Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of the Fruit Fly Parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to Mango Fruit Volatiles

Abstract The response of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) females to mango fruit that were intact (healthy), mechanically damaged, or infested with Anastrepha ludens (Loew) larvae, and their respective hexanic and methanolic extracts, was studied using behavioral, electrophysiological, and chemical techniques. Female parasitoids significantly preferred to visit infested mangoes and their extracts over healthy and mechanically damaged mangoes in wind tunnel and field cage bioassays. This suggests that the presence of the larvae inside the fruit is of clear importance in the host location behavior performed by this species. Methanolic extracts of infested mangoes evoked a significant electroantennography (EAG) response in female antennae compared with the responses elicited by solvent, healthy, and mechanically damaged mango extracts, but EAG response to hexanic extracts of infested mangoes was only significant compared with solvent control. Most of the compounds found in infested mango hexanic extracts were commonly found in healthy and mechanically damaged mango hexanic extracts, except 2-phenylethyl acetate, which seems to be exclusively present in infested mangoes. Also, infested mango extracts contain several compounds in higher amounts compared with the other two types of mangoes, as do the methanolic extracts from infested mangos. These differences could explain why female parasitoids preferred to visit infested mangos, with their correspondent methanolic and hexanic extracts. Our results suggest that this species uses a complex mixture of compounds for host location.
Rise of the generalists: evidence for climate driven homogenization in avian communities

Aims Biogeographical evidence suggests a strong link between climate and patterns of species diversity, and climate change is known to cause range shifts. However, there is little understanding of how shifts affect community composition and we lack empirical evidence of recent impacts of climate change on the diversity of vertebrates. Using a long-term comprehensive dataset on bird abundance, we explore recent patterns of change in different components of species diversity and avian communities, and postulate a process to explain the observed changes in diversity and specialization. Location Britain. Methods We used Breeding Bird Survey data for Britain from 1994 to 2006 to calculate site-specific diversity and community specialization indices. We modelled these indices using generalized additive models to examine the relationship between local climate and spatial and temporal trends in community metrics and the relationship between changes in diversity and specialization. Results Local temperature was positively associated with alpha diversity, which increased over the study period, supporting empirical and theoretical predictions of the effect of climate warming. Diversity increased in all habitats, but the rate of increase was greatest in upland areas. However, temperature was negatively associated with community specialization indices, which declined over the same period. Our modelling revealed a nonlinear relationship between community specialization and species diversity. Main conclusions Our models of diversity and specialization provide stark empirical evidence for a link between warming climate and community homogenization. Over a 13-year period of warming temperatures, diversity indices increased while average community specialization decreased. We suggest that the observed diversity increases were most likely driven by range expansion of generalist species and that future warming is likely to increase homogenization of community structure. When assessed in combination, diversity and specialization measures provide a powerful index for monitoring the impacts of climate change. (Less)
Evaluation of potential of lupin meal as an alternative to fish meal in juvenile Penaeus monodon diets

An indoor feeding trial in a flow-through marine water system was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using dehulled lupin Lupinus albus seed meal as a protein source to replace fish meal in diets for the juvenile Penaeus monodon. Five isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets formulated by replacing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of fish meal protein by lupin meal protein were fed to shrimp (mean initial weight of 4.32 ± 0.23 g) three times daily at a feeding allowance of 5% body weight per day for 42 days. Shrimp fed diets with 0, 25, 50 and 75% replacement had similar (P > 0.05) weight gain, dry matter feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and apparent net protein utilization (ANPU). Shrimp fed the highest dietary inclusion level of lupin meal (100% replacement) had significantly (P 0.05) in whole-body composition (dry matter, protein, lipid and ash) of shrimp fed on the various diets. Pellet water stability was inversely related to level of lupin meal inclusion. It was found, in this study, that up to 75% protein of fish meal can be replaced with the protein of dehulled lupin seed meal in diets for juvenile P. monodon. The diet with total replacement of fish meal containing 40% lupin meal was utilized very poorly by the shrimp.
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence daily activity of a Mediterranean cyprinid

