Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Post-Fledging Survival in Herring Gulls in Relation to Brood-Size and Date of Hatching

Many bird species uffer high mortality in the period immediately after fiedging, but this mortality is difficult to study because it often coincides with dispersal or migration. Perrins (1965), studying an English population of Great Tits (Parus major), found that young birds hatched in the early part of the season were proportionately more numerous in the breeding area in late autumn than young hatched late in the season. Perrins attributed this difference primarily to greater mortality of the late-hatched young during the post-fiedging period. However, Dhondt and Hubl6 (1968) and Kluyver (1970) gave evidence that in Belgian and Dutch populations of Great Tits, the late-hatched birds were much more prone to emigrate than early-hatched birds. In the Manx Shearwater (Puffnus puffnus), Perrins (1968) found that chicks fledging early in the season were much more likely to return to breed in the same colony in subsequent years than those fiedging late in the season. Similarly, in the Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), early-hatched birds return to breed in the same area in much greater numbers than late-hatched birds (von Hoartmon, 1967; Lack, 1966). In the •{anx Shearwater, the lower return rate of later-hatched birds is more likely to represent differential mortality than differential dispersal, because most young •{anx Shearwaters return to breed in the colony where they were hatched (Perrins, 1968). In the Great Tit, young fledged from large broods appear to survive less well than those from average-sized or small broods (Lack, 1966), but there is no conclusive evidence for such a difference in the Pied Flycatcher (Curio, 1960; Lack, 1966; yon Hoartmon, 1967). Between 1964 and 1970, we and our assistants banded 27,115 Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) chicks of known age in New England colonies, and 708 have been recovered through November 1971. In this paper we use these recoveries to estimate the relation of post-fiedging mortality rates to brood-size and to the date of
Analysing carbon sequestration and storage dynamics in a changing mountain landscape in Portugal: insights for management and planning

ABSTRACT We assessed the effects of landscape change on the climate regulation ecosystem service in a mountain river basin of Portugal, through the quantification, valuation and mapping of carbon sequestration and storage. The analyses were based on land use and land cover (LULC) changes that took place between 1990 and 2006 and on expected changes defined by three LULC change scenarios for 2020. We used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs model for scenario building and carbon assessment and valuation, and several modelling tools to assess past, current and future carbon in four different pools. Soil organic carbon data was obtained through an extensive sampling scheme across the entire study area. Recent (1990–2006) and expected landscape changes (2006–2020) affected considerably carbon sequestration and storage. Observed landscape changes generally promoted carbon sequestration and storage, and had a positive effect on the climate regulation ecosystem service, both biophysically and economically. Expected LULC changes further extend the capability of the landscape to increase carbon sequestration and storage in the near future. The carbon sequestered and stored in vegetation and soil contributes to avoid socio-economic damages from climate change, while increasing the economic value of particular LULC classes and the whole landscape. These results are essential to inform land planning, especially on how, where and when changes in landscapes may affect the provision of the climate regulation ecosystem service. EDITED BY Sandra Luque
Impacts, control and perception of introduced Crayfish in Thailand

To gain more scientific understanding regarding Crayfish in a tropical climate since its first introduction in 1987, this research focused on perceptions of non-native species trading and invasive species as it relates to management. Pet store owners and farmers were interviewed. There are two Crayfish species in Thailand—Procambarus clarkii and Cherax quadricarinatus and the Crayfish trade is expanding due to high demand. The results demonstrated that respondents had a basic knowledge of Crayfish biology, primarily related to farming production. However, most respondents lacked understanding of the negative impact and invasiveness of Crayfish and, therefore, the potential risk of invasion. Respondents suggested: (1) controlling invasive species by the government using stringent law enforcement and prohibition of the release of nonnative species into the wild and harsher legal penalties for those who do not comply with the law; and (2) an educational campaign, especially on the negative impacts of Crayfish, should be publicized targeting both traders and pet owners. We further examined Crayfish biology and behavior using a laboratory experiment. The study considered the impact of different densities of Crayfish in captivity on survival rates and tolerance of Crayfish to different environmental conditions. The potential effects of native freshwater species as control agents for Crayfish were also determined. Results revealed that stocking Crayfish at a high density tended to achieve higher growth and survival rates than at a low density, as Crayfish reared at a high density were unable to exhibit agonistic (fighting) behavior in a very confined area. It was also revealed that Crayfish are sensitive to polluted water conditions (dissolved oxygen 2.55 ± 0.25 mg l−1; biological oxygen demand 8.45 ± 0.04 mg l−1) and could not survive there very long. This intolerance limits the potential of Crayfish to spread further to other water bodies in Thailand. Biological control agents demonstrated that Anabus testudineus, or the Climbing Perch, appeared to be the most effective predator and may help resist invasion of exotic Crayfish in the wild.
Signature-tagged mutagenesis in Haemophilus ducreyi

Signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) is an in vivo mutation-based genetic screen that allows for the identification of virulence genes. A working model of STM in the temperature-dependent rabbit model (TDRM) of Haemophilus ducreyi has been established. A unique signature-tag (ST) was inserted upstream of the aphA-3 gene in the transposon Tn 1545-A3. Eleven different ST were used, each consisting of 21 unique nucleotides that were designed for PCR. A library of ST transposon H. ducreyi 35000 mutants was generated. A STM pool consisted of 10 unique ST-mutants that were inoculated intraepithelially into the TDRM. Ulcer development and histopathology of the lesions produced by the STM mutants inoculated at 10 CFU showed the same morphology as those produced by wild-type inoculated at 10 CFU. Ulcers that developed by day 4 were excised and recovered mutants in the output pool were screened by PCR. A previously characterized attenuated hemoglobin (HgbA) mutant was ST to serve as a positive control and was not recovered in the output pool. A total of 176 STM mutants were screened and 26 attenuated H. ducreyi mutants were recovered. The 26 candidate genes were grouped according to their functional categories: classical virulence factors, cell surface components, stress response, DNA recombination and repair, transport, metabolism, regulation and hypothetical genes. This STM study resulted in the identification of known virulence genes such as the cdtA, hgbA and IspAl which validated the STM approach The identification of a heat shock protein and genes involved in DNA repair, emphasize the importance of stress response genes in vivo. Many novel genes were discovered that had not been previously identified as having a role in pathogenesis. Genes involved in metabolism were identified which highlight the fitness contribution these factors play within a host. Two of these genes (frdA and sucA) may facilitate the ability of//, ducreyi to grow anaerobically. As in other STM studies, genes with hypothetical functions were identified. One gene, hicB, is suggested to encode an RNA toxin-antitoxin cassette. This study provides proof-of-principle for the STM approach for the recovery of genetic determinants in H. ducreyi responsible for the pathogenesis of chancroid.
The influence of selected feed additives on mineral utilisation and bone characteristics in laying hens

Abstract The trial with 240 caged ISA Brown laying hens was performed to evaluate the effect of selected feed additives on mineral utilisation as well as biomechanical (breaking strength, yielding load, stiffness) and geometrical (cortex thickness, cross-section area, weight, length) indices of tibia and femur bones. At 26 wks of age the layers were randomly assigned to 10 treatments with 12 replicates (cages) of two birds. In the study a 2 × 5 experimental scheme was used i.e. to 70 wks of age, the layers were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental diets containing reduced (3.20%) or standard (3.70%) Ca level. The diets with both Ca levels were either not supplemented, or supplemented with the studied feed additives i.e. sodium butyrate, probiotic bacteria, herbal extract blend and chitosan. There were no statistically significant effects of the experimental factors on the indices of the tibia bones. However, the diet with reduced Ca level decreased bone breaking strength, yielding load, stiffness, and mineralisation of the femur bones (P<0.05). The majority of used feed supplements, i.e. probiotic, herb extracts, and chitosan, increased biomechanical indices (breaking strength and yielding load) and mineralisation of the femur bones (P<0.05). Neither dietary Ca level nor feed additives affected dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, N-free extracts, crude fibre and ash digestibility, and P retention and excretion; however, Ca excretion and retention was lower in the hens fed the diets with reduced Ca level (P<0.05). Relative Ca retention (Ca retained as % of Ca intake) was improved by diet supplementation with probiotic, herb extracts and chitosan (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study has shown that decreased Ca dietary level (3.20%) can negatively affect bone quality in layers, while probiotic, herb extracts and chitosan addition may improve the selected biomechanical indices of the femurs, irrespective of Ca dietary concentration.
MORFOLOGIA E ALIMENTAÇÃO DA RAIA Dasyatis guttata (CHONDRICHTHYES:DASYATIDAE) NA ENSEADA DO MUCURIPE, FORTALEZA, CEARÁ

