Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small Mammals Associated with Colonies of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in the Southern High Plains

Abstract We compared diversity and abundance of small mammals at colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and paired non-colony sites. Of colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs in our study area, >80% were on slopes of playa lakes; thus, we used sites of colonies and non-colonies that were on slopes of playa lakes. We trapped small mammals on 29 pairs of sites. Overall abundance did not differ between types of sites, but some taxa exhibited associations with colonies (Onychomys leucogaster) or non-colonies (Chaetodipus hispidus, Reithrodontomys, Sigmodon hispidus). Diversity and evenness of small mammals did not differ between colonies and non-colonies in 2002, but were higher on non-colonies in 2003. Although we may not have detected some rare or infrequently occurring species, our data reveal differences in diversity and evenness of more common species among the types of sites. Prairie dogs are touted as a keystone species with their colonies associated with a greater faunal diversity than adjacent lands. Our findings contradict several studies reporting greater diversity and abundance of small mammals at colonies of prairie dogs. We suggest that additional research across a wider landscape and incorporating landscape variables beyond the immediate trapping plot may further elucidate interspecific associations between black-tailed prairie dogs and species of small rodents.
Testing the suitability of insect orders as indicators for olive farming systems

1 A previous study suggested the use of certain insects groups as indicators for detecting organic olive farming in Southern Spain. To validate the use of these groups, insects were collected from olive orchards in Cordoba and Granada, comprising two Andalusian provinces with different surrounding landscapes. 2 Canopies were sampled using the branch‐beating technique during pre‐blooming and post‐blooming periods over 3 years in Granada (1999, 2000 and 2003) and 1 year in Cordoba (2003). 3 Using a nonparametric linear discriminant analysis method, based on the k‐nearest neighbour algorithm, two discriminant functions were constructed. A first discriminant model took into account interannual variability in Granada Province and the second model focused on environmental heterogeneity between the two provinces. Cross‐validation techniques, such as leave‐one‐out and split‐sample, were applied to the associated discriminant functions for each model to check their performance. 4 Even though differences existed with respect to the insect composition of the regions, the second model correctly classified 78.1% of the sampled blocks under the non‐organic and organic farming systems at the same time as taking into account two orders: Coleoptera and Hemiptera [excluding Euphyllura olivina olivina (Psyllidae) and the Heteroptera suborder]. The results suggest that the relative abundance of these groups in the post‐blooming period could constitute a potential bio‐indicator of organic olive farming system.
Studies on Ligula intestinalis (L.) effects on a roach population in a gravel pit

The effects of the plerocercoids of Ligula intestinalis were studied on a population of roach, Rutilus rutilus in a gravel pit. The incidence of the cestode fell from 92% in 0+ roach in April to 25 % in January of the succeeding year. The fall in the number of parasitized fish was due to predation, mainly by pike, Esox lucius. Observations indicated most of the parasitized fish failed to become sexually mature although the actual growth rate of the fish was not markedly reduced. The plerocercoids of L. intestinalis grew more rapidly during the summer. The author recommends roach of less than 9 months of age should not be introduced into confined water such as a gravel pit, since after this period they appear to be much less likely to be parasitized.
Deterrent activities in the crude lipophilic fractions of Antarctic benthic organisms: chemical defences against keystone predators

