Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DOES MATING SYSTEM AFFECT THE PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS OF PROVISIONING BIRDS? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POLYGYNANDROUS BICKNELL'S THRUSH (CATHARUS BICKNELLI) AND SOCIALLY MONOGAMOUS SWAINSON'S THRUSH (CATHARUS USTULATUS) BREEDING SYMPATRICALLY.

Bicknell’s Thrush is one of two migratory bird species in North America with a polygynandrous mating system. Having multiple male feeders at the nest, and a skewed sex ratio, suggests that Bicknell’s Thrush adults partition the feeding effort. Since nestling provisioning is physiologically stressful, I predicted that Bicknell’s Thrush would be less stressed than a monogamous counterpart during the nestling provisioning period. I compared Bicknell’s Thrush with Swainson’s Thrush, a close relative and concurrent monogamous breeder in the study area. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L) was used as a surrogate for corticosterone in the analysis of physiological stress. To test the sensitivity of H:L to physiological stress, I compared breeding and overwintering birds. Overwintering birds were less physiologically stressed than breeding birds, and had no circulating hematozoa. Both species of Thrush were found to be parasitized during the breeding season, but hematozoa infections and infestation with trombiculid mites had no effect on body condition or H:L. Most Bicknell’s Thrush females provided at rates similar to either sex of Swainson’s Thrush. Most Bicknell’s Thrush males provided less than 27% of the feeds at a nest, but total rates for males feeding two broods were similar to female Bicknell’s Thrush. I hypothesized that male Bicknell’s Thrush would have the lowest H:L, but could not conclude that they were the least stressed during the provisioning period. The results were most likely confounded by Swainson’s Thrush whose nests had failed. I did see the potential of H:L as a tool for deducing nest success in demographic studies where catching adults is easier than finding nests: provisioning birds, of either species, had significantly higher H:L ratios than those sampled after their nest had failed.
A New Species of Hylodes (Anura, Hylodidae) and its Secretive Underwater Breeding Behavior

Abstract: We describe a new species of Hylodes from the Atlantic forest of Serra do Japi, Município de Jundiaí, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species belongs to the Hylodes lateristrigatus group, characterized by light oblique lateral stripes. It is diagnosed by small size; thumbs without nuptial excrescences; relatively smooth dorsal surfaces; interocular area with evident dark blotches of variable shapes (less commonly, exhibiting a uniform pattern or an interocular dark bar); dorsum with large evident dark blotches of variable shapes (less commonly, having a uniform pattern); a mainly light-colored venter; in adult males, paired lateral vocal sacs, widely expanded. The new species is morphologically similar to H. amnicola, H. ornatus, H. perere, and H. sazimai, distinguishable via differences in color pattern and advertisement call. We also analyzed molecular data (partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene; COI, 16S, and RAG1, respectively) and found that the new species is genetically distinct from the aforementioned species. We also describe this new species' tadpoles and provide information on its reproductive mode, natural history, and conservation status. We provide details of the new species' secretive underwater breeding that are superficially known for the genus Hylodes, such as spawning, egg traits, and female role in concealing the underwater chamber after oviposition. Resumo: Uma nova espécie de Hylodes é descrita para a Mata Atlântica da Serra do Japi, Município de Jundiaí, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A nova espécie pertence ao grupo de Hylodes lateristrigatus, apresentando listras laterais oblíquas claras. É diagnosticada pelo tamanho pequeno; polegares sem estruturas nupciais; superfícies dorsais relativamente lisas; área interocular com manchas escuras evidentes e de formas variáveis (menos frequentemente, apresentando um padrão uniforme ou uma barra escura interocular); dorso com grandes manchas escuras evidentes e de formas variáveis (menos frequentemente, apresentando um padrão uniforme); ventre predominantemente claro; em machos adultos, sacos vocais laterais pareados, amplamente expandidos. A nova espécie é morfologicamente similar a H. amnicola, H. ornatus, H. perere e H. sazimai, mas se distingue pelo padrão de coloração e características do canto de anúncio. Evidências moleculares (sequências parciais de dois genes mitocondriais e um nuclear; respectivamente COI, 16S e RAG1) também indicam que a nova espécie é geneticamente distinta das espécies morfologicamente mais similares. São também fornecidas a descrição dos girinos e informações sobre modo reprodutivo, história natural e conservação. Superficialmente conhecidos para o gênero Hylodes, são registrados detalhes da reprodução subaquática da nova espécie, como a desova, características dos ovos e o comportamento da fêmea auxiliando no fechamento da toca subaquática após a oviposição.
Determination of a complete lemur mitochondrial genome from feces