Morphologic and feeding aspects of Dasyatis guttata rays captured in Mucuripe Bay, Fortaleza, Ceara, were approached in this work. Collections were accomplished in artisanal boats which fish shrimps in an 30 km² area close to Fortaleza, using bottom nets, and artisanal embarkations that use hand lines as fishing art. It was studied a total of 97 individuals: 82 (84,5%) were captured through bottom nets and 15 (15,5%) captured by hand lines. The individuals of D. guttata presented isometric growth, with the values of “ b “ varying between 2,5 and 4,0 (b = 3,066); being the following equation obtained for relationship weight/length: Wt = 2,739 x 10-5 Lt 3,066. Most of the observed individuals’ stomaches (45,4%) were with just ¼ of the filled volume. The number of empty stomaches was also loud (31,9%). Stomaches totally full, with ¾ and half of the filled volume were minority, totalizando 22,7%. Great occurrence of individuals with low IRE (0 or 1), presenting empty stomaches or with up to 25% filled, evidenced that a lot of lines the rays had not fed close to the moment of the capture. They were found in the diet of D. guttata: equinodermats (Holoturidae), sipunculides (Sipunculus sp.), anelides poliquetas (Eunicidae), bivalve mollusks and gastropods, and crustaceans, such shrimps of the genus Penaeus and crabs of the genus Callinectes, besides fish of the species Pomadasys corvinaeformis. The presence of a variety of alimentary itens belonging to different animal groups suggests that the ray D. guttata is a opportunist predador.
The habitat ecology of the post-metamorphic coastal tailed frog (Ascaphus truei).

The coastal tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) has a biphasic life-history that includes the use of high-elevation streams and adjacent old growth forests. This species is at risk from a variety of land-use activities that result in younger and more fragmented terrestrial habitats. I investigated the fine-scale spatial ecology of post-metamorphic tailed frog populations as revealed by seasonal variation in activity and movement. I used an Information Theoretic Model Comparison approach to relate tailed frog captures in pitfall traps to sets of explanatory factors and infer habitat use by adult tailed frogs located with VHF radio transmitters. Trap data suggested that variation in the relative abundance and distribution was attributed to time of year, associated with reproductive activity seasonal trends in local climate canopy closure and distance to the larval stream. The most parsimonious logistic regression model for both years of trapping data demonstrated good' predictability (Area Under the Curve (AUC) > 0.7). Data from 24 tailed frogs with radio transmitters (8 males, 16 females) fitted to a resource selection function suggested that tailed frogs were positively associated with habitats containing decayed coarse woody debris (CWD), less light, adjacency to the larval stream, wet site types, and cool temperatures (11-12C). When compared to males, females were more selective in their choice of habitat (AUC > 0.7). Overall, the relationship between distribution and activity of tailed frogs was reflective of reproductive phenology in combination with micro-site or broader climatic conditions. Thus, habitat protections should reflect the behavior and habitat of the species as it varies across spatiotemporal scales.
Effect of cryopreservation on germination of seeds and zygotic embryos of Calamus shendurunii an endemic rattan of Western Ghats

