Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specificity and host predictability: a comparative analysis among monogenean parasites of fish

1. This article compares generalist (parasite species found on two or more host species) and specialist (found on only one host species) monogenean parasite species of fish. The reduction of the host range – that is an increase in host specificity – may correspond with a better adaptation of the parasite to a more predictable host environment. A more predictable environment may allow the parasite species to develop specific adaptations. 2. We assume that the more predictable host environment can be evaluated by host body size, since numerous life-traits, such as longevity, are positively correlated with size. 3. We found that specialist parasites parasitize larger hosts species than generalist parasites. We also found a good relationship between host body size and parasite body size for specialist parasite species. 4. An adaptation to the mechanical problems encountered in the host's gill chamber may lead to an increase in parasite body size. The infection of a larger part of the host population in order to decrease the chances of local extinction due to fluctuations of host abundance may be another adaptive mechanism. 5. We found a negative correlation between parasite body size and prevalence for generalist parasite species. This relationship disappeared when using the comparative method controlling for phylogeny, which proved that it was a phylogenetic effect.
Effects of Brown Streak Virus Disease on Yield and Quality of Cassava in Tanzania

Brown streak virus disease is the most important biotic constraint to cassava production in the coastal areas of southern Tanzania. Symptoms include foliar chlorosis and sometimes stem lesions. The disease also affects the tuberous roots which develop a yellow/brown, dry, corky necrosis within the starch-bearing tissues, sometimes accompanied by pitting and distortion, that is visible externally. The foliar symptoms of the disease often do not greatly affect plant growth, although the most sensitive cultivars may be stunted and defoliated. The main impact of the disease on the crop is by causing root necrosis. Field experiments were conducted at two sites in Tanzania to determine the effect of the disease on yield and quality of the roots. Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) decreased root weight and patches of root necrosis made roots unmarketable, although the unaffected parts might still have been suitable for home consumption. The disease therefore has two effects, one on total root yield and one on root quality, which affects marketability. The field trials showed that CBSD can decrease root weight in the most sensitive cultivars by up to 70%. The length of time between the appearance of foliar symptoms and the development of root necrosis is a varietal characteristic. In the most susceptible cultivars, root necrosis may appear within 6 months of planting cuttings derived from symptomatic mother plants. A local cultivar known as cv. Nachinyaya exhibited a form of tolerance to CBSD in which foliar symptoms appeared but the development of root necrosis was delayed allowing the full yield potential to be realized.
Quantification of the success of phylogenetic inference in simulations

For phylogenetic simulation studies, the accuracy of topological reconstruction obtained from different data matrices or different methods of phylogenetic inference generally needs to be quantified. Two components of performance within this context are: (1) how the inferred tree topology matches or conflicts with the correct tree topology, and (2) the branch support assigned to both correctly and incorrectly resolved clades. We present a method (averaged overall success of resolution) that incorporates both of these components. Branch support is incorporated in the averaged overall success of resolution by linearly scaling the observed support relative to that conferred by uncontradicted synapomorphies. We believe that this method represents an improvement relative to the commonly used approaches of quantifying the percentage of clades that are correctly resolved in the inferred trees or presenting the Robinson–Foulds distance between the inferred trees and the correct tree. In contrast to Bremer support, the averaged overall success of resolution may be applied equally well to distance, likelihood and parsimony analyses.
Abundance patterns of subtidal benthic invertebrates and fishes at the Kermadec Islands

