Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement Error in Fish Lengths: Evaluation and Management Implications

ABSTRACT A fundamental aspect of fisheries science is measuring body length. Humans are inherently prone to error despite systems and provisions made to reduce it. We evaluated length measurement error (herein, referred to as “error”) and digit preference from fish studies conducted on the Colorado River and Little Colorado River in Arizona. Empirical error estimates varied among fish species and generally increased with fish size. We identified a digit preference for numbers ending in zero and five, which was exacerbated with larger sizes. Error effects on growth estimates were largest for fish recaptured after a short time, and we suggest guarding against the error phenomenon by removing data from fish captured and recaptured within a minimum of 30 days. Human, situation, and specimen induced error factors are described. Fisheries professionals should be cognizant of error factors, especially in situations when high precision and accuracy are required and results have important management implications.
Azadirachtin: A potent insect growth regulator of plant origin

Azadirachtin, a potent antifeedant and growth regulator from the neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, was tested against three holometabolous insects belonging to different orders: Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Muls. ; Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zell. ; and honeybee, Apis mellifera L. Different amounts of azadirachtin were either fed (E. varivestis, fourth instar larvae) or topically applied (E. kuehniella, last larval instar, spinning stage; A. mellifera, third instar larvae) to the test insects. The larval development to adults was greatly reduced and the reduction was dose-dependent; pupal mortality was also observed. However, weight gains were comparable with control larvae, indicating no feeding inhibition. The strong effect of azadirachtin on larval-pupal and pupal-adult moults is interpreted as an interference with moulting hormone pools. Zusammenfassung Azadirachtin, ein starker Wachstumsregler pflanzlichen Ursprungs bei Insekten Azadirachtin ist ein starker Frashemmer und Wachstumsregler bei vielen Insekten. Es kommt als wichtigster aktiver Bestandteil im Samen des Neembaums, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, vor. Die reine Substanz wurde an drei holometabolen Insekten, die unterschiedlichen Ordnungen angehoren, auf seine fras- und entwicklungshemmende Wirkung gepruft: am mexikanischen Bohnenkafer, Epilachna varivestis Muls. , der Mittelmeer-Mehlmotte, Ephestia kuehniella Zell. , und der Honigbiene, Apis mellifica L. Azadirachtin wurde in verschiedenen Dosen entweder verfuttert (E. varivestis, viertes Larvenstadium) oder topikal appliziert (E. kuehniella, letztes Larvenstadium; A. mellifica, drittes Larvenstadium). Die Larvenentwicklung bis zum Adultstadium war reduziert, wobei Mortalitat auch im Puppenstadium beobachtet wurde. Der Gewichtszuwachs entsprach dem der Kontrolltiere und schliest eine Frashemmung aus. Die starke Wirkung von Azadirachtin auf die Larven-Puppen- und Puppen-Adult-Hautung wird als eine Storung des Hautungshormonpools interpretiert.
Interaction Between the Larval Endoparasitoid Campoletis sonorensis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Its Host the Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Studies on growth and development of Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) in various instar Heliothis virescens (F.) larvae were conducted. The behavior and morphological changes of the parasitized host was also evaluated. The results indicate that the host’s age at the time of parasitism apparently influenced the development and subsequent fitness of the parasitoid. When initiating development in 3rd or 4th instar hosts, the parasitoid developed significantly slower than when initiating in 1st instar hosts. Furthermore, when developing in 3rd or 4th instar hosts, the parasitoid developed significantly faster during embryonic and 1st instar stages, and significantly slower during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instar stages than those developing in 1st instar hosts. In younger hosts, parasitoids also produced a significantly reduced body length, weight, longevity, and egg production estimate. Parasitism of H. virescens larvae by C. sonorensis changed host’s morphology and behavior allowing easy identification of parasitized individuals and estimation of the age of the developing parasitoid within its host.
Microstegium vimineum Invasion Changes Soil Chemistry and Microarthropod Communities in Cumberland Plateau Forests

