Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New material of the Late Cretaceous marine turtle Ctenochelys acris Zangerl, 1953 and a phylogenetic reassessment of the ‘toxochelyid’-grade taxa

Late Cretaceous marine turtles formerly referred to the family Toxochelyidae represent perhaps the earliest members of the clade including extant marine species of cryptodire (Chelonioidea). Though more pelagically specialized marine taxa such as Protostegidae (i.e. Archelon, Desmatochelys) predate the first occurrence of any known ‘toxochelyid’ species, phylogenetic analyses of modern and fossil Testudines have shown that the protostegids may be a separate radiation of stem cryptodires only distantly related to modern marine turtles. This hypothesis has since been supported by ancillary evidence from the stratigraphic record and has been argued from a perspective of rampant homoplasy. This information brings into question our understanding of chelonioid evolution with regard to their previously assumed monophyly, and supports the placement of ‘toxochelyids’ as perhaps the earliest definitive members of total group Chelonioidea (Pan-Chelonioidea). However, many ‘toxochelyids’ are known from partial holotypes, preventing accurate species diagnosis and precluding these species from character-based phylogenetic analyses. A poorly known member of this clade, Ctenochelys acris, is herein redescribed based on several nearly complete specimens from the early Campanian Mooreville Chalk of Alabama. Ctenochelys acris is characterized by large, dorsolaterally oriented orbits, significant contributions of the palatines to the secondary palate, a broad maxillary triturating surface, and almost equilaterally pentagonal posterior peripherals. This redescription not only identifies previously unknown apomorphies of Ctenochelys spp. but also provides an opportunity to examine the ‘toxochelyids’ within a global phylogenetic context. A constraint tree reflecting the recognized molecular topology for extant Testudines is used as a backbone and the resulting phylogeny is then placed within a chronostratigraphic framework in an effort to present a scenario that reconciles anatomical, temporal and phylogenomic patterns for marine turtles. This analysis supports the placement of protostegids outside of Chelonioidea as marine eucryptodirans and establishes Ctenochelys spp. as perhaps some of the earliest representatives of Pan-Cheloniidae.
A Key to Some Frankliniella (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Larvae Found in Florida with Descriptions of the First Instar of Select species

Abstract Few publications exist toward the identification of larval thrips. As a result, researchers and practitioners often are unable to report larval species data or may misinterpret what is a host plant when adults of multiple species are collected. Therefore, we conducted repetitive plant sampling and detailed examination of larvae with adults, which revealed morphological differences of some undescribed Frankliniella (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) larvae. The morphological differences were confirmed by non-destructive DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing of the COI mitochondrial gene. A larva II morphological key to 7 Frankliniella species found in Florida is presented with new larval descriptions of 4 species.
L'enrichissement protéique et les paramètres du procédé influencent-ils la structure chimique, les propriétés d'usage, la digestibilité et l'efficacité métabolique des fractions protéiques de spécialités pastières à base de légumineuses ?

