Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Capture-Recapture Design Robust to Unequal Probability of Capture

At the basis of many capture-recapture sampling models is the assumption that all animals are equally likely to be caught in each sample (The Equal Catchability Assumption). This assumption is often violated in wildlife populations (Seber 1973:81) and 2 general types of alternatives exist (Pollock 1981): (1) Heterogeneity: The probability of capture in any sample is a property of the animal and may vary over the population. That is, animals may vary in capture probabilities according to age, sex, social status, and many other factors. (2) Trap response: The probability of capture in any sample depends on the animal's prior history of capture. That is, animals may become "trap shy" or "trap happy" depending upon the type of trapping method used. Either 1 or both of these 2 types of alternatives may be acting in a particular animal population. The traditional capture-recapture model used by biologists for closed populations (populations closed to additions or deletions) in short-term studies is the Schnabel Model (Schnabel 1938) that requires The Equal Catchability Assumption. In recent years there has been substantial research on models for closed populations that allow heterogeneity and/or trap response of the capture probabilities. Otis et al. (1978) published an important monograph on these models that allows their routine use by biologists. The capture-recapture model becoming used by biologists for open populations in long-term studies is the Jolly-Seber Model (Seber 1973). This model requires The Equal Catchability Assumption and the complexity of open population models is likely to preclude general models that allow heterogeneity and/or trap response. During the preparation of a review of capture-recapture methods (Pollock 1981), I realized that statisticians have drawn a sharp distinction between closed and open population models that is perhaps rather artificial. Here I describe a design for long-term studies that is robust to heterogeneity and/or trap response. It allows an analysis that uses methodology from closed and open population models. There is a brief examination of its robustness properties using simulation and an example is given in detail to illustrate the methodology for biologists.
Form and function of the selenodont molar in southern African ruminants in relation to their feeding habits

The general aim of the present study was to test whether there are differences in the occlusal design of the ruminant selenodont molar, and by examining correlations between tooth form and diet, improve our understanding of the function of the selenodont molar within the Bovidae. Twenty-six species of bovid ruminants were grouped into the three feeding types established by Hofmann (1968) – i.e. browsers, grazers and intermediate feeders. The characteristics of the shape, number, width and length of the enamel ridges were found to correlate with the hypothesized function of the molar occlusal surface. These follow the principles applied to non-bovid species where adaptation of the occlusal surface has been investigated in some detail. Thirteen characteristics of the occlusal surface were scored. ANOSIM results reject the null hypothesis that there are no differences in the selenodont molar occlusal surface. SIMPER results showed that all the characteristics scored contributed to the differences between groups, and crown height was not explaining the major dissimilarity between feeding groups. Differences in enamel ridge characteristics between feeding types suggest that food is being processed in essentially different ways by the browsers and grazers. Intermediate feeding species cluster within the other feeding types, depending on what the major component of the diet is. The grouping produced by the MDS, based on dental characters, closely agrees with Hofmann's classification based on gut structure.
The effect of harsh abiotic conditions on the diversity of serpentine plant communities on Lesbos, an eastern Mediterranean island

Background: Diversity patterns of plant communities are related to the environment, including productivity and patchiness of habitat. Aims: To determine differences in diversity patterns between serpentine and non-serpentine communities. Methods: A two-year study was conducted in native eastern Mediterranean grasslands. For each year 40 0.25 m2 plots were sampled across four pairs of sites, each of which contained a serpentine and an adjacent non-serpentine plant community. Alpha and beta diversity (variation in species composition among plots within localities), species composition and biomass production were determined. Total soil elemental concentrations and pH were also measured. Results: Serpentine habitats were shown to support a lower alpha diversity relative to non-serpentine habitatas on a per plot basis. Differences in alpha diversity between the two substrates were associated with variation in soil chemistry rather than above-ground biomass production. Serpentine habitats also exhibited lower beta diversity, which was unrelated to variation in biomass production. The two contrasting communities presented distinct species composition. Conclusions: Differences in diversity patterns between serpentine and non-serpentine communities in the eastern Mediterranean are influenced by soil chemistry rather than biomass production.
ANALYZING BETA DIVERSITY: PARTITIONING THE SPATIAL VARIATION OF COMMUNITY COMPOSITION DATA

