Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of tissue responses to fin tagging in Australian carcharhinids

Tissue responses to the application of Rototags and Jumbo Rototags in the first dorsal fin of Carcharhinus melanopterus, C. obscurus and C. plumbeus were examined. The acute response included tissue tearing and haemorrhage and was present by 5 days post-tagging. The intermediate response had begun by 20 days post-tagging and continued beyond 207 days. This response involved decreased red blood cell activity as the inflammatory response commenced. The chronic response had begun by 301 days and was complete by 553 days with a layer of fibrous connective tissue walling off the tag. External damage to the fin was caused by continued abrasion by the tag. Repair scales were observed at 242 days using scanning electron microscopy and were confirmed histologically in 61- and 553-day samples. Repair scales were not seen in areas of continuous abrasion. No infection was observed in tissues surrounding the wound. Disruption of the fin surface was observed due to abrasion by the tag, but did not appear to cause a severe tissue reaction. The tissue responses observed were consistent with a normal, but relatively slow, healing in the vicinity of the tag wound. Use of Rototags or Jumbo Rototags appears to be an efficient way of marking elasmobranchs with minimal damage to the shark. (C) 1998 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Behavior of mulberry (Morus alba L.) and its impact on the animal production and the breeding of silkworms in Cuba

Mulberry has excellent nutritional qualities, like its high content of proteins and energy, so it has been offered as food to many species of animals since the 90´s. The “Estacion Experimental Indio Hatuey” has a gene bank of 20 varieties from Costa Rica, Brazil, South Korea, China and Spain. Studies have been directed to evaluate the behavior of this arboreous plant under different edaphoclimatic conditions, to meet the effect of the factors of the agronomic management in order to determine the potential of the total and edible biomass production, to characterize the bromatological and phytochemical composition of the varieties, determine the intake, digestibility, the animal response and its medical use, as well as to develop the breeding of silkworms. Results state that this plant has a great ability of adapting to different edaphoclimatic conditions. It can produce between 10 and 12 t of DM/ha/year (edible biomass), from 20 to 25 % of CP and the DM digestibility surpasses the 80%. Indicators of liveweight gain and milk production show similar levels to those obtained with the use of imported concentrates. The anti-inflammatory, cicatrizing, antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties of this plant have been demonstrated. Besides, with a proper management of the specie, it is possible to develop the breeding of silkworms for commercial purposes, without the influence of the climate as a limitation for the development of this insect. This known specie is used all over the country by companies, cooperatives and producers, and it has a great acceptance, mainly for feeding smaller species from different cattle subprograms of the urban agriculture.
Capitalizing on Academic Success: Students’ Interactions With Friends as Predictors of School Adjustment

Although friends often share successes with one another, very little attention has been paid to these interactions. The current study examines the nature of middle school students’ interactions with friends following academic successes and the consequences of these interactions for students’ school adjustment. Participants were 293 fifth- through eighth-grade students. Grade-level differences emerged in students’ reports of their motives for sharing, friends’ responses to sharing, and students’ motives for not sharing. Sharing successes predicted tradeoffs for children’s school adjustment such that sharing predicted more positive school attitudes, but more negative perceptions of peer relationships over time. Children’s reports of their motives for sharing and friends’ responses to sharing also predicted changes in school adjustment over time. Implications of these findings for helping middle school students capitalize on academic successes via their interactions with friends are discussed.
Studies on the microbial population of bread baked with wheat flour from south western Nigeria

Bread was baked from wheat flour samples purchased from two market locations in Ibadan and Ile-Ife, Nigeria respectively. The bread samples were screened for microbial population with a view to determining the presence of any microorganisms persisting or surviving from flour stage through the baking process into the resulting bread. Freshly baked bread, after ten minutes contained bacterial strains, which include Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus sp. In addition to bacterial strains obtained after 10 minutes, was Staphylococcus cohnii, recovered after 48 hours, and after 96 houres, the bacterial strains included Bacillus firmus. These are all the bacterial strains isolated from bread with a period of 144 h. The mould isolates included five strains after 10mins, which were Absidia corymbifera, Penicillium frequentans westing, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum. The population of these only increased with period of storage. The yeast isolates after 10 mins and throughout the period of storage (144 h) included Zygosaccharomyces bailli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Most of the moulds recovered in this work have been reported to produce toxins, however, this work did not include tests for the presence of any mycotoxin.
Do fecal shields provide physical protection to larvae of the tortoise beetles Plagiometriona flavescens and Stolas chalybea against natural enemies?