Afin d’approfondir les connaissances sur les liens entre la structure et les proprietes nutritionnelles de pâtes alimentaires, des pâtes de structures contrastees ont ete produites en modifiant la formulation et/ou le procede de fabrication. Leur structure a ete caracterisee aux differentes echelles, puis les caracteristiques definies ont ete reliees a la digestibilite des proteines et de l’amidon. Le remplacement partiel ou total de la semoule de ble dur par des farines de legumineuses dans la fabrication des pâtes a engendre des changements structuraux a plusieurs niveaux. Un affaiblissement marque de la structure du reseau proteique proportionnel a la quantite de legumineuses incorporees a notamment ete observe, conduisant a une amelioration de la digestibilite in-vitro des proteines. La digestibilite in-vitro de l’amidon etait en revanche maintenue a son faible niveau voir meme reduite. L’application de differentes temperatures de sechage a amplifie les modifications de la structure des pâtes enrichies en legumineuses. Ces differences s’attenuaient toutefois apres cuisson, n’engendrant de fait aucune modification marquee de la digestibilite in-vitro des proteines entre une pâte cuite prealablement sechee a basse ou a tres haute temperature. Les teneurs en facteurs antinutritionnels etaient reduites par le procede de fabrication et de cuisson des pâtes. A quantite egale de proteines consommees, l’etude in-vivo a revele une augmentation de la croissance et de l’efficacite azotee chez les rats nourris avec les pâtes mixtes ble/feverole (65/35) par comparaison aux rats nourris aux pâtes 100% ble. L’assemblage ble/feverole constituait un melange proteique efficace pour la croissance des rats jeunes, probablement du fait de son profil equilibre en acides amines, et de la structure affaiblie du reseau proteique. Par ailleurs, les differentes temperatures de sechage appliquees aux pâtes n’ont pas engendre de difference au niveau de la retention azotee in-vivo. Les specialites pastieres developpees au cours de ce travail de these sont jusqu’a trois fois plus riches en proteines et mieux equilibrees en acides amines, comparativement a une pâte alimentaire classique. Ces specialites pastieres sont aussi appreciees que leurs homologues qui se vendent sur le marche. En outre, la recette mixte ble/legumineuses peut etre adaptee a tout consommateur souhaitant diversifier ses apports en proteines, mais egalement a certaines populations specifiques, notamment aux personnes âgees. La recette 100% legumineuses peut concerner les personnes intolerantes au gluten. Ces specialites pastieres pourraient de ce fait, trouver une large application a l’echelle industrielle.
Post-emergence herbicides for control of glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane in corn

Abstract: Post-emergence herbicides were evaluated for glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane control in corn (Zea mays L.) from 2013 to 2015. By 8wk after treatment, dicamba/atrazine (96% control), dicamba (95% control), bromoxynil + atrazine (93% control), dicamba/diflufenzopyr (90% control), and tembotrione/thiencarbazone-methyl + dicamba (85% control) reduced population density and aboveground biomass to levels equivalent to the weed-free control.
Response of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) to inoculation with native and exotic Mesorhizobium strains in Southern Ethiopia

A series of pot and two consecutive crop-year field experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2012 in Southern Ethiopia to determine the effectiveness of Mesorhizobium strains on two cultivars of chickpea (Shasho and Nattoli). The eight treatments included: Six rhizobial inoculants, the four best indigenous strains (Cp8, Cp41, Cp97 and Cp105); CpNSTC (National Soils Testing Center inoculant); and CpSK (Canadian inoculant), Nitrogen fertilizer and a control. The results from the field and pot experiments indicated that chickpea crop yield can be improved using proper Mesorhizobium inoculation. Inoculation had a pronounced effect on grain yield, yield component, total N uptake, grain protein content, percentage N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) for the seed, and amount of seed N fixed compared to non-inoculated treatments. In the pot experiment, significant difference was recorded among the mesorhizobial strains used with the indigenous strain Cp41 highly effective in shoot dry weight (41%) mg -1 plant, grain yield (50%), total N uptake (117%), and %Ndfa (67.9%) followed by CpSK, Cp8 and Cp97. In the second crop-year field experiment, the indigenous Mesorhizobium strain Cp41 also proved highly effective in-nodule dry weight (786%) mg -1 plant, grain yield (66%), total N uptake (100%), and %Ndfa (53.7%). The maximum seed protein content was recorded during the second cropyear field experiment in Cp41 (20%), followed by N fertilizer added treatment and CpSK (18%). The chickpea indigenous rhizobial strain Cp41, was superior inoculant for almost all parameters. Thus, there are potential advantages to be gained from using efficient rhizobial inoculants under rain fed conditions in Ethiopia. Keywords: Chickpea, rhizobia inoculants, nodulation, growth, yield
Blood Parasites in Camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) in Northern West Coastof Egypt

