Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influences of species, latitudes and methodologies on estimates of phenological response to global warming

New analyses are presented addressing the global impacts of recent climate change on phenology of plant and animal species. A meta‐analysis spanning 203 species was conducted on published datasets from the northern hemisphere. Phenological response was examined with respect to two factors: distribution of species across latitudes and taxonomic affiliation or functional grouping of target species. Amphibians had a significantly stronger shift toward earlier breeding than all other taxonomic/functional groups, advancing more than twice as fast as trees, birds and butterflies. In turn, butterfly emergence or migratory arrival showed three times stronger advancement than the first flowering of herbs, perhaps portending increasing asynchrony in insect–plant interactions. Response was significantly stronger at higher latitudes where warming has been stronger, but latitude explained < 4% of the variation. Despite expectation, latitude was not yet an important predictor of climate change impacts on phenology. The only two previously published estimates of the magnitude of global response are quite different: 2.3 and 5.1 days decade−1 advancement. The scientific community has assumed this difference to be real and has attempted to explain it in terms of biologically relevant phenomena: specifically, differences in distribution of data across latitudes, taxa or time periods. Here, these and other possibilities are explored. All analyses indicate that the difference in estimated response is primarily due to differences between the studies in criteria for incorporating data. It is a clear and automatic consequence of the exclusion by one study of data on ‘stable’ (nonresponsive) species. Once this is accounted for, the two studies support each other, generating similar conclusions despite analyzing substantially nonoverlapping datasets. Analyses here on a new expanded dataset estimate an overall spring advancement across the northern hemisphere of 2.8 days decade−1. This is the first quantitative analysis showing that data‐sampling methodologies significantly impact global (synthetic) estimates of magnitude of global warming response.
Stylommatophoran slugs of China (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) – prodromus

The paper is the first attempt at a revision of the stylommatophoran slugs of mainland China, based on our own, previously unpublished, material, on examination of the available types, and on scarce literature data. Subgenus Neoanadenus and the following species have been described as new to science: Anadenus (Anadenus) parvipenis, A. (A.) yangtzeensis , A. (A.) yunnanensis , A. (Neoanadenus) gonggashanensis. The following synonymies have been proposed: Philomycus laoshanensis Chen et Gao = Philomycus bilineatum (Benson), Deroceras (Agriolimax) bilineatus Chen = Lehmannia valentiana (Ferussac), Deroceras (A.) melasma Chen, Xu et Liu = Limax (Limacus) flavus L. Besides, ? Arion subfuscus (Draparnaud), Meghimatium bil ineatum (Benson), M. cf. pictum (Stoliczka), M. rugosum Chen et Gao, Anadenus (A.) sechuenensis Collinge, ? A. (A.) sinensis Mollendorff, Lehmannia valentiana (Ferussac), Limax flavus Linnaeus, Deroceras (D.) altaicum (Simroth) and D. (D.) laeve (Muller) have been recorded from China. Earlier records of Deroceras agreste (Linnaeus) and Eumilax brandti (Martens) have not been confirmed and must have resulted from misidentification. An identification key, taxonomic data, diagnoses of familyto species-group taxa, descriptions of external morphology and diagnostic anatomical characters, remarks on bionomics and distribution original drawings of the external appearance and internal organs, maps and lists of localities and references are provided.
Assessing the efficacy of direct conservation interventions: clutch protection of the leatherback marine turtle in the Dominican Republic