Vertical distributions of benthic fauna and fish are described for a number of sites at the subtropical Kermadec Islands (30" S, 178" W). Six sites throughout the entire group were quantitatively sampled; samples consisted of timed counts (tor benthic and pelagic fish) or quadrat counts (for mobile benthic invertebrates) at various water depths Ten species of mobile benthic invertebrates were identified in quadrats. The endemic limpet Patella kermadecensis was confined to shallow water at all sites. The echinoid Heljocidaris tuberculata was also abundant in depths less than 9 m, while Centrostephanus rodgersii was most abundant at greater depths Twelve species of fish were identified in pelagic counts. There was some depth stratification in the ab'undances of pelagic fish: Labracoglossa nitida, Bathystethus cultratus, and Kyphosus bjgjbbus were all more abundant in counts shallower than 10 m, while Chromis dispilus was more abundant at greater depths. Thirty-four species of fish were identified in benthic counts. Most showed no consistent depth-related trends, but Aplodactylus etheridgii and Stegastes fasciolatus were more abundant in shallow water, while Chrysiptera rapanui was most abundant in the deep stratum. Our data support previously described patterns of vertical distribution of the marine fauna at the Kermadec Islands, and suggest that the abundances of herbivores are insufficient to account for the lack of macroalgae. Further, we suggest that more detailed studies in subtropical regions may provide a better understanding of the fundamental differences between temperate and tropical reefs.
THE POSSIBLE OCCURRENCE OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROORGANISMS IN DEEP‐SEA SEDIMENTS OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC 1, 2, 3

An assemblage of 12 diatom species and other photosynthetic microorganisms associated with red clay sediments collected from a depth of 6150 m in the North Atlantic was observed to bloom in Antarctic bottom water when exposed to sunlight at sea surface temperature. Although no growth could be detected over the first 3 days of the experiment, nitrate was nearly completely stripped from the water. The maximum growth rate of 4.7 doubling/day was reached between days 4 and 5. Most of the diatom species have been described as littoral or coastal forms, and it is suggested that these organisms are transported to depth by fecal material, turbidity currents, or a combination of the two.
Comparison of seasonal activity of the lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), and crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.), in small water bodies in northern Poland

Comparison of seasonal activity of the lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), and crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.), in small water bodies in northern Poland This paper presents preliminary results of a comparison of the seasonal activity of lake minnows, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), and crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.), in a few small water bodies. Field studies were conducted based on catches made with baited traps in periods without ice cover from April to December 2006. E. percnurus became active earlier than did C. carassius and their period of intense activity was longer. The first E. percnurus appeared in the traps in early April when the ice was still melting, and these fish were caught at a temperature range of 3.5-29.2°C. C. carassius were caught most abundantly in the beginning of May at temperatures from 15°C; this species was usually noted in traps at a narrower, but higher, temperature range in comparison with the E. percnurus. Additionally, the activity of both these species was similar with regard to weather conditions; both species were less active on cloudy days and when atmospheric pressure was increasing. Porównanie sezonowej aktywności strzebli błotnej, Eupallasella percnurus i karasia Carassius carassius, w małych zbiornikach wodnych w północnej Polsce Sezonową aktywność strzebli błotnej Eupallasella percnurus i karasia Carassius carassius badano w kilku niewielkich naturalnych zbiornikach wodnych na Pojezierzu Kaszubskim. Badania prowadzono od początku kwietnia do końca grudnia 2006 r. za pomocą pułapek zaopatrzonych w przynętę. Jako miarę aktywności ryb przyjęto liczbę złowionych osobników. Osobniki strzebli błotnej pojawiały się w pułapkach już w kwietniu, w trakcie topnienia pokrywy lodowej. W większości zbiorników zasiedlonych przez ten gatunek pierwszy szczyt aktywności pojawiał się w maju, przed tarłem. W niektórych zbiornikach kolejny wzrost liczby poławianych osobników strzebli błotnej następował w miesiącach letnich, przy czym we wszystkich zbiornikach wodnych wyraźny spadek połowów następował po osiągnięciu maksimum termicznego. Karaś pojawiał się głównie od maja, gdy temperatura wody przekraczała 15°C, a w większości zbiorników najwięcej osobników tego gatunku poławiano w miesiącach letnich. Generalnie okres intensywnej aktywności karasia był krótszy niż strzebli błotnej. Ponadto karaś pojawiał się w wyższych temperaturach. Oba gatunki były mniej aktywne w dni pochmurne oraz przy wzroście ciśnienia atmosferycznego.
Potential Application of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent a heterogeneous group of microorganisms that are naturally present in many foods and possess a wide range of therapeutic properties. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the current expanding knowledge of the mechanisms by which LAB and other probiotic microorganisms participate in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. These include changes in the gut microbiota, stimulation of the host immune responses, and reduction of the oxidative stress due to their antioxidant properties. A brief overview of the uses of genetically engineered LAB that produce either antioxidant enzymes (such as catalase and superoxide dismutase) or anti-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-10) will also be discussed. This paper will show that probiotics should be considered in treatment protocols of IBD since they provide many beneficial effects and can enhance the effectiveness of traditional used medicines.
FEEDING ECOLOGY OF PISCIVOROUS BIRDS AT LAKE ST LUCIA, PART 3: SWIMMING BIRDS

