Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal and sex-specific variation in growth rates of Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus chicks

The nesting success of Marabou Storks Leptoptilos crumeniferus breeding in north-eastern Swaziland is closely associated with rainfall, with nests started late in the season exposed to higher rainfall and showing lower success. This may be related to lower food intake and slower growth of the chicks. This study set out to determine whether hatching date and sequence of laying affected the growth rate of chicks. Chicks were also sexed, as Marabou Storks show sexual size dimorphism—males are on average 20% larger—and this trait is often associated with differing patterns of growth between sexes. Nestlings were measured weekly from hatching until they either died or fledged. Nestling development is described in detail and photographs of different-aged chicks are presented. The nestling period was significantly shorter for female chicks, at 94 d, than for male chicks at 104 d. Male and female chicks differed in growth rate and asymptote for both mass and wing length. Unusually, females showed higher instantaneous growth rates for much of the nestling period. Chicks surpassed adult mass before fledging. Date of hatching had an effect on growth rates, with chicks at late nests having slower growth, consistent with a decline in food availability. Marabou Storks appear to be slower growing than expected for the Ciconiidae, the taxonomic family to which they belong.
Optical brighteners as ultraviolet protectants and as enhancers in pathogenicity of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lep., Noctuidae) nucleopolyhedrovirus

Seven optical brighteners were tested using diet disc bioassays in the laboratory to determine their effects on the protection and activity of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lep., Noctuidae) nucleopolyhedrovirus (SlMNPV) against 4th instar S. litura larvae. All brighteners tested were found to be effective UV protectants and five brighteners (Blankophor BBH, Blankophor RKH, Blankophor P167, Blankophor HRS and Tinopal LPW) enhanced viral activity by 5.53–11.08 times. Viral activity was increased with the concentration of brighteners. The time required for the virus to kill larvae was reduced by 24–27% at 1% concentration of brighteners. Some infectivity of the virus was found in the older larvae, which were resistant to SlMNPV, by adding the brighteners. On the basis of data obtained in the present study we discuss the synergistic action of optical brighteners with SlMNPV.
Syzygium aromaticum extracts as good source of betulinic acid and potential anti-breast cancer

Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Myrtaceae, is an evergreen tree with anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the anti-breast cancer effect of extracts from leaves, stem and bark of S. aromaticum and to develop a method for preparation of betulinic acid fraction from the leaves. Betulinic acid, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid contents of the extracts were determined by HPLC. A betulinic acid fraction was prepared by simple crystallization of leaves extract and was characterized by HPLC and mass analysis. Anti-breast cancer effects were studied on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The extracts were found to contain high levels of betulinic acid particularly the leaves extract which contained 17% wt/wt. The betulinic acid fraction contains 75% betulinic acid. Cytotoxicity testing reveals high and selective cytotoxic effect of the stem extract on MCF-7 cells with IC50 33±1.6 µg/mL. Cytotoxic effect of the stem extract was due to activation of apoptotic machinery of cell death. Combination studies of stem extract with tamoxifen reveals antagonistic effect at high concentration of tamoxifen and enhancement effect at low concentration. The selective cytotoxicity of the stem extract of S. aromaticum on MCF-7 is not due to betulinic acid but due to other constituents yet to be discovered.
Age, growth and reproduction of four-spotted goby, Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus (Valenciennes, 1837), in İzmir Bay (central Aegean Sea)

Length distribution, sex ratio, length-weight relationship, age, growth, spawning period, age, and length at first maturity of four-spotted goby inhabiting Izmir Bay were investigated. A total of 1696 four-spotted goby were collected by trawl hauls between July 2004 and June 2007. The size of the fish sampled ranged from 3.1 to 9.2 cm total length. The samples were composed of 31.1% females, 27.7% males, and 41.2% juvenile individuals, with a female to male ratio of 1:0.89. The age of the fish ranged from 1 to 5 years. The length-weight relationship and the von Bertalanffy growth function were estimated for all individuals as: W = 0.0036L3. 45 and Lt = 10.29[1 - e-0.371(t + 0.502)]. Spawning period started in February and continued until May. The lengths at first maturity of females and males were 6.15 ± 0.18 and 6.38 ± 0.20 cm total length, respectively.
Morpho-metric characteristics and utility pattern of Khillar cattle in breed tract.

