Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whooping Crane (Grus americana) Nest Attentiveness, Desertion and Management Intervention

Abstract. Recovery of endangered birds often involves population establishment through introduction of captive-reared individuals. Growth of a captive-reared Whooping Crane (Grus americana) population introduced into central Wisconsin is currently limited by a high rate of nest desertion, which is thought to possibly be related to poor general nest attentiveness. Whooping Crane nest attentiveness and associated covariates were studied. Egg infertility and embryonic death rates were assessed as well as their effects on daily nest survival estimates. Techniques to minimize predation exposure of unattended eggs were developed and evaluated. Most Whooping Crane pairs deserted their eggs and all left them unattended. Nest desertion was associated with poor nest attentiveness. Variables related to age of the nesting pair were useful for modeling nest attentiveness. Daily nest survival estimates based solely on adult presence potentially produced inflated measures. Results suggest management interventions can minimize predation exposure of unattended eggs. Bypassing a portion of incubation has the additional advantage of simultaneously addressing nest failure and maximizing productivity.
HABITAT SAMPLING AND SELECTION BY FEMALE WILD TURKEYS DURING PREINCUBATION

Abstract Habitat use and home range sizes of female Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) during preincubation may influence reproductive success. Little information on habitat selection during preincubation at multiple spatial scales is available and the influence of preincubation movement rates on reproductive success is poorly understood. We monitored 35 adult female Eastern Wild Turkeys during preincubation in central Mississippi during 1996–1997. We estimated home range and core area size, macrohabitat selection at multiple spatial scales and movement rates from 1 February until the beginning of incubation. Preincubation home ranges averaged 306.6 (±46.8 SE) ha and core areas 47.3 (±7.4) ha. Females selected 9–15 and 16–29 year-old pine (Pinus spp.) stands over other habitats available when establishing home ranges, but within these home ranges they selected pine stands that were older than 30 years for their core areas and nest sites. However, females used habitats within their established home range in proportion to availability. Movement rates averaged 286.5 (±22.3) m/hr during preincubation and were greater than during other seasons. We detected no correlations between home range or core area size and number of days nests were successfully incubated. However, we detected a positive correlation between movement rates and increased incubation, suggesting females that moved farther during preincubation successfully incubated nests longer. Our findings suggest females selected habitats differentially when establishing pre-incubation home ranges and core areas. Further, our findings suggest movement rates within home ranges may better reflect a female's habitat sampling effort during nest site selection rather than home range or core area size.
Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of methanol stem bark extract of Bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. (Bombacaceae)

The aim of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of stem bark of Bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. (Bombacaceae) in mice. Fresh dried stem bark of B. buonopozense was extracted with methanol by maceration which yielded 10.2% methanol extract. Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the methanol extract at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg were evaluated in mice using open-field test (OFT), hole-board test (HBT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) models, respectively (n = 120), were used in the four models, five groups were made each containing six mice, in each model. Group I received distilled water 10 ml/kg, Group II, III, and IV received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of the B. buonopozense extract, respectively, while Group V received diazepam 0.5 mg/kg in OPT, HBT, and imipramine 10 mg/kg in FST, TST as positive controls in each of the models. B. buonopozense extract (1000 mg/kg) has significantly increased the number of square crossing in OFT compared with distilled water-treated group 10 ml/kg (P < 0.05). However, B. buonopozense extract (500 mg/kg) shows a significant decrease in duration of immobility in FST compared to distilled water-treated group 10 ml/kg (P < 0.05). This same extract did not show significant effect in HBT and TST models. Based on the results obtained in this research, B. buonopozense methanol extract can suppress symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice.
Where Have All the Titis Gone? The Heterogeneous Distribution of Callicebus moloch in Eastern Amazonia, and Its Implications for the Conservation of Amazonian Primates

Abstract: Primate populations were surveyed quantitatively at three sites in the Xingu-Tocantins interfluvium in southeastern Amazonia, the easternmost limit of the distribution of the red-bellied titi, Callicebus moloch. At least 101 km was walked at a given site, and total transect length was 812 km. Despite the typical abundance of other species, no sightings (or vocalizations) of C. moloch were recorded at any site. This contrasts with other studies in the same interfluvium, and surveys in other areas of southeastern Amazonia. While the determinants of the absence-or marked rarity-of C. moloch from the sites remain unclear, it does appear to be a natural phenomenon, possibly related to specific local conditions. The identification and evaluation of such determinants will be important for understanding the ecology and zoogeography of the genus. In the meantime, these results highlight potential problems for the conservation and management of wild populations, not only of titis, but possibly many other species of Amazonian primates.
Combining ability of maize inbred lines resistant to Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in the mid-altitude environment of Kenya

