Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of life history traits to food conditions in a cyclopoid copepod from an oligotrophic environment

The Cyclops sp. responses of life history traits (growth, development, and reproduction) to food conditions from oligotrophic Lake Toya were analyzed by rearing animals individually under four food regimes:three densities of the alga Cryptomonas tetrapyrenoidosa and nauplii of the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis as prey in an algal suspension. Cyclops sp. grew successfully from newborn nauplii to adults when algal density was ≥4 × 103 cells ml‐1 . Development time was shorter and body length larger in the high‐density (H) treatment (4 × 104 cells ml‐1 ) than in medium‐density (M) treatment (4 × 103 cells ml−1) until the early copepodite stages. In late copepodite stages, females tended to grow more slowly but tended to be larger in the M treatment than in the H treatment. However, stage‐specific growth rates were similar among treatments during development, suggesting a trade‐off between body size and development time. Although the egg production rate was higher in the M treatment than in the H treatment, it depended on female body size regardless of the food regime. Furthermore, the weight‐specific egg production rate was the same among treatments, indicating egg production was not affected by the algal concentrations tested. Addition of copepod prey influenced neither postembryonic development time nor body size, and egg production rates were comparable to those reared with an algal diet. These results reveal that even older copepodites and adults, which are generally thought to be predacious, do not necessarily require animal prey for growth and reproduction, and that Cyclops sp. can complete its life cycle on an algal diet alone. For female Cyclops sp. , reduction of algal density resulted in slow development and large body size, which might be an adaptation to the oligotrophic environment, the original habitat of the copepod.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN FOOD QUALITY: A PROXIMATE CUE FOR REPRODUCTIVE TIMING IN MARINE IGUANAS

We investigated the proximate environmental cues that influence the timing of reproduction in the seasonally and synchronously breeding Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus). Marine iguana foraging patterns are closely linked to the tidal cycle, and they feed exclusively on macroalgae. The Galapagos Islands are characterized by seasonal currents that impact water temperature and ultimately algal abundance, which is known to affect iguana body condition and survival. In our study, marine iguanas preferred Gelidium sp. , which had the highest nutritional quality (nitrogen content, carbon content, and C:N ratio) of the three species of macroalgae on which they feed. Nutritional quality in Gelidium changed predictably with increasing sea surface temperature, peaking around the median iguana copulation date. Similarly, foraging behavior changed around the time copulations began. To test if consistent relationships existed among food quality, water temperature, and breeding life history, we used seven years of data from this population and found that breeding occurred earlier in years when the mean December sea surface temperature was warmer. Although iguanas might cue directly on changes in sea surface temperature, given the frequency and intensity of El Nino events in the Galapagos, this hypothesis is unlikely. Rather, our results suggest that marine iguanas may use subtle changes in food quality (particularly energy content) associated with seasonal, but annually variable, changes in water temperature as a cue to initiate breeding. The excess available energy may be used to withstand the costly breeding period, as well as to provision yolk to improve hatchling growth and survival.
Seasonal maturity and size at age of Loligo pealeii in waters of southern New England

This paper investigates patterns of size-at-age and of maturity-at-size and -age using data from opportunistic, seasonal collections of Loligo pealeii from fisheries and research surveys off southern New England during 1993–1997. We describe basic life history parameters, such as lifespan, size and age at 50% maturity, size at stage of sexual maturation, and growth rates by sex and hatch month. The results provide new quantitative information on the population structure of L. pealeii and provide evidence that the link between the inshore and offshore components of the stock may be more complicated than formerly believed. Age composition appeared to be stable throughout the year, except during autumn, with modal ages at capture of only 150–180 d. L. pealeii spawning was inferred to occur throughout the year based on observed ages. Direct age sampling of the inshore and offshore fisheries for L. pealeii showed that these seasonal fisheries likely interact and that each harvests squid spawned in the previous season. 2001 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Seasonal Variation in Respiratory and Photosynthetic Parameters in Three Mosses from the Maritime Antarctic

