Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microhabitat Pattern and the Structure of Forest Bird Communities

A forest-simulation model was used to generate an extensive, yet detailed, data set comprising tree size classes measured on a 9-ha area of contiguous forest over a period of 750 years. Principal-components analysis served to develop a statistical characterization of the forest stand as a two-level construct in which the stand encompasses a dynamic pattern of microhabitat variety and abundance. This statistical framework was used to examine the role of microhabitat pattern in structuring random assemblages of bird species defined by niche ellipses in principal-component space. An increasing variation in microhabitat structure through successional time accounted for realistic trends in species richness, dominance, equitability, and turnover in forest bird communities. The statistical distribution of microhabitat availability in mature forest provided for an inverse relationship between niche position (species preferring unusual microhabitats have high niche position) and abundance; this same distribution within potentially usable niche space predicted the occurrence of more rare species than common species. The spatial distribution of microhabitat variety in mature forests generated an increase in species richness with increasing sample area. This study illustrates a two-level approach to studies of forest bird communities. At the stand level, among- quadrat variation in microhabitats accounts for the variety and abundance of bird species supported by the stand. Within landscapes, among-stand variation in microhabitat availability represents another source of variation contributing to the distribution of bird species. Our results help to explain why habitat area is such a useful predictor of species abundance and suggest the conditions under which estimates of the stand-level distribution of microhabitats might be useful predictors of species-abundance patterns at the landscape scale.
ELASTICITIES AND THE LINK BETWEEN DEMOGRAPHIC AND EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS

Multivariate selection models and demographic matrix projections are close- ly related. The subtle differences among the parameters of both approaches (sensitivities, elasticities, selection differentials, and gradients) can be confusing. I suggest a hierarchical framework for analysis using elasticity path diagrams, "elastograms. " The framework combines selection analysis for the links between phenotypic traits (morphology, behavior) and fitness components (vital rates) with matrix analysis for the relationship between fitness components and population growth rate/fitness. Elasticities are often used to quantify the impact of a transition rate in the projection matrix on the population growth rate (A). Elasticities for underlying fitness components such as fecundity and survival rates can be derived from their connection with the transition matrix entries. Yet other traits may affect )t due to a functional relationship with one or more components of fitness; for instance, the timing of flowering of a plant may affect its seed yield. Elasticities can also be used to quantify the effects of such traits: they can be interpreted as selection gradients for traits expressed on a proportional (mean-standardized) scale. "Evolvabilities" (additive genetic variation in mean-standardized traits), rather than the heritabilities of traits, are needed to predict expected selection responses from the elasticities. Elasticities quantify the direct effect of a focal trait on )V. Integrated elasticities measure the impact of a trait through both its direct and indirect effects. This requires knowledge of the correlations among traits. Matrix projections and selection analysis (through multiple regression or path analysis) can be merged into an elasticity path diagram that summarizes the hierarchical relationships among traits and fitness. Such diagrams facilitate the iden- tification of those traits that have the highest impact on the life cycle of the study organism and can be a tool to define the targets of management practices, as well as an aid in comparative life history research.
Determinants of within‐ and among‐clutch variation in levels of maternal hormones in Black‐Headed Gull eggs

1. Females of egg-laying vertebrates may adjust the development of their offspring to prevailing environmental conditions by regulating the deposition of hormones into their eggs. Within- and amng-clutch variation in levels of steroid hormones were studied in the egg yolks of the Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus, Linnaeus) in relation to environmental conditions at the nest site, This species breeds in colonies of different densities and in different habitats, and the chicks hatch asynchronously. 2. Egg yolks contained very high levels of androstenedione, substantial levels of testosterone and moderate levels of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Oestrogen (17-oestradiol) was not detected. 3. Androgen levels increased strongly with laying order, irrespective of egg or yolk mass. This may compensate for the disadvantages of the later hatching chicks. These results have implications for adaptive hypotheses that were proposed for asynchronous incubation. 4. Eggs of lighter clutches contained more androgens, perhaps to compensate for a lower nutritional quality of these eggs. 5. Birds breeding in the periphery of a colony, being relatively more aggressive and having relatively large territories, laid eggs that contained more androgens than those of birds breeding in the centre. These high yolk androgen levels may facilitate growth and motor development of the chicks, which may be especially important for chicks developing at the periphery of a colony. Reduced levels may be adaptive for birds breeding in the centre, where risk of infectious diseases is high, since steroids may be immunosuppressive. 6. Corrected for nest distance, clutches of birds in high vegetation, where predation risk is less severe and therefore competition for nest sites perhaps high, contained relatively high levels of androgens. It is suggested that the level of yolk androgens reflects the hormonal condition of the female, that in turn is influenced by her characteristics such as her age and aggressiveness, and the level of social stimulation.
Learning of courtship components in Drosophila mercatorum (Paterson & Wheller) (Diptera, Drosophilidae)

