Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple mating in female mosquitoes—evidence from a field population of Anopheles freeborni (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract We determined how frequently multiple mating occurs in a field population of Anopheles freeborni Aitken. We used enzyme electrophoresis to analyse field collected females and their offspring, and determined the parity rates of females mating in swarms. The genotypes of progeny in one of the 36 families examined showed conclusive evidence of two sires. 4·3% (n═93) of females mating in swarms were parous, as opposed to 33·9% of host seeking females (n═103). We conclude that multiple mating in A. freeborni occurs at low frequency in the field, and may be ascribed to incomplete transfer of sperm or male accessory gland substance, rather than to routine renewal of receptivity by females.
Device for the standard measurement of shoot flammability in the field

Fire ecology has been hindered by the lack of comparable, affordable protocols to quantify the flammability of whole plants over large numbers of species. We describe a low-tech device that can be carried to the field and that allows highly standardized measurement of the flammability of whole individuals or portions up to 70 cm long. We illustrate its potential with results for 34 species belonging to different growth forms from central Argentina. The device consists of an 85 × 60 cm half-cut metallic barrel placed horizontally and mounted on a removable metallic structure. It contains three parallel burners, a grill with an attached gauging thermometer and a blowtorch. Burners and blowtorch are connected to a propane–butane gas cylinder. Plant samples are placed on the grill and preheated with the burners for 2 min at 150°C. They are then ignited for 10 s with the blowtorch while the burners are kept on. Four parameters are measured for each sample: maximum temperature reached, burning time, burnt length and burnt biomass percentage. These parameters are used to construct a compound index of flammability for each sample that ranges between 0 (no flammability) and around 3 (maximum flammability). We obtained a wide range of values for flammability and all its components. Most of this variability was accounted for by differences between growth forms and species, rather than by differences at the level of replicates. This suggests that the device and protocol are sensitive enough to detect flammability differences among plants with different functional traits, and at the same time robust enough to produce consistent results among samples with similar traits. A major advantage is that plant architecture is kept almost intact, providing a flammability measure much closer to that of whole individuals in the field than those obtained by other standard protocols in use. The device and protocol presented here should facilitate the acquisition of comparable flammability data over large numbers of species from different floras and ecosystems, potentially contributing to several fields of research, such as functional ecology, evolutionary ecology and vegetation-atmosphere modelling.
Some life-history parameters of the non-native amphipod Platorchestia platensis (Talitridae) in a warm temperate South African estuary

Density, population structure, growth, mortality and aspects of reproduction of the non-native amphipod Platorchestia platensis were studied for 20 consecutive months (October 2008 to May 2010) in the supralittoral wrack of the Knysna Estuary, South Africa. Amphipod density varied over the sampling period with the lowest numbers recorded in summer (January and February). Ovigerous females with embryos, and juveniles were found in most months with peaks in recruitment found in both April and October, suggesting that in Knysna this species is a biannual breeder. Average female size was significantly greater in winter, with larger females tending to brood more embryos. The largest adults (13.5 mm total length) were always male although the monthly sex ratio was nearly always female biased. Growth rate estimated from a cohort analysis was about 1 mm per month and monthly survival about 69%. The ability to reproduce all year round may be one reason why this introduced species has become established within this warm temperate estuary.
Effect of Dwarf and Naked Neck Gene on the Egg Production Performance in Tropics

