Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of an Immune Challenge on Multiple Components of Song Display in Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica: Implications for Sexual Selection

Bird song is believed to honestly reveal male quality including the ability of singers to face parasitism. In a natural population of barn swallows Hirundo rustica, we experimentally imposed a cost on song production by an immune challenge. We therefore vaccinated a group of reproducing males with an antigen (Newcastle disease virus), and injected phosphate-buffered saline to a control group. Immune challenge significantly reduced one song feature, rattle duration. This decrease was related to male quality, as measured by tail length, because males with short tails reduced the duration of their rattle significantly more than males with long tails. In addition, another song feature, strophe duration, decreased in the control group, while it remained constant in the challenged group. Duration of the rattle has previously been found to be positively related to testosterone level, and it may hence reflect male competitive ability. Thus, male barn swallows may not have the potential to produce long rattles when their immune system is challenged. By maintaining their strophe duration after an immune challenge, males may compensate for the decrease in rattle duration. Our results suggest that different song features may convey different types of information, and that barn swallow song, in particular their rattle, may reliably reveal information about activation of the immune system.
The Dose Determines the Stimulation (and Poison): Development of A Chemical Hormesis Database

A comprehensive effort was undertaken to identify articles demonstrating chemical hormesis. Nearly 4000 potentially relevant articles were retrieved from preliminary computer searches utilizing various keyword descriptors and extensive cross-referencing. A priori evaluation criteria were established including study design features (e.g., number of doses, dose range), statistical analysis, and reproducibility of results. Evidence of chemical hormesis was judged to have occurred in approximately 350 of the 4000 studies evaluated. Chemical hormesis was observed in a wide range of taxonomic groups and involved agents representing highly diverse chemical classes, many of potential environmental relevance. Numerous biologic endpoints were assessed, with growth responses the most prevalent, followed by metabolic effects, longevity, reproductive responses, and survival. Hormetic responses were generally observed to be of limited magnitude with the average low-dose maximum stimulation approximately 50% greater than controls. The hormetic dose-response range was generally limited to about one order of magnitude with the upper end of the hormetic curve approaching the estimated no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for the particular endpoint. Based on the evaluation criteria, high to moderate evidence of hormesis was observed in studies comprised of ≥ doses with <3 doses in the hormetic zone. The present analysis suggests that chem ical hormesis is a reproducible and generalizable biologic phenomenon. Over the last decade advances have been made providing mechanistic insight helpful in explaining the phenomenon of chemical hormesis in multiple biologic systems with various endpoints. The reason for the uncertainty surrounding the existence of hormesis as a “real phenomenon” is believed to be the result of its relatively infrequent observation in the literature due to experimental design considerations, especially with respect to the number of doses, range of doses, and endpoint selection.
Significance of stridulation in larval Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera)