Em Drosophila, a corte sexual consiste em uma elaborada sequencia de padroes comportamentais que possibilita as moscas reconhecer parceiros conspecificos dentre individuos de outras especies. Essa discriminacao e importante uma vez que drosofilideos geralmente se agregam em sitios de alimentacao, onde machos de diversas especies cortejam as femeas vigorosamente. Neste estudo, testamos se machos virgens aprimoram seu comportamento de corte mediante a observacao do cortejo de outras moscas da populacao (aprendizado social), ou mediante experiencias proprias anteriores (facilitacao). O comportamento de corte das moscas, observado em ambiente controlado, foi registrado com relacao aos seguintes componentes: latencia da corte, duracao da corte (orientacao, "tapping" e vibracao das asas), copula, e outros comportamentos nao relacionados a corte sexual. Os resultados aqui obtidos sugerem que machos de D. mercatorum sao capazes de aprimorar sua habilidade de cortejar femeas em funcao de experiencias proprias anteriores, mas nao encontramos nenhuma evidencia de aprendizado social para esse comportamento.
Alternate Derivations of a Species-Abundance Relation

Exactly the same numerical predictions of the average relative abundance of species that follow from MacArthur's (1957) "broken stick" model also follow from a "balls and boxes" model (Cohen, 1966) with a different set of assumptions. This paper presents a third model, the "exponential" model, leading to the same numerical predictions. The assumptions of this third model are nearly opposite to those of MacArthur's. The numerical data which have been taken to confirm the broken-stick model in fact confirm all three models equally. Hence, this paper describes some experimental and field obervations which could discriminate among the available models.
Distribution of native and introduced Phragmites australis in freshwater and oligohaline tidal marshes of the Delmarva peninsula and southern New Jersey1

Abstract We surveyed freshwater and oligohaline portions of tidal river systems in Delaware, the eastern shore of Maryland, and southern New Jersey for native and introduced Phragmites australis populations. Populations of native P. australis occur along the major rivers of the eastern shore of Maryland, particularly the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers, and were common along river and creek edges and typically less dense than introduced P. australis. In contrast, few native populations occur along rivers in Delaware and southern New Jersey where introduced P. australis dominates. These differences in distribution of native P. australis could be due to the magnitude of human impacts and the timing of invasion of introduced P. australis into these systems. The presence of so many populations of native P. australis on the eastern shore of Maryland is unique today as the subspecies has all but disappeared from much of its historical range along the Atlantic Coast.
Avaliação in vivo do efeito hipocolesterolêmico e toxicológico preliminar do extrato bruto hidroalcoólico e decocção da Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke (V. montevidensis Cham.)

