Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrative approaches to evolutionary ecology: Anolis lizards as model systems

Two approaches characterize the study of evolutionary ecology. Prospective studies investigate how present-day ecological processes may lead to evolutionary change; retrospective studies ask how present-day ecological conditions can be understood as the outcome of historical events. I argue that the most appropriate test of an evolutionary ecological hypothesis requires an integration of these approaches. I illustrate this approach by examining the hypothesis that interspecific competition has been the driving force behind the evolutionary radiation of Anolis lizards in the Caribbean. This hypothesis is supported by four lines of evidence: 1. Anole communities are structured by competition; 2. Populations alter resource use in the presence of congeners; 3. Microevolutionary adaptation occurs in response to resource shifts; and 4. Macroevolutionary patterns are consistent with interspecific competition as the driving force behind anole adaptive radiation.
Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Ruta graveolens L.

Ruta graveolens is known as Rue. R. graveolens extracts and essential oil are important areas in drug development with numerous pharmacological activities in many countries. For a long time R. graveolens has been used in traditional medicines for the relief of pain, eye problems, rheumatism and dermatitis. R. graveolens has recently been shown to have antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and insecticidal activities. Rutin, quercetin, psoralen, methoxypsoralen, rutacridone, rutacridone epoxide and gravacridondiol are phytochemical compounds which are reported from this plant. α-Pinene, limonene and 1,8-cineole were identified as the main monoterpene constituents for R. graveolensessential oil. Due to the easy collection of the plant and being widespread and also remarkable biological activities, this plant has become medicine in many countries especially in Mediterranean region. This article presents comprehensive analyzed information on the botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of R. graveolens. Key words: Ruta graveolens, Rutaceae, pharmacology, phytochemistry.
N, P, AND K BUDGETS ALONG NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY GRADIENTS IN WETLANDS

Nutrient enrichment in Western Europe is an important cause of wetland deterioration and the concomitant loss of biodiversity. We quantified nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium budgets along biomass gradients in wet meadows and fens (44 field sites) to evaluate the importance of various nutrient flows (atmospheric deposition, flooding, groundwater flow, leaching, soil turnover rates) for availability of the growth-limiting nutrient(s). From the nutrient budgets, we assessed N, P, and K availabilities for plants and compared them with N, P, and K in aboveground biomass. Also, potential long-term effects of annual hay harvesting on nutrient limitation were assessed. Comparing N, P, and K availabilities with N, P, and K amounts in the vegetation revealed that (1) the assessed availabilities could explain amounts and variation of nutrients in the vegetation along the biomass gradients, and (2) N was likely the major limiting nutrient along the gradients and P and K could (co)limit growth in some of the sites. Increasing N availabilities along the biomass gradients were caused by increasing N turnover rates in the soil. The contribution of atmospheric N deposition (43 kg N·ha 21 ·yr 21 at all sites) to N availability varied from ;63-76% in low-productivity meadows and fens to 24-42% in highly productive meadows and fens. P and K availabilities along the biomass gradients were primarily influenced by soil processes, as indicated by soil extractable nutrient pools. Flooding could explain 20-30% of K in aboveground higher plants but was less important for P or N availabilities. Nutrient input and output by groundwater flow were more or less negligible for nutrient availability. At low-productivity sites, N output by hay harvesting just accounted for N input from atmospheric deposition, whereas there was net output of P and K. At highly productive sites, there was net output of all three nutrients. Compared to total N, P, and K pools in the top soil, net K output (1-20% of soil K pool) was at many sites much larger than that of P (generally 0.5-3%) or N (0-3%). Hay harvesting particularly seems to create K limitation. Our results indicate that conservation or restoration of low productivity wetlands in Western Europe requires (1) stable site conditions controlling low N, P, and K turnover rates in the soil, and (2) in case of N limitation, annual removal of biomass by harvesting hay, or another management measure to counterbalance the N input from atmospheric deposition. Key words: atmospheric deposition; eutrophication; flooding; groundwater; mineralization; na- ture management; nitrogen; nutrient cycling; phosphorus; potassium; soil nutrient turnover; wetlands.
AN ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE RETINA OF NAUTILUS POMPILIUS

