Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of ectoparasite infestation by chigger mite larvae (Acarina: Trombiculidae) on resident and migratory birds in Chiapas, Mexico illustrating a rapid visual assessment protocol

This study presents a protocol developed to rapidly assess ectoparasite prevalence and intensity. Using this protocol during a mist-netting project in two different coffee agroecosystems in Chiapas, Mexico, data were collected on ectoparasitic chigger mite larvae (Acarina: Trombiculidae) found on resident and migratory birds. Surprisingly high infestation rates were found for some long-distance migrants, as high as 73 percent for Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), while many species remained uninfested. During the study, 17 of 26 species of long distance migrants and 24 of 44 resident species had at least one infested individual. Total prevalence averaged 0.18, with 0.16 for migrants and 0.23 for residents. The mite score protocol provided a useful relative measure of infestation intensity. Mean infestation intensities and abundances are reported for 70 species captured and opportunistically inspected during the course of this study. While this study does not directly link survival with infestation by ectoparasites, variation in infestation intensity among individuals could help explain differences in condition when birds arrive on the breeding range. Further study is merited on the ecology of ectoparasites, including the geographic distribution and degree to which human landscape management contributes to infestation. Constant effort mist-net monitoring stations could provide important data toward this effort by routinely collecting ectoparasite information.
Secondary sex ratio in the Przewalski horse Equus przewalskii (Mammalia: Equidae)

Sex ratio distribution in sibships and the relation between the secondary sex ratio and maternal age, paternal age, parity, birth sequence, season and year were studied in the Przewalski horse Equus przewalskii. No variations of the secondary sex ratio in relation to the studied factors were detected; sex ratio distribution was found to be simply binomial, i.e. random. The Overall secondary sex ratio was found to be not significantly different from unity both in Przewalski horses and in other perissodactyls. These data neither support, nor directly contradict, the theory that females are capable of adjusting the sex ratio of their offspring.
Fertile Crescent is the epicenter of Wheat streak mosaic virus

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) strains have a remarkable variation in biological and molecular properties. In this study, we have examined the variation of WSMV isolates through sequence analysis of the 3'-region (including 3'-untranslated region) of the virus genome. Phylogenetic analysis of 13 isolates from different parts of Iran showed high variation among isolates. These isolates and others with sequence data in the Genebank were phylogenetically compared. In depicted phylogram, all WSMV strains of the world fall into four clades but share a common ancestor. Geographical isolation mechanism appears to have caused divergence of the strains in both sides of Atlantic Ocean. Remarkable variation in both WSMV populations and wheat genotypes suggests coevolution of the virus with its host in the Fertile Crescent (FC). Presence of resistance and tolerance in local wheat varieties would support this hypothesis. We studied reaction of local lines of wheat to a known isolate of WSMV under field and greenhouse conditions. Reactions of plants were rated from 0 (complete resistance) to 7 (complete susceptibility). Out of 270 lines tested 3, 22, and 36 lines scored 0, 1 and 2, respectively. In another test, response of several commercial and elite wheat genotypes to the same isolate was evaluated under field and greenhouse conditions. Results showed that "Adl Cross" was completely and "Niknejad" and "Chamran" were partially resistant to the WSMV isolate. We do not know of any previous report concerning complete resistance of a wheat cultivar to WSMV. Existence of high variation in WSMV isolates and strain specific resistance genes in local wheat in Iran confirm that FC region is the center of WSMV evolution.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Cassia fistula Linn. Bark Extracts against Carbon Tetra Chloride Induced Liver Toxicity in Rats

In the present study cassia fistula (Caesalpinaceae) bark was extracted with water. The extracts were vacuum dried to yield Aqueous Extract (AQET). The extracts were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose level. The biochemical parameters observed in serum were total bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels and total protein. Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and total protein levels in liver were also evaluated. Histopathological study on the liver tissue was also performed. The extracts exhibited dose dependant reduction in total bilirubin, ALP, SGOT, SGPT, AST, ALT and increase in total protein (serum and liver) levels. The extract treated groups shows mild hepatatocytic damage compared to the CCl4 treated group. CONCLUSION: Cassia fistulal attenuates the hepatotoxic effect of CCl4.
Characterization of antifungal Paenibacillus illinoisensis strain UKCH21 and its chitinolytic properties