Factors shaping individual behavior remain poorly understood for European cyprinids. We examined the effects of extrinsic (temperature and year) and intrinsic factors (body size and shoal size) on the daily activity of chub Squalius torgalensis, a critically endangered cyprinid found in the Torgal stream, Portugal. We quantified chub behaviors while snorkeling, using instantaneous sampling of focal individuals, in spring 2009 and 2010. We used Principal Component Analysis to describe individual behavior and assessed competing models relating individual behavior to explanatory variables using Akaike's Information Criterion. Year had a strong influence on chub behavior, with individuals spending more time drift foraging and orienting in 2009, whereas in 2010 they spent more time benthic foraging and cruising. Shoal size did not influence behaviors in 2009, but in 2010 individuals in small shoals foraged benthically and searched with greater frequency than those in large shoals. Individuals increased cruising and decreased searching as they grew in length, but the opposite trend was observed as temperature increased. Our results indicate that both extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence daily activity of chub, with individual behaviors varying between years, and depending upon shoal size, body size and temperature. This suggests that chub display high levels of individual behavioral flexibility, which may be important for fish inhabiting harsh and highly variable Mediterranean streams. Conservation efforts for this species will benefi tb y integrating behavioral information into management strategies.
Identification of IFN-γ-Producing Cells in IL-12/IL-18-Treated Mice

Both IL-12 and IL-18 have been characterized as effective IFN-γ-inducing cytokines. Concomitant treatment with IL-12 and IL-18 has been shown to synergistically induce IFN-γ and may be an effective therapy for treating cancer, allergy, and infectious diseases. To understand the mechanisms underlying the strong induction of IFN-γ by IL-12/IL-18 in mice, we focused our studies on the IFN-γ-producing cells in various lymphoid organs and tissues and utilized the intracellular cytokine staining method to detect such cells in situ. After combined treatment with IL-12 and IL-18, IFN-γ-positive cells in C57BL/6 mice were detected in the liver (12.18%), spleen (0.68%), bone marrow (1.80%), and peritoneum (2.12%), but not in the thymus or lymph nodes (<0.05 and <0.08%, respectively). A two-color staining method revealed that the majority of IFN-γ-producing cells in the liver were NK1.1+ cells, while those in the spleen were mostly CD3+ cells, and to a lesser degree NK1.1+ cells. Both CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the liver and in the spleen produced IFN-γ. The CD19+ B cell population was not definitely shown to produce IFN-γ in our induction experiments. NKT cells, which are a subpopulation of NK1.1+ CD3+ cells, were diminished in the liver and did not seem to contribute to IFN-γ production arising from IL-12/IL-18 treatment. Further in vitro experiments confirmed the responsiveness of hepatic mononuclear cells to IL-12/IL-18 stimulation. This study is the first to show the IFN-γ-producing mechanisms of IL-12/IL-18 treatment at the phenotypic level.
Overturning resistance of western redcedar and western hemlock in mixed-species stands in coastal British Columbia

Specific information about the applied forces that cause trees to fail is required to validate mechanistic models of windthrow in different forest types. Static tree-pulling tests were conducted to examine the overturning resistance of western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ) in a mixed species second-growth stand in coastal British Columbia. Although widely used, tree-pulling techniques are not standardized. Data from three inclinometers were used to estimate stem deflection, which was found to increase with tree slenderness. Differing methods of fitting stem curvature had a small effect on estimates of self-loading at failure. The distance of the pivot point from the centre of the stem base increased with tree diameter. Accounting for the correct self-loading at failure produced a small difference in the overall turning moment regressions but did not improve the fit of these regressions. However, this difference increased with tree size and wa.
SYSTEMATIC SCREENING FOR PHYTOCHEMICALS OF VARIOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTS OFTHEVETIA PERUVIANA SCHUM. LEAVES AND FRUIT RIND

