Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Larval ecology, life history strategies, and patterns of extinction and survivorship among Ordovician trilobites

Differences in the larval ecology of Ordovician trilobites directly influenced the outcome of the Ashgill extinction (latest Ordovician) and indirectly governed the pattern of evolution in post-Ordovician trilobites. Larval ecology also affected survivorship patterns within the Ordovician, particularly between the Llandeilo and the Caradoc stages. All taxa with pelagic adults became extinct by the end of the Ordovician. Similarly, trilobites with entirely planktonic larvae had all but disappeared by the end of the Ordovician. Although suffering a significant loss in diversity, taxa with benthic larvae provided the ancestral stock for the majority of post-Ordovician lineages. Trilobites with a two-stage protaspid period (single planktonic followed by benthic larvae) suffered least during the Ashgill extinction, giving rise to approximately 23% of the new genera appearing in the early Silurian. Patterns of extinction/survivorship among trilobite taxa with different developmental strategies indicate that the so-called Ashgill extinction was most likely the result of a composite phenomenon, including environmental perturbations, ecosystem breakdown and biogeographic restriction, and was not the consequence of a single catastrophic event (e.g., bolide collision). Indeed, our results are consistent with extinction models which invoke periodic global cooling and sea level regression associated with glaciation. Taxa with planktonic larvae first suffered a marked decline in diversity between the Llandeilo and the Caradoc (end of Middle Ordovician), coincident with the onset of the Ordovician-Silurian glaciation. During this time interval, the paleogeographic ranges of most surviving genera with solely planktonic larvae were severely constricted to lower latitude paleobiogeographic provinces. During the Ashgill (Rawtheyan to Hirnantian), climatic and sea level fluctuations were most extreme because of continued and more extensive glaciation. At this time, when extinctions were particularly severe, there was also a significant effect upon the survivorship of taxa with benthic larvae. Our results indicate that the proportion of the life cycle spent in the water column, dependent upon a planktonic food source, was a critical factor in the survivorship of trilobite taxa during Middle to Late Ordovician time. Consequently, differences in life history patterns predisposed individual taxa to survival or extinction.
A Comparison of the Canopy Arthropod Communities of Coniferous and Broad-leaved Trees in the United Kingdom

The canopy fauna of four coniferous tree species was compared with those of four deciduous broad-leaved species from the UK. Sampling was carried out using Pyrethrin knockdown and density and species richness data were standardized to 1 m2 ground area. Quantitative analyses confirm that the canopies of conifers and broad-leafs support defined but very different communities. For example, mean densities of arthropods were significantly higher for conifers ( P < 0.001) and when individuals were allocated to feeding guilds, conifers supported proportionately more scavenger/epiphyte feeders whereas broad-leaved trees were dominated by phytophages. The implications of these findings for forest dynamics and herbivore loads are considered. Both groups of trees are dominated by organisms with small body sizes; suggested reasons for this include microclimate and food resources available in the canopy. The species richness of epiphyte feeders and predators was comparable for conifers and broad-leaved trees, however the richness of herbivores was greater on the latter. Woodland specialist species were found in the conifer communities with Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) supporting a particularly rich and dense fauna. The proportion of canopy specialist species, particularly epiphyte feeders, would be expected to increase with maturity of the trees. Although the communities differed from broad-leaved trees it can be concluded that conifers make valuable habitats for arthropods when grown in plantation and can enhance diversity where natural forest is not available.
Performance of New Hybrid Yam (D. rotundata Poir) Varieties in the Forest Zone of Nigeria