The receptor outer segments of Nautilus have several rhabdomeres of parallel microvilli occurring more or less equally at all orientations. The microvilli of adjacent receptors overlap substantially. The supporting cells ofthe retina possess both micro viious processes and small cilia. The receptor cells become disorganized towards their tips, although supporting cell processes can still be distinguished. There is no limiting.membrane. Similarities to and differences from the retinas ofadult and em bryonic coleoid cephalopods are discussed. The myeloid body ofNautilus is more developed than in other cephalopods, ap pearing in electronmicrographs as a complex ofloops or circles. A series of dimpled plates stacked in register one above the other could generate most or all of these apparently complicated structures depending on the plane ofsection. Myeloid bodies occur both externally and internally to the nucleus, and occasionally within the outer segment. At its margin the retina merges smoothly with the columnar epithelium lining the inside of the iris. The margin of the retina contains relatively more supporting cells than more central regions. Myeloid bodies first appear about 200 @tm central to the point at which the retina starts to thicken.
Occupational Access for Older Workers by Industry in Taiwan

In response to the labor shortage expedited by population aging, enhancing the labor force participation rate (LFPR) of aged people is a key policy in developed countries. The rate of population aging in Taiwan is one of the fastest in the world. In Taiwan, the threat of labor shortage is escalating, while the LFPR of middle-aged and older workers remains far lower than the standards of member countries of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The present study aims to investigate the industry and occupation distribution of middle-aged and older workers in Taiwan between 2003 and 2013 from the perspective of labor demand. The Hutchens Index was adopted to measure the openness of recruiting aged workers in the various industries in Taiwan and to illustrate age-specific occupational segregation (OS) curves. The findings showed that (1) the majority of jobs are skill level 2 jobs that do not require workers to be extremely skilled (total of four skill levels; Table 1). Many male workers continued their professional career after reaching retirement age, but financial hardship was the employment motivator for female workers in this group. (2) Newly employed middle-aged and older workers were largely distributed in low-skill, low-salary jobs. As workers grow old, “popular jobs” expand to include jobs with high skill demands, implying that the M-form occupation distribution after retirement age was far more obvious than before retirement age. (3) In terms of openness of recruiting aged workers, all professions in all industries preferred young workers over middle-aged and older workers. In addition, the top and bottom extremes of the occupation hierarchy were more accepting of middle-aged and older people workers, which verified the M-form occupation distribution of middle-aged and older workers. (4) The age-specific OS curve shows that the age difference of occupation distribution did not interact with gender or region. The Gini coefficients of OS based on gender and region were between 0.22 and 0.33.
Nonrandom sexual reproduction and diapausing egg production in a Daphnia hybrid species complex

Sexual reproduction in Daphnia results in the production of diapausing eggs, which are enclosed in a structure called ephippium. Ephippia, accumulated by sedimentation, can be preserved for decades and offer the opportunity for microevolutionary studies as well as the study of former pelagic populations. In a Swiss subalpine lake (Greifensee), we studied the genetic structure of the pelagic Daphnia galeata × hyalina hybrid species complex. We examined sexual females, males, and ephippia production. Eggs from ephippia were hatched, and the genotypes and taxa composition of all daphnids were determined using four polymorphic allozyme loci, two of which are each diagnostic for D. galeata and D. hyalina. We found significant differences between the genetic composition and the backcross level of pelagic asexual females, sexual females, males, and ephippial eggs (Daphnia hatchlings). The asexual daphnids were dominated by hybrids. In contrast, sexual females, especially Daphnia hatched from ephippial eggs, are dominated by D. galeata. We conclude that hybrid Daphnia have a lower sexual reproductive success than the parental D. galeata. The recent hybrid dominance suggests that D. galeata that hatch from diapausing eggs are not able to alter the pelagic population. The genotypic class composition of the diapausing eggs does not reflect the extant pelagic population; therefore, Daphnia diapausing egg banks do not always represent the past lake taxa structure.
Relative Frequencies of Visits to Selected Insectary Plants by Predatory Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae), Other Beneficial Insects, and Herbivores

