Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Family‐level relationships of the spittlebugs and froghoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cercopoidea)

The spittlebug superfamily Cercopoidea (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) comprises approximately 3000 phytophagous species (including some economically important pests of grass crops) classified among the families Cercopidae, Aphrophoridae, Epipygidae, Clastopteridae and Machaerotidae. However, the monophyly of these taxa has never been tested and the evolutionary relationships among these major lineages are unknown. Presented here are the results of the first ever phylogenetic investigation of the higher‐level relationships within Cercopoidea, based on DNA nucleotide sequence data from six loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, histone 3, wingless, cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome oxidase II) generated from exemplars of 109 spittlebug species representing all five described families, seven of eight subfamilies and 61 genera (eight additional exemplars, representing a selection of other Auchenorrhyncha taxa, were included as outgroups). The resulting topologies are used to evaluate the monophyly of each cercopoid family, and further to calculate divergence date estimates to examine the chronological origins and historical diversification of Cercopoidea. The results of this investigation suggest that: (i) four of the five described families are monophyletic; Epipygidae was recovered consistently as originating within Aphrophoridae; (ii) the exclusively Old World Machaerotidae is the most anciently diversified family of extant spittlebugs; (iii) New World Cercopidae (i.e. Ischnorhininae) constitute a derived monophyletic lineage; (iv) the genus Microsargane Fowler, classified currently within Aphrophoridae, actually belongs within Cercopidae; and (v) the origins of the major spittlebug lineages probably coincided with the breakup of Pangaea and, subsequently, Gondwana, as well as major floristic diversification such as the rise of angiosperms.
Genotypic Diversity and Clonal Structure of Everglades Sawgrass, Cladium jamaicense (Cyperaceae)

The extent of asexual reproduction and the spatial distribution of clones can influence ecological and evolutionary processes in populations. Sawgrass, Cladium jamaicense, which is the dominant ecosystem component in the Florida Everglades, can reproduce sexually and asexually. We examined patterns of genotypic diversity and evaluated the importance of clonal reproduction in Everglades populations of C. jamaicense, using allozymes as genetic markers. We sampled plants in a replicated grid along 11‐m transects in 18 populations of sawgrass distributed throughout the Everglades. Genotypic diversity was low in Everglades sawgrass populations, compared with other plants (mean [SE] number of multilocus genotypes per populatio \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $$\mathrm{n}\,=4.9$$ \end{document} [0.7]), but only one population was monomorphic. Diversity was present even at a small scale; 85 of 108 1‐m2 quadrats had more than one multilocus genotype. South Florida water management areas did not differ with respect to genotypic diversity, except for Everglades National Park, which had populations with a smaller proportion of polymorphic quadrats. Sawgrass clones were closer together than nonclones on average, although this varied among populations. Despite this observation, we found little evidence for spatial structuring of clones using the method of probability of clonal identity. This result reflected the broad interdigitation of clones along transects. Estimated mean (SE) minimum clone size was 46.2 (5.2) m2 and clones may reach over 200 m2. Our results indicate that asexual reproduction is common in C. jamaicense populations but that genotypic diversity is maintained throughout the ecosystem, even at relatively small scales.
Early evolution of angiosperm pollen as inferred from molecular and morphological phylogenetic analyses

Phylogenetic analyses of molecular and morphological data, revised in this study, shed light on long‐standing controversies on the early evolution of angiosperm pollen. Although relationships between angiosperms and other seed plants remain uncertain, the robust rooting of the angiosperms among the “ANITA” groups (Amborella, Nymphaeales, Illiciales, Trimenia, and Austrobaileya) clarifies their original pollen morphology. Contrary to the view that the first angiosperms had boat‐shaped monosulcate pollen with granular or atectate exine structure, the ANITA rooting implies that globose monosulcate pollen with more or less columellar structure and a continuous tectum was ancestral and a foveolate‐reticulate tectum arose soon after. The oldest recognized Cretaceous angiosperm pollen may represent the latter grade of evolution. Structure described as granular evolved independently from columellar within Nymphaeales, Magnoliales, and Laurales. In Magnoliales, columellar Myristicaceae and Magnoliaceae diverge below Degeneria, Galbulimima, Eupomatia, and Annonaceae, which shifted to granular structure. Granular monosulcate pollen was ancestral in Annonaceae but gave rise to columellar monosulcates and permanent tetrads. In Laurales, reduction and granularization culminated in the fragile exines of Lauraceae. Although absence of a distinctly staining endexine in Magnoliales has been considered evidence that the laminated endexine of gymnosperms was lost before the origin of angiosperms, presence of a thin endexine now appears to be ancestral. These results refute the view that granular structure supports a relationship between angiosperms and Gnetales, Bennettitales, and Pentoxylon. Relationships with groups with alveolar exines (e.g., Caytonia, glossopterids) and/or reticulate‐columellar Triassic Crinopolles pollen now seem equally likely.
Feeding Responses to Sound Wood by Coptotermes formosanus, Reticulitermes flavipes, and R. virginicus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki generally ate more and survived better than did Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), which, in turn, ate more and survived better than R. virginicus (Banks). Feeding preferences were similar in force- and choice-feeding tests. Two southern pines and sugar maple were the most preferred woods in both tests. The relative preferences for black walnut, black cherry, and redwood were altered by the type of test. When offered a feeding choice, the termites concentrated on the 2 or 3 most preferred woods and made little or no distinction between any of the remaining species. Samples from different trees of loblolly pine and baldcypress showed a marked variation in susceptibility to termite attack.
Antimicrobial Activity of Citric, Lactic, Malic, or Tartaric Acids and Nisin‐incorporated Soy Protein Film Against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella gaminara