Abstract The beaches of Jaragua National Park in the Dominican Republic are the country's last known major nesting site for the leatherback marine turtle Dermochelys coriacea. This nesting aggregation is threatened by widespread illegal egg take, and clutch relocation and artificial incubation have been carried out as protection measures since 1974. We assess the efficacy of such efforts and investigate how artificial incubation may be influencing the success and sex ratios of clutches. We compare hatching success, incubation duration and embryo mortality in in-situ clutches (n = 43) with those incubated artificially at sites in the east and west of the Park (n = 35 and n = 31, respectively). Our results show that in the west, artificial incubation significantly decreases hatching success in clutches. In the east the duration of incubation is increased, which we predict would result in an increase in the number of males from these clutches. Clutch relocation is currently the only viable conservation option for clutches on eastern beaches because of illegal egg take but action is needed to ensure that the natural sex ratio is not distorted. However, on the western beaches in situ clutch incubation seems possible through beach protection. Further community engagement and enforcement are required to improve conservation measures at eastern beaches if long-term, less sustainable intervention is to be avoided.
Estimation of the survival rates of meadow pipits — a comparison of two different methods

The Haldane method (1955) is still used to calculate survival rates, although a modern but more complex method is available (Brownie et al., 1985). Both methods have been applied to recoveries of Meadow Pipits migrating through Belgium. The recovery rate abroad has gradually decreased during the period 1960–85. The effect of recovery rates changing in different ways has been studied with simulated recovery data. A decreasing or increasing rate has no influence on the Brownie results but has a slight effect on the Haldane results. The recoveries have been classified in a new way, based on the time elapsed between the moments of ringing and recovery, which is different from the usual procedure. Calculations based on bi‐monthly as well as annual intervals give the same Haldane result, although they certainly have very different recovery rates. A mean survival rate of 0.44 (standard error 0.026) is proposed for the population of juvenile and adult Meadow Pipits migrating through Belgium in 1960–80. The corres.
Club-Shaped Organs as Additional Osmophores within the Sauromatum Inflorescence: Odour Analysis, Ultrastructural Changes and Pollination Aspects4

: Gradient odour emissions in the inflorescence of the Araceae Sauromatum guttatum aim to attract a wide range of insects into the floral chamber. The volatiles are emitted from the spadix appendix, as well as the club-shaped organs located directly above the female flowers. Volatile analysis of various regions of the appendix and the club-shaped organs led to the identification of 163 compounds emitted by the appendix top, 124 by the appendix bottom and 105 by the club-shaped organs. The dominant compounds in all investigated tissues were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that were accompanied by numerous aliphatic, aromatic, sulphur- and nitrogen-containing compounds of other biosynthetic origins. Within the appendix, levels of one monoterpene, β-citronellene, showed considerable variation; it constituted the major compound in the appendix top and gradually decreased in the lower regions, being undetectable in the base. The other prominent monoterpenes, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, α-phellandrene and β-phellandrene, showed no changes along the appendix. The club-shaped organs located at the base of the floral chamber also emitted volatiles, though of different composition: the monoterpenes α-terpinolene and linalool constituted major amounts, instead of β-pinene and β-citronellene. These qualitative differences and the absence of methanethiol in the club-shaped organs result in them having a pleasant flowery odour, in contrast to the foul-smelling appendix. The quantitative spatial variation of β-citronellene within the appendix and the existence of a second osmophore within the floral chamber, emitting a different scent, suggest that both phenomena might participate in creating an odour gradient for efficient pollinator attraction. Apart from β-citronellene, nearly all major components of the appendix have already been identified as specific attractants to a broad range of insects that have been observed to be lured to the odour-emitting inflorescence. Most likely, the club-shaped organ odour serves to induce the insects attracted by the appendix to move towards the floral chamber. A comparison of the relative emission rates demonstrated that performance of the club-shaped organs equals or even exceeds the appendix. In the club-shaped organ tissues, multivesicular bodies, originating from lipid droplets, are the most notable organelles before and during odour production. They fuse with the plasma membrane, releasing their content to the exterior of the cell. The exit route for the volatiles is an extensive intercellular channel system that extends to the surface of the club-shaped organs. Thus, chemical and ultrastructural analyses suggest, in contrast to previous studies, that the club-shaped organs function as an osmophore rather than a food source for insects.
Small-Scale Spatial Analysis of In Situ Sea Temperature throughout a Single Coral Patch Reef