I. An experimental study on the larvae of Hydropsyche angustipennis, H. siltalai, H. nevae, and H. pellucidula showed that when forced to leave their retreats the larvae would enter any retreat of suitable size, regardless of what species had built it and whether it was occupied or not. If the retreat entered was occupied, the larvae fought vigorously about the ownership of the retreat. 2. When defending their retreats against intruders of various congeneric species, larvae of H. angustipennis, H. siltalai, and H. nevae won more than 90% of the encounters, and all the species were about equally successive as defenders. As intruders, in contrast, H. angustipennis and H. siltalai were clearly superior to H. nevae. 3. Larvae of H. angustipennis and H. nevae were observed to stridulate in about 50% of the encounters, but larvae of H. siltalai stridulated in only about 20% of the fights. In more than 97% of the observed cases it was the defending larva which stridulated, and the stridulations were most frequent during fights between conspecific individuals, and when the intruder was larger than the defender. Intruders stridulated only occasionally, and only if they managed to force their way into the retreat, i.e., they defended the position attained. H. angustipennis was clearly the most active species to stridulate as intruder. 4. In general, the percentage of fights won by the defender decreased as the size of the intruder increased. However, if the defender stridulated, the decrease in the winning percentage was insignificant, but if the defender did not stridulate the decrease was considerable. Thus, stridulation clearly increased the defender's chances of winning a fight, especially against a larger intruder. 5. Morphologically the stridulatory apparatus of the four species differed little from each other. Correspondingly, the structure of the individual sound bursts was practically the same in all the species, but in the grouping of the bursts the species were rather different. Further, variation in numbers of sound bursts per set and numbers of sets per stridulatory period correlated to some extent with the species and size combination of the combatants. 6. The structural similarity of the sound bursts in the four species and the wide frequency band of the sound, together with the fact that stridulation could be provoked very easily by nonspecific artificial stimuli, suggest that the sounds are part of the defense behavior of the larvae and may be classed as protest sounds. Whether they affect other than congeneric intruders remains unknown. 7. Observations on the larvae during their responses to various disturbances indicated that they sensed vibrations carried by their nets and retreats, but not those carried by the water. From this, it is inferred that peculiar plume-like hairs present in large numbers on the anteroventral sides of the basal segments of the fore legs are the vibration receptors of the larvae.
Agricultural change and paddock tree loss: implications for an endangered subspecies of red-tailed black-cockatoo

Natural senescence and the intensification of agricultural practices are contributing to the continuing loss of paddock trees from agricultural regions in Australia. This is of particular concern in the southern Wimmera of western Victoria, where much of the endangered Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) Woodland vegetation community is represented only by relict Buloke trees in paddocks, which also constitute critical feeding habitat for the endangered south-eastern subspecies of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne). I investigated the rate and correlates of loss of scattered Buloke trees in paddocks by examining aerial photographs taken over a period of 15 years in a region undergoing agricultural intensification. Tree loss over the period was measured using aerial photographs of five localities, covering a total of 7850 ha of agricultural land in the southern Wimmera. The average rate of loss (± 1 SE) was 25.8% ± 6.4% over the 15 years, or 1.7% per annum. The rate of tree loss was higher in areas under cultivation (32.5%) than areas under pasture (20.6%). A disproportionate number of trees was lost from locations where centre pivot irrigation systems were installed. Because of the slow growth rate of Buloke trees, revegetation efforts and offset planting are unlikely to compensate for losses of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo habitat for approximately 100 years.
Efeito da quantidade de proteína na dieta e treinamento físico sobre parâmetros fisiológicos e zootécnicos de matrinchã (Brycon amazonicus, Günther 1869)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a interacao entre os efeitos do treinamento fisico e da quantidade de proteina na dieta sobre a hematologia; a composicao corporea de proteinas, lipideos e cinzas; o consumo alimentar, o ganho de massa e fator de conversao; o desempenho natatorio e a resistencia ao estresse causado pela hipoxia em exemplares de matrincha. Os resultados indicam que a hematologia e o desempenho natatorio nao sao alterados pelo treinamento fisico ou pela concentracao de proteina na dieta, porem, a resistencia a hipoxia e aumentada pelo treinamento, como indicado por menores elevacoes dos niveis de glicose. O aumento da quantidade de proteina na dieta e o treinamento melhoram a conversao alimentar e o ganho de massa dos animais, enquanto que o aumento na ingestao de racao e causado apenas pelo treinamento. A aplicacao concomitante dos dois fatores, embora cause efeito aditivo nos indices de ganho de massa e conversao alimentar, gera tambem os maiores acumulos de gorduras no file, o que sugere uma avaliacao do tipo de gordura acumulada e da aceitacao desta carne no mercado.
Tree mortality after low-intensity prescribed fires in managed Pinus sylvestris stands in southern Finland

