Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeding selectivity of a guild of piscivorous fish in mangrove areas of north-west Australia

Piscivorous fish are unusually abundant in mangrove creeks in the Dampier region of north-west Australia (20°40′S.,1 16°40′E.). Penetration of mangroves by predators is relevant to the role of such waters as nursery grounds. Caranx ignobilis, Carcharhinus limbatus, Scomberoides commersonianus and Scornberomorus semifasciatus were the most numerous predators. More than 50% of suitably sized potential prey fish species were consumed; the most common prey were Atherinidae, Gobiidae, Ambassis sp. and Sillago spp. Small (1-9 cm), permanently resident species constituted 60% of prey, and juveniles of larger species made up the balance. Feeding selectivity was assessed on three electivity indices and caution in their use is emphasised. Although the results conflicted, only the linear index could be statistically tested and two interesting points emerged. Firstly, of the three most common prey species, two were positively selected and one negatively selected, and the remainder were consumed in approximate proportion to their abundances. Secondly, the indices gave similar rank order preferences, with Atherinidae, Sillago spp. and Harengula sp. the most preferred and Ambassis sp. the least preferred.
Homing and orientation of Palinurus elephas (Fabricius) in three no-take areas of the central-western Mediterranean: implications for marine reserve design

The homing and orientation skills of Palinurus elephas were investigated in three no-take areas of the central-western Mediterranean in order to inform future reserve design. In general, P. elephas did not show a particular ability to orient homeward. A considerable portion of tagged lobsters were recaptured in the same direction as the capture point but, the points of capture and recapture were at such a distance from each other as to exclude any possible return to the original den. Homing ability seemed to be constrained to where lobsters were only displaced a short distance. For distances longer than 0.5km, the lobster movements seem to become nomadic, without a particular direction. The movement pattern suggests that it will be important that any restocking of marine reserves must be performed with lobsters collected in adjacent zones at distance more than 0.5km. Lobsters captured in a fishing zone <0.5km outside the reserve will return to the point of capture whilethose collected from further away will not go back to their original place. Our results indicate that, for species like P. elephas, small reserves can protect most small subpopulations with a consequent benefit for the surrounding commercial areas.
Secondary students' interpretations of photosynthesis and plant nutrition

Students have varying levels of knowledge about photosynthesis, respiration and energy issues prior to teaching. The relationship between photosynthesis and respiration, and plant ecosystems and the food chain are important topics in biology education. However, students' initial ideas can be hard to change even through teaching biology curricula. This paper studies the misconceptions held by Grade 9 students (14 – 15 years old) in Turkey about photosynthesis and plant nutrition. A questionnaire was constructed comprising seven openended questions designed to test students' conceptions about important areas of plant biology. Results showed that students have conflicting, and often incorrect, ideas about photosynthesis, respiration and energy flow in plant ecosystems, even after teaching. This suggests that students' initial ideas are deep-rooted and difficult to change. By developing science curricula and helping teachers become more aware of students' misconceptions, a different approach to teaching this subject area may help to reduce students' difficulties in understanding the concepts of photosynthesis.
CHROMOSOME HOMOLOGIES IN WHEAT AND AEGILOPS