Summary Whitfield, A. K. & Blaber, S. J. M. 1978. Feeding ecology of piscivorous birds at Lake St Lucia, Part 3: Swimming birds. Ostrich 50:10-20. The diets, foraging periodicities and feeding behaviour of the Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus, Whitebreasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus were studied at Lake St Lucia, Natal, South Africa, during 1975 and 1976. The Reed Cormorant fishes in shallow water within 100 m of the shore and mainly caught Sarotherodon mossambicus and Solea bleekeri, while the Whitebreasted Cormorant caught Mugilidae, Rhabdosargus sarba and Thryssa vitrirostris in deeper water. The diet of the White Pelican followed three distinct phases: a pre-incubation phase when the birds followed and preyed heavily on migrating Mugil cephalus shoals; an incubation and post-incubation phase when the adults flew a round trip of 200 km to the north to obtain freshwater fish, mainly cichlids, from the Pongolo pans where fishes were concentrated and densi.
Abscisic acid activates acid invertases in developing grape berry

Acid invertases play a key role in sugar metabolism, and the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) enhances sugar accumulation in crop sink organs, but information about the relationship between ABA and acid invertases has been limited. The present experiments were done with both in vivo pre-incubation of the grape (Vitis vinifera x V. labrusca L.) berry tissues in ABA-containing medium and in vivo infiltration of ABA into the intact berries. The results show that ABA activates both the soluble and cell wall-bound acid invertases during fruit development by enhancing their activities and amounts as assessed by immunoblotting or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This activation was pH, time course and ABA dose dependent. The serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitors K252a, staurosporine and H7 and acid phosphatase increased the activation of ABA-induced acid invertase, but the tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor quercetin strongly suppressed the ABA-induced effects, suggesting that a complex reversible protein phosphorylation is involved in the ABA-induced activation of acid invertases. The effects of the protein kinase inhibitors were dependent on the in vivo state of the tissues but independent of the expression of acid invertases. Two ABA analogues, (-)-ABA and trans-ABA, had no effect on acid invertases, showing that the ABA-induced activation of acid invertases is specific to the physiologically active form of ABA. These data suggest that ABA may be involved in fruit development by activating acid invertases.
Estimation of Body Weight From Linear Body Measurements In Two Commercial Meat-Type Chicken

The prediction of body weight from body girth, keel length and thigh length was studied using one hundred Ross and one hundred Anak Titan broilers. Data were collected on the birds from day-old to 9 weeks of age. Body measurement was regressed against body weight at 9 weeks of age using simple linear and non-linear (exponential and double-log) regression analyses. The relationship between body weight and body measurements were highly significant (P Keywords : Body weight, body measurement, regression function, commercial broilers. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 57-59
Fine structure of the extracellular sheath and cell walls in Ophiostoma novo-ulmi growing on various substrates

The presence of microfilamentous-like structures of tubular appearance (MFS) in cell walls and extracellular sheath material (ES) in a number of isolates of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier grown on various substrates and following various treatments is reported. Standard fixation or high-pressure freezing methods were used, and cytochemical tests were carried out to detect fungal and host wall components and, in some cases, fungal DNA. In some cases, serial 0.2-μm-thick sections were examined at 120 kV and tilted to obtain stereoscopic images. Whether the fungal cell walls were thick and composed of an outer opaque and inner more electron-lucent layers, or thin and barely perceptible, MFS were observed to extend from the cell cytoplasm as parallel structures across the walls into the surrounding medium, including host cell components in infected elm tissues. MFS were associated (in samples from inoculated trees) with cleavage and desquamation of fungal walls. ES and MFS did not label for cellulose or chitin,.
Effects of potentially inhibiting substances on C and net N mineralization of a sandy soil—a case study

