Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies in lean , obese and insulin resistant humans

Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: https://uba.uva. nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
Type of paper: Research soft tick (Argas persicus) Infestation at government layer farms of Pothwar region of Punjab, Pakistan

Argas persicus is a soft tick which infesting poultry globally. The present study was conducted in three districts of Pothwar region of Punjab Pakistan to determine the prevalence/distribution of A. persicus in white leghorn layer during 2010-2011 at government layer farms. Simple random sampling technique was applied for the collection of soft ticks. A total of 12772 ticks were collected from white leghorn layers. All the ticks were identified as Argas persicus. Higher prevalence of Argas persicus was observed in summer while lowest in the winter season. Government layer farms needs improvement in hygienic conditions to acquired better growth and production from white leg horn layer.
Growth performance and fatty acid contents in meat goat fed Guinea grass with Leucaena leucocephala.

The effect of Guinea grass with Leucaena on growth performance and fatty acid contents in meat goat were studied using 20 Anglo-Nubian crossbred male weaners, 4 5 months old, averaging 19.00 ± 1.38 kg. Four groups of 5 animals in each group were randomly arranged under the completely randomized design where the control group (T1) was fed with fresh Guinea grass ad libitum and meal concentrate at 2% of body weight (BW), T2 was fed with fresh Guinea grass ad libitum together with meal concentrate at 1% of BW and Leucaena at 1% BW, T3 was fed with fresh Guinea grass ad libitum with Leucaena at 2% BW, and T4 were fed with Leucaena as sole feed for 60 days. The results showed that body weight change and average daily gain were significantly different among the treatments (p<0.05). Total dry matter intake and protein intake were highly significant different (p<0.01). Leucaena utilization had no effect on blood biochemical changes and ruminal fermentation. Total feed cost where the lowest feed cost per 1 kg gained in T3 and T4 were indicated. Moreover, CLA contents were likely to be increased when fed with Leucaena.
Widespread Inter-Chromosomal Epistasis Regulates Glucose Homeostasis and Gene Expression

The relative contributions of additive versus non-additive interactions in the regulation of complex traits remains controversial. This may be in part because large-scale epistasis has traditionally been difficult to detect in complex, multi-cellular organisms. We hypothesized that it would be easier to detect interactions using mouse chromosome substitution strains that simultaneously incorporate allelic variation in many genes on a controlled genetic background. Analyzing metabolic traits and gene expression levels in the offspring of a series of crosses between mouse chromosome substitution strains demonstrated that inter-chromosomal epistasis was a dominant feature of these complex traits. Epistasis typically accounted for a larger proportion of the heritable effects than those due solely to additive effects. These epistatic interactions typically resulted in trait values returning to the levels of the parental CSS host strain. Due to the large epistatic effects, analyses that did not account for interactions consistently underestimated the true effect sizes due to allelic variation or failed to detect the loci controlling trait variation. These studies demonstrate that epistatic interactions are a common feature of complex traits and thus identifying these interactions is key to understanding their genetic regulation.
The Threat of a Nonnative, Invasive Apple Snail to Oligohaline Marshes along the Northern Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT Low, L. and Anderson, C.J., 2017. The threat of a nonnative, invasive apple snail to oligohaline marshes along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic invasive species continue to be a persistent ecological problem. Management of these species requires understanding of their impact and the conditions favorable for their occurrence. Pomacea maculata is an invasive, nonnative freshwater apple snail threatening wetlands through substantial herbivory. Recent detection of P. maculata in coastal Alabama has raised concerns regarding the susceptibility of estuarine marshes in Mobile Bay and the northern Gulf of Mexico. To evaluate this threat, mesocosms were created to examine snail response to the combined effects of salinity and plant species common to estuaries throughout the region. Over a 5-week period, snails in brackish-water mesocosms (∼10 parts per thousand [ppt], with Juncus roemerianus or Cladium jamaicense) became dormant and neither fed nor reproduced. Snails in freshwater mesocosms (<1 ppt, with Alternanthera philoxeroides or Sagittaria lancifolia) were active and exhibited herbivory, whereas snails in mixed salinity (∼5 ppt, with Typha angustifolia and Scirpus validus) exhibited some activity but minimal herbivory. In follow-up studies examining salinity and plant species individually, snails fed on palatable leaves in only freshwater and mixed salinity conditions. Further, snails in freshwater did not consume measureable amounts of S. validus, T. angustifolia, J. roemerianus, and C. jamaicense, suggesting that plant palatability of common estuarine plants may also restrict herbivory. From these results, managers are cautioned that estuarine marshes with low to mixed salinities and colonized by palatable plants may be susceptible to invasion by P. maculata.
Diversity of seeds captured by interception exceeds diversity of seeds deposited in traps

