Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of methyl eugenol and malathion bait stations on non‐target insect populations in French Guiana during an eradication program for Bactrocera carambolae

We conducted this study to assess the impact of the bait station used in the Carambola fruit fly eradication program on non‐target insects indigenous to French Guiana. A sampling device was developed based on the bait station, using four treatments: fiberboard blocks impregnated with methyl eugenol (ME) and malathion (MA), ME only, MA only, and a non‐impregnated block. A total of only 149 non‐target insects were captured during the 52 weeks of the experiment. The non‐target taxa captured included representatives of nine orders and 26 families. Analysis based on a Poisson model of captures indicated no difference in the taxa or number of specimens captured among the treatments, providing evidence that the bait stations used by the regional program had no greater impact on non‐target insect populations than the non‐impregnated blocks. Our results indicate that captures of non‐target insects could be related to accidental exposure to the sampling device and as such can be considered random events. The results of this experiment support the hypothesis that bait stations made with ME and MA can be used in an area‐wide program without risk to non‐target insect populations.
Mantis movements by night and the interactions of sympatric bats and mantises

Bat–insect interactions should be a useful source of case studies for the "arms race" of predator and prey adaptations; currently, well-detailed examples are needed for the formulation of general hypotheses. In this paper I add to information on bat–mantis interactions, testing four predictions of the hypothesis that mantises with ears can detect and avoid bats: that mantises will fly by night, that they will be vulnerable to bats, that echolocating bats will be better at catching deafened than normal mantises, and that mantises which can hear bats' calls will take evasive action. I found that tagged Miomantis cf. natalica Beier flew substantially on dark nights; indoors, undeafened mantises were better at avoiding Rhinolophus clivosus (Rhinolophidae: Microchiroptera) than were deafened mantises (n = 20 pairs; Mann–Whitney test, z = 4.58, p < 0.001). Rhinolophus clivosus echolocates at 80–85 kHz, implying that M. cf. natalica can hear higher frequencies than most mantises (the usual best frequencies for m.
Dietary nitrogen as a limiting nutrient in frugivorous birds

La pulpa de las frutas es considerada un alimento inadecuado para las aves frugivoras debido a su bajo contenido de proteina. Por lo tanto, se espera que los frugivoros minimicen sus perdidas de nitrogeno como una adaptacion a la frugivoria. En esta revision examinamos las propiedades de las frutas y los rasgos fisiologicos de los frugivoros que afectan su capacidad para subsistir en base a una dieta de frutas. La mayoria de las frutas tropicales y templadas parecen contener suficiente nitrogeno para satisfacer los requerimientos de los pajaros, si su ingesta de alimento estuviera ajustada para compensar el gasto energetico. Los requerimientos, sin embargo, dependen del tamano corporal. Las aves mas grandes deberian requerir alimentos con una relacion de nitrogeno a energia mas elevada que las aves pequenas. No obstante, el nitrogeno digerible puede de hecho ser limitante ya que las pulpas de las frutas parecen contener cantidades considerables de nitrogeno no-proteico y una composicion de aminoacidos diferente a la requerida por las aves. Ambas caracteristicas de las frutas conducen a un aumento de las perdidas de nitrogeno en aves frugivoras al consumir dietas naturales. En terminos de sus adaptaciones fisiologicas, esperariamos que los frugivoros posean una elevada capacidad de extraccion de nitrogeno de la dieta y esbozamos la posibilidad de que las bajas perdidas urinarias de nitrogeno de los frugivoros pudieran estar relacionadas con una baja tasa metabolica. La minimizacion de las perdidas endogenas fecales podria ser la adaptacion mas importante de los frugivoros para subsistir con base en dietas pobres en nitrogeno. No es evidente como los frugivoros especializados pueden tener requerimientos de nitrogeno mas bajos que los esperados en comparacion a aves de otros grupos dietarios. Finalmente, sugerimos varios topicos de investigacion que conducirian a mejorar nuestra comprension de las complejas interacciones involucradas en la regulacion de las necesidades proteicas de las aves frugivoras
Climatic Suitability, Life‐History Traits, Introduction Effort, and the Establishment and Spread of Introduced Mammals in Australia

