Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipids and nutrition of the southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, from hatch to puerulus

We examined the lipid class and fatty-acid composition of the southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, phyllosomas larvae and puerulus stage to improve understanding of their nutrition in relation to aquaculture. Lipid is critical in the nutrition of larval crustaceans, including lobsters. Specimens were from Tasmanian waters, Australia, and North Island, New Zealand, waters. Analyses were by TLC-FID and capillary GC and GC-MS. Phyllosomas larvae and nektonic pueruli were low in storage lipid (triacylglycerol), and phospholipid was the major lipid class. Sterol, mainly cholesterol, was the next most abundant class. The ratio of the essential omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) was lower in newly hatched phyllosomas (1.2-1.3) than in other phyllosomas (stages III-XI; 2.8-6.7) and pueruli (3.8). Ratios of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to EPA were also lower in newly hatched phyllosomas (0.5) than in later-stage phyllosomas (1.5-2.1) and pueruli (1.2). We have followed up these compositional data by successfully enriching the live diet (Artemia) of early phyllosomas with AA, EPA and DHA. This dietary manipulation has achieved ratios of these key polyunsaturated fatty acids similar to those of wild phyllosomas. These findings will be of significance to the future of rock-lobster aquaculture.
The decline of raptors in West Africa: long‐term assessment and the role of protected areas

Comparative large-scale roadside counts (8353 km), through Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, conducted in 1969-73, were repeated 30-35 years later with the same observer and methodology and at the same season. The transect was divided into three geographical zones and between protected and unprotected areas. All diurnal raptors were recorded (22 801 individuals), as well as large game birds. Large vultures suffered a dramatic decline (98%) outside protected areas. The Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus population also collapsed in some regions, but survived in central Burkina Faso. Conversely, their abundance index did not decrease significantly in national parks. Four eagle species decreased by 86-93% and seven were not even recorded in the later study outside protected areas; by contrast, in national parks, only three species had declined marginally. Smaller Accipitridae (kites, goshawks, buzzards) also exhibited significant declines outside but not within national parks where woodland species reached their highest densities. The Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, mostly European migrants, declined sharply everywhere. African falcons decreased only outside protected areas. Among Palearctic migrants, Montagu's Circus pygargus and Pallid Harriers C. macrourus decreased significantly, Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus less markedly, and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus and Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus not at all. Similar trends had previously been documented in Cameroon. They are associated with human population growth and development, global habitat degradation and ecosystem impoverishment (woodcutting, agricultural intensification, overgrazing, desertification). Heavy use of pesticides, control of locust outbreaks and overhunting have suppressed major food sources. Vultures may suffer from a shortage of carcasses, poisoning for predator control or persecution for trade of meat and body parts. Protected areas play a prominent role in the maintenance of vulture and eagle populations, even though they currently cover less than 2% of the Sudan zone and are virtually absent in the Sahel.
Effects of Subsoiling to the Non-tilled Field of Wheat-Soybean Rotation on the Root System Development, Water Uptake, and Yield

Abstract We introduced subsoiling to a field of wheat-soybean rotation where no-tillage practice had been conducted for five years and whose yield tended to decrease or stagnate. By subsoiling a half of each plot just before wheat sowing, treatments of tillage/no-tillage × subsoiling/no-subsoiling were established. Root distribution, shoot growth, water uptake and yield of both crops were examined to elucidate whether the subsoiling improves the productivity such as shoot biomass and yield through the modification of root system development, and how differ the effects of subsoiling between tilled and non-tilled fields. In wheat, roots were less concentrated in surface (0 − 5 cm) layer in no-tillage, and distributed more in deep (20 − 25 cm) layer of the soil. Deuterium labeled heavy water analysis revealed that the subsoiling enhanced water uptake from the deep soil layer in the no-tillage field. Both the no-tillage and subsoiling showed positive and significant effect on total biomass and yield. The effect of subsoiling must be related to water supply by deep roots in spring. In soybean no-tillage significantly increased the productivity, but subsoiling did not though distribution of the roots was modified by both practices. Soybean in non-tilled accumulated roots in the surface soil layer, but subsoiling did not significantly modify the root distribution especially in the deep soil layer. Water uptake trend and yield was thus not changed significantly by subsoiling. Subsoiling in the non-tilled field increased rooting depth and showed the possibility of braking yield stagnation in long-term no-tillage cultivation in wheat, but not in soybean.
Critique of the Leslie Method for Estimating Sizes of Crab and Lobster Populations

