Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating seabird densities from vessel transects: distance sampling and implications for strip transects

Vessel-based transects have been a mainstay of seabird research for decades, yet there has been surprisingly little effort to evaluate the detectability of seabirds within strip transects. Dis- tance sampling methods offer an opportunity to quantify detectability and assess the proportions of birds on the water that may be missed during strip transects. Three summers of line-transect surveys were analyzed using the program Distance to model detection functions of 6 seabird taxa (marbled murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus, rhinoceros auklet Cerorhinca monocerata, common murre Uria aalge, pigeon guillemot Cepphus columba, pelagic cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus, gulls Larus spp.). We tested the effects of covariates (year, observers, sea state, and cluster size) on detec- tion function estimation. Year and observer were the most important covariates for some but not all species. For a 300 m wide transect (150 m on either side), 20 to 80% of birds were detected, depend- ing on species, year, and observer. Detectability was highest for cormorants (60 to 90%) and fairly similar among other species (typically 40 to 60%). Sea state had a significant effect on encounter rate for murrelets suggesting that g(0), detection probability near the transect line, may be <1 when wave height increases. These data emphasize that a high proportion of birds on the water remain unde- tected during strip-transect surveys. It is important that surveys develop independent estimates of detection probability to account for detectability among species, years, observers, vessel types/speed, and viewing conditions. The application of distance sampling to seabird surveys can provide more accurate abundance and population estimates, which can improve conservation and management efforts.
Some aspects of the biology of the fungal symbiont of Sirex noctilio.

Summary Studies of the cultural characteristics on artificial media of the fungal symbiont of Sirex noctilio F. indicate that in Australia only one fungus is involved in the association. A medium containing 20 p.p.m. o-phenylphenol was found suitable for the a isolation of the Sirex fungus. Histological studies confirmed that the Sirex fungus develops in wood only as vegetative hyphae. Ray parenchyma cells were killed in advance of the growing hyphae, which suggested that a toxin was produced by the fungus. Comparisons of growth in agar culture, of fructifications produced on wood blocks, and of starch gel electrophoresis protein patterns indicated that the Sirex fungus is probably a strain or variety of Arnylostereum chailletii (Fr.) Boidin. In Australia, adults of Sirex noctilio emerge from attacked trees during the period from late November to early May, with peak emergence occurring in February and March. The symbiotic fungus, which is carried in the form of arthrospores and blastospores by female wasps in the paired intersegmental sacs at the base of the ovipositor (Francke-Grosmann 1939), is injected into the wood during the process of oviposition. The ovipositor is inserted about 0.75 in. into the wood, but eggs are not laid at each insertion. The eggs hatch in 2-6 weeks, depending on the temperature and moisture content of the wood. For about 4 months larvae stay near the annual ring in which they are laid, then turn inward and often enter the heartwood. Larvae pupate from October to March in both the first and second seasons following oviposition, in pupal chambers constructed about 1 in. below the bark, and pupation is completed in about a month, after which the adult bores out of the wood. The close association of the fungus with developing wood wasp larvae, the transfer of the fungus between successive female larval instars, and its eventual development as arthrospores in the intersegmental sacs of the adult female wasp have been examined and discussed by a number of workers (Buchner 1930; Cartwright 1938; Francke-Grosmann 1939, 1957; Parkin 1942), but there are many points which still need to be investigated. The first sign of infestation by wood wasps is the exudation of resin from oviposition punctures in the bark. Within a month of oviposition, a strip of bark extending above and below each puncture is killed, probably owing to the activity of the fungus. Wood wasp attack may lead to the killing of trees within 2 months of oviposition, or trees may die over a longer period depending on the time and severity of attack. For example, trees attacked in late autumn usually die in late winter or spring while some are only partly killed. Some trees, however, may recover and show
Morphology, chemical contents and physiology of chondrostean fish sperm: a comparative study between Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

