Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Actinomadura, Streptomyces, and Other Aerobic Actinomycetes

This chapter talks about aerobic actinomycetes that are now known to be an evolutionarily heterogeneous assemblage of genera. At some stage they all form gram-positive rods, and most of the more commonly isolated species exhibit at least rudimentary branching under certain growth conditions; all grow better under aerobic than anaerobic conditions, a feature distinguishing them from most organisms in the genus Actinomyces. In temperate climates, the respiratory tract is the most frequent portal of entry for the aerobic actinomycetes and therefore the primary site of nocardial infections in the immunocompromised host. PCR paired with restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) has been used for the identification of commonly isolated Nocardia species. With REA of a portion of the HSP gene, Steingrube et al. were able to differentiate among 12 taxonomic groups of Nocardia, in addition to species of Actinomadura, Gordonia, Rhodococcus, Streptomyces, and Tsukamurella. The recommended procedure for Nocardia and the other aerobic actinomycetes is broth microdilution; and panels containing the appropriate dilutions of antimicrobials specifically active against these genera are commercially available. Most isolates of Nocardia species are susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; one should be careful not to assume too readily that an isolate is resistant to this combination of drugs. The chapter finally points out that sulfonamides or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may not be adequate in certain circumstances, such as patients with central nervous system (CNS) nocardiosis, disseminated disease, or concurrent HIV infection.
Analysing the freshness of intact rice grains by colour determination of peroxidase activity

Freshness is an important palatability characteristic of rice grains. However, this characteristic deteriorates rapidly during dry storage. In the present study we have developed an indirect method to examine the freshness of rice grains harvested in different crop seasons or stored under conditions known to accelerate deterioration. Bulk samples of intact brown rice grains were soaked in dianisidine solution containing guaiacol and H2O2, and the optical absorbance of the incubation solution was determined colorimetrically. Alternatively, intact brown rice grains were incubated in a similar solution in the wells of a 96-well microplate, with one grain per well, and the optical absorbance of the incubation solution was measured by a microplate reader. The results indicated that cultivar, storage duration and temperature significantly affected the activities of grain peroxidase. Marked differences in the development of purple colour in the incubation solutions and in vitro peroxidase activity were also found among the brown rice grains sampled in different seasons. The changes in colour of the incubation solutions measured by either of the above methods paralleled the changes in grain activity of peroxidase assayed using an in vitro method. The proposed method can differentiate brown rice grains harvested in different seasons. Moreover, this method, if combined with suitable statistical clustering procedures, can detect the blending status of fresh/old brown grains in a sample. The advantages of this test method using A385 over the conventional enzyme activity assay are the rapidity and simplicity with which A385 can estimate the in vitro determination of peroxidase activity of tested rice grains. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth, feed conversion and faecal discharge of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) fed three commercial diets

Abstract A study was undertaken to provide data on growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and faecal discharge of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) fed three commercial diets used previously to culture this species in New Zealand. Fish were raised in tanks from 0.4 to 1.2 kg over the spring (water temperature 14–17°C) and summer (17–22°C) periods. There were considerable differences in volumetric and mass‐specific feed intake, and energy intake amongst diets. Daily crude protein intake was similar amongst diets, although it increased from the cold (4.05–4.50 g protein kg−1 day−1) to warm period (6.48–7.67 g protein kg−1 day−1). The biological and economical FCR varied with diet (BFCR 1.22–2.17, EFCR 1.30–2.62), as did the cost of feed per unit biomass produced (NZ$38–3.78 kg−1). Growth rates were broadly similar amongst diets, and the warmer summer temperature period greatly improved both growth (increase from 0.51–0.64% to 1.18–1.23% mass gain day−1) and BFCR (decrease from 1.37–2.17 to 1.22–1.46). The Salmofood ESF diet resulted in only half of the faecal setüeable solids and settleable total nitrogen (T N) and total phosphorus (T P) output compared with Skretting NME, which was in turn only half or less of that of Reliance SF
Specialist and generalist species in habitat use: implications for conservation assessment in snakes