Khillar (6587) animals of calves below 1 year (791), young stock 1 to 3 years (1139), milking females (1939), working males (2653), breeding bulls (34) and breeding working bulls (31) from 60 randomly selected villages from 12 tahsils in Satara, Sangali and Solapur districts of Western Maharashtra, were studied for morphological characteristics and utility pattern. The results revealed that body confirmation of Khillar animals is well-developed, symmetrical with clearly defined muscles. Barrel is cylindrical with tight skin and long in comparison with height. Forehead is long and narrow and distinct groove runs in centre of forehead from nasal bridge to middle of poll. Muzzle was of black, carroty and mottled colored. Horns are mainly black, carrot colour and mixed and long, pointed and grow curved backwards for half the length and then turned upwards in smooth bow shape. Hump is tightly formed and neck is short, firmly set and found always held straight to body. Dewlap is thin, short and foldless. Mean body weight in respective age groups revealed that these animals are lighter in weight compared to Deoni and heavier to Dangi and Gaolao breeds. The average chest girth, body length and height at withers for males below 1 year, females below 1 year, 1 to 3 year males, 1 to 3 year females, milking females, working males, breeding bulls and breeding and working bulls, were measured. The measurements of tail, ear, horn and face length along with horn circumference and face width were also recorded. The utility of animals indicated that they were mainly used for agricultural operations (61.17%) and nearly one-third fraction of farmers (30.59%) also considered them for milk production.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning and Goniaulax tamarensis.

It is believed that the periodic paralytic poisoning produced by molluscs in certain parts of the bay of Fundy area is caused by Goniaulax tamarensis in the food of the molluscs. The abundance of G. tamarensis is shown to be principally affected by water temperature, by the abundance of Favella ehrenbergii and possibly by the diatom population.
Analysis of SPATA19 gene expression during male germ cells development, lessons from in vivo and in vitro study

Spermatogenesis-associated-19 (SPATA19) is a novel spermatogenesis related gene that has important biological functions in reproduction. However, the expression aspects of SPATA19 gene are not yet well understood. We analysed SPATA19 gene expression during mouse testis development in vivo (5, 15 and 25 days old mouse testis), in parallel with mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiation into male germ-like cells in vitro (5, 11, 19 and 27 days after differentiation), as well as Sertoli cell, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), and NIH3T3 cancerous cell line. We cultured transgenic mouse ESCs line C57BL/6J expressing Stra8-EGFP in ESC's medium and induced their differentiation by retinoic acid (RA) treatment, and meiotic cells were then sorted by FACS. RT-PCR and real-time PCR were used for analysis of SPATA19 mRNA expression. The expression of SPATA19 mRNA is increased during mouse testis development in vivo and it is highest in 25-days-old mouse testis. SPATA19 is also expressed most highly in mouse ESC-derived germ-like cells after 27 days of RA induction and NIH3T3 cell line but no expression was found in mouse ESC and Sertoli cell line. These findings demonstrate that the expression of SPATA19 increases during male germ cells development. We also suggest an additional possible role for SPATA19 in male germ cell differentiation and tumourigenic process.
The importance of native trees for forest bird conservation in tropical farmland

Trees in farmland provide valuable ecosystem services that enhance agricultural productivity and income, as well as supporting biodiversity such as birds. A better understanding of the benefits of farmland trees for birds, specifically the relative value of native and exotic trees, is essential in developing effective management options, particularly within tropical regions with intense cultivation pressure. In farmland in central Uganda, neither total bird species richness nor richness of forest visitors (non‐forest dependent) were related to any measures of tree cover, whereas richness of forest‐dependent bird species showed a positive relationship with the number of native tree species. The density of 10 out of 17 forest‐dependent bird species within farmland showed at least one significant relationship with measures of tree cover; variables relating to native trees typically had more, and stronger, positive effects on bird density than exotic trees. The combined density of 17 forest‐dependent bird species on farmland was positively related to both the total number of native trees and number of large native trees. Increasing the density of forest‐dependent bird species by 1 bird ha−1 within a farmland site is predicted to require c. one to two large native trees, or c. 30 native trees of all sizes, per ha. Despite comprising c. 40% of all trees, exotics exerted little positive influence on forest birds, possibly because these offer poorer resources in terms of foraging, nesting and shelter. While numerous previous studies in the tropics have considered the value, for birds, of tree cover in farmland, few have focused on tree size or species composition. This study suggests that the retention or planting of native trees is an important tool for conserving forest birds within farmland, will provide additional ecosystem services, and should be encouraged through, for example, agricultural development schemes, extension advice and demonstration farms.
Design and synthesis of potent and selective inhibitors of BRD7 and BRD9 bromodomains

Emerging evidence suggests bromodomain-containing proteins 7 and 9 (BRD7 and BRD9) have roles in the regulation of human transcription and disease including cancer. We describe potent and selective inhibitors of the BRD7 and BRD9 bromodomains intended for use as tools to elucidate the biological roles of BRD7 and BRD9 in healthy and diseased cells.
Folded teeth and the monophyletic origin of tetrapods. American Museum novitates ; no. 2408

