Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DESENVOLVIMENTO PONDERAL, BIOMETRIA TESTICULAR E QUALIDADE SEMINAL DE TOUROS NELORE (Bos taurus indicus) CRIADOS EXTENSIVAMENTE NA REGIÃO CENTRO-OESTE DO BRASIL

With the objective to evaluate the morphological testicular characteristics an seminal quality of Nelore bulls raised extensively in a region where predominates the tropical of savannah climate, 271 animals were divided in four age classes: (C 1) of 17 to 20 months; (C2) of 21 to 24 months; (C3) of 25 to 30 months; (C4) of 31 to 36 months and submitted to breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). The animals were weighted immediately before BSE and testicular length (COMP) and width (LARG), as well as the scrotal circumference (CE) were taken. The testicular volume (VT) and testicular weight (PT) were calculated, and seminal quality evaluated through physical characteristics as progressive motility (MOT), vigor (VIG) and gross activity (TUR); morphological characteristics were reported as major defects (DMA), minor (DME) and total (DT). Testicular form (FT) was determined according the reason LARG/COMP, and classified in: long; long moderate; long-oval; oval-spherical and spherical. There was a moderate and positive correlation (P<0,01) between PV and CE, PT and VT. The traits PV, CE, PT and VT showed a moderate and negative (P<0,01) with DMA, DME and DT. The alongated forms of the testicles had predominated, with positive correlation (P<0.01) with PV, CE and FT. However, the correlation (P<0,05) of PV, CE, FT with spermatic morphology was negative. The spherical format was not present in none of the age class. It was possible to conclude that factors related to testicular biometrics (BT) increase with weight gain in Nelore bulls from 17 to 36 months of age and not only CE, but VT, PT and FT could also be useful parameters to selection of Nelore bulls.
Chromosomes of Puerto Rican Hispinae and Cassidinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Basic chromosomal parameters are first reported for two species of hispines and seven cassidines (Chrysomelidae) from Puerto Rico. Physonota (Eurypepla) jamaicensis (Linnaeus) and Charidotella (s. str.) sexpunctata (Fabricius) (both Cassidinae), the latter a potential pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), are new records for Puerto Rico. Only P. jamaicensis shows the modal (inferred ancestral) meioformula 8 + Xyp of the subfamily. All other Puerto Rican species studied show increased autosomal counts apparently due to centric fissions followed by pericentric inversions. The two hispines have meioformula 8 + Xyp conforming well with earlier finds. Meiogram, a new term, is defined and used for the first time in this paper.
Effect of exogenous supplementation of GnRH or hCG on fertility in Kenguri ewes

The estimation of steroid hormone profile at different days of estrous cycle is indicative of the ovarian status of the animal. The administration of hCG on day 0 of estrous cycle and day 12 of post mating improved lambing percentage and also fertility. Among the 2 exogenous hormonal supplementations hCG therapy on day 0 and day 12 of post mating appeared to be the best in improving fertility in Kenguri ewes. The hormonal therapies are cost effective and are of great economic benefit to the farmers involving in sheep rearing.
Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae Against Termites

Biological control with pathogenic fungi is a promising alternative to chemical control against the subterranean termite. Biological control with pathogenic fungi might provide longlasting insect control without damage to the environment or non-target organisms. M. anisopliae is one of several natural agents for controlling a broad range of insects by direct penetration of the host cuticle. Using this fungus as the microbial insecticide is usually a part of insect pest management. Sporulation characteristics and virulence M. anisopliae were examined in relation to laboratory transmission in subterranean termite. Two varieties of M. anisopliae were tested for their pathogenicity to worker of termites, Coptotermes sp. and Microcerotermes sp. Percent mortality of termites depend on concentration of conidia suspension, and varieties of M. anisopliae. Termites appearently died after two days postinoculation and after seven days the white mycelia developed, the green conidia had appeared around the cadavors. This study showed that both variety of M. ansopliae could cause mycoses to the termites. However, M. ansopliae var. anisopliae found more pathogenic virulence higher than M. anisopliae var. majus.
An island biogeography model for beta diversity and endemism: The roles of speciation, extinction and dispersal

