courtney. Four larval features suggest that the Blephariceromorpha + Psychodomorpha form a monophyletic group, although an alternate hypothesis predicting that the Blephariceromorpha is the sister group of the Psychodomorpha + (Ptychopteromorpha + Culicomorpha), is discussed. Monophyly of the Blephariceromorpha (Nymphomyioidea + Blephariceroidea) is supported by one adult and five larval characters. Monophyly of the Blephariceroidea (Deuterophlebiidae + Blephariceridae) is supported by thirteen synapotypies, including features of the larva (six), pupa (three) and adult (four). Nineteen, nineteen and nine hypothesized synapotypies support monophyly of the Nymphomyiidae, Deuterophlebiidae and Blephariceridae, respectively.
A Neandertal infant from Amud Cave, Israel

A newly discovered partial skeleton of an infant from the Amud Cave, Israel, displays an array of anatomical features that help to establish its taxonomic status as Homo neanderthalcrisis: the absence of a mental protuberance on the anterior mandibular corpus, the extreme oval shape of the foramen magnum, and the presence of a medial pterygoid tubercle on the internal aspect of the mandibular ramus. Present on a 10-month-old individual, these traits must be ascribed to genetic origins; as such, they attest to the degree of phylogenetic differentiation of Neandertals from modern as well as Mousterian Homo sapiens . The recovery of this specimen thus reconfirms the presence of Neandertals in the Middle Paleolithic in the Near East while the taphonomic circumstances lend support to the claim of intentional burial by this group.
Atypical protein kinase Cι is an oncogene in human non-small cell lung cancer

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes have long been implicated in carcinogenesis. However, little is known about the functional significance of these enzymes in human cancer. We recently showed that the atypical PKC (aPKC) isozyme PKCiota is overexpressed in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and that PKCiota plays a critical role in the transformed growth of the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Here we provide compelling evidence that PKCiota is an oncogene in NSCLC based on the following criteria: (a) aPKCiota is overexpressed in the vast majority of primary NSCLC tumors; (b) tumor PKCiota expression levels predict poor survival in patients with NSCLC; (c) the PKCiota gene is frequently amplified in established NSCLC cell lines and primary NSCLC tumors; (d) gene amplification drives PKCiota expression in NSCLC cell lines and primary NSCLC tumors; and (e) disruption of PKCiota signaling with a dominant negative PKCiota allele blocks the transformed growth of human NSCLC cells harboring PKCiota gene amplification. Taken together, our data provide conclusive evidence that PKCiota is required for the transformed growth of NSCLC cells and that the PKCiota gene is a target for tumor-specific genetic alteration by amplification. Interestingly, PKCiota expression predicts poor survival in NSCLC patients independent of tumor stage. Therefore, PKCiota expression profiling may be useful in identifying early-stage NSCLC patients at elevated risk of relapse. Our functional data indicate that PKCiota is an attractive target for development of novel, mechanism-based therapeutics to treat NSCLC.
Interspecific Hybridisation Between Trifolium repens and T. uniflorum

Several partially fertile hybrids (2n = 32) were produced by embryo culture from crosses of the type T. repens (2n = 32) female × T. uniflorum (2n = 32) male . The reciprocal crosses, although giving better seed development in vivo, were less successful in producing viable hybrid plants. Backcrosses to both parent species and F2 hybrids were also produced. Hybrid materials were variable with respect to morphological characteristics but broadly within the expected intermediate range. Their root systems were generally coarser and deeper than that of T. repens, offering the prospect of improved resistance to beetle larvae and drought. One F1 hybrid proved to be highly self-compatible, although derived from self-incompatible parent species. Pollen fertility ranged from 0 to 58% for F1 hybrids, 0 to 13% for F2 hybrids, 0 to 84% for backcrosses to T. repens and 0 to 26% for backcrosses to T. uniflorum. Marked seasonal variations in pollen fertility were also observed. Up to two quadrivalent chromosome associations per pollen mother cell were observed at meiosis in F1 hybrids, indicating some intragenomic pairing of T. repens chromosomes. Quadrivalent associations were also observed in an F2 hybrid and three backcrosses to T. repens.
Microglia: The Enemy Within?

Unlike other brain structures, the hippocampus is able to produce new neurons throughout adult life. In their Perspective, Kempermann and Neumann discuss intriguing studies published here ( Monje et al.) and elsewhere showing that inflammation induced either by irradiation or lipopolysaccharide blocks hippocampal neurogenesis, which can be alleviated by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
A REVISION OF AESCHYNANTHUS ( GESNERIACEAE ) IN THAILAND

The species of Aeschynanthus Jack ( Gesneriaceae ) in Thailand are revised. Twenty species are recognized, a key to the species is given, all names are typified, and detailed descriptions of all species are provided. Conservation assessments are given for all species. Aeschynanthus minutifolius D.J.Middleton is newly described. Micraeschynanthus Ridl. is reduced to synonymy and a new combination is given for its only species: Aeschynanthus dischidioides (Ridl.) D.J.Middleton.
Pathogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila in giant freshwater prawn; Macrobrachium rosenbergii, cultured in East Malaysia

Aeromonas infections are becoming a major risk factor in commercial aquaculture and it has been reported that a wide variety of fish and shellfish species are susceptible to this infection. In this study, 3 isolates of Aeromonas hydrophila were isolated from giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) cultured in Kuala Pilah Simbilan Nigri in East Malaysia. Conventional and rapid identification systems (API 20E strips) were used for preliminary identification based on the biochemical characters of the isolated bacteria. On the other hand, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the universal primer; 16S rRNA, was done as an accurate and confirmatory identification. The virulence of A. hydrophila was determined using a pathogenicity test via I/M injection. The results revealed that the isolated bacteria were identified as A. hydrophila that revealed a high degree of similarity (98%) to the NCBI or Genbank database. Based on pathogenicity test results, LD50 was determined as 1×10 6 CFU/50µl, while 1×10 7 CFU/50µl induced 100% mortality in the experimentally injected prawns. Histopathological changes were found in several organs including gill, hepatopancreas and heart. Those changes were mainly, melanisation, tissue erosion and necrosis, infiltration and hyperplasia of gill lamellae and mild or massive haemocyte reaction in the infected organs.
DIVERSIFICATION OF ASCLEPIADOIDEAE (APOCYNACEAE) IN THE NEW WORLD1

Abstract Plastid sequences of trnL-F are used to estimate the age of biogeographical events in New World Asclepiadoideae. These data suggest that the subfamily arose somewhere in the Old World in the Late Eocene (40 million years ago (Ma)) and that there were at least four independent episodes of dispersal to the New World. The MOG clade, comprising Metastelmatinae, Oxypetalinae, and Gonolobinae, probably colonized South America through transoceanic dispersal from Africa at 32 Ma. The three subtribes emerged at 24 Ma, radiating 15–16 Ma. Cynanchum L. subg. Mellichampia (A. Gray) Woodson (Cynanchinae) only arrived in the New World at 24 Ma and has since diversified gradually. Asclepias L. (Asclepiadinae) probably arrived in the New World through the Bering Strait at 20 Ma, dispersing to South America before the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama. More recently, tropical Marsdenia R. Br. (Marsdenineae) probably arrived in the New World by long-distance dispersal at 16 Ma. Most diversification in New World Asclepiadoideae is estimated to have occurred during the Miocene. The synchrony of events suggests an environmental influence on the diversification of the lineages. Nevertheless, individual rates of diversification point out the importance of intrinsic factors.