Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Xanthophylls of Spirulina and Their Effect on Egg Yolk Pigmentation

Abstract The carotenoid composition of the blue-green algae spirulina (Spirulina platensis) was determined using HPLC. Freeze-dried spirulina had a total xanthophyll concentration of 5,787 mg/kg. Adult Japanese quail were fed a pigment-free basal diet for 4 wk. Diets containing graded levels of freeze-dried spirulina between . 25 and 4.0% were then fed for 21 days. Yolk color was determined using the Roche color fan. Spirulina at 1.0% of the diet provided optimum pigmentation in a diet otherwise free of xanthophylls.
An annotated distributional checklist of exotic freshwater fishes from the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico.

We documented the distributional status of 27 exotic fish species in the inland waters of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, based on voucher specimens collected from 122 sites between 1977 and 2010, and on published records. The species reported here are representatives of genera from the Atlantic drainages of North America (Ictalurus, Ameiurus, Pylodictis, Morone, Lepomis, Pomoxis, Dorosoma, Cyprinella, and Micropterus), Middle America (Poecilia, Gambusia, and Xiphophorus), Eurasia (Cyprinus and Carassius), and Africa (Tilapia and Oreochromis). The family containing the highest number of species is Centrarchidae (7 species) followed by Ictaluridae and Poeciliidae (6 species each). Four species were determined to be invasive due to their wide distribution and fast dispersal through the Peninsula (Gambusia affinis, Poecilia reticulata, Lepomis cyanellus, and Tilapia sp. cf. zillii). We analyze the impacts of exotic species on the native populations of 3 species with problems of conservation: Cyprinodon macularius (endangered), Fundulus lima (endangered), and Gasterosteus aculeatus (vulnerable). Alien fishes have been introduced for a variety of reasons in Mexico: ornament, sport, aquaculture, biological control, and by accident. In some cases fish introductions were carried out for more than one reason.
Fecundity, Development, and Behavior of Ceratapion basicorne (Coleoptera: Apionidae), a Prospective Biological Control Agent of Yellow Starthistle

Abstract A laboratory colony of Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger) was established from adults reared from infested plants of yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis L. (Asteraceae), that were collected in eastern Turkey. Newly emerged adults fed on yellow starthistle foliage and mated, but females did not oviposit. The feeding rate of females decreased to almost zero by 16 d after emergence, whereas males continued to feed for at least 26 d. Dispersal activity was initially high but decreased to low levels in 2–3 wk. After 6 wk, most adults were hiding inside tightly curled dry leaves and in the crevices of crumpled paper towel. Insects were held in a cold dark incubator (5°C) for at least 3 mo to terminate reproductive diapause. Females began ovipositing 4.4 d after being placed on yellow starthistle leaves at 19°C. The oviposition period lasted a mean of 20.6 d, and lifetime fecundity was 34.5 eggs. Daily fecundity was high during the first 14 d of oviposition (1.8 eggs/d) and declined to low levels (0.3 eggs/d). Feeding rate of ovipositing females during the first 2 wk was 19.2 holes/d, but this decreased to 4.7 holes/d for the remainder of the 45-d experiment. Female feeding rate was highly correlated to oviposition rate. Development time of eggs until eclosion of larvae at 19°C was 8.5 d and survivorship until eclosion was 73%. Development time from oviposition until adult emergence at ≈19°C was 77 d. These results provide a foundation for conducting experiments to evaluate host plant specificity and potential impact on the weed.
Response of Sphagnum fuscum to Nitrogen Deposition: A Case Study of Ombrogenous Peatlands in Alberta, Canada