Abstract Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass) is an exotic shade-tolerant C4 grass that invades open and forested habitats throughout the southeastern United States. Studies suggest that invasive plants can alter ecosystem biogeochemistry by changing soil chemistry and biota. The objective of our study was to determine if M. vimineum invasion induces soil chemical changes that alter litter microarthropod communities in acidic, nutrient-poor upland forests of the Cumberland Plateau. In a greenhouse experiment comparing forest soil in tubs seeded with M. vimineum to those left unseeded over 1 year, we found that after 6 months, soil pH under M. vimineum was significantly higher than that in the unseeded tubs. We compared A-horizon chemistry, litter nutrients, and microarthropod community diversity in 3 forested sites with and without M. vimineum. We found higher pH, phosphorus (P), and base cations, and lower aluminum (Al) in soil under dense M. vimineum growth compared to soil under surrounding uninvaded understory. M. vimineum litter was more P-rich and had a higher abundance of mites than the surrounding forest floor over 3 sampling periods. However, microarthropod community evenness was lower in M. vimineum litter, indicating a decrease in diversity. These results suggest that a rapid rise in soil pH and P availability following M. vimineum colonization may reduce litter microarthropod community diversity by favoring mites.
THE OVULE AS AN INDICATOR OF EVOLUTIONARY STATUS IN ANGIOSPERMS

Summary The crassinucellate ovule has long been regarded as more primitive among angiosperms than the tenuinucellate. Support for this view is provided by thirteen highly significant statistical correlations between the crassinucellate condition and other dicotyledon characters, both floral and vegetative. This character is therefore included among a total of twenty-two characters believed to be of use in assessing evolutionary status. The ‘advancement indices’ of dicotyledon families are re-calculated, using the most recently available facts. While the most primitive families are among the Magnoliales, there are also some very primitive ones among the Myrtiflorae, Violates, Geraniales, Rosales, Guttiferales and Fagales. It is concluded that the ancestral type of ovule in angiosperms was crassinucellate with three envelopes (two integuments and an aril) each of which received a vascular supply.
Influence des températures élevées sur les états actifs et anhydrobiotiques du nématode Scutellonema caveaessi

SUMMARY Influence of high temperatures on active and anhydrobiotic individuals of the nematode Scutellonema cavenessi. At 50 OC. nematode activity was inhibited. Reactivation of the nematodes treated with heat was very slow ; placed in optimum temperature and aeration conditions the first individual of S. cavenessi, Sher, 1964 became active after 72 hours. Desiccated individuals (referred to as anhydrobiotic (( forms O) of this nematode were more resistant to high temperatures. Al1 active forms were killed when the temperature was increased above 50 OC. , whereas lOO%, 58% and 5% of the anhydrobiotic forms survived at GO OC. , 70 OC. and 80 OC. , respectively. Anhydrobiotic juveniles, adult males and females were equally resistant to high temperature. In spite of their occurrence in superficial layers of the soil, temperatures measured do not constitute a limiting factor in survival of active and anhydrobiotic forms of S. cavenessi.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NIDIFICATION ENVIRONMENT IN THE PODOCNEMIS EXPANSA AND PODOCNEMIS UNIFILIS PHENOTYPES (TESTUDINES: PODOCNEMIDIDAE)

Abstract This work analyses the influence that nest site characteristics have over natural incubation in freshwater turtles Podocnemis expansa and Podocnemis unifilis. Results indicate that neither carapace size nor weight of P. expansa hatchlings depends on environmental characteristics. This suggests that incubation occurs in a homogeneous environment in terms of moisture. On the other hand, embryonic development of P. unifilis is affected by soil moisture, and nests located in very humid beach areas generate smaller hatchlings than nests incubated in drier areas.
Rimsulfuron Plus Thifensulfuron-Methyl Combinations with Selected Postemergence Broadleaf Herbicides in Corn (Zea mays)1