Calamus shendurunii is an endemic rattan of Western Ghats having restricted distribution and limited population. As a prerequisite to device an appropriate method for ex situ conservation of the species, desiccation and cryopreservation of seeds and zygotic embryo has been studied. Seeds extracted from ripened fruits possessed 35 per cent moisture content and exhibited 97 per cent germination. Desiccation to 28 per cent moisture content reduced the germination to 77 per cent. Desiccation below 14 per cent moisture content caused complete loss of seed germinability. Seeds stored under ambient conditions (28±2oC/60% RH) for more than seven days reduced germination to less than 40 per cent. Thus, conventional storage is not effective for their ex situ conservation. As an alternative method, excised zygotic embryos were subjected to desiccation and storage in liquid nitrogen. The embryos tolerated desiccation down to 5 per cent exhibiting 60 to 90 per cent germination upon culture into MS medium. Desiccated embryos subjected to liquid nitrogen exposure showed post freeze recovery and germination (80-90%) equal to that of desiccated control samples. Thus the study proved the extreme recalcitrance of C. shendurunii seeds and embryo cryopreservation as an alternative method of their ex situ conservation in gene banks.
Surface Displacements from Fusion of Geodetic Measurement Techniques Applied to the Upper Rhine Graben Area

Detailed information on the present-day intraplate deformation of the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) is of interest for researchers and decision makers. Within this work, surface displacements in the URG area are detected with three geodetic measurement techniques: levelling, GNSS and InSAR. The resulting map of 3D surface displacement rates from fusion of the three techniques resolves the neotectonic and anthropogenic movements of the URG area with unprecedented spatial resolution and accuracy.
The flavor of high-quality beef – a review

ABSTRACT Flavor of beef has been recognized as an equal quality trait to tenderness and lately high correlations between beef flavor and overall liking of beef have been demonstrated. In this review, we evaluate the effect of breed, sex, age, feeding, growth rate, slaughter method and aging on beef flavor. A common determinator for these factors is their influence on intramuscular fat (IMF) where more IMF increase the overall flavor liking. Feeding can, however, affect the flavor of beef beyond that of the amount of IMF. In several studies, pasture or pasture-based silage lead to a beef flavor characterized as fishy, gamey and grassy in contrast to concentrate-fed beef cattle. A geographical difference in flavor preferences of high-quality beef exists, most clearly illustrated among US consumers who prefer beef from concentrate-fed cattle, whereas European consumers tend to prefer beef from cattle fed a mixed diet on pasture and concentrate.
Growth and fatty acid profiles of microalgae species isolated from the Baja California Peninsula, México

With the aim to identify new microalgae species that could be used as live food in aquaculture, we determined the growth rate, proximal composition, fatty acid profile and toxicity of 21 microalgae (Cyanophyceae (3), Chlorodendrophyceae (1), Xanthophyceae (1) and Bacillariophyceae (16)), isolated from Baja California (NW Mexico) coastal waters. Cyanophytes Komvophoron sp. had the highest growth rates (μ = 2.98 divisions day -1 ) and Aphanocapsa marina had the highest cell density (11.92 x 10 6 cell mL -1 ). Xanthophyceae Heterococcus sp. had the highest cell size (193.12 µm) with lower growth rates (μ = 0.67 divisions day -1 ). The lipid, protein and carbohydrate percentage of the isolated strain were different between growth phases and strains. The diatom Amphora sp. (strain 3) had the highest lipid percentage (57.7%) during exponential growth phase. The diatom Cymbella sp. (strain 2) had the higher proteins percentages (39.5%) and highest (47.5%) carbohydrate on stationary growth phase. Fatty acid content differed according to taxonomic group. Diatoms contained the highest percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs), ranging from 23.8% to 60.7%, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was the most abundant. None of the isolated microalgae strains were toxic to Artemia franciscana nauplii. We conclude that based on their growth rate, proximal composition, fatty acid profile, and lack of toxicity of the isolated microalgae strains, have the potential to be use for aquaculture activity alone or as part of a mixed diet.
Phylogenetic position and nucleotide diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae worldwide based on translation elongation factor 1&agr; sequences

