Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LARVAE OF WATER MITES OF THE GENERA OF THE SUPERFAMILY LEBERTIOIDEA (PROSTIGMATA: PARASITENGONA) IN NORTH AMERICA WITH COMMENTS ON PHYLOGENY AND HIGHER CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUPERFAMILY

Abstract Larvae of species representing 12 of the 13 genera of the superfamily Lebertioidea from North America are described, including members of the genera Bandakiopsis, Utaxatax, Estelloxus, and Testudacarus for the first time. Larvae of species of Sperchon, Sperchonopsis, Teutonia, Bandakia, Lebertia, Oxus, Frontipoda, and Torrenticola are also described to provide complete comparative data for the genera of the superfamily. A key to the families and genera of Lebertioidea, and preliminary diagnoses for the superfamily, families, and genera are provided based upon larval characters. Information on host associations is reviewed for each taxon. Observations on morphology and host associations of these larvae provide the basis for an original, though provisional, outline of phylogeny of Lebertioidea, and a review of the higher classification of the superfamily. Résumé L'ouvrage décrit les larves d'espèces représentant 12 des 13 genres de la superfamille Lebertioidea d'Amérique du Nord, notamment certains membres des genres Bandakiopsis, Utaxatax, Estelloxus et Testudacarus pour la première fois. Les larves d'espèces des genres Sperchon, Sperchonopsis, Teutonia, Bandakia, Lebertia, Oxus, Frontipoda et Torrenticola sont également décrites pour compléter les données comparatives sur les genres de la super-famille. L'auteur présente une clef d'identification des familles et des genres de Lebertioidea, et pose certains diagnostics provisoires sur la super-famille, les familles et les genres, basés sur les caractères larvaires. L'information sur les associations des larves avec leurs hôtes est revue pour chaque taxon. Les observations sur la morphologie et les associations de larves avec leurs hôtes forment la base d'un exposé original, quoique provisoire, de la phylogénie de Lebertioidea, et d'une étude de la classification supérieure de la super-famille.
Steelhead Population and Habitat Assessment in the Ventura River / Matilija Creek Basin 2006 Final Report

Eleven study sites were sampled in the summer of 2006 to collect new Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) data for comparison with 2003 HSI data. Changes in calculated HSI scores were assessed in relation to annual changes in physical habitat, environmental conditions, and study methodologies. Most annual changes in study site HSI scores were associated with differences in the “Vs” spawning variable, which was found to highly influence the overall HSI score. The limited availability of gravel in many study sites and the randomized subsampling design resulted in highly variable Vs scores between years that were likely due to small sample sizes. Other changes in HSI variable scores were mostly associated with higher flow conditions in 2006 than in 2003, and to significant changes in riparian vegetation following flood flows that occurred during the intervening years. Population abundance of Oncorhynchus mykiss was also estimated within segment, study site, and habitat type strata using multiple-pass electrofishing in shallow habitats and calibrated dive counts in deeper habitats. A total of only six O. mykiss were observed or captured in the lower segment of the basin below Robles Diversion Dam, which produced an estimated density of only about 0.002 fish/100ft of habitat. O. mykiss were common in the middle segment between the diversion dam and Matilija Dam (and including the Lower North Fork Matilija Creek), with overall abundance of approximately 2,000 fry and 2,000 juvenile+ fish at densities of 0.3-0.4 fish/100ft of habitat. Densities of fry were typically highest in riffles and lowest in pools, whereas juvenile+ fish were more evenly distributed in pools, riffles, and flatwaters. In the upper segment above Matilija Dam, O. mykiss were observed in all study sites with the highest densities in the Upper North Fork Matilija Creek and the lowest densities in the mainstem approximately one mile above the reservoir. Overall, the estimated abundance of both fry and juvenile+ fish was approximately 8,500 fish, with similar densities as the middle segment at 0.3 fish/100ft of habitat. In the headwater study sites fry were abundant in all three habitat types, and juvenile+ fish were most common in the deeper pools or flatwaters and least abundant in riffles. Statistical analysis suggested a strong positive relationship between study site HSI score and abundance of both fry (<10cm FL) and juvenile-adult O. mykiss. The two study sites with the highest HSI scores also contained the highest fish densities, and most of the lower segment study sites had low to moderate HSI scores and low fish densities. Additional sampling will be conducted in 2007 to further refine the HSI model for southern populations of O. mykiss, which appears to show promise based on the 2006 results. Additional fish population sampling in 2007 will also help to describe the annual variability that occurs towards the southern range of this endangered species.
A novel multiplex real time PCR for rapid and accurate identification of the genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species