Abstract Peatlands cover about 30% of northeastern Alberta and are ecosystems that are sensitive to nitrogen deposition. In polluted areas of the UK, high atmospheric N deposition (as a component of acid deposition) has been considered among the causes of Sphagnum decline in bogs (ombrogenous peatlands). In relatively unpolluted areas of western Canada and northern Sweden, short-term experimental studies have shown that Sphagnum responds quickly to nutrient loading, with uptake and retention of nitrogen and increased production. Here we examine the response of Sphagnum fuscum to enhanced nitrogen deposition generated during 34 years of oil sands mining through the determination of net primary production (NPP) and nitrogen concentrations in the upper peat column. We chose six continental bogs receiving differing atmospheric nitrogen loads (modeled using a CALPUFF 2D dispersion model). Sphagnum fuscum net primary production (NPP) at the high deposition site (Steepbank—mean of 600 g/m2; median of 486 g/m2) was over three times as high than at five other sites with lower N deposition. Additionally, production of S. fuscum may be influenced to some extent by distance of the moss surface from the water table. Across all sites, peat nitrogen concentrations are highest at the surface, decreasing in the top 3 cm with no significant change with increasing depth. We conclude that elevated N deposition at the Steepbank site has enhanced Sphagnum production. Increased N concentrations are evident only in the top 1-cm of the peat profile. Thus, 34 years after mine startup, increased N-deposition has increased net primary production of Sphagnum fuscum without causing elevated levels of nitrogen in the organic matter profile. A response to N-stress for Sphagnum fuscum is proposed at 14–34 kg ha−1 yr−1. A review of N-deposition values reveals a critical N-deposition value of between 14.8 and 15.7 kg ha−1 yr−1 for NPP of Sphagnum species.
REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF EASTERN WILD TURKEY HENS IN

Eastern wild turkey populations in Delaware and other Mid-Atlantic states have been stable or decreasing. Hen survival is one of the most important parameters in determining population stability and overall population success. I placed backpack transmitters on 76 hens. I monitored hens daily during the nesting season and at least 3 times a week during the remaining year. I investigated mortality causes by visual inspection. I documented 31 mortalities and estimated survival for 2010 as 0.47 (SE=0.09) and 2011 as 0.68 (SE=0.07; P = 0.093). Fox predation caused 80% of the mortality and most of the mortality (67%) was caused during the nesting season (15 April 15 June). Natural predation was the largest cause of mortality limiting hen survival. With proper habitat management, hen survival should increase and continue the success story of turkey reintroductions.
Field Infestation of Phaseolus vulgaris by Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), Parasitoid Abundance, and Consequences for Storage Pest Control

Abstract Over a period of 3 yr we collected 19 samples (1 kg each) of recently harvested beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from eight small-scale farms in Restrepo, Valle de Cauca, Colombia. Initial infestation by Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) was low, but frequent. At harvest, 90% of the bean samples were infested by the weevil. The average level of infestation was 16 weevils per 1,000 beans, with a maximum of 55 weevils. Infested beans usually carried multiple larvae with a maximum of 13 larvae per bean. Emergence data indicate that oviposition by A. obtectus in the field is confined to a very short period before harvest. This relatively narrow time window can be exploited for proper timing of control measures. Only one species of parasitoid, Horismenus ashmeadii (Dalla Torre) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), was recorded, emerging from 21% of the samples. Samples with parasitoids had an average of five parasitoids per 1,000 beans, with a maximum of 12 parasitoids. This represented a parasitization level of 18%. During the 16 wk of storage, two weevil generations emerged, which caused visible damage in 0.5 and 34% of the beans (average of 14%). Although H. ashmeadii was successful in attacking the first generation of A. obtectus in the field, it failed to attack or develop under storage conditions. This indivates H. ashmeadii cannot serve as a postharvest control agent.
Compendium of Peanut Diseases

Compendium of Peanut Diseases, Second Edition is a guide to the identification, diagnosis, and control of peanut diseases and disorders. Bringing together color photographs and authoritative information in a single volume, this convenient compendium is a valuable resource for peanut growers and crop consultants around the world. This compendium has become a standard guidebook for the peanut industry. The contributors are an international group that includes 50 peanut experts from the United States, India, The Peoples Republic of China, Malawi, Australia, Israel, and South Africa. They offer advice on diseases and disorders found in each of the world's major peanut-growing regions. Detailed descriptions of 55 peanut diseases are the core of the book. Covering diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses, these descriptions present detailed information on symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycle, control, host range, transmission, detection, and epidemiology. In addition to diseases, the compendium also describes peanut disorders caused by environmental stress, insects and arthropods, and parasitic flowering plants. Other sections of the compendium cover beneficial organisms, organisms with an undetermined relationship to peanuts, disease management strategies, genetic modification, and a listing of disease and insect resistant cultivars currently available for use by growers and breeders
Microbial community organisation and functioning under ocean acidification conditions