Abstract: Major progress in understanding biological invasions has recently been made by quantitatively comparing successful and unsuccessful invasions. We used such an approach to test hypotheses about the role of climatic suitability, life history, and historical factors in the establishment and subsequent spread of 40 species of mammal that have been introduced to mainland Australia. Relative to failed species, the 23 species that became established had a greater area of climatically suitable habitat available in Australia, had previously become established elsewhere, had a larger overseas range, and were introduced more times. These relationships held after phylogeny was controlled for, but successful species were also significantly more likely to be nonmigratory. A forward‐selection model included only two of the nine variables for which we had data for all species: climatic suitability and introduction effort. When the model was adjusted for phylogeny, those same two variables were included, along with previous establishment success. Of the established species, those with a larger geographic range size in Australia had a greater area of climatically suitable habitat, had traits associated with a faster population growth rate (small body size, shorter life span, lower weaning age, more offspring per year), were nonherbivorous, and had a larger overseas range size. When the model was adjusted for phylogeny, the importance of climatic suitability and the life‐history traits remained significant, but overseas range size was no longer important and species with greater introduction effort had a larger geographic range size. Two variables explained variation in geographic range size in a forward‐selection model: species with smaller body mass and greater longevity tended to have larger range sizes in Australia. These results mirror those from a recent analysis of exotic‐bird introductions into Australia, suggesting that, at least among vertebrate taxa, similar factors predict establishment and spread. Our approach and results are being used to assess the risks of exotic vertebrates becoming established and spreading in Australia.
Comparative demography of three graminoids infected by systemic, clavicipitaceous fungi.

Few experimental studies have addressed the demographic consequences of plant-microbe symbiosis in natural communities. In this study the survival, growth, and reproduction of tall fescue grass (Festuca arundinacea), smut grass (Sporobolus poiretit), and green sedge (Cyperus virens) infected by the imperfect fungus Acremonium coenophial- um, the ascomycetous fungus Balansia epichloe, and B. cyperi, respectively, were compared with uninfected conspecifics in field experiments conducted in natural plant communities in southern Louisiana. Equal numbers of infected and uninfected ramets of each species were propagated in the greenhouse from infected and uninfected seed lots (F. arundinacea) or from field-collected infected and uninfected plants (S. poiretii and C. virens). Ramets of the two grasses were planted into a grassland community where the two species were dominant members of the community. Ramets of the sedge were planted into a marshy area where C. virens occurred naturally. Numbers of tillers were counted for each ramet upon planting for subsequent use as a covariate, and each ramet was censused from one to three times a year for three consecutive years. All survivors were then harvested and aboveground dry biomass was determined. For F. arundinacea, infected ramets exhibited higher survival, flowering frequency, vegetative tiller production, and biomass over the 3-yr period. Relative fitness, calculated from survival and inflorescence production, was nearly twice as high for infected ramets, indicating a mutualistic relationship between F. arundinacea and its endophytic fungus. For S. poiretii, growth and survival of infected and uninfected ramets were similar, but flowering was greatly suppressed in infected ramets. Relative fitness of infected ramets was only - 1/10 that of uninfected ramets, indicating a pathogenic relationship. There was evi- dence of substantial contagious spread of the fungus in the experimental population. In- fected ramets of C. virens had significantly higher survival over 3 yr and tended to be bigger than uninfected ramets. Inflorescences were produced by both types of ramets, but the inflorescences of infected ramets were always aborted. The results indicate that, within a closely related group of fungi, both pathogenic and mutualistic relationships with host plants exist. Maternally inherited, seed-borne endo- phytes similar to the one in F. arundinacea are found in many grasses, suggesting that analogous mutualisms are common. The greater survival and vegetative vigor of infected C. virens call into question the traditional notion of fitness as applied to plants capable of extensive asexual reproduction. The biological mechanisms responsible for the greater survival and growth of infected plants probably include induced alterations in the host plant's hormonal balance, greater tolerance to abiotic stresses, and increased resistance to herbivores and pathogens.
Optimizing weight of a Gear using Topology Optimization