A community composition island biogeography model was developed to explain and predict two community patterns (beta diversity and endemism) with the consideration of speciation, extinction and dispersal processes. Results showed that rate of speciation is positively and linearly associated with beta diversity and endemism, that is, increasing species rates typically could increase the percentage of both endemism and beta diversity. The influences of immigration and extinction rates on beta diversity and endemism are nonlinear, but with numerical simulation, I could observe that increasing extinction rates would lead to decreasing percentage of endemism and beta diversity. The role of immigration rate is very similar to that of speciation rate, having a positive relationship with beta diversity and endemism. Finally, I found that beta diversity is closely related to the percentage of endemism. The slope of this positive relationship is determined jointly by different combinations of speciation, extinction and immigration rates.
CO metabolism of Desulfovibrio vulgaris strain Madison: physiological function in the absence or presence of exogeneous substrates

Trace amounts of carbon monoxide were produced and subsequently consumed during the growth of Desulfovibrio vulgaris on organic electron donors. D. vulgaris also utilized carbon monoxide as the sole electron donor for growth and sulfate reduction. Growth of D. vulgaris on CO, H2 or organic electron donors was inhibited at ≥4.5% CO in the culture headspace. At lower CO concentrations, hydrogen was produced as a consequence of CO consumption and consumed when the CO partial pressure was decreased. The rate of CO consumption was ten-fold higher in D. vulgaris grown on either CO, lactate or pyruvate than when cells were grown on H2 as electron donor. The physiological function of CO metabolism and a CO-dependent hydrogen cycle in D. vulgaris is discussed.
Larval transport, vertical distribution, and localized recruitment in anadromous rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)

We examined larval dispersal and behaviour in rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) from the Salmonier River estuary, Newfoundland, during 2003–2005. Riverine ichthyoplankton surveys indicate that larval transport into the estuary is restricted to a two-week period in late June. A passive drifter experiment and the spatial distribution of larvae and juveniles suggest limited dispersal and low export from the estuary. The estuary exhibited low inflow and stratification in summer and high inflow with a stable freshwater layer in fall. Summer and fall winds are primarily onshore. We hypothesised that larval vertical swimming behaviour limits dispersal and export. Larval vertical position and swimming ability were examined through lab-based experiments conducted 0–10 and 90 days after hatching. Measurements of swim speed indicate an order of magnitude (p < 0.001) improvement in swimming capacity between larvae and juveniles. One-week after hatching, larvae displayed consistent negative geotaxis, whereas juveniles we.
Breeding systems and phylogenetic diversity of seed plants along a large‐scale elevational gradient

Aim The factors affecting the distribution of dioecious species have received surprisingly little attention and, as a consequence, are poorly understood. For example, there is a well‐documented negative association between dioecy and latitude, for which we have no candidate mechanisms. Conversely, it has been suggested that the relative proportion of dioecious species should be positively correlated with changes in elevation.
Larval Development of the Salamanders Pseudotriton montanus and P. ruber

The larval development of Pseudotriton montanus and P. ruber was studied in the Piedmont of western South Carolina. Larvae of both species hatch in winter and metamorphose in summer. The larval period of P. montanus is usually 17? 3 months, but may be prolonged for an additional year. That of P. ruber is ordinarily 30? E2 months. However, the growth rate of P. montanus is higher than that of P. ruber, such that the two species metamorphose at nearly the same size. It is suggested that the more rapid growth and shorter larval period of P. montanus have evolved in response to inherently greater hazards in the lowland environments occupied! by this species, in contrast to greater stability and safety in the upland habitats of P. ruber. The differences between the species in these life-cycle parameters are considered addi- tional evidence for more intense r-selection in P. montanus than in P. ruber.
MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT (MDR) ESCHERICHIA COLI ORIGINATED FROM CLINICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES IN ISMAILIA-EGYPT

