Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of intentional gaps in spray coverage on the efficacy of gypsy moth mating disruption

Abstract: The study was conducted during 2001 and 2002 in forested areas in Virginia, US to examine the effects of gaps in coverage of pheromone on gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lep., Lymantriidae), mating disruption. Gypsy moth male moth catches in pheromone‐baited traps were significantly reduced in plots treated with the gypsy moth sex pheromone, disparlure, at an overall application rate of 37.5 g of active ingredient (AI)/ha but with untreated gaps of 30 or 90 m between 30‐m wide treated swaths. In one of the two plots with 90 m gaps, significantly more males were captured in traps in the untreated areas compared with the treated areas within the plot. However, in another plot, significant differences in trap catches between treated and untreated areas were not observed. No difference in male moth catches in the pheromone‐baited traps was observed between treated and untreated areas within the plots treated with 30 m gaps. Female mating success did not differ significantly between treated and untreated areas within the one plot in which it was measured. These results suggest that it may be possible to lower costs associated with gypsy moth mating disruption applications by alternating treated and untreated swaths, which would reduce flight time and fuel costs, without a reduction in efficacy.
Nocturnal ecology of the springhare, Pedetes capensis, in Botswana

Summary The springhare, Pedetes capensis, was studied in the Kalahari Desert, Republic of Botswana, from August 1971 to August 1974 inclusive. Night censuses totalling 253 h provided data on springhare habitat selection, social grouping, activity pattern and the effect of moonlight and weather on activity. Utilization of dry lakebeds (pans) by springhares was 2.3-3.4 times greater than on the surrounding habitats. Springhares were strictly nocturnal. The population, as a whole, exhibited one activity peak every 24 h. Group size and distance from burrows were directly related to time after sunset. Low temperatures and moderate to heavy precipitation both reduced springhare activity, while moonlight reduced the distance to which springhares moved out onto pans. Except for adult males, all sex/age classes of springhares participated in group formation to the same extent. Apparently little social cohesion existed within groups. Territoriality was not observed but may occur in the area immediately around the burrow. Resume Le lievre sauteur (Pedetes capensis) fut etudie dans le desert du Kalahari, au Botswana, de aout 1971 a aout 1974. Un total de 253 heures de recensements nocturnes a fourni des donnees sur le choix de l'habitat chez le lievre sauteur, son organisation sociale, ses types d'activites et l'effet du clair de lune et du temps sur celles-ci. L'utilisation du fond des lacs esseches (pans) par ces animaux est de 2.3 a 3.4 fois plus important que les habitats avoisinants. Les lievres sauteurs sont strictement nocturnes. L'ensemble de la population presente une activite maximale toutes les 24 heures. La taille du groupe et la distance au terrier sont en relation directe avec le temps ecoule apres le coucher du soleil. Des temperatures basses ou moderees ainsi que les grosses precipitations reduisent l'activite des lievres sauteurs, alors que le clair de lune limite la distance que l'animal parcourt sur les pans.
Study of the Effect of Processing on the Chemical Quality of Soft Unripened Cheese Made from Camel Milk

This study was carried out to produce and observe the effect of processing on the chemical quality of soft unripened cheese made from skimmed camel milk. Soft unripened cheese from camel milk was prepared by using conventional cheese-making methodology, a mesophilic starter culture, CaCl and a calf 2 rennet. A total of five experiments were included in the present investigation. While cheese from buffalo milk was kept as a control. Before making cheese all the milk samples were skimmed and analyzed for their physico-chemical composition. Cheese was prepared and analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. As a consequence of processing treatments during manufacturing of soft unripened cheese, the average concentration (on DMB) of fat, ash and chlorides of skimmed camel milk were slightly decreased (i.e. from 3.62 ± 0.93 to 2.96 ± 0.62%, 11.79 ± 0.94 to 7.30 ± 0.55% and 3.18 ± 0.15 to 2.29 ± 0.26%, respectively). While, total protein and casein contents were significantly increased (i.e. 44.72 ± 4.48 to 78.88 ± 1.64% and 21.17 ± 1.31 to 59.56 ± 2.60%, respectively) because during manufacturing of cheese drainage of whey liquid and dissolved particles which contains lactose, minerals and chlorides. While rest of the mass contain higher percentage of undissolved particles (total protein particularly casein content)
The Andean Hapalopsittaca parrots (Psittacidae, Aves): an example of montane‐tropical lowland vicariance

