Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some Aspects of the Schooling Behaviour of Fish

The purpose of this paper is to present a hypothesis on the nature of the schooling behaviour of fish based on an ethological investigation of schooling. Recognizing the disadvantages of a limited amount of data and of the use of different species for different parts of the study, the following tentative picture is suggested. Schooling may be considered an instinct as defined by TINBERGEN and is at a relatively low level in the hierarchical organization of behaviour. It has typical appetitive behaviour and a consummatory situation. A single fish separated from its school searches until perceiving a group of fish. It then approaches the group. In most cases vision is the only sense involved in this approach. If more detailed specific stimuli are then perceived (possibly through any of the sense organs) the fish ceases searching and remains with the school; if not, it soon leaves, and appetitive behaviour continues until the appropriate consummatory situation (being in a school of the same species) is attained. This hypothesis is based on the following points: 1. A school of fish is an aggregation formed when one fish reacts to others by remaining near them. 2. Typical features of Gasterosleits ticuleatus and Scardinius erythrophthalmus schools are: performance of the same activity at the same time by all fish, lack of aggressivcness between members and equality of rank of all members. 3. Blinded Scardinius fail to show typical schooling but remain in an area where odours from other Scardinius can be detected. This response may keep schools of this species from scattering widely at night. 4. Visual perception of a school of fish releases approach in single Scardinius and Pristella riddlei. 5. When presented with two different-sized schools of their own species single Gasterosteus, Scardinius and Leuciscus ntlilus prefer the larger to the smaller group. 6. A small Gasterosteus prefers six large to six small Gasterosteus. 7. A single Gasterosteus prefers a school of its own species to a school of Rhodeus amarus but shows no consistent preference when either Pygosteus pungitius or Leuciscus are presented together with Gasterosteus. 8. A single Pristella prefers a school of unoperated Pristella to a school with amputated dorsal fins. The dorsal fin with its conspicuous black patch is jerked more rapidly after alarm. This structure and its special movement may be considered a social releaser. 9. Increased feeding motivation leads to limited dispersal of a school of Gasterosteus. The head-down feeding posture is a signal attracting others in a school to a source of food. 10. Alarm causes an increase in density of a school of Gasterosteus. 11. With increasing reproductive motivation male Gasterosteus cease schooling and try to hold territories. Females disperse to a limited extent.
Effects of Temperature, Water Regime, Light, and Soil Properties on 15N2 Fixation Associated with Decomposition of Organic Matter in Paddy Soils

Effective utilization of the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) activity is important for enhancing the N fertility of paddy soils and for developing sustainable rice cultivation systems. To analyze the soil factors that affect BNF in paddy soils, in this study, the effects of the temperature, water regime, and long-term soil management on 1 5 N 2 fixation were examined in relation to the decomposition of organic matter in incubation experiments. Within the range of 15-30°C, heterotrophic 1 5 N 2 fixation under dark conditions changed almost proportionally to the formation of CO 2 +CH 4 with glucose and straw as C sources by increasing the temperature, while the C use efficiency (N 2 fixed/(CO 2 +CH 4 )) was relatively higher at low temperatures in the presence of cellulose. The examination of the effect of the water regime on heterotrophic 1 5 N 2 fixation indicated that flooding after aerobic conditions promoted heterotrophic 1 5 N 2 fixation as well as the decomposition of cellulose. Among the soils with different types of management, the soils amended with manure and rice straw. showed the largest photodependent 1 5 N 2 fixation. On the other hand, the soils with a lower content of mineralizable-N tended to depend more on heterotrophic 1 5 N 2 fixation. Soils from paddy fields converted into upland fields (hereafter referred to as "converted upland soils"), particularly showed a high heterotrophic 1 5 N 2 fixation. Overall, it appeared that the management of organic matter application and the water regime may result in significant variations in BNF in paddy soils. The results obtained suggested that further studies should he conducted on the C and N metabolism involved in BNF during the decomposition processes of organic matter along with the changes in the soil redox status to identify methods for efficient soil management to promote BNF.
Reproductive biology of Psammobatis extenta

Psammobatis extenta collected from the commercial bottom trawl fishery operating in Puerto Quequen, Argentina, between 2000 and 2001, had a sex ratio of 1 : 1 (535 specimens). Both the largest male and female measured 313 mm total length (L T ). The relationship between total body mass and L T . was significantly different between sexes; mature females weighed more than mature males for a given L T . The size at which 50% of males were sexually mature was 262 mm L T (83.6% of the maximum size), whereas 50% of females were mature at 249 mm L T (80.0%) of the maximum size). The gonadosomatic index in mature males and females was slightly higher during summer, but did not show significant variation over the sampling period. The hepatosomatic index of males and females was higher during the autumn and winter and followed a distinct seasonal pattern. Evidence suggested a continuous reproductive cycle during the year, with a maximum number of females carrying egg-cases in summer.
Salinity, oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in shoot cultures of rice