F. R. Flores-de la Rosa , E. De Luna, J. Adame-Garc ıa , L. G. Iglesias-Andreu and M. Luna-Rodr ıguez* Instituto de Biotecnolog ıa y Ecolog ıa Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. de las Culturas Veracruzanas #101 col. Emiliano Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz, CP, 91090; Red de Biodiversidad y Sistem atica, Instituto de Ecolog ıa AC, Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa Enr ıquez, Veracruz, CP, 91070; Tecnol ogico Nacional de M exico, Instituto Tecnol ogico de Ursulo Galv an, Km 4.5 Carretera Cardel-Chachalacas, Ursulo Galv an, Veracruz, CP, 91667; and Laboratorio de Gen etica e Interacciones Planta Microorganismos, Facultad de Ciencias Agr ıcolas, Universidad Veracruzana, Circuito Gonzalo Aguirre Beltr an s/n, Zona Universitaria, Xalapa, Veracruz, CP 91090, Mexico
Detection and Serological Characterization of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus in Central African Republic

Serological and biological detection of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) in leaf samples belonging from cultivated rice species and wild grasses revealed 201 positive detections. All these isolates occurred exclusively on cultivated rice species (Oryza sativa L. and O. glaberrima Steud). A relationship was found between cultural practices and presence of RYMV in fields (X2 = 108.83, df = 1, P
Phylogeography of the Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

The Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus is widely distributed in temperate to subtropical regions of the Palearctic realm. Populations of Common Pheasant have been classified into five subspecies groups based on morphological variations in male plumage. Previous phylogeographic studies have focused on limited sets of subspecies groups in the eastern Palearctic and knowledge on subspecies in western Palearctic region is still poor. In this study, we undertake the first comprehensive analysis of subspecies from all five defined subspecies groups across the entire Palearctic region. Two mitochondrial (CYTB and CR) and two nuclear (HMG and SPI) loci were used to investigate genetic relationships of these subspecies groups and to infer their dispersal routes. Our results revealed that the subspecies elegans, with its range in northwestern Yunnan, China, was in the basal position among 17 studied subspecies, supporting a previous hypothesis that the Common Pheasant most probably originated in forests in south-eastern China. Subspecies in the western Palearctic region nested within the most subspecies-rich torquatus group (‘Grey-rumped Pheasants’), meaning the torquatus group is not a clade but instead forms a gradation with other subspecies and subspecies groups. Our dating analysis suggested that the initial divergence among populations of Common Pheasant originated around 3.4 mya with subsequent dispersal into the Western Palearctic region during the Late Pliocene-Lower Pleistocene approximately 2.5-1.8 mya. We propose two possible east-to-west colonization routes for the Common Pheasant and suggest conservation implications for some regional subspecies. Overall, this study demonstrates the lack of concordance between morphological-based subspecies delimitation and their genetic relationships. This is likely to be a consequence of initial isolation due to historical vicariance following by population admixture due to recent range expansion of Common Pheasant in the Western Palearctic region. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Where are Europe’s last primary forests?

Primary forests have high conservation value but are rare in Europe due to historic land use. Yet many primary forest patches remain unmapped, and it is unclear to what extent they are effectively protected. Our aim was to (1) compile the most comprehensive European‐scale map of currently known primary forests, (2) analyse the spatial determinants characterizing their location and (3) locate areas where so far unmapped primary forests likely occur.
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Oncorhynchus mykiss for export at production centers in the Peruvian Central Highlands

The bioaccumulation of the heavy metals Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb was determined in the livers, kidneys and muscles of Oncorhynchus mykiss trout at seven production centers in the province of Yauli, Junin-Peru. The determination and quantification of total heavy metals in water samples collected monthly from the production sites and in 28 trout that averaged 250 g and 27 cm was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, according to the methodology recommended by FAO. Levels of Zn, Fe and Pb were found to exceed the environmental quality standards established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment for the rivers of the coast and highlands, as well as the quality standards of the European Union for the cultivation of trout, while levels of Cu conformed with those standards. Concentration of Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb in the livers, kidneys and muscles exceeded the maximum permissible limits established by the European Union for fish meat and by the Mexican official standard, NOM-027-SSA1-1993, for fresh, refrigerated and frozen fishery products, in the case of Pb. The correlation between the concentrations of copper, zinc, iron and lead in the water and the concentrations of these metals in the livers, kidneys and muscles is low and not significant, except for copper, which had a significant correlation.