Summary The present study was carried out with two sturgeon species, Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) and sterlet (A. ruthenus) to compare spermatological parameters to better understand inter-species differences. Significant differences between morphometric features were observed such as acrosome length, acrosome width, head length, midpiece width and flagellar length, while midpiece length did not reveal such differences. The sterlet has a shorter spermatozoon than the Siberian sturgeon. Ultrastructural parameters vary significantly in terms of length of the nucleus, diameter of the endonuclear canals (EC), size of posterolateral projections (PP) and diameter of flagellum. Mean values for density of spermatozoa in the semen, seminal plasma pH, osmolality (mOsmol kg−1), along with Ca2+, Na+, K+, Cl− ions concentrations (mm) were determined to be 0.61 ± 0.37 × 109, 8.16 ± 0.18, 77.20 ± 52.28, 0.24 ± 0.06, 31.39 ± 10.21, 3.51 ± 1.10, 14.00 ± 4.30 in A. baerii and 0.41 ± 0.32 × 109, 8.13 ± 0.19, 50.74 ± 6.27, 0.16 ± 0.11, 20.11 ± 3.78, 1.26 ± 0.54, 6.11 ± 0.60 in A. ruthenus, respectively. Significant differences were observed in Na+, K+ and Cl− concentrations in the seminal plasma as well as in sperm velocity. The percentage of motile spermatozoa did not show any significant difference between the two species. Comparing the results of this study with published literature data on sturgeon spermatozoa reveals that morphological and ultrastructural parameters of spermatozoa together with some parameters of the seminal fluid and spermatozoa velocity can be used in comparative spermatology to better understand inter-species differences. The observed biochemical and physiological differences should be also considered for the development of methods for controlled reproduction and for sperm cryopreservation techniques.
Chemosynthetic carbon metabolism in thermophiles

Microbial communities inhabiting high temperature (>73C) environments are supported by chemical energy, providing a unique opportunity to investigate the processes that supported life prior to the advent of photosynthesis. Previous work has focused on the importance of autotrophy in supporting such communities, and recent reports of organic substrate utilization in several high temperature springs in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), Wyoming, USA suggest that chemosynthetic populations are facultatively autotrophic. Nevertheless, little is known about the factors influencing relative rates of autotrophy and heterotrophy in these systems, and few studies have addressed the potential role of facultative autotrophs in supporting these ecosystems. This work addressed these compelling questions using in situ microcosm assays to directly quantify organic and inorganic substrate transformation rates in 13 geochemically diverse YNP chemosynthetic communities. The results provide the first conclusive evidence that dominant autotrophs in these ecosystems are facultative, and can alter their metabolism over short time spans to preferentially exploit more thermodynamically favorable organic substrates at rates comparable to or exceeding those of inorganic substrate utilization. Multivariate statistical analysis of co-registered substrate transformation rates, geochemical measurements, and phylogenetic data collected from these communities suggests an important relationship between environmental variation, community composition, and the relative importance of autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolisms supporting these communities. Elevated formate utilization rates in crenarchaea-dominated chemosynthetic communities inhabiting acidic, sulfur-rich geothermal springs motivated the isolation of the first hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon (Thermoproteus sp CP80) capable of coupling formate oxidation to elemental sulfur reduction. Physiological characterization demonstrated that CP80 is a facultative autotroph that alters its metabolism to preferentially utilize formate over CO2. Similar formate utilization characteristics by CP80 and its native population strongly suggests that this and other sulfur reducing crenarchaea may be responsible for high rates of formate utilization in high temperature, sulfur rich YNP systems. Overall, these results indicate an important, previously-underestimated role for organic substrates in supporting chemosynthetic communities inhabiting geochemically diverse YNP hot springs. Future work should focus on identifying additional organic carbon sources, measurement of carbon flux through chemosynthetic communities, and further characterization of the biochemical mechanisms underlying organic and inorganic substrate metabolism in Thermoproteus sp. CP80.
Metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos de bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin nos primeiros quatro meses de vida

To study some defence mechanisms of beef calves kept on range conditions, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were bled at 24 to 36 hours of life, 15, 30, 60, 90 and, 120 days. Leukogram and neutrophil oxidative burst through the non-stimulated and the stimulated NBT tests were determined. The parasitemia with Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and B. bovis was investigated. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse the age effect on leukocyte counts. Variation of positive neutrophil throughout the age was analysed through Krushkal-Wallis test. Comparisons among breeds were done using the Mann-Whithney test. The white blood cell count increased with age in both breeds, with a decrease in neutrophil and an increase in lymphocyte counts. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio had been inverted before 15 days of life. The neutrophil oxidative burst was less effective in the newborn calves increasing with age. Limousin calves' neutrophils had higher capacity to reduce NBT in advanced ages. The observed differences between taurine and Zebu calves had no effects on calves' health and could be atributed to Anaplasma marginale natural and asynptomatic infection.
Historical Range, Current Distribution, and Conservation Status of the Swift Fox, Vulpes velox , in North America