When shoot cultures derived from salt-sensitive Oryza sativa var. Taipei 309 were grown at 25°C in medium containing 0.35 M NaCI, responses to possible oxidative stress in the early stages of exposure were observed. Overall levels of Mn-superoxide dismutase activity, Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase activity and H 2 O 2 were significantly elevated. After 1 d there was a notable decline in tissue concentrations of GSH and a corresponding increase in GSSG. However, after a further day, concentrations of GSH and GSSG returned to concentrations normally encountered in control cultures. Activities of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase were similar whether the shoots were grown in the presence or absence of NaCI. In contrast, there was an early increase in glutathione reductase activity in NaCI-exposed cultures, and no indication of extensive increases in lipid peroxidation. Thus although some indications of oxidative stress accompany exposure of this salt-sensitive rice variety to salinity, mechanisms appear to exist within its shoot tissue to permit the tolerance of such oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial gene frequencies in Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera L.): Theoretical model and empirical evidence

A population genetical model is used to investigate the effects of queen and drone fitness and swarming ability on nuclear and mitochondrial (mt) DNA variation in honeybees. The analysis of both types of DNA is particularly useful for a genetic study of the Africanized bee problem in the Americas. Both an analytical model and a Monte Carlo simulation show that even if mtDNA proves to be selectively neutral, Africanized mitotypes are expected at high frequencies because of the more frequent swarming of Africanized honeybees. Since the fitness of Africanized drones is higher than that of European drones, European and African mitotypes are expected to be polymorphic and consequently unreliable as diagnostic tools to discriminate between the two types. Samples of Africanized honeybees in Brazil reveal high mtDNA polymorphisms as predicted by the theoretical models.
Temporal and spatial control of expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in developing flowers of Antirrhinum majus

Summary The co-ordination of expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes was studied in developing flowers. Four genes encoding enzymes operating late in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway are induced together during flower development but the early steps appear to be induced more rapidly. Co-ordination of expression could imply a common regulatory mechanism controlling the expression of metabolically related genes. The data presented here show that while four genes may share such a mechanism for the control of their expression during flower development, different control processes regulate the early steps of the pathway. Spatially, gene expression is patterned across the flower and appears to be very similar for all the biosynthetic genes. However, the observed influence of the regulatory gene Delila shows that the spatial co-ordination of gene expression must involve more than one regulatory system. Delila itself appears to have a dual function, being required for activation of expression of the later genes in the flower tube but repressing chalcone synthase gene expression in the mesophyll of the corolla lobes. It is postulated that common signals induce the expression of genes in the pathway during flower development. The data presented here suggest that the same regulatory mechanism interprets these signals for four of the genes encoding the later biosynthetic enzymes, but that different or modified mechanisms interpret the signals to control expression of chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase genes in Antirrhinum flowers.
Phytoplankton diversity in the Cross River Estuary of Nigeria

Studies on the species composition, relative abundance, spatial distribution and diversity of phytoplankton assemblages in the Cross River Estuary were carried out for twenty-four months, across six (6) sampling stations. A total of 105 species of 57 genera, belonging to 5 families were observed. Bacillariophyceae (Diatom) was the most abundant phytoplankton family, constituting 71.58% of total Algal density, followed by Chlorophyceae (Green algae) with 13.84%, Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) with 12.69%, while Euglenophyceae (Green flagellates) and Dinophyceae (Dinoflagellates) recorded 0.88% and 1.01% respectively, of total phytoplankton abundance. Bacillariophyceae showed progressive importance from stations 1 to 6 while chlorophyceae and Euglenophyceae were more abundant in stations 1, 2, and 3. Cyanobacteria however, showed no spatial bias, whereas Dinophyceae were observed only in stations 4, 5 and 6. Bacillarlophyceae was the most dominant family, while chlorophyceae and cyanobacteria were observed to be subdominant groups. Similarity of species occurrence was generally observed in stations 1 and 2, station 3 and 4 and stations 5 and 6. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant variation (P 0.05) in composition of phytoplankton assemblages. High abundance of certain cyanobacteria taxa indicated environmental degradation. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(1) 2006: 89-95
A History and Evaluation of Regulations for Brook Trout and Brown Trout in Michigan Streams

