Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic theory, life history and the distribution of a terrestrial ectotherm

Summary 1. Life histories, population dynamics and geographic range limits are fundamentally constrained by the way organisms acquire and allocate energy and matter. Metabolic theories provide general, parameter-sparse frameworks for understanding these constraints. However, they require the accurate estimation of body temperature which can be especially challenging in terrestrial environments. 2. Here, I integrate a metabolic theory (Dynamic Energy Budget theory, DEB) with a biophysical model for inferring field body temperatures and activity periods of terrestrial ectotherms and apply it to study life-history variation and geographic range limits in a widespread North American lizard, Sceloporus undulatus. 3. The model successfully predicted trait co-variation (size at maturity, maximum size, reproductive output and length-mass allometry) through changes in a single parameter. It also predicted seasonal and geographic variation in field growth rates, age at first reproduction, reproductive output and geographic range limits (via rmax estimates), all as a function of spatial climatic data. Although variation in age at maturity was mostly explained by climate, variation in annual reproduction was largely a product of local body size. 4. Dynamic Energy Budget metabolic theory is concluded to be a powerful and general means to mechanistically integrate the dynamics of growth and reproduction into niche models of ectotherms.
LIFE HISTORY CHARACTERISTICS OF PLACENTAL NONVOLANT MAMMALS

The purpose of this data set was to compile general life history characteristics for a variety of mammalian species in order to perform comparative life history analyses among different taxa and different body size groups. Data were collected from the literature, and data sources are documented for each species within the data file. Since life history characteristics will show minor variation with environmental conditions (resource availability, climate, competitive environment, and predation pressure) a general life history for each species was sought to average over minor differences in local populations. To create a general life history for each species, life history values are often an average from several literature sources. Life history variables included in the data set are: maximum lifespan (months), age of first reproduction (months), gestation time (months), weaning age (months), weaning mass (grams), litter size, litters per year, newborn mass (grams), and adult body mass (grams). Since these d.
Cytotoxicity and mutagenic effects of soil radionuclides on some black sand plant species

Three plant species (Cakile maritima Scop., Senecio glaucus L. and Rumex pictus Forssk) were selected from three black sand habitats along the Mediterranean coast in Egypt for cytogenetic studies and to recognizes the mechanism by which plants withstand high concentration of the absorbed radionuclides through determination of the electrophoratic banding pattern of protein and amino acid profiles. The study showed that exposure of the study plant species to soil radionuclides causes decrease in the percentage of prophase and prophase to metaphase ratio, while the percentage of anaphase and telophase increases with soil radioactivity. The results revealed chromosomal aberrations, e.g., C-metaphase, star metaphase, chromosome stickiness at metaphase stage, C-anaphase and chromosomal breaks at the different mitotic stages with fluctuation in the index of mitotic phases. High radionuclide content of plants causes alterations in the bands relative mobility and intensities, expression of new proteins and suppression of some proteins. Study of amino acid profile of plants indicated that radioactive elements stimulate the biosynthesis of some amino acids e.g. proline, cysteine, serine and thereonine while inhibit some other amino acids such as arginine. Aspartic acid is the most abundant amino acid in the three study species.
Proximate composition and quantification of fatty acids in breaded chicken steak

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a composicao centesimal e de acidos graxos de cinco marcas de steak empanado de frango (A, B, C, D e E). As analises de acidos graxos foram realizadas por cromatografia gasosa e tecnicas de quantificacao absoluta. Os resultados experimentais foram comparados com valores constantes nos rotulos. Os valores encontrados para proteina de todas as marcas estavam em acordo com o estabelecido pela legislacao brasileira, exceto o da amostra E, a qual apresentou o maior teor lipidico. Treze acidos graxos foram identificados nas marcas avaliadas, sendo os majoritarios os acidos: oleico, linoleico e palmitico. As razoes dos acidos graxos poli-insaturados/acidos graxos saturados encontraram-se dentro dos valores considerados adequados para a saude humana, porem, as elevadas razoes n-6/n-3 encontradas podem resultar em um desequilibrio na ingestao destes acidos graxos. Apenas amostras D e E podem ser consideradas livres de trans de acordo com a legislacao vigente. A comparacao entre os resultados das analises e os valores constantes nos rotulos apresentaram pequenas variacoes nos teores de proteina, entretanto, a maioria das marcas subestimou os teores de lipidios e valor energetico. Os rotulos das marcas B e C declaravam-se livre de trans, entretanto os resultados obtidos apontam teores acima dos valores permitidos pela legislacao para serem consideradas livre de trans.
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND PARENTAL BEHAVIOR IN THE ARCTIC FOX