Quintero, E. , Ribas, C. C. & Cracraft, J. (2012). The Andean Hapalopsittaca parrots (Psittacidae, Aves): an example of montane‐tropical lowland vicariance. —Zoologica Scripta, 42, 28–43.
Unusual Life Style of Giant Chlorella Viruses

▪ Abstract Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus (PBCV-1) is the prototype of a family of large, icosahedral, plaque-forming, dsDNA viruses that replicate in certain unicellular, eukaryotic chlorella-like green algae. Its 330-kb genome contains ∼373 protein-encoding genes and 11 tRNA genes. The predicted gene products of ∼50% of these genes resemble proteins of known function, including many that are unexpected for a virus, e.g., ornithine decarboxylase, hyaluronan synthase, GDP-D-mannose 4,6 dehydratase, and a potassium ion channel protein. In addition to their large genome size, the chlorella viruses have other features that distinguish them from most viruses. These features include: (a) The viruses encode multiple DNA methyltransferases and DNA site-specific endonucleases. (b) The viruses encode at least some, if not all, of the enzymes required to glycosylate their proteins. (c) PBCV-1 has at least three types of introns, a self-splicing intron in a transcription factor-like gene, a spliceosomal process.
Effect of different plant growth regulators on plantlet regeneration in dendrobium hybrid orchid

The experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effect of different plant growth regulators on growth and development of plantlets regeneration from Protocorm Like Bodies (PLBs) of hybrid orchid. The combination of BAP + NAA, BAP + IAA, BAP + IBA, and IAA + IBA at different concentrations were studied. It revealed that highest weight of PLBs (13.35g) was obtained from the combination of IAA + IBA having concentration of 1.0mg/1 each. The highest shoot height (4.530 cm) and maximum number of leaves (5.510) was obtained from 1.0 mg/1 each of BAP + NAA combination. The highest leaf length (2.573 cm) was noticed in the combination of IAA + IBA at a concentration of 1.0 mg/1 each. While the highest leaf width was obtained from 0.5 mg/1 BAP + 1.0 mg/1 IBA combination. However, for fresh weight of single shoot was maximum by the concentration 0.5 mg/1 each of BAP + IAA. The maximum number of regenerated plantlets (22.00) was obtained from 1.0 mg/each of BAP + IAA and BAP + IBA. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 32(4) : 629-635
In vitro testing of fisheries chemotherapeutants

The development of in vitro test techniques for use with fish parasitic fungi is described. Reasons for the selection of criteria to be met by these test methods are discussed using selected results from a wide-scale test programme on fisheries fungicides. The need for test techniques to relate to the eventual environment in which chemotherapeutants will be used is stressed.
Using Random Forest Machine Learning Algorithms in Binary Supernovae Classification

In the era of large all-sky surveys, there will be a need for rapid, automatic classifications of newly discovered transient objects. Our focus here is the classification of supernovae (SNe). We consider random forest machine learning algorithm applied to the classification of Type Ia and core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) by full light curves. We also quantitatively show the potential of early-epoch classification using the same machine learning techniques. The algorithm uses the shape and magnitude of the light curve peak to determine the classification. This an initial study to essentially determine SN type with as few data points as possible. New all-sky surveys will discover new transients at a rapid rate and decisions will have to be made on very little data which transients to follow-up. Here we present an initial study where as few as five data points near peak, we an identify whether it is a Type Ia or CCSNe with better than 80\% accuracy, but with several biases in the data that will require addressing in future work.
Patterns of Floristic Differentiation among Atlantic Forests in Southeastern Brazil and the Influence of Climate 1

