Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predation on Recent Turritelline Gastropods from the Indian Subcontinent and Comparison with a Revised Global Database

ABSTRACT Traces of predation by drilling gastropods and peeling crabs provide important insights about predator-prey interaction in ecological as well as evolutionary times. Predation on turritelline gastropods, in this context, has been frequently discussed in literature. Here, we have estimated the intensity of predation (both drilling and peeling) on Recent turritelline gastropods from the Indian subcontinent, which has been underrepresented in previous studies. Our samples include our own collections from several Indian coasts as well as a vast collection which was locked in the archive of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata for the past 150 years. It includes samples from different parts of the Indian subcontinent as well as from many other countries. Drilling frequency (DF) of Indian turritelline species is low compared to average values of global data. We suggest that this is mainly because most of the Indian species are larger (> 4 cm) than species living elsewhere. Smaller species show higher DF and lower values of peeling frequency. Size selectivity of drill holes shows both intra- and interspecific variation. Shell thickness and ornamentation appear to be antipredatory in nature. We have compared our results with a revised global database. Distribution of intensity of predation shows latitudinal variation where both drilling and peeling frequencies increase towards the tropics.
A cherry nutraceutical modulates melatonin, serotonin, corticosterone, and total antioxidant capacity levels: effect on ageing and chronotype

Impaired daily rhythms in vertebrate physiology occur with age. Particularly, age-related changes in melatonin and serotonin rhythms and hypercortisolemia have been reported to be linked to age-related disorders. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product (patent no ES 2342141 B1), which contains high levels of tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin, on the serum melatonin, serotonin, corticosterone, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in young and old ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) and rats (Rattus norvegicus) as representatives of animals with diurnal and nocturnal habits, respectively. The animals consumed the cherry product for 10 days. Serum melatonin, serotonin, corticosterone, and TAC were measured with commercial ELISA kits. The consumption of the cherry product induced a significant increase in the circulating levels of melatonin and serotonin, as well as in the serum TAC and a significant decrease in the circulating levels of corticosterone in both species and groups of age as compared to their respective values in the control groups. The consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product may help to counteract the decrease in melatonin and serotonin and the increase in oxidative stress, suggesting a potential health benefit especially in aged populations where these parameters have been found to be altered.
Development and use of anchored-SSRs to study DNA polymorphism in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In bread wheat, 21 anchored simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs detecting SSR length polymorphism and 42 anchored SSR primers detecting microsatellite-anchored fragment length polymorphisms (MFLPs) are reported. Eight bread wheat genotypes were used for detecting polymorphism. The number of alleles in SSR analysis ranged from two to six, with a mean of 2.9 alleles per SSR. The number of polymorphic bands in MFLP ranged from two to 40, with a mean of 12.74 polymorphic bands/primer combination, the SSRs with CT/GA motifs giving the highest level of polymorphism (a mean of 18.37 bands). The average value of polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.473 for SSRs and 0.061 for MFLP.
New and reassessed species of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) in the flora of China

Several problems in Strobilanthes Blume (Acanthaceae: Ruelliae) are clarified as a result of collaboration between Chinese and western botanists. Examination of pollen has permitted clear delimitation of four morphologically similar species, Strobilanthes szechuanica (Batalin) J. R. I. Wood & Y. F. Deng, S. labordei H. Lev. , S. wakasana Wakasugi & Naruhashi and S. wilsonii J. R. I. Wood & Y. F. Deng, the latter described for the first time in this paper, although first collected more than a hundred years ago. A key is provided to help distinguish these species. The globose, echinulate pollen found in several species from China and Japan and assigned to the genus Championella by Bremekamp is shown by SEM photography to be distinct from other pollen hitherto regarded as the same. Three new species, S. abbreviata Y. F. Deng & J. R. I. Wood, S. lihengiae Y. F. Deng & J. R. I. Wood and S. vallicola Y. F. Deng & J. R. I. Wood are described. S. austinii C. B. Clarke ex W. W. Sm. is lectotypified to show that it is conspecific with S. lamiifolia (Nees) T. Anderson, a species demonstrating trans-Himalayan links. New combinations are made for four species as the authors recognize only a single genus, Strobilanthes within the Strobilanthinae as defined by Bremekamp. S. gongshanensis Tsui and S. aenobarba W. W. Sm. are shown to be only varieties of S. inflata T. Anderson. Illustrations are provided for all new species. (c) 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 150, 369-390.
Human-crocodile conflict and conservation implications of Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus (Reptilia: Crocodylia: Crocodylidae) in Sri Lanka

