Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A spatially explicit model for flowering time in bamboos: long rhizomes drive the evolution of delayed flowering

Clonal plants produce semi‐autonomous modules (ramets). The spatial distribution of ramets affects lifetime reproductive success via self‐pollination, kin competition and competition among genotypes over space and nutrients. These, in turn, influence the evolution of the timing of flowering in monocarps (flowering is fatal), such as bamboos. The vegetative growth period (flowering interval) in bamboos shows a geographic cline from tropical (short‐interval) to temperate (long‐interval) regions. However, the mechanisms underlying the emergence of this geographic trend in flowering interval remain elusive. We hypothesized that differences in flowering interval are determined by ecological features that affect the spatial arrangement of ramets and the degree of kin competition. Using a spatially explicit mathematical model, we examined the effects of rhizome elongation, seed and pollen dispersal ranges and inbreeding depression on the evolution of flowering interval. Flowering interval became longer as rhizome length increased but was shorter as seed dispersal range increased. However, flowering interval was less affected when these ranges were extremely large. These results could be caused by intragenet competition due to the spatial structure of genets. If the rhizome is short, each genet forms a clumping structure by vegetative growth and is subject to high intragenet competition. Early flowering may reduce this competition. When seed dispersal range is shorter, kin competition among seeds becomes greater and delayed flowering is a better strategy. When these parameters are extremely large, the effects of this type of competition are reduced, and flowering interval does not change. The effect of inbreeding depression depends on the spatial distribution of ramets formed by vegetative growth. Inbreeding depression reduces reproductive success, and hence, delayed flowering is selected for when both rhizome length and pollen dispersal range are short, and inbreeding with neighbouring siblings is unavoidable. Synthesis. The evolutionary consequences of flowering interval in clonal plants are affected by the spatial distribution of genets. Geographic patterns in flowering interval of bamboos can be explained by differences in rhizome length. Interspecific comparisons among species with different rhizome lengths should be examined by collecting long‐term demographic data on the spatial arrangement of ramets.
Variations saisonnières du régime alimentaire chez le Blaireau européen (Meles Meles L.)

European Badger feces (n = 410) were collected at monthly intervals during 1978 and 1979 in two habitats in Western France (Deux-Sevres). Feces were analysed to estimate the frequency of occurrence and the relative bulk of identifiable undigested items. Significant statistical differences were observed between different seasons and habitats. Varions types of feeding strategies are distinguished and discussed. Despite a definite seasonal preference for earthworms, the European Badger is shawn to be a "generalist", feeding upon a wide range of food items
The Spatial Changes of Phytoseston and Microbiological Parameters in Lowland Rivers during the Summer Period

The composition and distribution of the phytoseston communities and heterotrophic bacteria from the Welna and Nielba rivers before and behind the cross-rivers were analyzed from June to September 2007. In both rivers the highest concentration of algae biomass were recorded in July and September, which was connected with concentrating the periphytic and benthic species in phytoseston, during which the influence of the increasing water level were transported into the lower part of rivers. Algae such as Gomphonema parvulum, Tychonema granulatum, Cryptomonas ovata, Aulacoseira granulata, Cocconeis placentula, Monoraphidium contortum, Planctolyngbya limnetica, Cyclotella radiosa, and Fragilaria ulna var. angustissima were the most common species for all examined sites. Furthermore, the results indicate that at sites located along the Welna and Nielba rivers a trend of diatom increase in the biomass was observed behind the crossing. In this study we found that diatoms and green algae dominated in the Nielba river, while cyanobacteria domination was typical for the Welna mainly before the crossing rivers. The analysis of the number of psychrophilic and mesophilic bacteria indicated the greater number of bacteria in the Welna river compared to the Nielba. We think that the process of mixing waters of two rivers are responsible for the reduction in bacterial cell numbers in the Welna water.
Western Bean Cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as a Potential Pest of Transgenic Cry1Ab Bacillus thuringiensis Corn Hybrids in South Dakota