Cocks and pullets from each of 4 genotypes; Redbro (RbRb), Naked neck (NaNa), Redbro dwarf (Rbdw) and Naked neck dwarf (Nadw) were crossed reciprocally for egg production trial. Egg quality (egg weight, egg diameter, egg length, shell thickness, membrane thickness, membrane weight, shell weight, % of shell, yolk color score, albumen diameter, albumen height, yolk diameter and yolk weight) were compared among 4 genotypes. Daily feed intakes, almost related to respected body size were reduced in Rbdw and Nadw hens by 7.41 and 19.89% than in normal sized RbRb hens. The feed conversion and hen day egg production were highest in Rbdw, intermediate in RbRb and Nadw and lowest in NaNa. Naked neck (Na) and dwarf genotypes had favorable effect on egg fertility and hatchability. Parents in both Na and dw inheritance had favorable shell thickness, shell membrane weight (%), albumen height and diameter, yolk height and diameter, albumen weight and albumen weight (%) and yolk weight, while NaNa had highest yolk weight (%). Both egg weight and chick weight percent were highest in RbRb x Rbdw genotypes, followed by RbRb, RbRb x Nadw, RbRb x NaNa, Rbdw x RbRb, Rbdw, Rbdw x Nadw, Rbdw x NaNa, Nadw x RbRb, Nadw x Rbdw, Nadw, Nadw x NaNa, NaNa x RbRb, NaNa x Rbdw, NaNa x Nadw and NaNa respectively. Chick weight as percent of egg weight irrespective of genotype was simply the functions of egg weight. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/pa.v18i2. 18167 Progress. Agric. 18(2): 115 - 121, 2007
Does foraging mode influence life history traits? A comparative study of growth, maturation and survival of two species of sympatric snakes from south-eastern Australia

Theory predicts that compared with active searchers, ambush foragers should have lower rates of energy intake, slower growth, and higher survival rates. We tested these predictions with data on two species of sympatric, saurophagous, small-bodied, viviparous elapid snakes: the broad-headed snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides, and the small-eyed snake, Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens. Demographic parameters and growth curves for both species were estimated from a long-term (9 years) mark-recapture study in Morton National Park, south-eastern Australia. The ambush predator (H. bungaroides) displayed slower juvenile growth and later maturation (5 years for males, 6 years for females) than did the active forager (R. nigrescens, 3 years). Litter sizes were similar in both species, but reproductive frequency was higher in R. nigrescens (90-100%) than in H. bungaroides (50%). Juvenile survival was lower in the active searcher (31%) than in the ambush forager (55%), but adult survivorship was similar (74% vs 82%). Our results support the hypothesis that ambush foragers display 'slow' life history traits, but additional phylogenetically independent comparisons are needed to evaluate the generality of this pattern.
Natural and released inoculum levels of entomopathogenic fungal biocontrol agents in soil in relation to risk assessment and in accordance with EU regulations

Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi being developed as biological control agents (BCAs) may have the potential to spread and become established in the environment. For registration purposes, the risks concerning their persistence have to be evaluated according to EU legislation which requires the decline of BCAs to acceptable background levels unless related risks are acceptable. In order to deal with this requirement, applicants of a BCA need to give information on its persistence and natural background levels. For risk assessors and registration authorities guidance on how to evaluate data on natural background levels of indigenously occurring species (=same species as the introduced BCA) is needed. For this purpose, an overview is presented on background levels of some indigenous fungi as well as persistence data of some applied fungal BCAs. Data were restricted to commerical species. It was found that for the species Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Beauveria brongniartii natural densities were relatively low and introduced strains of these fungi decreased gradually in time. Many factors were found in the literature, such as intrinsic, edaphic, biotic, climatic, and cultural factors, that could explain this decline.
Estimation of Combining Ability Effects for Plant Biomass, Grain Yield and Protein Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In order to examine the genetic mechanisms for controlling biomass, protein content and grain yield, eight parent lines of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Pak 81, LU 26S, Barani 83, Rawal 87, Rohtas 90, Chakwal 86, Inqilab 91 and 5039, were crossed in all possible combinations. Combining ability analysis of the data revealed that general combining ability effects were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for biomass, protein content and grain yield. The general combining ability (GCA) variances were greater than specific combining ability (SCA) variances for biomass per plant and protein content, which showed the predominance of non-additive gene effects. SCA variance was greater than GCA variance for grain yield per plant that showed the predominance of additive gene effects. Among the eight parents, LU 26S and Chakwal 86 appeared to be the best general combiners for all the characters studied. Due to the preponderance effects of additive genes, it seems that single plant selection in segregating generations would be effective for improving the traits.
New Klebsiella oxytoca β-Lactamase Genes blaOXY-3 and blaOXY-4 and a Third Genetic Group of K. oxytoca Based on blaOXY-3