Habitat specialization is recorded as one of the central factors that make species vulnerable to extinction. Among snakes, there is considerable variation in this trait, as some species are specialists and others are generalists in habitat use. We have quantified habitat specialization in the snakes of the southern Iberian Peninsula, and compared it with their abundance and IUCN categories. All data were combined for a principal components analysis that discriminated two main groups: three generalist species that live in all types of habitat, and five specialist species that ranged from rather scarce to extremely rare and are found only in unaltered habitats. The three generalist snakes are not threatened and their IUCN category is Least Concern. Three out of the five specialist species are categorized as Near Threatened, Vulnerable, and Endangered at regional or national levels. The other two species are currently considered Not Threatened and we discuss whether they are incorrectly classified. The conservation status of snakes is difficult to evaluate because of their secretive habits and low population densities. We suggest that quantifying habitat specialization may be a useful tool for assessing the conservation status of secretive organisms such as snakes.
Economic Importance of the Chicken Body Louse

Four pullets and a rooster in each of 11 pens were infected with The chicken body louse, Menacanthus stramineus Nitzsch). Eleven similar pens of birds were kept louse free as controls. No significant difference egg production was observed between the two groups of hens during the 16 weeks following infestation. The louse-infested hens laid eggs at the 76.0% level while their Louse-free counterparts produced lit the 75.7% level. A reduction in the protein content of the feed from 16% to 12% was carried out for five “louse-infested” and five “louse-free” pens during the 17th weeks. The birds in the remaining 12 pens continued as before on the 16% protein feed. No significant difference was obtained when egg production data recorded during this 6-week period were analyzed as a split-plot design. The lice were removed at the end of the 22nd week of the test. Egg records for the ensuing 4 weeks showed no trend toward increased production over the birds that had been louse-infested. Fertility and hatchability were not adversely affected by the infestation of lice. Consecutive end-of-the-month louse counts of louse-infested hens located in an extra pen in the laying-hen test resulted in counts of 49, 1,575, 8,646 and 12,305, respectively. Two adults of the chicken body louse were placed on each of 192 5-day-old broilers distributed evenly among four pens. An equal number of broiler chicks were located in adjacent pens. No significant difference in weight gain or in feed conversion was noted between the two groups of four pens at the end of the 8-week growth period. Birds were marketed at an average weight of 3 pounds.
Does the Magpie Pica pica (L.) prefer poplars as a nesting tree in the urban environment

This paper aims to verify the hypothesis that magpies in urban environments favour poplars as nesting trees, as suggested by previous authors. The fieldwork was conducted in a 180 ha area in a district of Gdańsk (North Poland). The study area held 5294 trees and high shrubs, where 124 magpie nests were found in 10 species of trees. Results of log-linear analysis showed that the magpies chose particular tree species rather than types of spatial tree organization. The lombardy poplar (Populus nigra “Italica”) is the species most frequently chosen as a nest tree, however – the magpies showed a significant preference for trees growing separately or in pairs. The choice index (the ratio of expected to observed frequency) confirmed the magpies’ strong preference for black poplar cultivars and for birches, regardless of the trees’ grouping. The magpies preferred lombardy poplar when they had the choice of two poplar cultivars. This cultivar has a crown suitable for the magpie’s nest construction because of the small angle between the trunk and the branches. The thin, almost vertical branches probably also limit predators from penetrating the crown because these branches do not provide much support for tree climbers. The large-scale planting of lombardy poplars in Polish towns in the 1960s and 1970s has probably contributed to the significant increase of the magpie population in the urban environment.
Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts in Regulating Corticosteroid-Induced Hyperglycaemia in Mice