Mycobacteria are a heterogeneous group of bacteria in terms of their genotypic features and disease association. The accurate and rapid detection of genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolates from primary culture is important due to timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy. In this study, we developed a novel multiplex real time PCR for rapid identification of Mycobacteria from other genus of bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from nontuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTMs). Genetic targets for primer designing and identification of genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) included the 16SrDNA and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Multiplex real time PCR was setup with reference to Mycobacterium strains. Results of real time PCR were analyzed with melting curves and determined melting temperature of genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. For the assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of technique, fifty three clinical isolates of Mycobacteria were collected from different Tuberculousis Centers in Iran. Multiplex real time PCR results were compared by PCRbased sequencing method with amplification and sequencing of 16S–23S ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for identification of Mycobacterium species. Of 53 isolates, 52 (98%) isolates identified as genus Mycobacterium and 34 isolates as MTC (65%). Sensitivity and specificity of multiplex real time PCR were 96%, 100% for genus Mycobacterium and 100%, 100% for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), respectively. The multiplex real time PCR with melting curve analysis in the present study is a reliable and suitable method for rapid and accurate identification of genus Mycobacterium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
Architectural traits of fruiting shoots in Juglans regia (Juglandaceae) related to fruiting habit and environmental conditions

The objective of the present study was to compare some basic architectural traits of annual shoots (1YS) in common walnut (Juglans regia L.), and to evaluate the impact of extreme drought and heat on the fruiting and growing response of the annual shoots. Measurements were conducted on three cultivars that have a terminal-bearing fruiting habit (Franquette), intermediate fruiting behaviour (Zdole-59) and a lateral-bearing fruiting habit (Fernor). Across 3 years, the mean 1YS of Franquette were one-third longer than those of the other two cultivars and their mean basal diameter was larger than that in Fernor and almost equal to that in Zdole-59. For Franquette, the length : diameter ratio showed a slender shoot morphology, whereas the shoot morphology was more compact in Fernor and Zdole-59. The 1YS of Franquette and Fernor had equal fruiting potential, with 2.8 and 2.7 fruits per shoot, respectively. Short but thick 1YS with the highest number of vegetative buds indicated dense branching and the good growing capacity of Zdole-59. The number of vegetative buds per 1YS changed during the 3 years in all cultivars, whereas the number of flowering buds per 1YS did not change in Franquette. Extreme dry and hot weather during the spring and summer of 2003 caused a reduction of 35–58% in length and a reduction of 2–16% in the basal diameter of the 1YS, regardless of fruiting behaviour. In the less vigorous, but highly productive lateral-bearer Fernor, unsuitable weather conditions in 2003 affected flower differentiation and resulted in significantly fewer fruits in 2004. The mean daily temperature in the period March–August was negatively correlated with the 1YS diameter and the number of vegetative buds per 1YS, whereas the mean precipitation during the same period showed a positive relationship with the length and diameter of the 1YS. Information obtained through shoot-architecture analysis could be useful in cultivar choice for new orchards, especially at a time of great climatic changes. Simple predictions for further development of the annual shoots could also be made.
Thelarge-maleadvantageinbrownantechinuses: femalechoice,maledominance,anddelayed maledeath

