Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LIFE HISTORIES AND ELASTICITY PATTERNS: PERTURBATION ANALYSIS FOR SPECIES WITH MINIMAL DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

Elasticity analysis is a useful tool in conservation biology. The relative impacts of proportional changes in fertility, juvenile survival, and adult survival on asymptotic population growth λ (where ln(λ) = r, the intrinsic rate of increase) are determined by vital rates (survival, growth, and fertility), which also define the life history characteristics of a species or population. Because we do not have good demographic information for most threatened populations, it is useful to categorize species according to their life history characteristics and related elasticity patterns. To do this, we compared the elasticity patterns generated by the life tables of 50 mammal populations. In age-classified models, the sum of the fertility elasticities and the survival elasticity for each juvenile age-class are equal; thus, age at maturity has a large impact on the contribution of juvenile survival to λ. Mammals that mature early and have large litters (“fast” mammals, such as rodents and smaller carnivores) also.
The Physiological Effect of Rations Restricted Principally or Solely to the Alfalfa Plant: I. The Calcium, Phosphorus and Nitrogen Metabolism of Dairy Cattle

Summary We have reported a series of metabolism studies in which the nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances of dairy cattle were determine for 12 ten-day periods, during which the daily milk yields varied from approximately 9 to 18 kgm. The rations fed consisted of alfalfa hay with and without supplements of starch, linseed oil meal, or di-sodium phosphate. According to our data, cows in the early lactation period were usually in positive calcium balance; in negative nitrogen balance when the hay contained less than 2.0 per cent nitrogen; and always in negative phosphorus balance when only alfalfa hay was fed. Feeding di-sodium phosphate changed the negative phosphorus balances to slightly positive balances. We have also included a general discussion of some of the factors which may be involved in rations restricted principally or solely to alfafa.
Family House Market in Europe during the Recent Crisis

This thesis analyzes family house market in seven European countries: the Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland and Slovakia, together with two cities: Bratislava and Prague. The main goal is to compare family house price determinants in transitional countries with developed ones and capture possible effects of the recent economic crisis. In the first part, panel data models are employed to determine price determinants and any housing bubbles. Real GDP growth rate as a proxy for households’ income, together with housing loan interest rate proved to be significant price determinant for both groups. Housing market in transitional countries is influenced only by demand side factors like unemployment. Housing market in developed countries is led by demand and supply side factors represented by labor cost index. In the second part of the analysis, VAR model is employed, for each country separately, to detect how price determinants contribute to the variance of real house prices. The results vary between the countries. The housing price persistence is common for all countries except for Germany and Denmark. JEL Classification C22, G21, R21, R31
Correlation Between Urea and Other Chemical and Biological Parameters in Waters of Lake Suwa, Japan

The vertical profiles of chemical and biological parameters, including urea concentration, have been measured periodically since February of 1977 at a central station in Lake Suwa, which is one of the typical eutrophic lakes in Japan. The seasonal trend in the standing stock of urea in the central water column, together with the ratio of urea versus total inorganic nitrogen in the euphotic zone from 12 March, 1977 to 25 July, 1978, are presented. The possible importance of bacterial decomposition of dead phytoplankton as a urea source in natural waters is demonstrated by this study. At times, a highly significant correlation between the vertical profile of urea and vertical distributions of other chemical and biological parameters which were also measured was found. An apparent in situ utilization of urea by phytoplankton is suggested on the basis of vertical profiles of urea and other chemical and biological parameters.
Sprint speed and degree of wariness in two populations of whiptail lizards (Aspidoscelis tesselata) (Squamata Teiidae)

