Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Methidathion on Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Malondialdehyde Level in Midgut Tissues of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera) larvae

Lymantria dispar larvae are very hazardous to forests and they also cause allergic reactions in humans. In the present study, distinct concentrations of methidathion were applied to L. dispar larvae via oak leaves which were prepared by the dipping method. The data obtained was statistically appraised using probit analysis and a LC 50/48h value for L. dispar larvae found to be 25,480 ppm. Antioxidant defense components protect insects by scavenging reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress. The present study was investigated the effects of LC 50/48h value of methidathion , on the oxidative stress indicator, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] activities in midgut tissues. There were statistically significant increases in the MDA level and SOD, CAT, GPx activities in the LC 50/48h concentration of methidathion-treated larvae compared to the control larvae. These results indicated that methidathion which is an organophosphate pesticide, causes an increase in oxidative stress and we infered that increased oxidative stress induces antioxidant defence mechanisms.
Water relations of selected wallum species in dry sclerophyll woodland on the lower north coast of New South Wales, Australia

The present study examined the water relations of wallum dry sclerophyll woodland on the lower north coast of New South Wales (NSW). Wallum is the regionally distinct vegetation of Quaternary dunefields and beach ridge plains along the eastern coast of Australia. Wallum sand masses contain large aquifers, and previous studies have suggested that many of the plant species may be groundwater dependent. However, the extent of this dependency is largely unknown, despite an increasing reliance on the aquifers for groundwater extraction. Fifteen species from five growth-form categories and seven plant families were investigated. The pre-dawn and midday xylem water potential (ψx) of all species was monitored over a 20-month period from December 2007 to July 2009. Pressure–volume curve traits were determined for each species in late autumn 2008, including the osmotic potential at full (π100) and zero (π0) turgor, and bulk modulus of elasticity (e). Carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) were determined in mid-autumn 2008 to measure water use efficiency (WUE). Comparative differences in water relations could be loosely related to growth forms. A tree (Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. racemosa) and most large shrubs had low midday ψx, π100 and π0, and high e and WUE; whereas the majority of small and medium shrubs had high midday ψx, π100 and π0, and low e and WUE. However, some species of similar growth form displayed contrasting behaviour in their water relations (e.g. the herbs Caustis recurvata var. recurvata and Hypolaena fastigiata), and such differences require further investigation. The results suggest that E. racemosa subsp. racemosa is likely to be groundwater dependent, and large shrubs such as Banksia aemula may also utilise groundwater. Both species are widespread in wallum, and therefore have the potential to play a key role in monitoring ecosystem health where aquifers are subject to groundwater extraction.
Performance, lean meat proportion and behaviour of fattening pigs given a liquid diet at different animal/feeding-place ratios

Abstract Sensor feeding is a liquid feeding system for fattening pigs that is operated with a restricted animal/feeding-place ratio(AFR). The aim of the present study was to quantify the effect of three different AFRs (4:1, 7:1 and 13:1, calculatedwith a feeding space of 33cm per animal) on the performance and behaviour of fattening pigs (mean initial weight 26·3(s.d. 3·3) kg, live weight at slaughter 102 (s.d. 5) kg). The pigs were housed in groups of 40 and each AFR was testedwith seven groups (21 groups in total). The daily weight gain of the individual pigs was calculated from the beginning ofthe experiments until slaughter. Additionally, the lean meat percentage was recorded (AutoFOM). Feeding behaviourwas observed by means of 24-h video recording at the ages of 14 and 17 weeks with scan sampling every 5min.The daily weight gain decreased with increasing AFR (P , 0·01) and females had lower weight gains than barrows(P , 0·001). The lean meat proportion was inﬂuenced by the AFR (P , 0·01) and sex of the pigs (P , 0·001). Proportions were highest with the AFR 13:1 and in females. The average number of pigs feeding simultaneously washighest for the AFR of 4:1 (P , 0·01). Moreover, the ingestion rate per day (kg/min) increased with increasing AFR(P , 0·05). The average number of pigs waiting behind other pigs feeding at the trough was highest with the AFR 13:1(P , 0·001). In conclusion, growth performance and pig behaviour were negatively affected by an AFR of 13:1, which cannot berecommended for use with this feeding system. With an AFR of 4:1 lean meat values were low.Keywords: fattening performance, feeding behaviour, liquid feed dispensers, pigs, space requirements.
Reproduction and environmental contamination in tree swallows nesting in the Fox River Drainage and Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