Abstract We studied social organization and behavior of arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) in 3 adjacent territories from 1988 to 1995 in central Norway, where the major rodent prey were cyclic. Twenty-five foxes were equipped with radiotransmitters and several other individuals could be recognized visually. Paired adult foxes and their cubs had home ranges that overlapped more with each other than with neighboring foxes (37% versus 2.9%) and therefore seemed to be territorial. Family composition varied from monogamous pairs, to pairs with additional adults, to an example with 2 reproducing females and 1 male in the same den. Presence of additional family members was independent of the state of the rodent cycle and the reproductive state of the breeding pair. Additional family members contributed only 2% of the food provided to young pups and were therefore not regarded as true helpers. Breeding adults remained resident within the same territory even in years with low abundance of rodents, when they did not breed. All pups left their natal territory by 6 months of age, although some subsequently returned to their natal range or one of the adjacent dens.
Statistical description of the East Australian Current low-frequency variability from the WOCE PCM3 array

The in situ dataset used in the current study consists of the Pacific Current Meter 3 (PCM3) array, which was a significant part of the Australian contribution to the World Ocean Circulation Experiment to study the variability of the East Australian Current (EAC), and was operational between September 1991 and March 1994. Area-preserving spectral analysis has been used to investigate the typical time scales observed by the current meters. As a general rule, the spectra from the top layers of the shallow (1, 2 and 3) and the deep (4, 5 and 6) moorings have a distinct peak in the temporal mesoscale band (periods between 70 and 170 days), with a general redistribution of energy towards the higher-frequencies near the ocean floor. This peak has been linked with eddy variability of the EAC system, which influences the fluctuations of the current main jet. The vertical modes of the velocity profile show that the strong surface-intensified baroclinic signal of the EAC dominated the variability at mooring 4 location. Further offshore the predominant configuration resembles more closely the barotropic mode. Ultimately, spatial empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) analysis point out the impact of the presence/absence of the EAC jet in the array.
Winter Survivorship and Site Fidelity of Nelson's, Saltmarsh, and Seaside Sparrows in North Carolina

Abstract. Three species of coastal sparrows (Ammodramus nelsoni, Nelson's Sparrow; A. caudacutus, Saltmarsh Sparrow; and A. maritimus, Seaside Sparrow) reside in North Carolina salt marshes in winter during their nonbreeding periods. We analyzed the timing of migration, survivorship, and site fidelity of these species with mark—recapture data from five winters (2006–2010). By determining the percentage of individuals captured more than once, we documented a shift from transient to settled individuals during and following migration and used linear regressions to test whether this shift was related to mean monthly minimum temperatures. We also used MARK and capture histories over five winters to estimate probabilities of apparent survival and capture. On the basis of recapture data, the three species' populations were composed largely of transient individuals from October until the sparrows settled for the winter by late November. Our recapture data indicate that when coastal sparrows settle for the winter or return to the region in a subsequent year, they do so with high site fidelity. We found that the percent of Nelson's and Seaside sparrows captured more than once had a negative relationship with mean monthly minimum temperature. We estimated survival of Nelson's, Saltmarsh, and Seaside sparrows at 0.673, 0.520, and 0.483, respectively. Our data indicate that survival of these coastal sparrows through the nonbreeding season is comparable to existing estimates for their breeding populations. Surveys in the nonbreeding season and management plans should take into account the likely presence of a large proportion of transient individuals during migration.
Pelagic Nutrient Cycles: Herbivores as Sources and Sinks