Seed dispersal, a key process in terrestrial landscapes, is increasingly important in the face of habitat fragmentation and global climate change. Seed dispersal is also notoriously difficult to characterize, especially in species rich and spatially complex tropical forests. We contrasted assemblages of biotically dispersed seeds collected from four sites using two methods: deposition into seed traps and interception by the capture of frugivorous birds. We also compared seed deposition and interception with local fruit production. Species accumulation curves for seeds deposited in seed traps began to level off sooner than curves for seeds collected from birds captured in mist nets, and extrapolation showed significantly greater estimated species richness for seeds collected from birds than for those deposited in traps. Assemblages from birds and from traps at each site were quite different, with an abundance‐based similarity index of 0.64; this dissimilarity increases if bat‐dispersed seeds are included in the analysis. Common bird‐dispersed species were retrieved from both mist‐netted birds and from seed traps, but numerous locally fruiting understory species were recovered only from birds. We conclude that the sampling of seeds carried by birds provides a valuable complement to other methods of studying seed dispersal in species‐rich tropical forests by revealing relationships between specific dispersers and their seed plants and by creating a more complete account of species diversity of seeds being transported at a given site.
Neuronal rhythms orchestrate cell assembles to distinguish perceptual categories

Categories are reflected in the spiking activity of neurons. However, how neurons form ensembles for categories is unclear. To address this, we simultaneously recorded spiking and local field potential (LFP) activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) of monkeys performing a delayed match to category task with two independent category sets (Animals: Cats vs Dogs; Cars: Sports Cars vs Sedans). We found stimulus and category information in alpha and beta band oscillations. Different category distinctions engaged different frequencies. There was greater spike field coherence (SFC) in alpha (∼8-14 Hz) for Cats and in beta (∼16-22 Hz) for Dogs. Cars showed similar differences, albeit less pronounced: greater alpha SFC for Sedans and greater beta SFC for Sports Cars. Thus, oscillatory rhythms can help coordinate neurons into different ensembles. Engagement of different frequencies may help differentiate the categories.
Effects of crude aqueous extracts of Heliotropium indicum Linn (Boraginaceae) on blood pressure in Wistar rats

The present work was carried out to investigate the effects of crude aqueous extracts of the stem with leaves and roots of Heliotropium indicum Linn on blood pressure in Wistar rats. Crude aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction of Heliotropium indicum stem with leaves and roots. A phytochemical screening of extracts has been made by thin layer chromatography. The pharmacological effect of the extracts was assessed by administration to L-NAME-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Blood pressures were measured by carotid catheterization. The chemical screening revealed the presence of many secondary metabolites such as coumarins, flavonoids, anthocyanics, lignans, saponins, tannins, terpenes and triterpenes in both extract. Alkaloid were detected only in the root extract. 7-days administration of L-NAME induced an increasis of rat mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 1063 mmHg to 1342 mmHg. Administration of both extracts significantly decreased the MAP from 1342 mmHg to respectively to 108 1 mmHg for the stem with leaf extract and to 1212 mmHg for the root extract . These results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine.
Oviposition preference but not adult feeding preference matches with offspring performance in the bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus

Optimal foraging and optimal oviposition are two major forces leading to plant selection by insect females, but the contribution of these forces to the host‐selection process has been little studied for sucking herbivores. We studied feeding and oviposition behavior of a global pest, the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae), using dual‐choice bioassays to evaluate the preference of females between host species, developmental leaf stage, or prior plant exposure to conspecifics. We assessed the link between these preferences and the performance of the offspring, by comparing survival and developmental time of nymphs reared on the various treatments. Finally, we compared the composition of the leaf wax of healthy and damaged leaves, and tested the effects of leaf wax on female preference behavior. Using healthy adult leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. (Myrtaceae) as a reference, we found that females prefer to feed on Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and E. tereticornis adult leaves that had been previously damaged by female conspecifics, whereas they reject juvenile leaves of E. tereticornis as food. Females also prefer to oviposit on leaves previously damaged by conspecifics but they rejected E. grandis as oviposition substrate. Nymphal performance varied among leaf treatments, suggesting a correlation with oviposition preference (but not feeding preference). Epicuticular wax extracts from damaged leaves contained higher concentrations of long‐chain, saturated linear alkanes, aldehydes, and alcohols than extracts from undamaged leaves. However, a choice assay failed to demonstrate an oviposition preference based on leaf surface wax chemistry. We discuss these findings in the context of the preference‐performance relationship.
Avian guild assemblages in forest fragments around Budongo Forest Reserve, western Uganda