The tree flora of southeastern Brazilian Atlantic forests was investigated according to two main aspects: (a) the variations in floristic composition of bodi rain and semi‐deciduous forests were analyzed in terms of geographic and climatic variables by performing multivariate analyses on 125 existing floristic checklists; and (b) the links of both rain and semi‐deciduous forests to Amazonian forests and Cerrados (woody savanna) were assessed. All analyses were performed at the species, genus, and family levels. The information obtained for the 125 forest areas was organized into an environmental database containing geographic and climatic records, and a floristic database containing binary presence records for 2532 species, 520 genera, and 106 families. Canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) were utilized to assess the relationship between geographic and climatic variables, and tree flora composition. Venn diagrams and cluster analyses were used to assess the floristic links to Amazonian forests and Cerrados. The following patterns were detected at all three taxonomic levels: (a) the differentiation between rain and semi‐deciduous forests is floristically consistent and strongly correlated with rainfall regime, although transitions may be abrupt to gradual; (b) a north–south differentiation exists for both rain and semi‐deciduous forests, probably caused by variations in both temperature and rainfall regime; (c) The flora of semi‐deciduous forests also changes with increasing distance from the ocean and the associated increasing rainfall seasonality; and (d) elevation and associated temperatures are strongly correlated with the internal differentiation of both rain and semi‐deciduous forests. To a considerable extent, the tree flora of semi‐deciduous forests is a subset of the rain forest flora, probably extracting species that are able to cope with a longer dry season. There is greater floristic similarity at the species level between Atlantic rain and semi‐deciduous forests than between any of these and either Amazonian rain forests or Cerrados. Nevertheless, semi‐deciduous forests and Cerrados show stronger links, particularly at the generic and familial levels. Therefore, rhere is little floristic ground for viewing Atlantic rain forests as being closer to their Amazonian counterparts than to the adjacent semi‐deciduous forests. The most appropriate view of rain and semi‐deciduous forests in southeastern Brazil is that of a continuum in tree species distribution. We suggest that the definition of Atlantic forests should be as comprehensive as that of Amazonian forests.
Determinants of human–elephant conflict in a land‐use mosaic

Summary 1. The resolution of direct conflict between humans and elephants in Africa has become a serious local political issue in recent years, and a continental conservation problem. ‘Problem elephants’ damage crops, food stores and water sources, and sometimes threaten human life. 2. Eighty per cent of the African elephant's range lies outside formally protected areas, and inadequate management of human–elephant conflict is frequently a precursor to further decline in the numbers and distribution of elephants. Conflict appears to be increasing in an assortment of African ecosystems as the agricultural interface with elephant range expands. 3. The present study recorded incidents by problem elephants in small subdivisions of a 15 000 km2 elephant range. The level of problem elephant activity over 3 years showed huge variation and could not be explained by elephant density, proximity of a protected area, area of human settlement, human density or local rainfall. 4. It is proposed that the irregular and unpredictable nature of human–elephant conflict incidents in the study area mainly depended upon the behavioural ecology of individual elephant bulls. 5. This study proposes a statistic to quantify problem elephant activity in Africa which can be used to compare the intensity of problem incidents between different ecosystems at different times: ‘elephant incidents per square kilometre of human settlement area per year’. Spatial analyses of appropriate data at the human–elephant interface may yield a more predictive understanding of the conflict process.
Haplotyping the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, in Mexico and Central America

Abstract. The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a pest of potato, Solanum tuberosum L. , and other solanaceous crops in North and Central America. This insect transmits Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, the putative causal agent of zebra chip disease of potato. Recent studies identified three genetically distinct haplotypes of B. cockerelli in the United States, correlating to geographical regions: Central, Northwestern, and Western. Although biological differences among the haplotypes, including how effective they transmit the bacterium and their dispersal and overwintering capabilities, are currently being determined, identification of regional psyllid haplotypes is essential to effectively manage diseases caused by the pathogens they transmit to plants. Here, the same haplotyping tool used previously in the United States, high-resolution melting analysis targeted to the B. cockerelli mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene, was used to identify the psyllid populations in Mexico and Central America. Potato psyllids from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, were identified as belonging to the Central haplotype.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC CHANGES DURING THE FORMATION OF RED APLANOSPORES IN THE CHILOROPHYTE HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS 1

