Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel framework for linking functional diversity of plants with other trophic levels for the quantification of ecosystem services

A novel conceptual framework is presented that proposes to apply trait-based approaches to predicting the impact of environmental change on ecosystem service delivery by multi-trophic systems. Development of the framework was based on an extension of the response-effect trait approach to capture functional relationships that drive trophic interactions. The framework was populated with worked examples to demonstrate its flexibility and value for linking disparate data sources, identifying knowledge gaps and generating hypotheses for quantitative models. A novel conceptual framework, based on an extension of the plant response - effect trait approach, proposes to apply trait-based approaches to predicting the impact of environmental change on ecosystem services delivered by multiple trophic levels. We demonstrate the flexibility and value of the framework for linking disparate data sources, identifying knowledge gaps and generating hypotheses for quantitative models. © 2013 International Association for Vegetation Science.
Crop damage and yield loss caused by two species of rodents in irrigated fields in northern Nigeria

We investigated the damage and yield loss caused by two rodent species, Arvicanthis niloticus and Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis, in cereal crops in fields near Kano, northern Nigeria from August, 1990 to April, 1992. Using the random cluster technique, we selected 100 clusters of 30 hills in each rice and wheat field, and assessed damage fortnightly, using the Cut Tiller Count method. In premature crops, damage increased from tillering stages to the dough stages. Differences in the percentages of damage (yield loss) in mature rice (4.8% in 1990 and 12.6% in 1991) and in wheat (30.0% in 1991 and 21.7% in 1992) were statistically significant between years. Severe yield losses in wheat, compared to low and moderate levels in rice (grown for the most part during the rains), were probably a result of greater consumption of the wheat, grown entirely by irrigation during the dry season when other rodent food sources were less abundant. Results of ANOVA showed significant effects of developmental stage of the crop, year of cultivation, and their interactions on the magnitude of crop damage.
Changes in the dynamics of the leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis, in Israeli potato fields

The pea leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae), was first observed in Israel in February 1992 when field treatment for leafminers failed to achieve control, due to insecticide resistance in the adults. This study was performed to aid understanding of the biology and phenology of Liriomyza huidobrensis in potatoes, and the changes in the population dynamics as the fly becomes established in a new area. Liriomyza huidobrensis was monitored on potato crops from the autumn of 1994 until summer 1999. Monitoring (with yellow sticky traps and by vacuum sampling) was primarily carried out in fields in the western Negev, although for two spring seasons, two fields in the Tel Aviv area (central Israel) were also monitored. During this period, the population dynamics changed: spring and autumnpopulations gradually increased until a year of severe heat (1998) caused the populations to plummet. No differences were observed in the population dynamics between the Negev and the centre of the country. During the course of monitoring the leafminer, its parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Enlophidae), was also encountered and observed.
A Nonlethal Measure of Smolt Status of Juvenile Steelhead Based on Body Morphology

Abstract A nonlethal morphometric method to assess smolt status of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss was validated. Fish were collected from hatcheries before release and during their seaward migration in a large river system. Fifteen anatomical landmarks were digitized from photographs of each fish, resulting in 34 morphometric characters based on a truss network. Principal component and canonical discriminant function analyses were used to assess smolt status. A single canonical variate was significantly correlated with gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity, a commonly used measure of smolt status. This nonlethal method may be a useful measure of smolt status when sacrificing fish is not desirable or possible; it requires little training to perform, but it does require a larger sample size than some other methods.
Demography of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on six barley cultivars

The greenbugs, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) were collected from the barley fields in Isfahan region of Iran. The aphid colonies were maintained on each of six barley cultivars including Karoon, Kavir, Zarjoo, Nosrat, Afzal and Rihane. All the experiments were done on the mentioned barley varieties at 26 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) and at a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. The shortest and longest developmental times were obtained on Nosrat 6.35 ± 0.11 and Rihane 6.75 ± 0.07 days, respectively. The survivorship of immature stages varied from 71.95% on Nosrat to 82.14% on Zarjoo. The total number of offsprings were 71.05 and 63.22 nymphs per female on Kavir and Karoon. The highest and lowest r m values were observed on Kavir (0.336 ± 0.005) and Rihane (0.299 ± 0.008), respectively. The statistical analysis of jackknife did not show a significant influence of the tested barley varieties for the mean generation time and a similar procedure of difference for λ and r m was estimated.
Use of Flow Refuges by Unionid Mussels in Rivers

