Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Controlling Compositional Changes in a Northern Andean Páramo (La Rusia, Colombia)

In this study, we aimed to assess the processes controlling compositional change in a Northern Andean páramo highly affected by human‐induced disturbances over the last few decades (La Rusia, Colombia). Along the 3000–3800 m asl altitudinal range, we randomly sampled fifty 10 × 10 m plots. Therein, we measured altitude and variables related to soil conditions (i.e., moisture, nutrient contents, bulk density, and texture), occurrence of human‐induced disturbances (i.e., fire, vegetation clearing, potato cultivation, and cattle grazing), and land‐use history. We also recorded richness and abundance of plant species, identifying them as exotic or native. We differentiated four groups of plots according to their species composition. The groups had significant differences in altitude, soil conditions, land‐use history, and particularly, in richness of exotic species and exotic/native cover ratio. They could be ascribed to shrub‐ and grass‐páramo vegetation types based on their relative dominance of woody and herbaceous species; however, these groups were not arranged according to the hypothetical composition of altitudinal belts, but rather formed a mosaic of patches. This mosaic was determined not only by altitude but also by soil conditions and disturbance history of sites. Our results corroborate recent findings which highlight shrub‐ and grass‐páramo vegetation types as patches of contrasting species composition and structure that depend on local environmental variables, as well as human‐induced disturbances as a major determinant of compositional discontinuities in these ‘high mountain’ tropical ecosystems.
The ecology of great diving beetles (Dytiscus spp.) in the Somerset levels and moors

Dytiscid beetles are significant predators in freshwater aquatic ecosystems, playing a major role in structuring macro-invertebrate communities in some habitats (Cobbaert et al 2010). Great Diving Beetles (Dytiscus spp.) can be among the top predators, yet more than one species may be present in a particular physical location, prompting questions regarding how the Dytiscus species co-exist. This study investigated Dytiscus marginalis Linneaus 1758 and the much rarer Dytiscus dimidiatus Bergstrasser 1778 which occur together in drainage ditch ecosystems in the Somerset Levels and Moors in the United Kingdom. Estimates of niche breadths were made in relation to seasonal activity patterns, habitat usage and prey in order to gauge the degree of specialisation displayed by the two species. Findings broadly supported the view that D. marginalis is more of a generalist species than D. dimidiatus, however, a considerable degree of niche overlap was shown to exist. Evidence was found of a stronger preference in D. dimidiatus for shaded watercourses and for sections of ditch with less extensive coverage of duckweed (Lemna spp.) in the early part of the season. There were indications of both inter-specific and intra-specific predation of larvae by adults and larvae of Dytiscus spp. A major challenge overcome during the study concerned how to distinguish the larvae of the two species. Molecular ecological techniques (RAPD, PCRs and gene sequencing) were compared with morphological means to determine species identity. A relatively simple molecular method was found to distinguish the species based on species-specific sequences within a short fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. This technique successfully identified 90% of 108 individual larvae tested whereas morphology-based analysis failed to resolve them. The implications for conservation practice arising from these observations are discussed in relation to D. dimidiatus, which is considered at risk in the UK.
Does localized control of invasive eastern gambusia (Poeciliidae: Gambusia holbrooki) increase population growth of generalist wetland fishes?

While invasive fish management is heavily focussed on containment measures when introductions occur, examples from invasive species management in terrestrial systems suggest that there may also be considerable conservation benefits in implementing localized control programmes. We conducted a field-based experiment to assess the effectiveness of removing a globally significant invasive fish, eastern gambusia Gambusia holbrooki, from natural wetland habitats of south-eastern Australia. With recent work suggesting the impacts of eastern gambusia may be minimal for species with generalist life-history strategies, we hypothesized that the removal of eastern gambusia will reduce localized population growth of the invasive species, but will have little influence on the population growth of more generalist sympatric wetland fish species. We used a predictive modelling approach to investigate changes in eastern gambusia populations following removal activities, and how sympatric fish species responded to such changes. Although eastern gambusia rapidly populated habitats, we demonstrated that control actions substantially reduced the rate of population increase over the four-month study period. This suggests that control may be an effective localized strategy to suppress eastern gambusia densities. There was however, no evidence of any response to the removal actions by any of the three sympatric fish species investigated – carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris spp.), Australian smelt (Retropinna semoni) and the invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio). These results support previous work which suggests that the flexible life-history strategies and behavioural traits of all three species allow co-existence with eastern gambusia. The study highlights the importance of understanding the potential outcomes of control options which is particularly pertinent for established aquatic invasive species where information on control effectiveness, population dynamics and/or ecosystem response is currently lacking.
The Role of Copper in the Oxidative Stress Response of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to heat shock