ABSTRACT: We studied the effectiveness of partial replacement of glycerol with citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids on the antimicrobial activities of nisin (205 IU/g protein)-incorporated soy protein film against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella gaminara. S. gaminara inoculated into 2.6% malic acid-incorporated films and lactic acid-incorporated films with nisin (5.7 and 3.4 log number colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, respectively) and without nisin (3.2 and 3.0 log number CFU/mL, respectively) had fewer survivors than HCl-incorporated film with and without nisin (8.6 and 7.9 log number CFU/mL, respectively). Malic acid (2.6%)-incorporated soy protein film had the fewest survivors of L. monocytogenes, S. gaminara, and E. coli O157:H7 (5.5, 3.0, and 6.8 log number CFU/mL, respectively) and has the potential to inhibit a wide spectrum of microbes in product application.
Chemical, thermal, and physical properties of sites selected for overwintering by northern wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta)

Northern ectotherms must seek refuge from winter conditions for a large portion of their annual activity cycle. The objective of this study was to quantify physical properties of overwintering sites selected by wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta (LaConte, 1830)) at the species’ northern range limit. We mapped all structural features (e.g., root balls and log jams), water depth, and sediment types along a 1.5 km stretch of river that was available to turtles outfitted with radio transmitters (N = 8) during winter. Temperature selection was assessed by comparing thermal profiles from data loggers on turtles and temperature stations within the river and other riparian habitats (e.g., ephemeral pools and oxbows). Dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured at each temperature station and turtle location. Wood turtles overwintered in the river, which was colder (~0 °C), had more stable temperatures, and provided higher DO (12.64 ppm) compared with adjacent habitats. Some turtles selected structured refuges for overwinte.
On Papulaspora and bulbilliferous basidiomycetes Burgoa and Minimedusa

It is proposed that Papulaspora Preuss be restricted to fungi producing papulaspores, which are defined as thallodic propagules differentiated almost from inception into central and sheathing cells. Exclusion from Papulaspora is recommended for species such as P. acinosa (Berk. & Curt.) Hughes, P. Candida Sacc. , and others whose propagules differ from papulaspores in development and final structure. Bulbils are distinguished as homogeneous throughout development and pseudoparenchymatous at least at maturity. These are the vegetative propagules of basidiomycetous fungi segregated from Papulaspora into Burgoa Goidanich (lectotype species B. verzuoliana Goid.), several species of which are known to produce perfect states determinable as Sistotrema brinkmannii aggr. , and Minimedusa Weres. & LeClair gen. nov. (type species P. polyspora Hots.), for which no perfect state is known.
The area‐independent effects of habitat complexity on biodiversity vary between regions

Potential explanatory variables often co-vary in studies of species richness. Where topography varies within a survey it is difficult to separate area and habitat-diversity effects. Topographically complex surfaces may contain more species due to increased habitat diversity or as a result of increased area per se . Fractal geometry can be used to adjust species richness estimates to control for increases in area on complex surfaces. Application of fractal techniques to a survey of rocky shores demonstrated an unambiguous area-independent effect of topography on species richness in the Isle of Man. In contrast, variation in species richness in south-west England reflected surface availability alone. Multivariate tests and variation in limpet abundances also demonstrated regional variation in the area-independent effects of topography. Community composition did not vary with increasing surface complexity in south-west England. These results suggest large-scale gradients in the effects of heterogeneity on community processes or demography.
Análise sensorial, teores de nitrato e de nutrientes de alface cultivada em hidroponia sob águas salinas

Sensory analysis, nitrate and nutrient concentration of lettuce grown in hydroponics under saline water This study aimed to evaluate the content of nutrients and nitrate and perform sensory analysis of lettuce in hydroponic system under saline water. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from December, 2007 to January, 2008, in Piracicaba. The experimental design was randomized blocks and factorial scheme (five salinity levels obtained with the addition of NaCl that resulted in different electrical conductivities of the water (dS m
The biology of Echinocardium cordatum [Echinodermata: Spatangoidea] from different habitats