Generalist predation constitutes a driving force for the evolution of chemical defences. In the Antarctic benthos, asteroids and omnivore amphipods are keystone opportunistic predators. Sessile organisms are therefore expected to develop defensive mechanisms mainly against such consumers. However, the different habits characterizing each predator may promote variable responses in prey. Feeding-deterrence experiments were performed with the circumpolar asteroid macropredator Odontaster validus to evaluate the presence of defences within the apolar lipophilic fraction of Antarctic invertebrates and macroalgae. A total of 51% of the extracts were repellent, yielding a proportion of 17 defended species out of the 31 assessed. These results are compared with a previous study in which the same fractions were offered to the abundant circum-Antarctic amphipod Cheirimedon femoratus. Overall, less deterrence was reported towards asteroids (51%) than against amphipods (80.8%), principally in sponge and algal extracts. Generalist amphipods, which establish casual host–prey sedentary associations with biosubstrata (preferentially sponges and macroalgae), may exert more localized predation pressure than sea stars on certain sessile prey, which would partly explain these results. The nutritional quality of prey may interact with feeding deterrents, whose production is presumed to be metabolically expensive. Although optimal defence theory posits that chemical defences are managed and distributed as to guarantee protection at the lowest cost, we found that only a few organisms localized feeding deterrents towards most exposed and/or valuable body regions. Lipophilic defensive metabolites are broadly produced in Antarctic communities to deter opportunistic predators, although several species combine different defensive traits.
INTERPOPULATION VARIATION IN TOLERANCE TO CADMIUM, COPPER, LEAD, NICKEL AND ZINC IN NINE POPULATIONS OF AGROSTIS CAPILLARIS L.

Summary Samples of 15000 seeds from each of nine populations of Agrostis capillaris L. were screened for ability to root in solution cultures containing cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc at levels which severely inhibited root growth in non-metal-tolerant seed population samples. Differences were found in the extent to which tolerant individuals could be selected from the populations. Only the copper-tolerant cv. Parys and lead-/zinc-tolerant cv. Goginan had relatively high frequencies of individuals tolerant to each metal. Screening one population did not reveal any tolerant individuals. The ability to root in such solutions may reflect the potential populations have to evolve metal-tolerant populations. Populations exhibit considerable variation in this respect and the potential to evolve tolerance is clearly a characteristic of populations, not the species.
Australian papaya dieback: evidence against the calcium deficiency hypothesis and observations on the significance of laticifer autofluorescence

The cause of the dieback disorder of Carica papaya (papaya, papaw, or pawpaw) is unknown, although it is a severe problem for the Queensland industry. In this study, tlle progression of morphological and anatomical symptoms during a growing season in Yarwun is documented. Most plants which displayed a brown discoloration of the vascular tissue developed external symptoms. The discoloration initiated in the stem zone which supported leaves, and developed acropetally into the stem apex, and basipetally into the trunk and in part of the root system. The discoloration was autofluorescent under blue or ultraviolet light, and was associated with laticifers in xylem and phloem tissue and in ray parenchyma. Laticifer autofluoresence was not observed in calcium-deficient plants, nor in the browning associated with nematode damage, but this symptom was present in association with tissue damage caused by Amblypelta lutescens (Distant) and in plants suffering root rot. Laticifer discoloration may represent a general stress reaction by the plant. Tyloses developed in xylem elements, associated with the wilting of the crown, following development of leaf chlorosis and the bending of the stem tip. Dieback-affected apical tissues were lower in total calcium content than healthy tissues, but were not below an experimentally determined critical concentration. It is suggested that the low calcium content represents a secondary symptom of the disorder. caused by a tylosis-induced decrease in hydraulic conductivity and consequently in calcium transport.
Range-wide population structure and history of the northern quahog (Merceneria merceneria) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequence data

Baker, P., Austin, J. D. , Bowen, B. W. , and Baker, S. M. 2008. Range-wide population structure and history of the northern quahog (Merceneria merceneria) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequence data. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 155-163.The northern quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) is a commercially important bivalve distributed in the NW Atlantic from Florida to Nova Scotia. We report on population genetic analyses, based on 528 bp of mitochondrial COI gene, for 10 locations across the range of M. mercenaria (n = 297). Our analyses revealed no evidence of cryptic evolutionary lineages, but modest population structure (φ ST = 0.0213; p = 0.0019) with a significant partition at Cape Hatteras and a weakly supported partition at Cape Cod. Samples from the west coast of Florida (Gulf of Mexico) were not significantly different from most Atlantic populations, despite a 600 km gap in distribution along South Florida, and a well-documented biogeographic break at Cape Canaveral. These findings support the thesis that the Gulf of Mexico population is the product of a recent introduction. Samples north of Hatteras decrease in diversity with increasing latitude, probably indicating post-glacial range extension, a conclusion supported by a highly significant Fu's F-statistic (−99.14; p < 0.001) indicating population expansion. Mercenaria mercenaria stocks in the Atlantic include a single evolutionary unit divided into at least three closely related populations, though this does not preclude regional adaptive differences between northern, central, and southern populations.
Some chemical and physical characteristics of the semen of Cyprinus carpio L. and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)