1 The Eutrophication Problem in Temperate Lakes: Practical Aspects and Theoretical Ramifications. - 2 The Biogeochemical Theatre - Phosphorus Cycling and Phosphorus Household in Lakes. - 3 Algae and Nutrients: Uptake and Utilization of Limiting Nutrients in Generalized Phytoplankton Species. - 4 Herbivores and Algae: Food Utilization, Growth and Reproduction in Generalist Filter Feeders. - 5 Nutrients, Algae and Herbivores - the Paradox of Enrichment Revisited. - 6 Approaching Planktonic Food Webs: Competition, Coexistence, and Chaos. - 7 Grazers as Sources and Sinks for Nutrients: Conclusions, Limitations, and Speculations. - 8 References. - A Appendices.
Prostatectomy

Background: Gender-affirming surgery is increasing, highlighting a need for awareness of associated pathologies. A 67-year-old underwent gender-affirming surgery, involving bilateral orchidectomy. Both testes were submitted for histological analysis and bilateral multilocular cystic lesions were identified, without prior clinical detection. This report aims to characterize the incidental findings and review the spectrum of testicular lesions that elude clinical detection, as reported in the literature. Case Report: Approximately 23% of malignant testicular tumours have a cystic component. In this case, the multilocular intra-testicular and intracapsular cysts are lined by simple flat to cuboidal epithelium without cytological atypia or architectural complexity. No teratomatous elements, nor in-situ or invasive germ cell neoplasia are seen. The diagnosis, fortunately benign, is bilateral serous cystadenomas of the tunica albuginea. Literature Review: The literature highlights that one third of testicular lesions <10 mm in size are malignant and yet most lesions <5 mm are benign, cautioning against over-diagnosis in the era of rapid advances in radiological techniques, increased clinical screening and increased self-detection, driven by increased awareness of men’s health and increased rates of gender-affirming surgery. Being an immunologically privileged organ, the testis is not as readily amenable to biopsy access as other organs. To preserve fertility and cosmesis, radical orchidectomy is generally avoided, with interval observation being the alternative balanced with the risk of disease progression. Testicular specimens from healthy individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgery present a rare opportunity to study the spectrum and incidence of lesions that elude clinical-radiological detection and potential pathologies associated with gender-affirming hormone-therapy. 45
Sweet Corn Response and Weed Control to Saflufenacil plus Dimethenamid-P in Organic Soils

Abstract There are limited PRE herbicide options available to provide residual weed control in sweet corn grown on organic soils in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Field studies were established to determine the efficacy of PRE applied saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P at six rates ranging from 10 + 88 to 319 + 2802 g ai ha−1 on weed control and sweet corn tolerance on organic soils in the EAA in 2011 and 2012. Saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P is a premix recently labeled for PRE weed control in field corn at 50 + 438 to 90 + 788 g ha−1 depending on soil texture. There was no phytotoxic effect of PRE applied saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P on sweet corn. At 42 d after treatment, common lambsquarters, common purslane, and spiny amaranth were controlled 90% with saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P at 58 + 508, 71 + 622, and 58 + 512 g ha−1, respectively. Sweet corn yield at 95% of the weed-free yield was estimated to be obtained at 69 + 606 g ha−1 of saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P. Our results show that saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P at 69 + 606 to 71 + 622 g ha−1 controlled three common weeds and maintained acceptable sweet corn yield. Labeled rates of saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P for field corn on mineral soils were adequate for weed control in sweet corn on organic soils. Nomenclature: Dimethenamid-P; saflufenacil; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. POROL; spiny amaranth, Amaranthus spinosus L. AMASP; sweet corn, Zea mays L. Resumen Existen pocas opciones de herbicidas PRE disponibles para el control residual de malezas en maíz dulce producido en suelos orgánicos en el Área Agrícola de los Everglades (EAA). Se establecieron experimentos de campo para determinar la eficacia de saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P aplicados PRE a seis dosis variando de 10 + 88 a 319 + 2802 g ai ha−1 para el control de malezas y la tolerancia del maíz dulce en suelos orgánicos en el EAA en 2011 y 2012. Saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P es una premezcla recientemente registrada para el control PRE de malezas en maíz para grano con dosis de 50 + 438 a 90 + 788 g ha−1 dependiendo de la textura del suelo. No hubo efecto fitotóxico de saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P aplicado PRE en maíz dulce. A 42 d después del tratamiento, Chenopodium album, Portulaca oleracea, y Amaranthus spinosus fueron controlados en 90% con saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P a 58 + 508, 71 + 622, y 58 + 512 g ha−1, respectivamente. El rendimiento del maíz dulce a 95% del rendimiento del testigo libre de malezas se estimó que se pudo obtener con 69 + 606 g ha−1 de saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P. Nuestros resultados muestran que saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P de 69 + 606 a 71 + 622 g ha−1 controló tres de las malezas más comunes y mantuvo rendimientos aceptables en el maíz dulce. Las dosis en la etiqueta de saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P para maíz para grano en suelos minerales fueron adecuadas para el control de malezas en maíz dulce en suelos orgánicos.
Growth and slaughter performance, nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from slurry in pigs fed high fibre diets