The considerable within-reach patchiness of unionid mussels in rivers has not been explicable by simple habitat features such as water depth, current speed, or sediment grain size. As an alternative, I hypothesized that mussels are found chiefly in stable areas of the river bed where hydraulic stresses during floods are low. I used movement of marked rocks to locate flow refuges during floods in 2 small rivers in southeastern New York. Mussel beds were spatially coincident with flow refuges, but not with other measured features of the habitat (water depth, current speed, sediment grain size) in both study sites. Use of flow refuges by unionids may partly explain the characteristic patchiness of unionid communities in rivers, and contribute to the success of these longlived, slow-moving animals in running waters.
Seven new species of Oculatella (Pseudanabaenales, Cyanobacteria): taxonomically recognizing cryptic diversification

A total of 27 strains of Oculatella were isolated, characterized and sequenced, and analysed phylogenetically with an additional environmental clone from the Atacama Desert and 10 strains isolated and sequenced by others. The strains were clearly separated based upon phylogenetic analyses conducted with a concatenated alignment of the 16S rRNA and 16S-23S ITS region of the ribosomal operons in the genus Oculatella. Differences in secondary structure of the conserved domains of the ITS region, as well as comparative analysis of P-distance among ITS regions, served to separate the strains into distinct taxonomic units. Seven new species of Oculatella were described, including four from arid to semi-arid soils (O. atacamensis, O. mojaviensis, O. coburnii, O. neakameniensis) and three from more mesic habitats, including a temperate lake (O. hafneriensis), a desert waterfall (O. cataractarum) and a Hawaiian sea cave (O. kauaiensis). The soil forms show statistically significant morphological differences, but the ranges overlap to a degree that they are not diagnosable by morphology, and these four cryptic species are characterized here using molecular characters. The more mesic species, including the type species from Mediterranean hypogea, O. subterranea, are all morphologically distinct from each other and from all four soil taxa. This report is the first to use solely molecular criteria to distinguish cryptic species of cyanobacteria.
Initial Reactions in the Oxidation of Anthracene by Cunninghamella elegans

Summary: Cunninghamella elegans oxidized anthracene predominantly to trans-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroanthracene and 1-anthryl sulphate. In addition, several unidentified metabolites were produced. The major compounds formed were isolated by TLC and HPLC, and identified by their UV-visible absorption and mass spectra. Experiments with [9-14C]anthracene indicated that the total amount of anthracene metabolized increased from 2.0% at 2 h to 26.9% at 48 h. The ratio of organic-soluble to water-soluble metabolites at 2 h was 85:15 while at 48 h it was 43:57. The results demonstrate that C. elegans has the ability to oxidize anthracene in a manner similar to that observed in mammals.
FOLIAR APPLICATION OF CHELATED AND NON-CHELATED METALS FOR SUPPLYING MICRONUTRIENTS TO WHEAT GROWN ON CALCAREOUS SOIL

A field experiment was conducted from 1992 to 1994 to study the effect of supplying micronutrients to wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Yecora rojo) grown on calcareous soil. Chelated and/or non-chelated forms of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were administered through a wide range of foliar applications, sprayed either individually or in combination. All the chelated micronutrients were applied in the form of EDTA with the exception of Fe (EDDHA). However, all the non-chelated elements were in the form of sulphate. The grain yield was significantly increased by the application of individual micronutrients either in the form of sulphate or chelate, but much higher amounts of sulphates were required. Application of micronutrient combinations either in chelated or non-chelated forms gave greater biological and grain yields than individual applications of the micronutrients. Wheat response to micronutrient applications followed in rank order: combined elements > Fe > Cu = Zn > Mn. Application of the micronutrients in sulphate form generally resulted in higher concentrations of these elements in grain than when the chelated forms were applied. Foliar application of the micronutrients in the form of sulphates at higher application rates may be more effective than the chelates due to lower cost despite the higher application rates.
Alignment of Lipid Bodies along the Plasma Membrane during the Acquisition of Desiccation Tolerance in Maize Seed