During their larval phase, Plagiometriona flavescens (Boheman, 1855) and Stolas chalybea (Germar, 1824) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae), carry masses of feces and exuviae on their back called fecal shield, and it is suggested to protect larvae against natural enemies. We investigated if the physical barrier provided by the shield plays any role in the defense of these larvae. We conducted a field experiment checking the mortality of larvae of both species with their natural shields substituted by an artificial shield, with shields removed and with their shields intact. Mortality controls for each of the 3 shield treatments were carried out on host plants protected against natural enemies. On both species we observed that larvae with their shields intact had a significant lower mortality proportion than larvae with artificial shields or without shields. Control larvae on protected plants had low mortality. Our results agree with literature data, showing that fecal shields do not provide a physical protection to larvae but are important in their defense, probably due to the chemicals present in them.
Afrocentricity

The concept of cultural diversity in higher education in the United States has been significantly restricted. Discussions and debates have focused primarily on enhancing the presence of students and faculty of color, with a special emphasis on recruitment and retention (Blackwell, 1987, 1988; Carter & Wilson, 1994; Epps, 1989; Oliver & Brown, 1988; Pettigrew, 1991). In other words, cultural diversity has been conceptualized primarily as the diversification of racial characteristics of students and faculty. A more important dimension of cultural diversity that has received scant attention is
Biochemical modulation in male specimens of Channa punctatus (Bloch) under different habitats and seasons

Studies were undertaken to identify the changes in biochemical parameters including water content, lipid and protein in tissues of liver, testis and muscle of Channa punctatus under natural and captive conditions along with physico-chemical parameters for the period January to December, 2008. Result shows that values of lipid in captive condition in muscle, liver and testis ranged from 1 to 4, 1.98 to 5.57 and 1.25 to 4.40%, respectively while in natural habitat, values ranged from 1 to 5, 1.94 to 5.16 and 1.21 to 5.13%, respectively. Water content in captive condition was observed to be in the range of 74.72 to 80.73, 73.97 to 76.92 and 75.56 to 77.97%, respectively and in natural habitat it varied from 72.65 to 80.70, 71.61 to 76.89 and 72.41 to 77.94%, respectively. An increase in water content was observed towards maturation in testis. Protein content in muscle under captive and natural habitat was in the range of 15.97 to 19.37 and 16.70 to 19.40%, respectively. All parameters showed a significant variation (p<0.01) and significant correlation (p<0.01) among the muscles, liver and testis in specimens under captive as well as natural habitat. Peak spawning period in nature was observed during May to August in captive condition indicating that gonadal development and its cyclicity is influenced by the physico-chemical parameters, food and feeding conditions, environmental factors and other stresses. This study shows that the variation in biochemical changes are influenced by variation in seasons due to physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and perhaps the niche. Key words : Habitat, Channa punctatus, testis, biochemical change, physico-chemical parameter.
Use of Peninsula Valdes (Patagonia Argentina) by migrating Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa)

Abstract Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa) that winter in southern South America stop on Peninsula Valdes, Patagonian Argentina, on their northern passage. The Peninsula comprises two large gulfs, each of which has two high and two low tides per day; high tides in San José Gulf correspond to low tides in Nuevo Gulf and vice versa. We conducted weekly censuses of Red Knots on several beaches on these gulfs between March and May in 2006 and 2007 and observed marked individuals. We undertook an aerial survey of the coasts of the two gulfs each April. The use of the different beaches on the two gulfs by Red Knots varied significantly in both years of the study, and the patterns of use differed between 2006 and 2007. In both years, maximum numbers of Red Knots were counted in April. Observations of marked individuals confirmed that Red Knots use more than one beach on Peninsula Valdes, and on one occasion marked individuals were seen on the same day using beaches on both gulfs, thereby maximising their foraging time. Our observations suggest that Peninsula Valdes is an important place on the northern migration route of Red Knots.
Influence of leaf extracts from Melia azedarach L. on butyrylcholinesterase activity in rat liver

Four types of extracts were prepared from Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) leaves: Aqueous, potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2), hydroethanolic solution 70:30 and hydroethanolic solution 50:50. Different concentrations of these extracts were investigated for the effect on butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE, EC 3.1.1.8) activity in homogenates rat livers. The introduction of M. azedarach extracts in the reaction mixture produced a variety of inhibitions (> 45 to 100%), independent on its concentration (0.5 to 2.0 mg.ml -1 ) and extract type. A clear explanation for this interaction between M. azedarach and active site of butyrylcholinesterase is still missing. The UV-VIS (200 to 400 nm) absorption spectrum and the phytochemicals tests of the extracts show diversity of compounds including flavonoids, a known inhibitor of butyrylcholinesterase. On the other hand, decreased butyrylcholinesterase activity in homogenates rat livers was not correlated with flavonoids content, suggesting that other compounds may have contributed to the inhibitory capacity of this plant.
Periphyton as alternative food source for the filter-feeding cladoceran Daphnia magna