ABSTRACT Mitochondrial genome (mt-genome) sequences are widely used in molecular phylogenetic studies because of their relatively small size and of the strict orthology of their genes. It is sometimes the most difficult step in such studies to get samples particularly from endangered species. Here, we report successful amplification and sequencing of mt-genome of Propithecus (sifaka) from feces sample, using the extract method of Chelex-100 Phenol-Chloroform or QIAamp DNA Stool kit (Qiagen) in combination with FTA cards (Whatmann). For biologists, such a noninvasive sampling method should be an important resource that will provide greater opportunities to collect invaluable samples. By using the mt-genome sequence of sifaka obtained by this work with other published sequences of primates, we estimated the phylogeny of primates, and demonstrated that the evolutionary rate acceleration occurred in the Anthropoids lineage after they diverged from tarsier.
Genetics of Some Characters in Okra [Abelmoschus Escu. Lentus (L.) Moench]

Significant genotypic differences were found for all the characters. Variances due to g.c. a. for all characters and s.c. a. variances except stem diameter, weight of fruit and yield per plant were significant for all the characters under study. Estimated component of variance σg2 was higher than σs2 for all characters except flowers per plant, seeds per fruit and yield per plant indicating the predominance of additive gene action in their inheritance. Similar results were confirmed by component analysis. Both components and graphic analysis showed over dominance for yield per plant, complete dominance for flowers per plant and partial dominance for first fruiting node, stem diameter and fruits per branch. Stem diameter, weight of fruit and flowers per plant were controlled by dominant genes. Epistatic interaction was also observed for stem diameter and seeds per fruit.
Solubility of zinc and interactions between zinc and phosphorus in the hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens

The relationship between Zn and P in the Zn hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens J. & C. Presl was investigated using hydroponic culture, Total concentrations of Zn in the shoots increased from 0.2 to 27 g kg(-1) dry mass when solution Zn increased from 1 to 1000 mmol m(-3). Water-soluble Zn accounted for > 80% of the total Zn in the shoots containing > 5 g Zn kg(-1) dry mass, Total P was maintained at about 3 g kg(-1) dry mass in the shoots containing < 20 g Zn kg(-1) dry mass, but significantly decreased with higher Zn concentrations, Linear regression between insoluble P and insoluble Zn in the shoots produced a small slope, suggesting that co-precipitation of Zn and P was not an important detoxification mechanism in the shoots, In contrast, there was a strong correlation between insoluble P and insoluble Zn in the roots, with a linear slope of 0.3 - close to the P:Zn ratio in Zn(3)(PO(4))(2). Foliar sprays of phosphate did not affect shoot dry mass significantly, but decreased root length and root dry mass significantly at Zn concentrations in solution from 10 to 3000 mmol m(-3). Foliar P was translocated to roots to enhance co-precipitation of Zn and P, although this did not enhance Zn tolerance, The results suggest that T. caerulescens possesses mechanisms which allow it to accumulate and sequester huge amounts of Zn in the shoots without causing P deficiency.
The microflagellate-picoplankton food linkage in the water column of Lake Biwa

Seasonal variations of abundance and biomass of heterotrophic microflagellates (HMF), bacteria, and unicellular chroococcoid cyanobacteria (UCB) at a pelagic site (water depth, -72 m) in the north basin of Lake Biwa were measured during May to November 1984. The cell densities of HMF, bacteria, and UCB were 102-1 03, lo”, and 102-lo5 cells ml- I, and the biomass estimates were < 1-7, 1 O-70, and < l-20 pg C liter - I. Active phagocytosis of UCB by HMF was indicated from microscopic observation of HMF food vacuoles; when UCB density was high, up to 52% of HMF cells contained one or more UCB cells. Incubation of size-fractionated epilimnetic waters indicated that bacterial net production rates (5-25 pg C liter-’ d-m’) were usually almost equal to rates of consumption of bacteria by HMF populations. Estimates of gross growth efficiencies of HMF fed on natural picoplankton were 1 l-53% in terms of carbon. HMF may be a significant link transferring picoplankton energy to macrozooplankters which cannot collect picoplankton. Lack of information on the fate of HMF makes it difficult, however, to directly address the “sink vs. link” argument about the microbial loop in Lake Biwa.
Development of a Compact and Accurate Discretization for Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations Based on an Equation-Solving Solution Gradient, Part II: Formulation on Unstructured Polygonal Grids