In response to stress, cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide O2‐, peroxide H2O2 and hydroxyl radical HO‐ which cause molecular damage in the form of DNA breaks, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. ROS are also important in cell signaling and to induce differential gene expression, metabolic changes and thus adaptation to different environmental conditions. The hypothesis of this project is that the ROS response is a common denominator of different environmental challenges, including radiation and microgravity, during spaceflight. Algae, such as the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, grown in spaceflight are exposed to stress. The goal of this work was to characterize the response of C. reinhardtii to stress by examining biochemical and gene expression changes using heat shock. The heat shocked (42°C) C. reinhardtii exhibited a selective regulation of ion transporters, and an increase in ROS in cells and supernatant. Such results provide new insights about the intracellular response to stress and its possible mediation during spaceflight.
Colonial planktonic Eunotia (Bacillariophyceae) from Brazilian Amazon: Taxonomy and biogeographical considerations on the E. asterionelloides species complex

Colonial planktonic diatoms representative of the genus Eunotia Ehrenberg are common in phytoplankton assemblages from oligotrophic pristine rivers and streams in the Amazon hydrographical basin. A taxonomic account on E. asterionelloides and related species revealed the presence of four unknown taxa, which are formally described here. E. loboi sp. nov., E. gomesii sp. nov., E. tukanorum sp. nov., and E. waimiriorum sp. nov. differ from all described Eunotia species by their typical colonial life strategy, cell dimensions, striae density, short raphe, overall shape and ultrastructural features. E. tukanorum is the most common species found in the Negro River while E. loboi, E. gomesii and E. waimiriorum are representative of the Branco River, a tributary of the Negro River, which has marked different limnological features. In the light microscope, all South American species closely resemble E. zasuminensis, originally described from Europe (Poland) and commonly reported from the Northern hemisphere. E. asterionelloides was originally described from the Tapajos River in the lower Amazon and to date has not been found in the Negro nor Branco rivers. Given the small differences between these colonial planktonic forms, the global diversity of this species complex has almost certainly been underestimated.
Quality Characteristics of Kochujang Prepared with Different Meju Fermented with Aspergillus sp. and Bacillus subtilis

For preparation of high quality kochujang by the traditional fermentation method, 4 types of kochujang were prepared with brick- or grain-shaped meju fermented with different strains (Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus oryzae+Bacillus subtilis). After 100 days of fermentation at 25℃, the moisture, pH, salt, and ethanol content of kochujang were 40.52-43.20%, 4.71-4.82, 8.7-9.1%, and 0.75-0.94%, respectively, showing slight differences according to the strains and shapes of meju. Titratable acidities were slightly increased for up to 60 days of fermentation. The amino-type nitrogen content of kochujang prepared with brick-shaped meju (A. oryzae+B. subtilis) was the highest (164.20 mg%) among all of the kochujang types. The redness (a) value of kochujang prepared with brick-shaped meju (A. sojae) were higher (19.08) than those of other treatments (18.37-18.59). Sensory evaluation of kochujang prepared with grain-shaped meju (A. sojae) showed the highest scores for color and overall acceptability, at 6.43±1.87 and 6.29±1.44, respectively. It was estimated that high quality kochujang could be made by using meju fermented with selected strains.
Genetic Structure and Gene Flow among South Florida Populations of Iris hexagona Walt. (Iridaceae) Assessed with 19 Microsatellite DNA Loci