Summary Four hybrid yam varieties (TDr 89/01438, TDr 89/02665, TDr 95/01924 and TDr 89/01213) and three local cultivars (Danacha, Obiaturugo and 93-2) were evaluated for tuber yield, leaf mosaic virus and nematodes infection at Orin-Ekiti for three years, 1999 to 2001. Varietal differences and relationship between tuber yield, severity of leaf mosaic virus and tuber infection by nematodes were determined. Tuber yields were highest in 89/02665 and 95/01924 with a mean of 16 and 14 t.ha-1 respectively. The lowest yielders were Danacha (5 t.ha‐1) and a hybrid 89/01438 (6.6 t.ha‐1). In the two highest yielding varieties, 47 to 53% of yields were contributed by ware yam sizes which contributed 34% of the total number of tubers harvested. Seven percent of the tubers harvested were of ware sizes in Danacha and they contributed 11% to total yield. Reaction to leaf mosaic virus was low in TDr 89/ 02665, mild in 95/01924, and moderate to severe in 89/01438, 93-2 and Danacha. Nematode attack on tubers was mild in all varieties. Positive correlations were found between tuber yield and percent weight of ware yams (r= 0. 53 **) and percent number of ware tubers (r= 0.76***). Correlation was negative and significant between tuber yield and virus infection (r= -0.59***) whereas it was not significant for nematode infection (r= 0.13). Two hybrid varieties 89/02665 and 95/01924 are recommended for on-farm testing by farmers in forest areas of Nigeria. Resume Performance de nouvelles varietes hybrides d’igname ( D. rotundata Poir) dans une zone forestiere du Nigeria
Effect of Peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) Powder on Immune Response of Broiler Chickens in Heat Stress

To study the effect of different levels of peppermint (Mentha piperita) plant powder, on immune system of broilers under heat stress condition, 192 one-day old chickens (Ross, 308) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 4 replicates of 12 chicks each, using a completely randomized design. The four groups were characterized by a basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 1 and 2 percent peppermint powder and basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg vitamin E. Heat stress was created by setting room temperature at 34 ˚C for 8 hour/day from the 35th to the 42nd day of experiment. Results showed differences (P<0.05) for feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 21 days and body weight (BW) at 42 days of the experiment. Birds treated by 2 percent peppermint powder and 1 percent peppermint powder showed higher and lower body weight gain, respectively, at 21 days of age, when compared with birds fed basal diet and vitamin E. A significantly higher level of total Ig, IgM and IgG was found for peppermint powder than other treatment groups at 35 days and 42 days of age. Significant interactions were observed between diet and sex on IgG at 35 days of the experiment (P<0.05). There were significant (P<0.05) differences among the treatments for total white blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, heterophils to lymphocytes ratio at 42 days of experiment and 2 percent peppermint powder increased total white blood cells values compared to basal diet and vitamin E. The peppermint powder significantly made a difference for serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDLC) and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDLC)at 21days and 42 days of age (P<0.05). Blood serum concentration of HDLC increased by peppermint powder treatment, whereas they were lower for basal diet and vitamin E at 42 days of age. Liver weight was higher and lower in 1 percent peppermint powder and basal diet treated groups, respectively (P<0.05). In general, results indicated that supplementation of peppermint powder in the diet did not improve bursa of fabricius and spleen weight of broiler chicken, but ha an antioxidative potential to improve oxidative stability and immune response.
Bergmann's rule in the oceans? Temperature strongly correlates with global interspecific patterns of body size in marine mammals