In an attempt to find the possible regulation of steroid diabetes by plant extracts, relative efficacy of Inula racemosa (root), Gymnema sylvestre (leaf), Boerhaavia diffusa (root) and Ocimum sanctum (leaf) extracts (400, 600, 150 and 500 mg/kg. b. wt./day, respectively, for 15 days) in the regulation of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycaemia was studied in mice. Simultaneously, levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) were estimated by radioimmunoassay (RIA), to reveal the possible mediation of the effects of the plant extracts through thyroid hormones. While the administration of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg b.wt.) induced hyperglycaemia in mice, at least two plant extracts (out of the four) from Inula racemosa and Gymnema sylvestre, were able to ameliorate the drug induced hyperglycaemia by 24 and 15%, respectively. These effects were comparable to the standard corticosteroid-inhibiting drug, ketoconazole (Keto-Zole™). The lack of increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation and decrease in superoxide dismutase or catalase activity suggest the potential use of these plant extracts in the regulation of corticosteroid-induced hyperglycaemia.
A biometrical study of the family Tydeidae (Acari, Prostigmata) in the maritime Antarctic, with descriptions of three new taxa

A series of 50 male and 42 female mites of the prostigmatid family Tydeidae from the maritime Antarctic were each scored for 67 morphological characters. Ordination of each data set clearly showed the generic groupings described by Andre (1980). The genera Pretriophtydeus, Paratriophtydeus and Paratydaeolus all appear to be monospecific in maritime Antarctica. Multivariate analysis of the data for the mites in the genus Apotriophtydeus indicated one distinct cluster as well as two diffuse clusters: these clusters are taken to represent three species. Whilst one species, named A. terrorn.sp. , is easily recognized, the other two species, A. scotian.sp. and A. penolan.sp. , are considered to be sibling species that are only clearly separable by the use of multivariate statistical techniques. Full descriptions of the new taxa are given, as well as a discussion of their geographical ranges and habitat preferences. Pretriophtydeus tilbrooki is also redescribed.
What determines rates of photosynthesis per unit nitrogen in Eucalyptus seedlings?

Species originating from xeric sites are characterised by slower rates of photosynthesis per unit nitrogen (PNUE) than species from mesic sites, but we lack mechanistic explanations for these interspecific differences. We examined N allocation to Rubisco and chlorophyll, and photosynthetic characteristics in seedlings of nine Eucalyptus species grown in a fully sunlit glasshouse with an optimal supply of nutrients. Species were selected from mesic (1800 mm year-1 rainfall) through to semi-arid habitats (300 mm year-1). All species were characterised by allocation of a large proportion of N to Rubisco (32-48%) with high in vivo specific activity. Intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) varied between 260 and 300 μmol mol-1, and thus, stomatal limitations were low in all species. This combination of traits resulted in a PNUE (172-335 μmol mol-1 s-1) that was higher than is commonly observed in tree species and which may be related to the rapid growth, water-spender strategy of Eucalyptus seedlings. There were significant differences in photosynthetic parameters and N allocation among species, but these were only weakly related to rainfall at the site of seed origin. There were correlations of Ci with PNUE but a sensitivity analysis suggested that interspecific variation in Ci explained at most 7% of variation in PNUE. Photosynthesis and PNUE were also rather insensitive to large interspecific differences in RuBP-limited rate of electron transport per unit N (Jmax / N), because photosynthesis was primarily limited by the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax). PNUE was most sensitive to changes in N allocation to Rubisco and Vcmax / Rubisco.
EFFECT OF DIETARY VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS EXPOSED TO ELEVATED AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

Room temperature is a component of microclimate and has a significant effect on the productivity and health of broiler chickens, and thus on the profitability of poultry production. It is generally assumed that rearing temperature should be approximately 33°C on the first day and be gradually decreased to approximately 20°C at 6 weeks of age (Leenstra and Cahaner, 1991). Too low or too high ambient temperature is highly undesirable during rearing of broiler chickens. Elevated temperature reduces the intake of feed and body weight of broilers (Ozkan et al., 2003). Balnave and Brake (2002) and Whitehead and Keller (2003) report that nutritional modifications can be used to influence productivity, health and physiological processes occurring in the body of broilers reared in elevated ambient temperatures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing vitamins C and E to feed on productivity and physiological indicators of broilers exposed to elevated ambient temperature between 18-21 and 37-40 days of age.
Coordinated Movement of RACK1 with Activated βIIPKC*