Concentration, accumulation, and effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) o nreproduction in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) were studied at four sites in the Fox River drainage and in Green Bay, Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, USA, in 1994 and 1995. Total PCBs in eggs and newly hatched young (mean = 3.01 μg/g wet weight, years and sites combined) and 12‐d‐old nestlings (mean = 2.34 μg/g wet weight) at two contaminated sites (Kidney Island and Arrowhead) were higher than concentrations at two reference sites (Lake Poygan and High Cliff State Park, years and sites combined, pippers mean = 0.26 μg/g, nestlings mean = 0.01 μg/g). Concentrations of 11 PCB congeners were also higher at contaminated compared to reference sites. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) accumulated in nestlings at a higher rate (1.34–6.69 μg/d) at contaminated sites compared to reference locations (0.06–0.42 μg/d). Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) was the only other organochlorine found in all samples; concentrations for all samples averaged ≤0.20 μg/g wet weight. Total PCBs and p,p′‐DDE concentrations did not differ among clutches where all eggs hatched, some eggs hatched, and no eggs hatched.
Using pingers to reduce bycatch of small cetaceans in Peru's small-scale driftnet fishery

Abstract There is growing awareness that small-scale fisheries may have large impacts on threatened marine fauna. Bycatch of small cetaceans by the Peruvian small-scale driftnet fleet results in the deaths of thousands of animals annually. We sought to assess the effectiveness of acoustic alarms (pingers) for reducing the incidental capture of dolphins and porpoises by this fleet. Forty-three experimental trips (156 fishing sets) and 47 control trips (195 fishing sets) out of Salaverry Port, northern Peru, were observed from April 2009 to August 2011. Twenty-two percent of control sets captured small cetaceans (67 individuals) and 16% of experimental sets had captures of small cetaceans (33 individuals). The bycatch rate of experimental sets was 0.50 individuals km−2h−1, whereas for control sets the rate was 0.80 individuals km−2h−1. This 37% reduction in bycatch rate suggests that pingers may be effective in reducing the bycatch of small cetaceans in this fishery. Catch rates of the fishery's target shark and ray species were unchanged. Given the vast size of this fishery and its current levels of bycatch of small cetaceans (> 10,000 individuals annually), even the modest declines in bycatch we observed could result in reductions in mortality of hundreds or thousands of small cetaceans per annum. Challenges, including increased costs, to large-scale utilization of pingers have yet to be overcome. The harpooning of dolphins for use as bait will also need to be addressed for further reductions in dolphin and porpoise bycatch and mortality to be achievable.
Digestibility of Plants in Ruminal Fluids of Barren-Ground Caribou

The comparative digestibilities of plants and their rates of digestion in vitro were assessed by fermentation with ruminal fluids obtained from barren-ground caribou ( Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus ) shot on their winter range in the southern Northwest Territories. There was a near-linear increase in the in vitro, dry-matter disappearance (IVDMD) with fermentation time (30-120 h) for all eight lichen species that we tested. In contrast, IVDMD was essentially maximal after 60 h fermentation for 10 of 11 non-lichen species. The green leaves of Carex rostrata and Equisetum variegatum were the only species with IVDMDs higher than 50% after a 60-63 h fermentation period. The two species of mosses and a liverwort were poorly digested (15-27%). The addition of 63 mg of urea to each tube markedly increased the digestibilities of both species of lichens tested, and that of Vaccinium vitis-idaea , but it lowered the IVDMD of Salix and Betula stems and the green and cured parts of Carex rostrata . The IVDMDs of four lichen species collected on the Canadian Arctic Islands were higher than those of eight terricolous species obtained from the mainland winter range of R. t. groenlandicus. Key words: Rangifer , caribou, in vitro , digestibility, forages, lichens, rates, Canada
Using morpho-physiological parameters to evaluate cowpea varieties for drought tolerance