An epidemiological study was conducted on the occurrence of blood parasitic infection in local camels in three selected sites representing Northern West Coastal zone of Egypt using Giemsa-stain blood smears (GSBS) and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This is the first molecular diagnosis report, which gives a picture of blood parasites covering this areas in Egypt. Results revealed that GSBS examination stopped at genus level on contrary to PCR techniques that detected and identified DNAs of blood parasites. Theileria was the most common pathogen (50.8%, 71.9%), followed by Anaplasma (47.4%, 67.37%), Trypanosoma (20.24%, 67.06%), and a lesser extent Babesia (11.8%, 18.43%) by GSBS and PCR, respectively. Mixed infections were present in 68.9%, with at least two hemoparasites belonged to different genus. Statistical analysis showed considerable variation in values within locations and age category reflected in a high significant (p<0.001), and both sexes were at risk of parasitic infections, particularly females. Only A. marginale caused anaplasmosis in 51 (22.9%) of infected dromedaries, while the majority were having A. marginale together with A. centrale 172 (77.13%). This is the first time to record B. bovis, B. bigemina, A. centrale and A. marginale in camels in this area. We concluded that blood parasites infection is highly prevalent in this area which strengthens the need to control programs help to prevent the spread of these parasites. The present results can serve as the basis for subsequent studies in dromedaries in Egypt; particularly Theileria genotype needs further studies.
Egg production is a reflection of ovarian physiology: A review

Under ordinary daylight (14L:10D), the occurrence of oviposition and ovulation in the domestic hen is normally restricted to an 8-10 h period of the day. The mechanism(s) which restricts the occurrence of oviposition and ovulation to a certain period of the normal day is not understood. Among factors proposed are a small daily surge of LH occurring at the onset of darkness; graded facilitatory influences associated with the open period; and products of post ovulatory follicles (POF). There is considerable evidence supporting the role of gonadotrophins and progesterone on follicular growth and maturation and functional maintenance of the ovary in the hen. Recently, however, there is an ever-expanding list of factors that may be involved in establishing follicular growth and ovulation, currently including the germinal disc region, growth factors, macrophages, plasminogen activator, ornithine decarboxylase, inhibin, activin, follistatin, relaxin, arginin vasotosin, oxytocin, prostaglandines, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and their interactions. Based on the previous considerations and the data presented in this review, it may be suggested that control of follicular development in laying hens is the result of several physiological changes which still need to be determined. In conclusion, however, ovarian function of laying hens is the end result of a complex series of events accomplished by a major control (FSH, LH, P4) and its modulators (growth factors, inhibin, ornithine decarboxylase, etc). The role of these factors as potential modulators of follicular growth and ovulation needs further investigation. Egg production by laying hens declines with the progress of age. This decline in egg production with age is an indication of decrease of ovulation. Further, as the hen ages, the interval between ovulation increases and the result is a shorter sequence and a decrease in egg production. There is strong evidence for the role of proteolytic enzymes on follicular rupture in the domestic fowl. However, mechanism(s) controlling sequence termination is poorly understood. In this respect, there are several old theories for the explanation of the mechanism relating to sequence termination. Briefly, one of these systems regulates follicular maturation and the second system regulates the timing of the preovulatory surge of LH. Some recent data, however, suggest differences in follicular growth and maturation between genotypes of birds. It has also been suggested that the activity of the pituitary-ovarian axis in white laying hens is greater than that of brown laying hens. Additionally, the adrenal gland has been given a role in timing of ovulation in the hen.
Results of the EU-wide Baseline Study on the Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in Holdings of Laying Hens in Austria

To establish a community target for reducing the prevalence of salmonella in laying hens, comparable data in member states must be available. Therefore, a special survey was carried out in holdings of laying hens consisting of more than 1,000 hens. Sampling method - 5 pooled faeces samples and 2 dust samples per flock -, procedures for detection and typing of salmonellae, in the respective National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella, had to be performed according to given technical specifications. In Austria 337 flocks were sampled and Salmonella (S.) spp. were detected in 52 flocks (15.4 %). S. Enteritidis (SE) was the most frequently identified serotype, isolated out of 32 flocks (9.5 %), S. Typhimurium (ST) from 4 flocks (1.2 %) and other serotypes isolated from 18 flocks (5.3 %). The analysis in terms of production types revealed Salmonella spp. in 33 cage flocks (34.4 %) compared to 19 out of 241 non-cage flocks (7.9 %) tested, thereof 11 barn flocks (15.3 %), 7 free range standard flocks (7.0 %) and 1 free range organic flock (1.4%). 70.4 % of all isolated salmonella serovars were SE (n = 157), 5.4 % ST (n = 12) and 24.2 % non SE and ST. The SE and ST prevalence in holdings of laying hens in Austria of10.7 % implicates that the goal must be a reduction of 20 % of SE and ST (prevalence of 8.6 %) by 2008.
The mating consequences of rewarding vs. deceptive pollination systems: Is there a quantity–quality trade‐off?