The cardiovascular diseases are, in general, associated with high levels of serum lipids which have high incidence in middle-age men and women. Among other properties characterized by popular medicine, the Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke (V. montevidensis Cham) - Taruma, decreases the serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. The main proposition of the present study was to evaluate the hypocholesterolemic and hipolipidaemic potential of V. megapotamica and to analyze the preliminary toxicity. It was an induction hyperlipidaemic model using propiltiuracil 1.25 mg/kg weight and cholesterol 200 mg/ kg weight per oros in male rats, weigthing 300 ± 10 g. It was administred to the animals 300 mg/ kg of hydroalcoholic leaves extract of V. megapotamica or 300 mL of hull decoction per oros. After the end of each treatment, the lipid profile was essayed as well as glucose, when relevant. Our results confirmed the V. megapotamica extract and decoction hypolipidaemic effect by the decrease of cholesterol and triacylglycerides serum levels in concentration, via and preparation performed. Furthermore, the toxicological preliminary assays showed there was not extract and decoction damage induction in cardiac and hepatic tissues, as well as in kidney physiology by assays performed.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, POPULATION PARAMETER, AND MORPHOMETRIC RECORDS MORPHOMETRIC OF THE MONITOR LIZARD IN PAPUA

Many studies have explored animals without providing its physical environment, whereas, this information can provide broad understanding for the importance of ecological components. This study tried to combine some studies on how importance the ecological means on the density and population as well as morphometric of the monitor lizards. Data was analysed using SPSS version 18.0 and presented descriptively using tables and graphics. Results show that density and population had association with wide areas of islands and distances from mainland. Morphometric as well had association with carrying capacity and richness of feeding.
Interpreting the sign of coral bleaching as friend vs. foe

Coral bleaching is a major concern to researchers, conservationists and the general public worldwide. To date, much of the high profile attention for bleaching has coincided with major environmental impacts and for many the term coral bleaching is synonymously associated with coral mortality (so‐called ‘lethal’ bleaching episodes). While this synonymous association has undoubtedly been key in raising public support, it carries unfair representation: nonlethal bleaching is, and always has been, a phenomenon that effectively occurs regularly in nature as corals acclimatize to regular periodic changes in growth environment (days, seasons etc). In addition, corals can exhibit sublethal bleaching during extreme environmental conditions whereby mortality does not occur and corals can potentially subsequently recover once ambient environmental conditions return. Perhaps not surprisingly it is the frequency and extent of these non and sublethal processes that yield key evidence as to how coral species and reef systems will likely withstand environmental and thus climatic change. Observations of non and sublethal bleaching (and subsequent recovery) are arguably not as readily reported as those of lethal bleaching since (1) the convenient tools used to quantify bleaching yield major ambiguity (and hence high potential for misidentification) as to the severity of bleaching; and (2) lethal bleaching events inevitably receive higher profile (media) attention and so are more readily reported. Under‐representation of non and sublethal bleaching signs may over‐classify the severity of bleaching, under‐estimate the potential resilience of reefs against environmental change, and thus ultimately limit (if not depreciate) the validity and effectiveness of reef management policies and practices. While bleaching induced coral mortality must remain our key concern it must be better placed within the context of bleaching signs that do not result in a long‐term loss of reef viability.
Tiger Beetle Defenses Revisited: Alternative Defense Strategies and Colorations of Two Neotropical Tiger Beetles, ODONTOCHEILA NICARAGUENSIS Bates and PSEUDOXYCHEILA TARSALIS Bates (Carabidae: Cicindelinae)

Abstract The alternative defensive strategies of two neotropical tiger beetles, Odontocheila nicaraguensis Bates and Pseudoxycheila tarsalis Bates, are described and compared. The defensive functions of their respective colorations were analyzed in the context of local ambient light and visual backgrounds using spectroradiometry. Odontocheila nicaraguensis exhibited a cryptic elytral coloration that closely matched the substrate of the forest understory. When disturbed, the beetles quickly flew and exposed an iridescent green abdomen that was highly conspicuous in the ambient light of forest gaps. Pseudoxycheila tarsalis exhibited a color pattern that was highly conspicuous against the exposed soil within large gaps of cloud forest, and matched the color pattern of mutillid wasps. When disturbed, P. tarsalis did not fly, but released a distasteful secretion; suggesting that the beetle was both aposematic and a Müllerian mimic of the mutillids. The behavioral observations and spectroradiometric analyses of color patterns presented here support alternative defensive roles for the elytral colorations of O. nicaraguensis (crypsis) and P. tarsalis (aposematism, mimicry) and demonstrate the plausibility of other secondary defenses involving color.
Effects of Dietary α-Linolenic, Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids on Hepatic Lipogenesis and β-Oxidation in Rats