Thevetia peruviana (S) (yellow oleander) is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree that is in the Apocynaceae family as and closely related to Nerium oleander , is mainly known for its cardiac glycosides, which was traditionally used as antipyretic [10], as emetics, diuretics and tonics [12]. In addition, its extensive use reported for antitumor therapy [11] and therefore it has important medicinal values. Objective: The present investigation deals with thorough phytochemical analysis of leaf and fruit rind of Thevetia peruviana (S). This study represents a first report of quantitative and qualitative determination of phytochemicals of T. peruviana (S). Methods: Plant leaves and fruit rind material extracted by using solvents of increasing polarity and the quantity of crude extracts obtained. The ethanol extract has shown highest percentage of yield in both the samples followed by water in fruit rind, than hexane and chloroform extracts. Furthermore, pilot solubility tests performed for the selection of vehicle solvents. Results: The qualitative phytochemical studies have clearly demonstrated that the plant Thevetia peruviana (S)is a rich source ofalkaloids,flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthroquinone glycosides, coumarins, phenols, tannins, steroids, oils and fats.Further quantitative determination confirmed that T. peruviana (S) is very rich in alkaloid 52.92 ± 0.06 mg/g (leaf) and 59.28 ± 0.04 mg/g (fruit rind), saponins 7.97 ± 0.36 mg/g (leaf) and 14.27 ± 1.02 mg/g (fruit rind)followed by flavonoid and phenolics. Conclusion: Among the extracts, the ethanolic extract has found to be rich in phytoconstituents, which gives a very strong reason to select this plant for cytotoxic evaluation and other pharmacological properties.
EFFECTS OF FEED RESTRICTION AND REALIMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE AND NITROGEN UTILISATION IN GROWING WEST AFRICAN DWARF RAMS

The effects of feed restriction on the performance of growing West African Dwarf sheep were determined in twenty four (24) growing West African dwarf (WAD) rams with average weight of 8.9 ± 0.59kg. The twenty-four WAD rams were allotted to three treatments of eight rams per treatment and balanced for weight in a Completely Randomized Design. Animals in group C which represents the control were fed with dried Panicum maximum ad libitum and concentrate supplement while group two (R1) and group three (R2) were fed with P. maximum without concentrate supplementation for one and two months, respectively. Thereafter, two months of realimentation followed the restriction. Data were taken on the feed intake, weight gain and digestibility. Results obtained on average daily gain showed significant difference (P 0.05) different from R2 group. The Crude protein intake was highest in the control (49.9g/day). Rumen amino acid of the control animals (4.1) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than R1 (2.1) and R2 (3.5) groups. Nitrogen intake (g/day) was significant and higher in the C group (8.0) compared to the two restricted groups R1 and R2. During realimentation period, average daily weight gain (g/day) was highest (P < 0.05) for animals in the control (57.5) and least in R2 (34.5). The feed conversion ratio ranged from 8.3 (C) to 14.3 (R2) while the total weight gain (kg) ranged from 2.1 (R2) to 3.5 (C). Similarly, the CP intake (g/day) was higher in the control group compared to those in R1 and R2 groups. However, the dietary amino acid recorded in R2 differ significantly (P < 0.05) from R1 and C groups. During the realimentation period, nitrogen intake for rams in R1 (8.8g/day) and R2 (10.1g/day) groups doubled the values obtained during the restriction period. It was concluded that rams should be restricted for one month because they gained more weight than those restricted for two months.
Assessment of genetic variability for yield and its component characters in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Eighty one rice ( Oryza sativa L.) genotypes were evaluated during kharif 2010 forthirteen quantitative traits to examine the nature and magnitude of variability,heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance. Analysis of variance revealed that thedifferences among eighty one genotypes were significant for all the characters except flagleaf width. Among the all traits number of spikelets per panicle exhibited high estimatesof genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV)followed by harvest index, grain yield per hill and number of panicles per hill. Broadsense heritability was highest for biological yield per hill, which suggested that this traitwould respond to selection owing their high genetic variability and transmissibility.Maximum genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for number of spikelets perpanicle with high value of heritability.
Rapid-growth firms in Norway: Characteristics of growth factors in benign and adverse environments.