Male-biased dimorphism in body size is usually attributed to sexual selection acting on males, through either male competition or female choice. Brown antechinuses (Antechinus stuartii) are sexually dimorphic in size, and heavier males are known to sire more offspring in the wild. We investigated four possible mechanisms that might explain this large-male reproductive advantage. We tested if there is a female preference for large males, a female preference for dominant males, if larger males compete more effectively for mates, and if there is a survival advantage for large males during the mating season. We established nesting groups of males in captivity and conducted mate choice trials in which males from nesting groups either could or could not interact. We assessed male dominance rank and recorded survival times after mating. Females did not prefer larger males directly. The results suggest that the other three mechanisms of sexual selection tested account for the large-male advantage: large males competed more successfully for mates, so were socially dominant; females rejected subordinates (males they saw losing twice in contests to previous mates); and dominant males survived for longer after their first mating. Females judged male rank based on direct observation of male competitive interactions at the time of mating and apparently could not distinguish rank from male scent. Effects of size and dominance on male reproductive success are not confounded by age because male antechinuses are semelparous. Key words: Dasyuridae, dominance, mate choice, sexual selection, sexual size dimorphism. [Behav Ecol]
Response of micropropagated ‘Robusta’ banana to varying combinations of N, P, K nutrition in lateritic soils of coastal Orissa

To optimize the productivity of micropropagated banana in the lateritic soils of Orissa, an experiment on effect of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth and yield of Robusta cultivar was conducted. Three factor experiment comprising of 0, 100, 200 and 300 g of each of nitrogen and potassium and 0, 50 and 100 g phosphorus per plant was laid out at 1.5 m spacing in Randomized Block Design with three replication. In the first and second crop, maximum plant height (164.03 and 131.86 cm) at shoot emergence was observed at 300 g nitrogen, 100 g phosphorus (152.44 and 132.04 cm) and 300 g potassium (145.81 and 131.00 cm). Pseudostem circumference, canopy spread and leaf size increased by 300 g nitrogen, 100 g phosphorus and 300 g potassium per plant per crop. Maximum bunch weight (16.54 and 12.04 kg) was recorded at 300 g nitrogen, 100 g phosphorus (13.93 and 10.29 kg) and 300 g potassium (13.5 and 9.89 kg) in first and second crops, respectively. Cumulative bunch weight (first crop + second crop) of 28.61 kg, 24.22 kg and 23.39 kg was recorded at 300 g nitrogen, 100 g phosphorus and 300 g potassium with an estimated cumulative fruit yield of 127.14, 107.63 and 103.95 t/ha, respectively. Interaction effects of different nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium doses were significant for bunch weight. Maximum cumulative (first+ second crop) bunch weight (46.9 3 kg) was recorded with combined dose of 300 g nitrogen, 100 g phosphorus and 300 g potassium per plant/crop with estimated fruit yield of 208.57 t/ha. Higher doses of nitrogen were observed to reduce the crop cycle interval from first to second crop. Significant improvement in TSS content and pulp/peel ratio of fruits was observed due to NPK nutrition. The dose of 300 g N and K2O each and 100 g P2O5 per plant per crop was observed to be optimum for micropropagated “Robusta” banana under irrigated, low fertility, lateritic soil conditions of coastal Orissa.
NATIVE HYMENOPTERAN PARASITOIDS ASSOCIATED WITH ANASTREPHA SPP. (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN SEROPEDICA CITY, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Parasitoids associated with five species of Anastrepha were recovered from host fruits that belong to 12 species of plants growing in Seropedica city, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We recovered six native hymenopteran parasitoid species: Doryctobracon areolatus (Szepligeti), Utetes (Bracanastrephae) anastrephae (Viereck), Opius bellus Gahan (Braconidae, Opiinae), Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brethes) (Figitidae, Eucoilinae), Trichopria anastrephae Lima (Diapriidae, Diapriinae) and an unidentified species of Pteromalidae. The most abundant parasitoid species was D. areolatus, representing 61.8% of all parasitoids. The parasitoid species recovered were well established in a wide diversity of fruit and Anastrepha fly species, including economically important pests such as A. fraterculus, A. obliqua and A. sororcula. The analysis of the relative abundance of the recovered parasitoids in different fruit species suggests, at least for the three encountered opiine parasitoids, that the host-parasitoid relationship was influenced by certain physical characteristics such as size and weight of the host fruit. Our results support the original proposal of M. Aluja and J. Sivinski (pers. comm.) that some native host plant species for the Anastrepha flies facilitate parasitoid multiplication. They deserve attention as natural enemy reservoirs and may be important to biological control strategies within fruit fly integrated management programs.
Viability and Developmental Time in Cactophilic Drosophila gouveai and Drosophila antonietae (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Are Dependent on the Cactus Host