Human-wildlife conflict occurs when human requirements encroach on those of wildlife populations, with potential costs to both humans and wild animals. As top predators in most inland waters, crocodilians are involved in human-wildlife conflicts in many countries. Here we present findings of a 5-year survey on human-crocodile conflict on the island of Sri Lanka and relate the results to improving management practices. We aimed to quantify and understand the causes of human-crocodile conflict in Sri Lanka, and propose solutions to mitigate it. Visual encounter surveys were carried out to estimate the population size of Saltwater Crocodiles. We recorded 778 sightings of Saltwater Crocodiles at 262 of 400 locations surveyed, and estimate the total population to comprise more than 2000 non-hatchlings and to have increased at an average rate of 5% p.a. since 1978. We propose four crocodile vigilance zones within the wet zone and one crocodile vigilance zone within the dry zone of the country. Specific threats to Saltwater Crocodiles identified in crocodile vigilance zones were: habitat destruction and loss; illegal killing and harvesting (17 killings out of fear, ~200 incidents of killing for meat and skins, ~800 eggs annually for consumption); unplanned translocations; and, interaction with urbanization (10 incidents of crocodiles being run over by trains/vehicles and electrocution). Additionally, 33 cases of crocodile attacks on humans were recorded [8 fatal, 25 non-fatal (minor to grievous injuries)] and more than 50 incidents of attacks on farm and pet animals.
Can Conservation Assessment Criteria Developed for Terrestrial Systems be Applied to Riverine Systems?

Australia's aquatic ecosystems are of outstanding diversity and interest on a world scale. As one of the world's driest continents, its water resources are under growing pressure, yet there are no systematic conservation efforts. Any moves towards aquatic biodiversity conservation must be pursued within appropriate scientific, policy, and management contexts. A key starting point is the articulation of aquatic conservation values. Concepts and criteria for biodiversity conservation are well established in the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems in Australia. They are often framed within legislation or derived through policy and practice. If freshwater biodiversity is to be conserved, then conservation criteria and methods of assessment need be integrated with possible mechanisms for protection. So it is useful to examine whether the criteria and thresholds applied to terrestrial systems are valid and appropriate for freshwater ecosystems. Two key questions are discussed: are commonly applied conservation criteria appropriate and adequate for aquatic ecosystems? and, is it feasible to apply criteria used in terrestrial systems to aquatic systems? The discussion is informed by evidence from two perspectives: a survey of views of river scientists and managers, and analysis of field studies of river conservation assessments in Australia. The data suggest that while the basic concepts that define biodiversity value can be applied to aquatic systems, difficulties are apparent in applying and interpreting the thresholds and decision rules used for terrestrial systems. In addition, the survey of scientists and managers in Australia showed that landscape scale values and riverine functions should be incorporated in the assessment and protection of riverine systems. The analysis concludes that conservation of freshwater biodiversity in Australia needs to be founded upon national legislation and policies for biodiversity conservation alongside conservation of terrestrial systems. However, different approaches to defining and assessing biodiversity value of freshwater ecosystems will need to be explored and specified.
AGE CHANGES IN THE CRANIAL CAPACITY AND FORAMEN MAGNUM OF HOMINOIDS

SUMMARY 1 Data for the cranial capacities and for the dimensions of the foramen magnum have been derived from 198 chimpanzees, 223 gorillas, 69 orang-utans and 575 men at various stages of development. 2 The pattern of endocranial growth in the extant apes is similar to that in man. 3 The age changes in the foramen magnum follow those in the endocranial cavity–some 95 per cent of adult size being reached by the time the first permanent molars are in place. 4 Comparison between these new data and the stated endocranial volumes of the Australopithecinae confirms that in this feature the South African fossils are ape-like. 5 The cranial capacity and the area of the foramen magnum are sufficiently closely correlated to enable the one to be predicted from the other. 6 The relationship between the area of the foramen magnum and the cranial capacity of the Australopithecinae was apparently similar to that in extant apes and an estimate is made on this basis of the endocranial volume of an immature specimen of Paranthropus crassidens (SK 47) of which the skull base only is preserved.
Studies on the Composition of the Ruminal Flora and Fauna of Young Calves

