Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection and dynamics of fecal indicator bacteria in two Tyrrhenian lagoons (Sabaudia and Orbetello, central Italy)

1 - Coastal lagoons are particularly vulnerable to strong anthropogenic pressure. These environments can act as sink for allochthonous material, including harmful bacteria, with the ability to reduce their impact to adjacent coastal waters. 2 - This study investigates fecal pollution impairment in two Italian coastal lagoons and adjacent coastal waters. We utilised methodological approaches to gain fast and more precise information on the contamination and viability of fecal indicator bacteria. 3 - The analyses of total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were performed in situ by enzyme assays. E. coli live/dead cells were enumerated by immunofluorescence technique (combined with propidium iodide) for the specific detection of enteropathogenic serotypes (12 EPEC and 2 EIEC). 4 - Overall TC enzyme activity showed a high degree of temporal variation whereas E. coli enzyme activity peaked in summer in both lagoons (beta-glucuronidase, 84 and 47 nmol MUFL-1h-1, Sabaudia and Orbetello respectively). Beta-glucuronidase activity showed a high correlation with viable cells counts of E. coli enteropathogenic strains (p<0.01). Significantly lower degree of contamination was observed in the adjacent coastal waters. 5 - Our findings describe these lagoons as very fragile systems which hydro-morphological features allow a long time preservation of microbial contaminants, including pathogenic serotypes. These findings imply potential consequences for the human health as well as the need for protective measures of these environments.
A plant pathogen causes extensive mortality in an invasive insect herbivore

We investigate a plant–microbe–insect interaction where a plant pathogenic microorganism is utilizing an invasive insect herbivore as an alternate resource, and test the hypothesis that the microorganism is affecting the population dynamics of the herbivore on its woody host plant. We investigated the presence of necrotic lesions formed by an unknown microbe on galls induced by the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), a global pest on Castanea hosts. We hypothesize that colonization by this plant‐associated microbe impacts survival and invasiveness of the gallmaker and, using Koch's postulates, we evaluate its effects on the gallmaker and on the gallmaker's primary natural enemy. Morphologically identical colonies were isolated from galls and insects, and DNA sequences matched with the fungal genus Colletotrichum, a causal agent of plant‐pathogenic anthracnose. Inoculations generated comparable symptoms. After the formation of superficial lesions, the pathogen rapidly penetrates galls, colonizing insect tissue in gall chambers and causing extensive larval mortality. Minimal effects were evident on the associated parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). We report a plant pathogen utilizing a gall‐inducing arthropod at the same time as sparing its parasite and expand reports of Colletotrichum impacting insects. We shed light on a complex of interactions influencing an important invader.
A comparison of reproductive output of the Omei Treefrog (Rhacophorus omeimontis) between high and low elevations

Elevation that results in changes in climate, duration of breeding season and food resource has long been considered a major influence on the evolution of life-history traits in amphibians. The present study examined differences in reproductive output (clutch size and egg size) of the Omei Treefrog (Rhacophorus omeimontis) at two elevations (1000 m and 1700 m above sea level) in Baoxing County, western China. Within each population, female attributes (size and age) were responsible for much of the reproductive output variation in that larger or older females produced larger clutches of smaller eggs. Clutch size and egg size showed a significantly negative correlation, which was indicative of a trade-off between the two parameters. The high-elevation females were significantly larger than the low-elevation counterparts. After accounting for interpopulational difference in body size, clutch size, egg size and clutch volume differed significantly between the populations. For the high-elevation population relatively smaller clutches tended to be associated with larger eggs. Our findings suggest that females produce smaller clutches relative to body size and larger eggs in the high-elevation population to ensure that each egg is adequately provisioned in the face of cold climate and short duration of development.
Sexual behaviour of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae): the influence of female size on mate choice