Predation is an important selective force that can influence morphology, physiology, behavior, and life-history traits in natural populations. Lizards exhibit a variety of antipredator strategies including flight. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine sprint speed at various body temperatures for juveniles from two populations of the unisexual whiptail lizard Aspidoscelis tesselata. Lizards reared from eggs collected at Terlingua Creek, TC (a site characterized by more abundant vegetation; Big Bend National Park, Texas) exhibited significantly slower sprint speeds regardless of body temperature (25, 30, or 35 °C), as compared to conspecifics from Hot Springs, HS (sparse vegetation). At 30 °C, maximal sprint speed of HS and TC lizards was 46.9 and 38.1 cm/sec, respectively. Field studies were also conducted to assess degree of wariness. Lizards from the HS site ran at a greater approach distance, ran to a greater final distance, and to a greater final total distance than their counterparts of similar size and mass from the TC site. From a total of 186 lizards that were approached at the HS site, 65 (35%) fled to an open area while 121 (65%) stopped running when they found a suitable shelter site under a rock or bush. Similarly, 37 of 92 lizards (40%) stopped running in an open area at the HS site, as compared to 60% that found a shelter site, usually under a shrub or mesquite bush. These results suggest that population differences in sprint speed and wariness may have a genetic basis and result from selection favoring faster sprint speed in animals found in habitats that make them more vulnerable to predation.
Distribution and population structure of the vulnerable riparian palm Livistona lanuginosa A.N.Rodd (Arecaceae) in the Burdekin River catchment, north Queensland

This study investigated the distribution and population structure of Livistona lanuginosa, a vulnerable palm that is mainly restricted to riparian areas in the Burdekin River catchment. The known population, though dispersed, is composed of small and isolated sub-populations which are located entirely on pastoral leases. Mapping of the occurrence of L. lanuginosa indicates that distribution is primarily linear in the riparian zone along first and second order streams, as well as associated flood zones. A total of 510 adult plants, recorded at the eight sites surveyed, suggests that the overall population size is limited. The population structures at four sites indicate a stable population at those sites, whilst the population structures at the other four sites indicate unstable and senescent populations. The greatest proportion of individuals is in the seedling stage, thus indicating that sufficient viable seed is being produced and that conditions for germination and the development of seedlings are favourable. However, prominent gaps in life stage classes at some sites suggest that recruitment is limited or is not taking place at those sites, and this situation is reflected in high numbers of intermediate life stage classes and adult palms compared to seedlings and lower life stage classes. Livistona lanuginosa remains largely unprotected from livestock and fire, and other exogenous disturbances throughout its limited range, and the small total population size makes it vulnerable to rapid decline given unfavourable natural conditions.
Feeding value of subterranean clover, lucerne, phalaris and Wimmera ryegrass for lambs

The feeding values of subterranean clover, lucerne, phalaris and Wimmera ryegrass were measured in three experiments using weaned lambs. With dried herbage, the voluntary intake of each species increased linearly with organic matter digestibility over the range tested (57-83%). Regressions for the two grasses did not differ from each other, nor did those for the two legumes; a common regression for the legumes had the same slope as that for the grasses but dry matter intake was about 190 g/d greater on legume diets. Digestibility accounted for 50 and 68% of variation in intake of legumes and grasses, respectively, but when cellulose concentration in the diet was used as the predictor, a single regression satisfied all the data and accounted for 76% of variation in intake. Energy retention by weaned lambs offered diets of dried subterranean clover or lucerne was 53% greater than that by lambs receiving the same intake of metabolizable energy from phalaris. When the intake of the two legume diets was unrestricted, this difference increased to 128%. Despite the 30% higher voluntary intake of the legume diets, the weight of digesta in the reticula-rumen at the end of a meal was the same as it was for the phalaris diet. When all four species were compared in the field, with herbage amply available, lambs grazing the two legumes retained 57% more energy than those on the grasses during the main spring period when the species were of comparable digestibility. As there was little or no difference, under the conditions of this experiment, in the intake of food from the four swards, it is concluded that the difference in feeding value resulted from more efficient use of metabolizable energy. Overall, subterranean clover had as high a feeding value for lambs as lucerne, and phalaris was not inferior to Wimmera ryegrass.
SUR LA VALIDITE DE FORMES NAINES DE L’ELEPHANT D’AFRIQUE