Abstract Since establishment of the Board of Fish Commissioners in 1873, the trend in Michigan trout fishing regulations has been toward more restrictive and complex laws. Major scientific investigations concerning the effectiveness of various types of regulations began in 1945. Those studies indicated that a minimum size limit was the most effective regulation for controlling exploitation of trout. In this study, minimum size limits for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Michigan streams were evaluated through mathematical modeling. Minimum size limits ranging from 152 to 229 mm were tested for brook trout and from 152 to 305 mm for brown trout. Catch-and-release (no-kill) regulations were also simulated for both species. Maximum yield in numbers and weight of trout harvested (legal-size fish killed) was obtained at a 152-mm minimum limit for both species. Yield in numbers and weight of trout caught and released (sublegal fish returned to water alive) increased as size .
Chromosomal Biotypes of Carica papaya Linn

Five horticultural forms of Carica papaya growing in India have been studied. Karyotypes of them represent homogeneity. Slight structural difference in chromosomes of different varieties is noticed, which proves the role of structural alteration of chromosomes on the evolution of the forms. No heteromorphic pair, or unpaired chromosome or any chromatin body, suggesting chromosomal basis of sex difference in the species, could be recognized.
Habitat Model for a Recolonizing Wolf (Canis lupus) Population in Finland

The wolf (Canis lupus) population in Finland is recolonizing its former range after an absence of about 100 years. During its absence, the boreal forest environment has been significantly altered by humans and has become a patchwork of managed forests and human-modified areas. Wolf recolonization has raised a need for information on the potential occurrence of wolf home ranges and habitat requirements. We used a logistic regression to compare a set of habitat features inside 20 known minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges of wolves in Finland with the same habitat features in random areas. Wolves tended to show strong avoidance of direct human presence. There did not appear to be a large difference in the occurrence of different forest types between wolf home ranges and random areas. An independent sample of ten wolf home ranges was used to evaluate the probabilities of wolf occurrence predicted by the models. According to our model, 90% of these home ranges had a probability of occurrence greater than 0.50. We also used logistic regression to compare the habitat composition of 50% kernels inside the MCP home ranges. The tendency to avoid human presence was also evident in smaller scale habitat selection.
Shell Repair Frequencies in New Jersey Bivalves: A Recent Baseline for Tests of Escalation with Tertiary, Mid-Atlantic Congeners

Abstract Articulated and disarticulated shells of Anadara ovalis, Anomia simplex, Argopecten irradians, Astarte castanea, Crassostrea virginica, Divalinga quadrisulcata, Donax variabilis, Ensis directus, Geukensia demissa, Mercenaria mercenaria, Mya arenaria, Mytilus edulis, Petricola pholadiformis, Spisula solidissima, and Tagelus plebeius collected from New Jersey intertidal life and death assemblages were measured, and the frequency, type (scalloped, divoted, cleft, embayed), location (ventral, anterior, posterior), and shell size at inception of repair determined. Repair frequency ranges from zero (D. quadrisulcata) to 0.30 (M. arenaria). Size refuge from sublethal breakage was attained by S. solidissima and C. virginica. Posterior repairs necessitated by siphon-nipping characterize M. mercenaria and E. directus. Ventral repairs associate with species subjected to valve-wedging (S. solidissima, M. mercenaria) or with ventral egress of the foot (A. ovalis). Ventral repairs among deep infaunal clams (M. arenaria, E. directus, T. plebeius) may have been induced by sediment-loading stress during burrowing. Anterior repairs are characteristic of deep infaunal species with foot exposure (M. arenaria, T. plebeius). Repair frequencies were compared statistically with valve surface area, ventral margin thickness, burrowing rate, depth of sediment penetration, shell microstructure, shell ornament, and tissue exposure when valves adducted. Of these comparisons, the only significant correlation was between frequency of embayed repairs and valve surface area. The complex relationship between repair frequency and these variables is underscored by factor analysis. New quantitative approaches are employed that advocate phyletic rather than assemblage-level tests of escalation involving Tertiary congeners from the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
in vivo cytogenotoxic and haematotoxic screening of a triherbal pill produced for the treatment of hemorrhoids among Nigerians in Alliumcepa and Mus musculus

There is unprecedented increase in the use of medicinal plants as source of therapeutics for human sustenance due to their efficacies. The assumption that these plants are very safe had increased their indiscriminate consumption, which can lead to human exposure to some harmful phytochemicals and possible contaminants. The cytogenotoxic and hematotoxic effects of a tri-herbal pill claimed to cure hemorrhoids and backache among Nigerians were investigated in Allium cepa (onion plant) and Mus musculus (mice). Allium cepa was treated with 800, 1200, 1600, 2500 and 0 mg/L (control; tap water) while Mus musculus with 600, 900, 1200, 1500 mg/L of the triherbal pill and distilled water (negative) and cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg bwt; positive) served as controls. Mice were examined for signs of toxicity, alterations in hematological indices and frequency of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE), while Allium cepa for root length inhibition, mitotic index and chromosome aberrations. Diarrhea, weakness and sluggishness in movement were common clinical signs observed in mice exposed to 1500 mg/L of the pill. There was significant (p 0.05) decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in the treated mice compared to the control (distilled water). Tri-herbal pills significantly increased frequency of MNPCE by 2.13 to 6.45 folds in the treated mice compared to the control. Also significant decrease in root growth and mitotic index, and increase percentage chromosome aberrations was observed in the A. cepa compared to the control (tap water). The tri-herbal pill induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in A. cepa and mice, and altered haematological parameters in mice. This suggests public health issues in case of indiscriminate consumption of such supplementary. Keywords : Allium Test, Cytogenotoxicity, Haematology, Herbal Drugs, Mice, Micronucleus Test.
A Study of Electrolyte Imbalance in Diabetic Patients at a Teritary Care Hospital in Kerala

