Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity to Seed Germination Schedule by Scatter-Hoarding Pére David's Rock Squirrels During Mast and Non-Mast Years

AbstractMast seeding by oaks (Quercus) and other seed species has fundamentalimpacts on the behavior of individual scatter-hoarding animals as well astheir population and community dynamics. Scatter-hoarding squirrels arehighly sensitive to acorn germination schedule and stop germination byremoving the embryo of non-dormant acorns to prevent losses of energyand nutrients by rapid germination. However, we know little about howthis behavior is affected by mast seeding. We investigated foraging deci-sions made by free-ranging Pere David’s rock squirrel (Sciurotamias davidi-anus) with three species that produce non-dormant seeds and two speciesthat produce dormant seeds (Fagaceae) during mast and non-mast yearsin Central China from 2007–2010. Consistent with the food perishabilityhypothesis that squirrels make decisions to minimize the perishability oftheir caches, non-dormant seeds were hoarded at a lower rate, but had ahigher probability of embryo removal than dormant seeds. Comparedwith non-mast years, a lower proportion of seeds were harvested duringmast years, but a higher proportion of the harvested seeds were hoarded.In addition, the probability of embryo removal in the hoarded seeds washigher during mast years. Squirrels also dispersed seeds at shorter dis-tances during mast years. Moreover, the interactions between mast seed-ing and seed germination schedule had signiﬁcant effects on squirrelforaging decisions, including embryo removal. This study is the ﬁrst todemonstrate that squirrels show greater sensitivity to seed germinationpotential when seeds are abundant.IntroductionEphemeral pulsed resources have been recognized tocause large changes in foraging behavior and in pop-ulation and community dynamics (Yang et al. 2010). For example, mast seeding, the intermittent produc-tion of large seed crops by a plant population (Silver-town 1980; Kelly 1994), has fundamental impactson the numerical and functional responses of seed-eating animals and top predators (Kelly & Sork 2002;Schmidt & Ostfeld 2008; Klinger & Rejmanek 2009). Mast seeding provides rich food resources for survivaland reproduction of seed-eating animals and thusimpacts their population and community dynamics(Wolff 1996; Ostfeld & Keesing 2000; Schmidt O Klinger & Rejmanek 2009; Vander Wall 2010). However, we know little about how seed selection byseed predators and seed dispersers is modiﬁed as seedabundancechangesintimeandspace.The germination or dormancy of seeds is a criticallife-history trait that affects dispersal success and seed-ling establishment under diverse selective pressuresfrom seed predators and seed dispersers (Harper1977). The food perishability hypothesis assumes thatthe rapid germination of non-dormant seeds cancause part or complete loss of energy and nutrients inthe seeds (Fox 1982; Steele et al. 2001a, 2006; Jansenet al. 2006; Xiao et al. 2009, 2010; Cao et al. 2011).
Assay of cellulolytic activity of cellulose‐decomposing fungi isolated from Egyptian soils

Ninety two fungal species recovered on cellulose — Czapek's agar plates from Egyptian soils were assayed for their cellulolytic activities either at 28 °C (mesophilic) or at 45 °C (thermophilic or thermotolerant). The percentage increase of protein‐nitrogen over those of control was taken as a measure of this ability. At 28°C, the top species in cellulolytic activity were Penicillium oxalicum, Nectria haematococca, Gliocladium catenulatum, Myrothecium verrucaria and Aspergillus niger. The other species showed low, weak or non cellulalytic activity. At 45°C, the highest activity was manifested by Chactomium olivaceum, Sporotrichum thermophilum, Sepedonium chrysospermum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Humicola minima, Rhizomucor pusillus and Thermomyces lanugibnosus. All Penicillium species tested as well as some other fungal species were not capable of utilizing cellulsoe at 45°C.
Vinexin β Interacts with the Non-phosphorylated AF-1 Domain of Retinoid Receptor γ (RARγ) and Represses RARγ-mediated Transcription*

Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate the expression of retinoic acid target genes. Although the importance of RAR phosphorylation in their N-terminal domain is clearly established, the underlying mechanism for the phosphorylation-dependent transcriptional activity of the receptors had not been elucidated yet. Here, using a yeast two-hybrid system, we report the isolation of vinexin β as a new cofactor that interacts with the N-terminal A/B domain of the RARγ isotype. Vinexin β is a multiple SH3 motif-containing protein associated with the cytoskeleton and also present in the nucleus. We demonstrate that vinexin β colocalizes with RARγ in the nucleus and interacts with the non-phosphorylated form of the AF-1 domain of RARγ. We also show that this interaction is prevented upon phosphorylation of the AF-1 domain. Using F9 cells stably overexpressing vinexin β or vinexin knockdown by RNA interference, we demonstrate that vinexin β is an inhibitor of RARγ-mediated transcription. We propose a model in which phosphorylation of the AF-1 domain controls RARγ-mediated transcription through triggering the dissociation of vinexin β.
Registration of Four Early Flowering Indica Germplasms of Rice

154 Journal of Plant Registrations, Vol. 1, No. 2, September 2007 Germination induces accumulation of specifi c proteins and antifungal activities in corn kernels. Phytopathology 87:1174–1178. Guo, B.Z. , R. Li, N.W. Widstrom, R.E. Lynch, and T.E. Cleveland. 2001. Genetic variation in the maize population GT-MAS:gk and the relationship with resistance to Aspergillus fl avus. Theor. Appl. Genet. 103:533–539. Guo, B.Z. , J.S. Russin, T.E. Cleveland, R.L. Brown, and K.E. Damann. 1996. Evidence for cutinase production by Aspergillus fl avus and its possible role in infection of corn kernels. Phytopathology 86:824–829. Guo, B.Z. , J.S. Russin, T.E. Cleveland, R.L. Brown, and N.W. Widstrom. 1995. Wax and cutin layers in maize kernels associated with resistance to afl atoxin production by Aspergillus fl avus. J. Food Prot. 58:296–300. Hamblin, A.M., and D.G. White. 2000. Inheritance of resistant to Aspergillus ear rot and afl atoxin production of corn from Tex6. Phytopathology 90:292–296. McMillian, W.W. , N.W. Widstrom, and D.M. Wilson. 1993. Registration of GT-MAS:gk maize germplasm. Crop Sci. 33:882. Russin, J.S. , B.Z. Guo, K.M. Tubujika, R.L. Brown, T.E. Cleveland, and N.W. Widstrom. 1997. Comparison of kernel wax from corn genotypes resistance or susceptible to Aspergillus fl avus. Phytopathology 87:529–533. Widstrom, N.W. , A. Butrón, B.Z. Guo, D.M. Wilson, M.E. Snook, T.E. Cleveland, and R.E. Lynch. 2003. Control of preharvest afl atoxin contamination in maize by pyramiding QTL involved in resistance to ear-feeding insects and invasion by Aspergillus spp. Eur. J. Agron. 19:563–572. Widstrom, N.W. , W.W. McMillian, and D.M. Wilson. 1987. Segregation for resistance to afl atoxin contamination among seeds on an ear of hybrid maize. Crop Sci. 27:961–963.
Media composition influences on growth, enzyme activity, and virulence of the entomopathogen hyphomycete Isaria fumosoroseus