403 All Rights Reserved © 2018 IJSETR  Abstract— The objective of this paper is to reduce the weight of a gear present in a compound gear train and to reduce the overall rotational inertia of the gearbox. Topology optimization method is used for ideal material distribution of gear structure such that the objective function is maximized. Topology optimization on the gear was performed using Altair INSPIRE V9.5 and the CAD model of the gears was created using SOLIDWORKS 2016 and the optimized gear was analyzed in ANSYS 16.0. Using various results from inspire a gear was produced which was 67.816% lighter than the original gear and had 58.831% less rotational inertia with a final factor of safety of 1.3.
First genotoxicity study of Paraná river water from Argentina using cells from the clam Corbicula fluminea (Veneroida Corbiculidae) and Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus Rodentia, Cricetidae) K1 cells in the comet assay

High concentrations of xenobiotics from urban and industrial wastes have contributed to the contamination of many aquatic environments. We used the comet assay to evaluate the genotoxic potential of water collected from the River Parana, which receives a great deal of waste, at three points (Puerto Piray, Eldorado and Montecarlo) in the Misiones Province of Argentina. The in vivo comet assay used 40 freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea) while the in vitro comet assay used Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) K1 cell (CHO-K1) cultures with the mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) as the positive control and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as the negative control. Both assays showed statistically significant differences between the three sampling sites in relation to the negative control, the results of this preliminary study indicating that at these three sites water from the Parana River presents genotoxic potential.
Mesenchytraeus monodiverticulus sp. nov. (Annelida: Clitellata: Enchytraeidae) from Changbai Mountain, with a key to Mesenchytraeus with enlarged chaetae

Abstract Mesenchytraeus monodiverticulus, new species, (Clitellata: Enchytraeidae) is described based on live and preserved specimens from Changbai Mountain. It is diagnosed by possessing enlarged ventral chaetae in V–VI (4–5 per bundle), nephridium holding solid unlobed postseptale, spermathecae possessing only one diverticulum and attached entally to esophagus in VII, atria cylindrical without prostate glands, and the presence of regular spermatozoal bundles in seminal vesicle (XI–XIII) with the heads of spermatozoa arranged in both ends orderly. The major differences between M. monodiverticulus and its congeners are discussed. A key to species of Mesenchytraeus that possess enlarged chaetae is provided.
A new species of the tetraploid vizcacha rat Tympanoctomys (Caviomorpha, Octodontidae) from central Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract A new living species of the desert-adapted tetraploid rodent Tympanoctomys (Caviomorpha, Octodontidae) is described. The new form is restricted to the type locality in Chubut Province, central Patagonia, Argentina, although is known from at least 4 additional Holocene-aged localities along the middle and lower valley of the Chubut River. Tympanoctomys sp. nov. is smaller than the living T. barrerae, its general coloration is yellowish (reddish in T. barrerae) and its tail is equal to ∼43–50% of head and body length (∼49–53% in T. barrerae). Its skull and dentition are characterized by a unique combination of morphological traits, including narrow and posteriorly acuminate nasals (broad and barrel-shaped in T. barrerae), supraoccipital not laterally expanded (expanded in T. barrerae), and 8-shaped lower 3rd molar (comma-shaped in T. barrerae and †T. cordubensis). Morphometric and genetic evidence supports the specific distinction of this Patagonian endemic Tympanoctomys, also characterized by smaller sperm than T. barrerae. The reduced range of the new species, coupled with its recent extinction from the Chubut River valley and the potential impact of large uranium mining projects in central Patagonia, suggest that this species faces a severe extinction risk in the short term. Resumen Se describe una nueva especie viviente del roedor tetraploide desertícola Tympanoctomys (Caviomorpha, Octodontidae). La nueva forma está restringida a su localidad tipo en la provincia del Chubut, Patagonia central, Argentina, si bien es conocida al menos de 4 localidades de edad Holoceno a lo largo del valle medio e inferior del río Chubut. Tympanoctomys sp. nov. es más pequeña que la viviente T. barrerae; su coloración general es amarillenta (rojiza en T. barrerae) y su cola es relativamente más corta (∼43–50% de la longitud cabeza–cuerpo versus ∼49–53% en T. barrerae); su cráneo y dentición están caracterizados por una combinación única de rasgos morfológicos, incluyendo nasales estrechos y posteriormente acuminados (anchos y con forma de barril en T. barrerae), supraoccipital no expandido lateralmente (expandido en T. barrerae) y tercer molar inferior en forma de 8 (en forma de coma en T. barrerae y †T. cordubensis). Diferencias morfométricas y genéticas robustecen la distinción específica de este Tympanoctomys patagónico endémico, también caracterizado por espermatozoides más pequeños que los de T. barrerae. Su reducido rango de distribución, en conjunción con su extinción reciente en el curso medio e inferior del río Chubut y el potencial impacto de extensivos proyectos mineros en Patagonia central sugieren que esta especie enfrenta un riesgo severo de extinción en el corto plazo.
The RAPD technique failed to identify sex‐specific sequences in beluga (Huso huso)