ABSTRACT The two genetic groups (oxy-1 and oxy-2) previously identified in the Klebsiella oxytoca taxon are recognizable by four independent molecular markers: (i) ERIC-1R profiles, (ii) 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) signature sequences, (iii) singular nucleotides in a defined fragment of the rpoB gene, and (iv) the type of the strain's blaOXY gene (i.e., blaOXY-1 or blaOXY-2). K. oxytoca strains SG266 and SG271 could not be classified into these genetic groups based on their ERIC-1R profile and blaOXY gene sequence. With regard to the gene identity percentages between the blaOXY-1 and blaOXY-2 gene groups (86.8% ± 0.4%) and within a blaOXY gene group (>99%), it was concluded that the blaOXY gene of strain SG271 was representative of a new blaOXY gene group (blaOXY-3), since the mean identity percentages between it and the two blaOXY gene groups were 85.5% ± 0.2% and 84.4% ± 0.4%, respectively. Since the corresponding percentages were 95.0% ± 0.4% and 86.2% ± 0.3% for strain SG266, it was impossible to classify its blaOXY gene, which was therefore named blaOXY-4. The 16S rDNA signature sequences of the two strains could be determined only after cloning experiments. The SG266 clones displayed the same signature sequence as that of the genetic group oxy-1, whereas the SG271 clones displayed three different 16S rDNA signature sequences that also differed from those of the two genetic groups. Singular nucleotides were found within the rpoB sequence of the two strains, allowing for their distinction from the two genetic groups. All of these results, combined with those previously obtained by the ERIC-1R PCR method, indicate that strain SG271 is representative of a new K. oxytoca genetic group (oxy-3), whereas strain SG266 could not be classified.
Ultrastructure of Prorodon (Ciliophora, Prostomatida) I. Somatic Cortex and Some Implications Concerning Kinetid Evolution In Prostomatid and Colpodid Ciliates

ABSTRACT. This study describes the ultrastructure of the somatic cortex of Prorodon aklitolophon and Prorodon teres. the meridionally arranged somatic kineties of both species can be separated into two parts: a short anterior part, which consists of a few somatic dikinetids (in which both kinetosomes are ciliated), and a longer posterior consisting of monokinetids. the somatic monokinetids are associated with a convergent postciliary microtubular ribbon, a transverse microtubular ribbon flatly inserted in front of the kinetosome, a short and steeply extending kinetodesmal fibre attached to kinetosomal triplet 5 and 7, and a desmose anterior to triplet 3. From this desmose, two to five prekinetosomal microtubules originate and extend anteriorly. the posterior kinetosome of the somatic dikinetids is associated with the same microfibrillar and microtubular structures as the somatic monokinetid, except that no prekinetosomal microtubules originate from the desmose. the anterior kinetosome has a single postciliary microtubule and a tangentially oriented transverse microtubular ribbon. the permanent collecting canals of the unique contractile vacuole system extend parallel and adjacent to the somatic kinetics of Prorodon. the collecting canals are supported by the prekinetosomal microtubules. A similarly organized contractile vacuole system is not yet known from any other ciliate group. One of the most surprising results of this investigation was finding a significant similarity between the somatic dikinetid pattern of Prorodon and the colpodid dikinetid pattern. A hypothesis is presented to illustrate the evolution of the somatic kinetid patterns in colpodid and prostomatid ciliates.
EFFECTS OF STORAGE ON THE PROXIMATE, MINERAL COMPOSITION AND MYCOFLORA OF “TINCO” DRIED MEAT SOLD IN OSHODI MARKET, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

