Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predation Risk and Fasting Capacity: Do Wintering Birds Maintain Optimal Body Mass?

This paper tests the optimal body mass (OBM) model developed by Lima (1986) for small birds overwintering in a temperate climate. The OBM model views winter body mass as reflecting a trade-off between predation risk and the risk of starvation during periods of inclement weather. Specifically, stochastic computer simulations of winter sea- sons showed that costs (e.g., risk of being preyed upon) and benefits (e.g., fasting capacity) of fat associated with an intermediate mass combine to maximize the probability of over- winter survivorship (Lima 1986). The OBM model predicts that when benefits but not costs of extensive fattening are eliminated by predictable resources, the optimal solution will be for bird species to avoid costs by remaining leaner than species utilizing unpre- dictable resources. In the latter environment, benefits of fattening are important to surviving suddenly imposed fasting spells. Thus if mass and therefore winter survivorship are op- timized among environments, size of the fat reserve should vary inversely with resource predictability. As a test of this prediction, this study compares visible subcutaneous fat among three avian foraging guilds that occupy a gradient of winter resouce predictability. Strictly tree- foraging species utilizing tree-borne resources were considered to occupy a predictable environment relative to strictly ground-foraging species. In the latter foraging guild, re- sources may be unexpectedly and temporarily eliminated by moderate to heavy snowfall. Species with a partial dependence on each of these resource environments were assumed to occupy a resource environment of intermediate predictability. In four separate data sets involving small birds from southern Michigan, central Tennessee, northern Michigan, and southern Indiana, visible fat class varied inversely with resource predictability, as predicted. This trend was also observed in a comparison of species assumed alike in physiological factors that may independently influence size of fat reserve (body size, hypothermia, thermal conductance, basal metabolic rate, nocturnal roost microenvironment). In further con- cordance with theory, a comparison of dawn fat class between the Dark-eyed Junco and Tree Sparrow (from an unpredictable resource environment) and the Downy Woodpecker and Tufted Titmouse (from a predictable resource environment), which factored out all but a slight effect of basal metabolic rate, indicated significantly greater reserves in the two ground-foraging species. I conclude that aside from possible influences of physiological factors, resource pre- dictability likely affects winter body mass in small birds. This influence takes the form of guild-specific trade-offs between predation risk and fasting capacity (see also Stuebe and Ketterson 1982, Nolan and Ketterson 1983). These results support the OBM model (and similar models), and along with previous studies suggest the widespread importance of predation risk as a factor structuring biological systems.
The Dark Side of Cultural Proximity In Credit Markets

Using the Indian caste system and the group loan structure, where members screen and monitor each other, we ask whether social ties impede or improve loan performance. We find that borrowers belonging to caste homogeneous groups default more and their inferior loan performance is not explained by occupational similarity within castes. Our results show that the possibility of mass strategic default and also contagion arising due to social connections, independent of common occupational shocks, undo informational and relationship advantage of caste homogeneous groups. Interestingly, in sub-samples where strategic default and caste based contagion are less likely, caste homogeneous groups actually default less, in line with Fisman et al. (2017). We conclude that the overall impact of social connections on credit markets depends on the relative influence of informational efficiency and better enforcement capacity on one side and possibility of coordinated strategic default and contagion on the other.
Threonine Need of Growing Female Broilers 1,2

A study was conducted to evaluate Thr responses in female broilers from 30 to 42 days of age. Commercial Ross x Ross 508 females were randomly placed into battery cages. A test diet was formulated to provide 0.55% total Thr; progressive increments of 0.05% Thr at the expense of a filler created the experimental diets, up to 0.80% Thr. A conventional-type control diet (0.70% total Thr) was formulated to validate the titration diet which was composed in part by peanut meal, which was necessary to generate a Thr deficiency. Performance of birds fed the control diet was similar (P < 0.05) to the titration diet containing equal Thr (0.70%). Deficiency effects of Thr were seen for most variables. Furthermore, linear or quadratic responses occurred for most parameters measured. Optimization of dietary Thr was feasibly calculated for body weight gain and feed conversion, reaching dietary optimums (95% of the asymptote) at 0.69 and 0.71%, respectively. Carcass as well as breast meat improved in a linear manner with increasing dietary Thr. A hypothetical sigmoidal response exhibited by plasma Thr is in close agreement with the Thr requirements extrapolated from live performance measurements. Threonine response estimates obtained in presen t experimentation are equal to or higher than those previously reported, perhaps as a consequence of the environment to which the birds were exposed to, possibly translating into modifications of associate d maintenance and growth requirements for Thr. However, values obtained for the 30 to 42 day-time period are in close agreement with current NRC (1994) recommendations from 21 to 42 days of age.
A synthesis of the demography of African acacias