Abstract Tree mortality, its causes, and the input of dead charred wood were studied in 11 managed 30–45-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands 1 year after experimental low-intensity prescribed burnings in southern Finland. First, the relationship between fire-induced tree damage and several external variables, e.g. stand density, within-stand wind speed, open-air wind speed, the Finnish Forest Fire Index (FFI) and flame height, was studied. Secondly, the study examined which damage and morphological characteristics best predicted tree mortality. Tree mortality was very variable in the experimental plots, ranging from 0% to 48% on the basis of stem number and from 0% to 41% in terms of wood volume. The input of dead and charred wood decreased with stand age, being 19.4 m3 ha−1 in 30–35-year-old stands, but only 1.7 m3 ha−1 in 45-year-old stands. The input of dead wood was on average 10 m3 ha−1, representing less than 5% of the mean volume before the prescribed fire. The external variables that best explained fire-induced damage were within-stand wind speed, flame height and FFI. Tree mortality was best predicted by charred stem ratio with bark thickness, and by charred stem ratio with tree diameter. The results indicate that prescribed burning that is conducted downwind increases tree mortality and changes subsequent stand structure with increasing within-stand wind speed.
Molecular genetic characterization of Central European soybean breeding germplasm

Soybean is the most important oilseed and protein crop worldwide, but in Europe, the acreage is comparably low. Thus, Europe strongly depends on imports of soy products and consequently recent efforts aim at expanding the acreage of soybean, particularly in Central Europe. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assist these breeding efforts by characterizing Central European soybean germplasm, employing a genotyping-by-sequencing approach yielding 7741 genomewide distributed markers. Our analysis on genetic diversity and population structure revealed that the Central European lines are most closely related to Swiss and Canadian lines and somewhat more distant from the investigated Chinese and US lines. In addition, we analysed patterns of allelic diversity and the extent of linkage disequilibrium. Collectively, our results can assist breeding of Central European soybean and suggest that further progress can be made by crosses among adapted material but a long-term success also requires introgression of alleles from non-European germplasm to further broaden the genetic diversity and incorporate novel traits.
First documented case of anadromy in a population of introduced rainbow trout in Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract The examination of population-specific adaptations of introduced salmonids to the wide range of environments found in Patagonia (southern South America) can help unveil some of the genetic and environmental contributions to life history variation. The rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss introduced into Argentina originated from a few parental stocks. Although some of these stocks were anadromous, all of the dozens of established populations described until now have been freshwater resident. In this paper we provide the first documentation of the presence of an anadromous run of rainbow trout in the Santa Cruz River, the second largest river of Argentinean Patagonia. Microsatellite analysis revealed that anadromous and resident fish from the Santa Cruz River are genetically indistinguishable, probably representing alternative life histories within the same population. Both wild types are very different from the fish of Danish origin that were reared in a local hatchery, suggesting that they are desc.
Structural analysis of a human I-A homologue using a monoclonal antibody that recognizes an MB3-like specificity

Monoclonal antibody IVD12 was used to isolate and characterize a human Ia molecule present on B cells that generally display DR4 or DR5 phenotypes. The specificity of binding of IVD12 to human peripheral blood B cells from 75 normal individuals and 19 homozygous human lymphoblastoid B cell lines was identical to the supertypic specificity MB3 previously defined. Furthermore, IVD12-reactivity was shown to segregate with HLA in three informative families. In each family, individuals positive for IVD12 binding were also positive for DR4 or DR5. Using IVD12, a molecule has been isolated from the homozygous cell line PRIESS (DR4/4) and has been shown by amino acid sequence analysis to be homologous to the murine I-A and human HLA-DS molecules. These findings suggest that the MB3 specificity is found on a molecule encoded by loci distinct from those loci which encode HLA-DR molecules. This molecule represents the third family of HLA-D region molecules isolated from the cell line PRIESS. Both HLA-DR and HLA-SB molecules from this cell line were previously shown by amino acid sequence analysis to be I-E-like but distinct from one another. Collectively, these data provide evidence that the HLA-D region contains at least six loci encoding distinct alpha and beta chains for the HLA-SB, HLA-DR, and HLA-DS molecules.
Lisina digestível em dietas de baixa proteína para frangos de corte tipo caipira de um aos 28 dias