Abstract Drosophila gouveai Tidon-Sklorz & Sene and Drosophila antonietae Tidon-Sklorz & Sene (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are two cactophilic sibling species that belong to the Drosophila buzzatii cluster, which comprises seven species living in South America. D. gouveai uses the decaying stems of Cactaceae of the genus Pilosocereus as breeding sites, whereas D. antonietae is mainly associated with Cereus hildmannianus K. Schum. In this article, we investigate the effect that growing in alternative host cacti may have on fitness-related traits, developmental time and viability, relevant for species that live in ephemeral resources. Both species were reared in seminatural media prepared with fermenting tissues of either Pilosocereus machrisis Y. Dawson or C. hildmannianus. Our results show that the specific differences in the traits analyzed are host dependent. Overall, both species performed very well in P. machrisis, whereas survival in C. hildmannianus differed dramatically between species. The viability of D. antonietae was lower than in P. machrisis, whereas D. gouveai barely survived in C. hildmannianus. The results are discussed in relation to biogeographic, morphological, and molecular evidence, and they stress the need to assess the relative significance of host plant use in diversification of the D. buzzatii cluster.
Suitable animal movement indexes or just geometric correlations? A comment on Püttker et al. 2012

Abstract We investigate the potential flaws of estimating animal home range using indexes based on distance between captures as proposed by Püttker et al. (2012, Journal of Mammalogy 93:115–123). Through simulated capture distributions we demonstrated that distance indexes are inherently correlated with home-range estimates derived from the same data set. We also arrived at a similar conclusion using a real capture data set from the spiny rat (Thrichomys pachyurus). However, distance indexes were not correlated to home range based on radiotelemetry for the same individuals of T. pachyurus. Our results strongly support that the conclusions presented by Püttker et al. (2012) were due to statistical dependence between correlated measures and that these indexes might not represent the biological phenomenon of interest—the home range. Resumo Nós investigamos as potenciais falhas em estimar a área de vida de animais utilizando índices baseados na distância entre capturas propostos por Puttker et al. (2012, Journal of Mammalogy 93:115–123). Através de distribuições espaciais de capturas simuladas, demonstramos que índices de distância estão inerentemente correlacionados com as estimativas de área de vida produzidas pelo mesmo conjunto de capturas simuladas. Nós também obtivemos resultados similares usando um conjunto real de dados de captura-marcação-recaptura de punarés (Thrichomys pachyurus). No entanto, os índices de distância entre capturas não foram correlacionados com as áreas de vidas estimadas usando informações providas por radiotelemetria para os mesmos indivíduos de T. pachyurus. Nossos resultados sugerem fortemente que as conclusões apresentadas por Puttker et al. (2012) foram devido a dependência estatística entre duas estimativas inerentemente correlacionadas, e que índices de distância entre capturas podem não representar o fenômeno biológico de interesse—a área de vida.
Evaluation of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) germplasm in winter season under Delhi conditions