Although acacias are ecologically and economically important, their demography is poorly known. In part this is because few field experiments have been undertaken. Also, a bewildering diversity of factors have been suggested to determine their demography. These factors include disease, fire, large and small browsers and grazers, climatic variation, competition with grass, seed predation and anthropogenic impacts. This synthesis concentrates on the life-history period from seed to adult plant and indicates that important hurdles have been demonstrated for some species in some habitats. Seed and seedling limitation have not been clearly demonstrated, nor has the value of dispersal been quantified. In contrast, the impacts of herbivores and fire in affecting the escape or release of resprouts has been repeatedly demonstrated. Whether fire and herbivory merely slow down the rate of promotion through size-classes or actually prevent it, needs further work. We note that very little comparative work amongst Acacia species has taken place. Most studies have concentrated on single aspects of their life history (especially seed predation), and have not been analysed in relation to population growth. Few field experiments, especially concerning seedling biology, have been performed. We conclude with some suggestions of a framework for interpreting acacia demography.
The Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris) Rookery at Año Nuevo: A Case Study in Colonization

Our aim was to examine the colonization process in a large mammal, documenting the development of a breeding colony from its inception to reaching equilibrium numbers. We describe the development of a colony of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) at Ano Nuevo in central California from initial colonization in 1961 to 2010, a period when the worldwide population was expanding rapidly. We recorded pup production and pup mortality prior to weaning from censuses of animals by sex and age categories. Colony growth was rapid initially, and pup production reached approximately 2,700 births during the period 1995 to 2006. Pups born declined subsequently. The pattern of colony growth and decline is explained by species-specific seal behavior; population variables that influence immigration rates; and local environmental factors such as breeding space, animal density, and tidal and surf conditions at peak season that increase pup mortality. Colony growth was driven primarily by external recruitment of young females from large southern rookeries rather than internal recruitment. Births on the island segment of the colony, where breeding space was limited, peaked in 1980 then declined subsequently by 50% in association with increased density and pup mortality. Births on the adjacent mainland stabilized from 1995 to 2006, despite ample breeding space and low pup mortality; cessation of growth here was associated with reduced external recruitment of females. Primiparous females pioneer the establishment of new colonies, settling new sites to avoid low weaning success in crowded natal rookeries where they are dominated by older females. We conclude that the long-term study of the development of a single colony provides vital information on colony and population processes that have wide applicability to other mammals. The colonization of Ano Nuevo recapitulated the process employed at other colonies during the recent growth and expansion of the population and signals the pattern to be expected in future colonies.
Abundance, Age-structure and Growth, and Reproduction of Gobies (Pisces; Gobiidae) in the Ria de Aveiro Lagoon (Portugal)

Abstract Biological data concerning the abundance, age, growth and reproduction of seven species of gobies in the Ria de Aveiro lagoon (Portugal) are presented and discussed. The seasonal changes in species abundance are ascribed either to recruitment and mortality or to sporadic occurrence. Gobius niger, Pomatoschistus minutus and P. microps are included in the first case, and P. pictus, P. lozanoi, Aphia minuta and G. paganellus in the second. Only G. niger and G. paganellus were found to live more than 1 year. Growth took place all year round, although it was slow in winter. There is an indication that temperature influenced the start of growth in spring. Almost all the species (except G. paganellus and P. lozanoi ) were found to spawn inside the lagoon. Spawning seasons were found to be shorter for G. niger and A. minuta (summer only) than for species of Pomatoschistus (with reproductive periods in winter and summer).
Variáveis ruminais, concentração de uréia plasmática e excreções urinárias de nitrogênio em vacas leiteiras alimentadas com concentrado processado de diferentes formas