Three isolates of Isaria fumosoroseus Wize (Hyphomycetes) were cultured on six media composed of differing amounts of chitin, carbon, and nitrogen. The effect of nutrition on growth and virulence was studied by measuring colony growth, spore yield, germination rate, spore‐bound protease (Pr1) and lipase activity, and virulence of inoculum produced by different media against second instars of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Chitin peptone nutrition media resulted in the highest colony growth but spore yields were lowest for this medium, whereas the osmotic stress medium resulted in the lowest colony growth with fewer spores. Highest lipase activity (4.14 µmol/ml/min) was observed for spores produced on high C/N medium for isolate IF28.2, whereas highest Pr1 activity (2.64 µmol/ml/min) was also observed on high C/N medium for isolate IF28.2. A higher rate of Pr1 and lipase activity for all three isolates was observed on low C/N, 2% peptone, and the osmotic stress media. Conidia from nutrient‐poor media (2% peptone) proved to be the least virulent for all three isolates with median survival time values of 2.23, 2.05, and 1.79 days for IF32, IF28.2, and IF49, respectively. Median survival time values for the various nutrient media proved to be positively correlated with spore‐bound Pr1 and lipase activity, having correlation coefficient values of 0.115 and 0.538, respectively.
Induction of Elastase in a Zoophytophagous Heteropteran, Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract One potential biochemical adaptation to mixed feeding habits, or zoophytophagy, is enzyme induction/enzyme repression. We investigated the potential of the highly polyphagous mirid Lygus hesperus Knight to increase its production of the specialized proteolytic enzyme, elastase (E. C. 3. 4. 31.36). Efforts to induce elastase production were made by feeding L. hesperus on an artificial diet spiked with elastin. Short-term (less than one generation) and long-term (three generations) tests were conducted to determine the effect of acute versus chronic exposure to elastin, a protein that may be present in extra cellular matrix of prey. Elastase activity was much greater in the salivary gland complex (SGC) of individuals fed elastin-containing diet than it was in those fed the control diet. The elevated elastase activity in the elastin treatment group indicated the inducibility of this proteolytic enzyme, especially in the SGC. The results also indicated that the SGC, rather than the gut, is the principal site of elastase production.
Alternative Female Choice Tactics in the Scorpionfly Hylobittacus apicalis(Mecoptera) and Their Implications

Females of the scorpionfly Hylobittacus apicalis choose mates on the basis of material benefits (nuptial arthropod prey size) and probably on the basis of genetic benefits males deliver at mating. Females feed on the male's prey throughout copulation. They prefer males with large prey as mates and often refuse males who present small prey. That females may value male genetic quality is suggested by differences in ability of males to obtain large prey, which if inherited would influence offspring fitness, and by females often terminating mating with males with small prey before they transfer any sperm or a complete ejaculate. Females hunt only when males with prey are not available because hunting exposes individuals to predators. Female Hylobittacus apicalis exhibit alternative mate choice tactics, which are condition-dependent in expression and probably comprise a conditional strategy. Body size, recent feeding history, and male availability determine how discriminating an individual female actually is, and these conditions may determine the value of material and genetic benefits in mate choice decisions. The results suggest that female choice controls male behavior. When females become choosy, males are forced to obtain rare large prey despite the increased risks to males associated with this behavior. The implications of the findings on H. apicalis are discussed in relation to condition dependent female choice patterns in other species and the evolutionary maintenance of female choice.
Accumulation of aluminium in the cell wall pectin in cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells treated with a combination of aluminium and iron

In nutrient medium, aluminium (Al) accumulation in tobacco cells occurs only in the presence of ferrous ion [Fe(II)]. The localization of Al was examined to elucidate a mechanism of Al accumulation. After the digestion of Al-treated cells with cellulase and pectolyase together, the resulting spheroplasts contained as much Al as the intact cells. However, the cell walls isolated from Al-treated cells also contained as much Al as the intact cells. Comparison of sugar and Al contents in polysaccharide components extracted chemically from cell walls isolated from intact cells and spheroplasts revealed that the enzymes digested most of the cellulose and hemicellulose, but only half of the pectin, and that Al mainly existed in the pectin remaining in the spheroplasts. Gel-permeation chromatography of the pectin fraction (NH 4 -oxalate extract) from the cell walls of the intact cells indicated that Al was associated with small polysaccharides of approximately 3-7 kDa. These results suggest that a minor part of pectin is a major site of Al accumulation. The content of cell wall pectin increased during Al treatment in nutrient medium. Taken together, we hypothesize that Al may bind to the pectin newly produced during Al treatment.
Can Consumer-Resource Dynamics Explain Patterns of Guild Assembly?

