Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of Phytophthora diversity in nursery-grown ornamental and fruit plants.

The genetic diversity of Phytophthora spp. was investigated in potted ornamental and fruit tree species. A metabarcoding approach was used, based on a semi-nested PCR with Phytophthora genus-specific primers targeting the ITS1 region of the rDNA. More than 50 ITS1 sequence types representing at least 15 distinct Phytophthora taxa were detected. Nine had ITS sequences that grouped them in defined taxonomic groups (P. nicotianae, P. citrophthora, P. meadii, P. taxon Pgchlamydo, P. cinnamomi, P. parvispora, P. cambivora, P. niederhauserii and P. lateralis) whereas three phylotypes were associated to two or more taxa (P. citricola taxon E or III; P. pseudosyringae, P. ilicis or P. nemorosa; and P. cryptogea, P. erythroseptica, P. himalayensis or P. sp. ‘kelmania’) that can be challenging to resolve with ITS1 sequences alone. Three additional phylotypes were considered as representatives of novel Phytophthora taxa and defined as P. meadii-like, P. cinnamomi-like and P. niederhauserii-like. Furthermore, the analyses highlighted a very complex assemblage of Phytophthora taxa in ornamental nurseries within a limited geographic area and provided some indications of structure amongst populations of P. nicotianae (the most prevalent taxon) and other taxa. Data revealed new host–pathogen combinations, evidence of new species previously unreported in Italy (P. lateralis) or Europe (P. meadii) and phylotypes representative of species that remain to be taxonomically defined. Furthermore, the results reinforced the primary role of plant nurseries in favouring the introduction, dissemination and evolution of Phytophthora species.
Vegetation change in an urban grassy woodland 1974–2000

Few temporal studies document vegetation change in Australian temperate grassy woodlands. Floristic and structural data were collected from 68 randomly located sites in the Queens Domain, an urban grassy woodland remnant, in 1974, 1984, 1994 and 2000 and a search made for rare species. Species of conservation significance were concentrated at highly disturbed sites, whereas vegetation types of conservation significance decreased in area as a result of increases in the numbers of Allocasuarina verticillata, which caused a change in many unmown areas from Eucalyptus viminalis grassy woodland to E. viminalis–A. verticillata woodland/forest or A. verticillata open/closed forest. Structural changes were associated with changes in species composition and an increase in native-species richness. Increases in tree cover occurred where fires were most frequent, possibly as a result of the lack of mammalian herbivores. The frequencies of herbs and annual grasses were strongly affected by precipitation in the month of sampling. Half of the species that showed a consistent rise or fall through time were woody plants, approximately twice the number expected. In the dataset as a whole, species-richness variables were largely explained by varying combinations of variables related to moisture availability, altitude and the incidence of mowing. The strongest influences on species composition were the same, although slope and time since the last fire also contributed to multiple regression and generalised linear models. Compositional stability was positively related to native-species richness, whereas high levels of exotic-species richness occurred at both low and high levels of native-species richness. The maintenance of native-plant biodiversity on the Domain requires such counterintuitive measures as the maintenance of exotic trees and the control of native trees, demonstrating the contingencies of conservation management in fragmented vegetation that consists of a mixture of native and exotic species.
A novel method for the detection of liver damage using fluorescence of hepatic mitochondria in a rat model following ischaemia/reperfusion injury of the small intestine

We present a novel method of assessing damage to the liver using fluorescence analysis of hepatic mitochondria following ischaemia/reperfusion of the small intestine in a rat model. This work is of substantial importance in understanding the syndrome of multiorgan failure after ischemia/transplantation of the small intestine. Mitochondria were isolated from six sample groups that had undergone three different experimental treatments: a control group; a treatment with ischaemia followed by reperfusion of the small intestine (IRx); and, a one hour ischaemia followed by reperfusion after transplant of the small intestine (TRx). The IR treatment was further subdivided into three groups: 1, 24 h and 30 days reperfusion - IR1 ,I R 24 ,I R 720, respectively. Concomitantly, the TR treatment was further subdivided: one group underwent a 1 h reperfusion and another group a 6 h reperfusion following ischaemia and transplant - groups TR1 and TR6, respectively. Once treatment had been undergone, mitochondria were isolated and all five experimental groups - IR1 ,I R 24 ,I R 720 ,T r 1, Tr6 - and their emission matrices were analysed compared with that of the control group (C). Comparing fluorescence values in zone A of all experimental groups with those of the control group indicated a reduction in aromatic amino acids in the mitochondria of all experimental groups. Comparison of fluorescent zone B of experimental groups with the control group identified a lack of oxygen in samples IR1 ,I R 24, which was indicated though an increase in the fluorescence of the reduced pyridine nucleotide NADH + H + .
Watershed models for assessment of hydrological behavior of the catchments: a comparative study