Abstract The use of insectary plants in agroecosystems to provide floral resources for enhancing natural enemy activity is an increasingly used practice, but candidate flowering plant species are not always screened for their attractiveness to key arthropods in the system being studied. In the work presented here, the relative attractiveness of four species of insectary plants to beneficial and pest insect species was assessed by observing the relative frequencies of flower visits to replicated blocks of the insectary flowers in two Oregon broccoli fields. The four plant species tested were alyssum (Lobularia maritima L. Desv.), coriander (Coriandrum sativa L.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.). Predatory hoverflies (Syrphidae) were identified to species, where possible, because of their previously observed importance as aphid predators in broccoli fields in the study area. The other beneficial insect groups observed were in the families Apidae, Coccinellidae, Tachinidae, and Vespidae, and the three main pest species were western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus Knight), western spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata Mannerheim), and imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae L.). The Syrphidae visited mostly coriander, but this “preference” was probably influenced by competition from other foragers. Bumblebees and the three pest species visited mostly phacelia, and other species groups were less consistent in their flower choices. The different insect preferences for flowers are discussed in terms of the key influencing factors that should be considered when assessing the relative attractiveness of insectary plants in the field.
Mate location and sexual maturity of adult male mealybugs: narrow window of opportunity in a short lifetime.

The identification of sex pheromones of several mealybug species has facilitated the development of monitoring techniques and management tactics based on these compounds. However, experience shows that the efficiency of tactics such as mass trapping, mating disruption, and lure and kill may be constrained by a lack of knowledge of basic features of the life history and mating behaviour of male insects and the mechanisms involved in their interactions with pheromone sources. Unlike neotenic adult females, male mealybugs are active fliers, do not feed and live only a few days. We study the time a male mealybug invests in mate location and mating. We tested the amount of time needed for a male of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) to reach sexual maturation in a Petri dish. The response of males of different ages to a synthetic pheromone and virgin females was tested. Males from three different age classes (Iup to 10 hours after eclosion; II10-29 hours after eclosion; III29 or more hours after eclosion) were exposed to 100 ng of pheromone or a virgin female and the occurrence of a clear response, with copulation behaviour within 30 minutes of exposure, was noted. The insects’ survival rate, in terms of time, was also determined. In a parallel study, we also examined daily flight activity rhythms based on the number of male mealybugs captured each hour in pheromone traps in a citrus orchard. In the Petri dish bioassay, no class I males and less than 20% of class II males responded to the pheromone or virgin females. On the other hand, most of class III males presented a clear response. Data suggest that, after eclosion, most P. citri males need to complete a period of sexual maturation of at least 30 hours before they can respond to the sex pheromone and mate. Without mating, the maximal lifespan of males was approximately five days and 50% of males lived only up to 4.4 days (25.0 ± 0.5oC). Therefore, we estimate that most P. citri males have less than three days to find a receptive female and mate with her. However, since P. citri males only fly within a period of approximately four hours after sunrise, the total effective time available for mate location by flight is actually only less than 12 hours.
Diagnóstico da pesca artesanal em um reservatório do semiárido brasileiro

The Brazilian Northeast has numerous small and medium reservoirs where the artisanal fisheries is one the main activities performed and with great socioeconomic importance. The objectives of this study were: report, evaluate the composition of catches, yield and productivity, and investigate the relationship of fishery yield with fishing effort and rainfall in Santa Cruz reservoir (RN). The data were obtained from January to December 2012, through monthly questionnaires, filled by 16 fishermen, totalizing 1,344 trips fishing. The number of fishermen in activity ranged from 4 to 12 per month, and density from 0.117 to 0,351 fishermen km2; the number of fishing trips ranged from 65 to 175 per month and the mean per month ranged from 12.4 to 22.8 trips per fishermen. The fishery yield was 10,335.07 kg, the productivity was 3.03 kg ha-1 year-1 and mean Catch-per-uniteffort (CPUE) of 7.45 kg fishermen-1 day-1 and the “peacock cichlid” (6,142.40 kg) was the main fish caught. Cluster analysis indicated differences in the composition of fishing through the year. The fishery yield was correlated with fishing effort; however there was no correlation with rainfall. The reservoir showed low fishery yield and fishing was sustained for introduced species.
Adult NK lineage development in humans is strengthened upon emergency