Carbon fixation under controlled conditions was measured in three mosses from the maritime Antarctic using an infra-red gas analysis system. Gas exchange parameters were determined during each season in 1993 and 1994 using the Arrhenius equation and a hyperbolic tangent function applied to respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. Environmental data was collected in 1994 for comparison. All seasonal variations were greater inBrachytheciumthan in the species from less hydric habitats. Respiration rates were highest in summer and lowest in winter at all temperatures inBrachythecium, but there was little change inChorisodontiumorAndreaea. There was some seasonal variation in the initial slope (Kp) of the photosynthesis-irradiance curve in all species, although the environmental data suggested that this was of little ecological importance. In all species seasonal changes in the maximum rates of photosynthesis (GPmax, NPmax) were observed, generally with a pattern of summer maxima, although there were some interannual differences. These changes are considered to be the most important in affecting the overall annual productivity of the mosses. There were no seasonal variations in the optimum temperatures for either gross or net photosynthesis, or for the irradiance at the onset of light saturation (Ik). The results have important implications for the use of models to estimate the productivity of the Antarctic flora based upon present or predicted climate data.
Non-native, invasive Red lionfish (Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758): Scorpaenidae), is first recorded in the southern Gulf of Mexico, off the northern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

We recorded the first sighting and collection of the non-native, invasive red lionfish (Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758): Scorpaenidae) in the southern Gulf of Mexico, off the northern Yucatan Peninsula. In December 2009, two individuals were sighted (one of them speared) at 38 m depth over a reef formation, about 58 km northwest of the Alacranes Reef National Park, which is located 130 km off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. More than 20 years after the introduction of P. volitans into the western Atlantic, specifically off the Florida and North Carolina coasts, the invasion circuit now appears to be closing in, since this new record was made about 800 km from the Dry Tortugas and Marquesas, Florida. This recording appears to be the first introgression of the P. volitans population into the Gulf of Mexico via larval transport.
1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for Maintaining Texture Quality of Fresh-cut Tomato

A study was conducted to determine the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on textural changes in fresh-cut tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) slices during stor- age at 5 °C. The relationship between fruit developmental stage and tissue watersoaking development was also determined. Fresh-cut tomato slices prepared from light-red fruit that had been exposed to 1-MCP (1 µL·L -1 for 24 h at 5 °C) retained signifi cantly higher pericarp fi rmness during storage at 5 °C for 10 d than slices from nontreated fruit or slices stored at 10 or 15 °C and they also had a signifi cantly higher ethylene production maximum. 1-MCP (1 or 10 µL·L -1 for 24 h at 5 °C) had no affect on the fi rmness of fresh- cut, red tomato slices at 5 °C or on slices prepared from 5 °C-stored, intact red tomatoes. Nor did 1-MCP treatment have a signifi cant effect on electrolyte leakage of tomato slices or intact fruit stored at 5 °C. Slices from fruit of the same developmental stage but with higher initial fi rmness values had less watersoaking development and responded better to 1-MCP treatment during 8 d storage at 5 °C. 1-MCP (1 µL·L -1 ) was more effective in reducing watersoaking in light red stage tomato slices when applied at 5 °C for 24 h compared with 1-MCP applied at 10 or 15 °C. Watersoaking development was also more rapid in fresh-cut tomato slices as initial fruit ripeness advanced from breaker to red stage. Our results suggest that watersoaking development in fresh-cut tomato slices is an ethylene-mediated symptom of senescence and not a symptom of chilling injury as had previously been proposed.
COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF SEASONALLY DECIDUOUS FORESTS IN THE AMERICAS