Apres examen des divers cas signaled d'existence de formes naines de I'Elophant d'Afrique, Pauteur arrive a la conclusion qu'il n'y en a aucun de probant. L'etude des pieces anatomiques, cranes notamment, a domontre que les animaux abattus et considers comme nains n'avaient en realito pas acheve leur croissance. Les particularites de comportement qui, selon certains auteurs, confirmeraient la distinction d'une ou de plusieurs formes « naines ·» d'Elophants ne presentent aucune originalito. Certains caracteres notamment (absence de mefiance, agressivite, cri particulier) s'expliquent bien mieux si Γόη admet qu'ils appartiennent a des animaux jeunes. Le pretendu sodentarisme des groupes d'Elephants de petite taille est loin d'etre rigoureux ; il en est de meme de l'absence d'animaux de taille normale dans ces rassemblements. La distribution et le mode de vie de ces petits Elgphants excluent la possibilite qu'ils appartiennent a une forme originale de 1'Elophant d'Afrique. Rien ne permet d'affirmer qu'ils soient autre chose que des jeunes ou des subadultes reunis en petites troupes homogenes.
The use of genetic markers for the diagnosis of sibling species in the genus Isotomurus (Insecta, Collembola)

Abstract Two independent genetic markers (allozymes and mitochondrial DNA sequences) were used to demonstrate that Isotomurus palustris palustris and Isotomurus palustris maculatus (Collembola, Isotomidae), interpreted either as varieties or subspecies by the various authors, are, actually, well differentiated species. Specimens were collected sympatrically in five different sampling sites in Italy and southern France, and, in all of them, the two forms were fixed for alternative alleles at some enzyme loci. The absence of hybrids demonstrates that the two species, discriminated morphologically by body pigmentation, do not cross. The rate of sequence divergence of the mitochondrial COII gene confirms a significant degree of differentiation.
Eicosatrienoic Acid ω9 in Human Hepatoma Transplanted into Athymic Nude Mice

Fatty acid compositions of human hepatoma transplanted successively into athymic nude mice were analysed. Eicosatrienoic acid ω9, which occurred as an unusual positional isomer of eicosatrienoic acid in the original hepatoma tissues, was preserved in these hepatoma tissues over three transplant generations, while the content of linoleic acid in liver was higher in nude mice than in humans. It appears, therefore, that the synthesis of eicosatrienoic acid ω9 is one of the essential metabolic aberrations of human hepatoma, quite independent of nutritional condition.
Two alternative pathways of somatic embryo origin from polyembryonic mature stored seeds of Pinus koraiensis Sieb et Zucc.

Individual mature stored seeds of Pinus koraiensis sometimes contain several viable zygotic embryos originated through the processes of simple and cleavage polyembryony. To induce the embryonic process, isolated zygotic embryos were cultured on five different media all supplemented with 10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 5 μM 6-benzyladenine. Two alternative pathways of somatic embryo origin were revealed. The first pathway was associated with the production of a friable, translucent callus in the hypocotyls–cotyledon region of the dominant zygotic embryo. The second pathway was related to the proliferation of a translucent, moist, and mucilaginous tissue (termed embryonal–suspensor mass) in the suspensor region of the dominant zygotic embryo. Both types of tissues contained early somatic embryos. Regression analysis has shown a strong negative correlation between the frequencies of formation of embryogenic callus and embryonal–suspensor mass both at 3 and 8 weeks of culture (r = − 0.85; p = 0.07 an.
Sources of Biogenic Methane to Form Marine Gas Hydrates In Situ Production or Upward Migration? a

Potential sources of biogenic methane in the Carolina Continental Rise -- Blake Ridge sediments have been examined. Two models were used to estimate the potential for biogenic methane production: (1) construction of sedimentary organic carbon budgets, and (2) depth extrapolation of modern microbial production rates. While closed-system estimates predict some gas hydrate formation, it is unlikely that >3% of the sediment volume could be filled by hydrate from methane produced in situ. Formation of greater amounts requires migration of methane from the underlying continental rise sediment prism. Methane may be recycled from below the base of the gas hydrate stability zone by gas hydrate decomposition, upward migration of the methane gas, and recrystallization of gas hydrate within the overlying stability zone. Methane bubbles may also form in the sediment column below the depth of gas hydrate stability because the methane saturation concentration of the pore fluids decreases with increasing depth. Upward migration of methane bubbles from these deeper sediments can add methane to the hydrate stability zone. From these models it appears that recycling and upward migration of methane is essential in forming significant gas hydrate concentrations. In addition, the depth distribution profiles of methane hydrate will differ if the more » majority of the methane has migrated upward rather than having been produced in situ. « less
Activity patterns of Capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus, during winter