Abstract The aim of the work was to determine digestibility, nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from excreta, in the typical Italian heavy pig during the last phase of growth, when fed diets with a high fibre content. In comparison with a traditional control diet (C), two diets with 12 and 24% wheat bran (WB12 and WB24) and two other diets with 12 and 24% dried beet pulp (BP12 and BP24) were tested. Totally 76 Landrace x Large White fattening barrows, from 45 to 170 kg live weight distributed in 16 pens, were utilized in the trial. Thirty pigs were allocated to 6 metabolic cages in 5 consecutive periods in order to have 6 observations per treatment. For diets C, WB12 and WB24 daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and slaughtering performances were also registered, on 20 pigs per dietary treatment. Growing and slaughter performances were similar for pigs fed C and WB12 diets, whilst diet WB24 determined a significant (P<0.05) decrease in performances (growth and feed conversion) in the first period of fattening and a lower dressing percentage at slaughter (85.5, 84.4 and 82.5% for C, WB12 and WB24, respectively). Comparing the diets with the same level of inclusion of the fibrous feeds, WB diets had a lower OM and energy digestibility, while BP diets registered a lower protein but a higher fibre digestibility. Consistently with other experiments, BP diets determined an increase of faecal and a reduction of urinary N, as a percentage of the intake N, as well as a decrease of ammonia emission from the slurries (16.6 and -25.3% for BP12 and BP24, in comparison with C diet). For the WB diets the reduction of urinary N and the increase in faecal N were less marked and a reduction of ammonia emissions was not registered.
The highly polymorphic microsatellite markers for the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton)

We isolated 25 dinucleotide microsatellite loci from the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton) populations in North China. We developed the amplification conditions of polymerase chain reaction for producing high-resolution genetic markers for each locus. We found 10 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic in 90 individual hamsters from three areas of North China, and the number of alleles in each locus varied from three to 11. These markers are potential tools for studying the genetic variation of the natural populations of this species.
Putative effector genes detected in Fusarium oxysporum from natural ecosystems of Australia

The Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) causes disease in plants and animals, but is also widely dispersed in natural ecosystems without evidence of disease. The present study screened a population representing natural ecosystems across the Australian continent for the putative effector genes pisatin demethylase 1 (PDA1), pectate lyase (pelD), secreted gene expression (SGE1) and secreted in xylem (SIX). The genes pelD and SGE1 were prevalent in the natural isolates, PDA1 was present at an intermediate level, whereas SIX genes were detected at low levels. Phylogenies of these putative effector genes were compared to the EF-1α species phylogeny to determine the likely modes of gene transmission: vertical gene transfer (VGT) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). There was evidence of both modes of gene transmission within the F. oxysporum isolates. PDA1, pelD and SGE1 were likely to be only vertically inherited, whereas the SIX genes had evidence for both VGT and HGT. The phylogenetic relationships of SIX genes in isolates from natural ecosystems and formae speciales from agro-ecosystems were also established. These findings have important implications for the evolution of effectors in the FOSC.
A new genus and three new species of alpheids (Decapoda: Caridea) associated with thalassinids