Forest canopies with leaves shed annually (seasonally deciduous forests) produce a different subcanopy environment than canopies with persistent leaves (evergreen forests). Although causes differ with latitude, seasonality might affect structure and composition of forests similarly. We explored changes in species composition and vertical structure in seasonally deciduous forests from 0°–40° N in the Americas. We measured all woody stems ≥1 cm dbh within replicated 0.0625-ha plots (16 at each of 9 sites, N > 31 000). Numbers of species, as well as density and basal area, were analyzed parametrically for canopy trees, subcanopy trees, shrubs, and lianas. Numbers of species, especially shrubs and subcanopy trees, were greater in warm (30° N) than cool (40° N) temperate forests. Much larger numbers occurred in subtropical (20° N) and tropical (10° N and 0°) forests, but did not vary in relation to latitude. Higher than expected numbers in areas <0.25 ha in all forests, but especially subtropical forests, indi.
A comparison of fine-scale distribution patterns of four plant groups in an Amazonian rainforest.

Vormisto, J., Phillips, O. L. , Ruokolainen, K. , Tuomisto, H. and Vasquez, R. 2000. A comparison of fine-scale distribution patterns of four plant groups in an Amazo- nian rainforest. - Ecography 23: 349-359. We carried out a comparison among the floristic patterns of four different plant groups (palms, trees, melastomes and pteridophytes) in a lowland rainforest site in Peruvian Amazonia. The study site consisted of a mosaic of edaphic patches reflecting the different geological formations that can be found on the surface. We collected the data along a linear transect (500 m long, divided into 20 20 mo r 5 20 m subplots), and recorded of the four plant groups all individuals that exceeded a minimum size limit predefined for each plant group. We also recorded the drainage conditions and soil type classes in each subplot of the transect. The results indicated that different plant groups can produce similar floristic patterns in local spatial scales, and that these patterns reflect similarities in edaphic conditions. All matrix correlations calculated between pairs of the four plant groups were positive and statistically significant. Floristic composition in all plant groups correlated with soil class, and to a somewhat lesser degree with drainage. These results imply that any one of the four plant groups could serve as a rough indicator of more general floristic patterns, and that even the inventory of a limited part of the flora can shed light on the floristic variation found in Amazonian forests.
Twin‐Screw Extrusion Texturization of Acid and Alkali Denatured Soy Proteins

Effect of pH on functional characteristics of soy protein was investigated by modifying soy flour through acid (HCl) or alkali (NaOH) addition. Acid- and alkali-treated proteins were evaluated and texturized by twin-screw extrusion. Products were analyzed by rheological, functional, and ultrastructural methods. Acid-modified texturized protein had little expansion, increased peak force, increased work of shearing, and a nonoriented fiber arrangement. Slightly alkaline extrudates had increased rehydration but poorer texture. Stronger alkaline treatment resulted in denser products with high peak force measurements, which disintegrated when extrudates were rehydrated. The physicochemical state of soy protein, particularly conformation and protein-water interactions as affected by pH, may influence expansion of textured products and development of plexilamellar structure.
Relative Abundance of Parrots throughout the Yucatan Peninsula: Implications for their Conservation

ABSTRACT Information on species' abundances of members of the Family Psittacidae (parrots) is scarce. We determined relative abundances of parrots in nine areas of the Yucatan Peninsula; six sampled during the years 2011–2012, and three during 2008–2010. We counted parrots on 360 plots, calculated relative abundance, and constructed dominance - diversity graphs. Six species were identified in the study areas: Amazona albifrons, Eupsittula nana, Amazona xantholora, Amazona autumnalis, Amazona oratrix and Pionus senilis. The southern Yucatan Peninsula harbored the highest number of species. Overall, E. nana was the most abundant species, although in the southern portion of the peninsula A. albifrons was dominant. Using the abundance values obtained in this research, we can begin to identify and establish new priority sites for parrot conservation within the Yucatan Peninsula and develop new proposals for conservation and sustainable management practices in the region.
Effectiveness of tortoise beetle larval shields against different predator species