The aim of this thesis is to provide new empirical knowledge about rapid-growth firms. Rapid-growth firms are defined as active firms with a growth in sales of at least 100 percent over a 4-year period, a turnover of at least NOK 1 million in the initial year, a positive operating profit over these years, and no negative growth of income in any year in the period. Even though rapid-growth firms are recognized as central actors in creating employment and growth and in restructuring industries, we have almost no systematic knowledge of these firms in the Norwegian context. By reviewing the research in this field and conducting my own research, this thesis will contribute to improving the theoretical understanding of organizational growth. The present study consists of a literature review and three empirical articles. The aim of the review is to 1) identify which firms grow and the main factors underlying growth, 2) review the empirical studies of rapid-growth firms and their theoretical bases, 3) discuss the empirical and theoretical contributions of prior research, 4) address challenges and gaps in the literature, and 5) suggest how to respond to these challenges. The review identifies three main questions which will be analyzed in three research papers. Firstly, I identify a lack of systematic knowledge of the external dynamics of growth and the internal performance and characteristics of rapid-growth firms compared to the rest of the population of firms. The main question investigated in article 1 is: How is the industrial and regional distribution of Norwegian rapid-growth firms, their economic performance compared to the rest of the population of firms, general economic growth, and new firm formation? Secondly, there is a lack of knowledge about where rapid-growth firms acquire knowledge and information and which and how firm capabilities facilitate the acquisition of knowledge from external sources. The main question in article 2 is: Which rapid-growth firms acquire information and knowledge from different external sources and which firm-based resources and capabilities are important for accessing this information and knowledge? Thirdly, I identify a need for more research investigating the challenges and consequences for growth and which resources and capabilities developed during firms’ growth are important for future development. The main question in article 3 is: How can resources and capabilities developed during a period of rapid growth explain the firms’ later development, especially during a macroeconomic decline?
Effects of potassium alum addition on physicochemical, pasting, thermal and gel texture properties of potato starch

The study investigated the effects of the addition of different concentrations of potassium alum (PA, 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 g 100 g ―1 ; w/w, on a starch weight basis) on the pasting, thermal, gel texture and other physicochemical properties of potato starch. The addition of PA resulted in a significant increase in solubility and a decrease in swelling power and light transmittance of stored pastes. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis demonstrated an increase in gelatinisation temperatures and gelatinisation enthalpy and a decrease in phase transition temperature range (ΔT r ) with increasing PA concentration. Results of rapid visco-analysis indicated that addition of PA decreased the peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosities, but increased in peak time. Textural tests showed that the addition of PA retarded gel strength development during refrigerated storage. The high ionic strength and water-binding capacities of Al 3+ , K + and SO 4 2― point to being the key factors for these observed changes.
Social Organization of Leptothorax Acervorum From Alaska (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Colonies of the holartic ant Leptothorax (s. str.) acervorum from Alaskan shrub tundra habitats are facultatively polygynous; however, aggression among female reproductives occurs and might occassionally lead to functional monogyny. High-ranking gynes are highly mobile and initiate attacks randomly, without having exact knowledge on the indentify of the opponent, but recognition of individual or rank specific characteristics appears to be involved in the continuation of assaults.
Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares no crescimento e nutrição de mudas de jenipapeiro