Thermal stress can cause geographically widespread bleaching events, during which corals become decoupled from their symbiotic algae. Bleaching, however, also can occur on smaller, spatially patchy scales, with corals on the same reef exhibiting varying bleaching responses. Thus, to investigate fine spatial scale sea temperature variation, temperature loggers were deployed on a 4 m grid on a patch reef in Kāne'ohe Bay, Oahu, Hawai‘i to monitor in situ, benthic temperature every 50 minutes at 85 locations for two years. Temperature variation on the reef was characterized using several summary indices related to coral thermal stress. Results show that stable, biologically significant temperature variation indeed exists at small scales and that depth, relative water flow, and substrate cover and type were not significant drivers of this variation. Instead, finer spatial and temporal scale advection processes at the benthic boundary layer are likely responsible. The implications for coral ecology and conservation are discussed.
A BIOPSY SYSTEM FOR SMALL CETACEANS: DARTING SUCCESS AND WOUND HEALING IN TURSIOPS SPP.

Together with PAXARMS (NZ), we developed a biopsy system for small cetaceans and tested it on four populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). The system consists of a modified 0.22 caliber rifle, and biopsy darts made out of polycarbonate with stainless steel biopsy tips. Animals were darted at a range of 2-15 m while travelling parallel to the vessel. Overall sampling success for obtaining biopsy samples when an animal was struck ranged from 96.6% to 100% in the four populations. However, hit rate varied for the four different populations. We did not observe a significant difference in strength of the reaction to the darting procedure when an animal was hit or missed, both among and within populations. Data from one population showed no significant difference in the reaction to biopsy sampling by four different age-sex classes. The only factor that had a significant influence on darting success was the hit location. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between the size of the sample obtained and the reaction to biopsy sampling. Biopsy samples were sufficient for microsatellite and d-loop analysis in 95.8% and for genetic sexing in 99% of all cases. In animals that we observed on a daily basis, wounds were healed after approximately 23 d.
Causal Relationships between the Polar Nuclei in Double Fertilization and Interspecific Cross-incompatibility in Avena

A diallel cross was made using ten polyploid species, 2x, 4x, and 6x, x=7, in the genus Avena. Inmost crosses hybrid seeds were successfully obtained though the frequency of seed set varied greatly. The development of hybrid seeds differed widely between cross combinations, especially in reciprocal crosses. Hybrid seeds were classified into four types, 1) normal kernels, well developed and germinable (designated as D+), 2) shrivelled-empty kernels which do not germinate (E-), 3) small viable kernels (Rd+) and 4) small inviable kernels (Rd-). Some intermediate types were occasionally found.The results are fairly well explained in terms of a hypothesis of polar-nuclei activation in which the strength of the activating action of the male nucleus, and the reaction of the female nucleus is expressed by terms ‘activating value (AV)’ and ‘response value (RV)’, respectively. The degree of seed failure is closely related to the difference between the activating and response values, expressed by the activation index, AV/2RV (or×100) of the polar nuclei. In a selfed plant the activation index (AI) of the polar nuclei is 1/2=0.5 (or 50%), and this usually being the normal index results in the production of normal seeds. If AI deviates from 50 per cent the development of endosperm is often arrested or aborted.Based on the degree of abnormality of hybrid kernels, activating values of the ten species are arbitrarily assigned from 0.4 in A. ventricosa(2x) to 3 in A. sterilis(6x) compared with 1 in A. strigosa(2x) as the standard. Among 74 reciprocal interspecific crosses the AI of the polar nuclei varied widely from 7 to 375 per cent. The distribution of these indices agrees closely with the grouping of the four kernel types. Thus, AI values of less than 20, 20-30, 30-80, and more than 80 per cent show the Rd-, Rd+, D+ and E- kernel types, respectively. In other words, if the AV of the pollen parent is >160 or <40 per cent that of the maternal parent they are cross-incompatible. Thus in double fertilization of angiosperms the triple fusion of two polar nuclei with a secondary male nucleus is apparently a biological isolation mechanism and may be the most effective barrier to hybridization on occasion.
Elsharkawy, Heba and Rutherford, Peter (2018) Energy- efficient retrofit of social housing in the UK: lessons learned from a Community Energy Saving Programme