Plant mating commonly involves quality–quantity trade-offs. Such a trade-off features explicitly in the cross-promotion hypothesis for the evolution of pollination by deceit. According to this hypothesis, rewardlessness enhances mating quality by altering pollinator behavior in ways that reduce self-pollination and increase outcrossing, thus compensating for the reduced pollen dispersal and seed production resulting from lack of reinforcement of pollinator visitation behavior. The high prevalence of rewardlessness in orchids suggests that deceit pollination conveys benefits that outweigh the fecundity advantages of reward production. We test the cross-promotion hypothesis in Disa, an African orchid genus in which nectar rewards have evolved repeatedly from rewardless ancestors. To address this hypothesis directly, we quantified pollinator behavior and the associated dispersal of stained pollen for four nectar-producing (N+) and 10 nectarless (N−) species. We also assessed more extensive, if less direct, evidence from a survey of lifetime pollination outcomes for 15 N+ and 32 N− species. Pollinators visited N+ species more frequently and visited 1.5 times more flowers per inflorescence than in N− species. In contrast, pollinators skipped more conspecific plants between visits to donor and recipient plants when visiting N− species than when visiting N+ species. Over floral lifetimes, both N− and N+ species exhibited similar overall pollen-transfer efficiency (8.2%) and did not differ in the overall fractions of pollen involved in self-pollination (26% of all pollen deposited), geitonogamy (82% of all self-pollination), or export to other conspecific plants (74%). N+ species set more fruit per flower (68.8% vs. 48.8%), but equivalent fractions of ovules per fruit were fertilized and subsequently developed into seeds in N− and N+ species. These findings provide only limited evidence that deceit pollination enhances mating quality (nectar production causes more local mating in N+ species than in N− species). Contrary to the hypothesis, deceit does not generally affect pollinator-mediated self-pollination. The repeated evolution of nectar production from rewardless ancestors in Disa likely occurred under severe visit limitation, favoring nectar-producing mutants with higher reproductive output. Given that we did not find any mating quality advantage for rewardlessness in Disa, its persistence in some lineages remains an evolutionary enigma.
PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SEED GERMINATION OF Magnolia grandiflora L.

Magnolia grandiflora is highly ornamental and decorative evergreen tree which has a white flowers with aromatic odor. In Egypt, it is grown in botanical and private gardens. The essential oil from flowers have many medical uses. A study was carried out during two successive seasons of 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 at the Experimental Station and Laboratory of Horticulture Department, Fac. of Agriculture, Mansoura University. The study aimed to improve seed germination of Magnolia grandiflora, with different treatments such as distilled water soaking, soaking in GA3 at (500,1000 and 2000 ppm), soaking in kinetin at (25,50 and 100 ppm) for 24 hours alone or in combination with cold stratification for (45 and 90 days). The results of this study can be summarized as follows: 1 All treatments increased germination percentages than control. 2 The highest germination percentages were (94.74, 96.51 %) and (91.24, 92.96 %) by soaking seed in GA3 (2000 ppm) and kinetin (100 ppm) combined with cold stratification for 45 days, while soaking in distilled water were (38.60, 40. 38 %) and the control (28.84, 30.46 %) in the two seasons respectively. 3 Also soaking seeds in GA3 2000 ppm for 24 h, combined with cold stratification for 45 days gave the tallest plants (25.90, 25.97 cm) and the maximum number of leaves (9.33, 9.44) in the two seasons respectively. 4 In addition total phenols was significantly decreased with the previous treatment since it were (0.131, 0.128 mg/100gDW) while in control were (0.179, 0.177 mg/100gDW) and reducing sugar percentages significantly increased, since it were (5.95, 6.08 %) while control values were (5.51, 5.55 %) during the two seasons respectively . From the present study it could be concluded that, the best germination percentage, of Bull Bay (Magnolia grandiflora L.) plant, vegetative growth (the tallest plant and maximum number of leaves) , the minimum total phenols and maximum reducing sugar (%) were obtained from soaking seeds at GA3 2000 ppm for 24 hours combined with cold stratification for 45 days .
Effects of mulching accumulator straw on growth and cadmium accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

