Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A test of the integrated evolutionary speed hypothesis in a Neotropical amphibian radiation

Aim The evolutionary speed hypothesis is a mechanistic explanation for the latitudinal biodiversity gradient. The recently extended integrated evolutionary speed hypothesis (IESH) proposes that temperature, water availability, population size and spatial heterogeneity influence the rate of molecular evolution which, in turn, affects diversification. However, the evidence for some of the associations predicted by the IESH is not conclusive, and in some cases is contradictory. Location The Neotropics. Methods Using a comparative Bayesian method we tested the following predictions of the IESH: the association between the rate of molecular evolution and temperature (and elevation and latitude, as proxies), water availability (using precipitation and relative humidity as proxies), productivity and rate of diversification. We also accounted for the potential confounding effects of body size and UVB radiation. We tested these predictions separately in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Results Substitution rates of mitochondrial and nuclear genes were positively associated with temperature and negatively with elevation, while only the mitochondrial coding gene rate was associated with UVB radiation. However, when controlling for temperature, the association between substitution rate and elevation and UVB radiation disappeared, while a negative association with precipitation emerged. Moreover, diversification events were positively correlated with the rate of molecular evolution but only in mitochondrial genes. Main conclusions Our results support two key predictions of the IESH. They highlight the important association between rate of molecular evolution and temperature within a recently diverged group and also confirm the positive association between molecular evolution and diversification rate, although only in mitochondrial genes. However, the lack of association between diversification and temperature and the low effect size of the relationship between substitution rates and diversification in mitochondrial genes emphasize the important role other factors, such as time, spatial heterogeneity and population size might have in the origin and maintenance of the latitudinal biodiversity gradient.
Activity of Penicillin in vitro ∗

Summary The observations of Florey, et al. 3 on the antibacterial activity of penicillin against Gram positive organisms are confirmed and extended. Preparations have been obtained of such activity that 0.03 γ inhibits the growth of 2 to 4 million hemolytic streptococci. This represents an equivalent of 240-250 Oxford units per mg.
The larval head of Nevrorthidae and the phylogeny of Neuroptera (Insecta)

External and internal head structures of larvae of Nevrorthidae were described in detail. The results were compared to conditions found in other representatives of Neuroptera and the other two neuropterid orders. The cladistic analysis supported the monophyly of Neuroptera, Neuroptera exclusive of Nevrorthidae, Hemerobiiformia, and Myrmeleontiformia. Neuroptera exclusive of Nevrorthidae are supported by the formation of an undivided postmentum and the presence of cryptonephric Malpighian tubules. The highly specialized articulation of the neck (Rollengelenk) and the absence of a salivary duct are autapomorphies of Nevrorthidae. Ithonidae and Polystoechotidae form a clade and are the sister group of the remaining Hemerobiiformia, which are characterized by the complete lack of a gula and a terminal filament of the antenna. Within this lineage, a clade comprising Mantispidae, Dilaridae, Berothidae, and Rhachiberothidae is well supported. Larvae of Myrmeleontiformia are characterized by a complex transformation of head structures, with a hypostomal bridge, a small triangular gula, largely reduced maxillary grooves, and anteriorly shifted posterior tentorial grooves. The slender finger-like mid-dorsal apodeme is another autapomorphy of the group. Psychopsidae are placed as the sister group of the remaining Myrmeleontiformia, which are characterized by a conspicuous, protruding ocular region (often less distinct or even absent in Nemopteridae). Ascalaphidae are the sister group of Myrmeleontidae. Larvae of both families share the fusion of the tibia and tarsus in the hind leg. The larval characters analysed were not sufficient for full resolution of the myrmeleontiform and hemerobiiform lineages. The position of several families such as Osmylidae, Sisyridae, and Coniopterygidae remains uncertain. The results are in agreement with an aquatic ancestor of Neuroptera and secondarily acquired terrestrial habits within the lineage (Neuroptera exclusive of Nevrorthidae), and another invasion of the aquatic environment by Sisyridae.
Ictiofauna de la Reserva de la Biosfera Celestún, Yucatán: una contribución al conocimiento de su biodiversidad