Summary A study was made of the bacteria and protozoa present in the rumen of three calves from 1 to 13 wk. of age, raised under normal conditions. Ciliate protozoa were not established in these calves. A study of older calves in contact with mature animals after 13 wk. of age indicated that entodinia were first established, followed by diplodinia and holotrichs. Total anaerobic bacterial counts were somewhat higher for the calves than for mature animals. Counts of cellulolytic bacteria were similar to those of a mature animal when calves were 3 wk. old and were quite high even at 1 wk. Lactate-fermenting bacteria were present in high numbers at from 1 to 3 wk. of age, but declined to numbers similar to those of the adult at 9 to 13 wk. Bacteria capable of growth under aerobic conditions and coliforms were highest in numbers when calves were 1 and 3 wk. of age. Even at 13 wk. these counts were higher than those of the adult. Detailed studies of strains of predominant bacteria revealed 21 different groups that could be grouped on the basis of their occurrence in animals of different ages. The predominant bacteria found in 1- to 3-wk. -old calves were mainly different from those of mature cattle. When calves were 6 wk. of age many groups of bacteria typical of mature animals were found, but several groups not found in mature animals remained. At 9 and 13 wk. of age, bacteria isolated were mainly those typical of mature animals. That the rumen is physiologically well-adapted for the development of its flora at a very early age is suggested by the following similarities between week-old calves and adults. Most bacteria were nonspore-forming strict anaerobes and higher counts were obtained in rumen fluid agar than in a trypticase-soy agar. Some predominant groups of bacteria were similar, and cellulolytic counts were relatively high in calves, even though milk and straw bedding were the only foods available.
Postural control and balance assessment in children 15 years old with type 1 diabetes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the balance and postural control in children 15 years old with type 1 diabetes . all of children participated in this study have ten years chronicity of diabetes. Thirty children shared in this study assumed two equal groups, fifteen were normal children (GI) and fifteen were children with type 1 diabetes (GII), Assessment was done by Biodex balance system via the dynamic balance test which including anteroposterior, mediolatoral and overall stability index.Their age was 15 years. Their body mass index between 14-18 kg/m2. The dynamic balance parameters(Anterior posterior, Mediolateral and Overall stability indices) measured by Biodex Balance System at stability level 7. Comparing between the mean values of participant’s stability indices (OA,AP and ML) at stability level-7within the same group (A or B),there was no statistical significant difference (P> 0.05),But there was statistical significant difference between both groups(A&B)(P< 0.05) It could be concluded that there is decrease in balance parameters including (OA , AP and ML indices) at seven levels of stability during the dynamic balance test in children 15 years old with type 1 diabetes group compared with normal children.
Contribution of small insects to pollination of common buckwheat, a distylous crop

Crop pollination by animals is an essential ecosystem service. Among animal-pollinated crops, distylous plants strongly depend on animal pollination. In distylous pollination systems, pollinator species are usually limited, although flowers of some distylous plants are visited by diverse animals. We studied the pollination biology of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), a distylous crop mainly pollinated by honeybees and visited by many insect species, to evaluate the effects of non-honeybee species on pollination services. We focused on insects smaller than honeybees to determine their contribution to pollination. We applied pollination treatments with bags of coarse mesh to exclude flower visits by honeybees and larger insects and compared the seed set of bagged plants with that of untreated plants for pin and thrum flower morphs. We found a great reduction of seed set only in bagged pin flowers. We also confirmed that small insects, including ants, bees, wasps and flies, carried pin-morph pollen. These small insects transfer pollen from the short anthers of pin flowers to the short styles of thrum flowers, leading to sufficient seed set in thrum flowers. Consequently, small, non-honeybee insects have the potential to maintain at least half of the yield of this honeybee-dependent distylous crop.
Crop growth, water‐use efficiency and carbon isotope discrimination in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes under end‐of season drought conditions*

Ten groundnut genotypes were grown under adequately irrigated conditions or subjected to drought during the pod filling phase (83-113 days after sowing) in a medium deep Alfisol at the ICRISAT Centre during the 1986-1987 post-rainy season. Crop growth was measured in both treatments, but transpiration (T) and water-use efficiency (W) were quantified only in the drought treatment. Leaf samples from both treatments were assayed for discrimination against (CO2)-C-13 fixed in leaves (DELTA) to examine the relationships between DELTA, crop growth, and W under field conditions. The shoot dry matter accumulated during the period of drought (Y) ranged from 72-150 g m-2 and was closely related to transpiration. This indicates scope for selection of traits and practices to increase T. Water-use efficiencies ranged from 1.38-2.50 g kg-1 and were inversely related to DELTA in eight out of the 10 genotypes. For the other two genotypes, there was evidence that T was under-estimated by field measurements. Water-use efficiency and transpiration were not correlated suggesting that these two traits might be combined through breeding. Variation between genotypes was greatest for the partitioning of total dry matter to pods (73%), followed by water-use efficiency (31%) and transpiration (29%). Crop growth rates were negatively related to DELTA under irrigated conditions but not under drought.
On Intraspecific Competition for Avian Dispersers in Tropical Trees