An offshore and a littoral population of Echinocardium cordatum have been observed for a period of 7 years, starting from the time of their simultaneous larval settlement and establishment. The littoral population was found in clean sand of low organic content. Individuals burrowed to a depth of 15 cm and could move through the sand at a speed of 6–8 cm/h. The test length increased at an average increment of 8 mm/annum. Breeding first took place in the third year and continued each year after. The offshore population was found in very silty sand at depths of 30–40 m. Here individuals burrowed to a very shallow depth, 2 cm. or less, and moved very slowly through the sediment. The annual increment of test growth was only about 3 mm. Estimations showed that the littoral population had a production rate four times greater than the offshore. The offshore population did not reach sexual maturity during the period of observation. No new settlement was observed anywhere in the area during the period of observation. The offshore population occurred in large discrete patches, each displaying a quantitatively concentric pattern with a central area of high density. Samples taken at single stations within the patch showed that the distribution was random for most of the year but that aggregations formed in June, July and August. Both populations showed a steady mortality rate of about 15 % per annum and the longevity was estimated to be in the region of 15 years. Based on prolonged aquarium observations of the feeding behaviour, reasons are given for believing that the surface collecting activities of the penicillate tube-feet of the anterior ambulacrum should be considered as a true feeding mechanism.
Colonization of roots of rice (Oryza sativa) by symbiotic Nostoc strains.

• The lack of nitrogen in agriculture, and negative environmental effects of fertilizers, have stimulated interest in creating artificial associations between N2 -fixing cyanobacteria and rice (Oryza sativa). • For the first time, numerous (57) Nostoc isolates from natural symbioses were screened for their ability to associate with rice. Successful colonizers were tested for N2 -fixation by acetylene reduction, and for their ability to adsorb to roots by chlorophyll a measurements. Paranodules were induced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. And genetic fingerprints of the cyanobacteria were obtained for identification. Ultrastructural investigations were made by light and scanning electron microscopy. • Twenty-one symbiotic Nostoc isolates associated with rice roots, colonizing surfaces and intercellular spaces. Adsorption was high and appeared biphasic. The rates of N2 fixation by associated cyanobacteria were higher compared with those in free-living cyanobacteria. Paranodules were formed and colonized, but root growth was adversely affected. • Under laboratory conditions, artificial associations were created between one-third of the screened symbiotic cyanobacteria and rice. The agricultural potential for the association appears high since the cyanobacteria adsorb tightly and fix more N2 than when free-living.
Comparative Morphometric Analysis of Primate Chromosomes. III. The Chromosomes of the Genera Hylobates. Colobus and Presbytis

SUMMARYProceding with the morphometric analysis of the Primate chromosomes, in this paper the chromosomes of the genera Hylobates, Presbytis and Colobus are examined. All the species studied have a diploid number of chromosomes of 2n = 44.The comparison of the total lengths of the karyotypes has not shown any significant differences among these genera. The comparative morphometric analysis of each single chromosomes has shown some similarities among the chromosomes of the different genera.
Bionomics of Opius bellus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an endoparasitoid of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) in fruit-growing areas of Northwestern Argentina

Opius bellus is a neotropical larval-prepupal parasitoid known to attack the pestiferous fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus. Due to interest in the use of native parasitoids in forthcoming fruit fly biocontrol programmes in Argentina, O. bellus was colonised for the first time using laboratory-reared A. fraterculus larvae. A series of experiments were conducted to (1) best achieve an efficient parasitoid rearing by determining optimal larval host age, host:parasitoid ratio and host exposure time and (2) assess their potential as biological control agents by determining reproductive parameters. The most productive exposure regimen was: 7–9 d-old (early and middle third-instars) A. fraterculus larvae for 4 h at a 4:1 host:parasitoid ratio; this array of factors was sufficient to achieve the highest average adult emergence (48%) and an offspring sex ratio at equitable proportion. Increasing both host:parasitoid ratio further than 4:1 and the host exposure time beyond 4 h did not significantly enhance parasitoid female offspring yield. Females produced eggs for 29.5 ± 1.4 days. At 32 days of age, 50% of the females were still alive. The majority of the progeny were produced by females between 20 and 24 d-old. At 26°C, gross fecundity rate, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and mean generation time were 20.7 ± 4.2 offspring/female, 9.6 ± 2.5 females/newborn females, 0.06 ± 0.01 females/female/day and 8.4 ± 0.2 days, respectively. The long lifespan and reproductive parameters suggest that this parasitoid species has suitable attributes for mass-rearing.
Radial Variation of Fiber Length Increment in ACACIA MANGIUM