The theory that species of wheat of the vulgare type (n = 2I) have resulted from the crossing of species of the emmer series (n = I4) with the related genus Aegilops was proposed by Percival (7) on taxonomic grounds. It was supported by K. and H. Sax (I I) from the cytological side when they found that 7 of the vulgare chromosomes mate in the F1 with 7 from Aegilops cylindrica, an observation which was later confirmed by Kagawa (4) and Bleier (I). Gaines and Aase (2) extended the theory and definitely suggested that 2 of the 3 sets of 7 chromosomes in vulgare wheats are homologous with the 2 sets in emmer types and the third with a set from Aegilops. Their chief additional evidence was the observation that in hybrids between emmers and A. cylindrica no mating at all occurs. This shows that emmers have no chromosomes in common with Aegilops, and it had been shown previously that vulgare types have I set in common with Aegilops and 2 in common with emmers. In a later paper Sax (io) supported the theory with the observation that no mating occurs in emmer X A. ovata. Percival (8) and Bleier(i), on the other hand, could rarely find mating in Triticum vulgare X A. ovata. In the present paper it will be shown that the situation is not so simple and regular as the theory of Gaines and Aase would indicate, since in at least one cross between a I4-chromosome wheat and Aegilops, mating of 7 pairs of chromosomes usually occurs. A egilops speltoides Tausch (n = 7) was used as the male parent in a cross with Triticum turgidum var. buccale Korn (n = I4). A single F1 (26I-I) was grown in I927. It yielded 2 seeds one of which produced an F2 plant (26I-I-I). Additional crosses were made in I927 and another F1 (273-I) was grown this year. The 2 F1 plants and the F2 have been examined cytologically. Table I shows some of the characters in which the parents differ, as well as the condition of the F1 with respect to those characters. In regard to the first 6 characters in the list T. vulgare resembles Aegilops and differs from the emmers.
Dynamics of Lake Michigan Phytoplankton: Recent Changes in Surface and Deep Communities

Lake Michigan phytoplankton dynamics were studied from the end of spring isothermal mixing (May) through midstratification (July–August) in 1982–84. Phytoplankton composition shifted from a diatom-dominated community (75% of phytoplankton carbon) during May to a phytoflagellate-dominated community (71% of phytoplankton carbon) during July–August. This summer phytoflagellate dominance in the 1980s is distinctly different from the summer blue-green and green algae dominance in the 1970s. Foodweb interactions caused by a changing zooplankton composition and nutrient supply changes were two possible causes. A deep chlorophyll layer (DCL) developed after the onset of thermal stratification. The DCL initially developed in the 15–30 m region and deepended to 25–50 m in July and the 40–70 m region in August. The DCL in 1982–84 was larger in size and located deeper in the water column than those reported from the 1970s. This difference was related to increases in light transparency found in the 1980s that were a r.
Bacterial Symbionts in Pogonophora

Prokaryote organisms, with characteristics of Gram-negative bacteria, occur intracellularly in Pogonophora, as described here for seven small species. The tissue containing the bacteria lies between the two longitudinal blood vessels in the posterior part of the trunk and has a special blood supply. This tissue is probably homologous with the so-called trophosome tissue of the much larger vestimentiferan pogonophores, which also contains bacteria, and the term can be applied to all pogonophores. The presence of such bacteria-containing trophosome tissue may be a characteristic of the phylum. In both large and small species examined the bacteria appear to be chemoautotrophs and probably assist the nutrition and/or metabolism of their hosts. It is not yet certain if the bacterium-containing cells do originate from mesoderm or endoderm, but, if the latter, then the trophosome represents the remains of the missing gut. The trophosome tissue situated internally, and transfer of bacteria must take place early in the life history, in the egg or embryo.
Partial characterization of phytoplasmas associated with lettuce and wild lettuce phyllodies in Iran

Phytoplasmas associated with lettuce phyllody (LP) and wild lettuce phyllody (WLP) in southern Iran were partially characterized by molecular analyses and host-range studies. Agents of both diseases were transmitted by Neoaliturus fenestratus, a leafhopper colonizing lettuce and wild lettuce, to lettuce, wild lettuce, sowthistle and periwinkle, but not to safflower, sunflower, calendula and sesame. Both phytoplasmas induced bud proliferation, virescence, phyllody and witches’ broom in infected plants. Total DNA extracted from infected lettuce and wild lettuce or from vector tissues was subjected to PCR using phytoplasma-specific primer pair P1/P7 or nested PCR using P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. PCR product of nested PCR (1·2 kbp) was subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RFLP analysis of nested PCR product identified the LP, WLP and N. fenestratus-associated phytoplasmas as members of the pigeon pea witches’ broom group, 16SrIX. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence also clustered LP and WLP phytoplasmas with other known members of the 16SrIX group. While no significant differences could be detected between LP and WLP phytoplasmas, both isolates differed from Lebanese wild lettuce phyllody in molecular properties.
Comparative Analysis of Long-Range Calls in Equid Stallions (Equidae): Are Acoustic Parameters Related to Social Organization?