Hydrological parameters like overland flow, soil loss and nutrient losses can be studied by using different watershed models. However, all these models vary significantly in their analysis of parameters, input and output flexibility, scale accountability, processing ability, computational efficiency and capability of modeling the changes in catchments. This paper reviews different watershed models used for analyzing overland flow, soil loss and sediment yield with their shortcomings and strengths. These watershed models are described briefly along with their capabilities and shortcomings with their examples of applications, results and comparisons. An outcome of these discussions is presented in tabular format as a screening tool to allow the researchers and decision makers to choose the appropriate watershed model for the specific purpose.
Seed size and shape are not related to persistence in soil in Australia in the same way as in Britain

1. Previous studies have shown that among British species, seeds that persist in the soil tend to be small and compact compared with non-persistent seeds. We tested whether or not this pattern is repeated among 101 Australian species, from a range of habitats. 2. Seed mass was plotted against variance of seed dimensions, across all species. Species with persistent seeds were found across the whole range of seed mass (0·217–648·9 mg) and variance (0·0000–0·2497), providing no evidence for a critical mass or variance which separated persistent from transient seeds. 3. We tested whether or not divergence within individual clades between persistent and transient seeds was associated with increased seed mass or seed dimension variance, using phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs). There was no consistent tendency found. 4. Thus for Australian species, persistent seeds were not smaller or more compact than transient seeds when compared across all species or when compared using PICs. Presumably the natural history of burial and disturbance operates differently in British and Australian habitats.
Relationship between dicofol resistance and fitness in the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McG.).

In the experiments on the fitness, reproduction rate in dicofol resistant and susceptible strain of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McG.), of the same origin were compared at 25C and 30C. The reproduction rate in the resistant strain was lower than that in the susceptible one, especially, under higher temperature condition (30C) or under a feeding condition on considerably damaged leaves of host trees. This was mainly caused by lower egg
Granivory in terrestrial isopods

Abstract Granivory (seed feeding) evolved in many animal groups. Field observations hint at the existence of granivory in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea), for which it was previously unknown. In this paper granivory in terrestrial isopods is addressed for the first time, focusing on (i) seed acceptance in the presence of plant litter and (ii) size as a constraint for acceptance and consumption. In a laboratory choice experiment, Armadillidium vulgare consumed seeds of Capsella bursa‐pastoris and Poa annua when plant litter was present. In a no‐choice experiment, seeds of seven plant species were offered to four isopod species giving 13 combinations in total [A. vulgare (seven species of seeds), Oniscus asellus (two), Porcellio scaber (two), and Porcellionides pruinosus (two)]. The tested isopods differed in their acceptance (proportion of individuals consuming seeds) and consumption (both number and amount of seeds eaten) of seed species. Size as a constraint was demonstrated in A. vulgare offered Cirsium arvense seed, since the probability that this large seed was eaten increased with body size of the isopod. In the other 10 seed–isopod pairs, seed consumption increased linearly with isopod body size. Granivory is thus widespread in terrestrial isopods, although the tendency to eat seeds differs between species.
Sexting in adolescents: Prevalence and behaviours

Sexting is among the practices used by young people to explore their sexuality. Although an educational response to all facets of this phenomenon is recommended, little research has been published to date in Spain that analyses its prevalence by differentiating between the different types of sexting behaviours: sending, receiving, third-party forwarding, and receiving via an intermediary. This gap in the research is addressed by exploring: 1) Sexting prevalence, differentiating between behaviours; 2) Relationships between sexting behaviours and gender, age, sexual orientation, having a romantic/sexual partner, social networking sites used, and the degree of normalisation and willingness to sext; 3) Gender-based differences. In total, 3,314 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years participated in the study. The most frequent sexting behaviours were identified as receiving and receiving via an intermediary, followed by third-party forwarding and the sending of sexual content. The relative importance of each analysed variable depended on the specific sexting behaviour and the participants’ gender. The results highlight the need to disentangle the diversity behind sexting behaviours and to address each one in an educational setting. This more detailed look at the different behaviours can be used as the basis for raising awareness and decision-making in education. El sexting es una de las prácticas a través de la que los jóvenes exploran su sexualidad. Aunque se recomienda responder educativamente a todas las formas en las que se puede expresar este fenómeno, en España, se ha publicado poca investigación que analice su prevalencia diferenciando los distintos tipos de comportamientos de sexting: envío, recepción, reenvío y recepción de reenvíos. El presente estudio aborda esta brecha en la investigación explorando: 1) La prevalencia de sexting, diferenciando entre comportamientos; 2) Las relaciones entre los comportamientos de sexting y el género, la edad, la orientación sexual, tener pareja romántica/sexual, las redes sociales utilizadas, el grado de normalización del sexting y la predisposición para participar en él; 3) Las diferencias de género. En total, participaron 3.314 adolescentes de 12 a 16 años. Los comportamientos de sexting más frecuentes fueron la recepción y la recepción de reenvíos, seguidos del reenvío y el envío. La importancia relativa de cada una de las variables analizadas dependió del comportamiento analizado y del género de los adolescentes. Los resultados destacan la importancia de desenredar la diversidad de los comportamientos de sexting y abordar cada uno de ellos desde la educación. Este punto de vista más detallado sobre los diferentes comportamientos podría utilizarse como base para la toma de decisiones educativas y de sensibilización.
Demersal cephalopods of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