The effects of dietary α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids on the enzyme activities related to hepatic lipogenesis and β-oxidation were compared under constant polyunsaturated/monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids and n-6/n-3 ratios of dietary fats in rats. Dietary fat containing linoleic acid as the sole polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was also given as a control. The concentration of serum triglyceride and phospholipid in the three n-3 PUFA groups was lower than in the linoleic acid group. The hepatic triglyceride concentration was lower and the phospholipid concentration was higher in the three n-3 PUFA groups than in the linoleic acid group. Cytosolic fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity was lower in the n-3 PUFA groups than in the linoleic acid group, the reduction being more predominant in the eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid groups than in the α-linolenic acid group. The cytosolic activities of the NADPH-generating enzymes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH).
NOVELLE SOUS-ESPÈCE DE TIGRE PROVENANT DE L’ASIE DU SUD-EST

Description d'une nouvelle sous-espdce de Tigre, P anther a tigris corbctti subs p. nov. de Pdninsule Indochinoise et de l'extrome Sud de la Chine. Elle cst caractcrisoe par unc coloration plus foncde et des bandes plus nombreuses, courtcs, tr£s ctroitcs et rarement dedoublocs. L'holotype (cräne et peau) provicnt de Quang-Tri, Annam, et est depose au British Museum (Natural History), London, N· 33.4. 1.203.
The ecological impact of allelopathy in Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae)

Compounds inhibitory to the growth of neighboring plant species were found in significant concentrations in the leaves and stems of young Ailanthus altissima ramets. The surrounding soil also contained appreciable concentrations of similarly acting toxins. Individuals of neighboring plant species have either incorporated active portions of inhibitory compounds or responded to Ailanthus by producing growth-inhibiting substances. Under greenhouse conditions, individuals of neighboring plant species previously unexposed to Ailanthus in the field were found to be more susceptible to the Ailanthus toxins than individuals previously exposed. Moreover, seeds produced by unexposed populations were also more susceptible to Ailanthus toxins than seeds produced by previously exposed populations. These differences demonstrated that the allelochemicals of Ailanthus altissima exhibited a measurable impact upon neighboring plant species. Since the progeny ofthese populations displayed a differential response to Ailanthus toxin, this phenotypic difference between the two populations may have a heritable basis. At the center of the debate over the relevance
Circovirus-Infektionen bei Ziervögeln und Tauben: eine Übersicht

Zusammenfassung: Bei Vögeln sind Circovirus-Infektionen seit langem bekannt. Neben dem Virus der infektiösen Anämie der Küken (chicken anaemia virus, CAV) ist hier vor allem das Virus der Schnabel- und Federkrankheit der Papageien (psittacine beak and feather disease virus, PBFDV) zu nennen. Die meisten Spezies der Ordnung Psittaciformes sowie einige andere Arten sind für das PBFDV empfänglich. Die Erkrankung manifestiert sich nicht nur bei den Nestlingen der Papageien, sondern auch bei adulten Vögeln. Bei diesen kommt es zu irreversiblen Schäden im Federkleid, bis hin zur vollständigen Federlosigkeit. Zudem erfahren infizierte Tiere eine starke Immunsuppression, die sie sehr anfällig für Sekundärinfektionen macht. Neben dem PBFDV wurden kürzlich weitere Circoviren beschrieben, die bei Tauben oder Kanarienvögeln vorkommen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit soll eine Übersicht über die Circovirus-Infektionen bei Ziervögeln und Tauben gegeben werden. Neben der klinischen Symptomatik sind die zur Zeit gebräuchlichen diagnostischen Nachweisverfahren und die Möglichkeiten zur Prophylaxe weitere Schwerpunkte.
HYDROLYSIS OF PHYTATE IN BROWN RICE-ADDED BREAD BY ADDITION OF CRUDE AND PURIFIED ASPERGILLUS NIGER PHYTASE PREPARATIONS DURING BREAD MAKING

