Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) in pelagic waters off northern Chile: a southern extension to the known distribution and interactions with the pelagic longline fishery

During seabird censuses performed as part of scientific research looking into seabird bycatch onboard industrial pelagic longline vessels targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) we made the first documented records of black petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) in the pelagic waters of northern Chile, considerably extending the species’ range southward. These observations were made during hauling operations in the austral winters of 2008, 2009 and 2010 between 23°00'S and 32°49'S. Black petrels were observed in 9.6% of censuses and a total of 10 birds were recorded. Despite the fact that this species fed upon discards and wastes generated during fishing, no incidental mortality was observed. Our results are relevant to the conservation of the black petrel in the south-eastern Pacific marine ecosystem, as they provide new information on species range and interactions with pelagic fisheries.
A simulation approach to determine statistical significance of species turnover peaks in a species‐rich tropical cloud forest

Use of β‐diversity indices in the study of spatial distribution of species diversity is hampered by the difficulty of applying significance tests. To overcome this problem we used a simulation approach in a study of species turnover of ferns, aroids, bromeliads, and melastomes along an elevational gradient from 1700 m to 3400 m in a species‐rich tropical cloud forest of Bolivia. Three parameters of species turnover (number of upper/lower elevational species limits per elevational step, Wilson–Shmida similarity index between adjacent steps) were analysed. Significant species turnover limits were detected at 2000 (± 50) m and 3050 m, which roughly coincided with the elevational limits of the main vegetation types recognized in the study area. The taxon specificity of elevational distributions implies that no single plant group can be used as a reliable surrogate for overall plant diversity and that the response to future climate change will be taxon‐specific, potentially leading to the formation of plant communities lacking modern analogues. Mean elevational range size of plant species was 490 m (± 369). Elevational range sizes of terrestrial species were shorter than those of epiphytes. We conclude that our simulation approach provides an alternative approach for assessing the statistical significance of levels of species turnover along ecological gradient without the limitations imposed by traditional statistical approaches.
Analysis of genetic variability in patchouli cultivars ( Pogostemon cablin Benth.) by using RAPD Markers

The genetic relationships among patchouli cultivars were determined by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technology. Among 45 decamer random primers used for PCR reactions, 10 primers showed reproducible results. Out of 98 amplification products recorded, 16.7 per cent were monomorphic and 83.3 per cent were polymorphic. The highest dissimilarity (7.35) was detected between KSM 4 and 5 and the least 3.61 between KSM 2 and 3. Dendrogram constructed by cluster analysis of RAPD markers using Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) produced two major clusters ‘A’ and ‘B’. Cluster ‘A’ consisted of five cultivars that segregated into two sub clusters ‘A1’ and ‘A2’. Overall, RAPD analysis revealed the existence of considerable genetic variations in patchouli cultivars. This information regarding genetic variability at the molecular level could be used to identify and develop genetically unique germplasm that complements existing cultivars.
Effect of temperature on development and reproduction of the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on pollen and honey solution

The effects of five constant temperatures (15°C,20°C,23°C,25°C and 30°C) under 16L8D photoperiod on development, reproduction and population growth of Thrips tabaci reared on a diet of pollen and honey solution were studied. Although hatchability was more than 80% at temperatures between 15 and 25°C, it was low at 30°C. Survival rates from hatch to adult were higher than 65% at all temperatures. Developmental rates increased linearly as rearing temperature increased. It was estimated that 232.6 degree-days, above a developmental zero of 10.8°C, were required to complete development from egg to adult oviposition. These data were related to records of field temperatures in Kurashiki, western Japan, to estimate the potential number of generations per year that could complete development under outdoor conditions. Using this data, a maximum of between seven and 11 generations could have developed annually between 1990 and 1998. Mean adult longevity decreased with increasing temperature, from a maximum of 86.6 days at 15°C to a minimum of 12.8 days at 30°C. The mean fecundity on pollen and honey solution was the highest at 23°C and 270 eggs per female. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was highest at 25°C and 0.1709.
The changing diversity and distribution of dry forest passerine birds in northwestern Peru since the last ice age