Summary 1. Daphnia magna, a well-studied primary consumer, is mainly known as a filter feeder. In this study, we investigated the ability of D. magna to use periphyton as an alternative food source to phytoplankton. We examined the development of laboratory populations fed with different food sources (Desmodesmus subspicatus and/or periphyton or neither) over a period of 42 days, and observed the behaviour of the daphnids. 2. The addition of periphyton to phytoplankton food led to an increase of daphnid population biomass. When fed with periphyton as the only food source, a small but stable D. magna population developed. 3. The behaviour of daphnids fed with both food sources revealed a preference for feeding on D. subspicatus. Only below a concentration of D. subspicatus of approximately 0.05 mg C L−1 (0.4 × 107 cells L−1) did D. magna use periphyton as an alternative food source. 4. Periphyton showed distinct reactions to grazing by D. magna. The thickness of the periphyton layer was reduced from about 4 to 1 mm and we observed a change in species composition due to grazing. 5. The ability of D. magna to graze on periphyton could serve to stabilize its population density and reinforce its competitive advantage over other cladocerans. By switching between food sources, D. magna can act as a coupler between pelagic and benthic habitats and food webs.
Calculating the Human Mutation Rate by Using a NUMT from the Early Oligocene

As the number of whole genomes available for study increases, so also does the opportunity to find unsuspected features hidden within our genetic code. One such feature allows for an estimate of the Human Mutation Rate in human chromosomes to be made. A NUMT is a small fragment of the mitochondrial DNA that enters the nucleus of a cell, gets captured by a chromosome and thereafter passed on from generation to generation. Over the millions of years of evolution, this unexpected phenomenon has happened many times. But it is usually very difficult to be able to say just when a NUMT might have been created. However, this paper presents evidence to show that for one particular NUMT the date of formation was around 29 million ago, which places the event in the Early Oligocene; when our ancestors were small monkey-like creatures. So now all of us carry this NUMT in each of our cells as do Old World Monkeys, the Great Apes and our nearest relations, the Chimpanzees. The estimate of the Human Mutation obtained by the method outlined here gives a value which is higher than has been generally found; but this new value perhaps only applies to non-coding regions of the Human genome where there is little, if any, selection pressure against new mutations.
Cephaleuros Species, the Plant-parasitic Green Algae

Published by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Andrew G. Hashimoto, Director/Dean, Cooperative Extension Service/CTAHR, University of Hawai‘i at M noa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822. An equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i without regard to race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran. CTAHR publications can be found on the Web site <http://www.ctahr. hawaii.edu/freepubs>. Cephaleuros Species, the Plant-Parasitic Green Algae
Underground Niche Separation in Successional Plants

Weekly root extension of six successional annuals in glass-faced boxes was measured over a growing season in 42 soil resource states. Niche breadth and overlap were calculated and compared to values obtained from published root diagrams of eight tall grass prairie species. Differences in use of soil resources by the successional species were found and interpreted as primitive niche separation to avoid competition. Temporal displacement in absorption of moisture and nutrients is apparently important only to one species (Ipomoea hederacea). The six species showed marked differences in total composition of N, K, Ca, and Mg, although proportional similarities in nutrient use were high. The dominants of the successional community, Setaria faberii, Polygonum pensylvanicum and Ambrosia artemisiifolia had broader niches than the species with lower biomass and density. Two-dimensional overlap matrices in time and space showed Chenopodium album and Setaria to be highest in mean overall overlap, Polygonum and Ambrosia to be inter- mediate, and Abutilon theophrasti and Ipomoea to be lowest. The use of multidimensional resource states in the construction of an overlap matrix incorporating more than one parameter of the niche hypervolume was shown to be more useful than the multiplication of overlaps along each of the two parameters, space and time. Mean overlap in the use of underground space was considerably lower in the mature community (prairie) than in the successional community (oldfield). This corroborates the hypothesis that competition is less important in the evolution of fugitive species of the oldfield than of equilibrium species of the prairie.
Activity Patterns and Sharing of Time and Space of Platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, in a Subalpine Tasmanian Lake