In this article, we develop a feasible solution procedure for solving convection-diffusion equations on unstructured grids as our second step to simulate incompressible fluid flow problems in complicated domains. Fundamentals of this procedure have been introduced in our previous work and verified in the one-dimensional situation as well as on a two-dimensional rectangular grid. All essential aspects of the discretization process on unstructured grids are detailed in the present work. Since the solution gradients required for a second-order accurate discretization are solved directly by their corresponding equations, it will result in a compact scheme which directly involves minimal computational nodes. Test problems are solved numerically with various grid arrangements to verify this proposition. From the numerical results, it is clearly shown that the present formulation can provide accurate difference expressions for the steady convection-diffusion equation on unstructured grids regardless of the grid arrangement. Therefore, the present formulation will serve as a kernel scheme to simulate fluid flow phenomena in complicated domains.
Survival in Dalbulus leafhopper vectors improves after exposure to maize stunting pathogens

Using D. maidis and pathogen isolates collected at three field sites along an altitudinal gradient in Mexico, we compared survival in leafhoppers exposed to healthy maize to those exposed to maize infected with one of four isolates of maize stunting pathogens: two isolates of the corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS, Spiroplasma kunkelii) and two of the maize busby stunt phytoplasma (MBSP). Survival improved after exposure to either plant pathogen under both the cooler and warmer environmental conditions D. maidis is likely to encounter during the dry season. Survival varied among leafhoppers from the different field sites, suggesting that gene flow between these populations is limited. The leafhoppers responded differently to the four isolates (i.e., we noted significant population by exposure interactions), but we found no difference between MBSP and CSS exposure. Finally, we found evidence of local adaptation in one leafhopper population to sympatric, as compared to allopatric, plant pathogens. We have shown with this and our earlier study that aspects of the interaction phenotype in the association between D. maidis and the plant pathogens are mutualistic and that this association has considerable potential as a model for studies of local adaptation.
Hydroperiod Influence on Breakdown of Leaf Litter in Cypress-gum Wetlands

Abstract Many cypress-gum wetlands in the southeast United States are isolated from rivers and streams and are seasonally inundated by rainfall. Organic matter processing in these wetlands is caused primarily by biotic components (i.e., microbes and invertebrates), which are influenced by timing and duration of seasonal inundation, and low dissolved oxygen levels. Using litter bags, we examined breakdown of cypress (Taxodium spp.) and gum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora) leaves in three wetlands with different hydroperiods: (1) flooded exposed (FE; 5 mo flooded/6 mo litter exposed), (2) multiple flooded exposed (MFE; 6 mo flooded/exposed/flooded/exposed) and (3) permanently flooded (PF; 11 mo flooded). Breakdown was fastest in the MFE wetland suggesting cycles of wetting and drying accelerated decomposition by promoting microbial activity through aeration. Even though ergosterol content, an indicator of fungal biomass on the litter, was similar among wetlands, we hypothesized that within the MFE wetland microbial activity was promoted by exposed conditions, but during subsequent flooding microbial biomass was kept at a low level by invertebrate consumers. Macroinvertebrate density and biomass were comparable between litter types, but were highest in the PF wetland, followed by MFE, then FE wetlands. Chironomids, oligochaetes, Caecidotea and Crangonyx were the dominant taxa indicating litter inputs are vital in maintaining the aquatic foodweb in this system. Cypress litter (k = −1.61 y−1) had faster breakdown rates than gum litter (k = −1.02 y−1), most likely because of plant morphology and greater surface area available to microbial decomposers. Ergosterol (mg g−1 AFDM leaf material) levels were higher on cypress (34.5) than gum (22.5) litter. In both litter types initial C:N and N:P ratios were >20, and C:P ratios were >500, indicating a possible P or N/P co-limitation in cypress-gum wetlands. Elemental gains or losses in litter were influenced predominantly by litter type and to a lesser extent by hydrologic regime. Gum leaves accumulated P, N, Ca and K and lost Mg, whereas cypress leaves had initial declines of these elements, followed by some accumulations in P and K. Temporal patterns of P showed that the drier sites (FE and MFE) immobilized more P than the wetter site (PF), suggesting that exposed conditions promoted microbial activity. In addition, N and P accumulations on gum leaves were highest in the summer at the time when wetlands would normally dry, indicating a seasonal period when moisture and temperature conditions are optimal for microbial growth. Net flux rates to the 1+ y-old component of litter indicated that the FE wetland is accumulating more organic matter (172 g m−2 y−1) than the other wetlands (65 and 72 g m−2 y−1), which we attributed to higher cypress litter production. We concluded that hydrologic regime influences breakdown rates and element accumulations, but that net productivity is more important in determining litter accumulation rates.
Ploidy variation and karyotype analysis in Hemerocallis spp. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) and implications on daylily breeding