Aim Bergmann's rule remains unexplored in marine mammals. We first examine at a global extent whether these organisms show the same interspecific pattern reported for terrestrial mammals and then evaluate the influence of current environmental conditions and human impacts on the observed patterns. Location Global. Methods We used range maps to document interspecific body size gradients and examined six environmental and human-based hypotheses. We analysed the data using a comparative cross-species method and a spatially explicit assemblage approach at three different grain sizes (200 km × 200 km, 400 km × 400 km and 800 km × 800 km). The associations between hypothesis-linked predictors and body size were analysed through simple and multiple regressions that controlled for both spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelation. Results We detected clear global latitudinal body size gradients, following a Bergmannian pattern (i.e. increasing size polewards). Consistently across methodological approaches (cross-species and assemblage analyses) and grain sizes, sea surface temperature is the best predictor. Spatially, the temperature–size relationship is stronger in the Southern than in the Northern Hemisphere. Pinniped body sizes are critically constrained by temperature world-wide whereas cetacean size clines show a weaker, albeit dominant, association with temperature. Main conclusions As in terrestrial mammals, our findings show that ambient temperature better explains interspecific body size patterns in cetaceans, and especially pinnipeds, world-wide. Large-bodied species are favoured in colder environments, in accordance with Bergmann's rule and the heat conservation hypothesis. However, our analyses also reveal a relevant role for salinity and primary productivity in migratory cetacean species. The large body sizes of baleen whales are essential for migration, for survival during fasting periods and minimizing the effects of temperature variation. This finding highlights the importance of spatially and phylogenetically explicit deconstructive approaches, considering alternative hypotheses to the traditional physiological mechanism, to gain a better understanding of Bergmann's rule.
Novel Dioscorea hispida starch-based hydrogels and their beneficial use as disinfectants

Starch-grafted polyacrylamide hydrogels were successfully prepared via chemical polymerization method in basic solution, which provides a homogeneous suspension in the reaction system. The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance confirmed that the monomer polyacrylamide was grafted onto the starch backbone as shown by the cross-linked peak at 1638 cm−1. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the morphology of starch-grafted polyacrylamide hydrogels has a highly porous structure which provides excellent water absorption capacity with a swelling ratio up to 124%. The X-ray diffraction showed no significant crystallization peaks, indicating that an amorphous hydrogel has been produced. Supported by differential scanning calorimetry, the highest transition glass temperature was observed at 101°C. The starch-grafted polyacrylamide hydrogel extracts inhibited Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Salmonella typhimurium growth The fish embryo toxicity test demonstrated that the hydrogel with 2:1 ratio of polyacrylamide: starch has an acceptable level of toxicity. This result indicates that the synthesized hydrogel is applicable for biological purposes with further modifications.
Beauregard’ Sweet Potato

‘Beauregard’ sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas [L. ] Lam. ] was developed by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station to combine resistance to diseases and insects of local importance with good horticultural and culinary characteristics. This cultivar, first designated L82-508, is named after Louisiana's renowned civil engineer and “Napo-lean in Grey,” Gen. P.G. T. Beauregard.
Prevalence and risk factors for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease in the canine population of the tourist city of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil

The aims of the study were to determine the seroprevalence of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in dogs in the tourist city of Ibiuna, Sao Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples of dogs were collected from four regions in the 48 districts of the municipality, from September 2007 to March 2008, and submitted for serological examination. Laboratory diagnosis of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease was performed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. Of the 570 animals examined, 13 (2.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2%-3.8%) were seropositive for leishmaniasis, and 35 (6.1%; 95% CI = 4.3%-8.3%) were seropositive for Chagas disease. A risk factor associated with seropositivity for Chagas disease in dogs was residence in a region with a predominance of small farms generally used for subsistence planting and leisure and surrounded by forest areas (odds ratio = 4.20). By contrast, there were no risk factors identified for leishmaniasis, leading us to conclude that leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are present in dogs in the tourist city of Ibiuna, Sao Paulo; however, additional studies are needed in order to fully define the risk factors associated with disease in this municipality.
Specialization among amphipods: the invasive Gammarus tigrinus has narrower niche space compared to native gammarids