The objective of this trial was to study the effects of different forms of concentrate processing on ruminal pH and ammonia as well as on plasma concentration of urea. Sixteen dairy cows, pure Holstein and crossbred, were blocked by production level (30.0 and 20.0 kg/day) and randomly assigned to two Latin squares with four periods of 15 days each. Diets were isonitrogenous and contained the following forage (corn silage):concentrate ratios: 50:50 and 60:40 (% of DM) for cows yielding 30.0 and 20.0 kg of milk/day, respectively. Ruminal pH and ammonia (N-NH3) did not differ at 0 h (pre-feeding) and at 3 h after the morning feeding in the different production levels. However, it was observed lower ruminal ammonia concentration at 3 h post-feeding on cows fed diets contained extruded concentrate. Plasma urea did not differ across diets while for urinary excretion of nitrogen a significant difference was observed only for the diet containing the partially processed high-energy concentrate.
The Humerus and Stratigraphic Range of Palaeospheniscus (Aves, Sphenisciformes)

Abstract. A comparison between the Paleogene and Neogene marine assemblages in South America suggests a major turnover among penguins by the late Miocene, with the disappearance of the stem Sphenisciformes and the rise of the modern penguins. However, isolated specimens attributed to Palaeospheniscus from the late Miocene of Chile suggest that stem and crown taxa coexisted until the end of the Miocene. To clarify the stratigraphic range of Palaeospheniscus and determine how long the stem Sphenisciformes persisted in South America, the present study offers a revision of its putative records in Chile (Bahía Inglesa and Coquimbo formations), Peru (Chilcatay Formation), and South Africa (Ysterplaats site). In order to reliably discriminate isolated humeri of Palaeospheniscus from Spheniscus, twelve potential discriminating characters were identified and evaluated. Despite the existence of a wide range of variability and overlap, these humeri can be discriminated using large sets of characters, such as a transverse ligament sulcus connected with the capital incisure by a sulcus, or the lack of the proximal ligament pit in Palaeospheniscus. The putative record of Palaeospheniscus in the late Miocene—Pliocene of Chile and early Pliocene of South Africa is discarded, restricting its stratigraphic range to the early and middle Miocene of Argentina and the middle Miocene of Peru. This reduces the biochron of the genus from 18 Ma to a maximum of 11 Ma and suggests that the middle Miocene was a crucial time for the establishment of modern seabirds communities in general and penguins in particular.
Assessment of Gene Flow to Wild Relatives and Nutritional Composition of Sugarcane in Brazil

The commercial release of genetically modified organisms (GMO) requires a prior environmental and human/animal health risk assessment. In Brazil, the National Biotechnology Technical Commission (CTNBio) requires a survey of the area of natural occurrence of wild relatives of the GMO in the Brazilian ecosystems to evaluate the possibility of introgressive hybridization between sexually compatible species. Modern sugarcane cultivars, the focus of this study, derive from a series of hybridization and backcrossing events among Saccharum species. The so-called “Saccharum broad sense” group includes around 40 species from a few genera, including Erianthus, found in various tropical regions, particularly South-Eastern Asia. In Brazil, three native species, originally considered to belong to Erianthus, were reclassified as S. angustifolium (Nees) Trin. , S. asperum (Nees) Steud. , and S. villosum Steud. , based on inflorescence morphology. Thus, we have investigated the potential occurrence of gene flow among the Brazilian Saccharum native species and commercial hybrids as a requisite for GMO commercial release. A comprehensive survey was carried out to map the occurrence of the three native Saccharum species in Brazil, concluding that they are sympatric with sugarcane cultivation only from around 14°S southwards, which precludes most Northeastern sugarcane-producing states from undergoing introgression. Based on phenology, we concluded that the Brazilian Saccharum species are unable to outcross naturally with commercial sugarcane since the overlap between the flowering periods of sugarcane and the native species is limited. A phylogenomic reconstruction based on the full plastid genome sequence showed that the three native Saccharum species are the taxa closest to sugarcane in Brazil, being closer than introduced Erianthus or Miscanthus. A 2-year study on eight nutritional composition traits of the 20 main sugarcane cultivars cultivated in Brazil was carried out in six environments. The minimum and maximum values obtained were, in percent: moisture (62.6–82.5); sucrose (9.65–21.76); crude fiber (8.06–21.03); FDN (7.20–20.68); FDA (4.55–16.90); lipids (0.06–1.59); ash (0.08–2.67); and crude protein (0.18–1.18). Besides a considerable amount of genetic variation and plastic responses, many instances of genotype-by-environment interaction were detected.
Do elevated atmospheric CO2 and O3 affect food quality and performance of folivorous insects on silver birch?