The inclusion of different percentages of digestible lysine in low-protein diets was evaluated for male and female free-range broiler chickens, from 1 to 28 days. We used 792 female and 792 male naked neck chickens a day in a completely randomized 2x6 factorial scheme (sex x percentages of digestible lysine: 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05 and1.10%) with six replicates of 22 broilers. No interaction of sex versus lysine was found. Superiority was observed (P 0.05) in food conversion.In the chemical composition of the carcass, only thepercentage of mineral matter was influenced (P<0.05) bydigestible lysine levels.It was concluded that the level of 0.85% for type redneck broiler meets the nutritional requirement of digestible lysine in diets containing lower protein concentrations.
Disturbance and Dominance in Tetraphis pellucida: A Model of Disturbance Frequency and Reproductive Mode

The role of disturbance in maintenance of ecological dominance by Tetraphis pellucida Hedw. is examined in field studies and an empirical model. Patterns of compositional change in T. pellucida-dominated communities are summarized in a matrix of transition probabilities. Open substrate patches are most frequently replaced by asexual colonies which gradually change to the sexual state. Most sexual patches persist, or are overcome by competitors, but a significant fraction of the patches experience disturbance. A Markov model is used to predict the effects of varying disturbance frequency on the relative abundance of sexual, asexual, and senescent colonies, as well as on the success ofcompetitors. Experimental reduction in disturbancefrequency causes an increase in competitors and the local extinction of T. pellucida. Tetraphis pellucida maintains ecological dominance by exploiting frequently disturbed microsites. Its dual reproductive modes allow it to perpetuate itself by gemmae in frequent, local disturbances, and to escape to distant disturbances via spore production. Microhabitat preference ofT. pellucida for decayed stumps over adjacent logs may be correlated with differing disturbance frequencies. These findings suggest that disturbance may be an important selective pressure in maintaining dual reproductive modes in this species.
Historical status of fish populations in Canadian Rocky Mountain lakes inferred from subfossil Chaoborus (Diptera: Chaoboridae) mandibles

We used subfossil Chaoborus mandibles preserved in sediments of Cabin, Caledonia, and Celestine lakes, Alberta, to determine whether fish were present in the lakes (which now contain rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and lake chub (Couesius plumbeus)) prior to the first fish stockings early this century. We first tested whether Chaoborus were good indicators of the presence of fish in montane lakes in a survey of 43 lakes in jasper and Banff national parks. Chaoborus americanus was the only species inhabiting fishless lakes and was also found in three lakes with low fish density (co-occurring with C. flavicans in two of the three lakes). Other lakes containing fish had either C. flavicans or no Chaoborus species. Subfossils revealed that C. americanus was the predominant species prior to this century in Cabin and Celestine lakes, suggesting that these lakes were originally fishless; C. americanus (and C. trivittatus in Cabin Lake) were eliminated early this century, contemporarily with the first recorde.
Physiological functions of hemocytes newly emerged from the cultured hematopoietic organs in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Abstract Cellular immunity is a very important part of insect innate immunity. It is not clear if hemocytes entering the hemolymph require a maturation process to become competent. The establishment of a tissue culture system for the insect hematopoietic organs would enable physiological function assays with hemocytes newly emerged from hematopoietic organs. To this end, we established a hematopoietic organ culture system for the purebred silkworm pnd pS and then studied the physiological functions of the newly emerged hemocytes. We found that Grace's medium supplemented with 10% heated silkworm larval plasma was better for culturing the hematopoietic organs of pnd pS. Newly emerged hemocytes phagocytosed propidium iodide‐labeled bacteria and encapsulated the Iml‐2 coated nickel beads as well as pupal tissue debris. This culture system is therefore capable of generating physiologically functional hemocytes. These hemocytes can be used to study the mechanisms of the hemocyte immune response among others.
Age and Phytochemical Composition of Waterhyacinth (Pontederiaceae) Leaves Determine their Acceptability to Neochetina eichhorniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae

Behavior of the weevil Neochetina eichhorniae Warner, a specialist herbivore, varied with leaf age of waterhyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach [Pontederiaceae]). In the field, adult feeding decreased as the leaves aged. Accrued feeding damage on 8-d-old leaves was only about 60% of the sum of two respective sets of 4-d-old leaves. Likewise, on 40-d-old leaves the accrued feeding damage was only 21% of that from 10 successive 4-d-old sets. Laboratory studies confirmed a preference for the youngest tissue available and discounted the influence of leaf arrangement. The weevils preferred unfurling bud leaves by a 5-fold margin over open immature leaves. Olfactometer studies showed a 2.4-fold greater attraction to young leaves than to mature leaves. Further, adult feeding exhibited under-dispersed patterns on young leaves but random distributions on old leaves. In contrast, a generalist, the yellow woollybear, Spilosoma virginica (F.), preferred mature waterhyacinth leaves and 14-d-old larvae weighed 85% less when provided young leaves instead of mature leaves. The youngest leaves were higher in N, P, K, and Mg, but low in Ca and Mn compared with older leaves. Total phenolics (compounds reduced by Folin reagent) were also highest in young tissue, but analyses of leaf extracts by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography showed lowest concentrations of phenolic compounds in the youngest leaves. These data suggest that natural plant products, not necessarily phenolics, attract the weevils to young tissue and stimulate them to feed, especially at sites of previous injury. These constituents also might deter generalists like S. virginica , forcing them to consume only mature foliage.
Morphologic Variation in Aegla Leach (Decapoda: Reptantia: Aeglidae) from Central-Southern Chile: Interspecific Differences, Sexual Dimorphism, and Spatial Segregation

Abstract How do certain characteristics of organisms, such as sex or species, and certain ecological factors, such as interaction with congeneric individuals, influence the variability of body architecture in an environmental setting over a small spatial scale? Using geometric morphometrics we performed a morphological comparison of the dorsal surface of the carapace of a congeneric guild formed by Aegla araucaniensis, A. denticulata denticulata, and A. abtao. Additionally, we evaluated whether the segregation of microhabitat by congeneric interactions generates variations in the shape of the cephalothorax in A. araucaniensis, comparing a population belonging to the congeneric guild with a close population without congeneric interactions. Changes in cephalothoracic shape are regulated primarily by intrinsic factors, such as the differences between species and sex of individuals. In addition, the congeneric interactions do not affect the expression of the carapace shape in either of the populations of A. araucaniensis. The patterns of variation in cephalothoracic architecture are similar to previous reports based on geometric morphometrics, traditional morphology and descriptive morphology. The interspecific variations are caused mainly by the configuration of the spinous processes at the borders of the carapace, while the variation due to sexual dimorphism is due to an expansion of the longitudinal axis in males and the caudal end of the carapace in females. Morphological responses in A. araucaniensis differ from previous comparisons made with other species of Aegla under similar environmental contexts but over distinct spatial scales. We discuss the sexual dimorphism from an adaptive perspective and propose that the architecture of the cephalothorax in aeglids is a trait conserved and regulated significantly throughout the evolutionary history of the group.
PREFERENCE OF APHIDS FOR EXCISED LEAVES TO WHOLE PLANTS

When adults of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) were put on healthy and virus-infected plants or on excised leaves of Physalis floridana Rydb. , they remained longer on the leaves than on the whole plants, and longer on the virus-infected plants or leaves than on comparable healthy ones. The numbers of nymphs found on both plants and leaves, whether virus-infected or not, appeared to be proportional to the numbers of adults and the length of time that these remained on the hosts.