Abstract The Leslie method can be used to estimate the size of a decapod population by regressing catch per trap haul on cumulative catch of the fleet at several time intervals within a fishing season. The data requirements are modest and the calculations simple; however, demands for a time series of catch–effort data and for the capture of a large portion of the population entail assumptions that are easily violated. These assumptions are that the target species has constant catchability over the sampling period, the fishing effort is distributed uniformly over the fishing ground, the fishing methods do not change, the target population is closed, and landings and effort arc reported correctly. The assumptions were investigated by reviewing the literature for examples of deviations, and by simulating the deviations in a simple model. Petersen tag–recapture studies have been used to verify the accuracy of Leslie estimates. However, important assumptions are common to both methods, and violations bias stoc.
Aspectos ecológicos da fauna endoparasitária de Acestrorhynchus lacustris (Lütken, 1875) (Characiformes, Acestrorhynchidae) da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, Brasil - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v25i2.2043

Fifty-one specimens of Acestrorhynchus lacustris (Lutken, 1875) collected on the Upper Parana River floodplain were analyzed from February 2000 to November 2001. Of these, 35 (68.6%) were parasitized by at least one species of endohelminth. Eight species of endoparasites were found: five nematodes ( Contracaecum Type 1 larvae of Moravec, Kohn and Fernades, 1993, Contracaecum Type 2 larvae of Moravec, Kohn and Fernades, 1993, Contracaecum sp., Eustrongylides sp. and Procamallanus sp.), two digeneans ( Clinostomum sp. and Rhipidocotyle gibsoni Kohn and Fernandes, 1994) and one acanthocephalan ( Quadrigyrus torquatus Van Cleave, 1920). Contracaecum sp. and Q. torquatus were positively associated and also had positively correlated abundances. There was significant difference in the prevalence and abudance of infection of Q. torquatus between hosts sexes. This parasite also presented negative correlation between its intensity and host standard length. There are significant positive correlation between the prevalence of Contracaecum Type 1 and host standard length
Producing specialist poultry products to meet human nutrition requirements: Selenium enriched eggs

During the last decade it has become obvious that, while our lifestyle, including diet, stress, smoking, medical issues, exercise, and genetics are major determinants of human health status, it is diet that plays a central role. The effect of nutrition on human health has received substantial attention, and even ‘traditional’ medicinal philosophies that state that diet and nutrients play only limited roles in human health is being revised. In most developed countries nutritional practices have changed the focus from combating nutrient deficiencies to addressing nutrient requirements for maintaining good health throughout life. The role of selenium (Se) in human health and diseases has been discussed in detail in several recent reviews, with the main conclusion being that Se deficiency is recognised as a global problem which needs solving urgently. Analysing recent publications that relate human health to useful poultry products, it is evident that Se-enriched eggs can be used as an important delivery system of this trace mineral for humans. In particular, developments and commercialisation of organic forms of selenium has initiated a new era in the availability of selenium-enriched products. It has been shown that egg selenium content can be easily manipulated to give increased levels, especially when organic selenium is included in hen's diet at levels that provide 0.3-0.5 ppm Se in feed. As a result, technology for the production of eggs delivering ~50% (30–35 μg) of the human selenium RDA have been developed and successfully tested. Currently companies all over the world market Se-enriched eggs including the UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine. Prices for enriched eggs vary from country to country, typically being similar to free-range eggs. The scientific, technological and other advantages and limitations of producing designer/modified eggs as functional foods are discussed in this paper.
Using acoustic data from fishing vessels to estimate walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) abundance in the eastern Bering Sea

Eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) support one of the world’s largest fisheries. Because of walleye pollock’s high recruitment variability and relatively short life span, timely and accurate abundance indices are needed for fisheries management. Walleye pollock are surveyed biennially with an acoustic-trawl (AT) survey and annually with a bottom trawl (BT) survey. The latter tracks the demersal portion of the population using chartered fishing vessels, whereas the AT survey tracks the younger, midwater portion using research vessels and is critical for evaluating prerecruit abundances. Acoustic data collected from commercial fishing vessels conducting the BT survey were analyzed to provide information on midwater walleye pollock abundance at relatively low cost. A retrospective analysis of AT survey data identified a suitable index area to track midwater walleye pollock abundance. The BT survey acoustic data in that area tracked the AT survey abundance and captured its broad spatia.
Population Genetic Structure and Conservation of an Endangered Conifer, Cathaya argyrophylla (Pinaceae)

Cathaya argyrophylla is an endangered conifer restricted to subtropical mountains of China, with total number of individuals less than 4,000. To assess levels and patterns of genetic diversity of C. argyrophylla, eight populations representing four widely separated regions were analyzed for allozyme variation, using 13 enzymes. In comparison with other coniferous species, C. argyrophylla possesses a low amount of variation, particularly at the population level (A = 1.38; P = 30.4; He = 0.102). By contrast, the level of population differentiation is much higher (FST = 0.441) compared to other conifers, and significant differentiation occurs both between regions and between populations within a region. Climate, geologic, and fossil data suggest that historical factors are mainly responsible for the unique population genetic structure in C. argyrophylla. These factors include severe bottleneck and subsequent genetic drift during Quaternary glaciations and habitat deterioration and fragmentation in postglaciation. In addition, reduced gene flow and relatively high rates of inbreeding may be factors that lead to low population variability and marked genetic differentiation among populations. Implications for the development of conservation strategies for this endangered species are discussed on the basis of these findings.
Weed control in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using integrated soil applied herbicides and seed hydro-priming pretreatment

Abstract This study explores the effects of the pre-emergence herbicides alachlor (1680; 2400 g ha-1) and trifluralin (720; 1200 g ha-1), the post-emergence herbicides bentazone (360; 480 g ha-1) and haloxyfop (250; 375 g ha-1) and their combinations, along with the effect of seed hydro-priming on weed control, growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Hydropriming reduced the interval from planting to seedling establishment, increased the seedling dry weight and the crop grain yield. Based on grain yield, 720 g ha-1 trifluralin followed by 250+720 g ha-1 holoxyfob + trifluralin, 250 +1680 g ha-1 holoxyfob + alachlor, 2400 g ha-1 alachlor, and 1680 g ha-1 alachlor, all combined with priming, were the best treatments. The results showed that proper combination of pre- and post-emergence herbicides along with seed priming could be used to control the weeds in the sesame and obtain seed yield comparable with weed-free conditions
Microbiological Properties of Pork Cheek Meat as Affected by Acetic Acid and Temperature

Our objective was to determine the effect of acetic acid (AA) and temperature in inhibiting Salmonella typhimurium, aerobic plate counts (APCs) and total coliforms on pork cheek meat. Compared with initial APCs of control cheeks, a reduction in log10 CFU/cm2 APC by more than 78.6% was found in all samples that were treated with 20 and 40° acetic acid (P < 0.05). Additionally, total coliforms for acidtreated cheeks were lower for both AA treatments (P < 0.05). Cheeks (n = 10/treatment) were also sprayed in a commercial pork slaughter facility carcass wash with 2% AA (25°) and compared to control (non-treated) cheeks. The incidence of Salmonella decreased by 67% for acid-treated cheeks (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in APCs and coliforms occurred for the acid-treated cheeks (P < 0.05).
Electroantennogram studies of potential oviposition attractants for Toxorhynchites moctezuma and T. amboinensis mosquitoes