Demersal trawl and dredge surveys of the Gulf of Carpentaria in the early summers of 1990 and 1991 provided the first comprehensive assessment of the cephalopod fauna of this shallow, tropical basin off northern Australia. Twenty-one taxa (comprising five loliginid squids, seven cuttlefishes, seven octopuses and two dumpling squids) were recorded. In addition to hosting species distributed broadly in the Indo-West Pacific (e.g. loliginid squids Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Photololigo cf. chinensis and P. cf. edulis; cuttlefishes Sepia eiliptica and Sepia pharaonis), the Gulf of Carpentaria represents the most northwesterly extent of the range of some eastern Australian species (e.g. Loliolus noctiluca and Sepia whitieyana). Squid catches were lower in the north-western gulf in 1990 and higher in shallower water during the more geographically restricted survey in 1991, whereas cuttlefish were more evenly distributed throughout the different sampling areas in both years. Broad size ranges of both sexes of the four most abundant species (P. cf. chinensis (northern form), P. cf. eduiis, S. eiliptica and S. pharaonis) are indicative of extended spawning seasons, and fully mature individuals of these species were evident throughout the gulf. Cephalopods are a minor component in reported domestic fisheries catches from the Gulf of Carpentaria, where penaeid prawns are targeted. High (though seasonal) squid catch rates were reported annually by Taiwanese trawlers targeting butterfish and squid from certain areas prior to 1979. With the observed population structure of the abundant cephalopod species and relatively high catch rates in some localities during these recent surveys, it is suggested that the cephalopod resources of the Gulf of Carpentaria could support increased commercial fisheries exploitation.
Effect of Malaria Parasitaemia and Antimalarial/Antioxidant Treatment on Body Weight and Some Reproductive Hormones of Male Mice

This study examined the effect(s) of malaria parasitemia and coartem/vitamin E co-administration on serum Testosterone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels in male mice. Twenty-eight (28) adult male mice were procured, acclimatized for two (2) weeks and randomly selected into four (4) groups of seven (7) mice per group. Group 1 (Control) received standard mice diet and water ad libitum, while group 2 mice were infected with malaria (Plasmodium berghei) and left untreated. Groups 3 and 4 were inoculated with malaria (Plasmodium berghei); then treated with coartem and coartem+vitamin E respectively. After three (3) weeks of administration of test substance, the mice blood samples were obtained from mice (for each group) and assayed for serum FSH and Testosterone levels. Statistical comparison was then conducted (using the student t-test) against those of the control group to ascertain the effects of the changes due to coartem and/or antioxidant vitamin E co-administration to Plasmodium berghei infected mice. The study found a statistically significant decrease in serum testosterone levels of male mice after inoculation with Plasmodium berghei. This decrease was noticed more even with coartem administration but showed non-significant amelioration with coartem/vitamin E co-administration, implicative of a possible effect in fecundity levels of male mice. Levels of FSH was significantly increased in infected and untreated male mice, but following treatment with coartem and/or antioxidant vitamin E, there was a reversal to about the same levels as control. Comparative results on the body weights of mice also revealed a drastic fall due to infection with Plasmodium berghei. Further studies aimed at corroborating and extrapolating the results of this work are also recommended
Effect of pinealectomy and photoperiod on oviposition and gonadal development in the fish, Oryzias latipes

Intact females of Oryzias latipes exposed to 14 hours of light per day for 40 days continued to lay eggs for as long as 35 days. Under a similar photoperiod, pinealectomy shortened the period of oviposition to four days and enucleation to seven days. Moreover, the mean gonosomatic indices (GSI: the gonadal weight expressed as a percentage of the body weight) of intact, pineal-ectomized, and blinded female fish under the same photoperiod were 10.56 ± 0.53, 3.77 ± 0.31, and 6.31 ± 0.48, respectively. Fish receiving eight hours of light per day laid eggs for only two to seven days, whether they were intact or operated. The GSI's were slightly larger in both pinealectomized and enucleated females than in intact ones (P < 0.1). The significant difference in GSI between blinded females subjected to the eight-hour photoperiod (3.45 ± 0.48) suggests the presence of an extraocular photoreceptive organ mediating the effects of light on the gonad. The shortening of the period of oviposition in pinealectomized fish seems to show the involvement of the pineal in gonadal development and oviposition; probably the pineal functions as the photoreceptor.
Roles of reactive oxygen species in the corpus luteum