Summary Because the sex of sturgeon cannot be determined externally until the pre-spawning phase, they are currently sexed by means of minor surgery. Although the survival rate is nearly 100%, this surgery is invasive. One effective solution is to use DNA markers to diagnose the sex. In this study we employed bulked segregant analysis methodology to screen for genetic markers associated with the sex of the beluga (Huso huso). DNA bulks (male and female) were created by combining equal amounts of genomic DNA from 10 fish of both sexes. A total of 310 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA primers was used to screen the bulks, resulting in 4146 bands that were present in both sexes. Our results suggest that either the sex-specific DNA in sturgeon may be comprised of sequences not complementary to 310 random decamer primers or that sex chromosomes are weakly differentiated in the sturgeon genome.
Weed suppression by soil steaming in combination with activating compounds

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the weed suppression potential of soil steaming plus activating compounds (KOH or CaO) to boost soil temperature. Different combinations between the compounds and rates were tested in experiments carried out in the field and in a controlled environment. Treatment effects were assessed on field weed vegetation and on seedbank and seedling emergence of three winter (Alopecurus myosuroides, Matricaria chamomilla and Raphanus raphanistrum) and four spring annuals (Amaranthus retroflexus, Echinochloa crus-galli, Fallopia convolvulus and Setaria viridis), were assessed on field weed vegetation. Neither maximum soil temperature (from 72 to 85°C) nor duration of high temperature in the 3 h following application consistently affected weed suppression. In the field, no significant effects on total weed density were recorded, but there were some significant effects on individual species. The weed seedbank was clearly suppressed by activated steaming: total seedling emergence was inversely related to increasing KOH rates both in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil layers, while for CaO the relationship was significant only in the 0–10 cm layer. Winter annuals were more sensitive to KOH than CaO and spring annuals had a more pronounced species-specific response to treatments. There was a strong negative relationship between compound rate and seedling emergence for all species. Alopecurus myosuroides was the most sensitive to the steam-alone treatment (77% reduction), whereas M. chamomilla and E. crus-galli were the least sensitive. Results from this study indicate that the type and rates of activating compounds for soil steaming must be adjusted to the weed community composition.
Residual Effects of Deep Tillage vs. No-Till on Corn Root Growth and Grain Yield