Abstract.Ether extracts of water samples taken from tyre sections in the field were shown to be active in electroantennogram studies with female Toxorhynchites moctezuma (Dyar & Knab) and Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Doleschall). In addition, electroantennograms were recorded from both Toxorhynchites species for seven compounds found commonly in water containing decaying leaves and known to be oviposition attractants for other mosquito species. The compounds were 4‐methylcyclohexanol, phenol, indole, 3‐methylindole, m‐cresol, o‐cresol and p‐cresol. The response thresholds for these compounds ranged between 1 × 10–4μg and 1 μg for female antennae (100 μg for male antennae). These results provide a basis for behavioural studies of oviposition attractants for the Toxorhynchites species.
THE KINETICS OF THE PHOTOACCLIMATION RESPONSE OF NANNOCHLOROPSIS SP. (EUSTIGMATOPHYCEAE): A STUDY OF CHANGES IN ULTRASTRUCTURE AND PSU DENSITY

In this study we report the kinetics of photoacclimation of the unicellular alga Nannochloropsis sp. grown under high light (HL), and subsequently transferred to low light (LL). We examined the changes in ultrastructural features, pigmentation, and photosynthetic parameters over short intervals until the LL steady state was reached. The ultrastructural changes were followed by quantitative morphometric measurements of transmission electron micrographs. We found that the increase in the relative volume of the chloroplast during acclimation to LL (twofold) was accompanied by an increase in number of stacks (twofold) and in the surface area of thylakoids per cell (2.5‐fold). The increase in photosynthetic unit (PSU) density was about 2.15‐fold. Maximal density was about 84 PSU·μm−2 in LL cells, and minimal density was 39 PSU·μm−2 in HL cells. The HL/LL ratio of the in vivo optical absorption cross‐section of PSU (σPSU) was 2.8, whereas in the in vivo optical absorption cross‐section of the cell (σcell), the trend of change was in the opposite direction: 1.7‐fold higher in LL‐acclimated cells than in HL‐acclimated cells. We propose a partial sequence of the photoacclimation processes based on our data and the derived rate constants.
Diversity and abundance of the coleopteran fauna from organic and conventional management systems in southern England

1 Studies of the epigeal coleopteran fauna on five pairs of organic and conventional farms were carried out between May and July 1994 in southern England using pitfall trapping. A total of 27 749 individuals and 140 species were identified. Overall, abundance of Coleoptera was greatest on organically managed farms.
The phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) of caves in belize, Central America

Between 1963 and 1969, approximately 15 000 Phlebotomine sandflies were collected in five limestone caves in Belize, Central America. Thirteen species of sandflies were identified, two of the genus Brumptomyia Franca & Parrot and 11 of the genus Lutzomyia Franca. L. beltrani (Vargas & Diaz Najera) was the predominant species in all the caves; it is wholly adapted for life in caves and data on blood-meals and ovarian development allow a detailed discussion of its probable life-history (four generations per year) in relation to its supposed hosts, bats. Some specimens of L. deleoni (Fairchild & Hertig) were collected in all caves and it was the second most abundant species in all but one cave; this species, whose larval stages develop in the caves, is evolving from life in caves and is becoming adapted to life in forest. L. trinidadensis (Newst.) was abundant in one cave but rare in the others; this species probably enters caves in search of hosts for blood-meals. The eight other species of Lutzomyia and the two species of Brumptomyia were collected in small numbers and at irregular intervals; these species use caves only as temporary shelters.
CULTURE OF EMBRYO WITH A SEGMENT OF OVARY IMPROVED GERMINATION AND CROSSABILITY OF DISTANT HYBRIDS IN INDICA RICE

Distant hybridization in the genus Oryza is realized as an efficient Biotechnological tool for plant breeding work to introgress useful gene/s from diverse array of wild relatives into cultivated rice. This study was carried out to improve the germination frequency of hybrid embryo to enhance the crossability between O. sativa sub spp. indica and wild species. Three cultivars of indica rice viz. IR 64, Radha 4 and IR 69618 - CMS A line (cytoplasmic male sterile A line) were pollinated with the pollen of O. latifolia, O. minuta and O. officinalis . Hybrid caryopsis containing embryos were rescued at tenth day of pollination. In vitro germination frequency of rescued embryos were compared by culturing embryo alone and embryo with a bit of ovary during 2005-06 at Biotechnology Unit, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. Culture was maintained at 25±1°C under dark until germination and there after continuous light. In majority of the cross combinations, the germination frequencies were found to be higher when embryo excised and cultured with small portion of ovary. This technique yielded up to 100 per cent germination which were later employed to study the crossability between species. Depending upon the cultivars of O. sativa , the frequencies of crossability varied from 0.53 to 3.08 per cent with highest for Radha 4/ O. minuta . A total of 38 hybrid plants were successfully produced from 88 cultured embryos isolated from 2644 pollinated florets. Inclusion of a bit of ovary along with embryo in in vitro culture was found to be an effective method not only to improve the germination frequency of hybrid embryo, but also to increase the crossability between cultivars of cultivated rice and their distant relatives. Key words : Embryo rescue; Interspecific hybrid; Oryza sativa ; Wild species; O. latifolia; O. minuta; O. officinalis. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5. 2655 Scientific World , Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 46-50
Identification and Evaluation of Clinically Significant Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum Strains Using Pyrolysis Mass Spectrometry (PyMS)