Nonrandom assemblies of small mammals conform, on average, to a simple pattern discovered by Barry Fox: "Species entering a community will tend to be drawn from a different group until each group is represented, and then the rule repeats. " We demonstrate that the Fox assembly pattern is a probabilistic consequence of adding guild structure to models of consumer-resource competition. Assemblies agreeing with the Fox pattern will occur more frequently than those that do not agree with it. High-probability states of coexistence occurring in heterogeneous habitats will frequently include lower-probability states in habitat subsamples. In communities composed of many guilds, low-probability "non-Fox" states representing i guilds should occupy a broader range of habitat variation than should subsets of high-probability Fox states representing fewer guilds. Differences in resource gradients among habitats should produce a correlated habitat bias in guild representation. Patterns of community assembly from diverse boreal rodent communities containing four different guilds were consistent with the theory's predictions. First, states agreeing with the Fox pattern occurred more frequently than expected to occur by chance. Second, low-probability states were nested in high-probability ones. Third, low-probability states from three guilds occupied a greater range of habitat variation than did subsets of high-probability states in fewer guilds. Finally, different rodent guilds were biased toward forest and cutover habitats.
The metabolic pathway of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degradation involves different families of tfdA and tfdB genes according to PCR‐RFLP analysis

Twenty-five 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degrading bacteria from geographically diverse locations and presenting various degrees of similarity or no similarity to the tfdA and tfdB genes from Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 were analysed by PCR-RFLP (restriction length fragment polymorphism). Primers for the 2,4-D etherase gene were derived by sequence alignment of the tfdA genes from A. eutrophus JMP134 and Burkholderia sp. RASC. Primers for the 2,4-dichlorophenolhydroxylase gene were based on the tfdB gene sequence from A. eutrophus JMP134 by taking codon degeneration and variations in amino acid residue sequences into consideration. PCR amplification using the tfdA primer set produced fragments of 0.3 kb from 17 strains which showed varying degrees of similarity to the tfdA gene probe from A. eutrophus JMP134. Significant variations in the gene sequences were confirmed by PCR-RFLP analysis. DNA amplification using the tfdB primer set produced a 1.1 kb fragment from 19 strains. Amongst them, two did not show any similarity to the tfdB gene probe. The size and restriction pattern of the products obtained from A. eutrophus JMP134 were in accordance with the expected size calculated from the A. eutrophus tfdA and tfdB gene sequence and their theoretical PCR-RFLP patterns. Some strains which did not amplify using the tfdA primer set did however amplify with the tfdB primer set. These results suggest the independent evolution of these two genes in the construction of the 2,4-D metabolic pathway. Our tfdA and tfdB primer sets could be used for the detection of similar sequences in bacteria and soils. Moreover, PCR-RFLP patterns could also be used to select subsets of strains for sequencing to study the phylogeny of the tfdA and tfdB genes.
Biological activity of essential oils from seven Azorean plants against Pseudaletia unipuncta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ten essential oils from seven Azorean plant species were evaluated for their insecticidal, ovicidal, feeding‐deterrence and growth inhibition activities against Pseudaletia unipuncta. The oils of Laurus azorica (leaves), and Juniperus brevifolia (leaves) showed strong moderate insecticidal effect on fourth‐instar larvae causing 93.3% and 46.7% mortality, respectively. Juniperus brevifolia (leaves), L. azorica (leaves), Persea indica (leaves), Hedychium gardnerianum (leaves) and Pittosporum undulatum (fruits and leaves) significantly affected the hatching of P. unipuncta eggs (<8% eclosions). Five oils showed significant feeding deterrent activities (L. azorica, 92.4%, J. brevifolia, 93.6%, P. undulatum leaves, 95.5% and fruits, 83.8% and H. gardnerianum, 88.2%). All of the essential oils tested, significantly inhibited the larval growth after 5 days of feeding on the treated diet. Essential oils from L. azorica and J. brevifolia were the most potent growth inhibitors among the oils tested, producing a decrease in the initial larva weight (−14.8 and −14.5 mg, respectively). Our results indicate that L. azorica (leaves), J. brevifolia (leaves), P. indica (leaves), H. gardnerianum (leaves), and P. undulatum (leaves and fruits) can be exploited for the development of bioactive compounds as a new source of agrochemicals. Further emphasis on isolation and identification of active constituents can be useful to develop new environment‐friendly insect control agents.
Mycorrhizal sink strength influences whole plant carbon balance of Trifolium repens L

