Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suitability of an artificial diet for rape aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, using life table parameters.

Experiments based on life tables are suitable for the understanding of the population dynamics of insects. In this work, suitability of an artificial diet was studied through age-specific life tables. Development, survival, reproduction rate and population growth parameters of the rape aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Hom: Aphididae) were evaluated on leaf discs of Brassica oleracea, and a liquid artificial diet enclosed in parafilm sachets under incubator condition. Life parameters of 2 treatments were close to each other. The artificial diet that was used in this study had no significance differences in life table parameters compared with these parameters on leaf of B. oleracea. The results obtained in this study indicated that this artificial diet can be useful for rearing and other tests based on artificial diet.
Does variation of sex ratio enhance reproductive success of offspring in tawny owls (Strix aluco)

Tawny owls, Strix aluco, laid female–biased clutches on territories with more abundant prey (field voles) in June, the month that chicks fledge. This appeared to enhance the subsequent reproductive success of fledglings, as in 1995 there was a significant correlation between the number of chicks fledged by adult females and the June vole abundance in the territory on which they were reared as chicks. This relationship did not hold for males. Since tawny owls lay eggs in March, these results indicate that owls are able to predict the June vole numbers on their territory, and respond by producing more of the sex most likely to gain a long–term benefit when resources are good.
Influence of nutrients on growth of Epicoccum nigrum

Epicoccum nigrum is a potential biological control agent for certain plant diseases, such as white mold of bean caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. To provide information that could be used to improve the production and efficacy of E. nigrum, the effects of nutrients, including specific carbohydrate sources and amino acids, on mycelial growth, sporulation, germination of conidia, and elongation of germ tubes were determined. In dual cultures of E. nigrum and S. sclerotiorum, the effects of nutrients on widths of inhibition zones between the two fungi were assessed. Standard mycological media supported faster radial growth than media with single carbohydrate sources and individual amino acids, but glutamic acid combined with maltose or dextrose was similar with respect to stimulation of sporulation when compared with media such as V8 juice and yeast extract agars. Dual culture inhibition zones were greater in certain simple media (dextrose and lysine, sucrose and lysine, and maltose and lysine) than in sta.
NEST-SITE SELECTION OF ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

Abstract Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus) commonly breed in the deciduous woodlands of southern Ontario, but have become a species of conservation concern due to recent population declines (2% per year in Ontario from 1966 to 2004). We investigated whether habitat alterations may be contributing to these declines through decreases in nest survival at nest and randomly selected sites in 23 woodlots varying in the intensity of partial harvest. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks consistently selected nest sites with more sapling cover, less canopy cover, and a lower surrounding basal area than available. The best supported model of daily nest survival included a measure of nest concealment, with the top 15 models containing nest concealment indicating higher nest survival rates at less concealed nests. Model-averaged estimates produced positive slopes for canopy cover, sapling cover, and nest height indicating higher survival at higher canopy cover, sapling cover, and nest height. Heavy-cutting practices appear to create woodlots that act as ecological traps. These woodlots provide “preferred” nest sites that result in low nest survival probabilities for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
INDIVIDUALITY IN THE VOICE OF FUR SEAL FEMALES: AN ANALYSIS STUDY OF THE PUP ATTRACTION CALL IN ARCTOCEPHALUS TROPICALIS

Like most otariids species, the Subantarctic fur seal breeds on land in large, dense colonies. Pups are confronted by the long and repetitive absences of their mother throughout lactation. At each mother’s return, pups have to find her among several hundreds of congeners. This recognition process mainly relies on acoustic signals. We performed an acoustic analysis on 125 calls from 20 females recorded during the 1999-2000 breeding season on Amsterdam Island (Indian Ocean). Ten variables were measured in both temporal and frequency domains. To find the acoustic parameters supporting individual signature, we assessed the differences between individuals using Kruskall-Wallis univariate analysis of variance. For each variable, we also calculated the potential of individuality coding (PIC) as the ratio between the between-individual coefficient of variation and the mean value of the within-individual coefficients of variation. We found that the frequency spectrum, the characteristics of the frequency modulation of the initial and middle part of the call and the call duration exhibit an important individual stereotypy (PIC values ranging between 1.5 and 3), whereas features relative to amplitude and the frequency modulation
Clinical and epidemiological description of Imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing nosocomial infections in a regional teaching hospital in China