Paenibacillus strain, UKCH21, isolated from Uttarakhand State, north western Indian Himalayas was found to produce high levels of extracellular chitinases. The 16s rRNA gene sequence showed 100% homology with P. illinoisensis (Accession No. KR856190) available in the public domain and further phylogenetic study also verified the species identity. The culture supernatants have a maximum chitinase activity of 110.8 U/ml after 3 days of culturing. The isolate showed strong antifungal activity manifested in the form of progressive mycelia degradation in dual culture plates. The pathogenicity was observed as structural deformities like uneven thickening of mycelia as a result of direct degradation of chitin. The optimum pH and temperature of UKCH21 chitinases was found to be 5 and 50°C, respectively. Partial characterization of chitinase gene also confirms the family 18 status of glycosyl hydrolase with substantial variability presented here with. Above all, percent inhibition of growth and the rapid degradation of mycelia of tested plant pathogenic fungi (Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani and Sclerotium rolfsi) in bacteria seeded medium suggest its utilization as potent antifungal biocontrol agent. Key words: Paenibacillus illinoisensis, UKCH21, chitinase, antifungal, Indian Himalayas.
Adult Survivorship and Juvenile Recruitment in Populations of Crawfish Frogs (Lithobates Areolatus), with Additional Consideration of the Population Sizes of Associated Pond Breeding Species

Crawfish Frog populations have declined significantly in both the northeastern and southwestern portions of their range, and are listed as state endangered in both Iowa and Indiana. They are animals with a secretive nature, and comparatively little is know about their basic life history and natural history. To address this gap, and to obtain the information necessary to manage for this species in areas of decline, I studied the breeding biology of two Crawfish Frog populations during 2009 and 2010. Using data collected from drift fence and pitfall trap arrays around breeding wetlands, I estimated breeding population sizes, operational sex ratios, breeding adult size ranges, egg and larval survivorship, juvenile recruitment, and adult within-season and between-year survivorship. I also documented the timing of breeding and metamorphosis, spatial patterns of immigration and emigration from breeding sites by adults and recently metamorphosed juveniles, and the diversity and abundance of associated pond breeding species. Crawfish Frog sex ratios were approximately 1:1 (M:F), with male-biased operational sex ratios. Adult sizes were comparatively larger than those reported in other areas of their range, as were sizes of newly metamorphosed juveniles. Breeding occurred from March through May during both years, and metamorphosis occurred from June through August. The number of eggs deposited per wetland ranged from 45,000 to 189,000. Thirteen associated amphibian species (18,109 individuals) and 14 reptile species (435 individuals) were captured at the breeding wetlands. Crawfish Frog survivorship estimates suggest that mortality is high during the larval stage and relatively low during the egg, juvenile and adult stages. Thus, the adult population is
Seeding rate and cultivar effects on canola (Brassica napus) competition with volunteer wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract. Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important rotational crop in the temperate cropping zone of southern Australia. Herbicide-resistant weeds are rapidly spreading and reducing canola grain yield and quality. Crop competition is a useful tool for reducing weed costs and dependence on herbicides, and retarding the spread of herbicide resistance. The potential interaction of canola seeding rate and cultivar for weed management has not been quantified in Australia. A field experiment was conducted in three environments to examine the impact of two contrasting canola cultivars (a low vigour type and a high vigour hybrid) at four seeding rates (10–100 plants/m2) on volunteer wheat (∼50 plants/m2). Significant but variable effects of crop seeding rate, cultivar and weed were detected on canola density and grain yield, and on the suppression of volunteer wheat. The canola hybrids suppressed volunteer wheat more than the less vigorous cultivars in all the experiments. There was no benefit of increasing canola seeding rate above the normally recommended rate of 40 plants/m2 for weed suppression. The seed production of volunteer wheat on average doubled when canola density dropped from 40 to 10 plants/m2. Treatment effects on canola grain yield losses from weeds were less than those on weed suppression. The grain yield of both cultivars was reduced between 30% and 40% with weeds at a canola density of 40 plants/m2 and plateaued above this density in weedy conditions. Maintaining canola plant establishment and using competitive cultivars is critical to avoiding weed seedbank replenishment, and reducing canola yield losses from weed competition.
ECOLOGICAL RELEASE AND ECOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY IN HABITAT USE AND FORAGING OF AN INSULAR AVIFAUNA