Gene action conditioning important traits in maize is useful to breeders in order to design appropriate breeding methods. A study was conducted to determine the combining ability of 10 maize inbred lines adapted to Kenya’s mid-altitude environment and being resistant to spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus. The inbred lines were crossed in a diallel scheme and the resulting 45 single crosses were evaluated under conditions of artificial infestation at four locations in Kenya in 2008 and 2009. Data were recorded on grain yield, foliar damage, exit holes and tunnel length to plant height ratio. Significant differences (P<0.001) for foliar damage, exit holes, tunnel length to plant height ratio, and grain yield were found. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) gave significant differences for grain yield and exit holes. There was discord in GCA between grain yield and resistance traits among lines. The most favorable SCA for grain yield occurred in hybrid 5 × 7, while hybrids 7 × 10, 3 × 5 and 4 × 8 were superior in resistance. Our results suggest that the development of C. partellus resistant maize varieties should consider both grain yield and stem borer resistance traits. This study identified additive gene action as important in controlling stem borer resistance, stem borer resistant inbred line donors and elite single crosses. Key words: Chilo partellus, gene action, general combining ability, specific combining ability.
Evaluation of ITS2-28S as a molecular marker for identification of calanoid copepods in the subtropical western North Pacific

We evaluated the internal transcribed spacer 2 and large subunit ribosomal DNA (ITS2-28S) region as a molecular marker for identifying calanoid copepods in the subtropical western North Pacific. The ITS2-28S sequence was successfully amplified in 232/244 individuals, a much higher rate of success than for cytochrome oxidase I amplification (77/244 individuals). A total of 194 sequences of ITS2-28S were obtained using a single primer pair. A high degree of genetic variability in ITS2-28S was observed in Lucicutia flavicornis (n 1⁄4 13), Nannocalanus minor (n 1⁄4 9), Pleuromamma abdominalis (n 1⁄4 9) and Spinocalanus spinosus (n 1⁄4 2), each showing several sequence types based on phylogenetic analysis of the ITS2-28S. A difference in the body size that corresponded with two sequence types of P. abdominalis was observed. The other species showed consistently lower genetic variability within species (0–0.001) than between species ( 0.005) using ITS2-28S of 810–968 bp aligned in each family. Although further morphological and genetic analysis of a larger sample size are necessary, our results suggest that ITS2-28S is a nuclear marker that does not need to be cloned and is easily amplified and sufficiently variable as a possible marker for DNA barcoding or to identify genetic groups of calanoid copepods.
Inability of Lactobacillus plantarum and other lactic acid bacteria to grow on D-ribose as sole source of fermentable carbohydrate

Lactobacillusplantarum NCIMB 8026, NCIMB 8026(s), NCIMB 8014, NCFB 1752, Lact. brevis NCIMB 4617, Leuconostoc mesenteroides NCIMB 8023, Streptococcus agalactiae NCFB 1348, Pediococcus acidilactici NCFB 1859 and Ped. pentosaceus NCFB 990 did not grow on D-ribose as the sole source of fermentable carbohydrate in a chemically defined medium but grew on D-ribose in the presence of glucose. Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8026(s) also grew on D-xylose and L-arabinose in the presence but not in the absence of glucose. Enterococcus faecalis NCFB 581 grew with D-ribose as the sole fermentable carbohydrate. Leuconostoc mesenteroides NCIMB 8710 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis NCFB 763 did not use ribose in the presence or absence of glucose. Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8026(s) utilized ribose and glucose simultaneously in the proportion of approximately 1 ribose to 1 glucose, producing approximately 3 lactate to 1 acetate and similar yields of dry biomass from glucose and ribose. Growth of Lact. plantarum 8026(s) with glucose and excess D-ribose ceased when D-glucose was exhausted, but metabolism of D-ribose to lactic and acetic acids continued. The enzyme system for the metabolism of D-ribose in Lact. plantarum was inducible, requiring D-glucose and amino acids for adaptation.
Gamma-linolenic and stearidonic acids from Moroccan Boraginaceae

Seeds from 20 species belonging to Boraginaceae, subfamilies Boraginoideae and Heliotropioideae, were surveyed in a search for new sources of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). Seed oil content ranged from 7.5% in Echium humile ssp. pycnanthum to 28.8% in Anchusa undulata. GLA ranged from 0.2% of total fatty acids in Heliotropium undulatum to 20.2% in Lithodora maroccana. This last species may be considered as new source of GLA. GLA content was also tested in other Lithodora species from the south east of Spain, to compare GLA percentages among related taxa. GLA amounts in all Echium species reached approximately 12%, in good agreement with previous findings in other European Echium species. SDA ranged from an absence in several Cynoglossum species to 16.2% in Echium humile ssp. pycnanthum, which may be considered as a new source of this fatty acid.
Crop characteristics and the potential yield of wheat