Abstract Injuries caused by the western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith), on transgenic Cry1Ab Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn hybrids were documented and quantified. The western bean cutworm is an emerging or potential pest of transgenic Bt corn in South Dakota. The proportion of ears infested with western bean cutworm larvae in the Cry1Ab Bt corn hybrids were 18–20, 38–70, and 0–34% in 2000, 2003, and 2004, respectively. The Cry1Ab Bt corn hybrids were almost completely free of European corn borer infestations. Untreated conventional corn hybrids were less infested with western bean cutworm larvae but more infested with European corn borer larvae. The proportion of ears infested with European corn borer larvae alone were 33, 58–80, and 8–25% in 2000, 2003, and 2004, respectively. Infestations with western bean cutworm alone were 28, 8–28, and 13–19%, respectively. Proportion of ears simultaneously infested with both western bean cutworm and European corn borer larvae were much lower than single infestations by either species alone, indicating niche overlap and competition. Simultaneous infestations by the two species on untreated conventional corn hybrids were only 8, 0–18, and 0–1% in 2000, 2003, and 2004. The corn grains harvested from injured ears were also analyzed for fumonisin and aflatoxin through quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. More mycotoxins were found in 2003 when the levels of insect infestation in the corn ears were higher than in 2004. Results from this study underscore the need to investigate other emerging or potential arthropod pests of transgenic Bt corn hybrids in addition to the western bean cutworm.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome gain regular menstrual cycles when ageing

The aim of this study was to investigate if previously oligo- or amenorrhoeic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients gain regular menstrual cycles when ageing. Women registered as having PCOS based on the combination of oligo- or amenorrhoea and an increased LH concentration were invited by letter to participate in a questionnaire by telephone. In this questionnaire we asked for the prevalent menstrual cycle pattern which we scored in regular cycles (persistently shorter than 6 weeks) or irregular cycles (longer than 6 weeks). We interviewed 346 patients of 30 years and older and excluded 141 from analysis mainly because of the use of oral contraceptives. The remaining 205 patients showed a highly significant linear trend (P < 0.001) for a shorter menstrual cycle length with increasing age. Logistic regression analysis for body mass index weight loss hirsutism previous treatment with clomiphene citrate or gonadotrophins previous pregnancy ethnic origin and smoking showed no influence on the effect of age on the regularity of the menstrual cycle. We conclude that the development of a new balance in the polycystic ovary solely caused by follicle loss through the process of ovarian ageing can explain the occurrence of regular cycles in older patients with PCOS. (authors)
Penile morphology of African mole rats (Bathyergidae): structural modification in relation to mode of ovulation and degree of sociality

The penile morphology and bacular structure of five species of African mole rat are described in relation to the method of ovulation, degree of sociality and polygynandry. We predicted that, with an increase in sociality, and a concomitant decrease in polygynandry and sperm competition, there would be a decrease in penis ornamentation (spinosity) and baculum size. In solitary species of African mole rat with marked seasonal reproduction and induced ovulation (Bathyergus suillus and Georychus capensis), males have numerous epidermal spines on the penis. Social, seasonally breeding, induced ovulating mole rats Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis possess less elaborate ornamentation in the form of small protrusions that are rounded at the apex. Two aseasonally breeding eusocial species with spontaneous ovulation Cryptomys damarensis and Heterocephalus glaber have ridges on the penis but lack any elaborate ornamentation. Baculae, however, showed a trend to become proportionally smaller in the solitary species. Our prediction that, with an increase in sociality and a move from induced to spontaneous ovulation, the amount and degree of penile ornamentation declines was, therefore, generally supported.
Reproductive allocation and the long‐term costs of reproduction in Siparuna grandiflora, a dioecious neo‐tropical shrub

1 Using a combination of observational and experimental approaches, both allocation of resources to reproduction (often called the direct cost of reproduction) and the subsequent long‐term costs (the indirect, delayed or demographic cost) associated with reproductive allocation to male and female function in Siparuna grandiflora (Siparunaceae), a tropical dioecious shrub, were examined.
Postbuckling Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates Using a Higher-Order Zig-Zag Theory