To elucidate the clinical characteristics of imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing nosocomial infections in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 34 isolates genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were collected from January 2007 to December 2007. Isolates were most commonly found in the ICU and burn ward in this study, accounting for 47.06% (16 isolates) and 26.47% (9 isolates) of the total isolates, respectively. For the most patients infected by A. baumannii, three to seven risk factors generally existed. But some factors (including diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases and tumor) were mostly negative for those patients. The clinical data obtained suggested that the three clinical risk factors may take little action in the nosocomial infection caused by A. baumanniis in the hospital. As for the use of antimicrobial, different types were selected before the occurrence of the most infections. This may be an important factor leading to the multi-drug resistance.
Productivity, Oil Content, and Oil Composition of Sweet Basil as a Function of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization

Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) were believed to be important nutrient management tools for the production of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. 'German') with desirable oil content and composition and acceptable herbage yields. A multilocation research study was initiated to evaluate the effect of N (0, 60, 120, and 180 kgha -1 N) and S (0, 20, 40, and 80 kgha -1 S) rates on biomass production, oil content, and oil composition for sweet basil. The three locations in Mississippi (Stoneville, Poplarville, and Verona) were selected based on soil type, geographic, and climatic variation. Location, N rate, and their interaction were significant on basil dry herbage yields. The herbage yield means were 4967 kgha -1 , 2907 kgha -1 , and 2122 kgha -1 for Poplarville, Verona, and Stoneville, respectively. Oil content was significantly affected by location with means of 0.69%, 0.80%, and 0.64% for Stoneville, Poplarville, and Verona, respectively. Location, N, and S had significant effects on oil yields with means of 14.7, 38.7, and 18.5 kgha -1 for Stoneville, Poplarville, and Verona, respectively. The significant quadratic response of essential oil yields to N fertilization rates showed oil yields were maximized for fertilization between 50 and 60 kgha -1 N. In contrast, the response to S fertilization appeared to continue to increase beyond the maximum fertilization rate evaluated of 80 kgha -1 S. Location and N application rates had a significant effect on the yields of the major basil oil constituents (-)-linalool, eugenol, (-)-bornyl acetate, and eucalyptol, whereas S had a significant effect on eucalyptol yield only. Eucalyptol concentration was positively correlated to the concentration of (-)-bornyl acetate. This is the first study to quantify (in real concentration) the response of the major sweet basil oil constituents (-)- linalool, eugenol, (-)-bornyl acetate, and eucalyptol as a function of N and S application rates. Also, it is the first study to demonstrate a strong response of basil oil yield to S. The results from this study demonstrated that N and S applications can be used as management tools with respect to sweet basil production, oil content, and oil composition.
Occupational biomechanics