Most studies of the sexual behaviour of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann 1824 (Tephritidae: Ceratitidini) have concentrated on determining which male characteristics influence their copulatory success and little is known about the female’s influence on this process. The present study investigated the influence of female size on the selection of different sized males. The experiments were undertaken using a colony maintained under laboratory conditions for 15 years with the frequent introduction of wild flies. Adults of different sizes (‘larger’ and ‘smaller’) were obtained by providing two groups of larvae with different concentrations of protein (7.0 g of yeast/100 ml of water = high protein content, 3.0 g of yeast/100 ml of water = low protein content). Mate choice tests were performed in a laboratory environment as well as in a field cage, with larger or smaller females being simultaneously exposed to larger and smaller males. The results indicated that in both the laboratory and field cage tests both larger and smaller females preferred mating with larger males. The data is discussed in terms of the possible advantages to the females associated with their choice of males with large body sizes.
Exploring the variability among smallholder farms in the banana-based farming systems in Bukoba district, Northwest Tanzania

A study was conducted in the high and low rainfall zones in the banana-based farming system in Bukoba district, Tanzania, to explore the variability among household characteristics and farm productivity. Approaches used included a participatory rural appraisal, rapid system characterization, surveys and detailed farm monitoring in two villages, one from each zone in 2005 through 2006. Based on a wealth-ranking, four household resource groups with decreasing wealth were identified: Resource group 1 > Resource group 2 > Resource group 3 > Resource group 4, distinguished by domestic assets, livestock ownership and labour relations. Through principal component analysis using additional variables defined by research team, three Functional Resource Groups from among the four Resource groups at each rainfall zone were identified distinguished by: soil fertility management, food security and farm and off-farm income as important indicators of variability. Further detailed monitoring over 14 months (from March, 2006 through May, 2007) in at least three households from each functional resource group showed that N, P and K balances among land use types and farms were driven by levels of organic inputs used and were also related to wealth and dependence on off-farm activities. However, all households were net food buyers, implying food insecurity. In addition, off-farm activities and off-farm income were important livelihood survival strategies
Contractility and Hydroplasmic Movements in the Hydroid Clytia Johnstoni

The investigation is based on observations of the living animal and on time-lapse films, and is supplemented by histological preparations. The material was cultured in the laboratory. A short region just behind the growing tip of a stolon is contractile, pulsating every 4 or 5 min but occasionally at longer intervals. This causes the hydroplasm (contents of coelenteron) to ebb and flow in the coelenteron not only directly, but also by pressure transmitted by the fluid between the coenosarc and perisarc. There is evidence that where a stolon has more than one contractile region, they beat independently. The contractile cells do not possess muscle-tails, and contractile fibres have not been detected by light microscopy. The hydranth stomach also has slow contractions which are peristaltic towards the stalk. They usually occur at irregular intervals but are occasionally regular. They cause movement of the hydroplasm into and out of the hydranth. There is evidence that hydranths are stimulated to expand and contract by arrival of hydroplasm pressed there by another contractile region of the colony. Longitudinal muscle-tails are present on the ectoderm cells of the stomach and tentacles, but these are probably concerned with retraction of the hydranth into its hydrotheca. Although the endodermal flagella beat actively when the hydroplasm is in motion, they are not the cause of hydroplasmic flow. The possible mechanism of these slow contractions is discussed in relation to contractility in other coelenterates.
Using fuzzy clustering algorithms to describe the distribution of trace elements in arable calcareous soils in northwest Iran

Accumulation of trace elements in arable soils is an important global hazard worldwide. In this research, the available content of Zn, Fe, B, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo and other soil parameters (pH, organic carbon content, carbonates and electrical conductivity) were analysed in northwest Iran. Concentration levels of trace elements were relatively low in areas with high pH values and low organic matter content, and only the Mo value exceeded the reference threshold. Based on the correlation among the elements, two datasets were produced. The first consists of Fe and Mn data, while the second contains Zn, B, Co, Cu and Mo data. Two fuzzy clustering approaches, Fuzzy C-means (FCM) and Gustafson–Kessel (GK), were applied for clustering both datasets. Multiple accumulation of trace elements was investigated from the clustering results and then visualized in spatial regionalization maps. The fuzzy clustering evaluating indices showed that the GK method was more appropriate than FCM for clustering datasets. The results revealed that the first and second datasets were divided into seven and six clusters, respectively. Fuzzy clustering analyses combined with geostatistical methods were used to map the spatial variability of each cluster. This method enabled the monitoring of multiple metal accumulation in large agricultural soils.
Fire patterns in north Australian savannas: extending the reach of incentives for savanna fire emissions abatement