Drought stress represents one of the most important abiotic constraints limiting cowpea production in the arid and semi-arid zones of Africa. Since drought susceptibility index (S) represents drought tolerance at whole plant level regardless of drought tolerance mechanism in operation, a potted experiment was conducted in a plant house (August to October 2011) to identify morpho-physiological parameters and develop drought susceptibility index for selecting drought tolerant cowpea varieties. These parameters included relative water content (RWC), plant height (PHT), number of leaves per plant (NL), stem diameter (SD) and root dry mass (RDM). A 2×6 factorial arranged in completely randomized design with three replications was used. The results showed highly significant effects among the cowpea genotypes, as regards to the water regime treatments and their interaction for all the morphophysiological parameters used in this study (RWC, PHT, NL, SD and RDM). Significant positive relationship was found between NL and RDM with r = 0.97, p<0.001. With relatively better performance under water-stressed condition, as indicated by the drought susceptibility index, variety Dan illa was the best genotype recommended to be used as source for drought tolerance in a cowpea breeding programme.
Can an Invasive Prey Species Induce Morphological and Behavioral Changes in an Endemic Predator? Evidence from a South Korean Snake (Oocatochus rufodorsatus)

Introduction of an invasive prey species into an ecosystem may affect an endemic predator's fitness by altering the prey-predator system. Successful adaptation may allow the endemic predator to eat and control the invasive species, while unsuccessful adaptation may result in extinction of the predator. We examine the possible effects of the invasive North American bullfrog (Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana) on the endemic Red-backed rat snake (Oocatochus rufodorsatus) in South Korea. We do so by comparing the morphology and behavior of adult and hatchling snakes from bullfrog-exposed (Taean) and bullfrog-unexposed (Hongcheon) populations. Among the seven morphological characteristics investigated, relative tail length (tail length/snout-vent length) of both adults and hatchlings from Taean was significantly greater than that of adults and hatchlings from Hongcheon. Also, adult snakes from Taean had a significantly shorter latency of first tongue flick in response to prey compared to adults from Hongcheon. This difference was not observed in hatchlings. In other snake species, a longer relative tail length and shorter latency of first tongue flick are known to improve foraging efficiency, and these characters may be adaptations of O. rufodorsatus to prey on bullfrogs. This study provides preliminary evidence that the presence of an invasive prey species may cause morphological and behavioral changes in an endemic predator.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND SULPHUR ON DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION, NITROGEN AND SULPHUR UPTAKE AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT IN LINSEED( L.) CV. NEELAM Linum usitatissimum

L. ) cv. Neelam" was carried at College Research Farm, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh (U.P.) with nine treatments in four replications in randomized block design. The treatment combinations of Nitrogen (N) and Sulphur (S) were N , N , S , S , N S , N S , N S , N S and untreated control.The statistically analysed data show that the treatment of nitrogen and sulphur alone or in combination showed better results than untreated control. The treatment N and S were found more effective than their lower dose as well as untreated control but less effective than their combined effect. N S was found more effective than all the treatments in increasing dry matter accumulation, N- and S- uptake and chlorophyll content at different intervals and stages respectively in linseed cv. Neelam. Linum usitatissimum
Diversity and antimicrobial activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria from the gut of marine fish Rastrelliger kanagurta against fish, shrimp and human pathogens

Emergence of antibiotic resistance among aquaculture pathogens has made it necessary to look into environment friendly, effective and sustainable methods such as probiotic and immunostimulants among others. In the present study, LAB were isolated from the gut of fish species namely Rastrelliger kanagurta and analyzed for their antibacterial activity against various fish, shrimp and human pathogens. Different LAB species such as Lactobacillus plantarum, L. bulgaricus, L. brevis and L. viridiscens were encountered in the gut of R. kanagurta. Several strains showed good activity against fish, shrimp and human pathogens. LAB from the gut of such marine species may be developed as possible probiont for environment friendly health management of fresh water, estuarine and marine species currently exploited in aquaculture.
Behavioral syndrome over the boundaries of life - carryovers from larvae to adult damselfly.