The species-poor conditions on islands (MacArthur and Wilson 1963, 1967; MacArthur 1972) are often accompanied by a number of differences in the ecology of insular populations, relative to the ecology of the same species in the mainland source population. Schoener (1965) referred to the broadening of one or more ecological parameters of a population on an island as ecological release. In such release the island population may occupy a wider range of elevations (Diamond 1970a), or more vegetation types (Diamond 1970a, Terborgh and Faaborg 1973, Yeaton and Cody 1974) than mainland counterparts; or may forage with a different, usually broader, range of positions and activities (Cody and Cody 1972, MacArthur et al. 1972, Yeaton and Cody 1974).
Daily rhythms of colonic temperature and circulating blood enzymes, urea and calcium in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) under natural cold-dry (harmattan) and hot-dry conditions

Abstract The influence of cold-dry (harmattan) and hot-dry seasons on daily rhythmicity of colonic temperature (CT) and blood biochemical variables were investigated in 340 male Japanese quails under natural light–dark circle. Rhythm characteristics analysed using cosinor and the application of the periodic model showed a daily rhythm of CT, creatinine phosphate kinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urea in both seasons, while calcium did not exhibit any rhythmicity. The rhythmic parameters of mesor, amplitude and acrophase analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) effects of season. The amplitudes, except for ALP, were greater during the harmattan. The acrophase, except for CPK and urea, were all restricted to the light phase of the light-dark cycle. The results, demonstrated strong seasonal changes on the daily rhythmicity of CT and blood biochemical parameters of quails under natural light-dark circle, which could be useful for researchers, clinicians and agriculturists under different climatic conditions.
Artificial Perches and Solarization for Forest Restoration: Assessment of Their Value

Artificial perches have been considered an effective way to increase the influx of zoochoric seeds on degraded areas. A main barrier to seedling recruitment beneath perches is competition with other plants, including non-native or invasive species. We therefore believed that the seedling recruitment would increase with invasive species management through solarization. We assessed the use of artificial perches combined with solarization as a management technique for forest restoration. An outline of subdivided plots was installed in an abandoned pasture originally covered by subtropical Atlantic forest in southern Brazil. The invasive species were Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus - Cyperaceae) and African Liverseed Grass (Urochloa arrecta - Poaceae). Solarization was achieved using a black polyethylene cover. Artificial perches were installed after solarization was complete. Seed rain and established plant community species were assessed. Solarization initially eliminated previously existing vegetation, but the effects were not long lasting. Invasive species grew aggressively by vegetative means from the borders of solarized areas. Artificial perches increased the influx of zoochoric seeds, but the seeds were unable to germinate and establish due to competition by the fast growing invasive species. The combined use of artificial perches and solarization for forest restoration seems to have limited effectiveness.
Landscapes and Labscapes: Exploring the Lab-Field Border in Biology

What is it like to do field biology in a world that exalts experiments and laboratories? How have field biologists assimilated laboratory values and practices and crafted an exact, quantitative science without losing their naturalist souls? In "Landscapes and Labscapes", Robert E. Kohler explores the people, places and practices of field biology in the United States from the 1890s to the 1950s. He takes readers into the fields and forests where field biologists learned to count and measure nature and to read the imperfect records of "nature's experiments". He shows how field researchers use nature's particularities to develop "practices of place" that achieve in nature what laboratory researchers can only do with simplified experiments. Using historical frontiers as models, Kohler shows how biologists created vigorous new border sciences of ecology and evolutionary biology.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE LIPID PROTEIN AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF AFRICAN PEAR (Dacryodes edulis) SEED AND AVOCADO PEAR SEEDS

