Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of Mini-Fyke Nets for Sampling Shallow-Water Fish Communities in Florida Lakes

AbstractWe evaluated mini-fyke nets for sampling shore-based (SB; <1 m deep) fish communities in Florida lakes. Specifically, we wanted to determine the most effective deployment method and sample size required for adequately characterizing fish communities in these habitats. Shallow SB (0.15–0.6 m) net sets, in which nets were not completely submersed, collected significantly more individuals and a larger proportion of poeciliids. However, deep SB (0.6–1.0 m) net sets, in which nets were completely submersed, collected a larger proportion of centrarchids, cyprinids, and cyprinidontids. Net placement also significantly affected the overall catch and composition of samples. Nets placed in locations away from the lake boundary tended to collect actively schooling fishes such as Threadfin Shad Dorosoma petenense and cyprinids. Nets placed next to the lake boundary tended to collect species associated with shallow, vegetated habitats, particularly poeciliids, at greater frequencies. In some cases, the collect.
Distribution data on the family Melittidae (Hymenoptera) of Turkey with considerations about their importance as pollinators

The examination of specimens collected from various parts of Turkey, mainly from East Anatolia, and an overview of the literature allows us to reach the conclusion that the Melittidae of Turkey are represented by 3 genera, Dasypoda (14 species), Macropis (2 species), and Melitta (9 species), with a total of 25 species including Dasypoda toroki Michez, 2004, a new record for the Turkish fauna. Dasypoda hirtipes (Fabricius, 1793), Melitta (Melitta) leporina (Panzer, 1799), and M. dimidiata Morawitz, 1876 are the most widespread and abundant species. Dasypoda friesana Schletterer, 1890; D. longigena Schletterer, 1890; D. patinyi Michez, 2002; D. visnaga (Rossi, 1790); Melitta rasmonti Michez, 2007; M. nigricans Alfken, 1905; M. singular Michez, 2012; M. haemorrhoidalis; and M. melanura (Nylander, 1852) are very rare species and most are known from one locality only. The rest of the species are moderately distributed in Turkey. Five species of Dasypoda and 3 species of Melitta have type localities from Anatolia; of these, D. longigena, M. bicollaris, M. singular, M. rasmonti, and D. warnckei are endemic to Anatolia. New distribution areas were added for each species and the plant species visited were included. Although the genus Dasypoda visits mostly wild flowers, D. hirtipes also frequently visits sunflowers and it is an important pollinator of this plant. In the case of the genus Macropis, females collect oil and pollen from the flowers of Lysimachia (Primulaceae) as larval food. Melitta leporina, M. dimidiata, and M. bicollaris are important pollinators of fodder crops, such as alfalfa, sainfoin, and various clover species and some other legumes.
Nonlinear Regression Analysis of Herbicide Absorption Studies

Abstract Although foliar herbicide absorption has been studied intensively, there is currently no standardized method for data analysis when evaluating herbicide absorption over time. Most peer-reviewed journals require the treatment structure of data be incorporated in the analysis; however, many herbicide absorption studies published in the past 5 yr do not account for the time structure of the experiment. Herbicide absorption studies have been presented in a variety of ways, making it difficult to compare results among studies. The objective of this article is to propose possible nonlinear models to analyze herbicide absorption data and to provide a stepwise framework so that researchers may standardize the analysis method in this important research area. Asymptotic regression and rectangular hyperbolic models with similar parameterizations are proposed, so that the maximum herbicide absorption and absorption rate may be adequately modeled and statistically compared among treatments. Adoption of these models for herbicide absorption analysis over time will provide a standardized method making comparison of results within and among studies more practical.
Brood chambers constructed from spines in fossil and Recent cheilostome bryozoans