Mulching with the straws of Trifolium repens, Conyza canadensis and Stellaria media increased the root, stem, leaf, shoot and whole‐plant biomasses of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress compared with the control, increased the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotinoid contents, and improved superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities. However, the straw of Eclipta prostrata decreased the biomass, photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings under Cd stress compared with the control. Mulching with the straws of Trifolium repens, Eclipta prostrate, and Stellaria media increased the Cd contents in roots, stems, leaves, and shoots of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings compared with control, while the straw of Conyza canadensis decreased the Cd content. Therefore, mulching with Conyza canadensis can promote the growth of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings, and decrease their Cd accumulation, which benefits the safe production of Cyphomandra betacea. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 366–371, 2017
Prevalence of Salmonellae, Listeriae, and Yersiniae in the Slaughterhouse Environment and on Work Surfaces, Equipment, and Workers.

In 1995 and 1996 a nine-month study was carried out in 11 pig abattoirs located in the Molise region (Italy) to evaluate the degree of contamination of- the slaughterhouse environment, work surfaces, equipment, and personnel by Salmonella spp. , Listeria spp. , and Yersinia spp. A total of 219 samples were taken over three replications including slaughtering floor and wall, hooks, work-tables, chopping blocks, knives, cleavers, dehairing devices, hands of personnel, clothing, hand-wash basins, and cold room handles, floor, wall, and hooks. Overall, six abattoirs (54.5%) had one or more positive sites, while only 14 of the 219 sites (6.4%) tested were positive for any of considered microorganisms. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 1 of 9 cleavers (11.1 %), 1 of 16 worktables (6.25%), and 1 of 18 slaughtering floors (5.6%). Yersinia enterocolitica was found on 3 slaughtering floors (16.7%) and on 2 worktables (12.5%). Yersinia kristensenii was detected on 2 slaughtering floor swabs (11.1 %). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from 2 of 20 cold room floor swabs (13.3%) and from 1 of 14 hand-wash basins (7.1%). Other species of Listeria were detected on slaughtering wall and floor swabs and on chopping blocks. Our study indicates that slaughtering floors, cold room floors, and worktables are important sites in abattoirs that may possibly harbor pathogens like Salmonella spp. , Yersinia enterocolitica , and Listeria monocytogenes , and that cleaning and sanitizing of the slaughterhouse environment and equipment need a greater emphasis.
A small badge of longevity: opposing survival selection on the size of white and black wing markings

According to handicap principle, exaggerated ornamental traits are supposed to exert costs on their bearers. However, there is much less theoretical and practical consensus about whether and under which conditions ornament expression should positively correlate with survival. We measured age-related variation and survival selection on the size of white wing patches and black wing tips in a long-lived monogamous seabird, the common gull (Larus canus). Males had larger white patches than females but patch size showed concave relationship with age irrespective of sex, suggesting that white patch size was prone to senescence in both sexes. Extent of wing tip abrasion correlated negatively with the size of white patch, suggesting, in agreement with the Zahavian handicap hypothesis that only individuals with largest ornaments are able of maintaining them and not paying cost of displaying them. Areas of white wing patches and black wing tips correlated negatively. Irrespective of sex, survival selection favored birds with larger white wing patches and smaller black wing tips, which suggests that white and black wing markings may have coevolved as reverse components of a single ornament. Altogether, our results provide an evidence for the case where survival selection on ornamental traits in females is not weaker than in males. Absence of sex differences with respect to most of observed patterns is consistent with a prediction that among monogamous long-lived species with biparental care, mutual mate choice leads to evolution of elaborate ornamental traits in both sexes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.