SUMMARY The potential yield of the best varieties of winter wheat currently grown in eastern England is estimated to be in the range 12–14 t/ha (15% moisture, 10% protein, freshweight basis). Increases in the leaf area index at anthesis, in the duration of the grain-filling period and in the light-saturated rate of photosynthesis of the leaves, slower decline in their photosynthetic capacity, and decreases in the respiratory losses of assimilated carbon would increase this potential yield. Such changes might be brought about by breeding or by improved agronomic practices. The grain growth rates predicted by several published simulation models are shown to be in reasonable agreement with each other.
Studies on Western Australian Merino sheep. 1. Stud, strain and environmental effects on hogget performance

A 6 year study is reported of Merino studs and strains (Peppin, Collinsville and Bungaree) in Western Australia. Wool and body traits of males and females were measured, with additional subjective traits assessed on females. The effects of strain, stud (within strain), birth year, dam age, birth rearing rank, weaning age and their interactions were estimated using least squares procedures. When tested against studs, strain differences were significant for fibre diameter (both sexes), clean wool yield and about half of the subjective traits (females) but for none of the liveweights. Stud and year effects were significant for all traits, as was their interaction for most traits. Some studs were more stable between years than others in both clean fleece weight and average fibre diameter. Of the remaining effects, birth rearing rank influenced the greatest number of traits, while dam age only affected yield in ewes and some early liveweights. Peppins produced wool 2.0-2.3 microns finer than Bungarees, but not significantly different from Collinsvilles. Peppins also had the best subjective wool scores, but had the highest wrinkle scores and scored poorly on other subjective body traits. Twin-born hoggets produced 0.05-0.15 kg less clean wool than their single-born contemporaries, and their fleeces were about 0.4 microns coarser with poorer subjective qualities. Twins were also lighter from birth (by 23%) up to 17 months (by 5%) in females. Late-born lambs had higher birth weights, but lower subsequent weights, persisting until 12 months in females. environmental effects, wool liveweights, subjective traits .
Contemporary evolution of secondary sexual traits in the wild

1. Sexual selection has been studied intensively, and is often strong in natural populations. Theoretical models, comparative studies and laboratory selection experiments all suggest that evolution driven by sexual selection should be rapid and common. 2. However, there are relatively few documented cases of the contemporary evolution of secondary sexual traits in natural populations. Moreover, the causes are not always due to sexual selection, but often due to altered natural selection regimes, or an altered balance between natural and sexual selection. 3. Here we discuss recent empirical studies that have demonstrated the contemporary evolution of secondary sexual traits in natural populations. Our examples include both continuous traits and discrete polymorphisms. Taxa in which the contemporary (rapid) evolution of secondary sexual traits have been demonstrated include fish, insects, mammals, reptiles and birds. The evolutionary rates of these changes range from 0.005 to 0.570 haldanes (arithmetic mean = 0.14; geometric mean = 0.095; median = 0.12). 4. The relative rarity of examples could be explained by different genetic architectures of sexually selected traits compared with naturally selected traits, or by sexual selection regimes not being sustained in the long term. These factors could potentially slow down evolutionary rates of secondary sexual traits and make the detection of the contemporary evolution empirically more difficult. 5. Promising and underutilized approaches to sexual selection research include reciprocal transplant experiments and estimation of sexual isolation between conspecific populations.
Identification of current ecosystem functional types in the Iberian Peninsula

Aim To e xamine the geographical patterns of the interception of photosynthetically active radiation by vegetation and to describe its spatial heterogeneity through the definition of ecosystem functional types (EFTs) based on the annual dynamics of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a spectral index related to carbon gains. Location The Iberian Peninsula. Methods EFTs were derived from three attributes of the NDVI obtained from NOAA/AVHRR sensors: the annual integral (NDVI-I), as a surrogate of primary production, an integrative indicator of ecosystem functioning; and the intra-annual relative range (RREL) and month of maximum NDVI (MMAX), which represent key features of seasonality. Results NDVI-I decreased south-eastwards. The highest values were observed in the Eurosiberian Region and in the highest Mediterranean ranges. Low values occurred in inner plains, river basins and in the southeast. The Eurosiberian Region and Mediterranean mountains presented the lowest RREL, while Eurosiberian peaks, river basins, inner-agricultural plains, wetlands and the southeastern part of Iberia presented the highest. Eurosiberian ecosystems showed a summer maximum of NDVI, as did high mountains, wetlands and irrigated areas in the Mediterranean Region. Mediterranean mountains had autumn‐early-winter maxima, while semi-arid zones, river basins and continental plains had spring maxima. Based on the behaviour in the functional traits, 49 EFTs were defined. Main conclusions The classification, based on only the NDVI dynamics, represents the spatial heterogeneity in ecosystem functioning by means of the interception of radiation by vegetation in the Iberian Peninsula. The patterns of the NDVI attributes may be used as a reference in evaluating the impacts of environmental changes. Iberia had a high spatial variability: except for biophysically impossible combinations (high NDVI-I and high seasonality), almost any pattern of seasonal dynamics of radiation interception was represented in the Peninsula. The approach used to define EFTs opens the possibility of monitoring and comparing ecosystem functioning through time.
ANTHROPOGENIC ENRICHMENT ALTERS A MARINE BENTHIC FOOD WEB