Abstract We investigated the activity patterns of platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, at Lake Lea, a subalpine lake in Tasmania. Platypuses were equipped with activity loggers or time–depth recorders, which allowed constant recordings for up to 48 days. The recordings revealed an unexpectedly high variety of foraging behaviors. Although nocturnal activity, as reported from other habitats, was still predominant, diurnal activity as well as highly fragmented activity patterns were common. Mean foraging duration was 12.4 h/day, with some animals foraging continuously for up to 29.8 h. Daily emergence and return times as well as durations of daily foraging trips varied considerably. At least 2 animals showed a distinct shift in activity pattern related to the lunar cycle. Season and water temperature affected platypus behavior. Foraging durations were longer and activity levels were higher in winter. In contrast to observations in river systems, temporal separation likely served as a mechanism to avoid intraspecific competition, and was particularly important for adult males during the breeding season. Dominant males were preferentially nocturnal, whereas lower-ranked males adopted more variable or fragmented activity patterns.
A mathematical model for the flight of pea moth to pheromone traps through a crop

A model is presented that describes the average resultant track of a population of male pea moth, Cydia nigricana (F.), flying through a crop to a continuously emitting pheromone trap containing 100 $\mu g$ (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-yl acetate. This model, based on work by C. T. David, J. S. Kennedy, A. R. Ludlow, J. N. Perry and C. Wall J. chem. Ecol. 8, 1207 (1982), and modified for the effect of a crop, has particular reference to a line of interacting pheromone traps equally spaced along the mean wind direction at an emergence site. It is derived after extensive field observations. The model relates to the average flight behaviour of a population of moths, and is compatible with both the anemotactic theory and a system of integrated anemotaxis and longitudinal chemo-klinotaxis. We give two theoretical reasons and cite observational evidence which suggest that, within a wheat crop, a discrete plume breaks up at around 10-15 m from the source and that beyond this distance pheromone exists at a non-zero concentration at all downwind positions. Close to the source moths are assumed to respond to a discrete plume as described by David et al. (1982) and further from it to receive pheromone continuously and fly, on average, upwind. Because of the effects of the crop we suggest that equations of atmospheric diffusion derived to predict time-averaged concentrations of pheromone may hold instantaneously. The average behaviour of a population of responding moths under these conditions is discussed. Far from the source there is a concentration of pheromone below which such moths sampling it are assumed not to respond; this is termed the threshold concentration and the positions where it occurs are termed the threshold contour. The contour is sketched for single and multiple sources. Such moths flying upwind to this contour are assumed to stop and then cast (move in a crosswind direction). This results in the moths either moving inside the contour to a region of concentration above the threshold, and resuming upwind flight, or moving outside the contour and, eventually, not responding further. Net movement in the former is therefore towards the source and such moths may eventually be caught. The model allows for random flight by non-responding moths outside the threshold contour, and for moths to `lose' the discrete plume of one source and continue upwind flight to encounter that of the next source upwind. The model has ten parameters, five relate directly to moth flight behaviour, one to the degree of random flight, one to meteorological conditions, two describe the number and spacing of traps and the last governs numerical accuracy. Predictions from the model of proportional catch in each of a line of traps were made using a computer program. An extensive body of 406 sets of data concerning trap interactions was collected over six years and the model provided excellent fits to this data. Throughout this paper the model is described in biological terms, formulae are provided when necessary.
Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on reproductive system of male diabetic rats

This study aims to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa seeds (NSS) on fertility of male diabetic rats. Animals were divided into 3 groups, one group was kept as control and the two other were rendered diabetic by alloxan (120 mg/kg b.wt). One group was left as diabetic control (Diab) and the second were treated (Diab+N) with 2% of NSS in diet for 30 days. Blood samples were collected for glucose and testosterone levels. Testis, epididymis, prostates and seminal vesicles were removed for sperm parameters and oxidant/antioxidant status. NSS improve semen quantity and mobility, and testosterone levels and testis; they decrease blood glucose and lipid peroxidation product level (LPO) and improve antioxidant activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT). NNS as a diet may be beneficial for diabetic fertility.
COLD HARDINESS IN HEXAPLOID TRITICALE

The excellent cold hardiness of rye (Secale cereale L.) makes it a potential source of genetic variability for the improvement of this character in related species. However, when rye is combined with common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to produce octaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack, ABDR genomes), the superior rye cold hardiness is not expressed. To determine if the D genome of hexaploid wheat might be responsible for this lack of expression, hexaploid triticales (ABR genomes) were produced and evaluated for cold hardiness. All hexaploid triticales had cold hardiness levels similar to their tetraploid wheat parents. Small gains in cold hardiness of less than 2 °C were found when very non-hardy wheats were used as parents. This similarity in expression of cold hardiness in both octaploid and hexaploid triticales indicates that the D genome of wheat is not solely, if at all, responsible for the suppression of rye cold hardiness genes. There appears to be either a suppressor(s) of the rye cold hard.