Recently, indirect evidence was obtained for inhibition of soil net N mineralization by sterols in soil organic matter, which could have been caused by their antioxidant or antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to test the effect of potential inhibitors (i.e., individual compounds with known antioxidant and/or antimicrobial properties) on soil microbial mineralization processes during incubation for 7 and 14 d. A sandy agricultural soil was amended with four substances: two phenolic acids differing in their antioxidant capacity (AOC) (acetovanillone with no AOC, ferulic acid with large AOC), Trolox, an analogue of vitamin E (large AOC), and β-sitosterol (no AOC, but potential antimicrobial properties). The two compounds with large AOC (ferulic acid and Trolox) showed no significant inhibition of C and net N mineralization; and the Trolox amendment actually caused a significant increase in C and net N mineralization after 7 d of incubation. Acetovanillone with no measurable AOC caused a significant increase in C mineralization (109% of substance C added), indicating degradation of the substance, and a very pronounced negative net N mineralization within 7 d (–356%), which was interpreted as N immobilization. Only β-sitosterol showed strong inhibition of net N mineralization after 7 and 14 d (–59% and –26%, respectively) which was not interpreted as N immobilization, since there was no concomitant increase in C mineralization. Thus, an antimicrobial effect of β-sitosterol specificly on microorganisms of the N cycle was suggested, but there was no clear inhibitory effect caused by the antioxidant compounds.
The influence of roughage source, grain feeding, biuret supplementation and lot-feeding on the performance of yearling steers

Yearling cattle grazed for 100 days on dry summer pasture, oaten stubble, or standing oaten hay and provided with a supplement of rolled grains and minerals, followed by a 50-day period in a feedlot on an ad libitum ration of rolled mixed grains and minerals, consumed equal quantities of grain (620 to 670 kg) and gained equal amounts of liveweight (112 ± 8 kg) to similar cattle fattened in a feedlot for 100 days, on diets of mixed grain, hay and mineral supplements. Overall, the provision of a non-protein nitrogen supplement, biuret, did not increase liveweight gains significantly, although there was a tendency for greater liveweight gains of animals grazing forage and receiving this supplement.
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN THE PREY OF THE BLACK EAGLE IN THE CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Summary Boshoff, A.F. , Palmer, N.G. , Avery, G. , Davies, R.A. G. & Jarvis, M.J.F. 1991. Biogeoraphical and toporaphical variation in the prey of the Black Eagle in the Cape Province, South Africa. Ostrich 62: 58–72. Prey remains collected at or near Black Eagle Aquilu verreauxii nest sites in the Cape Province, South Africa, were analysed according to frequency of occurrence of prey scies in the samples. A total of 5748 prey individuals, collected from 73 sites, was analysed according to tree biome groups and four nest site types. The Rock Hyrax Procuvia capensis is the dominant prey species, but the eagles' diet sctrum vanestypes. The according to its availability. Indices of species richness and diversity of the prey are inverser correlated with the proportion of the prey contributed by P. capenis, which in turn is determined by topography and vegetation. Biome has a greater influence on the indices than has nest site type. The age structure of the P. capensis prey remains closely reflects the juvenile: s.
Seasonal distribution of some Cyclops in a coastal river from southwestern Nigeria.