The exaggerated use of antibiotics has led to the selection of new strains of bacteria that resist to antibiotics, a situation which is found in the case of Escherichia coli strains. This study was conducted to evaluated the antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli), isolated from different Clinical and Environmental sources in Egypt. A total of 384 samples from human, animal and environmental sources were collected from different locations in Ismailia, Egypt. E. coli isolates (n = 283) were identified by conventional microbiology culture and were phenotypically characterized using biochemical and motility tests. From the overall number of E. coli isolates, 31.4% (89/283) were isolated from stools of humans with diarrhea, 17.3% (49/283) from stools of sheep, cattle and chicken with diarrhea, 16.6% (47/283) from urine of humans with urinary tract infection, 17.3% (49/283) from surfaces water, 6.4% (18/283) from sea-food, 6% (17/283) from processed meat products, 3.9% (11/283) from dairy products and 1.1% (3/283) from poultry products (liver). The antibiotic resistance patterns showed that the isolates carried multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotype to at least four commonly used antibiotics belonging to different classes: Erythromycin (E), Gentamicin (CN), Cefazolin (CZ), Thiampinicol (TP), Vancomycin (VA), Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Ampicillin (AM).
Zooplanktonic Fauna in Relation to Physico-Chemical Characteristics in Madar Tank, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Aquatic ecosystems consist of physico-chemical and biotic components. Physico-chemical parameters are directly affecting to diversity of flora and fauna of water bodies. Madar Tank ( 24°41'3"N 73°36'20"E) was mainly built as a storage reservoir to fill water in Fatehsagar through a canal. Study was undertaken (seasonal study for two annual cycles) to assess different physico-chemical parameters, primary production and Zooplanktonic fauna of Madar. The mean value of physico- chemical parameters of water were analyzed such as pH (7.85), depth of visibility (81.38 cm), electrical conductance (0.745 mS/cm), TDS (476.61 ppm), chloride (115.83 ppm), alkalinity (124 ppm) and hardness (177.33ppm) that showed low mean values. Average dissolved oxygen level was recorded as 6.9 ppm while average nitrate and phosphate levels were 3.478 ppm and 2.6802 ppm respectively. The primary production was an analyzed 261.64mgc/m2/hr. On the basis of water quality parameters in general, Madar tank was found to be mesotrophic. During the present investigation, 10 species of Protozoans belonging to 9 genera, 31 species of Rotifers belonging to 14 genera were recorded. Along with these 17 species of Cladocerans belonging to 10 genera, 4 species of 4 genera belonging to Copepoda and 2 forms of Ostracods were also enlisted. After including occasional zooplankters like insects and their larvae, crustacean larvae, spiders and mites (2) total 68 forms of zooplankters were recorded.
Biomarkers of exposure of brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) to contaminants in the lower Great Lakes, North America

Brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) from three contaminated sites (Detroit River, Hamilton Harbour, and Black River) and two relatively clean reference sites (Old Woman Creek and Bay of Quinte) in the lower Great Lakes were monitored for several biomarkers of exposure to chemical contaminants. Bullheads from the contaminated sites had elevated hepatosomatic indices, increased ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity, decreased hepatic retinoid stores, and a greater incidence of hepatic neoplasms. Fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs) in the bile were also elevated in bullheads from the Black River and Hamilton Harbour in comparison to fish from reference sites. A correlation was found between reduction of hepatic retinoid stores and induction of hepatic EROD activity in bullheads. Principal component analysis of biomarker data demonstrated that biomarker patterns in Detroit River bullheads were different from those of Black River and Hamilton Harbour bullheads. Biomarkers in fish are useful monitoring tools for detecting contamination of the aquatic environment, but interpretation of results is limited by within‐and between‐site variability in the responses, some of which may be explained by mobility of the fish. In contaminated areas, bile fluorescent aromatic compounds appear to be the best indicator of recent exposure to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, whereas responses to other biochemical biomarkers (e.g., EROD and retinoids) appear to be over a longer time period.
A Comparison of the Effects of Na2SO4 and NaCl on the Growth of Helianthus paradoxus and Helianthus annuus (Asteraceae)