Winter activity patterns of 16 radio-marked capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus, were studied during 1981–83 at Varaldskogen, SE Norway. Activity was confined to the light hours of the day, closely following the photoperiod. Diel distribution showed a major peak near sunset during every month. A second peak was found in the morning. This peak was comparable to the evening peak in early and late winter, but nearly disappeared in midwinter. Ambient temperature rather than photoperiod seemed to be the important proximate factor responsible for the changes in morning activity. By postponing activity to the afternoon, capercaillie avoids energy expenditure during the coldest morning hours. Total daily activity (TDA) during the period November-April averaged about 3 h for both sexes. TDA of cocks was U-shaped with the lowest values (2.0 h) in December-January, whereas TDA of hens was fairly stable during November-March with mean value of 2.7 h, increasing abruptly to 4 h in April. TDA during December-January is believed to express the time used for feeding in pine trees. The significantly higher TDA of hens (26%) compared with cocks during this period may be explained by a higher relative heat loss of hens (body weights: hens 2.0 kg, cocks 4.3 kg). The increased level of activity during early and late winter among cocks was probably due to display and related territorial behaviour, whereas increased activity of hens during April probably was caused by a shift from feeding in pines to more time-consuming, selective feeding on the ground
Chemical characterization of the fruit of Annona squamosa L. occurring in the amazon

Abstract The chemical composition of the fruit pulp of Annona squamosa growing in the Brazilian Amazon was investigated and compared with data of specimens occurring in Southeast Asia. In accordance with the sweet taste of the fruit pulp the amounts of sugars were found to be quite high (58% of dry mass). The triglyceride concentration was found to be very low. The presence of the diterpenoid compound kaur-16-en-18-oic acid in a considerable amount (0.25% of dry mass) was detected in the lipid fraction. The essential oil of the fruit pulp was obtained and its volatile constituents were identified by GC-MS. The major compounds were α -pinene (25.3%), sabinene (22.7%) and limonene (10.1%). The occurrence of the isoricinoleic acid previously reported in the seed oil could not be confirmed.
Using audio lures to improve golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) detection during point-count surveys

The golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) is a Neotropical migratory songbird listed as a “Bird of Conservation Concern” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To manage golden-winged warblers, it is important to develop effective survey techniques for conservation research and monitoring. We conducted point counts in 1–8-year-old aspen (Populus sp.) stands in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan (USA), during 2011, to estimate detection probability of golden-winged warblers, with and without an electronic broadcast of a golden-winged warbler song (i.e., audio lure). We compared audio lure effectiveness for detecting golden-winged warblers during fixed- (50-m radius) and variable-radius point counts. Golden-winged warbler detection estimates were P¯ˆ = 0.84 (95% CI = 0.39–0.98) and P¯ˆ = 0.22 (0.11–0.40) for fixed-radius point counts, with and without audio lure, respectively. For variable-radius point counts, golden-winged warbler detection estimates were P¯ˆ = 0.79 (CI = 0.51–0.93) and P¯ˆ = 0.57 (0.42–0.71), with and without audio lure, respectively. We also estimated the number of 3-minute sub-counts required to achieve detection probability ≥95% for both radii, with and without audio lures. We found that 2 sub-counts with audio lure resulted in >95% detection probability for golden-winged warblers at both radii. Without audio lure, 12 and 4 sub-counts were required for fixed and variable radii, respectively. Regardless of survey technique, golden-winged warbler detection probability was always <1.0, which highlights the importance of accounting for imperfect detection of golden-winged warblers. Our results indicate that the use of an audio lure is an effective design technique for improving detectability of golden-winged warblers. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Degradation of 2-Naphthylamine-l-sulfonic Acid by Pseudomonas Strain TA-1