Human-mediated invasions of nonindigenous species are modifying global biodiversity. Despite significant interest in the topic, niche separation and specialization of invasive and closely related native sympatric species are not well understood. It is expected that combined use of various methods may reveal different aspects of niche space and provide stronger evidence for niche partitioning as compared to a single method. We applied the species marginality index (OMI) and species distribution modeling (SDM) in the northern Baltic Proper to determine (1) if environmental niche spaces at habitat scale differ between taxonomically and functionally closely related invasive and native gammarid species, and (2) whether the observed pattern relates to the species distribution overlap. Both methods agreed in notably narrower and more segregated realized niche of invasive Gammarus tigrinus compared to the studied native gammarids. Among native species, the distribution of G. zaddachi overlapped the most with G. tigrinus. Our results confirm that widespread colonization does not require a wide niche of the colonizer, but may rather be a function of other biological traits and/or the saturation of the recipient ecosystem. The niche divergence and wider environmental niche space of native species are likely to safeguard their existence in habitats less suitable for G. tigrinus.
Variability and Signatures of Capsid Amino Acid of HIV-1D Subtype from Drug-Naive and ARV-treated Individuals

Objective The infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has changed dramatically in recent years from invariably fatal disease to chronic disease. HIV-1 subtype D viruses were first isolated from the peripheral blood lymphocytes in 1983 in patients from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and today this subtype is present mainly in eastern, central and west Africa. There are fewer studies that expansively investigate the HIV-1 subtype D diversity for capsid variability to date thus in this study wanted to analyse and examine the distribution of naturally occurring sequence variability in full-length capsid sequences of HIV-1 subtype D. Methods The 279 HIV-1 D-subtype capsid sequences from the Los Alamos database were retrieved. From this conspicuous dataset of patients at all stages of infection (one isolate per single patient), 153 were drug-naive and 126 were drug-treated. Then, the amino acidic variability of capsid sequences was analysed. Results In drug-naive patients, among the 80 capsid variable residues, 27 were mutated in >5 % of patients and 9 of them were highly variable. Consequently, 151 out of 231 capsid amino acid residues were highly conserved (≤1 % variability). While in ARV-treated patients, among the 83 variable residues, 29 were mutated in >5 % of patients, and 11 of them were highly variable. Consequently, 148 out of 231 capsid amino acid residues were highly conserved (≤1 % variability). Conclusion Genetic fragility of the HIV-1 capsid may explain why cell-mediated immune responses to Gag link with better prognosis in viral infection, and suggests that viral capsids are the good targets for therapy as well as vaccination strategies. Hence, the variability of the capsid protein of the D-subtype HIV-1 is not widespread, but it is absolutely mandatory to prevent minority species resistant to any new treatment approaches. Also the specific in vitro and/or in vivo studies are needed to establish the role of some signatures here noted. Exploring further the implications such changes may have on drug-resistance may be relevant
Gut structures in adult workers of necrophorous neotropical stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae)

The structure and content of the proventriculus and midgut were analysed in adult workers of 2 necrophagous and 8 pollen feeding species of neotropical stingless bees. In the former no modification could be detected indicating any adaptation for flesh feeding. This result is discussed in relation to a presumably recent change of the protein source in the necrophagous neotropical Trigona species.
Fish dropped of breeding colonies as indicators of least tern food habits

Studies of seabird food habits are frequently based on stomach contents, direct observation of feedings performed at breeding colonies, or food remains contained in regurgitated or fecal pellets (Ashmole 1968, Pearson 1968, Lemmetyinen 1973, Nisbet 1973, Vermeer 1973, Ainley et al. 1981). However, some species neither regularly regurgitate food nor produce feces or pellets containing identifiable food remains and, in the study of small or threatened populations, collection of even limited numbers of individuals for analysis of stomach contents is precluded. Investigation of food habits in these cases requires either remote observation of feeding activities, which is often logistically difficult, or indirect, alternative approaches. Although there has been considerable recent research on the breeding biology and population trends of the endangered California Least Tern
Photoperiodically Induced Changes in Seed Growth Rate of Soybean as Related to Endogenous Concentrations of ABA and Sucrose in Seed Tissues