A TOTAL OF 157 FISH SPECIES REPRESENTING 17 ORDERS IN 55 TELEOSTS FAMILIES AND ONE ORDER INCLUDING SIX ELASMOBRANCH FAMILIES, HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN CELESTUN BIOSPHERE RESERVE, AS A RESULT OF SEVERAL FIELDS ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS (1984, 1985, 1991 TO 1994, 1998, 2000-2001) CONDUCTED IN DIFFERENT HABITATS (CONTINENTAL SHELF, COASTAL ZONE, SEAGRASSES AND MANGROVES). SCIAENIDAE WAS THE MOST REPRESENTATIVE FAMILY WITH THE HIGHEST SPECIES NUMBER (14), FOLLOWED BY SPARIDAE (9) AND CARANGIDAE (8). FOUR ICTHYOLOGICAL CATEGORIES WERE DETERMINED WITHIN THE RESERVE: EURYHALINE MARINE (49%), STENOHALINE MARINE (40%), RESIDENT (8%) AND FRESHWATER (3%). WITHIN THE EURYHALINE COMPONENT, 34 SPECIES CONSIDERING THEIR WIDE DISTRIBUTION (COASTAL ZONE-LAGOON), ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (MANGROVE-SEAGRASS) AND OCCURRENCE (>50%), WERE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RESERVE. WITHIN THESE SPECIES, ARCHOSARGUS RHOMBOIDALIS, LAGODON RHOMBOIDES, ANCHOA MITCHILLI, A. HEPSETUS, EUCINOSTOMUS ARGENTEUS, E. GULA AND LUTJANUS GRISEUS ARE ABUNDANT. GAMBUSIA YUCATANA YUCATANA WAS CONSIDERED ENDEMIC AND POECILIA VELIFERA IN THE SPECIAL PROTECTION CATEGORY. THE PRESENT INFORMATION IS OF IMPORTANCE FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF MEXICAN BIODIVERSITY AND TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF THIS BISPHERE RESERVE.
Differential and reversible responses of common fen meadow species to abandonment

Abstract We studied the effects of abandonment on two common fen plant species. In mown and a chronosequence of abandoned fen meadows spanning 35 yr, we measured fitness traits of the sedge Carex davalliana and the forb Succisa pratensis. Cessation of mowing had little effect on fitness traits and seed production of C. davalliana, but seedling density decreased more than threefold. Population density of S. pratensis decreased with increasing community biomass, but was not affected by the cessation of mowing. However, flowering frequency increased threefold and seed production was 20% higher in fallow meadows. Consequently, seedling density of S. pratensis increased nearly threefold after abandonment. However, these changes were not dependent on the age of the fallow. In a common garden and germination experiment, we found no differences in either species between plants from fallows and mown fen meadows, except for the height of the flowering stalk of S. pratensis. The combined results from the common garden experiment and the field studies indicate that changes in fitness traits observed in fallows were mostly phenotypic and likely to be reversible. If other species react in similar ways, there is a high potential for re-establishing traditional fen meadow communities from fallows by mowing. Nomenclature: Binz & Heitz (1990).
Morphological Variation in Pachytriton labiatus and a Re-Assessment of the Taxonomic Status of P. granulosus (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae)

Abstract: Variation in relation to age and sex in a population of Pachytriton labiatus from Mt. Huangshan, Anhui Province, China was examined. There appeared to be distinct morphological variation among age/sex groups. We suggest that some of this variation is associated with ecology and behavior. Examination of the newt species from the type locality and nearby localities of Pachytriton granulosus (=Pingia granulosa), a taxonomically problematic species, revealed that this taxon was almost indistinguishable from juvenile P. labiatus. We therefore conclude that P. granulosus is a junior synonym of P. labiatus.
Starvation of marine flounder, squid and laboratory mice and its effect on the intestinal microbiota