One of the long-term challenges outlined within the UK Government’s Energy White Paper (2011) is to cut both greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy bills by improving household energy efficiency. As such, several energy-related initiatives have, in recent years, been promoted including the Community Energy Saving Programme. In this study, we explore how patterns of user consumption as influenced by occupant awareness and behaviour, can both positively and negatively influence policy initiative delivery. In so doing, we present the results from an extensive preand post-retrofit home energy use and performance survey of 150 properties located in Nottingham’s Aspley ward, home of one of England’s pilot CESP schemes. Our results show that whilst this specific initiative significantly improved home conditions and reduced energy consumption, it failed to achieve the predicted £300 annual savings on household energy bills. This was found to be largely attributed to occupants’ ingrained habits towards household energy use, higher comfort level preferences, (lack of) energy consumption awareness, and insufficient information provided to help residents better manage their home energy use following the retrofit. By exploring some of the core lessons learned from the survey, this research seeks to inform and improve the uptake and delivery of future retrofit initiatives.
Prostaglandin E2 Mediates Inhibition of Insulin Secretion by Interleukin-1β*

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), frequently co-participants in inflammatory states, are two well recognized inhibitors of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Previous reports have concluded that the inhibitory effects of these two autacoids on pancreatic β cell function are not related because indomethacin, a potent prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, does not prevent IL-1β effects. However, indomethacin is not a specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and its other pharmacologic effects are likely to inhibit insulin secretion independently. Since we recently observed that IL-1β induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression and PGE2 synthesis in islet β cells, we have reassessed the possibility that PGE2 mediates IL-1β effects on β function. By using two cell lines (HIT-T15 and βHC13) as well as Wistar rat isolated pancreatic islets, we examined the ability of two COX-2-specific antagonists, NS-398 and SC-236, to prevent IL-1β inhibition of insulin secretion. Both drugs prevented IL-1β from inducing PGE2 synthesis and inhibiting insulin secretion; adding back exogenous PGE2 re-established inhibition of insulin secretion in the presence of IL-1β. We also found that EP3, the PGE2 receptor subtype whose post-receptor effect is to decrease adenylyl cyclase activity and, thereby, insulin secretion, is the dominant mRNA subtype expressed. We conclude that endogenous PGE2 mediates the inhibitory effects of exogenous IL-1β on β cell function.
Challenges faced in the conservation of rare antelope: a case study on the northern basalt plains of the Kruger National Park

The conservation of rare antelope has long been one of the goals of the Kruger National Park. The roan antelope Hippotragus equinus , and to a lesser extent the tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus , represent low-density species or rare antelope in the park. Specific management approaches representing the older equilibrium approach, have been employed to conserve these antelope. Of these, the supply of artificial water over many decades was the most resource intensive. The sudden, severe drop in the roan antelope population towards the end of the 1980s was unexpected and, retrospectively, attributed to the development of a high density of perennial waterpoints. The postulated mechanism was that the perennial presence of water allowed Burchell’s zebra Equus burchelli to stay permanently in an area that was previously only seasonally accessible. The combined effect of a long, dry climatic cycle, high numbers of zebra and their associated predators was proposed to be the cause of this decline. As part of the new nature evolving or ecosystem resilience approach, twelve artificial waterpoints were closed in the prime roan antelope habitat in 1994 in an attempt to move the zebra out of this area. The zebra numbers declined as the rainfall increased. Closure of waterholes clearly led to redistribution of zebra numbers on the northern plains, zebra tending to avoid areas within several kilometres of closed waterpoints. However, at a larger scale, regional densities appeared similar in areas with and without closed waterpoints. There was an initial drop in the lion numbers in 1995, after which they stabilised. In spite of an improvement in the grass species composition and an increase in biomass the roan antelope population did not increase. The complexity of maintaining a population at the edge of their distribution and the problems associated with the conservation of such populations are discussed in terms of management options and monitoring approaches that may be employed in this process.
The sugarcane signal transduction (SUCAST) catalogue: prospecting signal transduction in sugarcane