Most cheilostome bryozoans brood their larvae in skeletal structures called ovicells which, in evolutionary terms, were derived from spines. Ovicells in the great majority of fossil and Recent cheilostomes, however, have lost all or most traces of their spinose origin. Here we review the occurrence of spinose (including costate) brood chambers in cheilostomes, investigating in detail 32 species belonging to ten genera among five families (Calloporidae, Monoporellidae, Macroporidae, Cribrilinidae and Tendridae). Spinose ovicells are moderately common in the Upper Cretaceous, where they are recorded in 28 species, and also occur in one Palaeocene, seven Eocene-Miocene and 11 Recent species. The most primitive cheilostome ovicells occur in mid-Cretaceous calloporids in which a group of mural spines belonging to the distal zooid were apparently bent towards the maternal zooid to form a cage-like structure for reception of the embryo. The bases of these spines were initially aligned in a distally concave row that later became straight, distally convex and finally horseshoe-shaped, affording progressively better protection for the developing embryo. We suggest that primitive monoporellids inherited from calloporid ancestors a distally concave arrangement of ovicell spine bases, while cribrilinids inherited a horseshoe-shaped arrangement. Important trends that can be recognized in early ovicell evolution include: (1) loss of basal spine articulation; (2) spine flattening; (3) closure of the gaps between spines; (4) reduction in spine number (through loss or fusion), and (5) development of a concave ovicell floor. The conventional ‘unipartite’ ovicells found in the majority of cheilostomes may have originated either by spine fusion, as seems likely in some cribrilinids, or through a progressive loss of spines via an intermediate stage, seen in some calloporids and in two monoporellids, where the ovicell comprises a large pair of flattened spines. The spinose ovicells of some monoporellids and macroporids subsequently evolved investments of hypostegal coelom that allowed secretion of a surface layer of cryptocystal calcification. Acanthostegous brood chambers characteristic of Tendridae apparently provide an example of independent evolution of spinose brooding structures. © 2005 The Natural History Museum, London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 144, 317−361.
Interaction of the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila with tilapia, Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner), phagocytes

Interaction of Aeromonas hydrophila and tilapia, Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner), phagocytes was studied in vitro. All virulent and avirulent strains of A. hydrophila tested could multiply in non-activated and Freund's complete adjuvant activated phagocytes. Activated phagocytes increased the uptake of bacteria into cells, and the rates of intracellular replication for these bacteria were faster than in non-activated phagocytes. Among the A. hydrophila strains examined, virulent strain PPD134/91 replicated at the fastest rate inside phagocytic cells and produced cytopathic effect in the phagocytes in the shortest incubation time. Opsonized avirulent A. hydrophila were sensitive to phagocyte-mediated killing or unable to grow in phagocytes. Serum components and phagocytes may together prevent the growth of avirulent A. hydrophila in fish. The release of extracellular oxygen radicals during phagocytosis was examined using chemiluminescence assay (CL). Virulent strains induced CL responses but avirulent strains did not. This suggests that the virulent strains interacted with the phagocytes somewhat differently from the avirulent strains.
Effects of marginality on plant population performance

Populations at the edge of a species' distribution range may differ substantially from central populations. Peripheral populations may have either a high evolutionary potential or be prone to extinction, but the processes driving these outcomes are still unclear. Peripheral plant populations have been the subject of numerous studies and reviews, with many focusing on their genetic characteristics. In this review, we consider the effect of marginality on demographic species‐specific traits.
The karyology of Procerodes lobata (Turbellaria, Tricladida, Maricola)

The diploid complement of the marine planarian Procerodes lobata, collected from the type locality, Corfu, consists of 14 metacentric chromosomes. The karyotype is virtually identical with that of P. littoralis, the only other member of the genus for which detailed karyometric data are available, but it differs from British populations of P. lobata. Early records of P. lobata in North America probably refer to Uteriporus vulgaris, a species whose occurrence in eastern Canada has recently been established. The two species are almost indistinguishable in life but they may be separated karyologically, even when immature.
Rapid and continued population decline in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus indicates imminent extinction unless conservation action is taken