Starvation processes of microorganisms in natural ecosystems were studied, both in vivo and in vitro, using marine animals (flounder and squid) and laboratory mice. In flounder, starvation resulted in the mixed intestinal microbiota maintaining its viability but decreasing its cell volume. It was also observed that during starvation there was an increased liability for adhesion of th microbiota to both the oil-water interface in the hexadecane water separation technique, and to Sepharose beads with either exposed hydrophobic or cationic charge groups. The population also exhibited the capacity to respond immediately to the addition of nutrients. When the flounder microbiota was starved in vitro the ratio of bacteria cultured on high nutrient: low nutrient media decreased with time of starvation. A similar effect on the intestinal microbiota of squid was observed in vivo when the animals were starved. The in vivo starvation of the mouse also produced a decrease in the mean bacterial cell volume which was concurrrent with a promotion of coliform bacteria. A coliform isolate exhibited similar starvation survival characteristics in vitro. From the data obtained from the flounder, squid and mice, it was concluded that components of the large intestinal microbiota exhibited the starvation survival characteristics previously reported for laboratory studies of planktonic bacteria, when exposed to energy- or nutrient-limited conditions.
0259. Comparison of the Coleoptera communities in leaf litter and rotten wood in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

The community within extremely decayed downed coarse woody debris, here referred to as decay class V (CWD5), has never been systematically sampled. The presumption has been that rotten wood is eventually overrun by surrounding soil and litter inhabitants. Leaf litter and CWD5 were sampled for Coleoptera with a sifting/ Berlese technique at three primary and three secondary forest sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA, during fall 2006 and spring 2007. A total of 4261 adult beetle specimens, representing 216 lowest identifiable taxa within 159 genera and 28 families, were collected. Sixty-six species (31%) were represented by single individuals. Many more specimens (3471) and species (170) were collected from leaf litter than from CWD5 (790 and 111, respectively) but species accumulation curves showed that species richness was not significantly different between the two habitats. Eight species were significantly associated with CWD5, and 40 species were significantly associated with leaf litter. Species richness was significantly higher in secondary forest than primary forest, but more species were significantly associated with primary than secondary forest. Species richness was significantly higher in spring than fall. Notes on the biology and photographs of the 59 species represented by 10 or more specimens are given to provide an atlas of common eastern U.S. beetle species found in these habitats. Overall CWD5 is a distinct but overlooked habitat that may harbor numerous undescribed species or species considered rare.
MORPHOLOGY AND RELATIONSHIPS OF APTERNODUS AND OTHER EXTINCT, ZALAMBDODONT, PLACENTAL MAMMALS

Abstract We describe and illustrate new, middle Cenozoic fossils of dentally zalambdodont, North American placentals, including six relatively complete crania of Apternodus and two of Oligoryctes, as well as many partial skulls, mandibles, and teeth of these and other taxa. Several of the new Apternodus specimens are also associated with postcrania. We recognize seven species of Apternodus, three of which are new, formally propose the combination Oligoryctes altitalonidus, and recognize two other genera of small, North American, anatomically zalambdodont placentals, Parapternodus and Koniaryctes. We regard two other taxa previously associated with North American fossil zalambdodonts, one Bridgerian and the other Tiffanian, as valid but do not name them in this paper. In addition, we argue that dental zalambdodonty entails a primary occlusal relationship between the paracone and the ectoflexid, and the reduction or absence of the metacone and talonid basin. A phylogenetic analysis of cranial, dental, and postcranial characters of 30 fossil and Recent taxa leads us to conclude that (1) the Apternodontidae as defined in previous literature is not monophyletic and should be restricted to seven species of Apternodus, (2) the genus Oligoryctes contains at least two species and has a considerably longer geologic record than Apternodus, (3) neither Micropternodus nor currently known Paleocene taxa are closely related to Apternodus or Oligoryctes, and (4) a case can be made for a close relationship among modern soricids, Parapternodus, Koniaryctes, Oligoryctes, and Apternodus to the exclusion of other insectivoran-grade taxa. With the use of ordered, multistate character transformations, Solenodon comprises the sister taxon to a soricid-fossil zalambdodont clade.
Effect of Exposure Time and Ratio of Hosts to Female Parasitoids on Offspring Production of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymneoptera: Braconidae) Reared on Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) Larvae