Cells living under aerobic conditions always face the oxygen paradox. Oxygen is necessary for cells to maintain their lives. However, reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide are generated from oxygen and damage cells. Oxidative stress occurs as a consequence of the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and impaired antioxidant defense systems. Antioxidant enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a specific enzyme to scavenge superoxide radicals; copper-zinc SOD, located in the cytosol and Mn-SOD, located in the mitochondria. Both types of SOD belong to the first enzymatic step to scavenge superoxide radicals. It has been reported that a number of local factors such as cytokines, growth factors and eicosanoids are involved in the regulation of the corpus luteum (CL) function in addition to gonadotropins. Since reactive oxygen species are generated and SOD is expressed in the CL, there is a possibility that reactive oxygen species and SOD work as local regulators of the CL function. The present review reports that reactive oxygen species and their scavenging systems play important roles in the regulation of the CL function.
OCCURRENCE OF AFLATOXIN M1 IN RAW MILK DURING THE SUMMER AND WINTER SEASONS IN HAMEDAN, IRAN

A survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) was carried out in summer and winter in raw milk samples from 93 traditional and industrial dairy farms of the Hamedan district in order to address representative data on AFM 1 in milk collected from these regions. Of the 186 milk samples, AFM 1 was detected in 119 samples (63.97%). The mean concentration of AFM 1 in contaminated samples was 43.4 ng/L, and the minimum and maximum levels were ≤10 and 410 ng/L, respectively. Fourteen (11.76%) contaminated samples had AFM 1 in concentrations in excess of the maximum levels specified in European Union regulations, i.e., 50 ng/L. The contamination ratio of milk in summer and winter months was 56.5 and 71.7%, respectively (P < 0.02). This is the first report on AFM 1 determinations in raw milk from western Iran, one of the main milk-production areas, as well as comparison between milk obtained from different dairy farms in Iran.
The cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, host plant odours and pheromones

Olfactometer experiments were conducted with apterae and alatae of the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, Koch (Hom.:Aphidoidea). The occurrence of density dependent related pheromones and odour response to their host plant Vigna unguiculata was studied. Apterae responded with positive anemotaxis to air passed over both small groups of apterae and alatae (≤10 individuals) but negatively to air that passed over a bigger group (≥20 individuals). Alatae responded in the same way to groups of apterae but were repelled by alatae independent of the size of the group applied as odour source in the olfactometer, except when exposed to air passing ten alatae feeding on cowpea leaves. This may be due to interaction between aphid pheromones and host plant odour. Both apterae and alatae showed a general attraction to green plants and were also able to distinguish between other host plants and cowpea, which was the original host of the aphid clone used in the experiments. When attacked by aphids, the cowpea plant responded with a temporal increase in attractivity that reached a maximum after 48 h and had disappeared after one week.
Temporal Variation in Humoral and Cell‐Mediated Immune Response in a Sigmodon Hispidus Population

We examined the hypothesis that environmentally induced alteration of immunocompetence is a primary physiological mechanism by which population survival is regulated. The involvement of disease and immunocompetence in the regulation of small mammal populations is not well understood but a strong relationship between physiological stress and immunity has been demonstrated. Its involvement is further supported by several studies, which have provided evidence that survival, incidence of disease, and selected gross measures of immunity change temporally with density and season. We examined this hypothesis by documenting the existence of temporal alterations in selected measures of both humoral and cell-mediated immune function in a population of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), a species known to fluctuate widely in density, inhabiting a tallgrass prairie in central Oklahoma. A total of 3 10 cotton rats was collected from August 1989 to May 1991 (10 collections) using conventional live-trap methods. In addition to morphological char- acteristics of primary and secondary lymphoid organs, the ability of splenocytes to produce specific antibody in response to a single injection of sheep erythrocytes and to proliferate in response to in vitro exposure to mitogens was measured to assess immunocompetence. Whole blood was collected for the determination of total peripheral blood leukocyte counts, packed cell volume, and total serum proteins. Statistically significant differences in all variables except total serum protein existed among the 10 collections and most of this variability was independent of specific seasonal time periods. Bimodal rhythmicity was characteristic of temporal changes for several measures of immunocompetence. Changes over time in the average immunocompetence of this population could have reflected a shift in genotypic polymorphism; several other plausible explanations are offered to explain the observed temporal patterns.