Emergency conditions such as infection demand rapid production and activation of innate immune cells to combat noxious extrinsic agents. In mice, pathogen recognition through Toll like receptors (TLR) and the resulting pro-inflammatory cytokine release induce the expansion of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells and instruct early differentiation fates so immediate innate cell development is guaranteed. Accordingly, recent work suggests that human primitive cell populations are also capable of microbial components discrimination through TLR, a mechanism that facilitates their differentiation to myeloid lineage cells. We have now found that early lymphoid progenitor cells from adult bone marrow display TLR9 and its ligation promotes the quick development of NK lineage cells by using mechanisms that involve IL-15R up-regulation. Strikingly, this phenomenon is not obvious in their neonatal counterparts, suggesting that contribution of neonatal seminal cells to the emergent cell production in response to viral signals may differ from that of adult cells.
The biochemical basis of antimicrobial responses in Manduca sexta

Innate immunity is essential for the wellbeing of vertebrates and invertebrates. Key components of this defense system include pattern recognition receptors that bind to infectious agents, extra–and intra–cellular proteins that relay signals, as well as molecules and cells that eliminate pathogens. We have been studying the defense mechanisms in a biochemical model insect, Manduca sexta. In this insect, hemolin, peptidoglycan recognition proteins, β‐1,3‐glucan recognition proteins and C‐type lectins detect microbial surface molecules and induce immune responses such as phagocytosis, nodulation, encapsulation, melanization and production of antimicrobial peptides. Some of these responses are mediated by extracellular serine proteinase pathways. The proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase (proPO) yields active phenoloxidase (PO) which catalyzes the formation of quinones and melanin for wound healing and microbe killing. M. sexta hemolymph proteinase 14 (HP14) precursor interacts with peptidoglycan or β‐1,3‐glucan, autoactivates, and leads to the activation of other HPs including HP21 and proPO‐activating proteinases (PAPs). PAP‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 cut proPO to generate active PO in the presence of two serine proteinase homologs. Inhibition of the proteinases by serpins and association of the proteinase homologs with bacteria ensure a localized defense reaction. M. sexta HP1, HP6, HP8, HP17 and other proteinases may also participate in proPO activation or processing of spätzle and plasmatocyte spreading peptide.
Synonymy of Sebastes caenaematicus with Sebastes borealis, and Range Extension Record

Sebastes caenaematicus Tsuyuki and Westrheim (1970) is synonymized with Sebastes borealis Barsukov (1970). Recorded geographical range of S. borealis has been extended southward in the eastern Pacific Ocean at least 600 miles, to Cape Flattery, Wash. (48°23′N lat), and probably 1000 miles, to Eureka, Calif. (40°46′N lat).
Conservation introduction of the threatened Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata: post-release dispersal differs between wild-caught and captive founders

Abstract Sixteen Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata (10 females, 6 males) were released into a protected area, the Sibillini Mountains National Park, Central Apennines, Italy, and monitored using global positioning system radio tags during 2008–2010. Founders caught in the wild (n = 8) and those reared in large enclosures (n = 8) differed in movement frequency (inter-fix distance per hour) and maximum distance covered (from the release site) in the first 5 months after release: both were significantly greater in wild individuals, males moved significantly more than females, wild individuals shifted their home ranges significantly more often than captive ones, and no differences were observed between the sexes or age classes. A mixed strategy of selection of wild and captive founders has proven successful in preventing large movements in the initial stages of release yet still providing sufficient opportunity to avoid inbreeding depression.
Effect of High Concentrations of Cholecalciferol on Growth, Bone Mineralization, and Mineral Retention in Broiler Chicks Fed Suboptimal Concentrations of Calcium and Nonphytate Phosphorus