ABSTRACT The role of Quaternary glacial–interglacial intervals in shaping the diversity and distribution of Neotropical species has been the focus of considerable research. The Neotropics sustain the highest passerine diversity on Earth, but little is known about this region's historical biogeography based on fossils. To assess how passerine species were affected by Quaternary climate fluctuations, we identified 625 late Pleistocene fossils (individual fossilized bones) from the now arid and faunally depauperate Talara Tar Seeps in northwestern Peru. Of the 21 passerine species identified, only 2 likely live at the site now; the remaining 19 species require more mesic conditions. Species identified included members of the Thamnophilidae (antbirds), Melanopareiidae (crescentchests), Tyrannidae (flycatchers), Hirundinidae (swallows), Mimidae (mockingbirds), Thraupidae (seedeaters, “finches”), Emberizidae (sparrows), and Icteridae (blackbirds). Nearly half of the individual fossils and 8 of the 21 species were icterids, including 3 extinct species (1 previously described, 2 new). The late Pleistocene passerine community at Talara, which was nonanalog to any modern community, suggests that the site once supported savanna, grasslands, and forests during the last glacial interval, which are absent near Talara today. Quaternary climate change and the collapse of the community of large mammals had a major influence on the community composition and the geographic ranges of passerine species in northwestern Peru.
The metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster, including an accurately timed account of the principal morphological changes

During the quiescent fourth larval instar the larva of Drosophila becomes loosened from the puparium and takes on the form of a pupa. A large gas bubble is formed within the body during this prepupal period. At the end of this stadium, which lasts 11 1/2 hours at 25°C. , it pupates, shedding the prepupal cuticle. The gas bubble is used as a mechanism to separate the cuticie from its hypodermis. Practically all of the tissues undergo histolysis and are replaced by imaginal structures derived from specialized cells. Some of the muscles persist longer than the general mass and perform special functions in the pupa. The sequence of histolytic and histogenetic changes is accurately timed at a constant temperature.
Energy density of anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus L. in the Adriatic Sea

European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, with total lengths ranging from 40·0 to 132·5 mm, were sampled during October 2002 and May 2003 in the northern Adriatic Sea in order to estimate their energy densities (E D ). A highly significant (P < 0·001) relationship between E D (y) (J g -1 wet mass) and per cent dry mass (x) was found: y = 321x - 3316·9 (n = 161, r 2 = 0·82).
Management and research implications of selected behaviours in a mixed colony of flamingos at Rotterdam Zoo

Although infertility and egg loss are the primary causes for reproductive failure among captive flamingos, based on available literature, specific problems appear to be variable. Observations from an ongoing research project at Rotterdam Zoo suggest a number of factors that could influence captive flamingo reproductive success and management strategies. At this time many observations in zoos are anecdotal; long-term intracolony studies need to be carried out, and intercolony comparisons made to gain more understanding of these problems and how they are influenced by colony dynamics.
Pragmatism and Practice in Classifying Threats: Reply to Balmford et al.

Summary As stated in our original paper the IUCN–CMP threatsclassification will be revised on a regular basis based onfeedback from its users. To this end the critique fromBalmford et al. is both timely and welcome. In particularwe acknowledge the need to improve the classificationof stresses and enhance the guidance that details how torecord those direct threats that also function as stressorsand mechanisms.Nevertheless, many of the criticisms from Balmford etal. are based on fundamental misunderstandings of theIUCN–CMP system and how it is meant to be applied.Furthermore, the matrix of mechanisms and sources pro-posed by the CCF as an alternative has many substan-tial theoretical and practical drawbacks that we believewouldbecomereadilyapparentinfieldtesting.Unlesswesee compelling evidence that the CCF system has beenused successfully in practice and has produced substan-tiallybetteranalyses,wewillcontinuetofocusoureffortson further refining the IUCN–CMP classification withinits current structure. We hope our CCF colleagues—andthe rest of the conservation community—will continueto work with us in this endeavor.
Can’t you find me? Female sexual response in an Argentinean tarantula (Araneae, Theraphosidae)

We described and analyzed the female sexual response in the tarantula Grammostola vachoni Schiapelli and Gerschman 1961 under three series of 10 experiments each with different situations for the male-female encounters: male free in terrarium but with no access to female; male confined into a glass cup at 30 cm of female burrow and; male confined into a glass cup over a heavy stone closing the female burrow. We observed leg palpal tapping and body movements of female in response to male courtship. Leg and palpal tapping could indicate a female receptive condition and her attractiveness. Also, this behavior may serve to orient male towards her location. These females responded with leg and palpal tapping only to males which present long courtships together with active searching (walking) for female location. The female body movements, originated by legs III, are interpreted here as a rejection considering that male stopped courting and tried to escape.
Cyclic temperatures influence growth efficiency and biochemical body composition of vertically migrating fish