The lipid, protein and mineral contents of African pear (Dacryodes edulis) seeds and avocado pear seeds were studied. The soaking method was applied to extract the lipid using hexane as solvent, the ashing method for extracting minerals, the kjeldahl method for protein content and the Bray No 1 method for phosphorus content. Results obtained show that for the African pear seed, the contents were: lipid (12.45%), protein (1.24%), sodium (0.87mg/100g), calcium (0.13mg/100g), iron (0.80mg/100g), potassium (1.66mg/100g), zinc (0.31mg/100g), magnesium (0.32mg/100g), phosphorus (10.34mg/100g) and ash (0.20%). For avocado pear seed: lipid (3.15%), protein (2.22%), sodium (1.54mg/100g), calcium (0.02mg/100g), iron (0.48mg/100g), potassium (1.10mg/100g), zinc (0.18mg/100g), magnesium (0.15mg/100g), phosphorus (7.70mg/100g) and ash (0.25%). Comparison shows that except for protein, sodium and ash contents, African pear seed has higher parameters of all studied than avocado pear seed.
Infestations of Epipenaeon elegans on Penaeus semisulcatus and Their Use as Biological Tags

ABSTRACT General changes in the distribution of Penaeus semisulcatus infested by the bopyrid parasite Epipenaeon elegans in Kuwait waters agree with the migratory patterns deduced from the movements of tagged shrimp in Kuwait Bay in 1979. The growth rates of infested males appear to be accelerated by infestation and infested males are castrated by the parasite. Recruitment of infested and uninfested shrimp occurs mainly in May, June, and July. In some years, limited recruitment of uninfested shrimp occurs in October and November. The total mortality rate calculated for infested shrimp in 1978, when autumn recruitment did not occur, was not significantly different from the mean value calculated independently from 1979-1984 by means of the ELEFAN analytical method. For 1979, when significant autumn recruitment occurred, an aberrantly low value of the total mortality was obtained for infested shrimp. Studies of infested shrimp may provide insight into the migrations and mortality rates of uninfested shrimp in the Kuwaiti population of P. semisulcatus.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance to tetracycline and triclosan

P. aeruginosa is a gram-negative rod bacterium which is widespread in nature and causes dangerous infections in humans. Tetracycline is a common antibiotic which is sometimes used to combat these infections. Triclosan is a chemical widely used in consumer products as an antibacterial agent. Studies have shown P. aeruginosa to be highly resistant to triclosan. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the bacterium would develop more resistance to triclosan and tetracycline after exposure to these biocides. P. aeruginosa was exposed to different concentrations of the two biocides, then bacteria growing in the highest concentrations were transferred to the next highest concentration to determine whether growth would be observed. In the tetracycline experiment, bacteria in the 50.0ug/ml concentration seemed to have developed resistance, because when they were moved to new sterile plates containing 5.0ug/ml solution, they grew, although bacteria had not grown there originally. The limit solubility for triclosan is 0.01g/L of water and tetracycline is 1g in 10ml of water.
Parkin Misfolding, Dysfunction, and Degradation in Parkinson's Disease

Mutations in the gene encoding parkin (PARK2) result in familial early onset forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a result of loss of E3 ubiquitin ligase function. Protein misfolding is a common molecular feature of most neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. To test whether parkin misfolding also plays a role in the more common spontaneous PD, we established and functionally characterized a parkin yeast model. We found that oxidative and protein folding stress, parkin point mutations and truncations, and parkin’s interaction with the PD-associated kinase PINK1 profoundly alter parkin’s subcellular localization and toxicity. Notably, these conditions also induce parkin fragmentation, degradation, and potential misfolding, all of which may contribute to PD pathogenesis. Future research presents great potential to establish parkin misfolding as a promising new therapeutic target for PD.
Effects of Natural and Artificial Colorants on Hot Smoked Garfish—Belone belone (Linnaeus, 1761)—Stored at 4 ± 1ºC