Evolution of long-distance communication in equids may correspond with species-specific types of social organization. To compare harem-forming species (type I) with those that do not establish permanent social units (type II), we conducted a comparative analysis of stallion long-range calls in seven species/breeds of equids: two breeds of domestic horses (archaic and modern breeds) and five wild species: Przewalski's horse, kiang, Somalian ass, Grevy's zebra, Grant's zebra). Acoustic features allowed assigning calls of stallions with 92% average classification success to the correct species. The duration of the call clearly separated horses (type I) from type II species: kiang, Somalian ass and Grevy's zebra. Accordingly to its harem social system (type I), the pattern of long-range call in Grant's zebra deviates from that of its relatives in the direction of horses. Frequency of the first dominant band that was associated with body size separated modern horses from the archaic breed and Przewalski's horse. Playback experiments confirmed that equids, especially the type II species, respond strongly to conspecific calls but also to calls of other equids.
Regulation of chitin synthesis during growth of fungal hyphae: the possible participation of membrane stress

Apical hyphal extension involves very localized apical deposition of newly synthesized wall skeletal material, notably chitin. A branch forms where a new localized site of chitin deposition occurs in the lateral wall. Key enzymes involved are the chitin synthases. Their activity must be under tight regulation to achieve the orderly deposition of chitin. There is evidence that inactive chitin synthase is distributed throughout the hyphal plasma membrane and activated at the apex and at an incipient branch site. At these sites, the wall is plastic. We have investigated the hypothesis that physical stressing of the membrane, a consequence of the cell's turgor pressure acting at these weaker points, may locally activate the chitin synthase. Results show that cells that have been subjected to hypoosmotic stress have raised native chitin synthase activities. It is suggested that stressing the membrane may cause a conformational change in chitin synthase molecules in the membrane or changes in the interactions b.
Population ecology of the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) on French Island, Victoria

The elusive nature of the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) has hindered the collection of long-term data for this threatened species. Between June 2005 and May 2009, data on the ecology of a wild population of long-nosed potoroos located on French Island, Victoria, were collected during a series of research projects. Over this period, 33 individual potoroos were trapped a total of 251 times. Up to nine individuals were known to be alive at once on the 15-ha study site of mature remnant native forest. Adult potoroos showed high site fidelity and significant sexual size dimorphism, with males heavier and having longer head and pes lengths than females. Congruent with other studies, we found no evidence of seasonality in breeding. Births occurred in every month of the year and the testis volume of males did not vary throughout the year. In contrast to previous studies, however, we did not observe peaks in breeding activity. Our research and review of existing literature suggests that the ecology of the long-nosed potoroo is strongly influenced by local environmental conditions and emphasises the need to consider long-term and site-specific data when developing management strategies to conserve this ecologically important species.
Fungal odour discrimination in two sympatric species of fungivorous collembolans

1. Resource partitioning of two sympatric species of collembolans, Orchesella cincta and Tomocerus flavescens, was explored from differences in their food odour perception. 2. Preferences of the collembolans of odours from four fungal species and a green alga were tested in a Y-tube olfactometer. The collembolans were separated by only one dif- ference in odour preference; Cladosporium herbarum was significantly more attrac- tive to 0. cincta than the other food sources, whereas T flavescens was most attracted to Mortierella isabellina. 3. Fungal odours were trapped in an activated carbon filter, extracted with diethylether and subjected to GC-MS analysis. The analysis revealed a number of dif- ferences in the odour composition of the two fungal species but the odour of C. herbarum could not be distinguished from that of C. cladosporioides, which was lower ranked by 0. cincta. 4. Nine fungal odour compounds were used in an electroantennogram (EAG) assay. There were differences in antennal responses between the collembolan species to 2- methyl- l-propanol, dipentene, 1 -octanol and camphor. The identity of the compounds responsible for attracting 0. cincta to C. herbarum and T flavescens to M. isabellina could not be resolved. A cluster analysis of the EAG responses emphasized the physi- ological origin of the differences in food preferences between the two collembolan species and suggested that P. cincta was more variable in its odour perception than T flavescens. (Less)
The incidence and world distribution of honey bee viruses