The individual and combined effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on the foliar chemistry of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and on the performance of five potential birch‐defoliating insect herbivore species (two geometrid moths, one lymantrid moth and two weevils) were examined. Elevated CO2 decreased the water concentration in both short‐ and long‐shoot leaves, but the effect of CO2 on the concentration of nitrogen and individual phenolic compounds was mediated by O3 treatment, tree genotype and leaf type. Elevated O3 increased the total carbon concentration only in short‐shoot leaves. Bioassays showed that elevated CO2 increased the food consumption rate of juvenile Epirrita autumnata and Rheumaptera hastata larvae fed with short‐ and long‐shoot leaves in spring and mid‐summer, respectively, but had no effect on the growth of larvae. The contribution of leaf quality variables to the observed CO2 effects indicate that insect compensatory consumption may be related to leaf age. Elevated CO2 increased the food preference of only two tested species: Phyllobius argentatus (CO2 alone) and R. hastata (CO2 combined with O3). The observed stimulus was dependent on tree genotype and the measured leaf quality variables explained only a portion of the stimulus. Elevated O3 decreased the growth of flush‐feeding young E. autumnata larvae, irrespective of CO2 concentration, apparently via reductions in general food quality. Therefore, the increasing tropospheric O3 concentration could pose a health risk for juvenile early‐season birch folivores in future. In conclusion, the effects of elevated O3 were found to be detrimental to the performance of early‐season insect herbivores in birch whereas elevated CO2 had only minor effects on insect performance despite changes in food quality related foliar chemistry.
An Economical Method for the Maintenance of Schistosome Life-Cycles using Outdoor Facilities

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in many tropical countries. Methods described in the literature for the maintenance of schistosome life cycles are usually cumbersome and require large financial and manpower investment. A method is presented here for the culture of large numbers of intermediate snail hosts and also for the maintenance of the Schistosoma mansoni life cycle using outdoor aquaria. The method requires limited technical assistance and financial input to provide large numbers of snails and cercariae. The procedures would be particularly suitable for laboratories situated in tropical climates. Key words: Schistosomes, life-cycle, methods, outdoor breeding Resume Dans beaucoup de pays tropicaux, la schistosomiase se presente comme un probleme important en sante publique. Les methodes decrites dans la litterature pour les elevages et le maintien en vie des stades et des cycles biologiques des schistosomes sont generalement encombrantes et elles exigent de grands investissements financiers et beaucoup de main d'œuvre. Nous presentons ici une methode pour la culture en masse des escargots servant d'hotes intermediaires et pour le maintien en vie de differents stades et etats de developpement du cycle biologique de Schistosoma mansoni, a l'aide des aquariums installes dans des conditions ambiantes. La methode exige tres peu d'assistance technique et d'investissement financier et elle fournit un nombre eleve de cercaires et d'escargots. Les procedures d'elevage seraient particulierement appropriees aux laboratoires situes dans les climats tropicaux. Mots-cles: schistosome, cycle biologique, methodes, elevages conditions ambiantes (Discovery and Innovation: 2002 14 (3-4): 221-225)
Experimental Examination of the Potential for Three Introduced Fish Species to Prey on Tadpoles of the Endangered Booroolong Frog, Litoria booroolongensis