The impairment of lipid body alignment along the plasma membrane during artificial drying of maize (Zea mays L.) seed has been associated with decreases in germination and vigor. In this study, we question further its potential functions as well as the alignment mechanisms. Ears of hybrid maize [B73 x (H99 × H95)] were harvested at about. 550, 500, 400, and 320 g H 2 O kg -1 fresh weight (fw) and subjected to preconditioning (PC) (ear drying at 35°C and 0.47 m s -1 airflow rate) for 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h before fast drying (shelled seed, 35°C and 5.10 m s -1 airflow rate) treatments to decrease seed moisture content (MC) to about 130 g H 2 O kg -1 fw. In a cross section of the embryo radicle, alignment of lipid bodies (LB) occurred first in the root cap, followed by outer quiescent center (QC) cells and inner QC cells. This alignment pattern was observed during PC and under field drying conditions. Cell plasmolysis and aberrations of the LB were evident in seed harvested at MC > 400 g H 2 O kg -1 fw and subjected to fast drying without PC. Lipid body aberrations decreased in severity with PC, seed development, and field drying. The alignment of LB coincided with changes in embryo-drying rates. Decreases in lipid body aberrations coincided with decreases in cell solute leakage and shootlroot ratio and increases in germination percentage. We conclude that alignment of LB along the plasma membrane is a progressive process that occurs from the periphery to the inner QC cells of the embryo radicle. Alignment of LB along the plasma membrane may change cell water relations leading to a more organized dehydration during seed drying. High embryo drying rates may prevent alignment of LB along the plasma membrane and are associated with low germination and vigor.
Dental development and ontogeny of late Miocene large-bodied hominoids from Yunnan, China

Late Miocene large-bodied hominoids from Yunnan, China are critical to the understanding of hominid and hominoid origins and evolution in Asia. The aim of the present study is to examine dental development and ontogeny of Lufengpithecus from Yuanmou and Lufeng. Based on scanning electron microscope observations of enamel incremental markings, the mean crown formation time of Lufengpithecus incisors was estimated to be 3.7-4.6 years, which is longer than that of Proconsul, Paranthropus, and early Homo, and closer to that of Australopithecus afarensis, Pan, and Homo Sapiens. The dental eruption characteristics of Lufengpithecus lufengensis, including age at first molar emergence, eruption sequence of dentition, and M-1/I-1 eruption pattern, show an ape-like, not human-like, developmental pattern. High and regular frequency of linear enamel hypoplasia indicates that late Miocene L. lufengensis suffered from regular physiological stress associated with seasonal dietary fluctuations.
A preliminary study of the effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

Environmental enrichment has been used in a number of studies of captive animals with goals of increasing activity, increasing behavioural diversity, increasing the utilization of the environment and reducing the abnormal behaviours of captive animals. This study investigated the effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of captive African wild dogs. Five enrichment treatments were presented to the dogs over a 5 week period. One enrichment treatment was placed into the dogs' enclosure once a week. The treatments were boomer balls, various scents, a sandpit with hidden food, a blood trail leading to rawhide items/pig's ears and all the foregoing enrichments simultaneously presented to the dogs. Behavioural responses of the dogs during pre-enrichment (baseline), enrichment treatments and post-enrichment were observed using instantaneous scan sampling, at 5 min intervals. Behaviours were subdivided into nine behavioural categories and allocated to ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ behaviours, which were used for analysis. Boomer balls had no effect on activity levels; however, the scent, blood trail and sandpit enrichment significantly increased the dogs' activity levels. A rise in behaviours such as 'locomotion' and 'scanning' were observed during the scent, blood trail and sandpit enrichment. 'Sniffing' escalated during the scent and blood trail enrichment. When all enrichments were presented simultaneously, activity levels were significantly decreased. Overall enrichment did not reduce abnormal/undesirable behaviours. The results indicate that some environmental enrichment can be used to increase active behaviours of African wild dogs in captivity and shows promise in eliciting positive effects on behaviour and welfare.
Opisthobranchiate Mollusca from Tanzania (Suborder: Doridacea)