We investigated genetic variation within and among 11 populations of Iris hexagona at its southern limits in the Florida peninsula by using 19 microsatellite loci. All of the populations contain varying numbers of identical multilocus genotypes, indicative of clonal reproduction. Two population samples consist largely of one clonal lineage and two clonal lineages: the first from the Caloosahatchee drainage west of Lake Okeechobee and the other from the Big Cypress Swamp. The populations are predominantly outcrossing, with high levels of heterozygosity, and show a highly significant pattern of isolation by distance that fits a modified stepping‐stone model. This pattern breaks down at the local level, however, where metapopulation dynamics or asymmetrical gene flow may exert a stronger effect on patterns of genetic diversity. Though the majority of genetic variation is within populations, 20% occurs between populations. Genetic distance resolves five clusters: four in the Caloosahatchee Valley and one in the Big Cypress Swamp. However, the populations are differentiated strongly enough that frequency‐based genetic structure analysis resolves seven effective populations. Assignment tests identify the northernmost population as a likely ancestral point of origin for the others. All of the populations exhibit evidence of a recent bottleneck, which we attribute to founder effects, given the low migration rate of the species and the high degree of population differentiation, as well as the Holocene geological history of the Florida peninsula. We hypothesize that the two predominantly clonal populations may be artifacts of deliberate cultivation by humans.
The Behavior of Spindle Fibers and Movement of Chromosomes in Dividing Grasshopper Spermatocytes

Meiotic spindle and chromosome movements were studied during spermatocyte divisions in Chrysochraon japonicus and Trilophidia annulata with a sensitive polarizing microscope. When the nuclear envelope disintegrated, birefringent astral fibers invaded the karyoplasm pushing some chromosomes toward the mid-region of the developing spindle. During prometaphase the birefringence (BR) of the kinetochore fibers fluctuated, and fibers at this period often exhibited lateral oscillations. By full metaphase, the kinetochore fibers BR became stable. BR of the continuous fibers was rather weak throughout meiosis. During anaphase in most cells, the kinetochore fibers shortened at a constant rate of 0.7 μm per minute at 28°C. In some cells the rate of shortening slowed down in late anaphase. The overall spindle length increased during anaphase, although considerable fluctuations were observed. The number of microtubules per kinetochore fiber estimated from measured BR and fiber thickness using the Wiener equation was consistent with the direct count of microtubules on electron micrographs.
Combining a rule-based approach and machine learning in a good-example extraction task for the purpose of lexicographic work on contemporary standard German

The work we will present in this paper is part of a dictionary project at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. For a large number of headwords, example sentences for their respective lexicographic descriptions have to be retrieved from a corpus of contemporary German. Lexicographers are typically faced with a huge number of corpus citations. Therefore, a tool that selects only good examples (those which are considered for inclusion into the dictionary) and dismisses the other ones would be time and effort effective. A rule-based good-example extractor proved to offer a good starting point, but the tool still delivers too many inacceptable citations. We have therefore tried to combine this tool with a machine learner that is trained on the decisions of an experienced lexicographer. The learner has been optimized to reject a large share of the example sentences. We present the machine learning results on a test data set with various combinations of linguistic features and quantify the gain in time and effort for the lexicographers. We also discuss the shortcomings of our approach and suggest some measures to counter them.
NATAL DISPERSAL IN THE COOPERATIVELY BREEDING ACORN WOODPECKER

Abstract Dispersal data are inevitably biased toward short-distance events, often highly so. We illustrate this problem using our long-term study of Acorn Woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) in central coastal California. Estimating the proportion of birds disappearing from the study area and correcting for detectability within the maximum observable distance are the first steps toward achieving a realistic estimate of dispersal distributions. Unfortunately, there is generally no objective way to determine the fates of birds not accounted for by these procedures, much less estimating the distances they may have moved. Estimated mean and root-mean-square dispersal distances range from 0.22–2.90 km for males and 0.53–9.57 km for females depending on what assumptions and corrections are made. Three field methods used to help correct for bias beyond the limits of normal study areas include surveying alternative study sites, expanding the study site (super study sites), and radio-tracking dispersers within a population. All of these methods have their limitations or can only be used in special cases. New technologies may help alleviate this problem in the near future. Until then, we urge caution in interpreting observed dispersal data from all but the most isolated of avian populations.
SSR markers as tools for screening genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) for tolerance to drought and Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth in the Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana

ABSTACT Resistant or tolerant crop cultivars provide the most economical, practical and sustainable method of control of Striga and drought stresses. However, the development of resistant/tolerant maize cultivars is hampered by the complexity of the environment, the host/parasite interactions, and lack of reliable screening method. The invention of molecular markers to tag gene(s) that confer important traits offer new hope for Striga and drought control. A study was conducted at the Biotechnology laboratory of the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute in Nyankpala, Northern Ghana, to screen six parent and thirty F 1 progenies of maize for tolerance to drought and Striga hermonthica using 17 microsatellites. Genomic DNA was extracted with the CTAB method and PCR was performed based on the common method for microsatellite markers. PCR products were separated using 6% polyacrylamide denaturing gel. Frequencies were run to determine the genotypes that produce bands across all or most microsatellite primers. The results indicated that the F 1 hybrids IWD x TAIS03, IWD x GUMA03, DT x KOBN03, TAIS03 x IWD, TAIS03 x DT, TAIS03 x SISF03, SISF03 x TAIS03, SISF03 x GUMA03, GUMA03 x IWD, GUMA03 x DT and GUMA03 x KOBN03 contained the quantitative traits responsible for both drought and Striga hermonthica tolerance. The parental lines DT-STR-W-C2, TAIS03 and IDW-C3-SYN-F2, and F 1 hybrid populations IWD x TAIS03, IWD x GUMA03, DT x KOBN03, TAIS03 x IWD, TAIS03 x DT, TAIS03 x SISF03, TAIS03 x KOBN03, SISF03 x DT, SISF03 x TAIS03, SISF03 x GUMA03, GUMA03 x IWD, GUMA03 x DT, GUMA03 x SISF03, GUMA03 x KOBN03 and KOBN03 x IWD contained the quantitative traits responsible for Striga hermonthica tolerance. The study revealed that the parent populations IDW-C3-SYN-F2, TAIS03, GUMA03-OB and KOBN03-OB, and F 1 hybrid populations IWD x TAIS03, IWD x GUMA03, IWD x KOBN03, DT x TAIS03, DT x SISF03, DT x KOBN03, TAIS03 x IWD, TAIS03 x DT, TAIS03 x SISF03, SISF03 x TAIS03, SISF03 x GUMA03, SISF03 x KOBN03, GUMA03 x IWD, GUMA03 x DT and GUMA03 x KOBN03 showed bands across nine drought-linked SSR markers, and therefore, contain the quantitative traits responsible for drought tolerance. The study led to identification of informative SSR markers, such as Phi074, Nc005, Phi015, Phi061 and Phi055, which significantly contributed to the differentiation of Striga tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Identification of informative SSR markers (P-umc1542, P-bnlg1429, P-umc1566, P-umc2189, P-umc2225, P-umc2226, P-bnlg1014, P-bnlg1124 and P-umc1292) which significantly contributed to the differentiation of drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes was also made.
Methane emissions by Charolais cows grazing a monospecific pasture of timothy at four stages of maturity

In order to examine the relationship between herbage maturity and methane (CH4) emission under conditions which minimized opportunities for selective grazing, six 8-yr-old, dry and early-pregnant Charolais cows [712 ± 22.7 kg liveweight (LW)] were grazed on a mono-specific pasture of timothy at four stages of maturity: early vegetative, heading, flowering, and senescence. Daily CH4 production was measured during 7 d using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer-gas technique. Organic matter intake (OMI) was determined from fecal output estimated by Yb2O3 dosing and feed digestibility (OMD) estimated using a fecal N index. The OMD (%) decreased (P < 0.05) from 77.6 at early vegetative to 56.2 at senescence, but no cow effect upon OMD was observed. The OMI (14.8 g kg-1 LW) and CH4 production (273 g d-1) were higher (P < 0.05) at heading than at the other stages of maturity. The proportion of gross energy intake (GEI) lost in CH4 did not differ with maturity (mean 6.4% of GEI). Cow effects upon OMI and CH4 emis.
The postcranial skeleton of Vagaceratops irvinensis (Dinosauria, Ceratopsidae)