SUMMARY An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of supplementing high concentrations (200vs.1,200,2,400,and3,600ICU/kg)ofcholecalciferol(CC)onperformance,bonemineralization, and mineral retention in broiler chickens (2 to 42 d of age) fed a basal diet containing suboptimal concentrations of Ca and nonphytate P (NPP; 0.5 and 0.25%, respectively). A reference diet (RD) containing recommended levels of Ca, NPP, and CC was considered as control. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 21 replicates containing 5 birds in each. Body weight gain, feed efficiency, tibia ash, and serum Ca and inorganic P decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in broilers fed suboptimal concentrations of Ca and NPP compared with those fed the RD. The BW gain (2,400 ICU/kg) and feed efficiency, leg abnormality score, and bone mineralization characteristics (3,600 ICU/kg) in broilers fed suboptimal concentrations of Ca and NPP with high concentrations of CC were similar to those fed the RD. The concentrations of Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu in liver increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increase in concentrations of CC in the basal diet. Based on the results, it is concluded that performance and bone mineralization in broilers could be maintained with suboptimal concentrations of Ca and NPP (0.5 and 0.25%, respectively) and higher concentrations of CC (3,600 ICU/kg) in the diet.
Overwintering populations of Anabaena, Aphanizomenon and Microcystis as potential inocula for summer blooms

Overwintering cyanobacterial populations of Nostocales and Microcystis were investigated in six freshwater reservoirs in Northwestern Spain during two consecutive winters. Surface sediments hosted 10–10 akinetes mL and 10–10 Microcystis colonies mL. Sediments from deeper areas close to dam accumulated 2-fold (Microcystis) and 11-fold (akinetes) greater concentrations than those at the shallower upstream areas. Anabaena spp. and Microcystis aeruginosa dominated the sediment pool, with minor amounts of akinetes of Aphanizomenon (Aph. flos-aquae, Aph. gracile) and benthic Nostocales (Cylindrospermum, Nostoc and Trichormus). Our study confirms the dual benthic-pelagic overwintering of Anabaena, Aphanizomenon and Microcystis, found in the pelagial at 7.5–9.88C. This study also provides an insight into the little known annual cycle of potential cyanotoxin-producers Aph. gracile and Anabaena circinalis. Our estimates show that: (i) only a small fraction (,1%) of the sediment pool of akinetes and Microcystis was resupended in the bottom water during winter which, however, may be sufficient inocula to build up the summer maxima under realistic in situ growth rates; and (ii) the time required for the development of summer populations is mainly driven by growth rates, and therefore by the environmental conditions faced by the inoculum, with a lower influence (although greater for Microcystis than for Nostocales) of the inoculum size.
Susceptibility of Three Phenotypes of Village Chickens To Newcastle Disease In Adamawa State

The susceptibility of three phenotypes of Village chickens to Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) (Hertz 33/56 strain) was investigated at Modibbo Adama University poultry farm, Yola. Forty five (45) village chickens, made up of fifteen (15) each of Frizzle, Naked neck and Smooth feathered types were infected with NDV (Hertz 33/56 strain) through intraocular and intranasal routes and subsequently bled on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 post infection. A morbidity rate of 100% and mortality rates of 58.3%, 41.7% and 75% for the frizzle, naked neck and smooth feathered types was observed respectively. The mean antibody titre of all the phenotypes before the infection was zero and naked neck started developing protective antibodies on day 7 post infection (PI). All the phenotypes, with the exception of the naked necks in the intraocular group, exhibited highest Geometric mean titre (GMT) of NDV HI antibodies on day 28 PI through both routes. The GMT in the control group remained low throughout the experiment. It could therefore be concluded that, the naked neck group and their crosses were the most resistant phenotype, followed by frizzle feathered and their crosses and the smooth feathered and their crosses were the least resistant and poor sero-converts to NDV infection. It is therefore recommended that naked neck group and it crosses should be adapted into the rearing programmes.