Out of a total of thirty-nine Nocardia strains, eight species of N. brasiliensis, seventeen species of N. farcinica and fourteen species of N. otitidiscaviarum were identified using Pyrolysis mass spectrometry. N428, N477 N. brasiliensis; N669, N233 N. farcinica; and N231, N232 N. otitidiscaviarum duplicated strains were clustered in their own groups. Strains belonging to Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum formed distinct pyrogroups corresponding to clusters defined in the numerical study. It can be concluded that PyMS provides a rapid and reproducible method of evaluating the taxonomic significance of Nocadia species.
Twelve-year responses of planted and naturally regenerating conifers to variable-retention harvest in the Pacific Northwest, USA

We studied patterns of conifer regeneration over 12 years as part of a regional-scale experiment in variable-retention harvest in the Pacific Northwest, the DEMO Study. We compared survival and height growth of planted conifers and density and seral composition of natural regeneration among treatments with differing retention levels (15% versus 40%) and patterns (dispersed versus aggregated) replicated across a range of latitudes and forest zones. We also assessed plot-scale relationships of natural regeneration with overstory density and basal area, competing vegetation, and slash accumulations. Early (1- to 2-year) survival of planted seedlings was greater in dispersed treatments (Pinus monticola Douglas ex D. Don, Abies spp.) or unaffected by retention level or pattern (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). Later (5- to 12-year) survival did not differ (all species), but growth was distinctly reduced in dispersed treatments and (or) at higher levels of retention. Density of natural regeneration was 1.
Pollination ecology of Philodendron squamiferum (Araceae)

In French Guiana, inflorescences of Philodendron squamiferumPoepp. (Araceae) were regularly visited by the scarab beetle Cyclocephala simulatrix Holne and (Scarabaeidae, Coleoptera) occasionally by Cyclocephala tylifera Holne. The flowering cycle lasted 2 days, and the protogynous inflorescence exhibited features typical of beetle polli - nation (floral chamber, food rewards, flower heating). The spadix temperature was measured during the entire flowering cycle in French Guiana and at the Montreal Botanical Garden. Both sets of measurements gave a similar temperature pattern. The spadix warmed up twice at the beginning of each evening with no notable heat production between the two peaks. These two temperature peaks were well synchronized with the arrival and departure of beetles. Resume : En Guyane francaise, les inflorescences de Philodendron squamiferumPoepp. (Araceae) sont regulierement visitees par Cyclocephala simulatrix Holne (Scarabe-, Coleoptere) et occasionnellement par Cyclocephala tylifera Holne. Le cycle de floraison dure 2 jours avec une inflorescence protogyne qui possede des caracteres typiquement lies a la pollinisation par des coleopteres (chambre florale, ressource alimentaire, production de chaleur). La temperature du spadice a ete mesuree durant toute la duree du cycle floral en Guyane francaise et au Jardin botanique de Montreal. Les deux types de mesures ont donne des resultats similaires. Le spadice chauffe par deux fois en debut des deux soi- rees du cycle floral avec aucune production de chaleur entre ces deux evenements. Ces deux pics de chaleur sont bien synchronises avec d'une part l'arrivee, et d'autre part le depart des coleopteres de l'inflorescence. Mot cles : pollinisation, Cyclocephala, Coleoptere, Dynastide, thermogenese, traits floraux, Guyane francaise.