A comparative analysis of daily carbon (C) budgets and aspects of the C physiology of clover (Trifolium repens L.) colonized by vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi was carried out over a 70 d growth period under conditions designed to ensure that shoots of mycorrhizal (M) and non-mycorrhizal (NM) plants were of similar nutrient status. C budgets did not differ on day 24 but by day 42 M plants had a significantly higher rate of photosynthesis than their NM counterparts when expressed on a whole shoot basis or unit dry weight basis. As both sets of plants were of the same size it was concluded that this greater C gain was the result of increased sink strength provided by the mycorrhizal fungus. By day 53 M plants had become larger than their uncolonized counterparts and a sink-induced stimulation in the rate of photosynthesis was no longer apparent. M plants had higher root sucrose, glucose and fructose pools from day 24. Analyses suggested that these sugars were utilized for trehalose and lipid synthesis, for the production of the large extramatrical mycelium and for the support of the respiratory demands of the M root system. Increased C allocation to roots of M plants was associated with a stimulation of the activities of cell wall and cytoplasmic invertases and of sucrose synthase in roots colonized by VA fungi. Such increases in enzyme activity may provide the mechanism enabling increased partitioning of carbohydrate both to the M root system and the fungal symbiont.
Plécoptères et coléoptères aquatiques du Lot (Massif central français)

Quarante-deux especes de Plecopteres, seize especes d'Elminthidac et cinq especes d'Hydraena ont ete capturees dans seize stations situees sur la partie amont du Lot et sur son principal affluent, la Truyere. En aval, les debits estivaux sont tres perturbes par le fonctionnement des usines hydro-electriques. Ces perturbations eliminent la plupart des Plecopteres, puis les Coleopteres. Toutefois, deux Leuctra automnales, L. fusca et L. geniculata, se maintiennent dans cette zone. Des donnees morphologiques sont precisees pour certaines especes de Plecopteres.
Diseases and parasites, eradication or management: what strategy for honey bee health?

With the recent discoveries of treatment-resistant AFB and varroa, the face of disease and pest control in apiculture has changed. Control must now enter the realm of integrated pest management (IPM) by which traditional chemical controls are combined with ‘softer’ approaches and with genetic and cultural methods. IPM is needed to reduce the occurrence of more treament-resistant pathogens and pests. Control tactics need to lower expectation to efficacy that is economically feasible rather than near absolute.
CONTRASTING EFFECTS OF MEAN INTENSITY AND TEMPORAL VARIATION OF DISTURBANCE ON A ROCKY SEASHORE

Understanding the extent to which natural assemblages withstand changes in the regime of disturbance has considerable practical and theoretical interest. In this paper we examine the separate and interactive effects of intensity, temporal variation, and spatial extent of disturbance on temporal variance in assemblages of algae and invertebrates of rocky shores in the northwest Mediterranean. Temporal variation of disturbance is a predictor variable in the experiment, while temporal variance in abundance and number of taxa and in structure of assemblages are response variables. Multivariate analyses detected a positive relationship between intensity of disturbance and temporal variance in the structure of assemblages, while temporal variation of disturbance elicited the opposite effect. Univariate analyses conducted on the most abundant taxa revealed idiosyncratic patterns, while temporal variance in mean number of taxa was greatly reduced by disturbance, with no distinction among levels of intensity, temporal variation, or spatial extent. These outcomes suggest caution in interpreting the results of experiments in which intensity and temporal variation of disturbance cannot be separated. Distinguishing between these traits of disturbance may be key to predicting the ecological consequence of environmental fluctuations, including those expected under modified climate scenarios.
Composition and variability of mountain gorilla diets in the Central Virungas

Data are presented here on the feeding ecology of wild mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) which were observed for approximately 2,400 hours over a 17‐month period in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. Aspects of the relationship between the composition, diversity, and temporal consistency of the gorillas' diet and spatial and temporal variability in food distribution patterns are described. Mountain gorillas are folivores that show considerable specialization on plant parts, species and families. This pattern is facilitated by the general richness of their habitat. Their environment is heterogeneous, and spatial variability in food distribution is more pronounced than temporal variability. The gorillas rely almost completely on perennially available foliage of herbs and vines. Their diet varies little in association with seasonal factors but varies markedly in space in association with variability in the vegetational composition of the habitat. Individuals in the main study group shared basically similar patterns of food choice. Different groups also shared a similar general pattern, although there were differences in detail that apparently resulted largely from vegetational contrasts between home ranges. The gorillas' behavioral responses to environmental complexity lend general support to recent ideas concerning the evolution of their social system.