Summary The Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus (IUCN Category: Critically Endangered) is in rapid decline. Data from across the entire breeding range (Chukotka and Koryakya in the Russian far north-east) and especially from the well-studied southern core breeding area at Meinypilgyno, confirm the continuing strong decline. At four breeding sites, where more than two counts were available for analysis, the decline was estimated at 26% per annum between 2002 and 2009 ,o r an 88% decline over this period. Allowing for unsurveyed areas, this equates to a decline from a total population of approximately 1,000 breeding pairs in 2000 to 120–220 in 2009. Breeding studies at Meinypilgyno in 2003–2007 (not 2006) showed that the proportion of nests hatching at least one chick was 0.65 and once chicks left the nest, the mean brood size of chicks up to one week old was 1.99. Where it was possible to follow broods, 0.61 chicks fledged per nesting attempt. Survival and recruitment analysis of birds ringed at Meinypilgyno indicated that annual adult survival did not significantly differ over the 2003–2009 study but that recruitment in to the adult breeding population was effectively zero in all but one year of the study (2005). Resighting data for the last two years of the study were sparse due to very low numbers of marked adults being recorded and survival rates over the last 2–3 years of the study must therefore be treated with caution. The analysis therefore indicated that after fledging, survival during immaturity must be very low, leading to a low (or no) recruitment into an ageing population. Recent observations collated from the non-breeding areas confirm the declining trend observed in the breeding areas and imply that the main threats to the population lie along the migration route or in the wintering areas. These are poorly known although hunting in the wintering areas has been identified as a major mortality factor. Other threats include major loss of their intertidal habitats, and collection of birds on the breeding areas by specimen collectors. Improved monitoring in both the breeding and non-breeding areas as well as research on juvenile survival is recommended. Concerted international conservation action is essential if this species is to avoid extinction. This requires (i) improved understanding of the main wintering and staging areas and associated threats; (ii) addressing those threats that can be tackled with immediate effect, such as hunting; (iii) continued long-term monitoring on the breeding areas; (iv) an exploration of other potential breeding areas; (v) conservation action at all important stop-over and wintering sites along the entire flyway and (vi) consideration of a captive-breeding programme to ensure the survival of this species.
Expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1 and ICAM‐2 on tumor cell lines does not correlate with their susceptibility to natural killer cell‐mediated cytolysis: evidence for additional ligands for effector cell β2 integrins

The LFA‐1 molecule (CD11a/CD18), a member of the leukocyte (β2) integrin subfamily of the integrin supergene family, has been shown to subserve important function(s) in natural killer (NK) and lymphokin‐activated killer (LAK) effector cells based on monoclonal antibody inhibition and other studies. Presently, two cellular ligands for LFA‐1 have been identified, termed ICAM‐1 and ICAM‐2. In this study, we have examined the role of target cell ICAM‐1 (CD54) and ICAM‐2 in NK‐mediated target lysis. Using a panel of tumor target cell lines, ICAM‐1 surface protein and transcript expression did not correlate with sensitivity to NK lysis. Compared to ICAM‐1, ICAM‐2 transcript expression was very low or undetectable in tumor cell targets, and also did not correlate with sensitivity to NK lysis. ICAM‐1+ K562 cells and K562 cells which were rendered surface ICAM‐1− with an antisense oligonucleotide were equally sensitive to NK lysis. Finally, human ICAM‐1− P815 cells were stably transfected with the human ICAM‐1 gene, and both ICAM‐1− P815 (wild type) and ICAM‐1+ stable transfectants were equally insensitive to NK lysis. These studies provide evidence that ICAM‐1 and ICAM‐2 are not important target cell ligands for NK effector cell LFA‐1 and that other target cell ICAM may exist.
Some Effects of Groundwater on Brown Trout Redds

Abstract A field study investigating the role of groundwater in trout spawning was conducted on Poplar Creek in northern Lower Michigan during 1969-1971. Seventy-eight natural brown trout (Salmo trutta) redds were instrumented with Mark VI standpipes during the study. Three Vibert boxes, each containing 100 fertilized brown trout eggs, were buried near each standpipe. Periodic measurements were made of gravel permeability, apparent water velocity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and sand content of the redd gravels. Extensive measurements showed temperatures of 8.5 to 10 C and dissolved oxygen contents of 2 to 8 mg/liter in the groundwater at considerable depth beneath the streambed. The density of redds was the same in areas with or without groundwater inflow. Where there was groundwater inflow, the trout preferred zones of intermediate surface-groundwater mix, but avoided zones of undiluted groundwater inflow. Redds had higher and less variable temperatures as the percentage of groundwater increased. Thi.
Induced Final Maturation and Spawning of the Marbled Grouper Epinephelus microdon Captured from Spawning Aggregations in the Republic of Palau, Micronesia