Summary 1. Diel vertical migrations (DVM) are frequently observed in pelagic fish and zooplankton populations. In addition to predator avoidance and foraging opportunity, bioenergetics optimisation has been hypothesised to cause the selective advantage of migrating fish. However, experimental confirmation of growth advantages of fish held at naturally observed cyclic temperatures, and food densities are surprisingly rare. 2. We compared growth rates, growth efficiencies and energy budgets of vendace (Coregonus albula, Salmoniformes) fed daily rations of 10% body mass and held at low (4.5 °C), high (8 °C) and cyclic (switch between 4.5 and 8 °C) temperatures over a period of 6 weeks. Biochemical body composition was evaluated by bioimpedance analyses and direct determination of water, lipid and protein content in a subset of fish. 3. Growth rate and food conversion efficiency were similar in fish held at high and cyclic temperatures, but higher than those found at low temperatures. Body condition of fish at cyclic temperatures was maximised, but these fish also had the highest water content. The proportion of lipids and proteins was slightly depleted in fish held at cyclic and low temperatures relative to the high temperature treatment. Accordingly, growth and biochemical composition of fish responded specifically to cyclic temperatures and were not simply intermediate between those found at low and high temperatures. 4. We could not confirm a bioenergetics advantage of fish switching between high and low temperatures. However, there were no substantial extra metabolic costs through exposure to cyclic temperatures, and hence, fish performing DVM may benefit from predation avoidance without compromising their metabolic balance and hence growth rates. These results suggest that the evolution of DVM is a multi-faceted process with no single ultimate explanation.
Assessment of natural resources use patterns: a case study along a trekking corridor of Sikkim Himalaya, India.

In the Himalayas, subsistence largely depends upon resources derived from natural forests due to the free and easy access to these and simplicity in their use. Sikkim has 43% of its total geographical area under forest cover, of which 34% is under dense forests. The burgeoning human population and family fragmentations are exerting a tremendous pressure on the natural resources to meet the requirements of food, fuel, fodder, timber, and other human needs. In recent years, tourism has increased manifolds in Sikkim, which has been one of the major factors behind destruction of forests. Irrational use of natural resources has resulted in the lowering of forest quality and shortage of resources. As a result, people have started using less-valued species as firewood and fodder. This study deals with bioresources use pattern by the community and tourism enterprises along a trekking corridor in the Sikkim Himalaya, with special reference to firewood, fodder, and timber.
Clostridium perfringens type A enterotoxin: a rapid method for preparation of a specific antiserum using an enterotoxin purified by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique

A type A Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin was chially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation (0 to 15%) and was submitted to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (7%). A specific enterotoxin antiserum was obtained by inoculating a rabbit with the polyacrylamide gel strip containing the enterotoxin. This serum gave only one precipitin line with purified enterotoxin and cellular extract in immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. The titer (1:8) in counter-immunoelectrophoresis was sufficient to detect 0.39 μg/ml enterotoxin by this technique. This serum neutralized the mouse lethality, cytotoxicity and plating efficiency of Vero cells.
Biodiversity of the southeastern United States : lowland terrestrial communities

The Southeastern Setting History, Evolution, and Organization of Vegetation and Human Culture The Fauna and Wildlife of the Southeastern United States Maritime Communities Mangrove Forests The Everglades Pocosins Carolina Bays and Mountain Bogs Southern Flood-Plain Forests Pine Flatwoods and Xeric Pine Forests of the Southern Coastal Plain The Former Longleaf Pine Forest Region Oak-Hickory-Pine Forests Rock Outcrop Communities Grass-Dominated Communities Oak-Hickory Forests Mixed Mesophytic Forests High Elevation Forests The Future of the Terrestrial Communities of the Southeastern United States.
NF‐κB in Th2 cells : delayed and long‐lasting induction through the TCR complex

Nucelar NFκB was analyzed in murine Th2 cells after stimulation via the TCR pathway. Signals delivered through the TCR/CD3 complex induced active NFκB translocation to the nucleus of Th2 cells after a late phase (24 h) of the activation process, which is in contrast to the rapid appearance of nuclear NFκB (3 h) in Th1 cells after the same stimulation. The slow kinetic of NFκB nuclear uptake in Th2 cells was not accelerated by CD28 triggering or under stimulation with antigen plus antigen‐presenting cells. Th1 and Th2 cells were also different in the composition of NFκB complexes induced. Whereas in Th1 cells TCR triggering induced the presence of nuclear p50.p65 heterodimers, in Th2 cells the complexes induced were shown to be composed of p65 plus another NFκB protein distinct from p50. The delayed NFκB induction in Th2 cells was dependent on protein synthesis and the significance of this is discussed.
Acute Toxicity of Saline Produced Waters to Marine Organisms