Anthropogenic fires in Australia’s fire-prone savannas produce up to 3% of the nation’s accountable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Incentives to improve fire management have been created by a nationally accredited savanna burning emissions abatement methodology applying to 483 000 km2 of relatively high-rainfall (>1000 mm p.a.) regions. Drawing on 15 years of fire mapping, this paper assesses appropriate biophysical boundaries for a savanna burning methodology extended to cover lower-rainfall regions. We examine a large random sample of points with at least 300 mm of annual rainfall, to show that: (a) relative fire frequencies (percentage of years with fire) decline from 33.3% in higher-rainfall regions (>1000 mm) to straddling ~10% in the range 300–700 mm; (b) there are no marked discontinuities in fire frequency or fire seasonality down the rainfall gradient; (c) at all annual rainfalls, fire frequency is higher when rainfall is more strongly seasonal (very low rainfall in the driest quarter); (d) below 500 mm fire regimes are particularly variable and a large proportion of sampled sites had no fire over the study period; (e) fire is more likely to occur later in the fire season (generating relatively higher emissions) in the 600–700-mm annual rainfall band than in other parts of the rainfall gradient; (f) woodland savannas are most common above and predominantly grassland systems are more common below ~600-mm annual rainfall. We propose that development of a complementary lower-rainfall savanna burning methodology apply to regions between 600 and 1000-mm annual rainfall and ≤15 mm of rainfall in the driest quarter, adding an area more than 1.5 times the existing methodology’s coverage. Given greater variability in biophysical influences on fire regimes and observed levels of fire frequency within this lower-rainfall domain, we suggest that criteria for determining baseline (pre-project) periods require estimates of mean annual emissions equivalent in precision to the project on which the higher-rainfall methodology was based.
Líquenes folícolas de la Estación Biológica La Selva, Costa Rica: inventario, comunidades y comparación florística de tipos de vegetación

A total of 28 0 foliicolous lichens and 1 2 Jichenicolous fungi was found in an inventory made in the lowland rain forest at La Selva Bi010gical Station, Costa Rica. ll1e species composition reflects 50 % of the world's diversity of foliicolous lichens and i5 representative for neotropical lowland rain forests. The most common species are Gyalectidium filicinum, :-,'poropodium leprieurii, Trieharia vainloi, Porina epiphylla. Phyllophiale alba, Trichotheliuni epiphyllwll. Mazosia phyllosema, Tricharia ureeolata. and Arthonia leptosperma. Many species show distinct microsite preferences: (1) Characteristic of the shady Ullderstory, inc1uding Arthoniaceae, Opegraphaceae, Pilocarpaceae, and Trichotbeliaoeae; (2) characteristic oflight gaps, . incJuding Gomphillaceae and Ectolechiaceae; (3) characteristic of the canopy, incJuding Asterothyriaceae and Gomphil1ace.ae. Only few species exhibit preferences towards oertainleaf types, either dicoty1edoneous oc palm lea ves. The microsite preferences agree with earlier established indices, except for a few species for which modified indices are proposed, Communities resulting f'l-om tbese preferences are illustraied by clustering of phorophytes and associatiol1s oi foliicolous ·lichens. The . three principal associatiol1s correspood to the shady understory,- light gaps and the canopy, whereas two subassociations reflect subtJe phorophyte preferences, Species diversity and compositiona.re strongly affected by the degreeof disturbanceofvegetation typesatLa Selva. Diversity i8 highest in the primary forest and lowest in young successional stages.The foliicolons lishen flora of open,anthropogenic vegetation resembles that oi light gaps. 01' fue canopy in the primary forest, while species characteristic of the forest understory disappear.
A Survey of Lichens and Bryophytes in White Spruce, Picea glauca , Tree Islands on a Calcareous Beach Ridge in Northeastern Manitoba