Introduction: most of the diabetic patients will be having many complications and other co-morbidities. They often require multiple drugs for treatment. Diabetes mellitus itself, its complications and various medications all are related to development of electrolyte imbalance, which are often under-estimated or remain un-diagnosed.Objectives: to assess the pattern of electrolyte imbalance in diabetic patientsMethod: This clinical study was done in the Department of general Medicine, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla during 2016-17. Data were collected by random sampling from the first 100 adult diabetic patients with electrolyte imbalance, irrespective of their cause of admission.Results: Total number of patients were 125, male were 89 and female were 36. Mean age was 61.18 years with standard deviation of ± 13.15 years (Range 38- 80 years). Among the patients, the mean duration of the diabetes mellitus was 10.06 years with standard deviation ± 7.05 years. Over all 73% of patients had some sort of electrolyte imbalance, irrespective of cause of admission. Hyponatraemia was the most common electrolyte imbalance in this study (75%), followed by hypomagnaesemia (35%), hypokalaemia (32%) and hyperkalaemia (13%). In 10% cases there were hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia and hypomagnaesemia.Conclusion: it can be concluded that, electrolyte imbalance is common in diabetic patients. Serum electrolytes should be checked regularly in diabetic patients irrespective of their purpose of admission.
Acoustic Repertoire of Melanophryniscus cupreuscapularis (Céspedez and Álvarez 2000) (Anura: Bufonidae): Advertisement, Encounter, and Release Calls

Abstract We describe the vocal repertoire of Melanophryniscus cupreuscapularis, a bufonid toad of the Melanophryniscus stelzneri species group, which has been recently listed as “Vulnerable” by the Asociación Herpetológica Argentina. Recordings were obtained in “Paraje El Perichón,” a relict of Schinopsis balansae “quebracho” forest near Corrientes City, Argentina, in September 2007. We provide data on the structure and frequency of three kinds of vocalization: the advertisement, the encounter, and the release calls. We found that the advertisement call is formed by two distinct sections: a first segment consisting of short emissions, usually grouped, and a fast trill. We found that the encounter call is also composed of two segments but that the number of simple emissions in the first segment is greater and more variable (6–60) than in the advertisement call, and the emissions are ungrouped. Although the dominant frequency was similar to the advertisement call, the encounter call frequency was 2,184 Hz (range: 1,832–2,482). The release call is composed of isolated emissions emitted at a lower frequency (1,798 Hz, range: 1,712–1,926) than are the other calls. The structure of the advertisement call was similar to that of other species of the stelzneri group. Resumen Se describe el repertorio vocal de Melanophryniscus cupreuscapularis, un bufónido que pertenece al grupo stelzneri recientemente categorizada como “vulnerable” por especialistas de la Asociación Herpetológica Argentina (AHA). Las grabaciones fueron obtenidas en septiembre de 2007 en el Paraje “El Perichón,” un relicto de bosque de quebracho colorado, Schinopsis balansae, cercano a la ciudad de Corrientes, Argentina. Proveemos información sobre el análisis estructural y de frecuencia de tres tipos de vocalizaciones: canto de advertencia, de encuentro y de rechazo. M. cupreuscapularis emite un canto de advertencia formado por dos secciones diferentes: un primer segmento compuesto de emisiones aisladas, generalmente agrupadas, seguidas por un rápido vibrato. El canto de encuentro está compuesto también por dos segmentos, pero en este caso el número de emisiones simples del primer segmento es mayor y más variable (6–60) que en el canto de advertencia y se presentan desagrupadas. Si bien la frecuencia dominante es similar a la del canto de advertencia, en el canto de encuentro estas ocurren aproximadamente a 2,184 Hz (1,832–2,482). Finalmente, el canto de rechazo es una vocalización conformada por emisiones aisladas emitidas a menor frecuencia (1,798 Hz, range: 1,712–1,926) que en los otros dos casos. Nosotros encontramos similitudes entre la estructura del canto de esta especie con la de otros miembros del grupo stelzneri.