Remnant forest fragments provide an opportunity for conservation in fragmented landscapes but some patches are more useful than others. Forest fragments around Budongo Forest Reserve, an Important Bird Area in western Uganda, were surveyed to explore the effects of different aspects of habitat fragmentation on bird guild composition. We recorded 1 128 individuals of 75 bird species over 7 056 net hours. The greatest number of birds and species were recorded in the forest fragments that were large, near to the continuous forest and surrounded by subsistence farmland. However, rarefied species richness was not affected by distance, size or matrix type; instead, forest specialist species were replaced by generalists and visitors with increasing fragmentation. The proportion of forest specialists and of terrestrial insectivores decreased with distance from the main forest, canopy openness and matrix intensity but not with fragment area. The findings show that bird assemblages vary in their response to habitat fragmentation but within guilds the response to fragmentation can be consistent, and can make ecological sense. Forest bird conservation can therefore benefit from information on species ecology when deciding which bird species and which parts of the landscape are to be prioritised for conservation or monitoring purposes.
Stability of alpine treeline in Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.A.

Repeat photography was used to assess the stability of alpine treeline in Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.A. Photographs from 15 sites revealed positionally stable tree­ line, although growth of individual trees is noted. Treelines controlled by snow avalanches have also remained stable in most locations, suggesting an absence of change in avalanche magnitude and frequency. Tetraterm Oune-September) temperature values from the town of West Glacier reveal an upward trend since 1 985 that may be associated with seedling establishment noted at two topographically favorable sites not included in the repeat photography program.
Predators of bird nests in the Neotropics: a review

Predation is the main cause of nest failure among birds and, therefore, a strong selective agent. To fully understand patterns of nest predation, determining the identities of nest predators is crucial. Information about nest predators in the Neotropics, however, is largely anecdotal and not easily accessible in the literature. Our objective was to search the literature and compile a list of the known predators of nests in the Neotropics. We identified 256 species belonging to 67 families of birds, reptiles, mammals, and arthropods as nest predators. Families with at least 10 species of identified nest predators included Colubridae, Accipitridae, Corvidae, Ramphastidae, Falconidae, Furnariidae, Icteridae, and Didelphidae. Species in the first five of these families, plus the family Cebidae, predated nests of at least 30 species of birds. Many species not included on our list are also likely nest predators, e.g., 79 species identified as nest predators in the Nearctic that also occur in the Neotropics, but have not yet been confirmed as predators there. Increased use of video technology in the future should lead to an increase in the numbers of nest predators identified, particularly those that are nocturnal. By determining which species on our list occur in a given study area, researchers can now consider the likely nest predators in their study areas when designing hypotheses and conservation plans.
Tracking forced moult by computer tomography and serum biochemical parameters in laying hens

Forced moulting, nowadays, is a less often used technological process in egg production in the European area, than it was at the eighties (BALLAY et al., 1984). In contrast, in the Northern American egg production it still plays an important role. The avoidance of forced moulting is based on the relatively high stress, arising mainly from total feed withdrawal, which the animals are exposed to (KESHAVARZ and QUIMBY, 2002). In the past few years because of animal welfare aspects moulting techniques applied are questioned. Consequently, interest in alternative methods to induce moulting has increased (RUSZLER, 1998). It was described earlier (ROLON et al., 1993) that total feed deprivation is not needed, when low-energy diet is fed (so-called non feed removal methods) (BIGGS et al., 2003). However, as forced moult is associated with intensive body weight loss, this process is highly interesting both from biochemical aspects (GILDERSLEEVE et al., 1983), and from the viewpoint of body composition. The marked changes of different organs were reported in detail by BRAKE and THAXTON (1979b) during feed withdrawal and also in the following, refeeding period. In addition, GILDERSLEEVE et al. (1983) determined alterations of numerous serum metabolites and enzymes. From the above-mentioned studies it can clearly be seen that during partial or total feed and/or water restriction, the determined biochemical markers react sensitively. The current study was aimed to follow a 12-day-long period of forced moult of Hy-Line® hens by total feed withdrawal. According to BUHR and CUNNINGHAM (1994), the postmoult performance does not depend on the severity of body weight loss (15, 20 or 25%) in the moulting period. The main aspect that feed withdrawal accompanied by a short-daylight regime and a long recovery period generally leads to the best postmoult production (BAR et al., 2001) has been taken into account. Therefore, the effects of the moulting procedure were followed by repeated blood samplings and also by CT scanning, for a precise description of the process. The in vivo CT imaging procedure applied in the current study was also used by BENTSEN and SEHESTED (1989), SVIHUS and KATLE (1993), and ROMVARI et al. (1994) for the determination of the abdominal fat amount and the breast
Conteúdo microbiológico de méis de Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) dos Estados do Ceará e Piauí