Tillage pans occur in many coarse-textured soils and must be ripped by a form of deep tillage to maximize yields. This study compared the longevity of slits produced by subsoiling and slit-till (both to 16 in.) to a no-till treatment, and related slit longevity to corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and root development. The soil was a Typic Kandiudult with a tillage pan. Both deep tillage treatments were last performed in 1989; this study was conducted from 1990 through 1992. Roots were examined at tasselling each year, and in 1992 thin sections were examined to determine the effects of the tillage slits on root penetration. Corn grain yields were not significantly different among the three tillage treatments in any of the 3 yr. Concentrations of roots in soil profiles did not differ significantly among treatments and roots extended to depths > 40 in. Root observations indicated that the tillage slits affected root development 2 yr after tillage was performed. Residual effects of both subsoiling and slit-tillage on root growth could be seen for up to 2 yr after tillage was imposed, but the effects were gone by the third year. The residual effects of tillage did not affect yield in any year.
Effects of freshwater flow on the year-class strength of a non-diadromous estuarine finfish, king threadfin (Polydactylus macrochir), in a dry-tropical estuary

The year-class strength of the commercial catch of king threadfin (Polydactylus macrochir (Gunther, 1876)) was correlated with freshwater flows into a dry-tropical estuary over five consecutive years. The year-class strength of king threadfin, a non-diadromous estuarine species, fluctuated and correlated significantly with freshwater flow and coastal rainfall in spring and summer; a result similar to that found for the catadromous barramundi (Lates calcarifer) within the same estuarine system. All sub-sets general linear models were used to screen relationships between year-class strength and freshwater variables. King threadfin spawn from spring to summer in north-eastern Australia, when hydrological conditions adjacent to estuaries have high salinities and are optimal for egg and post-larval survival. Young-of-the-year enter estuaries during the wet season, enabling them to take advantage of salinity gradients and the seasonal blooms in prey species such as Acetes spp. and juvenile penaeids that are accentuated in wet years. Freshwater flows in spring and summer are important drivers of the year-class strength of estuarine finfish, and reduction in these flows, through the development of water infrastructure and abstraction or long-term climate change, will potentially reduce the size of the population of estuarine fish available for human harvest.
Laboratory assessment of temperament and environmental enrichment in rhesus monkey infants (Macaca mulatta)

This study investigated the combined effects of early temperamental characteristics and environmental enrichment on a variety of developmental measures in nursery‐reared rhesus monkey infants. Twenty‐three infants, reared in either standard laboratory cages or enriched environments, were tested during the 1st month of life for interactive, motor, and temperamental capabilities and characteristics. At 8 months of age, all subjects were assessed on a second series of tests designed to measure their problem‐solving skills, motor capabilities, and temperamental responses under challenge. Results indicated that enrichment was associated with higher scores on subsequent problem‐solving and motor tests. However, such effects were found to combine with early temperament ratings. Specifically, individuals performing best on the 8‐month tests had not only been reared in enriched environments, but also had been rated low on fearfulness during the early assessment. In addition, individuals scoring poorest had been rated as fearful initially in addition to being reared without enrichment. Results indicated that while high ratings on early laboratory assessments of fearfulness may be predictive of poorer problem‐solving performance under challenging conditions, these adverse effects may be partially attenuated by environmental enrichment.
Effect of Varieties on the Composition of Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) — Note

Thirty-four date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties, from start of Tamr stage of maturity, were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipid and ash. The mean percent of moisture, protein, lipid and ash were 29.35, 3.3, 0.42 and 2.25 g/100 g (fresh weight basis), respectively. Predominant sugars were fructose (12.62—43.31 g/100 g) and glucose (16.41—54.23 g/100 g, fresh weight basis). Sucrose was not practically detected in most varieties (excepting in Zark variety). Mineral elements such as Na, Mg, K and Ca were determined by ICP atomic spectroscopy and their amounts were in the range of 4.46—47.74, 18.44—79.35, 203.61—982.97 and 23.24—73.85 mg/100 g (dry weight basis), respectively. These results were generally in agreement with those reported previously for some other varieties grown in the other dates producing countries. A few differences will be related to date variety, agro-climatic and environmental conditions.