Sir,-May I reply to the comments Triebig has made on our paper (1985;42:503). At no stage did we suggest, on the basis of our studies, that the biological occupational exposure limit for Pb-B of 70 pg/dl proposed in 1982 in the EEC for male workers should be lowered. We said, "The observations of the present study confirm the need for reappraisal ofwhat is to be considered a safe blood lead concentration for the purposes of monitoring men and women at work. " This opinion is shared by the World Health Organisation' and the Council of Ministers of the European Communities.2 Specific points that require comment are: (1) I agree with Triebig as to the lack of consistency in the nerves affected. But this has been the pattern in many other studies and was clearly referred to in our paper. Perhaps paragraph 3 of p 176 of our paper should be looked at with greater care. (2) Triebig states "The age (mean or distribution or both) of the lead exposed workers and the control group is not given. " This was certainly considered as an important factor, and is clearly stated in our paper as follows, "The sets of data were tabulated into four age groups as a 2 x 4 table with unequal replication within each cell, and the difference in sample means were tested using 2-way orthogonal ANOVA. " (3) Triebig states "The authors performed no correlation analyses for the detection of possible doseeffect/relationships. " In fact a dose effect correlation analysis was performed but no significant correlation between blood lead concentrations and nerve conduction velocities was observed. This has been the experience in other studies.3 (4) Triebig states "Blood lead concentrations (Pb-B) were estimated only once. " Yes, it probably would be better to have "time weighted average" for Pb-B but this is not obligatory. Baker etal state "In most instances current and cumulative exposure indices correlated with effect parameters. "4 (5) Triebig states "The authors give no information about the lower limits of the neurophysiological parameters measured. " This is not correct. We cited the relevant publications giving normal values for Singaporean workers; it is suggested that these papers be referred to for detailed information. Further, Triebig's concern of lack of information on the incidence of abnormal nerve conduction velocities is not relevant. Our study compares the group average performances of the lead exposed group with a control group and, as such, the question of comparing incidence data does not arise.
Growth Inhibitory Effects of Azadirachtin Against Pericalliaricini (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the Growth inhibitory effects of Azadirachtin against the 5th larvae of Pericalliaricini by oral and topical methods. Both methods revealed feeding deterrence in the P.ricinilarvae and they decreased significantlythe larvalgrowthcomparing with larvae in control group. The highestantifeedant activity and larval deformities were observed in 100ppm oral treatment and 300ppm topical treatment. In case of oral treatment, the 5th larvae were not successfully ecdysed and unable to developinto pupa. At topical application, larva-pupal intermediates were observed. No moult from larvae to pupa occurred and the body was still covered by the larval exuvium. This result was indicated that Azadirachtin has antifeedant properties and it disrupts the physiological events such as apolysis and ecdysis and finally it leads to death in the larval growth. The results showed that the Azadirachtin is promising as a biopesticide against P.ricini, it could be an alternative for chemical pesticides.
Migration flight of carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis) at various latitudes is independent of local phenology

Laska P. (2013): Migration flight of carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis ) at various latitudes is independent of local phenology. Plant Protect. Sci., 49: 187–192. A particularly advantageous method of monitoring the flight and calculating the median was used. An example is given in order to understand better the calculation. The medians show that the timing is similar at different latitudes despite local phenological differences. The difference in median flight times between Finland and the Czech Republic was five days on average, but phenological differences are about a month, shown by a comparison of temperatures, the monitoring of buds on spruce, and by the stage of the carrot plants. During the attack by T. apicalis the carrot plants are younger towards north what is unusual in Psyllidae. In extreme north locations as Finland the genetic triggering for flight could not be realised by the strong declining of temperatures. Flight occurs here substantially later as to local photoperiodicity but is the earliest as to phenology, including carrot plants. The very small plants during flight are much more damaged here than the well-developed plants in central Europe.
Superantigen-Induced TCR α Locus Secondary Rearrangement: Role in Tolerance Induction1

Immunization with superantigen in vivo induces transient activation of superantigen-specific T cells, followed by a superantigen-nonresponsive state. In this study, using a TCR α knock-in mouse in which the knock-in α-chain can be replaced with endogenous α-chain through secondary rearrangement, we show that immunization of superantigen changes the TCR α-chain expression on peripheral superantigen-specific T cells, induces expression of recombination-activating genes, and generates DNA double-strand breaks at the TCR α-chain locus. These results suggest that viral superantigens are capable of inducing peripheral TCR revision. Our findings thus provide a new perspective on pathogen-immune system interaction.
Molecular phylogenetics of the juno irises, Iris subgenus Scorpiris (Iridaceae), based on six plastid markers