The chemical and physical characteristics of the semen of Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis mossambicus were investigated on a comparative and seasonal basis. Results were obtained for the volume, colour and viscosity of the semen, the percentage live spermatozoa, sperm concentrations and the degree and the duration of sperm motility under different environmental conditions. All showed distinct interspecific and less conspicuous seasonal intraspecific differences. Values have also been determined for the organic and inorganic components and the pH and osmolality of the seminal fluid. Some inorganic and organic components indicated seasonal intraspecific differences while all the components, with the exception of sodium and galactose, indicated significant interspecific differences. These observations suggest significant interspecific differences in the testicular secretions of the two fish species which add to the basic physiological differences recorded for the spermatozoa of C. carpio and O. mossambicus. The probable function of the carbohydrates, protein and enzymes present in the semen of these fish species are discussed.
Diet-specific biomarkers show that high-quality phytoplankton fuels herbivorous zooplankton in large boreal lakes

SUMMARY 1. The zooplankton is a key link in the transfer of energy from primary producers up through aquatic food webs. Previous efforts to quantify the importance of basal resources to aquatic consumers have used stable isotopes (SI) and simple ternary models, including only ‘bulk’ phytoplankton, bacteria or terrestrial particulate organic matter (t-POM). 2. We used a novel Bayesian mixing model based on fatty acids (FA) to quantify the dietary assimilation of seven basal resources, including five phytoplankton groups, pelagic bacteria and t-POM, to Cladocera in large boreal lakes in Finland. To account for trophic enrichment of FA from the diet to consumers, we parameterised the model with a resource library, from many feeding trials, consisting of Daphnia magna fed 22 diverse basal taxa. 3. The results of the feeding trials show that the distinctive FA profiles of algal groups are transferred to consumers. Moreover, the large number of FA variables (n = 22) used in the model avoids the limitations of underdetermined mixing problems, common to SI modelling, in cases when the number of resources outnumbers the tracer variables. 4. We show that cladocerans were generally supported by phytoplankton (86–94%), with little use of t-POM (1–9%) and bacteria (1–3%). Cladocerans used primarily high-quality phytoplankton (cryptophytes, diatoms and dinoflagellates) in both summer (51 � 22%) and autumn (79 � 12%), and the relative importance of medium-quality resources (cyanobacteria, chlorophytes and chrysophytes) declined from 37 � 23% in the summer to 8 � 2% in the autumn. 5. High-quality resources, rich in essential biochemical compounds, are critical in fuelling food webs in large lakes, even those with high concentrations of allochthonous organic matter.
Gryllus Ovisopis N. Sp.: A Taciturn Cricket with a Life Cycle Suggesting Allochronic Speciation

G. ovisopis, common in north Florida woods, is the first Gryllus known to lack a calling song. Its courtship song is similar to that of other Gryllus, but its aggressive song is dominated by frequencies of 12-16 kHz rather than 4-5 kHz. Indoor and outdoor rearing experiments and periodic collecting showed ovisopis to be strictly univoltine with all individuals becoming adult in September and early October. Similar studies indicated that G. fultoni (Alexander), a close relative, has both univoltine and bivoltine cycles; and even within one week's progeny of a single female, individuals may become adult over a period of seven months. Attempts to hybridize ovisopis and fultoni failed. Seasonal rather than geographical isolation may have initiated speciation in the ancestral population that became ovisopis and fultoni.
Impact of Arbuscular-Mycorrhizal Fungi on Phosphorus Efficiency of Wheat, Rye, and Triticale