Since industrialisation global CO2 emissions have increased, and as a consequence oceanic pH is predicted to drop by 0.3-0.4 units before the end of the century - a process coined ‘ocean acidification’ (OA). There is significant interest therefore in how pH changes will affect the oceans’ biota and integral processes. This thesis investigates community organisation and functioning in response to predicted end of century CO2 concentrations using an elevated CO2 (~750ppm), large volume (11,000 L) contained seawater mesocosm. This thesis utilises RNA stable isotope probing (SIP) technologies, in conjunction with quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR), to investigate the functional consequences of ocean acidification upon microbial communities. This thesis finds little evidence of changes occurring in bacterial abundance or community composition with elevated CO2, under both phytoplankton pre-bloom/bloom and post-bloom conditions. It is proposed that they represent a community resistant to the changes imposed. In contrast, significant differences were observed between treatments for a number of key eukaryote community members. These findings were investigated in the context of functional change, using the uptake of two key substrates (bicarbonate and glucose) as analogues for photosynthesis and respiration respectively. Unlike community abundance, distinct changes in carbon assimilation were detected in dominant members of the picoplankton. In conclusion the data presented suggests that although current microbial communities hold the capacity to respond to elevated CO2, future responses will likely be taxa specific and controlled by wider community dynamics.
Rho GTPase Signaling Modulates Neurotransmission in Caenorhabditis elegans

Hu, Shuang, "Rho GTPase signaling modulates neurotransmission in Caenorhabditis elegans" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. Paper 100. Rho family GTPases act as molecular switches in the regulation of diverse cellular functions, including cell division, gene transcription and neurotransmission. In the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the Kalirin and Trio ortholog UNC-73 contains two RhoGEF domains that specifically activate either Rac or Rho GTPases, respectively. The RhoGEF1 domain and the Rac pathway are required for axon guidance in neuronal development, while the RhoGEF2 domain is involved in the control of locomotion, possibly through the modulation of neurotransmission. The unc-73 gene is expressed as multiple isoforms that contain either one or both RhoGEF domains. This study focuses on defining the function of the UNC-73 RhoGEF2 containing isoforms and the Rho signaling pathway in the adult nervous system of C. elegans. Animals with mutations in the unc-73 RhoGEF2 domain move more slowly than wild-type animals and this locomotory defect can be rescued by pan-neuronal expression of the UNC-73E isoform, which contains only the RhoGEF2 domain. In addition, unc-73 RhoGEF2 mutants are resistant to the cholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb and are hypersensitive to the cholinergic agonist levamisole, without any obvious changes in synaptic structure based on the localization of fluorescence-tagged synaptobrevin. These iv results suggest that the UNC-73 RhoGEF2 isoforms may modulate synaptic strength and cholinergic signaling at the level of the neuromuscular junction. Neuropeptide signaling is also affected in UNC-73 RhoGEF2 mutants. RhoGEF2 mutants expressing the YFP-tagged neuropeptide NLP-21 in cholinergic motorneurons exhibit decreased axonal, but not somal, YFP fluorescence compared to wild-type animals, suggesting NLP-21::YFP packaging into vesicles or transport to the axons is inhibited. YFP fluorescence in the coelomocytes, an indicator of neuropeptide release, is also decreased in these animals. These results suggest the UNC-73 RhoGEF2 isoforms may play a neuromodulatory role in the regulation of locomotion, perhaps by regulating dense core vesicle (DCV)-mediated neuropeptide signaling at the level of axonal transport or neuropeptide packaging. The lethargic locomotory and aldicarb resistant phenotypes of unc-73 RhoGEF2 mutants were bypassed in animals with constitutively active (CA) Gα s signaling. Gα s (CA) expression is required in both muscles and neurons to rescue unc-73 locomotory phenotypes in RhoGEF2 mutants, as the expression in either muscle or neurons alone failed to yield substantial rescue. unc-73 RhoGEF2 mutants exhibited phenotypes similar to rab-2 and unc-31 mutants, both of which encode proteins that are involved in DCV-mediated signaling. Gα s …
Genetic transformation of Drosophila willistoni using piggyBac transposon and GFP