This study examines the effects of incorporating zig-zag kinematics in the postbuckling analysis of laminated composite plates. A higher-order zig-zag plate element for nonlinear analysis was developed based on works of Averill and Yip. Their zig-zag element is especially suitable for a nonlinear structural laminate analysis due to its high accuracy and a low, constant number of degrees of freedom regardless of the number of layers. The article examines global postbuckling response as well as local displacement and stress fields of various laminated plates. The results derived from higher-order zig-zag theory are compared with predictions of first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Significant differences between these two theories are obtained for laminated plates with drastically different transverse stiffness properties with length-to-thickness aspect ratios L / t = 30 and 50. FSDT leads to good predictions of global and local behavior only for L / t = 50 and 100 with a typical layup in which the adjacent plies do not have very different transverse stiffness properties. Results presented in this article indicate that the zig-zag theory is required to predict accurately stresses and in-plane displacements through the thickness in moderately thick plates in the postbuckled state.
Olive pollination: Flowers and pollen of two cultivars of Olea europaea

Abstract The economic and historical importance of this wind‐pollinated species (Olea europaea) in the Mediterranean area has stimulated a lot of research. Some of these investigations have studied the reproductive phases up to fruit formation, with particular focus on the flowering period. To evaluate the pollinating process, micro‐ and macro‐morphological analyses were carried out for 3 years on an experimental olive grove with two cultivars ('Ascolana Tenera’ and ‘Giarraffa'). The macro‐morphological data show relevant differences (tree‐crown volume and number of inflorescences) and similarities (the mean number of flowers per inflorescence) between the cultivars. Micro‐morphological analyses determined the mean number of pollen grains per anther in ‘Giarraffa’, used as the “polliniser” at the same time, for the stigmas, this analysis provided the potential pollen quantity captured by ‘Ascolana Tenera’ “used as the “pollinated” plant. This type of investigation improves knowledge on the formation cycle of olive fruit, taking into consideration that more than one olive cultivar is normally used in the groves, because of self‐sterility.
O3 uptake and drought stress effects on carbon acquisition of ponderosa pine in natural stands.

• The effect of O3 exposure or uptake on carbon acquisition (net assimilation (A) or gross photosynthesis (Pg )), with and without drought stress, is reported here in 40-yr-old-ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) trees. • Maximum daily gas exchange was measured monthly for 12 trees at four sites differing in pollutant exposure over two growing seasons with above- and below-average annual precipitation. Gas exchange measures were estimated between sampling periods using a generalized additive regression model. • Both A and Pg generally declined with cumulative O3 exposure or uptake at all sites. As a response variable, Pg was slightly more sensitive than A to cumulative O3 exposure. As a metric, O3 uptake vs exposure permitted slightly better statistical resolution of seasonal response between sites. • The effect of late summer drought stress was statistically significant only at the moderate pollution site, and combined synergistically with O3 exposure or uptake to reduce Pg . The general additive model allows the user to define a deleterious level of cumulative O3 exposure or uptake, and to quantitatively assess biological response.
Long-term survival and reproductive success of New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) treated with ivermectin as pups

Abstract Context. Hookworms (Uncinaria spp.) are a common parasite of neonatal fur seals and sea lions around the world and may contribute to decreased pup growth and survival. Removal of these parasitic burdens by administration of the anthelmintic ivermectin has been trialled in New Zealand (NZ) sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) pups at Sandy Bay, Enderby Island, with initial benefits in growth and survival reported. Long-term effects, however, are not known. Aims. To determine the impact of ivermectin treatment administered in the first month of life, on long-term survival and fecundity in a sample of NZ sea lion pups. Methods. For a sample of treated and control pups born between 2002 and 2004, resighting data to 2012 was assessed with the Cox proportional hazards analysis to evaluate survival to maturity and fecundity. Key results. Sample size was a limiting factor as juvenile survival was very low, but a trend of improved survival was observed in the ivermectin-treated group. Year of birth was significant due to the effects of a bacterial epizootic in the first year of the trial. Reproductive rate was not significantly different between groups. Conclusions. The effect of disease and parasitism on the survival of NZ sea lions is apparent, contributing to early pup mortality, with potentially wider-ranging implications for juvenile survival and beyond. Implications. Further research is warranted to investigate anthelmintic treatment of NZ sea lion pups as a safe and effective management tool to improve survival and recruitment in declining populations.
Tibetan Plateau climate dynamics: recent research progress and outlook