Activity is an important behavioral trait that mediates a trade-off between obtaining food for growth and avoiding predation. Active individuals usually experience a higher encounter rate with food items and suffer higher predation pressure than less active individuals. I investigated how activity of the damselfly Lestes congener is affected by larval state and predator presence and if larval behavioral type (BT) can be used to predict larval boldness, foraging success, and adult BT. Activity level of individual larvae was studied without predator at 2 different physiological states (hungry and fed) and in 2 predator treatments: familiar predator cues and unfamiliar predator cues. Larvae did not adjust their activity depending on state or when subjected to unfamiliar predator cues, but a general reduction in activity was seen in the familiar predator treatment. Hence, active individuals remained active compared with their conspecifics, independent of state or predator treatment. Active individuals were also bolder and more efficient foragers than their less active conspecifics. Furthermore, both adult activity and boldness were correlated with larval BT. The results illustrate that BT of a larvae is carried over many different situations keeping active larvae active even in maladaptive situations, demonstrating how a behavioral syndrome may constrain behavioral plasticity. Furthermore, results showed that behavioral syndromes can carry over from larvae through metamorphosis and dictate the BT of the adult. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Apparent Control of Sexual Differentiation of Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Through Dietary Administration of Dopamine Hydrochloride

ABSTRACT Dopamine at concentrations of 0.15, 1.5, and 15.0 mg/kg was included in two different formulated diets that were fed to recently metamorphosed postlarvae of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, for 60 days. Dopamine, in the form of dopamine hydrochlo-ride, was incorporated into the formulated diets by either solubilizing it in alcohol, followed by submersion of diet and evaporation, or inclusion in a lipid premix ingredient. The alcohol evaporation method at 0.15, 1.5, and 15.0 mg/kg significantly increased the percentage of individuals without external male characteristics. This research is the first reported use of dietary administration of dopamine to crustaceans, and the first documentation of the apparent dietary control of gonadal development and sex differentiation in crustaceans. Replication of results, a histological examination of a large sample of individuals, and continued monitoring of those individuals fed the dietary dopamine are needed to verify the apparent effect.
Selection of ligand peptides with the ability to detect antibodies in enzootic bovine leukosis

Peptides present in phages were selected using phage display technology and immunoassays to find out the antigenic mimetics of immunodominant epitopes of bovine leukosis virus (BLV). The use of antigenic mimetics may result in the enhancement of the sensitivity and specificity of the serologic diagnosis of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), contributing directly to disease control. The selections enabled the choice of clones which can be used as potential antigens in the diagnoses of diseases. The synthetic peptide produced from the selected sequences may be considered as an alternative for antigens in the serologic diagnosis of enzootic bovine leukosis. Key words : Diagnostic, antigens, enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), phage display.
Population genetics of dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii throughout its biogeographic range

The marine angiosperm Zostera noltii (dwarf eelgrass), an important facilitator species and food source for invertebrates and waterfowl, predominantly inhabits intertidal habitats along eastern Atlantic shores from Mauritania to southern Norway/Kattegat Sea and throughout the Mediterranean, Black and Azov seas. We used 9 microsatellite loci to characterize population struc- ture at a variety of spatial scales among 33 populations from 11 localities throughout the entire biogeographic range. Isolation by distance analysis suggested a panmictic genetic neighborhood of 100 to 150 km. At the global scale, a neighbor-joining tree based on Reynolds distances revealed strongly-supported groups corresponding to northern Europe, Mauritania and the Black/Azov Sea; separate Mediterranean and Atlantic-Iberian groups were poorly supported. Clones (genets with multiple ramets) were present in most populations but were generally small (ca. <3 m 2 ). Exceptions were found in Mauritania (ca. 29 m in length), the Azov Sea (ca. 40 m in length) and the Black Sea (ca. 50 m in length). Although genetic diversity and allelic richness generally decreased from Mauri- tania to Denmark, the putative post-glacial recolonization route, both were unexpectedly high among populations from the German Wadden Sea.
Different protein source (soybean or faba bean) in postweaning diets for Apennine and Sopravissana (Italian Merino) light lamb: slaughtering performances