The effect of storage on proximate, mineral composition and mycoflora of “Tinco” dried meat were investigated during 18 weeks of storage. Eight fungi namely Rhizopus nigricans, Mucor sp. , Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium monoliforme, Absidia candidus, Aspergillus glaucus and Penicillium sp. were isolated using washing, serial dilution and direct plating methods. The result of the proximate (g/100g) showed that ash increased from 2.05±0.01 to 3.07±0.40, crude protein 69.98±0.15 74.56±0.80 and carbohydrate 4.08±0.05-4.48±0.15 while moisture content decreased from 17.50±0.10 to 11.88±0.05, fat 7.15±0.10-4.93±0.25 and fibre 1.28±0.01 1.09±. 0.02 The result of the mineral analysis (mg/100g) also revealed that the following parameters increased during storage Na 29.00±0.05 33.5±0.40, K 33.57±0.02 47.39±0.10 and Mg 28.00±0.05 30.42±0.04 while calcium decreased from 24.10±0.01 to 20.66±0.01, Zinc 3.01±0.01 0.71±0.02 and Iron 5.88±0.02 2.50±0.02. However, copper, lead, manganese and mercury were not detected in the sample. In this study, Penicillium sp. was the most predominant contaminant in this area. Therefore, proper hygiene practices should be observed during handling and marketing.
Interactions between Pseudomonas fluorescens biocontrol agents and Glomus mosseae, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, within the rhizosphere

Interactions between Pseudomonas fluorescens biocontrol agents and Glomus mosseae, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, were studied. The biocontrol agents included the genetically modified strains CHA96 and CHA0 pME3424 which produced enhanced levels of antifungal compounds. Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and leek (Allium porrum) host plants were grown in sterile Terra-Green (calcined attapulgite clay) with limited nutrients. Mycorrhizal activity was indicated by shoot dry weight and phosphorus content. In all experiments, plants grown in the presence of G. mosseae had a significantly higher shoot dry weight than those grown in the absence of G. mosseae. Colonisation and activity of G. mosseae was unaltered in the presence of P. fluorescens isolates and presence of G. mosseae increased the population of P. fluorescens in the rhizosphere.
Effect of Progersterone Dose and Intravaginal Sponge Diameter on Reproductive Performance of Induced-Estrous Local Ewes in West Java

The use of estrous induction technique is able to synchronize estrous of each ewe in order to increase the reproductive efficiency of livestock. However, the success rate of this technique is very dependent on the progesterone dose and its absorbance in the body. Therefore, this study was aimed to figure out reproductive performance of local sheep induced by the combination of progesterone doses and vaginal sponge diameters. 48 local ewes were used in this study and were grouped into 12 treatment groups. The treatments consist of the combination of progesterone doses (20, 30, and 40 mg) with vaginal sponge diameters (1, 2, 3, and 4 cm). The method used a randomized block design and the measured variables were: estrous response, pregnancy rate, litter size, and birth weight. The result showed that the highest estrous responses of the ewes were from the combination of sponge diameter 4 cm in all variation of progesterone doses. Meanwhile, the best pregnancy rate was found in the group of 20 and 30 mg progesterone dose in the diameter of 2 cm. However, this study did not find any difference among groups for litter size and birth weight. In conclusion, estrous induction using progesterone is effectively to synchronize estrous phase and pregnancy period of ewes, although it does not effect on litter size and birth weight of lamb Keywords : Local ewes, Estrous Synchronization, Progesterone, Sponge diameter
Ethnobotany of some selected tree species in Southwest Cameroon

An ethnobotanical investigation was carried out in 12 villages in Manyu and Fako Divisions, South-western Cameroon to determine economic potentials and priorities of eight non-timber forest products (NTFPs) tree species and three tree crops. Gross farmer income in Manyu was found to be 30% from NTFPs and 70% from established tree crops, while in Fako it was 15% and 85% respectively. The yield of tree crops (160-1047 kg/farmer/year) was higher than NTFPs (0.3-273kg/farmer/year). Some 21 diseases were treated using 10 tree species. Farmers assigned highest priority for NTFPs to Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Baill. , Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel, Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J.Lam, Irvingia wombolu Vermoesen, Cola lepidota K. Schum. and Garcinia kola Heckel for their cultural and medicinal values implying potential need for their conservation.
Behaviourism.