ABSTRACT Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) is a larval-prepupal endoparasitoid of tephritid fruit fly pests in tropical and subtropical countries. Because citrus-growing areas of northern Argentina are the most affected by Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), D. longicaudata presents as a potential candidate for augmentative releases against it. Within this context, parasitoid rearing must be focused on offspring yield optimization in order to sustain a successful massrearing process. Hence, the best ratio of A. fraterculus larva to female parasitoids and the best exposure time for achieving the greatest parasitoid yield with the highest proportion of female progeny were determined under laboratory conditions in the present study. The effect of superparasitism on the percentage of D. longicaudata emergence was also assessed. Third-instars of A. fraterculus were exposed for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min to 30 mated, 5–7 d-old parasitoid females at host/parasitoid ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, and 10:1. Results showed that a low ratio of hosts exposed to parasitoids for a short time was essential to achieve parasitoid emergence rates exceeding 70%, and to achieve a ♀:♂ sex ratio of at least 61:39. Increasing both the ratio of host larvae to parasitoid further than 4:1 and the exposure time of D. longicaudata to hosts beyond 30 min did not significantly enhance overall parasitoid progeny yield. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of parasitoid 1st instars recorded per dissected host pupa and the percentage of parasitoid emergence. Conversely, a significant positive correlation was found between superparsitism and additional host mortality. Although a female-biased sex ratio resulted in all treatments, the greater parasitoid female progeny proportions were found in association with the higher levels of superparasitism.
Enhanced cholesterol- and triglyceride- lowering effect of West African green tea

‘The Vert’ is a special type of green tea widely consumed in West Africa and locally associated with many health benefits. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate its health benefits, such as its enhanced hypolipidemic potential. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering effects of West African green tea (WAGT) as affected by diet and tea intake, (2) determine the impact of WAGT consumption on the CHD risk ratio, and (3) explore possible mechanisms through which WAGT improves serum lipid profile. Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment combinations, three diets (regular, high-cholesterol, and trans-fat diets) and three fluid sources (no tea, diluted tea, and concentrated tea). After 6 weeks of feeding, animal blood, liver, and feces were harvested. Total cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, and triglycerides in serum, liver, and feces were determined. The concentrations of bile acids in feces were also measured. WAGT significantly lowered serum and liver cholesterol (30% and 15%, respectively) and increased serum HDL cholesterol (30%). It also reduced liver enlargement caused by storage of excess lipids in high-cholesterol diet. Overall, the CHD risk ratio was cut by two-thirds in rats fed high-cholesterol diet and WAGT. A marked increase in fecal total lipids, cholesterol (60%), and bile acids (50%) was observed in rats that consumed WAGT compared to the control group. These beneficial effects could be attributed to the significantly high flavonoid content of WAGT. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Déterminisme génétique de la croissance en hauteur du Pin maritime (Pinus pinaster Ait) II. - Comportement interannuel Interaction génotype × année

La croissance en hauteur du Pin maritime au cours de plusieurs années a été décrite par le modèle linéaire généralement utilisé pour l’étude de l’interaction génotype X milieu. L’accroissement annuel a été mesuré durant six années successives dans un test de descendances de 100 familles de demi-frères issues de pollinisation libre en forêt. Ce test est situé en landes. Les mêmes mesures ont été faites au cours de quatre années successives dans un test comprenant les mêmes familles et situé en dunes.
Appropriate sampling points and frequency of CO2 measurements for soil respiration analysis in a pine (Pinus densiflora) forest

Standard protocols are required for the accurate measurement of global soil respiration rates. This research aimed to determine the appropriate sampling frequency for pine forest soil respiration rates by quantifying the optimal number of measurement chambers and Q10 values. We used an automatic open/closed chamber system with 16 chambers to obtain a high level of reliability about soil respiration rates. On average, 57 and 14 chambers were required to obtain 10% and 20% margins of error at the 95% confidence level, while 38 and 9 chambers were required for these 2 error margins at the 90% confidence level, respectively. Thus, our data were in the range of the 20% margin of error at the 95% confidence level. ANOVA statistical tests also separated the minimum required measurement interval into two groups using Q10 values based on actual measured temperatures: (1) short-term sampling intervals of 1 and 3 days and (2) long-term intervals of 7, 14, 20, and 30 days. Our results indicate that 3 days is the optimal interval for soil respiration measurement. The total amount of soil respiration was estimated as 9.35 t C ha−1 yr−1 in a pine forest, with soil respiration rates being positively related with temperature.
Beetle community changes following pest mammal control at two biodiversity sanctuaries in Wellington, New Zealand