Produced waters from oil and gas drilling operations are typically very saline, and may cause acute toxicity to marine organisms due imbalances as well as to an excess or deficiency of to osmotic specific common ions. In order to better understand the relationship between toxicity and ion concentration, laboratory toxicity tests were conducted using mysid shrimp (Mysidopsis bahia), sheepshead minnow, (Cyprinodon variegatus), and inland silvemide (Menidia beryllina). For each species the ionic concentration of standard laboratory water was proportionally increased or decreased to produce test solutions with a range of salinities. Individual ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, strontium, chloride, bromide, sulfate, bicarbonate, and borate) were also manipulated to examine individual ion toxicity. Organisms were exposed for 48 hours. The three test species differ in their tolerance of salinity. Mysid shrimp show a marked decrease in survival at salinities less than approximately 5 ppt. Both fish species tolerated low salinity water, however, silversides were less tolerant of saline waters (salinity greater than 40 ppt). There were also significant differences in the responses of the organisms to different ions. The results show that salinity of the test solution may play an important role in the responses of the organisms to produced watermore » effluent. Predictable toxicity/ion relationships developed in this study can be used to estimate whether toxicity in produced water is a result of common ions, salinity, or some other unknown toxicant. « less
A narrow hybrid zone between the grasshoppers Stenobothrus clavatus and Stenobothrus rubicundus (Orthoptera: Gomphocerinae): female preferences for courtship songs

Two grasshopper species, Stenobothrus rubicundus and Stenobothrus clavatus, were previously shown to hybridize in a narrow contact zone on Mount Tomaros in northern Greece. The species are characterized by complex and completely different courtship songs. In the present study, we investigated female preferences for the courtship songs of S. rubicundus, S. clavatus and hybrids in playback experiments. Playback of the courtship songs revealed assortative preferences in females of the parental species: they significantly more often preferred the songs of conspecific males. Hybrid females showed a lower selectivity than parental females, responding somewhat equally eager to playback of the songs of S. clavatus, S. rubicundus, and natural hybrid song, although less actively to the F1 hybrid song. The results suggest that hybrid males may lose to males of parental species, whereas hybrid females would even have an advantage over parental females. Comparison of responses of females from allopatric populations and Mount Tomaros to different song types shows no evidence for reinforcement. Asymmetry found in female preferences may have implications for the structure of the hybrid zone. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 108, 834–843.
Aggressiveness and Genetic Diversity of Hemileia vastatrix During an Epidemic in Colombia

Since 2008, Colombia has been experiencing an epidemic of the coffee rust Hemileia vastatrix. The altitude range of the disease has expanded, and nursery and young plants that were usually not attacked by the disease are now significantly affected. To determine whether this new epidemic has been caused by a new pathogenic isolate, the molecular diversity of the pathogen causing the epidemic in different regions of the country was assessed, using AFLP molecular markers on isolates collected from coffee fields prior and after the year 2008. We also evaluated the aggressiveness of isolates collected from diverse coffee-producing areas and from different coffee genotypes. Isolates collected before and during the present epidemic were quite similar both genetically and with regard to their aggressiveness. Out of a total of 349 fragments amplified from 6 AFLP primer combinations, 48 (13.2%) were polymorphic and only 18 were unique among H. vastatrix isolates representative of pre-2008 and post-2008 epidemic populations. We conclude that the epidemic was caused by the excessive rainfall that has occurred in Colombia since 2006 and that extended to 2011 and not by the arrival of a new isolate of the pathogen or a change in virulence of the species present in the country.
Influence of lead on the development of lupin seedlings and ultrastructural localization of this metal in the roots

The effect of lead on the early phases of development of yellow lupin seedlings was investigated. In the presence of this metal the number of germinating seeds was found to diminish distinctly, the hypocotyls and roots were shorter and the fresh weight and anthocyanin content in the cotyledones were markedly decreased. In the root cap cells lead was present in the vacuoles, ER, dictyosomes, the nuclear envelope and cell walls.
A re-evaluation of the taxonomic status of the Moldavian steppe viper based on immunological investigations, with a discussion of the hypothesis of secondary intergradation between Vipera ursinii rakosiensis and Vipera (ursinii) renardi

The taxonomic level and phylogenetic relationship of the Moldavian steppe viper was investigated using blood serum electrophoresis, immunological comparisons of blood serum albumin and morphological comparisons. The traditional hypothesis that the Moldavian steppe viper is a secondary intergradation between Vipera (ursinii) renardi and V. ursinii rakosiensis could not be verified. Although morphologically similar (but not identical) to these two taxa, it has a closer immunological distance to the Balkan mountain subspecies, V. u. macrops and V. u. graeca. Specific antisera against serum albumins of V. u. graeca, V. u. ursinii (wettsteini) and V. u. eriwanensis were available, and the three vipers to be tested: rakosiensis, renardi and the Moldavian steppe viper branch off from different stems: rakosiensis seems close to ursinii, V. (u.) renardi appears fairly close to eriwanensis, both of which share a common stem with the rakosiensis-ursinii lineage. The Moldavian steppe viper shows high distance to both ursinii and eriwanensis, but low distance to graeca. The electrophoretic pattern show great differences from all other geographic forms tested (seven). We conclude that the Moldavian steppe viper represents a separate subspecies: Vipera ursinii moldavica ssp.n.