The Swift Fox ( Vulpes velox ) was once common in the shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies of the Great Plains of North America. The species' abundance declined and its distribution retracted following European settlement of the plains. By the late 1800s, the species had been largely extirpated from the northern portion of its historical range, and its populations were acutely depleted elsewhere. Swift Fox populations have naturally recovered somewhat since the 1950s, but overall abundance and distribution remain below historical levels. In a 1995 assessment of the species' status under the US Endangered Species Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that a designation of threatened or endangered was warranted, but the species was "precluded from listing by higher listing priorities. " A major revelation of the 1995 assessment was the recognition that information useful for determining population status was limited. Fundamental information was missing, including an accurate estimate of the species' distribution before European settlement and an estimate of the species' current distribution and trends. The objectives of this paper are to fill those gaps in knowledge. Historical records were compiled and, in combination with knowledge of the habitat requirements of the species, the historical range of the Swift Fox is estimated to be approximately 1.5 million km 2 . Using data collected between 2001 and 2006, the species' current distribution is estimated to be about 44% of its historical range in the United States and 3% in Canada. Under current land use, approximately 39% of the species' historical range contains grassland habitats with very good potential for Swift Fox occupation and another 10% supports grasslands with characteristics that are less preferred (e.g., a sparse shrub component or taller stature) but still suitable. Additionally, land use on at least 25% of the historical range supports dryland farming, which can be suitable for Swift Fox occupation. In the United States, approximately 52% of highest quality habitats currently available are occupied by Swift Foxes.
Acclimation to predicted ocean warming through developmental plasticity in a tropical reef fish

Determining the capacity of organisms to acclimate and adapt to increased temperatures is key to understand how populations and communities will respond to global warming. Although there is evidence that elevated water temperature affects metabolism, growth and condition of tropical marine fish, it is unknown whether they have the potential to acclimate, given adequate time. We reared the tropical reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus through its entire life cycle at present day and elevated (+1.5 and+3.0 °C) water temperatures to test its ability to thermally acclimate to ocean temperatures predicted to occur over the next 50–100 years. Fish reared at 3.0 °C greater than the present day average reduced their resting oxygen consumption (RMR) during summer compared with fish reared at present day temperatures and tested at the elevated temperature. The reduction in RMR of up to 69 mg O2 kg−1 h−1 in acclimated fish could represent a significant benefit to daily energy expenditure. In contrast, there was no acclimation to summer temperatures exhibited by fish reared at 1.5 °C above present day temperatures. Fish acclimated to +3.0 °C were smaller and in poorer condition than fish reared at present day temperatures, suggesting that even with acclimation there will be significant consequences for future populations of tropical fishes caused by global warming.
Testing hypotheses for excess flower production and low fruit‐to‐flower ratios in a pollinating seed‐consuming mutualism

Pollinator attraction, pollen limitation, resource limitation, pollen donation and selective fruit abortion have all been proposed as processes explaining why hermaphroditic plants commonly produce many more flowers than mature fruit. We conducted a series of experiments in Arizona to investigate low fruit-to-flower ratios in senita cacti, which rely exclusively on pollinating seed-consumers. Selective abortion of fruit based on seed predators is of particular interest in this case because plants relying on pollinating seed-consumers are predicted to have such a mechanism to minimize seed loss. Pollinator attraction and pollen dispersal increased with flower number, but fruit set did not, refuting the hypothesis that excess flowers increase fruit set by attracting more pollinators. Fruit set of natural- and hand-pollinated flowers were not different, supporting the resource, rather than pollen, limitation hypothesis. Senita did abort fruit, but not selectively based on pollen quantity, pollen donors, or seed predators. Collectively, these results are consistent with sex allocation theory in that resource allocation to excess flower production can increase pollen dispersal and the male fitness function of flowers, but consequently results in reduced resources available for fruit set. Inconsistent with sex allocation theory, however, fruit production and the female fitness function of flowers may actually increase with flower production. This is because excess flower production lowers pollinator-to-flower ratios and results in fruit abortion, both of which limit the abundance and hence oviposition rates, of predispersal seed predators.
The genetic architecture of neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders include rare conditions caused by identified single mutations, such as Fragile X, Down and Angelman syndromes, and much more common clinical categories such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia. These common conditions are all highly heritable but their genetics is considered to be “complex”. In fact, this sharp dichotomy in genetic architecture between rare and common disorders may be largely artificial. On the one hand, much of the apparent complexity in the genetics of common disorders may derive from underlying genetic heterogeneity, which has remained obscure until recently. On the other hand, even for supposedly Mendelian conditions, the relationship between single mutations and clinical phenotypes is rarely simple. The categories of monogenic and complex disorders may therefore merge across a continuum, with some mutations being strongly associated with specific syndromes and others having a more variable outcome, modified by the presence of additional genetic variants.
Functional Characterization of Ungulate Molars Using the Abrasion-Attrition Wear Gradient: A New Method for Reconstructing Paleodiets