Changes in physiological and photosynthetic parameters were followed in the freshwater chorophyte Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow (Volvocales) during the transformation of green vegetative cells to red aplanospores.Formation of aplanospores was induced by exposure to a nitrogen‐deficient medium. In spite of an increase in cellular volume (from 6.6 to 41 pL) and amassive accumulation of astaxanthin, chlorophyll content of the mature aplanospore decreased only slightly (from 16 to 14.8 pg'cell−1)as compared to the vegetative cell. Aplanospore formation was characterized by a gradual reduction in the maximal photosynthetic rate and increases in the photosynthetic quantum requirement and minimal turnover time for photosynthetic O2 evolution.Respiration rate increased (4.2 times)and excretion rate decreased (up to 8.8 times) during aplanospore formation. Measurements of photosynthetic unit “size” and estimation of the cellular content of photosystem II reaction centers suggest that the photosynthetic complex remains relatively centers stable during the formation process and in the mature aplanospore.A functional relationship between the describe changes in the physiology of the cells and their photosynthetic parameters is proposed.
The Influence of Maternal Size on the Eggs and Hatchlings of Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Abstract Our study examined variation in and correlation of reproductive traits for a population of Caretta caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle) nesting in Georgia and compared the results with those of other studies. We assessed variability in reproductive traits (i.e., maternal length, clutch size, egg diameter, egg mass, hatchling length, and hatchling mass) on the population level and individual level. At the population level, we investigated interannual and intraseasonal variation of these traits for 810 Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests in Georgia, on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Blackbeard Island NWR during 2000–2003 and 2001–2003, respectively. As the nesting season progressed, we observed a decrease in clutch size, mean egg diameter, mean egg mass per clutch, mean hatchling length per clutch, and mean hatchling mass per clutch. Further, we measured all previously mentioned traits on a subset of the female turtles encountered on the beach (n = 24) and used these data to examine the variability of the traits on the individual level. Generalized linear modeling using this more refined individual-level data set indicated that 55% of the variability in clutch size was explained by a combination of maternal length (47%) and hatchling length (8%). This model suggested that clutch size was positively related with maternal length (t = 4.79) and negatively related with hatchling length (t = -1.90). Greater maternal length resulted in larger clutch size, but not larger egg size; thus, egg size was relatively constant irrespective of maternal length. These results support optimal egg-size theory, indicating a trade-off between clutch size and hatchling size to produce the optimum maternal investment per offspring.
Mechanism of resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in resistant cotton genotypes.

Faske, T. R. and J. L. Starr. 2009. Mechanism of resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in resistant cotton genotypes. Nematropica 39:281-288. Meloidogyne incognita is an economically important plant-parasitic nematode on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) across the U.S. Cotton Belt. Few studies have characterized the mechanism of resistance in cotton based on the biology of M. incognita. Penetration, post-penetration development, and reproduction of M. incognita were determined on eight cotton genotypes. Resistant genotypes included Clevewilt, Wild Mexican Jack Jones (WMJJ), five primitive accessions; TX-1174, TX-1440, TX-2076, TX-2079, and TX-2107 and one susceptible control, cv. Deltapine (DP) 90. Root penetration by M. incognita on developing radicles was similar among resistant genotypes and susceptible control. The mechanism of resistance for all resistant genotypes was based on delayed (P ≤ 0.05) maturity of M. incognita. This delayed maturity contributed to lower eggs per gram of root, egg masses per root system, and Pf/Pi values; however, eggs per egg mass were similar among all genotypes. Thus, resistance to M. incognita had a greater influence on nematode development than penetration or fecundity. The rate of delayed nematode development varied among resistant genotypes, thus suggesting diversity in resistant genes among these cotton genotypes. Further, these data confirm resistance in the primitive accessions from Mexico and suggest that they may be useful new sources of resistance to M. incognita.
Notas taxonómicas sobre Pteridófitos chilenos