Relationships among the roughly 55 species of Iris subgenus Scorpiris have been studied. A matrix of six plastid DNA regions (matK, rpl14-rps8 spacer, infA-rpl36 spacer, trnE-trnT spacer, trnL intron and trnL-F spacer) was produced from 57 accessions (52 taxa) and analysed with both parsimony and Bayesian methods. Five major clades are identified, of which four have strong geographical correlations, whereas the fifth corresponds to Iris section Physocaulon. In our results, several species are placed with species not previously considered to be related, although, in some cases, there are morphological characters that suggest that these newly indicated relationships are reasonable. For some of the other oddly grouped species, we can only assume that remarkable parallelisms in morphology have occurred or hybridization is involved. Presently, with plastid DNA as our only comprehensive data resource, we are not able to evaluate more thoroughly these more puzzling associations of species. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 167, 281–300.
Determination of Potential Nutritive Value of Young, Old and Senescent Leaves of Arbutus andrachne Tree

Abstract Kamalak, A. , Canbolat, O. , Atalay, A.I. and Kaplan, M. 2010. Determination of potential nutritive value of young, old and senescent leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 257–260. Potential nutritive value of young, old and senescent leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree was measured using chemical composition and in vitro gas production technique. Maturity had a significantly adverse effect on the chemical composition and in vitro gas production kinetics. Although crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber contents decreased, condensed tannin (CT) and ash contents increased with maturity. The organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) ranged from 59.34 to 65.47% and 8.84 to 9.76 MJ/kg DM, respectively. It is concluded that young and old leaves of Arbutus andrachne tree could be considered a moderate quality forage for sheep and goats. However, senescent leaves are only low quality forage.
Contribution to the knowledge of Leucosiidae I. The identity of Leucosia craniolaris (Linnaeus, 1758), and redefinition of the genus Leucosia Weber, 1795 (Crustacea: Brachyura)

A study of the genus Leucosia Weber, 1795, led to the establishment of the identity of the type species, L. craniolaris (Linnaeus, 1758), designation of a neotype and redefinition of the genus. Leucosia is now restricted to 4 species: the type species L. craniolaris (Linnaeus, 1758), L. punctata Bell, 1855, L. moresbiensis Haswell, 1880, and a new species, L. rubripalma. They differ from all other species heretofore assigned to the genus in having first male pleopod with a screw-like tightly coiled shaft, terminating in a setose muff. The species are described or redescribed and illustrated, extended synonymies are given, and a key for their identification is provided.
Single and Multiple Traits Selection in a Segregating Population of Wheat, Triticum aestivum L.

The breeding materials used in this study were the F3, F4 and F5-generations of the cross between Giza 158 × Sonora 64 (Triticum aestivum L.). The objective of this study was to compare the relative merits of Smith-Hazel, desired gain selection indices, independent culling levels and single trait selection in improving grain yield, heading date and several agronomic traits. Highly significant differences among F3 families and a satisfactory genotypic coefficient of variability were obtained for all the traits studied. The genotypic correlations were high between yield and each of spike weight, kernels/spike and spikes; plant, intermediate with 1000 kernel weight and very low with heading date, plant height and spike1 length-After two cycles of selection, the results of the gains realized indicated that the most effective method for improving yield was the Smith-Hazel index (SH7) of seven traits followed by the desired gain index of seven traits (DG7), SH5, independent culling levels, DG5 and direct selection (or grain yield/plant. Direct selection for heading date, plant height and spike length was the best method for improving these traits, but undesirable correlated responses in the other traits were obtained.
Sprat feeding behaviour, selective predation, and impact on plaice egg mortality

Although the causes of fish egg and larval mortality are poorly understood, predation is thought to be a major contributing factor. The feeding behaviour of sprat at a plaice spawning ground in the Irish Sea during February 2009 is described and their contribution to plaice egg mortality investigated. Acoustic observations and analysis of stomach contents revealed diel behaviour, with dense schools associated with feeding formed during daylight dispersing into thinly spread aggregations at dusk. Of 338 stomachs analysed, 95 contained identifiable prey items. Feeding activity peaked between 10:00 and 18:00, for all food groups. Numerically, gadoid eggs were the most frequently consumed prey (64), followed by copepods (25) and plaice eggs (7). Plaice eggs were present in 91 of the stomachs analysed. Converting stomach content data to daily consumption suggested that sprat may consume 73 of all plaice eggs spawned in the area. Predation by sprat appears to account for a large proportion of plaice egg mortality, so the abundance and distribution of this pelagic predator may have important consequences for the recruitment dynamics of other fish species. Moreover, fish eggs may be an important energy source for sprat during late winter, when alternative prey is scarce. Crown copyright
SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA BIOFILMS AND HOW IT AFFECTS ANTIBIOTIC TOLERANCE