This paper reviews progress in the study of Tibetan Plateau (TP) climate dynamics over the past decade. Several theoretical frameworks, including thermal adaptation and the TP sensible heat (SH) driving air-pump, have been developed to identify the mechanisms responsible for the circulation anomaly produced by thermal forcing of the TP. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the thermal effects of large-scale orography, including the Tibetan and Iranian Plateaus (TIP), are crucial for the formation of the East Asian and South Asian summer monsoons (SASM) because the surface SH of the TIP is the major driver of the water vapor transport required for the genesis of the north branch of the SASM. The large-scale orography of the TP affects the Asian climate through thermal forcing in spring and summer, and mechanical forcing in winter. The TP forcing can also influence the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) onset over the Bay of Bengal (BOB) by enhancing the BOB warm pool at the surface and by modulating the South Asian High (SAH) in the upper troposphere. On intra-seasonal timescales, the TP thermal forcing significantly modulates spring rainfall in southern China and generates the biweekly oscillation of the SAH in summer. Despite climate warming, the atmospheric heat source over the TP, particularly the spring SH, exhibits a clear weakening trend from the 1980s to 2000s. This weakening of the spring SH contributed to the anomalous dry in the north and wet in the south rainfall pattern observed over East China. Also discussed are challenges to further understanding the mechanism of TP forcing on the multi-scale variability of the ASM.
Boron dynamics related to fruit growth and seed production in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa, cv. Hayward).

C. Sotomayor, P. Norambuena, and R. Ruiz. 2010. Boron dynamics related to fruit growth and seed production in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa, cv. Hayward). Cien. Inv. Agr. 37(1):133141. The effect of foliar boron treatments on fruit growth and seed development in Actinidia deliciosa, cv. Hayward, was studied. The distal leaves (BH) or flowers (BF) of a shoot were sprayed with 500 mg L -1 boric acid during the flowering period. The mobility of boron from the leaves to the flowers through the phloem was determined by spraying only the leaves. From 0 to 96 h after treatment, leaves and flowers were sampled and total boron was assessed. At harvest time, fruit weight and diameter plus seed weight and number were measured for the different treatments. The weight of fruits growing from shoots with boron-treated leaves were 14.1% higher than the control, while the weight of fruits derived from boron-treated flowers was 17% higher than that of fruits from untreated flowers. Regarding fruit length, significant differences between boron treatments and the control were observed, with an 8.2% and 8.5% increase for BH and BF treatments, respectively. No significant differences were found in fruit diameter. Fruits grown from shoots with boron-treated leaves had 43% more seeds than fruit grown from untreated control shoots, while fruits resulting from boron-treated flowers had 44% more seeds. This demonstrates the positive effect of boron treatment in seed production. No differences were observed in seed weight between treatments. The correlation coefficient between seed number and fruit weight was r 2
The Role of Suspended Sediments in the Nutrition of Zooplankton in Turbid Reservoirs