Short-day photoperiods can increase the partitioning of assimilates to filling seeds of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), resulting in higher seed growth rates. The plant growth substance ABA has been implicated in the regulation of assimilate transfer within filling soybean seeds. Thus, we hypothesized that an increased concentration of endogenous ABA in seeds may enhance sucrose accumulation and seed growth rate of soybeans exposed to short-day photoperiods. Plants of cv. Hood 75 were grown in a greenhouse under an 8-h short-day photoperiod (SD) until 11 d after anthesis (DAA) of the first flower, when half of the plants were transferred to a night-interruption (NI) treatment (3 h of low-intensity light inserted into the middle of the dark period). Plants remaining in SD throughout seed development had seed growth rates 43 % higher than that of plants shifted to NI (7-6 mg seed"1 d"1 vs. 5-3 mg seed"1 d"1). On a tissue-water basis, the concentration of ABA in SD seeds increased rapidly from 7-6 /tmol I"1 at 11 DAA to 65-2 /tmol T1 at 18 DAA, but then declined to 6-6 /jmol I"1 by 39 DAA. In contrast, the concentration of ABA increased more slowly in NI seeds, reaching only 47-4 /;mol I"1 by 18 DAA, peaking at 57-0 fimo\ I"1 on 25 DAA, and declining to 10-2/tmoll"1 by 39 DAA. The concentration of sucrose in SD embryos peaked at 73-5 mmol I"1 on 25 DAA and remained relatively constant for the remainder of the seed-filling period. In NI, the concentration of sucrose reached only 38-3 mmol I"1 by 25 DAA, and peaked at 61-5 /jmol I"1 on 32 DAA. Thus in both SD and NI, sucrose accumulated in embryos only after the peak in ABA concentration, suggesting that ABA may have stimulated sucrose movement to the seeds. The earlier accumulation of ABA and sucrose in SD suggests that ABA may have increased assimilate availability during the critical cell-division period, thus regulating cotyledon cell number and subsequent seed growth rate for the remainder of the seed-filling period.
In vitro Efficacy of Different Chemicals, Botanicals and Bioagent Against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae

Bacterial blight is the most severe disease of the Pomegranate, caused by bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae. It is widely spread bacterial disease of plants from both epidemiological and economic points of view. The pathogen affects different plant parts like leaf, stem and fruit. Infection results in water soaked oily spot symptoms on leaves and fruits which consequently decreases fruit production and market value. Extensive agricultural practices along with large amount of pesticide as well as antibiotic are required to control this disease. Investigation was carried to study in vitro efficacy of different chemicals, botanicals and bioagent individually and in combination against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae by using disc diffusion method. Maximum zone of inhibition were recorded in chemical treatments. Copper oxychloride (0.3%) + Streptomycin sulphate (500 ppm) was found significantly superior in inhibiting the growth of bacteria with 14.33 mm zone of inhibition.
Sex and age related biometrical patterns in Pyrenean Citril Finches (Serinus citrinella)

Borras A. , J. Cabrera, T. Cabrera & J. C. Senar (1998): Sex and age related biometrical patterns in Pyrenean Citril Finches (Serinus citrinella P.). Vogelwarte 39: 196-202. Sex and age variation in external biometric measurements is described for the eastern Pyrenean Citril Finch po­ pulation (n = 376 birds from 16 localities). Citril Finch overall biometry could be summarized by five Principal Components (PCA), which explain 60% of total variation. The PCI was related to overall feather size of the birds (wing, third primary and tail lengths). Adult males were the larger birds and yearling females the smaller ones. PC2 was related to the shape of the bill (mainly width and depth), but no sex or age differences appeared in relation to this component. The three next overall principal components (PC3-5) were related to wing shape, based on PCA on the relative lengths of the primary feathers (P2-P8) corrected for body size and allometry. These three components varied according to sex and age in a complex way. Pyrenean Citril finches showed lar­ ger wing lengths than central European populations, which suggests that although a clinal variation in size from north to south should be expected, other factors as habitat quality or diet may also be of great importance in de­ termining the size of Citril Finches.