Abstract The analysis of fossil ungulate cheek teeth has long been one of the main sources of information about the terrestrial environments of the Cenozoic, but the methods used to extract this information have been either imprecise or prohibitively laborious. Here we present a method based on relative facet development that is quantitative, robust, and rapid. This method, which we term mesowear analysis, is based on the physical properties of ungulate foods as reflected in the relative amounts of attritive and abrasive wear that they cause on the dental enamel of the occlusal surfaces. Mesowear was recorded by examining the buccal apices of molar tooth cusps. Apices were characterized as sharp, rounded, or blunt, and the valleys between them either high or low. The method has been developed only for selenodont and trilophodont molars, but the principle is readily extendable to other crown types. Mesowear analysis is insensitive to wear stage as long as the very early and very late stages are excluded. Cluster analysis of the mesowear variables produces clusters reflecting four main groups from abrasion-dominated to attrition-dominated: grazers, graze-dominated mixed feeders, browse-dominated mixed feeders, and browsers. Most of the relatively few apparent anomalies are explained by more detailed dietary information. Mesowear analysis provides resolution within the main dietary classes and the clustering is virtually identical with and without the index of hypsodonty. Discriminant analysis using all mesowear variables and hypsodonty showed an overall correct classification of 76% of 64 species of living ungulates into the conventional dietary categories of browser, grazer, and mixed feeder, while a smaller set of 27 “typical” species was correctly classified at 96%. Alternative “conservative” and “radical” dietary classifications that were employed to accommodate cases where dietary information was controversial or unclear produced only marginally different results. Mesowear analysis successfully resolved a test case using the Serengeti grazing succession and appears to be superior to microwear analysis in two cases where the diet of fossil ungulates has been previously studied by microwear and other conventional methods.
Some Observations on Malenchus pressulus (Kazachenko, 1975) (Nematoda: Tylenchidae) from Białowieski National Park, Poland

Abstract. The article provides morphological and molecular description of rare species Malenchus pressulus (Kazachenko, 1975) Andrássy, 1980 which was found for the first time in Poland. Morphology of specimens belonging to Polish population correspond well with previous descriptions of M. pressulus. Howewer, small differences were observed — number of lines on lateral field or number of head annuli between various populations. This article also provides comparison of head morphology of two very similar and difficult to distinguish species: M. pressulus and Malenchus neosulcus Geraert et Raski, 1986. Additionally, for the first time descriptions of partial sequences of 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA for M. pressulus are given.
An assessment of indices of relative and absolute abundance for monitoring populations of small mammals

Abstract Knowledge of small-mammal population densities and species richness values are crucial to wildlife conservation and many ecological investigations. The relationship between estimates of absolute abundance and relative abundances of small-mammal populations is unclear. Therefore, from 1999–2001 measures of relative and absolute abundance of small mammals were compared across a terrestrial landscape using 3 vegetation communities (forest, early-successional field, and forest-field edge) in western Tennessee. We used a catch/unit effort index derived from transect sampling to estimate relative abundance and 2 estimates of absolute abundance, Mt+1 (the number of unique individuals captured) and Nest (a population estimate obtained from statistical models). These 2 estimates were derived from mark-recapture sampling on trapping grids. Using both sampling procedures, we conducted trapping with Sherman live traps during autumn, winter, and spring for 2 years. We tested the prediction that the pattern of total captures of small mammals across a landscape from a catch/unit effort index reflects the same pattern as those derived from Mt+1 and Nest. Also, we tested the prediction that the pattern of species richness of small mammals derived from a catch/unit effort index on transects corresponds with the species richness based on Mt+1 determined from grid sampling. We conducted comparisons of patterns using a Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Overall, we captured 988 small mammals, representing 9 genera and 11 species. The pattern of captures from the catch/unit effort index was proportional to those derived from Mt+1 and Nest. (P ≤ 0.001 in each correlation analysis; rs17 = 0.880 and rs17 = 0.810, respectively). The pattern of species richness derived from the catch/unit effort index was similar to those derived from the mark-recapture sampling (P ≤ 0.001; rs17 = 0.861). Capture frequencies across vegetation communities and within seasons from both transect sampling and grid sampling did not differ for 4 of 6 seasons (χ22 = 4.4329, P = 0.1090; χ22 = 18.2224, P = 0.0001; χ22 = 0.2129, P = 0.8990; χ22 = 1.6395, P = 0.4405; χ22 = 3.8688, P = 0.1445; χ22 = 7.1750, P = 0.0277). Results of this study suggest that measures of relative abundance provide patterns of population trends proportional to those derived from estimates of absolute abundance.