Larvae of the tortoise beetles Charidotella bicolor and Deloyala guttata carry shields formed from exuviae and feces over their bodies that are though to provide protection from natural enemies. We investigated the effectiveness of shields as a defense against three groups of invertebrate predators (mandibulate, piercing/sucking and chelicerate taxa) common in tortoise beetle habitats. Choice experiments, functional response studies, measurements of predator body size and mouthpart length, and a literature review indicated that predators with long piercing/sucking mouthparts (i.e., Heteroptera) were the most effective predators of tortoise beetles. For example, relatively large heteropterans with long, piercing/sucking mouthparts (e.g., Nabis americoferus and Podisus maculiventris) were not deterred by shields whereas small predators with short beaks (e.g., Geocoris punctipes) were. Likewise, coccinellid predators with short mandibles were deterred by the shield, while a carabid predator with long mandibl.
Antibacterial activity of propolis and Ca(OH) 2 against Lactobacillus , Entrococus facalis , Peptostreptococus and Candida albicans

Propolis has been shown to be possibly an appropriate alternative as an intracanal medicament due to its antibacterial properties. The aim of present study was to compare the activity of calcium hydroxide and propolis against Lactobacillus , Enterococcus faecalis , Peptostreptococcus and Candida albicans . This experimental study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of propolis and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2) powder mixed with saline solution. Agar diffusion test and dilution methods were used to compare the results. There were separate plates to control diffusion of two substances in agar and antimicrobial activity of solvents. Figures of diameter of inhibition zone and minimal inhibitor concentration (MIC) and minimal bacterial concentration (MBC) were calculated. Paired T-test was used to compare the MIC differences. Propolis was more effective against Lactobacillus , E. faecalis and Peptostreptococcus with 8.6984 mm compared with 7.0833 mm mean diameter of inhibitory zone for Ca(OH) 2. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001) indicating that Ca(OH) 2 was less effective against experimental microorganisms. The inhibitory zone of the two drugs demonstrated stronger effect of propolis on contaminating microorganisms. The MIC of propolis for all studied microorganisms was at least 4 times less than calcium hydroxide. Propolis was more effective than calcium hydroxide against Lactobacillus , E. faecalis and Peptostreptococcus . In ADT For C. albicans , larger inhibition zone observed around calcium hydroxide, could be due to low diffusion potentiality of propolis in agar compared to calcium hydroxide whereas, MIC demonstrated higher antifungal activity for propolis. Propolis was more effective against C. albicans in spite of its smaller inhibitory zone.
Working in the hangar: The impact of psychological capital on work outcomes among army aircraft mechanics

ABSTRACT Based on positive organizational behavior, this study aimed to explore the impact of psychological capital (PsyCap) on task performance, organizational citizenship behaviors, affective commitment, and job satisfaction among army aircraft mechanics. Data was obtained from 260 aircraft mechanics working in various Turkish Army aviation units. The hypotheses were tested using a series of hierarchical regressions. The results indicated that those with higher PsyCap are more likely to depict task performance, engage in highly extra-role behaviors, be more committed to their organizations, and be highly satisfied with their jobs that are advantageous to army aviation settings. The authors concluded that promoting the levels of PsyCap could be effective in elevating aircraft mechanics’ work attitudes and behaviors. Military aviation units are encouraged to establish human resource development programs to foster the PsyCap of their soldiers, which in turn, enhances crucial work attitudes.
Food Selection by Grey-headed Flying Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) Occupying a Summer Colony Site near Gosford, New South Wales

A colony site occupied by grey-headed flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) from October to May on the central coast of N.S. W. was monitored over a 48 month period (1986-1990). Faecal and spat-out material was collected for microscopic determination of contents. Comparison of food items in the droppings with the array of possible food sources present in the vicinity of the colony at the same time showed a marked preference for certain foods, in particular blossoms of the family Myrtaceae and of the genus Banksia. Cultivated orchard fruits were not a preferred food and were only taken at times when preferred food items were scarce.
A MIXED DIET IMPROVES PERFORMANCE AND HERBIVORE RESISTANCE OF A PARASITIC PLANT