Studies were carried out on the use of piggyBac transposable element as vector and the green fluorescent protein (EGFP) from the jellyfish, Aquorea victoria, as a genetic marker for the transformation of Drosophila willistoni. Preblastoderm embryos of D. willistoni white mutant were microinjected with a plasmid containing the EGFP marker and the piggyBac ITRs, together with a helper plasmid containing the piggyBac transposase placed under the control of the D. melanogaster hsp70 promoter. G0 adults transformants were recovered at a frequency of approximately 67%. Expression of EGFP in larvae, pupae and adults was observed up to the third generation, suggesting that this transposon was not stable in D. willistoni. Transformed individuals displayed high levels of EGFP expression during larvae and adult stages in the eye, abdomen, thorax and legs, suggesting a wide expression pattern in this species than reported to other species of Drosophilidae.
Fatty acid signatures of Lake Michigan prey fish and invertebrates: among-species differences and spatiotemporal variability

Lipid concentration and fatty acid composition of common prey species or taxonomic groups from four distinct regions of Lake Michigan were quantified (n = 894). We used a combination of parametric and nonparametric statistics to assess the differences in fatty acid signatures (FAS) among species and to evaluate intraspecies variation relative to interspecies variation in FAS. Discriminant function analysis performed on 13 species or taxa groups using the 18 most abundant fatty acids revealed clear separation among taxa, with overall classification success reaching 89%. Species were readily distinguished based on their overall fatty acid profile in spite of intraspecies variation (temporal, regional, and size-related). Among species sampled, pelagic and benthic clusters were formed based on the degree of fatty acid profile similarity. In alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), fatty acid compositions differed with fish size, sampling location, and temporal variation; however.
Brassica napus Sources of Resistance to Black Rot in Crucifers and Inheritance of Resistance

Resistance to black rot caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris was studied in Brassica oleracea, B. campestris, and B. napus. Two accessions of B. napus, PI 199947 and PI 199949, exhibited the highest resistance so far found in cultivated Brassica spp. In B. napus, the high level of resistance was conferred by one dominant gene. In B. campestris, two Chinese cabbage accessions showed quantitative inheritance for moderate levels of resistance. Resistance was trans- ferred to B. campestris from B. napus, but a unilateral incongruity was observed for black rot and morphology, but not for stem color or bolting. The bridge line 15 was used to transfer resistance to B. oleracea. Black rot (BR), incited by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Shaw and Kado, 1988), is a serious disease of crucifer crops, particularly when growing conditions are warm and wet. The pathogen may be seedborne and can survive in crop debris in soil and on host weeds. In nature, the bacterium invades the foliar vascular sys- tem of the host mainly through hydathodes. Staub and Williams (1972) studied the fac- tors involved in disease development and de- veloped artificial inoculation methods known as hydathode inoculation and vein inocula- tion. Shaw and Kado (1988) compared var- ious inoculation procedures and concluded that pressure infiltration inoculation was not
Fatores do ambiente sobre o peso ao desmame de bezerros da raça nelore em regiões tropicais brasileiras

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar a influencia de efeitos nao geneticos sobre o peso ao desmame de 105.465 bezerros da raca Nelore, nascidos em oito diferentes regioes brasileiras, no periodo de 1978 a 1994. A analise estatistica foi realizada utilizando-se o metodo dos quadrados minimos, procedimento GLM (SAS, 1996), com um modelo estatistico contendo como fontes de variacao os efeitos fixos de sexo, mes e ano de nascimento do bezerro, regiao, fazenda dentro de regiao, grupo de idade da vaca e, como efeitos aleatorios, touro e o erro. Todas as fontes de variacao do modelo foram significativas (P<0,0001). A importância desses efeitos nao geneticos sobre o peso aos 205 dias de idade de bezerros da raca Nelore evidenciam a necessidade de se fazer ajustes para os mesmos, visto que estes influenciaram sobre a caracteristica estudada.
Electrophoretic analysis of stock structure in Northern Mediterranean anchovies, Engraulis encrasicolus