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes move upon activation from one intracellular site to another. PKC-binding proteins, such as receptors for activated C kinase (RACKs), play an important role in regulating the localization and diverse functions of PKC isozymes. RACK1, the receptor for activated βIIPKC, determines the localization and functional activity of βIIPKC. However, the mechanism by which RACK1 localizes activated βIIPKC is not known. Here, we provide evidence that the intracellular localization of RACK1 changes in response to PKC activation. In Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the dopamine D2L receptor and in NG108-15 cells, PKC activation by either phorbol ester or a dopamine D2 receptor agonist caused the movement of RACK1. Moreover, PKC activation resulted in thein situ association and movement of RACK1 and βIIPKC to the same intracellular sites. Time course studies indicate that PKC activation induces the association of the two proteins prior to their co-movement. We further show that association of RACK1 and βIIPKC is required for the movement of both proteins. Our results suggest that RACK1 is a PKC shuttling protein that moves βIIPKC from one intracellular site to another.
Spatial dispersal of Nectria ditissima canker of beech in an international provenance trial

Beech canker caused by Nectria ditissima was abundant in many plots of a large beech provenance trial in Germany. In 149 plots a total of 9015 plants were assessed. No difference in susceptibility of individual provenances was established. However, significant spatial correlation was found between canker incidence in the plantation and the distance to neighbouring diseased shelterwood. The latter evidently served as a source of inoculum. Predominant juveniles tended to be more infected presumably by being more exposed to the inoculum. Trees planted up to 20 m from diseased shelterwood were most significantly infected, up to 48% per plot. In order to ascertain the role of wind for dispersing inoculum, distance zones were combined with locally predominant wind directions. The resulting wind dispersal zones served better for modelling disease dispersal than the distance zones. Repartition spatiale du chancre du hetre a Nectria ditissima dans un essai international de provenances Le chancre aNectria ditissimaetait abondant dans un grand essai de provenances de hetre en Allemagne. Dans 149 placeaux, 9015 arbres ont ete examines. Aucune difference de sensibilite n'a ete observee entre les provenances. Cependant, une correlation spatiale significative a ete trouvee entre l'abondance des chancres et la distance aux arbres malades du couvert. Ceux-ci constituaient a l'evidence la source d'inoculum. Les jeunes arbres les plus grands tendaient aetre les plus infectes, etant probablement plus exposes a l'inoculum. Les arbres plantes jusqu'a 20 metres des arbres malades du couvert etaient significativement les plus infectes, jusqu'a 48% par placeau. Dans le but d'evaluer le role du vent dans la dispersion de l'inoculum, la direction des vents dominants a ete prise en consideration. Les zones definies en fonction de la direction du vent etaient un meilleur indicateur que les distances pour modeliser la repartition de la maladie. Raumliche Ausbreitung von Buchenkrebs in einem Provenienzversuch In einem Buchenprovenienzversuch in Deutschland trat ein relativ hoher Befallsgrad mit Buchenkrebs (Nectria ditissima) auf. In 149 Parzellen wurden insgesamt 9015 Baume ausgewertet. Mittels Varianzanalyse konnte keine Abhangigkeit des Befallsgrads von der Provenienz nachgewiesen werden. Dagegen ergab sich ein hochsignifikanter Zusammenhang mit dem Abstand der Parzellen auf der Lee-Seite von infizierten Altbuchen in der Nachbarschaft. Diese waren offensichtlich die Infektionsquelle. In der Verjungung vorherrschende Baume waren uberdurchschnittlich infiziert, da sie den Pilzsporen mehr ausgesetzt sind. Ferner waren Parzellen im Umkreis von 20 Metern um infizierte Uberschirmung signifikant am starksten infiziert, bis zu 48% pro Parzelle. Mit Hilfe der Abstandszonen und den vorherrschenden Windrichtungen wurden Windverbreitungszonen entwickelt. Damit lasst sich die Ausbreitung der Krankheit besser modellieren als mit Hilfe von Abstandszonen.
Keys to the nematode parasites of vertebrates : supplementary volume