Two models are developed which predict life-history adaptations resulting from intraspecific competition for avian dispersers. One suggests stabilizing selection for a rate of fruit production necessary to maintain a limited and specialized guild of dispersers. The other suggests directional selection for high fecundity which is mediated by intraspecific competition for a variety of opportunistic birds drawn from alternative sources of plant or animal food. Operational procedures are suggested which would test for the applicability of either model. Relevant literature is discussed.
Toxicity of ethyl acetate extract and ricinine from Jatropha gossypifolia senescent leaves against Spodoptera exigua Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua (Hubner)) is one of the most important vegetable pests in Thailand. After 24 hr of both dipping and sprayer bioassay, estimation of LC50 of the ethyl acetate extract of Jatropha gossypifolia senescent leaves demonstrated toxicity to secondary instar S. exigua larvae because in this stage most armyworm start to move to other plants and it is also the first susceptible stage for toxicity tests. Ricinine, the main alkaloid separated from ethyl acetate crude extract, showed toxicity on secondary instar larvae by the sprayer method with an LC50 of 3,215 ppm whereas the LC50 value for ethyl acetate crude extract is 8,644 ppm. Thus, the ethyl acetate crude extract of Jatropha gossypifolia senescent leaves may have ricinine as the active ingredient and may be used as an alternative choice for the minimal application of chemical insecticides for Spodoptera exigua.
Patterns of parasitism among conopid flies parasitizing bumblebees

The effects of host size and host species on the prevalence and fitness of conopid flies (Diptera: Conopidae) parasitizing bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were investigated. Field data from nine sites across south‐western Alberta, Canada, showed that conopids parasitized, on average, 12.3% of workers and 3.5% of male bees. In general, bee mass was a better predictor of host use and conopid offspring size than bee species. Host mass could not, however, explain the very low prevalence of conopids in the long‐tongued bumblebee, Bombus californicus Smith, or in male bees in general. Conopids predominately infested bees of intermediate size, and as a result, occurred most commonly in the intermediately sized species, B. flavifrons Cresson. Host quality, in terms of conopid offspring size, increased as a non‐linear function of bee size. The results are discussed with respect to the impact of conopids on bumblebee populations, and the relation between host quality and patterns of host use.
Diet and feeding ecology of Cory\'s shearwater Calonectris diomedea in the Azores, north-east Atlantic

Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea is the most abundant pelagic seabird in the Azores archipelago. We examined their diet in March and August. Fish were present in more than 90% of the samples analysed, but only included 5 species. Two small pelagic species, boarfish Capros aper and trumpet fish . \4acrorharnphosus sp. , were the most common prey, accounting for more than 85 % of the food items consumed in March and August. Due to their small size (<l20 mm) these 2 species only represented about 40"" of the diet by weight. Conversely, sauries (Scornberesox saurus and Nanychthys sirnulans) represented an important proportion of the diet by weight (25%), despite being consumed in smaller numbers (<5";). Horse mackerel Trac)l~! rvs ~ic! u'sLzs ar;< chiib ii1ecka1t.i Scornber japonicuswere consumed in low number and together accounted for 10 % of the diet by weight. Twelve cephalopod species occurred in the diet, most having a mesopelagic distribution. It is suggested that these prey are made available to shearwaters when they are driven to the surface by underwater predators. S'urprisingly, no deep water fish were detected in Cory's shearwater diet, despite being known to be available to other diurnal surface-feeding seabirds in this area. The diet of shearwaters in the Azores is discussed in relation to available information on the prey consumed by other coexisting marine predators. We suggest that Cory's shearwater provides useful and novel information on abundance and distribution of small pelagic fish in this region.
Studies On The Use Of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus Cajan) As Feed Ingredient In Layer's Diets

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) has shown promise as a source of leaf and seed protein for poultry in Nigeria. But as with most tropical legumes, its seeds contain toxic and growth-inhibitory substances. A 20-week trial was conducted to evaluate the relative effects of raw, boiled and roasted pigeon pea seeds on the performance of laying hens, at dietary levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Boiling reduced slightly opposite effect. As from 20% dietary level, raw pigeon pea significantly (P 0.05) after the performance of the layers although at 40% dietary level, there was consistent slight drop in performance. Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research Vol. 1 (1) 1994: pp. 1-5
The Relationship Between Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora Cinnamomi) and the Abundance of Antechinus Stuartii (Dasyuridae: Marsupialia) in the Brisbane Ranges, Victoria.

The Brisbane Ranges include areas of National Park, water catchment and freehold land that have a history of infection with the pathogen P. cinnamomi since the late 1960s. A systematic survey of the small-mammal fauna of the Brisbane Ranges National Park and the Geelong and District Water Board catchments in relation to the pathogen was carried out in 1987. A. stuartii was the only species trapped regularly. The volume of vegetation to a structural level of 60 cm was significantly lower at sites where P. cinnamomi was present. The abundance of A. stuartii was also significantly lower at sites infected with P. cinnamomi, and a significant relationship is shown between the capture rate of A. stuartii and the volume of vegetation present up to 40 cm above ground level. This work indicates a possible association between P. cinnamomi and populations of A. stuartii, and the relationships between the pathogen, habitat quality and small-mammal distribution are discussed. These findings have implications for public land management and management of fauna in areas prone to infection with P. cinnamomi.