Studies on the diversity of lichens and bryophytes in northern ecosystems have focused on open tundra and boreal forests. Krummholz tree islands have received little attention. This study examined species’ diversity of lichens and bryophytes among islands of White Spruce trees in northern Manitoba. Thirty-three species were found in the tree islands with 11 additional species forming the understorey layer. The trees were dominated by epiphytic lichens and the understorey was dominated by pleurocarpous mosses. The most common lichens were widespread species. Rare lichens in the study area included Protopannaria pezizoides and Alectoria nigricans growing in the shaded interior of the tree islands. The age and density of the tree islands may produce habitat conditions different from those in mature White Spruce boreal forests. Comparative studies between White Spruce krummholz and other White Spruce stands are needed.
B Cells and Dendritic Cells from Vκ8 Light Chain Transgenic Mice Activate MRL-lpr/gld CD4+ T Cells1

Autoreactive CD4+ T cells are required for full expression of disease in human systemic lupus erythematosus and in spontaneous murine lupus. However, the Ag specificity of these CD4+ T cells remains largely unknown. Rheumatoid factor (RF) B cells function as highly efficient APCs by taking up immune complexes (IC) and presenting IC constituents to T cells. We hypothesized that Ag-specific CD4+ T cells in lupus-prone mice could be identified by stimulating the CD4+ T cells with RF B cells from AM14 RF BCR transgenic mice pulsed with IC containing lupus-associated autoantibodies and autoantigens. This approach identified several independent T cell lines that proliferated robustly in response to IC-pulsed spleen cells from the AM14 RF BCR transgenic mice. However, these T cells did not recognize an IC constituent. Instead, these T cells recognized a determinant dependent on the inheritance of the transgene-encoded Vκ8 L chain, most likely a neoantigen created by the insertion of the transgene into the genome. Additionally, although the precise nature of the neoantigen is not known, the T cells described in this report may provide a useful tool for examining the role of T cells in the RF autoantibody response.
Using a Free Online Citizen-Science Project to Teach Observation & Quantification of Animal Behavior

ABSTRACT Students of animal behavior must learn to accurately define and quantify observations and to be aware of observational bias. We designed an introductory, college-level animal behavior laboratory that uses a free, online citizen-science project (CamClickr) to help students identify and overcome biases when interpreting observations. The exercise encourages proficiency in making structural descriptions of animal behavior while teaching students to use ethograms to generate and test discrete hypotheses.
Review of Genetic Studies of Dreissena spp.

Synopsis. Temperate fresh waters of eastern North America were invaded in the late 1980s by two bivalve species, the zebra mussel (Dreis? sena polymorpha) and the quagga mussel (D. bugensis). The point of origin of zebra mussels is unknown because they are widespread through? out western and eastern Europe, but the quagga mussel is confined to the Dnieper and Bug rivers in the Ukraine. Both species are highly variable in shell morphology. Zebra mussel color and pattern morphs defy clas? sification, but at least one distinct pattern is found only in the Aral-Caspian region and North American populations. An extremely pale, laterally compressed quagga morph is found in eastern Lake Erie and southern Lake Ontario, but has not been noted in the Ukraine. Allozyme electro? phoresis has revealed extraordinarily high levels of genetic variability in the zebra mussel. Average heterozygosities range from 27.0 to 43.5%, compared to 9.7 to 14.5% in the quagga mussel. Two surveys of North American and European populations indicated that little variability was lost when zebra mussels were transported to North America. Therefore, either the invader population was comprised of a large number of indi? viduals, and/or more than one source population contributed to the in? vasion. No genetic differentiation among populations has occurred in North America in the nine years since the first invasion. Zebra mussels, like many bivalves, demonstrate heterozygote deficiencies at some loci. A weak correlation has been found between individual heterozygosity and shell length. The need for identification of enzymes, loci, and allelic mobilities to allow comparison of genetic data among studies is stressed, as is the need for vouchering specimens. Fruitful areas for future research include elucidation of dreissenid taxonomy and status of putative sub? species, monitoring for the potential invasion of the saline tolerant D. rostriformis grimmi into North American estuarine waters, and ecological and physiological comparison of extreme morphs such as the normal and profundal quagga mussels.
Assessing the risk of freshwater fish introductions into the Iberian Peninsula