Abstract Helianthus paradoxus Heiser (Asteraceae, puzzle sunflower), is a federally threatened hybrid species found in salt marshes of west Texas and New Mexico. Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae, common sunflower) is one of the parent species and is found throughout North America, but it is not present in the inland salt marshes where H. paradoxus is found. Helianthus paradoxus has previously been described as a halophyte, but its tolerance to Na2SO4, one of the major salts found in its habitat, has not been investigated. However, salinity has been identified as a major abiotic factor influencing the limited distribution of H. paradoxus populations. In this greenhouse study, the effects of elevated concentrations of Na2SO4 and NaCl, at equal ionic strengths (0.00, 0.09, 0.17, 0.34, and 0.51), on the survival and dry mass of both H. paradoxus and H. annuus were examined. In the three-way factorial experiment, the effects on dry mass observed were dependent on the species, the type of salt and the ionic strength of the salt. Helianthus paradoxus produced more dry mass than H. annuus in both salt treatments; however, NaCl was more inhibitory of dry mass production for both species with plants unable to survive the highest salt treatments. While dry mass of H. annuus decreased with increasing ionic strengths of both salts, dry mass of H. paradoxus increased by 38 to 72% in low to moderate ionic strengths of Na2SO4 relative to the nonsaline treatment. Both species were less tolerant of NaCl than Na2SO4 with H. paradoxus seeming to have moderate and high tolerance to elevated Cl− and SO42− ionic strength, respectively, while H. annuus had low to moderate tolerance. Greater dry mass production in Na2SO4, along with tolerance to both salts, suggests that low to moderate sulfate soil salinity will enhance the dry mass production of H. paradoxus.
Effect of Fruit Zone Leaf Thinning on Total Glycosides and Selected Aglycone Concentrations of Riesling (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapes

Selective leaf removal from fruit zones of mature Riesling grapevines grown at two northern Virginia (≈39°N) sites was evaluated over two seasons for its influence on total grape glycosides. Two to four leaves per shoot were removed three weeks after bloom from around fruit clusters grown on a high (1.8 m above ground) bilateral cordon at one vineyard, and a low (1.2 m) bilateral cordon at the other. Leaf removal increased the percentage of sunlight penetration into the canopy fruit zone in three of four measurements. The concentration of total glycosides, estimated by the analysis of glycosyl-glucose, was mostly higher in the fruit from leaf-removed vines than control vines for both the low-trained and high-trained vineyards. The sum of the concentration of selected bound monoterpene alcohols (geraniol, nerol, and linalool), and bound aromatic alcohols (benzyl alcohol and 2-phenylethanol), was also higher in fruit of leaf-removed canopies than controls at most sampling dates.
Sexual isolation between two newt species, Triturus vulgaris and T. montandoni (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae)

In the present study we investigated sexual isolation between Triturus vulgaris and 77 montandoni in mating experiments run under semi-natural conditions. The two newt species offer a suitable model for studying evolution of reproductive isolation and mating preferences because they arc genetically the most similar species within the genus and readily hybridize in nature. Separate experiments were conducted in which groups of virgin females were placed together (in artificial pools) with groups of homospecific, heterospecific or both types of males. The estimates of reproductive isolation and mating propensity were based on the numbers of females producing hybrids and/or non-hybrid progeny. The levels of reproductive isolation, isolation asymmetry (IA) and propensity asymmetry (PA) were significant only for experiments in which females were given a choice between conspecific and heterospecific males. This implies that mating experiments with no interspecific choice may reduce discrimination and affect patterns of IA and PA. Asymmetry in reproductive isolation was also significant when the analysis was confined to just inseminated females. Differences in habitat preferences and condition of females possibly contributed to the relatively high values of PA.
EARLY PLEISTOCENE DINOFLAGELLATES FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY BOREHOLE AT LUDHAM, NORFOLK