Honey bee viruses are increasingly of interest to both bee researchers and beekeepers, primarily because of their association with the parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni. The identification of viruses requires specialized techniques, and reviews of honey bee disease distribution that have been published so far do not contain much information on viruses. The authors, leading experts on bee viruses, have collected together data from many sources to produce this important review.
A molecular phylogeny of the Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), with an evaluation of the utility of their male genitalia for higher level classification

Abstract A molecular phylogeny of the Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is presented. This group of minute egg parasitoids is known from a broad range of host insects. The phylogeny produced, the first of any kind for the family, utilizes 121 taxa in fifty‐two of the eighty‐four recognized genera. Results were inferred from the ribosomal RNA regions 18S, 28S‐D2 and 28S‐D3, all aligned according to secondary structure models. Parsimony analysis was performed on both a complete and reduced dataset, in which ambiguous regions as defined by secondary structure were eliminated. The reduced dataset produced a much less resolved phylogenetic hypothesis. Only the complete dataset was utilized for Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses. A robust‐choice Bayesian hypothesis stemmed from the concatenation of five distinct character set parameters. The results are compared with the current classification based primarily on male genitalia. Although our conclusions are partially congruent with the accepted hypothesis of trichogrammatid relationships, none of the currently adopted assemblages was recovered as monophyletic. Nevertheless, the structure of the male genitalia does correspond with relative taxon position in the molecular hypotheses. In general, the greatest genitalic simplification and fusion characterizes taxa treated as the most derived in the molecular hypotheses. Several groups are consistently recovered, but relationships between these groups and other genera vary with the analytical method. A new classification of the Trichogrammatidae is proposed. It includes one tribe, Trichogrammatini, within the subfamily Trichogrammatinae, and three tribes, Paracentrobiini, Chaetostrichini and Oligositini, within the Oligositinae. All tribes are more narrowly defined than previously and many genera are treated as incertae sedis within each subfamily. The results are interpreted in the light of morphological evidence, and the placement of genera not represented in molecular analysis is inferred by morphology alone. Host associations throughout the family are varied, although the molecular results suggest that Trichogrammatidae primitively parasitized Coleoptera, with more recent radiations onto other insect orders, such as Lepidoptera and Hemiptera.
Do amphibians follow Bergmann's rule?

It is not clear whether Bergmann's rule, larger size within species in cooler areas, holds for any group of ectotherms. Data are presented and used to test whether amphibians show body-size patterns that follow Bergmann's rule. Available data with respect to latitude and elevation suggest that amphibians in general follow Bergmann's rule, with 23 of 34 species showing a larger body size at higher latitudes or elevations and an overall grand mean correlation coefficient of +0.35 for size with latitude or elevation. Salamanders show body-size patterns consistent with the overall trend, with 13 of 18 species having a larger body size at higher latitudes or elevations and a grand mean correlation coefficient of +0.42 for size with latitude or elevation. Anurans show a weaker trend towards concordance with Bergmann's rule with respect to latitude and elevation (10 of 16 species), but the grand mean correlation coefficient is significantly positive (+0.31). The relationship between body size and environmental t.
Mississippi Silversides, Menidia audens (Atherinidae), Established in California