Riassunto Differente fonte proteica (soia o favino) in diete postsvezzamento per agnelli leggeri Appenninici o Sopravissani (Merino Italiani): rilievi alla macellazione. Trentasei agnelli delle razze Appenninica (AP) e Sopravissana (IM) sono stati sottoposti ad un breve finissaggio post-svezzamento in stalla, allo scopo di valutare la possibilità di ottenere agnelli leggeri in intensivo, utilizzando un fieno comune e dei concentrati con differente fonte proteica: farina di estrazione di soia (SBM) e favino fioccato (FFB), per l’esigenza di trovare fonti alternative alla soia sia dal punto di vista agronomico che da quello legato alla sicurezza rispetto agli OGM. La prova ha evidenziato differenze di performance sia, com’era da attendersi, tra animali di razza differente (resa netta: 55,56 vs. 52,39% in AP e IM), sia tra soggetti alimentati con diete diverse, a scapito della soia, sia per quanto riguarda le rese (55,49 vs. 52,46% in FFB e SBM) che per le caratteristiche delle carcasse.
Effects of housing system of productive performance of commercial layers following induced molting by aluminum oxide supplementation.

The project was carried out to compare the performance of molted layers by aluminium oxide supplementation in cages and on litter floor system. Seventy two Single Comb White Leghorn commercial layers (60 weeks old) were divided into six experimental units of 12 layers each. These experimental units were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of three experimental units, one group was reared on litter floor and the other in cages. The layers were provided with 35 gm feed containing 4 gm aluminium oxide/kg of feed for first 14 days of molting period (66-67 weeks of age). The layers showed significant reduction in body weight following induced molting by aluminium oxide under both housing systems. Body weight loss was higher, while feed consumption was lower, in the cages as compared to litter floor system. The layers molted by aluminium oxide showed significantly higher egg production in the cages (P≤0.05) than in litter floor system (P≤0.05). The layers in the subsequent production cycle showed improvement in egg weight, egg shell thickness and Haugh Unit Score. The egg weight and egg shell thickness were higher in the birds kept on litter floor system than those kept in cages (P≥0.05). However, Haugh unit score was higher in the cage system. It was concluded that aluminium oxide can be effectively supplemented for better production performance and improved egg quality in the second production cycle preferably in the cages.
EFFECT OF PENTOXIFYLLINE ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ENDOTOXAEMIC NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS

Effect of pentoxifylline on biochemical values in endotoxaemic rabbits was investigated. Forty rabbits were divided into four equal groups. Group 1, served as a control group, group 2: lipopolysaccharide was injected intravenously, group 3: pentoxifylline was injected intraperitoneally, group 4: lipopolysaccharide and pentoxifylline were injected simultaneously. Serum samples were collected 6 h after the treatments. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, glucose, total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus and magnesium levels were measured. Pentoxifylline induced protective effect on the liver and kidney in endotoxaemia, but did not show any protective effect on lipid metabolism.
Lines of arrested growth in bone and age estimation in a small primate: Microcebus murinus

Abstract In primates, age determination using lines of arrested growth (LAGs) from bones has rarely been attempted, andthe reliability of these structures has never been experimentally validated. In order to test skeletochronology inprimates, LAGs were studied mainly in the long bones of known age Microcebus murinus , a small primate, whosepotential longevity may reach 12 years. LAGs were extensively studied in 43 males and 23 females ranging fromjuveniles to 11-year-old adults. All individuals were born and reared in captivity. Some young individuals wereinjected with ﬂuorescent dyes to quantify bone growth rates. LAGs in the diaphysis of the tibia are well correlatedwith age and this skeletal element appears to be the best for assessing skeletochronology in Microcebus murinus . There is strong evidence that the seasonal cycle of photoperiodicity is more important than age alone in producingLAGs. Key words : age determination, skeletochronology, primates, Microcebus murinus INTRODUCTION