Reservoirs built on rivers draining agricultural watersheds are often turbid with sus- pended sediments. Filter-feeding zooplankton, e.g., members of the genus Daphnia, seem to be as abundant in such reservoirs as in natural lakes. Using controlled laboratory conditions, we have investigated the potential role of suspended sediments in the nutrition of Daphnia from a turbid reservoir. In three sets of experimental procedures we measured: (1) the physical effect of sediments on the ingestion and incorporation rates of algae by daphnids, (2) the ingestion rates of two sizes of clay mineral sediment particles by daphnids, and (3) the growth and survival of daphnids fed yeast and sediments with and without organic matter adsorbed onto the particle surfaces. Increases in suspended sediment concentration from 0.0 to 2451 mg/L decreased ingestion rates of 4C-labeled Chlorella vulgaris by Daphnia parvula and D. pulex by ~95% and decreased incor- poration rates by 99%o. Sediment concentrations of 50-100 mg/L reduced the algal carbon ingested by daphnids to potential starvation levels. 15Zn-labeled fine and coarse (1.88 and 4.65 Am mean diameter) clay mineral sediment particles were fed to D. parvula, D. pulex, and D. similis. Ingestion rates of sediments by daphnids were limited at particle concentrations of :5.0 x 10" particles/mL and were dependent on particle size, daphnid species, and body size. Fine particles were ingested at greater rates by D. pulex and D. parvala than were coarse particles, while large D. similis ingested coarse and fine particles at similar rates. In addition, D. pulex had higher ingestion rates in each particle size suspension than did D. parvula or D. similis. The differential ability to ingest these particles suggests a mechanism of regulating daphnid species composition if the organic matter ad- sorbed to these sediment particles is useful as food. To evaluate this mechanism, we adsorbed dis- solved organic protein to sediment particles. When D. pulex were fed the amended sediment suspen- sion, they grew larger than when fed control sediments, but not as large as when fed yeast. D. parvula grew equally well when fed either yeast or amended sediments. Thus, dissolved organic matter can be made available for daphnid growth by the mechanism of adsorption.
Influence of defoliation on some aspects of regrowth and senescence of Persian clover herbage grown in pots

This experiment investigated the effects of defoliation management of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) on herbage production, and in particular, regrowth and losses of production due to senescence. Three heights of defoliation of Persian clover (0, 5, 10 cm above soil level) were superimposed on 3 frequencies of defoliation (4, 6, 12 weeks between harvests until early October; 3, 4.5, 9 weeks subsequently) in a completely randomised pot experiment with 3 replicates. Defoliation management had a large effect on yield of harvested herbage, in agreement with earlier studies with Persian clover in mixed swards or as a monoculture in the field. The amount of herbage that grew below defoliation height and subsequently died was 0-21% of the total herbage grown. The amount of dead and dying matter in herbage above and below defoliation height increased as both defoliation height and interval increased. This represented up to 61% of the total herbage grown. Aspects of regrowth (leaf area, petiole number, petiole extension rate, yield of herbage during growth, biomass of root relative to shoot) were measured. Except at very long defoliation intervals, vegetative growth of Persian clover herbage was positively associated with all of the above variables. The pattern of change with time in the rate of green herbage accumulation following defoliation reflected the balance between changes in the growth of new plant tissue and the loss of mature tissue to senescence and decomposition.
Optimizing Repeat-Visit, Call-Broadcast Nocturnal Surveys for Yellow Rails (Coturnicops noveboracensis)

Abstract. Due to its secretive nature and nocturnal vocalization, multi-species bird monitoring programs are not effective in surveying populations of Yellow Rails (Coturnicops noveboracensis) and, thus, species-specific survey methods should be used. To determine how to optimize nocturnal call-playback surveys of Yellow Rails, we evaluated the effects of survey methods (naïve-estimated vs. detectability-adjusted estimated occupancy, observer, number of surveys, and the use of playbacks) and temporal and environmental conditions (e.g., time, date, temperature, moon phase, seasonality, and cloud cover) on detection probability. In 2010 and 2011, 334 call-broadcast night surveys for Yellow Rail were conducted at 167 survey points within 80 wetlands in south-central Manitoba, Canada. Yellow Rail detection probability was estimated at 0.63 in both years. In 2010, the detectability-adjusted wetland occupancy rate was estimated at 0.63, and in 2011 it was estimated at 0.36. Call-broadcast surveys contributed relatively little to improving Yellow Rail detectability, but repeat surveys at each site increased the number of individuals detected. Detection probability was not correlated with the temporal or environmental variables we studied, or by observer. Surveys where call-broadcasts are not feasible, such as volunteer surveys, are still likely to result in good estimates of Yellow Rail abundances, if surveys are repeated within breeding seasons.