Abstract Over the past three decades the Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis) has declined across the majority of its range, with predation from introduced fish hypothesized as contributing to this decline. In this study we undertook an experiment in artificial enclosures to test the propensity for three introduced fish species (European Carp, Cyprinus carpio; Redfin Perch, Perca fluviatilis; and Mosquito Fish, Gambusia holbrooki) to prey on L. booroolongensis tadpoles. We manipulated the presence–absence of refuge habitat and alternative prey to examine how these two factors may affect tadpole predation risk. All three fish species consumed L. booroolongensis tadpoles, with juvenile C. carpio consuming nearly all tadpoles in all treatments. The provision of rocks within enclosures did not reduce the proportion of tadpoles consumed for any of the fish species examined; however, there was a reduction in the proportion of tadpoles consumed by P. fluviatilis and G. holbrooki when alternative prey were present. Although L. booroolongensis currently persists in streams inhabited by these introduced fish, this study supports the likelihood that these species are having a negative impact on populations of this endangered frog.
Heptachlor as a Systemic Insecticide against the Wheat Stem Sawfly, Cephus cinctus Nort.

Abstract Granular heptachlor applied with the seed caused mortality in larvae of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Nort. , in wheat stems. Half a pound of actual heptachlor per acre gave less control than either 1 or 2 pounds, although the latter two rates did not differ in effectiveness. Formulations with attaclay were more effective than with vermiculite. The insecticide was most effective in the lower internodes of the stem where it caused considerable mortality of early-instar larvae but was less effective on more mature larvae. To be effective, heptachlor evidently required light sawfly infestations restricted mainly to the lower internodes of the stems such as had occurred in 1960. In that year heptachlor gave its best control although it was no more effective than a moderately sawfly-resistant wheat. Lack of control in 1961 was related to the heavy sawfly infestations in that year. The poor control in 1962 was related to the concentration of most of the sawfly eggs in the top two internodes where the insecticide had little effect on newly-hatched larvae. Only later, when they were more mature, did the larvae reach the lower internodes.
Loss of Floy Anchor Tags from White Bass

Abstract Tag-shedding rates were estimated for white bass Morone chrysops in the Brazos River and Whitney Reservoir, Texas, to estimate tag retention and to provide a correction for tag loss. Altogether, 487 white bass were double-tagged in 1989 and 215 in 1990 with Floy FD-68BC anchor tags. Mean total lengths of the fish were 342 mm (range, 230–429 mm) in 1989 and 312 mm (range, 123–553 mm) in 1990. Tagged fish were at liberty for up to 560 d, and tags were subsequently returned by anglers for cash rewards ranging from $5 to $100. One hundred three fish tagged in 1989 were recaught (85 in 1989 and 18 in 1990) and 62 fish tagged in 1990 were recaught (59 in 1990 and 3 in 1991). Sixteen percent of returns from the 1989 tagging and 13% of returns from the 1990 tagging consisted of single tags. Immediate posttagging loss resulting from mortality, improper tag placement, and nonreporting by anglers was negligible. Long-term shedding, estimated for up to 560 d, was 24.8% per year for one tag and 6.2% for both .
The value of liquid digested sewage sludge. II. Experiments on rye-grass in South-east England, comparing sludge with fertilizers supplying equivalent nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and water

In a factorial trial comparing liquid digested sludge with equivalent water, and inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, almost all the effects observed could be attributed to the uptake of nitrogen or potassium. Over the 2-year period of treatment application, liquid digested sludge and equivalent inorganic fertilizer nitrogen and potassium gave similar responses of 22.3 and 23.8 lb. dry matter per lb. of nitrogen, and 59 lb. /acre K increased the response to inorganic nitrogen alone by 5.4 lb. /lb. of nitrogen. Over the 2-year period of treatment the amount of potassium absorbed by herbage, in excess of that applied, was greater with fertilizer nitrogen than with liquid digested sludge. Added potassium had no direct effect on crude protein production. Liquid digested sludge and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer increased crude protein to a similar extent.