The identification and understanding of shifts in resource availability and community structure caused by a variety of anthropogenic perturbations is essential to future rehabilitation efforts and recovery of essential ecosystem processes. We focus here on the contribution of nutrient enrichment to the overgrazing of macrophyte-dominated systems, which has often been linked to predator and competition release of urchins due to overfishing. However, the contribution of nutrient loading to the progression and per- sistence of this phenomenon should also be considered. In an effort to understand the contribution of nutrient loading to the overgrazing phenomenon and associated simplified community in a Caribbean seagrass bed, a detailed isotopic (d 13 C, d 15 N) assessment of the food web structure was conducted at both a nutrient-enriched and a control site. The general pattern at the enriched site indicated significantly lighter d 13 C signatures (i.e., phytoplankton influenced) for non-generalist primary consumers (i.e., specialist grazers, subsurface deposit feeders) and for the sediment organic material (SOM) when compared to the control site. The contribution of phytoplankton and associated particulate organic material to the SOM was also different, 7% vs. 44% at the enriched and control site, respectively. The loss of the autochthonous seagrass detritus pool, in the wake of high densities of generalist urchins (.66 000 individuals/ha) and low overall consumer diversity, appears to have been partially replaced by opportunistic ''alternatives,'' epiphytes but mainly phytoplankton, that benefit directly from elevated input of anthropogenic, allochthonous nutrients. The availability of such alternative, allochthonous resources to generalist urchins could potentially allow for the persistence of simplified seagrass communities. Here, elevated densities of urchins enable a persistent suppression of autochthonous benthic-macrophyte production through grazing and the consumption of newly recruited competitors and predators.
American Miogypsinidae: An analysis of their phylogeny and biostratigraphy

Over 1000 samples from cores and cutting from 37 wells from offshore South America have been investigated and have provided new insight into the evolution of the miogypsinids. For the first time Paleomiogypsina, a genus first described from the Late Oligocene of Japan, is reported from the Early Oligocene of the American province. One new genus, Americogypsina and 18 new species, Neorotalia sp. I, Paleomiogypsina braziliana, P. americana, Americogypsina braziliana, A. americana, A. koutsoukosi, Miogypsinella elan gala, Mlla matsumaria, Mlla sp. I, Miogypsinoides praegunteri, Mdes sp. 1, Miogypsinodella braziliana, Miogypsina triangulata, M. americoprimitiva. Miolepidocyclina braziliana, Ml. sp. 1, Ml. sp. 2, Ml sp. 3 are described. The American, regional evolutionary lineages of the miogypsinids taxa are described, starting in the Early Oligocene and ending in the Early Miocene. Their phylogenetic lineages are similar to those of the Tethyan miogypsinids, however the stratigraphic ranges of the main genera and their species are different, as the American miogypsinids made their first appearance earlier than their morphologically similar Tethyan counterparts.
Suppression of Population Growth of the Soybean Aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, by Predators: The Identification of a Key Predator and the Effects of Prey Dispersion, Predator Abundance, and Temperature

Abstract The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has recently invaded North America from Asia and has become a major pest in soybean. Using field surveys and cage exclusion techniques, we identified the effect of natural enemies and abiotic factors on the growth of soybean aphid populations in 2004 and 2005. The soybean aphid population was significantly limited by natural enemies in the field. Generalist predators dominated the natural enemy community. One species, Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) represented 85–90% of predators found. There was a significant negative relationship between aphid population growth and O. insidiosus abundance. For other predators, there were no relationships between abundance and aphid population growth. The spatial distribution of aphids among plants affected the impact of O. insidiosus on aphid population growth. When aphids were distributed in a clumped manner, increases in O. insidiosus numbers resulted in lower aphid growth rates. For randomly distributed aphids, there was no effect of O. insidiosus abundance on aphid population growth. Finally, we found no relationship between aphid population growth and degree-day accumulations. The potential of O. insidiosus to suppress soybean aphid population growth at low aphid numbers and the importance of the predator to soybean aphid integrated pest management are discussed.