Sampling for infaunal decapods on a sublittoral sandy bottom in the Adriatic Sea and on a tidal flat at the Cape Verde Islands has yielded several members of the family Alpheidae, three of which were new species. A new genus near Salmoneus HOLTHUIS, 1955 and Leptalpheus WILLIAMS, 1965 is erected for Deioneus sandizelli gen.n. sp.n. , based on two specimens, one collected from the burrow of the thalassinid Neocallichirus pachydactylus (A. MILNE-EDWARDS, 1870), the other from a Corallianassa intesi (DE SAINT LAURENT & LE LOEUFF, 1979) burrow. A single specimen of Salmoneus caboverdensis sp.n. was obtained from the burrow of N. pachydactylus at the same locality. Salmoneus erasimorum sp.n. is described from a single specimen collected from a burrow of Callianassa tyrrhena (PETAGNA, 1792) in Volosko, northern Adriatic Sea.
Observations on the ecology, distribution and biogeography of forest birds in Sabah, Malaysia.

From January 2004 to July 2008, we surveyed and collected birds at 15 sites in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. This work was designed to (1) document bird occurrence in areas and habitats that had been poorly surveyed in the past, (2) provide specimens for molecular genetic studies of bird evolution in Borneo, and (3) examine the occurrence of forest birds in agricultural and industrial tree plantations. The research disclosed new elevational, habitat, and breeding records for numerous species. It also provided insight into the biogeography of lowland endemic species in Sabah and montane endemic species in Borneo. The hypotheses formulated from these biogeographic discoveries should serve as useful frameworks for future phylogeographic work on Bornean birds. Â© National University of Singapore.
The Annual Pattern and Spatial Distribution of Aquatic Oxygen Metabolism in Boreal Forest Watersheds

The level and diversity of metabolism in lotic ecosystems are largely functions of channel geomorphology and hydrology, making site-specific studies difficult to extrapolate to other parts of the watershed. This paper describes the pattern and distribution of aquatic oxygen metabolism for undisturbed boreal forest watersheds in eastern Quebec, Canada. Metabolism by periphyton, mosses, macrophytes, fine particulate organic matter (FPOM: 0.5 ,um-1mm), and coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM: >1mm) was examined during the ice-free period (April to November) of 1979 and 1980 in First Choice Creek (first order; watershed area: 0.25 km2), Beaver Creek (second order; 1.83 kM2), Muskrat River (fifth order; 207 kM2), Matamek River (sixth order; 673 kM2), and the Moisie River (ninth order; 19871 kM2). As watershed area increases, primary production and the number of autotrophic groups are augmented with moss and macrophyte communities. Total 02 metabolism increases downstream, ranging from . 76 in most cases). These data are combined with a geomorphological analysis of the watershed to discern the spatial distribution of aquatic metabolism, and to estimate total aquatic metabolism in the Moisie River drainage network. Mosses, occurring only in streams of fourth or higher order, are the most productive autotrophic component in the watershed (3.9 x 1010 g/yr); by comparison, periphyton produce only 2.1 x 1010 g/yr. FPOM is the most active detrital component (6.6 x 1010 g/yr). Geomorphic analyses show that streams of fourth or higher order comprise only 1.2% of the total number and 12.7% of the total length, but have 76.8% of the lotic surface area, and are responsible for 86.3% of the gross production by the entire lotic drainage network. The surface area of lakes is approximately six times that of streams, but their contribution (phytoplankton) to total aquatic ecosystem metabolism is comparable only to that of lotic periphyton. Results demonstrate that the River Continuum Concept can be extended to the watershed level by combining biological measurements with geomorphological analyses of the drainage network, thus allowing a detailed description of spatial and temporal patterns for specific metabolic components and total ecosystem metabolism to be constructed.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR DETECTION OF POLYMYXA BETAE AND BEET NECROTIC YELLOW VEIN VIRUS IN SOIL

Extraction of high quality DNA and RNA from soil is a most challenging step to identify soil organisms due to the presence of a variety of inhibitors and microbial nucleases. In this study, we have developed a simple extraction method for simultaneous purification of DNA and RNA from soil. The isolated nucleic acids were of high quality allowing for sensitive detection of the oomycete Polymyxa betae and Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) by nested-PCR. The vector and BNYVV were detected in all infested soils but only the vector was detected in some apparently non-infested soils or fallow fields. The method may help in the management of sugar beet rhizomania.