ABSTRACT In this study, the effects of natural and artificial colorants on the shelf life of hot smoked garfish were investigated in terms of its chemical, microbiological, and sensory quality. Turmeric and Sunset Yellow FCF were used as the natural and artificial colorants, respectively. The amount of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA), counts of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total psychrophilic aerobic bacteria, total yeast and molds increased during the storage (p < 0.05). The results showed that turmeric and Sunset Yellow FCF had a significant effect on pH value and salt content of hot smoked garfish samples during storage (p < 0.05). According to the sensory analysis results, the shelf life of hot smoked garfish stored at 4 ± 1ºC was determined as 17 days.
Collection of Orius species in horticultural areas of northwestern Italy

The species of the genus Orius Wolff are well-known as generalist predators able to control thrips outbreaks worldwide. In 2005 Orius species were collected on different crops (bean, sweet pepper in greenhouses and in the open field, strawberry, sweet leek), located in typical horticultural areas of Piedmont (NW Italy). During the growing season Orius species were also sampled on the wild flora in the surroundings of pepper greenhouses, to assess the natural host plants alternative to the crop in the investigated area. The adult anthocorids were then identified examining the genital clasper in males and the copulatory tube in females. During field surveys, three Orius species were sampled on crops and wild flora: Orius majusculus (Reuter), Orius minutus (L.), and Orius niger (Wolff). O. niger occurred on almost all the sampled plant species, while O. majusculus prevailed on vegetables even if it was rarely collected on wild flora. Both of them seem to be good candidates for thrips control in horticultural areas of northwestern Italy. On the contrary O. minutus was generally observed in a scarce quantity, except on bean.
Overseeding Strategies for Converting Golf Course Fairways to Creeping Bentgrass

Converting cool-season golf course fairways to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) is desirable because it affords excellent playability, enhanced recuperative potential, and enhanced disease tolerance compared to annual bluegrass (Poa annua sp. Timm.) or perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), which are common species in fairways. However, converting current golf course fairways to creeping bentgrass with nonselective herbicides is problematic because it disrupts play and decreases revenue, as fairways must be closed for an extended period of time. The objective of our study was to quantify the effect of trinexapac-ethyl (TE), overseeding date, and overseeding rate on the success on the gradual conversion of cool-season fairways to creeping bentgrass over 3 years. 'Penneagle' creeping bentgrass was overseeded at 0, 49, or 98 kg.ha -1 in fall, spring, or fall+spring after aerification, and application of TE at 0.0, 0.2, or 0.4 kg.ha -1 . Gradual conversion to creeping bentgrass was effective, on perennial ryegrass fairways, with up to 36% cover of creeping bentgrass after 3 years of overseeding. However, only a maximum of 3% creeping bentgrass cover was obtained after the third year of overseeding into primarily annual bluegrass fairways. Fall overseeding with bentgrass at 49 or 98 kg-ha-' was equally effective and additional spring overseeding did not improve establishment. Applications of TE prior to overseeding did not enhance the conversion. Chemical name used: 4-cyclopropyl-a-hydroxy-methylene-3,5-dioxo-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (trinexapac-ethyl).
Exploration of Fungicides against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Ciceri (Padwick) Snyder and Hansen Causing Wilt of Chickpea

Six systemic, six non-systemic and contact fungicides were evaluated, in vitro against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri ; however, the percentage mycelial growth inhibition was found to be increased with increase in concentrations of the test fungicides. All the systemic, non-systemic and contact fungicides tested, however, among the systemic fungicides, carbendazim, carboxin and benomyl and among non-systemic and contact fungicides, carbendazim + mancozeb, benomyl+ thiram and carbendazim + thiram were found inhibit the growth of the test pathogen completely .