Introduced pest mammals impact widely on New Zealand invertebrates, but community-level responses to mammal removal are largely unmeasured. Beetles were pitfall-trapped for 7–10 years to examine how their communities responded to near eradication of all mammals except mice (Mus musculus) within a fenced sanctuary (Zealandia), and to sustained mammal control at an unfenced sanctuary (Otari-Wilton's Bush). In Zealandia, beetle abundance unexpectedly declined for 6 years after mammal eradication before stabilising. Beetle community composition changed, perhaps due to increased predation by birds and mice, but species richness, size distribution and trophic composition did not. At Otari-Wilton's Bush, beetle abundance also declined, in the presence of few but diverse mammals. Identifying causes of invertebrate community changes will be improved with study replication, more ‘before’ data, and targeted measurement of possible explanatory factors. Five recommendations are made for future insect community monitoring, including reconstructing fossil invertebrate communities to sharpen restoration objectives.
The occurrence of microcystin‐LR in Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe

Lake Chivero is a eutrophic reservoir, initially constructed to supply drinking water to the City of Harare, Zimbabwe. Blooms of blue-green algae have been a problem in the lake for many years and concern has been expressed about the toxins produced by Microcystis spp. The concentrations of the toxin, microcystin-LR, produced in cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa from Lake Chivero, were investigated from March–April 2003. Microcystin-LR was found in algal cells cultured from the lake water in concentrations ranging between 18.02 and 22.48 µg L−1, with a mean concentration of 19.86 µg L−1. These concentrations are the highest recorded to date for the lake, raising concerns about the possible effects of the toxin on the health of people who are drinking the water. Based on these study results, there is a need to control eutrophication, reducing algal blooms in order to prevent their potentially detrimental effects from blue-green algal toxins produced under such conditions.
Luminescent Vibrios Associated with Mortality in Pond-Cultured Shrimp Penaeus monodon in the Philippines : Species Composition

-Heavy mortalities due to luminescent vibriosis have been observed among pond-cul tured Penaeus monodon shrimp in the Philippines. The species composition of luminescent Vibrio associated with mortalities was determined. A total of 189 luminescent bacteria isolated from the hepatopancreas of affected shrimps, rearing water and seawater from different shrimp farms in 11 provinces of the Philippines were examined for their morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Results revealed a varied composition of Vibrio species. The most dominant luminescent Vibrio species was V. harveyi (65.5%) followed by V. logei (7%), Photobacterium sp. (6%) and V. orientalis (1%). Some isolates, based on their characteristics, were identified as V. campbellii (16%), V. mediterranei (3%), V. fluvialis (0.5%), V. cholerae (0.5%) and V. splendidus II (0.5%), which are known as non-luminescent Vibrios. V. harveyi is thought to be the major etiological agent associated with the luminescent vibriosis in pond-cultured P. monodon and its pathogenicity was confirmed through intramuscular injection to shrimp. Experimental infection showed that V. campbellii was also pathogenic to P. monodon.
Predator-Induced Defense in the Barnacle Chthamalus fissus

Abstract Inducible defenses are phenotypically plastic traits in which individuals or colonies develop a predator/herbivore-resistant trait in response to a cue. The barnacle Chthamalus fissus, commonly found in the upper intertidal of southern California and Baja California, Mexico, exhibits three morphs: one with an oval operculum, one with a narrow, slit-like operculum, and a relatively uncommon bent form with the operculum opening on one side. A previous study suggested that the narrow and bent morphs are defended from attack by the predatory snail Mexcanthina lugubris lugubris. In the present study, predator exposure and predator exclusion experiments revealed that operculum morphology of C. fissus is a plastic trait: individuals exposed to M. lugubris lugubris develop into the narrow operculum morph or, less commonly, the bent morph. While some species of marine invertebrates exhibit either a generalized plasticity response to various predators or plastic traits that are specific to the type of predator to which they have been exposed, the observation in this study appears to be the first demonstration of the occurrence of alternative inducible defenses to the same predator within a single species of marine invertebrate.