Abstract Menidia audens were introduced into Upper and Lower Blue Lakes, and in Clear Lake, Lake County, during the fall of 1967, as a result of previous study indicating a high potential for this species as a biological control agent for aquatic midges, and as a forage species for game fishes. Although the species has not as yet been recovered from Upper Blue Lake, it is doing well in Lower Blue Lake, and has already become a predominant component of the fish fauna of Clear Lake.
Crop genotype-environment modelling to evaluate forage maize cultivars under climate variability

A crop model and environmental data were used to simulate genotype-environment interactions for commercial forage maize cultivars. Genotype parameters defined by the MAISPROQ model were calibrated to observed aboveground dry matter (DM) yield and quality (concentrations of DM and starch) data from Swedish field experiments 2009–2011 on four forage maize cultivars with different maturation rates (Avenir, Isberi, Jasmic and Burli). The model calibration predictability (coefficient of determination, R2) ranged from 0.18 to 0.45 for yield and 0.40 to 0.86 for quality. The corresponding values for validation were in a similar range for the growth model but less for the quality model (0.36–0.38 and 0.25–0.54, respectively). Thereafter the model was used to assess the cultivar performance for different locations and future climate conditions. The simulated DM yield averaged for 2003–2009 varied between 5% and 25% among nine locations in Sweden due to differences in weather conditions, depending on cultivar. The proportion of years with successful harvest (34% DM concentration being achieved by 31 October) varied between 60% and 100% for the early cultivar (Avenir) and 0% and 70% for the late cultivar (Jasmic). Under future climate conditions, harvest of the early-maturing cultivar (Avenir) will occur earlier (by up to 19 days in Lund [55.6°N] and 24 days in Uppsala [59.8°N] by 2085), but with unchanged or even slightly decreased DM yields compared with current levels. The starch concentration will remain almost unchanged in Lund but increase in Uppsala, especially for the late-maturing cultivar. We regard the model predictions of quality to be reasonably satisfactory, whereas those of DM yields are less reliable due to observations for calibration being available only for the period after flowering. Therefore, more frequent sampling in the early growing season is required to improve the predictive power of the model, especially for DM yield.
Influence of pregnancy on some erythrocyte biochemical profiles in the rabbits

One billion erythrocytes lysate samples obtained from pregnant (28-day old) and non-pregnant groups or New Zealand white Chinchilla rabbits (eight rabbits per group) were analysed to determine the influence of pregnancy on the profile of some of the intracellular electrolytes, enzymes, lipids, proteins and rnetabolites. The intracellular concentrations of sodium (Na+), Bicarbonate (HCO3), Alanine amino transferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.1), Aspartate amino transferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1). Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT EC 2.3.2.2) and triglycerides were significantly Increased (P significantly altered during pregnancy. Pregnancy altered the metabolism of erythrocytes in the rabbits.
Year-round Monitoring of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli from Feces of Dairy Cattle

A PCR-aided monitoring of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) was performed over the period of 12 months by using fresh feces collected monthly from 5 dairy cows that had been identified as VTEC carriers. The PCR products were confirmed to be verotoxin genes by Southern hybridization using a gene fragment of verotoxin 2 as a probe. Although seasonal variation of VTEC shedding seemed to depend on each cow, several factors may have influenced the frequency of detection. Shedding of VTEC tended to be reduced during grazing from the middle of May up to the beginning of October. Only one cow was positive for VTEC in August. Dry-off was also suggested to have a depressive effect on VTEC shedding, i.e. 3 of 4 dry cows showed no shedding of VTEC. Contrary to these factors, winter or indoor rearing tended to increase VTEC with only 5/24 samples being negative during the period from November to April. Total VFA concentration was higher (p<0.05) in VTEC-positive feces than in VTEC-negative feces, while fecal pH and VFA proportions were not different. Partial sequences of verotoxin genes from feces of 4 VTEC-positive cows were nearly identical (99-100%), suggesting that gut bacteria sharing the same gene were distributed among the cows. The present results indicate that grazing and dry-off could be factors which reduce VTEC shedding, while winter/indoor rearing may be a factor which increases the shedding, possibly through on-farm interactions.