I examined how the performance of Castilleja wightii (Scrophulariaceae), a generalist root parasite, is affected by the availability of different combinations of host species. In this greenhouse study, I focused on pairs of hosts consisting of either two leguminous host individuals (Lupinus arboreus; Fabaceae), two non-nitrogen-fixing hosts (Eriophyllum stachaedifolium; Asteraceae), or one individual of each of these species. Castilleja growth and reproductive performance were greatly improved by the simultaneous attack of two distinct host species, even though Castilleja grown with two Lupinus hosts had significantly higher nitrogen content. Different combinations of host species also strongly affected the growth of aphid colonies feeding on the Castilleja used in this experiment. Across all treatments, the growth of aphid colonies was positively correlated with the nitrogen content of the parasitic plants, which, in turn depended on the combination of hosts attacked. Aphid colonies feeding on parasites .
Biochemical Basis of Resistance in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) against Fusarium Wilt

Biochemical basis of disease resistance was studied by analysis of total phenols, peroxidase and s1,3-glucanase activities in calli of Fusarium wilt resistant and susceptible genotypes and one in vitro selected resistant cell line of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The callus growth of cvs. JG62, C235 and WR315 was completely inhibited at 2% (v/v) concentration of culture filtrate of the fungus, whereas, the callus growth of in vitro selected resistant cell line FWR was not inhibited even at 4% (v/v) concentration of culture filtrate, indicating that a cultivar resistant under field conditions could show susceptibility under in vitro conditions. Total phenols were more in the resistant cell line than in the susceptible cultivars. However, increase in phenolics was higher in resistant cell line than in susceptible cultivars after treatment with the cultural filtrate, indicating that phenols reach an inhibitory level to the fungus in the resistant cell line. Peroxidase followed a similar pattern. Increase in s-1,3-glucanase activity, after treatment, was higher in resistant cell line than in susceptible cultivars. Role of total phenols, peroxidase and s-1,3-glucanase in defense against Fusarium wilt disease of chickpea is discussed.
Digenean fauna of amphibians from central Mexico: nearctic and neotropical influences.

Specimens from 20 amphibian species from central Mexico were examined for helminths. We found 21 digenean species; 4 of them are recorded for the first time in Mexico. Twenty-two new host and 21 new locality reports are added. Previous reports of these helminth species are summarized, and biogeographical aspects of hosts and parasites are discussed.
The effects of experimentally manipulated yolk androgens on growth and immune function of male and female nestling collared flycatchers Ficedula albicollis

Hormone-mediated maternal effects may be an important mechanism for adjusting offspring phenotype to particular requirements of the environment. We manipulated the levels of testosterone and androstenedione in the yolk of collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis eggs to investigate the effects of pre-natal exposure to androgens on growth and immune function. Androgen treatment tended to reduce the growth of males, and enhance the growth of females, as indicated by significant interaction between sex and androgen treatment. Cellular immune function was not affected by androgen treatment or sex. Survival of nestlings until fledging was not related to androgen treatment. Our results indicate that in the collared flycatcher yolk androgens do not involve clear overall benefits during the nestling stage, and that growth-enhancing effects of increased yolk androgen levels on female nestlings are counterbalanced by detrimental effects on male nestlings.
Recent changes in resistance to grain protectants in eastern Australia

A widespread survey of grain storages in eastern Australia was undertaken to assess the extent and severity of resistance to grain protectants and fumigants. Insects were collected from many types of premises and screened for resistance to a number of registered protectants by standard assays. Strong resistance to methoprene increased mark- edly in Rhyzopertha dominica in northern NSW, rising from 2% of samples in 1997 to about 26% in 2002. Some resis- tant strains have been able to breed in grain treated with methoprene at up to four times the normal rate, with only limited suppression. A similar trend was found in Queensland. In the same period, Sitophilus oryzae with a high level of resistance to chlorpyrifos-methyl emerged at several sites in NSW and Queensland, but no new sites have been detected since 2001. These surveys have successfully provided the grain industry with early warning of resistance developments so that resistance can be managed and losses minimised. Despite the continuous emergence of new resistances, grain protectants have remained an effective pest management tool.