Because many groups of mammals have teeth that are characteristic in form, tooth form has become an important indicator of phyletic relationships within the Mammalia. In contrast, the simple conical teeth of most reptiles, amphibians, and fishes are barely differentiated in external form, and generally the tooth form is of little phyletic significance. However, among crossopterygians and lower tetrapods there are groups that have teeth of peculiar internal structure, involving an infolding of the orthodentine of the pulp cavity wall. Such orthodentine is called "folded dentine" (plicidentine), and teeth possessing it are "folded teeth. " Folded teeth have been studied by Bystrow (1938, 1939) and Schultze (in press), among others. Bystrow worked mainly with isolated teeth, and Schultze with articulated material. Schultze's results have some bearing on the current controversy of "monophyletic" versus "diphyletic" origin of tetrapods. These results are briefly summarized in the present paper for the purpose of discussing the phyletic significance of folded teeth and internal tooth structure in crossopterygians and lower tetrapods.
Influence of ethrel on ripening and quality of persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of post-harvest ethrel treatment on ripening and quality of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) under ambient (24 Â± 2Â°C) as well as refrigerated (3-6°C) conditions. Fully matured persimmon cv. Hachiya fruits were dipped in ethrel solution of varying concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) or with control (water dip). The observations on per cent physiological loss in weight (PLW), per cent ripening and spoilage, fruit length (cm) and breadth (cm), and quality parameters, viz. total soluble solids (°B), titratable acidity (%), total sugars (%), reducing sugars (%) and TSS: acid content were recorded at regular interval till the fruits were acceptable. Results of the study revealed that PLW (%) increased with the increase in storage period under both the storage conditions. All the quality parameters, like TSS, total sugars, reducing sugars and TSS: acid ratio were influenced by ethrel treatment but the acidity remains unaffected. The fruits treated with higher concentration of ethrel (150 or 200 ppm) showed more ethylene injury (spots on fruits), while those treated with lower concentration (50 or 100 ppm) or untreated did not show any such injury when stored under refrigerated condition. A dip in 100 ppm ethrel for 1 minute was found to be the best for persimmon cv. Hachiya under both the storage conditions.
Reproductive Status and Vocalisation in Swarming Bats Indicate a Mating Function of Swarming and an Extended Mating Period in Plecotus auritus

Subterranean swarming of bats takes place in the autumn and it is presumed that its main function is to facilitate mating. However, Plecotus auritus (brown long-eared bat) swarms twice a year, in spring (in March and April), and in autumn (from the end of August to October). The premise that both the autumn and spring swarming events have a mating function was tested by measuring the vocalisation activity and reproductive state of males at two subterranean swarming sites and at several maternity colony roosts in southwestern Poland. Vocal activity, as defined by the number of social calls emitted by swarming bats, was about ten times higher in the spring than in the autumn. The bats also emitted a wider range of call types in spring. From 45 to 100% of males examined in spring had distended caudae epididymides. Enlarged and distended epididymes contain spermatozoa and indicate that males are still able to copulate in spring. There was a significant positive correlation between the proportion of males with distended caudae epididymides and the vocal activity of swarming bats. This indicates that swarming behaviour plays a role in mating and that the mating season extends from autumn to spring. For the first time, a biphasic pattern of active mating behaviour has been observed in a European bat species. Mating occurs during swarming in autumn and spring and is accompanied by vocal advertisement. We suggest that the low number of females in spring increases competition between males and significantly increases the amount and diversity of vocal activity.
Aspects of the role of cattle slurry in dispersal and seedling establishment of Rumex obtusifolius seed in grassland.

Two experiments were carried out to examine the association between cattle slurry application and abundant Rumex obtusifolius populations in grassland. In Experi ment 1, the viability of R. obtusifolius seed, collected between June and November 1993 was assessed after being subjected to (i) 100 days in silage (pH 4), (ii) 72 h rumen fermentation and (iii) 100 days in cattle slurry. In Experiment 2, the emer gence of R. obtusifolius seedlings in gaps (5 cm2 to 30 cm2) in a pasture sward, created either in autumn or in spring by (i) applications of cattle slurry, (ii) physical destruction of the sward canopy or (iii) applications of artificial urine solution, was examined. Seeds collected in early June failed to germinate while those collected in late June had a 10% rate of germination and this increased to 85% for seed collected in early August, with no further increase with later harvests (mean 67.2%). Seeds were non-viable following ensiling, while those stored in cattle slurry were not significantly (P < 0.05) affected (mean 64.9%) and those which were subjected to rumen fermentation showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the viability (mean 24.9%). In Experiment 2, autumn applied cattle slurry favoured the establishment of /? obtusifolius seedlings (1 to 2 seedlings per gap) in grassland. The association between cattle slurry and R. obtusifolius populations in grassland is probably due more to favoured establishment of seedlings following application of slurry rather than dispersal of seed within the slurry.
Effects of Crotalaria and Sesbania aculeata green manures and N fertilizer on soil fertility and the productivity of sugarcane