En este trabajo se aclaran y rectifican varias confusiones taxonomicas en Pteridophyta chilenos: se mantiene el estatus de Adiantum sulphureum con su especie tipica y con la variedad majus; Aspleniun fragile var. lomense se establece como nuevo sinonimo de Asplenium peruvianum; se establecen las diferencias entre Blechnum mochaenum y B. blechnoides y entre B. chilense y B. cordatum; se revalida Equisetum pyramidale; se considera a Polypodium masafuerae como especie endemica de Alejandro Selkirk (Archipielago de Juan Fernandez) y a P. pycnocarpum como una especie diferente de P. masafuerae, con una distribucion en Peru, Bolivia, Argentina y en Chile solo en la Region de Antofagasta.
Interpretation of the last‐glacial vegetation of eastern‐central Europe using modern analogues from southern Siberia

Aim Interpretation of fossil pollen assemblages may benefit greatly from comparisons with modern palynological and vegetation analogues. To interpret the full‐ and late‐glacial vegetation in eastern‐central Europe we compared fossil pollen assemblages from this region with modern pollen assemblages from various vegetation types in southern Siberia, which presumably include the closest modern analogues of the last‐glacial vegetation of central Europe.
NEOICHNOLOGY OF THE WHIP SCORPION MASTIGOPROCTUS GIGANTEUS: COMPLEX BURROWS OF PREDATORY TERRESTRIAL ARTHROPODS

ABSTRACT Soils contain complex ecosystems with a diverse micro- and macrofauna including arthropod predators. Our knowledge of arthropod predators in ancient soil ecosystems, however, is limited. This project involved the laboratory study of Mastigoproctus giganteus, or giant whip scorpion, to describe its burrowing behaviors and resulting burrow morphologies to aid the recognition of their burrows in the fossil record. Specimens were placed in sediment-filled terrariums for 14–60 days. Experiments were run with variations in sediment density and moisture to evaluate the effects of environmental conditions. The burrows were cast, described qualitatively and quantitatively, and then compared to each other and to scorpion burrows using nonparametric statistical methods. Six different burrow architectures were produced by the whip scorpions including vertical shafts, subvertical ramps, J-, U-, and Y-shaped burrows, and mazeworks. Despite these different architectures, the whip scorpion burrows possessed statistically similar properties that allowed them to be distinguished from burrows produced by scorpions. Sediment density and moisture had little influence on burrow properties but did affect the diversity of architectures produced. The greatest diversity of burrow architectures occurred in low-density sediment with moderate moisture levels. Results from this study show that whip scorpions produce unique biogenic structures possessing architectural and surficial properties that can be used to distinguish them from the burrows of other soil organisms. Data collected from these and similar experiments can be applied to ichnofossil assemblages found in middle Paleozoic to Pleistocene paleosols in order to better interpret the paleobiology and paleoecology of ancient soil ecosystems.
Observations on the ontogeny of feeding behavior in mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei)

This report describes observations on the ontogeny of food choice in mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei), made during a 17‐month field study of mountain gorilla feeding ecology in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. Data are presented on the feeding behavior of two infants observed from birth to the age of 8 months and on older infants and juveniles. This information is compared with data on the composition and diversity of the diets of young adults and adults in the same social group. Initial feeding by infants is usually synchronized with the mother's behavior: infants ingest the same food, or a different part of the same plant species, currently being eaten by the mother or just eaten by her. This suggests that observational learning is largely responsible for the transmission of food preferences. Most feeding by young infants, whether or not synchronized with the mother's, is on those foods eaten most frequently by adults. Infants also independently sample potential foods, some of which are apparently not consumed by adults. The frequency of sampling declines with age, although even adults occasionally ingest foods not observed to be eaten by other adults. By the age of 3 years, young mountain gorillas have developed the basic dietary patterns of adults, in terms of the number of foods eaten, the proportions in which specific foods are consumed, and diet diversity and equitability. There is a strong possibility that chemical cues influence food choice, but their role remains unclear.