ABSTRACT Genotypic variation and mycorrhiza play an important role in plant uptake of phosphorus (P). A pot experiment was conducted with three cereals, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. PBW-34), rye (Secale cereale L. cv. R-308), and triticale (Triticale octoploide L. cv. DT-46), a hybrid of wheat and rye, to examine the genetic variation in the degree of arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) infection and its inheritability from parents (wheat and rye) to their progeny (triticale). The soil used for pot culture was low in available P (7.8 mg P kg−1soil). Inoculation with AM fungi showed a significant increase in extent of root colonization for all three cereals (average 70%) compared with their performance without AM (average 19.1%). However, among the three cereals, this increase was significantly greater in rye than in the other two crops, while wheat and triticale did not differ significantly. Mycorrhizal infection resulted in 1.6, 1.7, and 1.8-fold increases in shoot, root, and total plant dry matter, respectively, compared with the un-inoculated treatment. Among the three cereals, rye recorded maximum shoot, root, and total plant dry mass and P content with AM inoculation. The P uptake by wheat, rye, and triticale was 10%, 64%, and 35%, respectively, higher with rather than without mycorrhizal infection. Rye was most responsive to AM inoculation, with mycorrhizal dependency of 193%; here again, triticale followed wheat, with similar mycorrhizal dependency. Rye showed an increase in P utilization efficiency (PUE) without AM inoculation while the PUE of triticale was intermediate between wheat and rye. High efficiency of AM symbiosis in terms of P uptake exists in rye and most of these traits in triticale seem to be inherited from wheat rather than rye.
A new subspecies of hare from Majorca (Balearic Islands)

Les lievres de Majorque sont decrits comme une nouvelle sous-espece de Lepus granatensis a cause des differences de taille et des differences dans la morphologie de l'email dentaire en comparaison avec la sous-espece nominale (L. granatensis granatensis Rosenhauer, 1856) de la Peninsule Iberique. La taille de la nouvelle sous-espece est en general plus petite; la reduction qu'ont subie les extremites est particulierement remarquable, surtout la longueur du pied et celle de l'humerus. Il n'y a pas de recouvrement de ces longueurs dans le cas des exemplaires adultes de la Peninsule et de Majorque
Oligogalacturonides are able to induce flowers to form on tobacco explants

Summary Oligogalacturonides (α-1,4-D-galactosyluronic acid oligomers) are fragments of the homogalacturonan component of the primary cell walls of higher plants. Treatment of cell walls with endopolygalacturonase (EPG) releases the polysaccharides rhamnogalacturonan-1 (RG-I) and rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II), and variously sized oligogalacturonide fragments of homogalacturonan. The EPG-released sycamore cell wall components are able to regulate several morphogenetic processes of tobacco thin-cell layer (TCL) explants. We followed one of these morphogenesis-regulating activities, namely, the induction of flower formation on TCLs, to purify the biologically active component from EPG-released material. Saponification of the methyl and acetyl esters of the EPG-released material did not reduce the flower-inducing activity. However, EPG treatment of the deesterified EPG-released material destroyed the flower-inducing activity, establishing that the active substance contained several, consecutive α-1,4-linked galactosyluronic acid residues that are required for the flower-inducing activity. The flower-inducing activity was purified and shown to be α-1,4-linked Oligogalacturonides with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 12-14, which exhibited half-maximum activity at approximately 0.4 μM. Smaller oligogalacturonides, RG-I and RG-II, did not, even at higher concentrations, induce flowers to form. The ability of oligogalacturonides to stimulate the formation of flowers on tobacco explants provides further evidence of the pleiotropic nature of this oligosaccharin.
Reply to the comment by Franklin et al. on “Are survival rates for northern spotted owls biased?”Appears in Can. J. Zool. 83: 1386–1390.