The effects of green manuring with dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) in combination with four levels of urea-N (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg N/ha) on the productivity of a subsequent sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) crop and the fertility of the soil were examined. C. juncea contributed more nitrogen to the soils when ploughed down than S. aculeata (56·7 v. 40·0 kg N/ha). The green manures and the supplemented urea-N increased cane yield by 2 to 26% and 26 to 57%, respectively. The organic matter, total N, available P and S of the soil was only slightly increased by the incorporation of green manures.
Dispersal routes between biodiversity hotspots in Asia: the case of the mountain genus Tripterospermum (Gentianinae, Gentianaceae) and its close relatives

We investigated the biogeography of the subtropical mountain genus Tripterospermum Blume (Gentianaceae), disjunctly distributed at the southern fringe of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and other mountain systems within the biodiversity hotspots of Southeast Asia. This study reveals dispersal routes among these areas.
Biological correlates of description date in carnivores and primates

Aim To examine which aspects of primates and carnivore biology can be used to predict attributes of species yet to be discovered. Location Global. Methods Multiple regressions of phylogenetically independent contrasts and non-phylogenetic species date of description, on multiple biological predictor variables, formed from previous hypotheses tested in the literature. Results Orders differ, but both carnivore and primate species with a large geographical range tend to have been discovered earlier. When geographical range is controlled for, body mass is also significantly correlated with description date in carnivores, but remains a poor predictor in primates. No multiple-predictor model is apparent in the primates, but diurnal species are on average more likely to be described first. Carnivores not endemic to the tropics are more likely to be discovered earlier, reflecting a northern bias in description patterns. Main conclusions Geographical range is by far the most important predictor variable. The study may have ramifications for conservation hotspot selection: species possessing a small geographical range are least likely to have been described, yet are most heavily weighted in some hotspot selection algorithms.
Seasonal variations of Fusarium species in wheat fields in Upper Egypt

Abstract Populations of the genus Fusarium in wheat fields were studied within the crop-growing season at Qena area (Upper Egypt) using two different types of media (DCPA and DRBA) at 25°C. Fourteen Fusarium species were isolated during this study, namely F. anthophilum, F. aquaeductuum, F. chlamdosporum, F. dimerum, F. merismoides, F. moniliforme, F. oxysporum, F. poae, F. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. scripi, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides and F. subglutinans. Fusarium merismoides, F. oxysporum and F. sambucinum were the most common Fusarium species isolated from different wheat plant parts (rhizosphere and rhizoplane) as well as from the wheat fields (soil and air). Fusarium spp. rarely appeared at the beginning of the season and increased sharply between January to March and decreased slightly or sharply at the end of the season according to the type of media and isolation source.
A note on the behaviour of Patina pellucida in Britain and Norway

Abstract The behaviour of the gastropod, Patina pellucida, on Laminaria hyperborea has been investigated in the Isle of Man and near Bergen, western Norway. The animals first settle on the frond. In Britain they later migrate down the stipe and enter the holdfast where they create large cavities while in Norway they remain on the frond and the uppermost part of the stipe. This species probably causes considerable loss of plants due to weekening of the holdfast in one case and grazing of the frond and stipe in the second. The degree of infestation in different plant age-groups has been investigated in the Isle of Man.
Spatial autocorrelation and the interpretation of patterns of tree seed and seedling predation by rodents in old-fields.

Spatial autocorrelation is ubiquitous in ecological systems. However, consideration of this phenomenon in seed and seedling predation studies has been limited, perhaps explaining some of the variation observed between studies and the difficulty in generalizing about the impacts of herbivores on successional processes. I examined the prevalence and patterns of spatial autocorrelation in seed and seedling survival between neighboring tree propagules in old-fields. All experiments were conducted within enclosures in which I manipulated the density of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Voles, and competitively inferior white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), are the dominant consumers of tree seedlings and seeds in old-fields in the northeastern United States, respectively. An intermediate level of spatial autocorrelation was present in seed and seedling predation trials. Furthermore, the frequency of spatial autocorrelation increased under low-vole density conditions and in study sites with greater heterogeneity in vegetation cover. Survival of neighboring tree propagules was generally positively autocorrelated, suggesting that foraging by mice and voles contributes to a clumped pattern of tree propagule establishment in old-fields. A review of published predation studies found that only 8.3% attempted to test for spatial autocorrelation and that the minimum average spacing used between replicates is well below the average autocorrelation distance of 8.1 ± 6.3 m observed in the current study, Patterns of autocorrelation appear somewhat predictable based on knowledge of the ecology of mice and voles and to provide insights into the factors influencing their foraging behavior and potential impacts on old-field succession.