Robert H. Whittaker defined beta diversity as the variation in species com- position among sites in a geographic area. Beta diversity is a key concept for understanding the functioning of ecosystems, for the conservation of biodiversity, and for ecosystem management. This paper explains how hypotheses about the origin of beta diversity can be tested by partitioning the spatial variation of community composition data (presence- absence or abundance data) with respect to environmental variables and spatial base func- tions. We compare two statistical methods to accomplish that. The sum-of-squares of a community composition data table, which is one possible measure of beta diversity, is correctly partitioned by canonical ordination; hence, canonical partitioning produces correct estimates of the different portions of community composition variation. In recent years, several authors interested in the variation in community composition among sites (beta diversity) have used another method, variation partitioning on distance matrices (Mantel approach). Their results led us to compare the two partitioning approaches, using simulated data generated under hypotheses about the variation of community composition among sites. The theoretical developments and simulation results led to the following observations: (1) the variance of a community composition table is a measure of beta diversity. (2) The variance of a dissimilarity matrix among sites is not the variance of the community com- position table nor a measure of beta diversity; hence, partitioning on distance matrices should not be used to study the variation in community composition among sites. (3) In all of our simulations, partitioning on distance matrices underestimated the amount of variation in community composition explained by the raw-data approach, and (4) the tests of significance had less power than the tests of canonical ordination. Hence, the proper statistical procedure for partitioning the spatial variation of community composition data among environmental and spatial components, and for testing hypotheses about the origin and maintenance of variation in community composition among sites, is canonical parti- tioning. The Mantel approach is appropriate for testing other hypotheses, such as the var- iation in beta diversity among groups of sites. Regression on distance matrices is also appropriate for fitting models to similarity decay plots.
Somatic meiosis in the life history of Bonnemaisonia asparagoides and Bonnemaisonia clavata (Bonnemaisoniales, Rhodophyta) from the Iberian peninsula

Carpospores isolated from Bonnemaisonia asparagoides and Bonnemaisonia clavata (Bonnemaisoniaceae, Rhodophyta) and grown in culture developed into their respective ‘Hymenoclonium’ prostrate phases. In both species, young gametophytes were initiated directly on the prostrate phase from tetrasporangia-like protuberances. Comparison of the relative fluorescence area (rfa) of nuclear DNA over the sequence of life-history stages indicated that the lowest ploidy levels (1–2C) occurred in the gametophytes, whereas the lowest ploidy levels in the prostrate phases were 2–4C. Rfa data demonstrated that meiosis occurred in the tetrasporangia-like protuberances where 1C values were recorded. The present observations establish that B. asparagoides and B. clavata have a heteromorphic diplohaplontic life history, which involves a haploid gametophyte produced directly on a diploid prostate phase after somatic meiosis. We conclude that the life history of these taxa corresponds to the Lemanea-type. This indicates that the.
Numerical analysis of morphology of natural hybrids between Carex hostiana and the members of Carex flava agg. (Cyperaceae)

Uni-variate and multi-variate statistical methods, based on data taken from dried specimens, were used to determine the morphological variance of Carex hostiana 3 Carex flava agg. hybrids and to establish their parents among members of the C. flava complex. The following hybrids were found: C. demissa 3 hostiana [C. 3 fulva], C. hostiana 3 lepidocarpa [C. ×leutzii] and C. flava 3 hostiana [C. 3 xanthocarpa]. The least variable traits, namely beak length, utricle length, ratio of beak length to the overall utricle length, female spike width, and width of the lowest bract, proved to be the most useful in delimiting the hybrids. Carex flava 3 hostiana specimens usually have long utricles and beaks, wide male and female spikes, as well as wide bracts and leaf blades. Carex hostiana 3 lepidocarpa specimens are characterized by relatively short beaks (with low ratio of beak length to the overall utricle length) and narrow bracts. Common features of C. demissa 3 hostiana specimens, on the other hand, are male spikes with long peduncles, usually longly parted female spikes and a long beak compared to the overall utricle length.
Growth and carapacial colour variation of the leopard tortoise, Geochelone pardalis babcocki, in northern Tanzania