A bacterial strain, which was isolated from soil and identified as a Pseudomonas sp. , grew on 2-naphthylamine-1-sulfonic acid (tobias acid), 1-naphthalenesulfonic acid and 2-naphthol-l-sulfonic acid as sole carbon sources. Ammonia and sulfonate were released from tobias acid with growth and accumulated in the cultural medium. Salicylic acid was also accumulated temporarily in the medium. The bacterium degraded gentisic acid, but not catechol. The following degradation pathway; tobias acid → 2-naphthol-1-sulfonic acid → 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene → salicylic acid → gentisic acid is suggested for the degradation of tobias acid by this organism.
Possible evidence for mortality induced by the parasite Apatemon gracilis in a population of brook sticklebacks (Culaea inconstans)

SUMMARY Regular samples made on the 1978 cohort of brook sticklebacks (Culaea inconstans) from a swamp in Ile Perrot, Quebec, Canada were examined for Apatemon gracilis metacercariae. The prevalence of the parasite rapidly reached 100% in the fish population. The mean parasite burden increased from zero to a plateau of about 44 parasites/fish. Over-dispersion of the frequency distribution of parasites in the fish host, as measured by variance to mean ratios, increased to a peak and then decreased significantly while the mean parasite burden remained constant. The effects of parasite burden on the survival of the stickleback host are discussed, as well as the validity of the use of changes in over-dispersion for demonstrating parasite-induced mortality.
PREX-1979: Modeling the first ever prototype of a new generation of microbicides for preventing HIV infection among high risk women

Impregnating a proteolytic substrate of specifity to viral envelope with a restriction enzyme cleaving the HIV genome could generate a novel line of microbicide. Web Cutter version 2.0 aimed at identifying which enzyme can cleave HIV-1 and 2 genomes in 10 or > cuts was employed. Computational analysis indicate that of 291, 17 (5.8%) enzymes had 10 or more cuts in the HIV- 1/SIVcpz genome as compared to 25 (8.9%) for HIV-2/SIVsmm with 6 enzymes (Eco-130I, EcoT141, ApoI, AcsI, BssTII, and StyI) having a mutual ability to cleave HIV-1 and 2 in 10 and more cuts. Although not a proteolytic enzyme, the surfactant Savvy/C31G (Cellegy) was identified as a safe and close candidate for our proteolytic substrate. With biochemical compound modeling, it is possible to stably impregnate the center of surfactant/detergent molecule with a natural product. The PREX Model may be explored to develop novel lines of microbicides aimed at preventing HIV and other viral STI transmission in humans
Seasonal And Diel Rhythms Regulate Multistability In A Teleost Vocal Pattern Generator

Seasonal and circadian rhythms control fundamental physiological processes including neural excitability and synaptic plasticity that can lead to the periodic modulation of motor behaviors like social vocalizations. Parental male midshipman fish produce three call types during the breeding season: long duration (min > 1h) advertisement “hums”, frequency and amplitude modulated agonistic “growls” (s), and very brief (ms) agonistic “grunts” produced either singly or repetitively as “grunt trains” for up to several minutes. Fictive grunts that establish the temporal properties of natural grunts are readily evoked and recorded in vivo from vocal occipital nerve roots at any time of day or year by electrical microstimulation in either the midbrain periaqueductal grey or a hindbrain vocal pre-pacemaker nucleus. Now, as shown here, the longer duration fictive growls and hums can also be elicited, but are restricted to the nocturnal reproductive season. A significant drop in call threshold accompanies the fictive growls and hums that are distinguished by their much longer duration and lower and more regular firing frequency. Lastly, the long duration fictive calls are dependent upon increased stimulation time and intensity and hence may result from activity-dependent changes in the vocal motor circuit that are themselves modulated by seasonal and circadian rhythms.