and a further eight exhibited common allele frequencies <0.95 (p=0.95). Over 99% of tests indicated that genotypic proportions were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg predictions. Average mean unbiased heterogeneity per locus (HL) was 0.055 and the eVective mean number of alleles per locus was 1.17. Genetic distance between samples was low (maximum Nei’s D=0.009). An outgroup sample from the Bay of Biscay was easily distinguishable from Mediterranean fish, due to fixation at a number of polymorphic loci. Chi-square analyses revealed significant diVerences (p<0.05) between Mediterranean samples at six loci (G3PDH-1*, G3PDH-2*, IDHP-2*, mMEP*, GAPDH-1* and GPI*), and GAPDH-1* and GPI* in particular showed obvious heterogeneity between seas. Gene diversity analysis indicated that 96.6% of variation was within samples, with only 3.4% between samples (GST). 77% of this between-sample variation was partitioned between seas, the remainder accounting for spatial and temporal variation within seas. The results are discussed in relation to the hydrographic and physical barriers to migration in the study area, and compared with those obtained by other workers. The possible consequences of stock integrity in clupeoid fish with regard to resilience and recovery from collapse are discussed. 1996 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
EFFECT OF MEOTHRIN ON TISSUE GLYCOGEN CONTENT IN THE FRESH WATER FISH Nemacheilus botia

Changes in the glycogen content of the liver, muscl e and gonads of the laboratory acclimatized fish Nemacheilus botia exposed to Meothrin was studied. Estimations were made after 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs and 96 hrs and 10 days, 20 days and 30 days. The lethal concentrations were obtained at 0.040 ppm (24hrs Lc50), 0.038 ppm (48 hrs Lc50), 0.037 ppm (72 hrs Lc50) and 0.033 ppm (96 hrs Lc50) for Meothrin. But 1/10 of 48 hrs of Lc50 value is 0 . 0038 ppm glycogen content of all tissues were decreased. The processes of glycolysis in all tissu es were maximum. The glycogen loss in the liver, muscle and gonads might be due to the toxic action of the pesticide Meothrin on tissue energy level.
Caninemys, A New Side-Necked Turtle (Pelomedusoides: Podocnemididae) from The Miocene of Brazil

Abstract A new genus and species of podocnemidid pleurodire, Caninemys tridentata, is described on the basis of a skull collected by L.I. Price in 1962 from the late Miocene of Acre, Brazil. It is unique among podocnemidids (and all other turtles) in having greatly inflated maxillae, each with a ventral, toothlike process. Along with a midline process of the premaxillae, these processes form a tridentate condition in the upper triturating surface, also unique among podocnemidids but comparable to the condition in the kinosternid Claudius. This skull has previously been identified as the shell-based genus Stupendemys, but there are no associations supporting this assignment. The type specimens are separated by over 2000 km, and other large podocnemidid taxa are known from this time and region. Although relatively large with a condylobasal skull length of about 17 cm, Caninemys was probably about half the size of Stupendemys. Phylogenetic analysis of 63 skeletal characters provides evidence that this new taxon nests within the family Podocnemididae as follows: (Bauruemys (“Roxochelys” (Podocnemis (Caninemys (Dacquemys ((Erymnochelys, Peltocephalus) (Neochelys (Shweboemys, Stereogenys)))))))).
Fermentative Metabolism and Organic Acid Concentrations in Fruit of Selected Strawberry Cultivars with Different Tolerances to Carbon Dioxide

Effects of 20 kPa CO2 treatments on concentrations of fermentation products, organic acids, and activities of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), were measured in fruit of selected strawberry cultivars (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch. 'Annapolis', 'Cavendish', 'Honeoye', 'Kent', 'Jewell', 'Lateglow', and 'NorthEast'). Acetaldehyde, ethanol, and ethyl acetate concentrations accumulated in CO 2-treated fruit of 'Honeoye' and 'Kent', but not in 'Cavendish' or 'Annapolis'. The former two cultivars were classified as intolerant to high CO 2 and the latter two as tolerant to high CO2. Activities of PDC and ADH were higher in CO 2-treated than in air-treated fruit of the tolerant cultivars but not in the intolerant cultivars. Succinate accumulated in fruit of all cultivars, but concentrations were higher in the tolerant than in the intolerant cultivars. Results are discussed in relation to tolerance of fruit to CO 2.