During an investigation into the seasonal distribution of cyclops from Warri river in Southwestern Nigeria, 9 species were identified namely: Thermocyclops neglectus, Halicyclops troglodytes, Microcyclops varicans, Eucyclops, Macrocyclops districtus and Oithona nana. The cyclops were found to be more abundant in the rainy season months of June to September, 1984. The occurrence of particularly Thermocyclops and Mesocyclops species which are known to be vectors of the guinea worm parasite is a key factor to watch in the current guinea worm eradication and vector control programmes in Nigeria. Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 15, April 2000, pp. 31-34 KEY WORDS: Cyclops, coastal river, guinea worm.
Insulin analogues: Action profiles beyond glycaemic control

Abstract A variety of studies have documented significant improvements in the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes after the introduction of artificial insulins. This review gives an overview of insulin analogues which are currently approved for therapeutical use. Clinical data regarding the efficiency to control blood glucose level as well as improving HbA1c level in comparison to conventional insulin preparations in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients are summarized. Furthermore, special features of insulin analogues regarding their signalling properties are discussed with focus on the proliferative effects of insulin glargine as well as some recent data of insulin detemir.
Morphological and biochemical characterization of Armillaria isolates from Zimbabwe

Variations in cultural and biochemical characteristics have been used to group 20 Armillaria isolates collected from different hosts and regions in Zimbabwe. Morphological features, including colony type and rhizomorph characteristics in vitro, rhizomorph characteristics from inoculum buried in soil, and features of basidiocarps produced in vitro on wood, millet and oranges, divided the Zimbabwean isolates into three morphologically distinct groups, designated I, II and III. Biochemical attributes involving isozyme and protein patterns studied by electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing also indicated three groups which corresponded precisely with the three groups observed for morphological studies. Isozyme analyses of pectin lyase (PL), pectin methylesterase (PME), beta-1,3-glucanase, nonspecific esterases and putative suberinases were important in grouping the isolates. Pectin lyase and pectin methylesterase patterns gave the clearest and mostly easily interpreted results. Total protein patterns by SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also showed some group-specific bands. Cluster and principal component analyses of the data confirmed the separation of the Zimbabwean Armillaria isolates into three distinct groups.
Extraction and composition of pectins and hemicelluloses of cell walls of sugar beet roots grown in Morocco

Summary Cell-wall polysaccharides were isolated as alcohol-insoluble residues (AIR) from Moroccan sugar beet slices at two stages of the harvest season (early and late samples). Pectins and hemicelluloses were extracted by a sequential treatment with water, EDTA, hot dilute hydrochloric acid, cold dilute sodium hydroxide, cold 1 M and 4 M sodium hydroxide and finally water at pH 7. The highest extraction yields were obtained for the dilute acid and alkali treatments, which extracted pectins rich in arabinose. The extracts from the late sample were rich in glucose which, was not retained on DEAE Sepharose CL 6 B, and which may come from microbial growth on the fields after harvesting. Yields for hemicelluloses after extraction with 1 M NaOH were 12% and 13% of AIR, respectively, for early and late beet slices, and after extraction with 4 M NaOH 5% and 6%, respectively. The extracts were rich in arabinose, xylose and glucose, and contained fucose and mannose. Fractionation on DEAE Sepharose gave one major non-retained fraction rich in neutral sugars, corresponding to xyloglucans and a minor retained fraction corresponding to heteroxylans, and residual pectins. Washing with water at pH 7 extracted pectins rich in rhamnose and galactose.
Habitat preferences of granivorous passerine birds wintering on farmland in eastern Poland

Capsule Fallow land, manure heaps and stubble were the most important habitats for birds wintering in low-intensity farmland in eastern Poland. Aims To describe habitat types and to determine the preferences of granivorous passerines in open farmland in eastern Poland. Methods Small passerines were counted along ten 1-km-long transects in three seasons from 2003 to 2006 in open, strongly fragmented farmland in eastern Poland. Results Birds were recorded in eight habitat types of different significance for particular species. More than 50% of individuals and the highest number of species were recorded on stubble and fallow land. The glm model showed the influence of fallow areas and the presence of the other habitats on bird species numbers. The preference index was significantly higher for manure heaps than for other habitats. Conclusion The open agricultural landscape in eastern Poland provides attractive habitats for wintering granivorous birds, such as stubble and fallow land. These birds also use the manure heaps that are a feature of traditional, low-intensity farmland.