Field studies were conducted in 1995 and 1996 to investigate postemergence (POST) applications of rimsulfuron (12 g ai/ha) plus thifensulfuron-methyl (6 g ai/ha) in tank-mixtures with various acetolactate synthase (ALS)- and non–ALS-inhibitor herbicides for weed control in corn. Rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl controlled giant foxtail and common lambsquarters at least 95% but did not control common ragweed. Rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl tank-mixed with 20 g ai/ha primisulfuron-methyl, 17 g ai/ha CGA-152005 plus 18 g ai/ha primisulfuron, 18 or 36 g ai/ha halosulfuron-methyl, 18 g ai/ha nicosulfuron, or 280 g ai/ha dicamba controlled giant foxtail at least 89%, common lambsquarters at least 96% and, with the exception of the nicosulfuron combination, controlled common ragweed at least 88%. Rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl tank-mixed with flumetsulam (26 g ai/ha) plus clopyralid (69 g ai/ha) plus 2,4-D (140 g ai/ha), atrazine (560 g ai/ha), 2,4-D (280 g/ha), or dicamba (308 g/ha) plus atrazine (588 g/ha) reduced the control of giant foxtail to less than 78% 26 d after treatment (DAT). Corn injury was less than 12% from rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl and from mixtures of rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl with other herbicides except when rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl was mixed with flumetsulam plus clopyralid plus 2,4-D. This combination injured corn 26%. In these studies the appropriate tank-mix partners for rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl were primisulfuron, CGA-152005 plus primisulfuron, and halosufluron-methyl. Nomenclature: Atrazine; CGA-152005 (proposed name prosulfuron), 1-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-triazin-2-yl)-3-[2-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-phenylsulfonyl] urea; clopyralid; 2,4-D; dicamba; flumetsulam; halosulfuron-methyl; primisulfuron-methyl; rimsulfuron; thifensulfuron-methyl; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. #3 CHEAL; common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. # AMBEL; giant foxtail, Setaria faberi Herrm. # SETFA; corn, Zea mays L. ‘Pioneer 3394’. Additional index words: Herbicide interaction, weed management. Abbrevations: ALS, acetolactate synthase (EC 4.1.3.18); DAT, days after treatment; MSO, methylated seed oil; NIS, nonionic surfactant; POST, postemergence; UAN, urea ammonium nitrate.
Nitrile-metabolizing potential of Bacillus cereus strain FA12; Nitrilase production, purification, and characterization

Nitrile-hydrolyzing bacteria have the potential to perform useful biotransformations such as the production of industrially useful acids and amides. In this study, we report a nitrile-degrading bacterium with significant nitrile metabolism. Molecular characterization of 16S rDNA gene characterized this strain as Bacillus cereus. Medium optimization of B. cereus FA12 showed that biomass and nitrilase production was strongly supported by glucose (10 gL− 1) and yeast extract (10 gL− 1). Enzymatic production improved slightly in the pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. The addition of Mg+2, Fe+2, and Na+ supported biomass and nitrilase production; however, other metal ions, Co+2 and Cu+2, inhibited production. The apparent molecular mass of the puriﬁed FA12 nitrilase as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was about 45 kDa. Nitrilase FA12 shows relatively high activity and stability at pH 7.0 and 40°C. Nitrilase FA12 was marginally inhibited with Ca+ 2 and Co+2, whereas inhibition in the presence of dithiothreitol or DTT was 80%. The pseudo Km (mM) values of resting cells (i.e., treating whole cells as if they were an enzyme) for acetonitrile and acetamide were determined to be 2.36 and 1.81, respectively. Under optimum situations, B. cereus FA12 resting cells produced 83 and 58 (U/mg) acetonitrile/acetamide degrading activity, respectively. Ammonia production from acetamide and acetonitrile by the B. cereus FA12 was maximum after 5 and 7 h of incubation, respectively. These results indicate that B. cereus FA12 resting cells may be used in nitrile biotransformations to produce commercially useful compounds.
Three New Miocene Species of Musky Rat-Kangaroos (Hypsiprymnodontidae, Macropodoidea): Description, Phylogenetics, and Paleoecology

ABSTRACT Three new species of the macropodoid genus Hypsiprymnodon are described from early to middle Miocene fossil deposits in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland. A phylogenetic analysis of macropodoid relationships that includes these new taxa is presented. Monophyly of Macropodinae + Sthenurinae is recovered, as is a clade comprising macropodines, sthenurines, bulungamyines, and potoroids to the exclusion of hypsiprymnodontids and balbarids. Monophyly of Balbaridae is also supported, but hypsiprymnodontids are unresolved at the base of Macropodoidea, rather than forming a clade; this is probably because the new Hypsiprymnodon species described here are currently known from relatively incomplete material (isolated maxillae and dentaries). On the assumption that these extinct forms were ecologically similar to the living species H. moschatus (as suggested by close similarities in dental morphology), their presence in Riversleigh Faunal Zones B and C corroborates previous interpretations of a wet rainforest environment in northwestern Queensland during the early to middle Miocene of Australia.
Applying comparative genomics to plant disease epidemiology