SUMMARY A more complete account is presented of the 'hystrichospheres', both indigenous and recycled, originally found by West (I96I) during his palynological investigation of Early Pleistocene marine sediments penetrated by the Royal Society Borehole at Ludham, in Norfolk, England. The commonly encountered 'hystrichosphere' types of West are identified as x = Operculodinium israelianum (R.)W. , y = Tectatodinium pellitum W. and z = Leptodinium multiplexum sp. nov., while it is probable that a collection of Hystrichosphaera species comprise West's category 'hooked-Hystrix'. The majority of these organisms are fossilized gonyaulacid and protoceratioid dinoflagellate resting cysts (spores). These dinoflagellates form five facies-associations in this sequence. The palaeoecological significance of their distribution is discussed with special concern to palaeoclimates and the future use of dinoflagellates in Quaternary stratigraphy.
The vertical separation of fish in the aft end of a demersal trawl

Krag, L. A. , Holst, R. , and Madsen, N. 2009. The vertical separation of fish in the aft end of a demersal trawl. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 772-777.Two multi-compartment separator frames were used to study the vertical separation of some commercially important fish species in the aft end of a trawl, with the aim of separating cod (Gadus morhua) from other species. A non-linear multinomial model with random effects was used to analyse the data and to compare the performance of the two frames. The vertical distribution of cod in the aft end of the trawl was close to uniform, whereas haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), and lemon sole (Microstomus kitt) showed more uneven distributions. The use of guiding bars in the separator frame significantly (p < 0.05) increased the catch of cod, plaice, and lemon sole in the upper compartment. The vertical separation of cod was density-dependent; high densities of fish resulted in a more uniform distribution of cod. The species separations found differ from those reported from the studies of species separation in the region of the trawl mouth.
Phylogeography of Musonycteris harrisoni Along the Pacific Coast of Mexico

The goal of this study was to assess the phylogeography of the trumpet nosed-bat (Musonycteris harrisoni) through an analysis of the phylogeographic relationship among populations over its entire distributional range along the Pacific coast of Mexico. We used nucleotide sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b (≈ 950 bp) and D-loop to assess levels of intraspecific variation in the species. DNA-samples of M. harrisoni were obtained from museums, own field collections and bats provided by other researchers. We analyzed samples collected from 21 different localities. Molecular sequence data were analyzed using neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood and Bayesian studies. Nested clades analyses were used to assess the cladistic arrangement of haplotypes. Across the 21 distinct localities, we found nine haplotypes using cytochrome-b data, and 11 different haplotypes using the D-loop. Nested clade analysis revealed a moderate level of molecular variance among localities. Localities were grouped into two clades, composed of individuals from either the northern or southern portion of the species' range that accounted for 41% of the genetic variance. The northern clade shows little phylogenetic structure and distribution seems to be restricted by the Sierra Madre mountain range. Our results suggest a pattern consistent with the vicariant allopatric divergence/speciation model, influenced by habitat loss and fragmentation.
Can polyphagous predators control the bird cherry‐oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) in spring cereals?: A simulation study

Predation by two carabid species, Bembidion lampros (Herbst.) and Pterostichus cupreus L. , on the cereal aphid, Rhopalsiphum padi L. , was described using a discrete event simulation model. The results were incorporated into an aphid population growth model. The aphid model was run using actual temperatures, R. padi emigration rates, field densities and distributions from three years with distinctly different aphid population levels. Predation was incorporated at different time periods. Predation during the arrival of emigrants and establishment of aphid populations had approximately the same effect as predation over the entire aphid period, whereas predation during the 20 days prior to peak had very little effect on resulting peak populations. We conclude that a) yearly levels of R. padi infestation are mainly determined by the volume and intensity of emigrants; b) peak levels are sensitive to changes in predator density; and c) in some cases an outbreak of R. padi may be prevented by the action of spring active polyphagous predators alone.