The honey has special properties that inhibit or kill most microorganisms, although a few types of microorganisms can be persistent honey. Spores are present everywhere, it may even be found in honey in the hive and could come from primary sources such as pollen, honeybees digestive tracts air and nectar, cross-contamination and equipment. In northeast region of Brazil, despite the floral diversity and potential for apicultural exploration, few information exist on the honey microbiological content. The objective of this study was to analyse the microbiological content of 58 honey samples produced in two states of the northeastern region of Brazil: Piaui (38 samples) and Ceara (20 samples). The samples were collected by the beekeepers of each state and analyzed at the laboratory of Apiculture in the Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ) University of Sao Paulo, in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo State. The total coliforms was determined by using the most probable number (MPN). Moulds and yeast counts were done using surface spread technique (potato dextrose agar). All samples were <3,0nmp g-1 for total coliforms, 18 from the 20 samples (90%) of the Ceara State and 29 from 38 samples (76,3% of the total) of the Piaui State they were positive for molds and yeasts, better evidencing quality control of the product.
Neurotrophic influences on cycling, loss, and rescue of cells in denervated and re-innervated forelimbs of Ambystoma larvae /

2. When an image on the film is obliterated with a round black mark, it is an indication o f either blurred copy because o f movement during exposure, duplicate copy, o r copyrighted materials that should not have been filmed. For blurred pages, a good image o f the page can be found in the adjacent frame. If copyrighted materials were deleted, a target note will appear listing the pages in the adjacent frame.
Methods to Reduce Sea Turtle Interactions in the Atlantic Canadian Pelagic Long Line Fleet

This project investigates the role of fisheries management in the conservation of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), both of which are currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). These species migrate from nesting grounds in South America to feed on gelatinous zooplankton (jellyfish) in the North Atlantic off the coast of the United States and Canada. The seasonal foraging grounds of sea turtles heavily overlap with areas of high fishing effort for the longline tuna and swordfish fleet, a fishery that has significantly high rates of sea turtle incidents. The dynamic nature of sea turtle foraging patterns renders static spatio-temporal fishing area closures ineffective. Rather, turtle by-catch mitigation requires small-scale, event-triggered closures and decentralized management to reduce incidents while minimizing the negative socio-economic impact of area closures on fishermen. A number of methods that increase fishing selectivity have been implemented in other commercial fisheries around the globe and are suggested for the Atlantic Canadian fleet moving forward.
Temporal change and determinants of maternal reproductive success in an expanding oak forest stand

Global change is generating widespread local‐scale expansions of tree populations. During demographic expansions, even small differences in individual reproductive success can generate large differences in the genetic composition of the resulting population. Colonizing tree populations almost invariably show highly skewed distributions of seed production, but the evolution of this reproductive skew during plant recruitment remains understudied. We examine how recruit mortality modifies initial patterns of acorn dispersal and maternal reproductive success in a recently established, expanding Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) forest stand and test different predictors of successful recruit establishment. We mapped and genotyped a cohort of seedlings (n = 809) emerging within and around the stand (n = 254 adult trees), identified their habitats and monitored their fate until an age of 3 years. Their mother trees were inferred by Bayesian parentage analysis, and the number of assigned descendants was used as a proxy for tree maternal fertility. We examined temporal trends in tree fertility and patterns of dispersal, and tested effects of seed number‐quality trade‐offs, dispersal failure, dispersal distance and habitat of propagule arrival on the probability of seedling establishment. We observed marked inequality in maternal reproductive success at the time of seedling emergence. A positive relationship between tree fertility and the proportion of non‐dispersed seedlings pointed to disperser satiation. An overall seedling mortality of 69% generated considerable reshuffling in the fertility ranking of individual trees. Non‐dispersal more than doubled seedling mortality. The establishment success of actually dispersed seedlings was independent of mother fertility and dispersal distance but strongly related to the habitat of arrival. Recruit survival was markedly higher in pine plantations or non‐forested areas than in broadleaved forest. Synthesis. A few highly fertile trees dominated reproduction in the stand. Differential recruitment success tended to reduce their initial advantage, however, suggesting that reproductive inequality might rapidly decline as more trees start to reproduce along the expansion process. Our results also suggest that field estimates of size or seed production are unlikely to provide reliable estimates of lifetime reproductive success in trees.