Observations were made of growth rate and variation in colour pattern of the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis babcocki) in northern Tanzania between October 1993 and June 1996. Growth rate differed significantly between tortoises, with immature animals (6.9 ± 1.4 mm month−1) and females (5.7 ± 1.3 mm month−1) exhibiting higher rates of growth than adult animals (2.9 ± 0.8 mm month−1) and males (3.2 ± 1.1 mm month−1), respectively. The faster growth rate in immature animals suggested that growth rate declined with age. The difference in growth rates between the sexes was ascribed to sexual dimorphism, adult females being larger and therefore growing faster than males. The carapacial colour pattern observed in the northern Tanzanian tortoises was generally similar to that described elsewhere in the species' range. The colour pattern varied between Arusha and Serengeti District tortoises. Animals at the Arusha sites tended to be sparsely coloured (55.6%) compared to the Serengeti tortoises, which had a buff colouration with radiating spots (89.3%). ; The sparse colouration provides effective camouflage in the drier Arusha habitats, as does the buff colouration with black spots in the wetter, darker habitats in the Serengeti. On a fait des observations du taux de croissance et des variations des dessins de couleurs de la tortue leopard (Geochelone pardalis babcocki), entre octobre 1993 et juin 1996, dans le nord de la Tanzanie. Le taux de croissance etait significativement different selon les tortues, les animaux immatures (6,9 ± 1,4 mm/mois) et les femelles (5,7 ± 1,3 mm/mois) presentant des taux de croissance plus eleves que les animaux adultes (2,9 ± 0,8 mm/mois) et les mâles (3,2 ± 1,1 mm/mois), respectivement. Le taux de croissance plus rapide chez les immatures suggerait que le taux de croissance diminue avec l'âge. La difference de taux de croissance entre les sexes a ete attribuee au dimorphisme sexuel, les femelles adultes etant plus grandes et donc grandissant plus vite que les mâles. Le schema colore de la carapace observe chez les tortues du nord de la Tanzanie etait generalement semblable a celui qui est decrit ailleurs dans l'aire de distribution de l'espece. Le dessin colore variait entre les tortues du District d'Arusha et celles du District de Serengeti. Les animaux d'Arusha avaient tendance aetre peu colores (55,6%), compares aux tortues du Serengeti qui avaient une coloration chamois avec des taches en etoile (89,3%). La faible coloration constitue un camouflage efficace dans les habitats plus secs d'Arusha, comme l'est la coloration beige avec des taches noires dans les habitats plus humides et plus sombre du Serengeti
Abstract

EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED SCHOOL CLIMATE, ANXIETY, VICTIMIZATION EXPERIENCE, AND OBSERVED DEFENDING ON BYSTANDER BEHAVIORS DURING BULLYING Trevor W. Bixler, Ph.D. Department of Psychology Northern Illinois University, 2018 Michelle K. Demaray, Director This dissertation was completed to delineate mechanisms that influence bystander behavior in the presence of bullying phenomena. Given the limited investigations that exist into the differences between defender role behaviors and outsider role behaviors, the current study sought to further understand the variables which promote or inhibit action when bullying phenomena occur. Defender and outsider role behaviors were examined as outcomes among a sample of Midwestern students in grades six through eight. Students’ perceptions of school climate were investigated as a predictor. The association between perceptions of school climate and bystander behaviors during bullying was proposed to be moderated by self-reported anxiety, gender, victimization experience, and the extent to which respondents have seen other students in their school put a stop to bullying. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY DEKALB, ILLINOIS
Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody to chloramphenicol

A monoclonal antibody to chloramphenicol (CAP) was produced. After immunization of BALB/c mice with CAP base coupled to human serum albumin and incubation of the stimulated splenocytes in vitro in the presence of antigen for three days, these splenocytes were hybridized with X63‐Ag8·653 myeloma cells. The antibody, designated 6A10, proved to be IgG2b, and it had a detection limit for CAP of 10 ng/ml (0·5 ng/assay) in the direct enzyme immunoassay using horseradish peroxidase‐labelled CAP. The cross‐reactivities with CAP base, p‐nitrobenzyl alcohol, and p‐nitrophenol were 5·0, 0·94, and 0·007%, respectively. No cross‐reactivities were observed with penicillin, tetracycline and thiamphenicol, respectively.
Interacting signal transduction chains in gravity-stimulated maize roots

Gravitropism in roots involves at least three signal transduction chains. The first signal transduction chain is sub-cellular and operates within the gravity-perceiving cells in the root apex. The output of this perception system feeds into a second intercellular signal transduction chain (widely considered to involve auxin movement) that links events in the apical regions with the third signal transduction chain that controls cell expansion in the elongating cells. The present study probes the disputed role of ethylene in gravitropism by seeking to identify which parts of the gravitropism cascade are influenced by ethylene action. The results suggest that another signal transduction chain, initiated by mechanical impedance to the root apex, interacts with the early stages of the gravitropism cascade and the effects of ethylene on gravitropism could be mediated by the mechanical impedance sensing and response systems.
Comparison of Proximate, Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Compositions of Various Types of Fish Roes

Proximate compositions, amino acid compositions and fatty acid compositions of fish roe have been measured and compared. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine, and serine have been the major amino acids. However, Imperial-type caviar has also included higher amounts of tryptophan (p < 0.05). Essential /Nonessential (E/NE) ratio has been found to be between 0.93 - 1.23, and n3/n6 ratio has been found to be 2.56–8.06. Major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1 n9c, C16:1 n7, C20:5n3, and C22:6 n3. Fish roes contain high amount of lipids and energy, however, they are also rich sources of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and amino acids.
Oviposition preference of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and rates of parasitism by Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on Lycopersicon esculentum in São José de Ubá, RJ, Brazil

Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenee) is one of the most important pests in several tomato growing regions of Brazil. The neonate larva enters the fruit shortly after eclosion, a characteristic that limits the effectiveness of insecticides and biological control agents. A better understanding of the cues that elicit or inhibit host-plant location and oviposition by N. elegantalis could lead to novel control strategies. Our findings indicate that N. elegantalis deposited 89% of its eggs on small fruits (23.1±0.95 mm), and that 76% of the eggs were placed on the first four basal fruits within the fruit cluster. The average number of eggs/egg mass was 2.9±0.17 (range 1-13), and approximately 70% of these were deposited in a single oviposition bout. The percentage of plants with one or more egg mass increased from 11.8 to 100% during a 10-wk monitoring period in 1996, and from 8.7 to 80% during a 9-wk period in 1997. At the end of the growing season in 1996, when the number of plants on which N. elegantalis eggs were found was increasing and pesticide applications were declining, the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, was observed and collected. During the last three sampling dates of 1996, parasitism rates increased from 2.4 to 28.7%. However, no egg parasitoids were found during the following autumn to winter growing season of 1997.
MEASURING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN POST-DIAPAUSE SPRUCE BUDWORMS (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

Abstract Spruce budworm weights, either of individuals or of population averages, when related to time, provide more precise measures of development than the usually used time from hibernacula to pupation or to eclosion. For determining or predicting the development stage of field populations, average weights are a more precise alternative to time-consuming, instar determinations. Larvae feed only about 10% of the time, in darkness or light, and the pupal dry weight is 20–24% of the dry weight of artificial diet consumed. Growth curves for laboratory individuals and field populations are described.
PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROOTS AND THE RHIZOSPHERE OF PLANTS INFECTED WITH VESICULAR‐ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

Summary Acid phosphatase activity associated with the root and in the rhizosphere of rape (Brassica napus) L. , wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and onion (Alliutn cepa L.) plants was investigated in the presence or absence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The plants were inoculated singly with three different species of Glomus, or were left uninfected, and were grown in sand with little available phosphorus. Root and rhizosphere levels of phosphatase activity were higher for plants infected with G. geosporum (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe and G. mosseae (Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe compared with control plants. Infection with G. monosporum Gerd. & Trappe did not result in a similar increase in phosphatase activity but significant increases in plant growth nevertheless occurred. Further experiments, using wheat only, showed that increases in phosphatase activity induced by infection by G. geosporum or G. mosseae became apparent between 25 and 51 d after sowing.
Habitat stability and interspecific associations among invertebrate assemblages in New Zealand streams

Abstract To explore whether biotic interactions may be more common in benthic invertebrate communities in stable compared with unstable New Zealand streams, interspecific associations of invertebrate stone assemblages were examined in 10 streams of similar geomorphological character but differing stability. More significant correlations were found than expected by chance at most sites. Stable sites had more negative and positive associations than the unstable sites, although in most instances there were similar numbers of positive and negative correlations. The variance ratio test indicated an overall positive association when all taxa were considered. However, negative associations occurred between a significant number of taxa and were more common at stable sites. Although it remains to be seen whether the negative associations are a result of competition, it does seem biotic interactions are more common in the stable streams than in the flood prone ones as predicted by the harsh‐benign hypothesis.
The Influence of Starvation and Predators on the Mating Behavior of a Semiaquatic Insect

Few experimental studies of mating behavior have examined mating behavior shifts in response to ecological factors (e.g., predators, starvation). We conducted experiments designed to: (1) examine multiple trade—doffs between predator avoidance, feeding behavior, and copulating duration in a semiaquatic insect (Microvelia austrina); and (2) address the influence of altered copulation duration on male reproductive success. To examine multiple trade—offs, we used a 2 x 2 factorial design where we measured the amount of time that mating microveliids remained in tandem, for starved and fed microvellids in the presence and absence of predaceous water striders (Gerris remigis). We also looked at the effects of presence vs. absence of green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) on microveliid tandem duration. To address the impact of premature pair separation on male mating success, we separated paired microvellids in field populations and measured the time required for each sex to find new mates. To examine the effects of local sex ratio on remating times of males and females, we quantified the sex ratio of field populations via periodic censuses and correlated local sex ratio with remating times. Finally, to address oviposition rates while pairs are in tandem, we measured female oviposition patterns relative to tandem duration for poorly fed and well—fed females. Both Starvation and gerrid presence significantly reduced tandem duration. As a result of male—biased sex ratios, males that prematurely separated from females often faced long search times before securing a new mate. Females oviposited at a constant rate while in tandem. A simple computer simulation incorporating the above observations suggests that reductions in tandem duration can decrease fertilization rates.