Daylily or Hemerocallis spp. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) is one of the most economically important flowering crops in the world. Ploidy level of 149 genotypes both local to China and introduced from the United States and New Zealand were assessed with an outcome of 79 diploids, 22 triploids and 48 tetraploids. A large proportion of introduced cultivars were tetraploid (42%), half were diploid and the rest, 8%, were triploid. Most Chinese cultivars were diploid; only one was tetraploid. Among the 29 wild genotypes collected from the Taihang Mountain range, 13 (45%) were triploid and 16 (55%) were diploid; no tetraploids were identified. For the 31 genotypes with known ploidy, 22 matched previous counts with the rest showing a lower ploidy. As different ploidy is common in daylily, we suggest that ploidy levels should be assessed in breeding programmes for specific breeding purposes. Karyotypes of three diploid, three triploid and two tetraploid genotypes were constructed and they were assigned to ‘3A’, ‘2B’ and ‘3B’ categories based on Stebbins’ karyotype classification.
Compatibility of Certain Promising Pesticides Against Planthoppers and Sheath Blight in Rice

Field experiments were conducted in the wet seasons of 2005 and 2006 at Andhra Pradesh Rice Research Institute (APRRI), Maruteru to evaluate the compatibility and co toxicity of certain recommended insecticides, fungicides and their combinations against the mixed populations of planthoppers and sheath blight incidence in rice crop. The results revealed that the insecticides viz., imidacloprid (Confidor 200 SL) @ 0.25 ml and thiamethoxam (Actara 25 WG) @ 0.2 g per litre of water individually reduced the planthopper build-up while, the fungicides viz., validamycin (Rhizocin 3L) @ 2.5 ml and propiconazole (Result 25 EC) @ 1.0 ml per litre of water reduced the sheath blight incidence individually. Among their combinations, imidacloprid 200 SL @ 0.25 ml + validamycin 3 L @ 2.5 ml per litre of water reduced the planthopper build-up and sheath blight incidence effectively and recorded higher grain yields in both the seasons.
Using disaster to prevent catastrophe: referencing the impacts of flow changes in large dryland rivers

This paper outlines the hydrological change associated with water resources development for six rivers within the Murray-Darling Basin. Hydrological change was assessed using simulated data from the Integrated Quantity and Quality Model (IQQM) and a range of relatively simple flow statistics: the annual proportional flow deviation; the frequencies of medium or high flow events; and the durations of low or no-flow events. The changes in physical properties, water quality and biological characteristics within the six river systems were assessed from the literature and summarized. This information was used to construct a series of hypothetical curves (reference curves) summarizing ecological response to hydrological change. The suitability of these response curves was then checked using data from a seventh river, Cooper Creek, a relatively major pristine endorheic system in central Australia. Reference curves appear to be an effective tool for assessing the likely ecological responses of river systems to increased hydrological change. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil Temperature and Leaf Expansion in Zea mays