Twenty genotypes of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) namely, Ajay, Flirt, Kundan, Maghi, Neelima, Pink Cloud, Poornima, PC-10, PC-39, PC-29, PC-10-2, PC-8, PC-28, Snowball, Shyamal, Snow Don, Yellow Bangla, Thai Chin Queen, Tata Centenary, and White Prolific were evaluated for different characters suitable for cut flower and other purposes at the Research Farm of the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during winter season of 2004–2005 and 2005–2006. The results revealed that all the genotypes differed significantly with respect to growth and flowering parameters. Cultivar Tata Centenary recorded the maximum plant height (124.00 cm) followed by cv. Snow Don (123.99 cm) and Snow Ball (71.83 cm), respectively. Cultivar Yellow Bangla recorded maximum number of branches per plant (20.16) while minimum (3.16) was in PC-39. The maximum number of days taken for first flower bud appearance (83.50) and number of ray florets per flower (287.99) was recorded by cv. Thai Chin Queen; while flower diameter (10.58 cm) was recorded maximum by cv. Snow Don. PC-8 was found to be early flowering which took 79.49 day while cv. Poonam took 113.49 day for first flowering. The maximum number of flowers per plant (56.50) was obtained by PC-28 followed by White Prolific (52.16) and PC-10 (51.83) and minimum (10.33) by Kundan. The maximum duration of flowering on plant (56.83 day) was recorded by cv. Flirt and maximum fresh weight of single flower (10.24 g) was recorded by cv. Thai Chin Queen On the basis of morphological characters Thai Chin Queen Tata Centenary Snow Ball and Snow Don can be grouped as cut flower genotypes while remainine could be grouped as pot mum decorative and loose flower eenotypes
Spore Viability Under Different Storage Conditions in Four Rupicolous Asplenium L. Taxa

Abstract Spore germination of four rupicolous taxa of Asplenium (A. adiantum-nigrum. var. adiantum-nigrum, A. adiantum.nigrum. var. silesiacum, A. septentrionale subsp. septentrionale and A. ruta-muraria. subsp. ruta-muraria) was determined after 1, 6, and 12 months of storage in Eppendorf tubes (dry storage) or on agar plates (wet storage) at −20, 5 and 20°C. In general, technique and temperature factors and the moisture-temperature interaction, had a significant effect on germination percentage. In all cases, except for A. ruta-muraria, germination percentage was maintained in wet and dry storage, but in the dry storage method percent germination was higher. These results indicate some capacity of Asplenium spores to withstand desiccation, and that ecological requirements of species may influence spore viability and should be taken into account when designing spore conservation programs. Spores of A. ruta-muraria yielded better results in wet storage. In dry storage its response was different from that of the other three taxa. Wet storage at −20°C killed all or most spores of all taxa.
Effect of chemical complexity of essential oils on feeding deterrence in larvae of the cabbage looper

The relationship between chemical composition and feeding deterrent activity of seven essential oils is explored, including those from Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae), Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae), Lavendula latifolia (L.) Medicus, Lavendula angustifolia L. , Mentha crispa L. , Mentha arvensis L. and Mentha piperita L. (Lamiaceae) against an important agricultural pest, the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hübner, Noctuidae), using a leaf‐disc choice bioassay. Comparison of the deterrent activity of ‘full mixtures' with respective artificial blends missing individual constituents demonstrates that, for most oils, minor constituents in a mixture can be as important as major constituents with respect to the overall feeding deterrent effect. There is a lack of correlation between the feeding deterrent effect of an individual constituent of an essential oil and its contribution to the overall activity of the ‘full mixture’ in some cases. The effect of removing an individual constituent from the mixture of an essential oil depends on the unique properties of the mixture, which in turn may reflect the interaction of its constituents. Understanding the role and contribution of each constituent to the overall activity of the oil can facilitate the creation of artificial blends that optimize their efficacy against different pests.
Phylogenetic structure and ecological and evolutionary determinants of species richness for angiosperm trees in forest communities in China

Site‐level species richness is thought to result from both local conditions and species’ evolutionary history, but the nature of the evolutionary effect, and how much it underlies the correlation with current environment, are debated. Although tropical conservatism is a widely used explanatory framework along temperature gradients, it is unclear whether cold tolerance is primarily a threshold effect (e.g. freezing tolerance) or represents a more continuous constraint. Nor is it clear whether cold tolerance is the only major axis of conservatism or whether others, such as water‐stress tolerance, are additionally important or trade‐off against cold tolerance. We address these questions by testing associated predictions for forest plots distributed across 35° latitude.