We reply to Franklin et al.’s critique of our recent work in which we computed survival for northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina (Merriam, 1898)) from sites in western Oregon and northern California based on 197 radio-collared owls. Several methods gave similar results and we noted that our estimated survival rates might be closer to the true value than those derived from mark–recapture studies. We included an errant reference to Anthony et al. (Wildl. Monogr. No. 163, pp. 1–47 (2006)) in comments about bias in prior estimates of survival and hence of λ, a mistake for which we published an erratum. In spite of our erratum, Franklin et al. correct our presumed misunderstanding of the re-parameterized Jolly–Seber methods used in the article by Anthony et al. We never intended our comments to refer to the article by Anthony et al. The commentary also states that we overestimated survival because birds that left the study area might actually have died simultaneously with radio-collar destruction.
Distribution, size and feeding habits of Nanaethiops unitaeniatus Gunther, 1817 (Distichodontidae) in a Nigerian rainforest pond

Aspects of the ecology of Nanaethiops unitaeniatus were studied in a rainforest wetland ecosystem (Mfangmfang pond) in Uyo, Nigeria. This fish occurred through out the year and was commonly found in association with the cyprinid, Barbus callipterus. They were often found in shoals of 20 or more fishes. They remained in open water during the day and retreated into shallow vegetated shore water at night. Total lengths varied between 32 and 76 mm. The length-weight relationship was negatively allometric. Feeding intensity increased with fish size and was higher during the night than day. Feeding occurred at the surface, mid water and bottom. The fish had a broad trophic spectrum with 21 dietaries. Algae and detritus were of primary importance. Key words : Feeding Habits, Nanaethiops Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17(2) 2002: 113-120
Insect Ecology: An Ecosystem Approach

The third edition of "Insect Ecology: An Ecosystem Approach" provides a modern perspective of insect ecology that integrates two approaches traditionally used to study insect ecology: evolutionary and ecosystem. This integration substantially broadens the scope of insect ecology and contributes to prediction and resolution of the effects of current environmental changes, as these affect and are affected by insects. The third edition includes an updated and expanded synthesis of feedback and interactions between insects and their environment. This updated material and a new chapter on applications of insect ecology to social and environmental issues effectively demonstrates how evolutionary and ecosystem approaches complement each other, with the intent of stimulating further integration of these approaches in experiments that address insect roles in ecosystems. Effective management of ecosystem resources depends on evaluation of the complex, often complementary, effects of insects on ecosystem conditions, as well as insect responses to changing conditions. It includes: timely revision of a key reference on insect ecology; full coverage of ecosystem structure and function balanced with essential background on evolutionary aspects; new chapter on applications to issues such as pest management, ecosystem restoration, invasive species and environmental changes; and, case studies that highlight practical and theoretical applications for topics covered in each chapter.
Development of SARS vaccines and therapeutics is still needed

Future Virol. (2013) 8(1), 1–2 On 22 September 2012, the WHO was informed by the UK of a case of acute respiratory syndrome with renal failure [101]. The patient had a travel history to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a 60 year-old Saudi national died from a similar disease earlier in 2012. The causative pathogen, a novel human Betacoronavirus (HCoV-EMC), was quickly identified from the sputum samples of the earlier case [1] and the gene sequence of this virus was 99.5% identical to that of the virus isolated from clinical samples of the later case. The outbreak of HCoV-EMC infection in Saudi Arabia has raised great concerns about the potential pandemic of the SARS-like disease, and strategies for combating this newly emerged infectious disease should be prepared [2]. It is believed that the existing SARS research may provide a useful template for developing vaccines and therapeutics against HCoV-EMC infection [3], but so far, no effective anti-SARS vaccines and therapeutics have been well developed.
Life History and Ecology of the round Whitefish Prosopium cylindraceum (Pallas), of Newfound Lake, Bristol, New Hampshire

Abstract Life history and ecology of the round whitefish Prosopium cylindraceum (Pallas), of Newfound Lake, Bristol, New Hampshire have been studied. Field studies began the summer of 1959 and continued through December, 1965. Newfound Lake fish attain sexual maturity in their fourth or fifth year of life. Sex ratio is 50:50. Spawning occurs, during the first three weeks of December, on a shallow rocky reef located between Pike's Point and Mayhew Island. Round whitefish average approximately 5,000 eggs (2,000–10,000) per female, correlated with age and size. Fertilized, water-hardened eggs, averaged 3.94 mm in diameter. The peak of hatching occurs during the last week of April, approximately 140 days from the time of fertilization at a water temperature of 36 F.