Phylogenetic or genealogical interpretation of DNA sequence data from multiple genomic regions has become the gold standard for species delimitation and population genetics. Precise species concepts can inform quarantine decisions but are likely to reflect evolutionary events too far in the past to impact disease management. On the other hand, multilocus approaches at the population level can identify patterns of endemism or migration directly associated with episodes of disease, including host shifts and associated changes in determinants of pathogenicity and avirulence. We used the genome database of Magnaporthe grisea to frame a comparative, multilocus genomics approach from which we demonstrate a single origin for rice infecting genotypes with concomitant loss of sex in pandemic clonal lineages, and patterns of gain and loss of avirulence genes. In the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathosystem, we identified significant associations of multilocus haplotypes with specific pathogen populations in North America. Following the introduction of a new crop, endemic pathogen genotypes and newly evolved migrant genotypes caused novel, early-season symptoms.
Endoparasites of Rodents in Two Islands of The Straits of Malacca

An endoparasitic survey of wild rodent populations of two islands, namely Pulau Langkawi and Pulau Jarak, was conducted to determine their biodiversity. Of the total of 13 rats captured, only one rat was trapped from Pulau Jarak. All rodents were identified and examined for endoparasites. These represented three commensal rodent species (Rattus tiomanicus, Rattus rattus diardii, and Rattus exulans), with R. tiomanicus being the most dominant species (84.3%) with the number of males (58.3%) captured being higher than females (41.7%). The rats were analyzed for parasite incidence, prevalence and intensity. The single rodent captured from Pulau Jarak was free from endoparasite infection. Post-mortem examination found high levels of endoparasitic infection in the hosts captured in Pulau Langkawi with the highest incidence in the small intestine, followed by caecum and stomach. Overall, the study showed high prevalence of multiple species of Heligmonellidae (100%) and only one cestode species (Rodentolepis nana). The endoparasite population was also found to be uniquely low in diversity. This study also showed that the present distribution of the rodent population in Langkawi is characteristic of a disturbed habitat and can be attributed to ongoing human activities in the surrounding area. This study provides a much needed baseline for the ecology of a disturbed island habitat. Further studies will shed light on the ecological interactions that influence the endoparasitic population of commensal rodents in the Langkawi archipelago.
Relationships Between Physical and Chemical Factors and Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Perennial Streams in the Arid Northern Mountain Basin El Batinah, Oman

The relationships between physical properties, water chemistry and aquatic macroinvertebrates were investigated in riffles of four perennial streams in the arid northern Oman. Samples were collected monthly in autumn, winter and spring with a Surber net. Thirty two invertebrate taxa were recorded, most species are widely distributed, but few species with very restricted distribution were also captured. Diptera followed by Pulmonata, Coleoptera and Odonata were the most represented taxa, Trichoptera and Heteroptera were a significant component only in one station (the Fezeh), where the lowest mean water temperature (23°C) was recorded. In the dry months from May to October, aquatic macroinvertebrates were completely absent. In order to summarise the community response some biotic indices were calculated. The highest diversity was observed in the Fezeh station. A seasonal gradient was also observed, with the highest diversity values in January, April, and December. The low faunal diversity was attributed to the high air and water temperature and the hydrological regime instability. A between station and a between month coinertia analysis was carried out, to analyse the response to spatial and seasonal factors. The first coinertia axis was correlated with altitude and substrate composition, while the second axis was correlated with air and water temperature. The present research emphasizes the urgency for preserving the less disturbed wadis in arid zones, because, despite their species poorness, their uniqueness in faunal composition requires special attention. The presence of few endemic species with very restricted distribution highlights the topicality and the value in investigating these areas, allowing the increase of our knowledge on biodiversity, ecology and biogeography about the benthic macroinvertebrates living in these extreme habitats.
Role of leaf extracts of some medicinal plants in the management of seed-borne fungal diseases of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract In order to manage the fungal pathogens in okra, seeds of variety Arka Anamika were subjected to soaking treatment with the aqueous leaf extracts of Coleus aromaticus, Adathoda vasica, Vitex negundo, Solanum nigrum, Leucas aspera, Ocimum sanctum and Catharanthus roseus. Among the extracts used, Coleus aromaticus, Vitex negundo extracts were found superior in reducing the incidence of mycoflora. These leaf extract treatments also resulted in increased percentage of seed germination and vigour of the seedlings. Both in greenhouse and field conditions, these extracts proved their efficiency in the enhancement of biomass, number of leaves, number of seeds per fruit, seed density and ascorbic acid content in the raw fruits.
Biology of Pseudopotamilla reniformis (Müller 1771) in the White Sea, with description of asexual reproduction