EST sequencing has enabled the discovery of many new genes in a vast array of organisms, and the utility of this approach to the scientific community is greatly increased by the establishment of fully annotated databases. The present study aimed to identify sugarcane ESTs sequenced in the sugarcane expressed sequence tag (SUCEST) project (http://sucest.lad.ic.unicamp.br) that corresponded to signal transduction components. We also produced a sugarcane signal transduction (SUCAST) catalogue (http://sucest.lad.ic.unicamp.br/private/mining-reports/QG/QG-mining.htm) that covered the main categories and pathways. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) encoding enzymes for hormone (gibberellins, ethylene, auxins, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid) biosynthetic pathways were found and tissue specificity was inferred from their relative frequency of occurrence in the different libraries. Whenever possible, transducers of hormones and plant peptide signaling were catalogued to the respective pathway. Over 100 receptors were found in sugarcane, which contains a large family of Ser/Thr kinase receptors and also photoreceptors, histidine kinase receptors and their response regulators. G-protein and small GTPases were analyzed and compared to known members of these families found in mammalian and plant systems. Major kinase and phosphatase pathways were mapped, with special attention being given to the MAP kinase and the inositol pathway, both of which are well known in plants.
Nuclear dna and karyotype variation in species of codium codiales chlorophyta from the north atlantic

Abstract Chromosome numbers for three species of Codium from Bermuda are presented. C. decorticatum (Woodward) Howe, C. intertextum Collins and Hervey, and C. taylori Silva were found to have chromosome complements of 2N = 20 and similar karyotype patterns. Two DNA-localizing fluorochromes with epi (incident) UV illumination were used to determine relative nuclear DNA in the Bermuda specimens as well as in C. decorticatum, C. isthmocladium Vickers, and C.fragile subsp. tomentosoides (van Goor) Silva from coastal North Carolina. Results from microspectrophotometry with mythramycin and hydroethidine, and estimates of nuclear and genome volume demonstrate a wide variation in DNA content among the five species examined. C. fragile subsp. tomentosoides, which is haploid with 1N = 10, has relatively large chromosomes and the largest nuclear DNA content. Interspecific DNA variation is discussed in terms of cryptopolyploidy by lengthwise amplification of the basic genome, differential polynemy and somatic endored.
Differences in rates of nest-visitation and removal of faecal sacs by male and female White-rumped Swallows

Abstract Despite being a common and widespread species, the White-rumped Swallow (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) is one of the least-studied members of its genus. We examined the rates of nest-visitation and nest-sanitation of male and female White-rumped Swallows during the nestling period, in 23 nests, and compared them with those of the extensively studied Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor). White-rumped Swallow pairs increased the rate of nest-visitation as nestlings grew older, as was found in Tree Swallows. Females made significantly more visits to the nest than males, and the asymmetry was maintained irrespectively of the age of nestlings. These results are similar to those reported from Tree Swallows in the eastern United States, but differ from the equality of roles found in Ontario, Canada. Female and male White-rumped Swallows removed faecal sacs at the same rate when nestlings were young (Day 4) but by Day 12 females had quadrupled their effort whereas the rate of sanitation by males remained constant. Overall, female White-rumped Swallows made a significantly larger parental investment than males (as measured by number of visits to nests and, thus, presumably rates of feeding, and in contribution to nest-sanitation) and, in this respect, the asymmetry in parental investment is greater than that reported for Tree Swallows.