The radial variation of fiber length increment (due to intrusive growth) and its relation with internal and external (climatic) factors were investigated for Acacia mangium trees collected in Indonesia and Malaysia. Wood fiber length and fiber length increment were approximated with respect to the distance from the pith (x) by a logarithmic function and vessel element length by a linear function. The results were y = 0.14 . In(x) + 0.48, y = 0.0005 . x + 0.20, and y = 0.13 . ln(x) + 0.31, respectively. The radial variation of fiber length was related to the growth rate rather than the age of the cambium. The results of the cross-correlation function between wood fiber length increment and climatic factors showed that fiber lengths responded to changes in precipitation with a time lag of between zero to four months.
Comparison of Litterfall Input to Streams

in Rhode Island. III. Distribution of macrophytic vegetation in a small drainage basin. Hydrobiologia 140:183-191. STEINMAN, A. D. 1992. Does an increase in irradiance influence periphyton in a heavily-grazed woodland stream? Oecologia 91:163-170. STEINMAN, A. D. 1996. Effects of grazers on freshwater benthic algae. Pages 341-373 in R. J. Stevenson, M. L. Bothwell, and R. L. Lowe (editors). Algal ecology: freshwater benthic ecosystems. Academic Press, San Diego, California. STEVENSON, R. J. 1990. Benthic algal community dynamics in a stream during and after a spate. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 9:277-308.
Prevalence of Listeria spp., Campylobacter spp. Salmonella spp. Yersinia spp. and toxigenic Escherichia coli meat and seafoods in Trinidad

Abstract The prevalences of species of Listeria, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia and Escherichia coli in raw meats and seafoods in Trinidad were investigated. The toxigencity and antibiograms of E. coli isolates were also determined. Of the 480 samples studied, 28 (5·8%) were positive for Listeria spp. with the highest prevalence (14·8%) detected in fish. Nine (1·9%) and 14 (2·9%) samples were positive for L. monocytogenes and L. innocua, respectively. L. monocytogenes serotypes 4b and 1/2c were prevalent in both local and imported meat. Campylobacter strains were isolated from 29 (6·0%) of the samples, with 28 (96·6%) of the positive samples being chickens, one (3·4%) from shrimps. E. coli was recovered from 43 (9·0%) of the 480 samples but only 2 (4·7%) of these strains produced verocytotoxins while 1 (2·3%) isolate produced heat-labile (LT) toxin. Resistance of E. coli strains to antimicrobial agents was high with 33 (76·7%) of 43 strains exhibiting resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents. Strains resistant to streptomycin and tetracycline were the most prevalent. All samples were negative for Yersinia spp. It was concluded that the frequency of contamination of meats and seafoods by the five pathogens studied is low, as is the health risk posed to consumers. Seafoods pose the highest risk of listeriosis to consumers in Trinidad based on the frequency of contamination and the prevailing fish-eating habits.
Role of spawning condition in the determination of the reproductive traits of spring- and autumn-spawning Atlantic herring from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Mature spring-spawning (May–June) and autumn-spawning (August–September) herring differ in total weight. Autumn herring have both heavier gonads and higher somatic weights at length. Both the residual levels of storage lipids and somatic weight at length, corrected for storage lipid, are higher in autumn than in spring. Within spawning seasons, males and females deplete the same amount of storage energy. Percent somatic lipid content is positively correlated with body size during spring but shows no relationship to body size in autumn. These patterns indicate that the relative allocation of storage energy to reproduction differs with spawning season. Spring spawners (lengthy gonad maturation period) allocate proportionally more storage energy to routine and active metabolism than autumn spawners (brief gonad maturation period). The low intercept and steep slope of the gonad weight – length relationship for spring spawners reflect the interaction between decreasing metabolic rate with body size and increas.
Soluble Dietary Fiber from Canna edulis Ker By-Product and its Enzymatic and Antioxidant Activities

Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) was prepared from Canna edulis Ker by-product by physical-enzymatic method and its structure was characterized using GC, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and solid 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The results exhibit that SDF is mainly composed of polysaccharides with minor phenolic compounds. Moreover, influences of SDF on protease hydrolysis of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) and lipase hydrolysis of tributyrin (TBG) were determined. The results indicate that SDF promotes N release of β-lg by pepsin, despite it inhibiting the enzymatic activity of pepsin. Inversely, tryptic hydrolysis of β-lg is inhibited by the addition of SDF, which has no obvious effect on tryptic activity. SDF also inhibits lipase hydrolysis of TBG and the inhibition rate increases with increasing SDF concentration. Furthermore, antioxidant activities of SDF were evaluated by six different modes, and the relationship between concentration and activity was discussed. The results indicated different activities determined by different methods, suggesting that antioxidant mechanisms of SDF are complicated.