A high percentage (98.3%, N= 60) of the marbled grouper Epinephelus microdon individuals captured from spawning aggregations during July and August 1993 in the waters surrounding the island of Koror, Republic of Palau, Micronesia, were in the stage of maturity at which final maturation and spawning could be hormonally induced. The sex ratio of the captured fish was highly skewed towards males (4 male:1 female). Sexually immature females comprised the smallest size class, ( 0.6 kg BW, and individuals >1.5 kg BW (46.4 cm TL) were exclusively male. All females with oocytes that averaged (N= 50) >400 μm in diameter were successfully induced to spawn by a two-injection protocol using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at total dosages of 2,100–3,200 IU/kg fish. All males used in the spawning trials were administered a single injection of HCG at dosages of 500 or 1,000 IU/kg fish. Fecundity ranged between 7.96 × 105−1.24 × 106kg BW, average spawned egg diameters ranged between 769–832 μm, percent fertilization ranged between 32.6%–99.9%, and hatching percentages were >90.0%. Total fat content of eggs obtained from a pooled spawning event was 14.1 mg/100 mg dry weight. The data indicate that HCG is a suitable treatment for the induction of spawning in marbled grouper females that possess a mean oocyte diameter of 400 μm or greater.
GABA Immunoreactivity in Chemoreceptor Cells of the Cat Carotid Body

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivities were found by immunohistochemistry in the chemoreceptor cells of the cat carotid body at the light microscopic level. The immunohistochemical process used consisted of a strept-avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. The immunostaining was mostly weak and appeared in about one-third of the cells. The scarcity of GABA immunoreactivities provides an explanation for the previously reported meager interactive effects on respiration of the elaboration of the GABA-ergic and chemoreceptor systems found in the cat at the functional level. Therefore, GABA would be an unlikely essential modulator of the chemosensory function in the cat.
PWE-082 The Impact Of Nod2 Variants On Gut Microbiota In Crohn’s Disease And Healthy Controls

Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) is now understood to be caused by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors with dysregulation of gut microbiota playing a pivotal role. NOD2, the strongest genetic risk factor for CD, encodes a pattern recognition receptor and plays an important role in epithelial defence. Studies of NOD2-knockout mice have demonstrated shifts in gut microbiota. Human studies to date have been limited by relatively small numbers of individuals homozygous for NOD2 mutations without accurate matching of controls. Methods Individuals with CD of known NOD2 status were identified from the UK IBD genetics consortium. Patients in clinical remission were selected if they carried 2 of the common NOD2 variants (homozygotes or compound heterozygotes). Each NOD2 mutant patient was matched to a NOD2 wild-type patient. For all CD patients a household control was approached. Healthy volunteers stratified by NOD2 genotype were recruited from the Cambridge Bioresource. Faecal samples were frozen within 24h of collection. DNA was extracted using the FASTDNA Spin Kit for Soil. The V1–3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and amplicons were sequenced with Illumina MiSeq. Sequence data was processed in Mothur. Calprotectin was measured in all samples by ELISA. Results 97/107 individuals were included in the primary analysis (40 CD patients [58% NOD2 mutant], 32 bioresource volunteers [50% NOD2 mutant], 25 household controls). The minimum reads per sample were 3953, mean 21216. There was a significant reduction in diversity (inverse Simpson index), Ruminococcaceae including Faecalibacteria and increase in Enterobacteriaceae in samples from CD patients vs. controls (all p < 0.0001). There were no differences in diversity or relative abundance of any bacterial families when stratified by NOD2 status, either within the CD patients or bioresource controls. Conclusion This study confirms previously identified shifts in gut microbiota in CD patients. However, no significant differences in gut microbiota were seen when analysed by NOD2 status. This may be a reflection of sample size or of studying gut bacteria in stool as opposed to the mucosally-associated compartment. We are presently recruiting additional cases and controls to increase study power for additional analysis. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.
Latitudinal shifts in species interactions interfere with resistance of southern but not of northern bog‐plant communities to experimental climate change