47 Introduction 49 Materials and Methods 51 Bacterial Strains, Media, and Antibiotics 51 Biofilm Preparation 51 Visualization of GFP Patterns in Biofilms 52 Flow Cytometry 53 Antibiotic Treatment of Shifted Populations 54 Results and Discussion 55 Conclusion 70 References 73 4. CONCLUSIONS 75 Implications 77 Future Work 78 APPENDICES 81 APPENDIX A: STAIN UPTAKE OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA BIOFILMS 82 Introduction 83 Materials and Methods 85 Bacterial Strain and Media 85 Staining 85 Visualization of Biofilms and Image Analysis 86 Results and Discussion 87 Conclusion 103 References 105
Contribution of trace metals in structuring in situ macroinvertebrate community composition along a salinity gradient

Macroinvertebrates were studied along a salinity gradient in the North Sea Canal, The Netherlands, to quantify the effect of trace metals (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc) on community composition. In addition, two methods for assessing metal bioavailability (normalizing metal concentrations on organic carbon and on the smallest sediment fraction) were compared. Factor analyses showed that normalizing trace metals resulted in an improved separation of trace metals from ecological factors (depth, organic carbon, granulometry, and chloride). The variation in the macroinvertebrate data was partitioned into four sources using partial canonical correspondence analysis, with the partitions being purely ecological factors, purely trace metals, mutual ecological factors and trace metals, and unexplained. Partial canonical correspondence analysis applied to total and normalized trace metal concentrations gave similar results in terms of unexplained variances. However, normalization on organic carbon resulted in the highest percentage of variation explained by purely ecological factors and purely trace metals. Accounting for bioavailability thus improves the identification of factors affecting the in situ community structure. Ecological factors explained 45.4% and trace metals 8.6% of the variation in the macroinvertebrate community composition in the ecosystem of the North Sea Canal. These contributions were significant, and it is concluded that trace metals significantly affected the community composition in an environment with multiple stressors. Variance partitioning is recommended for incorporation in further risk assessment studies.
Activity, Electrophoretic Characteristics and Heat Inactivation of Polyphenoloxidases from Apples, Avocados, Grapes, Pears and Plums

Abstract Polyphenoloxidases (PPO) were extracted from apples, avocados, grapes, pears and plums. In avocados, higher PPO activity was observed than in plums, which showed higher PPO activity than apples, grapes and pears. For all cases studied, enzyme activity was maximal around neutral pH (pH 6–7). Apple, pear and plum PPO appeared to have a molecular weight exceeding 750 kDa, which might be due to aggregation phenomena taking place during extraction. For avocado, in addition to a large aggregate (MW > 750 kDa), two smaller PPO molecules with a MW of 58.5 and 66.5 kDa were detected. Plum PPO seemed to have at least two isoenzymes (pI 4.8 and 5.2). In the case of avocado PPO, pI values equalled 4.6 and 4.7. Thermal inactivation followed first-order decay for all PPOs studied. Except for apple and pear PPO, the relation between decimal reduction time and inactivation temperature was log-linear in the temperature domain studied. In the case of apple and pear PPO a ‘breakpoint’ was noted at 72.5 and 75 °C, respectively. Above and below these temperatures a log-linear relation between decimal reduction time and inactivation temperature was noted. Thermal resistance of PPO seemed to be dependent on its origin. Among the polyphenoloxidases studied, grape PPO was most heat sensitive.