The tube-dwelling polychaete Pseudopotamilla reniformis (Sabellidae) forms dense and complex aggregations of flexible tubes on hard substrates in the subtidal zone of the White Sea. No sexual reproduction was observed in this study and recruitment appeared to be due to asexual reproduction by architomy in winter, from October to March. The posterior part of the abdomen undergoes spontaneous fission into from 2 to 4 fragments and depending on their position, the fragments regenerate their anterior ends or both anterior and posterior ends. Regeneration in P. reniformis takes place via a combination of epimorphosis (replacement of missing parts by cell proliferation and the growth of new tissue) and morphallaxis (the remodelling of pre-existing structures without cell proliferation). The morphogenetic events during regenerative restoration include de novo formation of branchial crown, formation of thoracic segments and restoration of the posterior end. Asexual reproduction appears to play a crucial role for formation of P. reniformis aggregations and is very important for the population in the White Sea, at the margin of the species’ range.
The Expression of a Vascular Smooth-Muscle Actin in Salivary Gland Tumors

• In an attempt to determine if both pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas are derived from myoepithelial cells, 23 pleomorphic adenomas, 22 adenoid cystic carcinomas, and 17 normal salivary glands were examined immunohistochemically by using monoclonal antibodies directed against actin (HUC1-1, 1A4), keratin (AE-1, 34β E12), and vimentin (V9). In normal salivary glands, the myoepithelial cells demonstrated a positive reaction to the monoclonal antibodies against actin and only rarely reacted with those against vimentin. No reaction to those against keratin was noted. In pleomorphic adenomas, cells that histologically resembled myoepithelial cells displayed a positive reaction to HUC1-1 in 60.9% and to 1A4 in 65.2%. In adenoid cystic carcinoma, 59.1% of cases demonstrated a positive reaction to both HUC1-1 and 1A4. These results supported the hypothesis that the majority of pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas arise from cells of myoepithelial origin. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 1990;116:692-696)
Biofilm feeding by postlarvae of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Decapoda, Penaidae)

The effect of biofilm was assayed for Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis postlarvae fed with commercial pellets. Indoor tanks in a zero water exchange system were used, considering: shrimp fed with biofilm and commercial feed (B+F), and shrimp fed only with commercial feed (F); both receiving polyethylene sheets as artificial substrates. For B+F, sheets were placed 15 days before the trial into a heterotrophic medium (containing diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, commercial feed, molasses and wheat bran in a 20 C:1 N ratio) to promote biofilm development. For F, clean sheets were used and daily replaced to avoid biofilm formation. Biofilm chlorophyll a concentration, micro-organisms density and water quality were determined weekly. Also, a stomach content analysis was made. An increase in chlorophyll a concentration was observed in biofilm during the experiment, characterized mainly by pennate diatoms, filamentous cyanobacteria, flagellates, ciliates, nematodes and rotifers. Most of these items were found in the stomach of shrimp; however, no significant differences in growth were detected between treatments. Survival was significantly higher and nitrite concentrations were significantly lower when biofilm was present. The results indicate that the use of biofilm could be considered a good tool during F. brasiliensis nursery phase, mainly by improving survival through the maintenance of water quality.