The postcranial skeleton of Vagaceratops (= Chasmosaurus ) irvinensis (CMN 41357), lacking only the tail, most of the left front and left hind limbs, and portions of the pelvis, is preserved in articulation. It is one of the most complete, best articulated ceratopsid skeletons known. Both the manus and vertebral column exhibit conspicuous pathologies, possibly an indication of advanced age at the time of death. The vertebral column comprises a syncervical, six additional cervical vertebrae, and 12 dorsals. A partial synsacrum is represented by two dorsosacrals, four sacrals, two caudosacrals, and a partial third caudosacral centrum. The ribcage, although crushed, is nearly complete. The sternum is unusually wide compared with other ceratopsids. As in other chasmosaurines, the humerus bears a prominent deltopectoral crest that forms the anterior edge of the broad, rectangular proximal humeral expansion. The medial tuberosity is separated from the dorsal surface of the humerus by a distinct notch. The insertion for the latissimus dorsi is conspicuous. The deltopectoral crest extends a full half of the distance to the distal end of the humerus. Epipodials of the forelimb are relatively short compared to the corresponding propodial. The ulna has a long, distinctly triangular olecranon, broadly rounded anterolateral process, prominent medial process, and a deeply concave trochlear notch. The terminal phalanges on the fourth and fifth manual digits are relatively large, and unlike other ceratopsids have distinct distal ? articular facets. The fourth trochanter of the femur is relatively proximal in position. This study and other recent studies of ceratopsid postcrania suggest that potentially useful taxonomic variation is present in the number of dorsosacrals, size of the groove on the ventral surface of the sacrum, morphology of the last dorsal and dorsosacral ribs, morphology of the scapula and proximal expansion of the humerus, morphology of the ulna, ratio of humerus/epipodium, morphology of the fifth manual digit, and position of the fourth trochanter of the femur.
Determination of cytotoxicity of latex and methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia leaves on vero cell line with MTT assay.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of latex and leaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia on Vero cell line. Aliquots (100 μl) of eight different concentrations (1000-0.0128 μg/ml) of each sample were incubated (with 5%CO2) with 100 μl of 0.5% MTT solution for 48 h at 37C. Active mitochondria of viable cells cleaved tetrazolium ring of MTT and consequently purple colored formazan was formed. Then multi-well plate was read in ELIZA reader at 570nm. Latex showed 57% cell survival percentage at highest (1000 μg/ml) while leaves methanol had 34% cell survival percentage at same concentration. IC50 of leaves methanol extract, calculated from linear regression equation, was 5.27 μg/ml. It was concluded that latex was devoid of cytotoxicity within concentrations ranged from 1000 to 0.0128 μg/ml, whereas leaves methanol extract showed cytotoxicity at 5.27 μg/ml concentration.
Preliminary Models for Growth Rates in Altricial Birds

The rate of growth in body weight of birds is not correlated with nestling mortality, but rather is a function of the adult body size of the species and the mode of development of the young. To examine the adaptive basis of growth rates, models are formulated which incorporate the mortality of the young, their energy requirement and their rate of growth into a function which determines the productivity of offspring. This function is maximized when growth rate occurs as rapidly as possible, at the expense of brood size. Optimally, one young should be raised which grows as rapidly as the parents are able to supply food. Because this is not observed in nature, and because of other inefficiencies due to the form of the growth curve, it is postulated that physiological constraints, based on the functional organization of the body plan, limit growth rate. This may occur either through bottlenecks placed on the rate at which food can be processed and utilized, or by problems of allocation of energy and tissues among mature and embryonic functions.