This volume is a republication in one volume of the 10 part "CIH Keys to the Nematode Parasites of Vertebrates," first published between 1974 and 1983. For many years the "Keys" have provided a working tool to those within the field and laboratory needing to know "what is this worm? " Now due to popular demand and to coincide with the long awaited publication of the supplement volume, the "Keys" will be presented as one volume, refreshed and reformatted with the additional convenience of reordering in to superfamily. As an indispensable guide the "Keys" shall continue to be an essential resource to those working within medical, veterinary and biological departments worldwide for many more years to come.
Tree canopies explain fire effects on soil nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon in a savanna ecosystem

Questions What are the independent and interactive effects of fire and tree canopies on soil nutrient and C pools in savannas? Does fire differentially affect total and labile pools of C and N? How do these effects differ between nutrient-poor, broad-leaved savannas on sandy soils of granitic origin, and nutrient-rich, fine-leaved savannas on clay-enriched basalts? Location Kruger National Park, South Africa. Methods We investigated long-term effects of fire and tree canopies on total soil C and N, labile C, plant-available N and P, and acid phosphatase enzymes at two sites in Kruger National Park, one on granitic and one on basaltic soil. We sampled soils from plots that form part of a 50-yr landscape-level controlled burning experiment. In addition to the two soil types, we sampled across three burning treatments (no burns, annual burns and triennial burns) in replicated blocks, both under and between tree canopies. Results There was little evidence for direct effects of fire on any of the variables tested on either soil type, with the exception of C mineralization rates on basalt, which suggested a smaller pool of labile C in frequently burned than in unburned plots. Tree canopies were positively associated with sizes of total and labile soil pools of N and C, and negatively associated with plant-available P, particularly on nutrient-rich basalts. Conclusions Our results suggest that variation in tree canopy cover is the dominant biotic driver of soil N, P and C dynamics in these savanna systems, despite the frequent occurrence of fire. Given the negative effects of fire on size of individual trees in this ecosystem, this suggests that the role of fire on nutrient cycling may be mediated primarily through its effects on canopy cover. This effect is likely to be magnified in nutrient-rich savannas where tree canopy effects on soil nutrient dynamics are strongest.
PCR Primers for Microsatellite Loci in Tuna Species of the Genus Thunnus and its Application for Population Genetic Study

Microsatellite loci were isolated from a size-selected genomic library of Pacific northern tuna Thun nus thynnus orientalis, and PCR primer sets to amplify four loci were designed. Investigation on genet ic polymorphism at these loci in the Pacific northern bluefin tuna sample (n=35-40) revealed high degree of length polymorphisms in all loci, in which number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 23 and observed heterozygosity from 0.533 to 1. These primer sets were applied to Atlantic northern bluefin tuna T. t. thynnus, albacore T. alalunga, bigeye tuna T. obesus and yellowfin tuna T. albacares, detect ing polymorphism in all loci comparable with those of Pacific northern bluefin tuna. Significant differ ences in the allele frequency were observed between Pacific and Atlantic northern bluefin tuna samples. These primer sets developed for Pacific northern bluefin tuna appeared to be useful for amplifying homologous microsatellite loci in the other Thunnus tuna species, and may have great potential as indi cators for genetic variability within and between samples of tuna species of the genus Thunnus.
Consumption, abundance and habitat use of Anguilla anguilla in a mesotrophic reservoir

The role of the eel Anguilla anguilla as a piscivorous species was investigated in a biomanipulation experiment in the mesotrophic Saidenbach Reservoir. The distribution and abundance of the eels were investigated by point abundance sampling, snorkelling and scuba diving. Also, the total yearly consumption of the eel population was compared with the standing stock of prey fishes and the production of roach Rutilus rutilus eggs. A restricted availability of shelter habitats at low water levels had no influence on the distribution of the eels during the nocturnal activity period. Fishes were consumed in low numbers but in high proportions of biomass by large eels. The maximum estimate of the annual consumption of the prey fish standing stock by the eels was 19%. Fish eggs were consumed during a small time period by a large proportion of the eels but the total consumption was <10% of the total annual production of roach eggs. By consuming small individuals of planktivorous fishes, the eels contribute to the biomanipulation programme in the Saidenbach Reservoir.