Brown rice-added breads were prepared with and without crude and purified Aspergillus niger phytase preparations. By adding 30% (w/w) brown rice flour and no phytase preparation, the phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphate; IP6) content of the bread was increased and the loaf volume was reduced. The direct addition of a food-additive grade phytase preparation (3,000 U) resulted in a significant decrease in the IP6 content. However, it collapsed the bread crust. The crude phytase preparation had significant protease and amylase activities. A simple chromatographic method for the separation of phytase activity from the protease and amylase activities was developed. By using purified phytase, the IP6 content was reduced without any adverse effects on the rising of the bread, which indicates that protease and amylase may be responsible for the collapse of the crust by the commercial phytase preparation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Phytate in unrefined cereals and beans lowers bioavailability of minerals. On the other hand, these materials are rich in health-promoting components. To reduce the phytate in them during processing, some commercially available phytase preparations are now used. However, we found that such preparation contains significant amylase and protease activities, which may cause adverse effect on the appearance and textural properties of final products. To solve these problems, a simple and inexpensive procedure for separation of phyatase from amylase and protease was developed in the present study. The purified phytase can reduce phytate in brown rice-added bread without adverse effect on rising of bread. These results would encourage prepare the phytase preparation in high purity in an industrial scale to improve nutritional value of unrefined cereal- and bean-based functional foods.
GroEL/ES modulates the mechanism and accelerates the rate of TIM-barrel domain folding

The interactome of GroEL/ES has been characterized extensively in several studies and substrates of the chaperonin have been classified (Kerner et al., 2005; Fijiwara et al., 2010). However, the question of what makes some proteins GroEL-dependent and how exactly the chaperonin system promotes their folding remained unresolved. Moreover, it has been unclear how the chaperonin acts on its substrates and whether the protein folding pathway is modified inside the cage as compared to free solution. The aim of this study, therefore, was to characterise and compare the spontaneous and chaperonin-assisted refolding pathway of an obligate substrate of GroEL/ES, in order to elucidate the mechanism of GroEL/ES action. This study presents evidence that encapsulation in the GroEL/ES-cage accelerates the rate and modulates the mechanism of folding of its obligate TIM-barrel substrate, dihydrodipicolinate synthase. We found that the spontaneous refolding of DAPA is slow due to high cooperativity of the process, as it initiates from an ensemble of unstructured intermediates. We demonstrated that the confining environment of the chaperonin cage promotes formation of the TIM-barrel structure in a segmental manner, lowering the entropic component of the activation barrier and accelerating the rate of DAPA folding. Moreover, the spontaneous refolding pathway of a GroEL-independent homolog of DAPA, MsNANA, closely resembles that of DAPA inside the chaperonin cage. Thus, we conclude that GroEL/ES is a powerful folding catalyst for the substrates that otherwise fail to effectively reach their native state.
Evolution of mimicry in the New World Dysdercus (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae)

Evolution of mimicry rings is reconstructed for the New World species of cotton‐stainer bugs (Dysdercus, Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae). Using a cladistic analysis of 43 species (including D. silaceus Doesburg, 1968 stat. nov. and D. modestus Doesburg, 1968 stat. nov.), evolution of colour patterns and biogeographical history of the clade are hypothesized. Three probable mimicry rings are obtained from the analysis, together with data about their possible model–mimic or comimic–comimic structures: (a) ‘Yellow’ species in north‐western South America and in the Andes (several possible models, D. rusticus, D. mimus part., D. imitator part., and D. collaris part. as mimics); (b) ‘Median Yellow–Black’ species with a median‐forewing black pattern in north‐western South America and Central America (several possible models, D. basialbus as a mimic); (c) ‘Median Red–Black’ species with a median‐forewing black pattern in the Caribbean islands (D. andreae, D. discolor, D. neglectus–D. sanguinarius clade, and D. jamaicensis–D. fervidus–D. ocreatus clade as comimics). A few additional, less supported rings are also identified. Two highly polymorphic species (D. obscuratus, D. mimus) seem to enter different mimicry rings in different regions.