Twenty-two species of Doridacea are described from the vicinity of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. None is new to science, but one species of the genus Gymnodoris was too immature to be fully identified. Ten of the 22 species are known from the Hawaiian Islands, indicating that many species of dorid occur throughout the Indian Ocean and the Pacific as far as Hawaii. One species (Jorunna tomentosa) appears to be cosmopolitan, and two may possibly be confined to the coast of Africa (Chromodoris annulata and C. vicind). Sixty-nine species of dorid have already been reported from Tanzania by Eliot. Nine species in the present collection were not found by him, so 78 are now known from the area.
Influence of rainfall and grazing on belowground biomass dynamics in a dry tropical savanna

Root biomass and its variation with time and soil depth were studied in ungrazed and grazed treatments, in a seasonally dry tropical savanna. A greater proportion of belowground biomass was located in the 0 – 10 cm soil depth in the rainy season compared with the summer season. In contrast, in the 10 – 50 cm soil profile, belowground biomass was greater in summer than in the rainy season. Peak belowground biomass in ungrazed savanna was not correlated to the rainfall in the early part of the rainy season, but it was correlated to total rainfall received in the later part of rainy season. Apparently the belowground component responds quickly to the rainfall events and generates growth pulses in the aboveground vegetation. Peak canopy biomass increased rapidly with the increase in peak belowground biomass and then plateaued, indicating a greater potential for accumulation of biomass belowground than aboveground. Grazing reduced belowground biomass by 41 – 55%. Maximum reduction occurred in the heavily graze.
ORGANIC CARBON RELEASE BY DUNALIELLA SALINA (CHLOROPHYTA) UNDER DIFFERENT GROWTH CONDITIONS OF CO2, NITROGEN, AND SALINITY 1

Two strains of Dunaliella salina (Dunal) Teod. , UTEX 1644 and UTEX 200, were cultured under different growth regimes, including 10 mM NO3− or NH4+, 1.5 or 3.0 M NaCl, and low (0.035%) or high (5%) CO2 in air. The release of 14C‐labeled dissolved organic carbon (DOC), expressed as a rate and as a percentage of photosynthetic 14CO2 assimilation, was subsequently determined. The percentage of DOC released was inversely related to cell density in the assay medium, but photosynthesis on a per‐cell basis was not. Release of DOC was low, in the range of 1–5% of photosynthesis, but during acclimation to growth on NH4+, it rose to 11%. The presence of NH4+ rather than NO3− in the growth medium increased the rate of release by both strains, but the percentage release was stimulated only in UTEX 200 cells, because their photosynthetic rate was depressed by NH4+. For UTEX 1644, high, as compared to low, CO2‐grown cells, had somewhat higher rates and percentages of DOC release, but release from UTEX 200 cells was unaffected by the growth‐CO2. The rate of DOC release by high CO2‐grown cells was not enhanced at a low concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon, indicating that the released material did not originate from the photorespiratory pathway. The effects of NaCl on DOC release varied with strain and growth conditions. For UTEX 200, the cells in NO3−, but not NH4+, exhibited a doubling or more in percentage of release with a doubling in NaCl concentration, irrespective of growth‐CO2. With UTEX 1644 the low CO2‐grown cells showed the greatest enhancement in 3.0 M NaCl. Organic matter accumulated on the external surface of the cell membrane and constituted a well‐defined cell‐coat, which was more dense in NH4+ than in NO3−‐grown cells. Microtubules, which may play a role in maintaining cell shape, were observed just below the plasma membrane.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Assessment of Lower Extremity Skeletal Muscles in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Multicenter Cross Sectional Study

Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder that results in functional deficits. However, these functional declines are often not able to be quantified in clinical trials for DMD until after age 7. In this study, we hypothesized that 1H2O T2 derived using 1H-MRS and MRI-T2 will be sensitive to muscle involvement at a young age (5–7 years) consistent with increased inflammation and muscle damage in a large cohort of DMD subjects compared to controls. Methods MR data were acquired from 123 boys with DMD (ages 5–14 years; mean 8.6 SD 2.2 years) and 31 healthy controls (age 9.7 SD 2.3 years) using 3-Tesla MRI instruments at three institutions (University of Florida, Oregon Health & Science University, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). T2-weighted multi-slice spin echo (SE) axial images and single voxel 1H-MRS were acquired from the lower leg and thigh to measure lipid fraction and 1H2O T2. Results MRI-T2, 1H2O T2, and lipid fraction were greater (p<0.05) in DMD compared to controls. In the youngest age group, DMD values were different (p<0.05) than controls for the soleus MRI-T2, 1H2O T2 and lipid fraction and vastus lateralis MRI-T2 and 1H2O T2. In the boys with DMD, MRI-T2 and lipid fraction were greater (p<0.05) in the oldest age group (11–14 years) than the youngest age group (5–6.9 years), while 1H2O T2 was lower in the oldest age group compared to the young age group. Discussion Overall, MR measures of T2 and lipid fraction revealed differences between DMD and Controls. Furthermore, MRI-T2 was greater in the older age group compared to the young age group, which was associated with higher lipid fractions. Overall, MR measures of T2 and lipid fraction show excellent sensitivity to DMD disease pathologies and potential therapeutic interventions in DMD, even in the younger boys.
Catalogue of the amphibians of Ethiopia, including a key for their identification

This review recognises 63 amphibian species in Ethiopia, a total that is sure to increase as many still remote regions come to be more adequately surveyed. It incorporates the following taxonomic changes: Bufo chappuisi Roux 1936 is considered a synonym of B. lughensis Loveridge 1932, Ptychadena largeni Perret 1994 a synonym of P. neumanni (Ahl 1924) and Rana schubotzi Sternfeld 1917 a synonym of Ptychadena tellinii (Peracca 1904). The ecological profile and zoogeographical affinities of every species is analysed and its recorded distribution within Ethiopia is mapped. More than half of these taxa are savanna forms, found in lowland areas around the margins of the central plateau and often widespread in other parts of Africa. In contrast, 25 species (40% of the total) are at present considered endemic; seven of the eight families include endemic representatives, amongst which are six endemic genera: Sylvacaecilia Wake 1987, Altiphrynoides Dubois 1987, Spinophrynoides Dubois 1987, Ericabatrachus Largen 1991, Balebreviceps Largen & Drewes 1989 and Paracassina Peracca 1907. Three species appear to be confined to lowland forest in southwestern Ethiopia, but the majority of endemics are most clearly associated with montane forest, grassland or moorland in the altitudinal range 1800–4000 m. Widespread environmental degradation by an ever-increasing human population is a severe problem in Ethiopia and the threat to montane and forest endemics, both known and yet to be discovered, gives particular cause for concern. National Parks, established to conserve selected environments for the benefit of entire communities, provide the best prospects for the protection of amphibian species in the immediate future. The Bale Mountains National Park alone provides a refuge for at least 17 amphibian taxa, including 48% of the endemic species and five of the six endemic genera.
The phylogeny of Nudibranchia (Opisthobranchia, Gastropoda, Mollusca) reconstructed by three molecular markers

Abstract The phylogeny of the Nudibranchia and its major constituent taxa is investigated by comparing the complete sequences of the 18S rDNA of 54 species, a part of the 16S rDNA of 38 species and part of cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) of 45 species. These datasets are analyzed individually and in combination for the subset of taxa where information on all three markers is available. The results are compared to published cladistic analyses based on morphological data. The monophyly of the Nudibranchia and the monophyly of its two major groups, the Anthobranchia/Doridoidea and Cladobranchia, is confirmed. Incongruencies between the molecular and morphological data is discussed, as well as incongruencies between the three molecular markers.