Alguns trabalhos tem demonstrado que a inoculacao de fungos micorrizicos arbusculares (FMA) na producao de mudas apresenta grande potencial para o desenvolvimento de um cultivo racional e eficiente de mudas de fruteiras. O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar a inoculacao de fungos micorrizicos arbusculares no crescimento e nutricao de mudas de jenipapeiro (Genipa americana L.). O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, avaliando-se seis especies fungicas: Glomus clarum, Glomus etunicatum, Glomus manihots, Gigaspora albida, Acaulospora scrobiculata e Scutellospora heterogama, com dez repeticoes. As especies A. scrobiculata, G. clarum e G. etunicatum colonizaram mais intensamente o sistema radicular e promoveram melhor desenvolvimento das mudas de jenipapeiro quando comparados a G. manihots e G. albida. O fungo G. etunicatum destacou-se, promovendo incrementos na altura (44,4%); no diâmetro do caule (63,6%); na producao de biomassa seca na parte aerea (288,8%), nas raizes (248,7%) e na area foliar (315,7%) em comparacao as mudas controle. Com excecao de Mn e Fe, mudas inoculadas apresentaram teores de nutrientes superior as mudas controle. As mudas que receberam inoculo de S. heterogama apresentaram crescimento e teor de nutrientes similares aos das mudas controle. A colonizacao micorrizica correlacionou-se positivamente com os teores de N, P, K, Mg e Cu e negativamente com os teores de Fe e Mn nas folhas das mudas de jenipapeiro. O jenipapeiro e uma planta responsiva aos FMA e a inoculacao beneficiou o crescimento e a nutricao das mudas.
Morphological and genetic evidence supports the existence of two species in the genus Ophelia (Annelida, Polychaeta) from the Western Mediterranean

About 900 individuals of the intertidal polychaete Ophelia cf. bicornis were collected at four sandy beaches in Corsica, ten in Sardinia and one in Tuscany (Western Mediterranean). They were analysed morphologically and genetically to clarify the taxonomic status of the littoral species of Ophelia in the study area and to assess the population genetic structuring. Two morphotypes were distinguished on the basis of the number of nephridiopore pairs (five or six). Genetic distances, F-statistics and analysis of molecular variance based on eight allozyme genetic markers were consistent in showing the two morphotypes to separate at species level. Thus, the two morphotypes which most authors have included in O. bicornis s.l. are not one morphologically variable taxon, but instead constitute two valid species, namely O. bicornis Savigny, 1818, with six pairs of nephridiopores, and O. barquii Fauvel, 1927, with five pairs of nephridiopores. Mechanisms of ecological speciation in a background of gene flow can be taken into account to explain the origin of the two species. Moderate genetic differentiation was found among populations within each species, suggesting that dispersal may not be effective over large distances, or that local selection plays an important role in population differentiation.
A global plastid phylogeny of the brake fern genus Pteris (Pteridaceae) and related genera in the Pteridoideae

The brake fern genus Pteris belongs to the Pteridaceae subfamily Pteridoideae. It contains 200–250 species distributed on all continents except Antarctica, with its highest species diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The monophyly of Pteris has long been in question because of its great morphological diversity and because of the controversial relationships of the Australian endemic monospecific genus Platyzoma. The circumscription of the Pteridoideae has likewise been uncertain. Previous studies typically had sparse sampling of Pteris species and related genera and used limited DNA sequence data. In the present study, DNA sequences of six plastid loci of 146 accessions representing 119 species of Pteris (including the type of the genus) and 18 related genera were used to infer a phylogeny using maximum‐likelihood, Bayesian‐inference and maximum‐parsimony methods. Our major results include: (i) the previous uncertain relationships of Platyzoma were due to long‐branch attraction; (ii) Afropteris, Neurocallis, Ochropteris and Platyzoma are all embedded within a well‐supported Pteris sensu lato; (iii) the traditionally circumscribed Jamesonia is paraphyletic in relation to a monophyletic Eriosorus; (iv) Pteridoideae contains 15 genera: Actiniopteris, Anogramma, Austrogramme, Cerosora, Cosentinia, Eriosorus, Jamesonia, Nephopteris (no molecular data), Onychium, Pityrogramma, Pteris, Pterozonium, Syngramma, Taenitis and Tryonia; and (v) 15 well‐supported clades within Pteris are identified, which differ from one another on molecular, morphological and geographical grounds, and represent 15 major evolutionary lineages.