Summary 1. Preventing the introduction of species likely to become invaders is the best management option to deal with biological invasions. A data set consisting of native, introduced and species not currently present in Iberian Peninsula (n = 167 species) was used to identify freshwater fish species that are likely to be introduced and become successful invaders in the near future. 2. Principal component analysis (PCA) of species traits was used to determine species likely to be introduced, assuming that the traits of species introduced in the future will resemble those of previously introduced species. The likelihood of introduction was calculated as the proportion of neighbour species (in the space defined by the PCA) that have been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula and, together with metrics related to different stages of invasion, was used to construct a region-specific risk index (Iberian risk index). 3. Introduced species had higher index values compared with native species or species currently absent from the region. The Iberian risk index was positively related to the results of an independent risk analysis for freshwater fish as well as to the geographical spread of species previously introduced to the Iberian Peninsula. 4. Iberian risk index values were used to establish a cut-off value for estimating the probability of a successful invasion. This threshold value was used to construct a list of 20 species to be included in a ‘watch list’ to prevent freshwater fish invasions in the Iberian Peninsula.
Falcidens sagittiferus Salvini-Plawen, 1968: additional data on

Ivanov DL, Mikkelsen NT, Schander C. 2009. Falcidens sagittiferus Salvini-Plawen, 1968: additional data on morphology and distribution (Mollusca, Aplacophora, Caudofoveata). Fauna Norvegica vol 29: 3-9. Falcidens sagittiferus Salvini-Plawen, 1968 is a species of caudofoveate (Chaetodermomorpha) not uncommon in southern Scandinavia. Previous descriptions have however been based mainly on fixed material, and illustrations of sclerites and radula have been incomplete. We here present data from an investigation based on over 70 specimens from Norway (including the type material). Radula, sclerites and living specimens are illustrated.
Lower survival probability of house sparrows severely infected by the gapeworm parasite

Th e eff ect of parasites in natural populations has received increasing attention in recent years. Studies have shown that parasites may play an important part in population ecology due to their potential eff ects on host fi tness. Th e main purpose of the present study was to investigate the eff ect of a nematode parasite (gapeworm, Syngamus trachea ) on survival probability of house sparrows Passer domesticus from six natural populations located on 4 islands in the Helgeland archipelago in northern Norway. Infection status was obtained from feces samples collected from 603 house sparrows in the summer and autumn of 2007 – 2011. We also collected data on a visible symptom of severe infection (gasping for air) in 1391 house sparrows in the summer and autumn 2004 – 2011. We took advantage of recent advances in disease modeling in a multi-event capture – mark – recapture framework to account for imperfect observations (state uncertainty). Each dataset was separately analyzed, in both analyses we investigated the relationships of year, island, individual body condition, age class and population density with survival probabilities. Th e relationship between infection (determined by feces egg counts) on annual survival of house sparrows was not statistically signifi cant. However, the probability of annual survival was found to be signifi cantly lower for adult house sparrows exhibiting a symptom of severe gapeworm infection, gasping for air. Th e present study demonstrates that severe infection by a parasite can have a negative relationship with survival probability of short-lived avian hosts in wild populations.