SUMMARY Maize plants (Sweetcorn cv. Earliking) were grown in plots where four types of soil surface coverings were used to induce soil temperature differences During the vegetative stage of growth measurements were made of total leaf area per plant on a daily basis, and relative rates of leaf area increase were found to be closely correlated with mean daily soil temperatures at 5 cm. depth. The results were consistent with evidence that the temperature of the apical meristem strongly influences rates of leaf expansion in maize seedlings.
Risks and Constraints of Political Modernisation in Russia: The Federal Problem

Abstract This article discusses the political risks and constraints associated with democratic reforms (currently labelled in Russia as political modernisation), which arise due to Russia's size, diversity of social, political and economic conditions and, most importantly, its federal constitutional structure. We argue that the two principles, democracy and federalism, are dissonant during the period of democratic transition and consolidation, and, therefore, we should expect transition to democracy in Russia to be particularly protracted, difficult and volatile.
Genetics of fertility restoration of diverse cytosterile sources in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The availability of stable cytoplasmic male sterility and fertility restoring system is vital for commercial exploitation of heterosis in rice. Inheritance study using four effective fertility restorers (BL-184-AR, IR-54742-22-19-3, NVSR-20 and Pusa Sugandha-5) and five diverse cytosterile sources (KJTCMS-6A-WA, RTN 2A-ARC, RTN 3A-Mutant of IR 62829B, RTN 13A-Gambiaca and RTN 17A-Dissi), their F1, F2 and BC1 populations revealed that the fertility restoration was governed by two independent genes, one of which appeared to be stronger in action than other. Crosses KJTCMS-6A X IR-54742-22-19-3, RTN-2A X BL-184-AR and RTN-2A X NVSR-20, RTN-3A X BL-184-AR and RTN-13A X NVSR-20, showed segregating ratio of 12 (fertile): 3 (partially fertile + partially sterile): 1 (completely sterile plants) and 2 (fertile): 1 (partial sterile/fertile): 1 (sterile) in F2 and BC1 generations respectively, for pollen and spikelet fertility indicating two major genes with dominant epistasis. In case of crosses KJTCMS-6A X BL-184-AR and KJTCMS-6A X NVSR-20, RTN-13A X BL-184-AR, RTN-17A X BL-184-AR segregated in the ratio of 9:6:1 and 1:2:1 in F2 and BC1 generations respectively, for pollen and spikelet fertility indicating two major genes with epistasis and incomplete dominance. While crosses, KJTCMS-6A X Pusa Sugandha-5, RTN-2A X IR-54742-22-19-3 and RTN-2A X Pusa Sugandha-5, RTN-3A X IR-54742-22-19-3, RTN-3A X Pusa Sugandha-5 and RTN-3A X NVSR-20, RTN-13A X IR-54742-22-19-3, RTN-13A X Pusa Sugandha-5 and RTN-17A X IR-54742-22-19-3, RTN-17A X Pusa Sugandha-5, RTN-17A X NVSR-20, exhibited the restoration pattern fitted well in a segregation ratio of 9:3:4 and 1:1:2 in F2 and BC1 generations respectively, for pollen and spikelet fertility displaying an epistasis with recessive interaction. The mode of action of these genes were different in different restorer combinations with five different sources of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility. Change in fertility restoration by same restorer with CMS line of same source and of different source could either due to cytoplasmic genetic interactions of CMS line and fertility restoring genes or may be affected by modifier fertility restoring genes or may be affected by modifier genes.
Composition of Amphibian Assemblages in Agroecosystems from the Central Region of Argentina

The anuran diversity, abundance, richness and evenness were examined in agroecosystems from the central region of Argentina, area that was greatly altered by agricultural activities. Relationships with climatic characteristics were also analyzed. To capture anurans, pitfall trap transects were established. A total of 561 amphibians of seven species, belonging to four families (Bufonidae, Leiuperidae, Cycloramphidae, and Leptodactylidae) were recorded. Stepwise multiple linear regressions showed strong positive association between both species richness and anuran abundance with habitat variables as rainfall and rain-day. The anuran richness observed in the studied areas is similar to other sites with level of alteration comparable, but the anuran richness and abundance observed here is lower compared with the records of anuran species for the region before agricultural development. Thus, these results have suggested that amphibians may be particularly affected by habitat modification and degradation due to agricultural activities in the central region of Argentina, and it may be contributing to regression of their diversity and richness.