It has been stressed that there can be a high failuie rate when attempts are made to obtain healing in compound tibial fractures with free grafts or flaps once infection and sequestration have become established: a failure rate of 34 6°o in 52 patients.1 However, at the same time it was found that of the 11 patients who had received primary or delayed primary full-thickness skin cover, healing was obtained in all. It was therefore advised at that time that primary flat cover (cross-leg or transposition flap) should be provided more often in such circumstances. Others2 $ have advised against the use of an immediate cross-leg flap as failure would result in the loss of a valuable flap site. However, not only is the abdominal tube pedicle available for later reconstruction if necessary but free flap transfer is now a practical alternative to conventional flap cover, so that the failure of a cross-leg flap would not now be as serious as formerly. (Indeed, the first reported successful transfer of a free groin flap4 was in a patient with compound lower limb trauma.) Once non-union and infection are established attempts at flap cover and bone grafting (with or without internal fixation) may prove difficult and likely to involve a protracted series of hospital admissions. Patients with established sepsis, sequestration, and nonunion after compound tibial fracture are all too common. Thus providing primary cover at the fracture site, likely as it is to give swifter healing in a proportion of patients, should be considered at the time of initial assessment so that liaison between the two specialties concerned may occur in the acute as well as the later stage of management.
Influence of crop phenology on population dynamics of aphid, Uroleucon compositae Theobald and its predators.

Field experiment was conducted during 2001-02 rabi to study the influence of crop phenology and meteorological factors on the incidence of aphid (Uroleucon compositae Theobald) on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L). The aphid appeared in the safflower field in 51 standard week during 2007, i.e., December 3 week when the crop was seven weeks old. Later the population gradually increased up to 2 standard week of 2002 and reached the peak (118.4 aphids/ 5cm apical twig in 3 standard week. The mean maximum temperature of 28-30°C and minimum temperature of 13-16°C and relative humidity of 83.4% were found most conducive for aphid multiplication. The peak aphid population was observed at 83.4 per cent relative humidity. Lower relative humidity of 74.2 per cent and increase in temperature during first week of February set in a decline in aphid population. The predators C. septempunctata, M. sexmaculatus and C. carnea were found to appear one week after the appearance of U. compositae on safflower. The predators population peaked during third week of January when aphids were also maximum in number. Mean maximum temperature coupled with relative humidity had significant negative correlation (r=-0.63) on aphid population. But coccinellids and chrysopids had highly significant and positive correlation (r=0.97 and r = 0.96, respectively) with the aphids. The partial regression equations showed a highly significant negative impact of mean minimum temperature and positive relation of coccinellids and chrysopids with aphids.
Reliability of the rapd technique for germplasm analysis of sesame(sesamum indicum L.) from Venezuela

La tecnica de ADN polimorfico amplificado al azar (RAPD) fue utilizada en dos cultivares comerciales (Fonucla y UCLA-1) y 7 lineas (UCLA-249; UCLA-295; UCLA-37-1; UCLA-65; UCLA-83; UCLA-90; UCV-2) de ajonjoli (Sesamum indicum L) obtenidas por el programa de mejoramiento genetico de la Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Venezuela. Noventa y cuatro bandas polimorficas derivadas del uso de 12 deca-iniciadores indicaron un alto nivel de variabilidad. Tres de los iniciadores discriminaron 8 de los 9 materiales y, en combinacion, pudieron resolverlos a todos. La probabilidad de que ocurrieran coincidencias identicas fue de 5,22×10-29. El contenido de informacion de polimorfismo (CIP), el poder de resolucion (PR) y el indice del marcador (IM) de cada iniciador no se correlacionaron de manera significativa con el numero de genotipos resueltos. El coeficiente de similitud de Jaccard vario de 0,04 a 0,53. El agrupamiento realizado mediante UPGMA resulto en dos grupos principales relacionandose estrechamente con los grupos observados mediante el analisis de coordenadas principales (CP). Estos resultados demuestran que la tecnica de RAPD es una herramienta util para la identificacion inequivoca de genotipos de ajonjoli y para evaluar la variabilidad de materiales geneticos usados en programas de mejoramiento genetico.