The persistence of species under changed climatic conditions depends on adaptations and plastic responses to these conditions and on interactions with their local plant community resulting in direct and indirect effects of changed climatic conditions. Populations at species' range margins may be especially crucial in containing a gene pool comprising adaptations to extreme climatic conditions. Many species of northern European bog ecosystems reach their southern lowland range limit in central Europe. In a common‐garden experiment, we experimentally assessed the impact of projected climatic changes on five bog‐plant species (including peat moss Sphagnum magellanicum) sampled along a latitudinal gradient of 1400 km from Scandinavia to the marginal lowland populations in Germany. Populations were cultivated in monocultures and in experimental communities composed of all five species from their local community, and exposed to five combinations of three climate treatments (warming, fluctuating water‐tables, fertilization) in a southern common garden. Whereas most monocultures showed a decreasing biomass production from southern to northern origins under southern environmental conditions, in the experimental mixed‐species communities, an increasing biomass production towards northern communities was observed together with a shift in interspecific interactions along the latitudinal gradient. While negative dominance effects prevailed in southern communities, higher net biodiversity effects were observed in northern subarctic communities. The combined effects of climate treatments increased biomass production in monocultures of most origins. In communities, however, overall the treatments did not result in significantly changed biomass production. Among individual treatments, water‐table fluctuations caused a significant decrease in biomass production, but only in southern communities, indicating higher vulnerability to changed climatic conditions. Here, negative effects of climate treatments on graminoids were not compensated by the slightly increased growth of peat moss that benefited from interspecific interactions only in northern communities. Synthesis. We conclude that shifting interactions within multispecies communities caused pronounced responses to changed climatic conditions in wetland communities of temperate southern marginal, but not of northern subarctic origin. Therefore, future models investigating the impacts of climate change on plant communities should consider geographical variation in species interactions an important factor influencing community responses to changed climatic conditions.
Genetic correlations of young bull reproductive traits and heifer puberty traits with female reproductive performance in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia

Genetic correlations of young bull and heifer puberty traits with measures of early and lifetime female reproductive performance were estimated in two tropical beef cattle genotypes. Heifer age at puberty was highly (r(g) = -0.71 +/- 0.11) and moderately (r(g) = -0.40 +/- 0.20) genetically correlated with pregnancy rate at first annual mating (mating 1) and lifetime annual calving rate, respectively in Brahman (BRAH). In Tropical Composite (TCOMP), heifer age at puberty was highly correlated with reproductive outcomes from the first re-breed (mating 2), mainly due to its association with lactation anoestrous interval (r(g) = 0.72 +/- 0.17). Scrotal circumference were correlated with heifer age at puberty (r(g) = -0.41 +/- 0.11 at 12 months in BRAH; -0.30 +/- 0.13 at 6 months in TCOMP) but correlations were lower with later female reproduction traits. Bull insulin-like growth factor-I was correlated with heifer age at puberty (r(g) = -0.56 +/- 0.11 in BRAH; -0.43 +/- 0.11 in TCOMP) and blood luteinising hormone concentration was moderately correlated with lactation anoestrous interval (r(g) = 0.59 +/- 0.23) in TCOMP. Semen quality traits, including mass activity, motility and percent normal sperm were genetically correlated with lactation anoestrus and female lifetime female reproductive traits in both genotypes, but the magnitudes of the relationships differed with bull age at measurement. Preputial eversion and sheath scores were genetically associated with lifetime calving and weaning rates in both genotypes. Several of the early-in-life male and female measures examined were moderately to highly genetically correlated with early and lifetime female reproduction traits and may be useful as indirect selection criteria for improving female reproduction in tropical breeds in northern Australia.