Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE DIET OF THE MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD DURING CHICK REARING

Abstract We describe the diet of the Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens at Isla Isabel off the Pacific coast of Mexico based on 158 regurgitates (555 prey items) from males, females, chicks, and juveniles. The diet included 50 species of fishes (21 identified to genus only), 1 species of squid, and 2 species of crustaceans. Diplectum pacificum and Anchoa lucida were the most frequent species of fish in the frigatebird's diet. No differences in prey composition or prey size were found between males and females, but females disgorged 62% more food. This difference mirrors the bigger size (15% larger than males) and larger contribution of females to chick feeding. Flying juveniles consumed prey in different proportions than the adults and disgorged marginally more food. Juveniles may obtain food in different patches than adults and complement this source with maternal feedings, or they may be more likely to regurgitate. Diet composition of males, females, and flying juveniles changed during the 4-month period of this study, but the mass of regurgitates did not change as the breeding season progressed, suggesting that availability of prey species changes over time. Most of the diet of this population probably comes from opportunistic feeding on fisheries, because the variety of fishes disgorged is remarkably similar to the published list of fishes discarded by prawn-fishing boats in the area. If our assumption is true, kleptoparasitism and direct fishing are only marginally represented in the diet of this population.
The effects of ichthyophthiriasis on some haematological parameters in common carp.

The present study examined the haematological effects of ichthyophthiriasis in common carp. Blood was collected from 4 groups of juvenile carp: 1. healthy; 2. with minor symptoms of ichthyophthiriasis; 3. with severe symptoms of ichthyophthiriasis (moribund); survivors of ichthyophthiriasis after a 3-week recovery period. Blood was subjected to a standard haematological procedure and the following parameters were evaluated: haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The differential leukocyte count and thrombocyte count were calculated using stained blood smears. No change in Ht or Hb, but a significant decrease in RBC compensated by an increase in MCV and MCH were observed. Fish with minor symptoms of disease had a significant increase in WBC (167.4 × 103/mL) without an alteration in the differential count, as compared to the controls (93.3 × 103/mL), while those with severe symptoms had a significant decrease in WBC (48.4 × 103/mL) accompanied by lymphopenia, and an increase in neutrophil and monocyte contribution. After 3 weeks of recovery WBC returned to a level similar to that in the controls (89.5 × 103/mL). In all the parasite-infested fish metabolic activity of phagocytes was significantly reduced, as compared to the controls. In the fish with severe symptoms of disease thrombocytosis and hypercoagulability were observed.
Notes on Rhinolophus Lacépède, 1799 from Sulawesi, Indonesia, with the description of a new species (Mammalia, Microchiroptera)

Known Sulawesian Rhinolophus belong to three species: R. philippinensis Waterhouse, 1843, R. celebensis Andersen, 1905, and R. tatar n. sp. , described in this paper. Sulawesian records of R. euryotis Temminck, 1835, by Tate & Archbold (1939) are based on misidentifications.
Role of the Teleost Escape Response during Development

Abstract Predation accounts for substantial mortality during the early development of many fishes. Numerous mechanisms have evolved to avoid predatory attacks. One of these is the C-type fast-start of adult fish responding to an abrupt and unexpected stimulus. This is a short-latency response in which the fish accelerates rapidly away from its position at the time of the attack. In the zebra danio Danio [Brachydanio] rerio, this is one of the earliest behavior patterns to appear during development. It can be readily elicited in embryos as early as 44 h after fertilization, 2 d before normal hatching begins. The behavior pattern is triggered by cells of the reticulospinal system located in the hindbrain. Attacks to the anterior region activate one of a pair of these cells, the Mauthner neurons, whereas attacks to the tail stimulate either a Mauthner neuron or other cells that trigger similar response patterns. In teleosts the early appearance of the reticulospinal escape system emphasizes the probable impo.
Endocrine Active UV Filters : Developmental Toxicity and Exposure Through Breast Milk

Several UV filters exhibit endocrine activity. Evidence for transdermal passage and presence in the food chain (fish) suggests potential exposure of humans during development. Developmental toxicity was studied in rats for the estrogenic UV filters 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC, 0.7, 7, 24, 47 mg/kg/day) and 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC, 0.07, 0.24, 0.7, 2.4, 7 mg/kg/day) administered in chow to the parent generation before mating, during pregnancy and lactation, and to the offspring until adulthood. Neonates exhibited enhanced prostate growth after 4-MBC and altered uterine gene expression after both filters. 4-MBC and 3-BC delayed male puberty and affected reproductive organ weights of adult offspring. Interactions with the thyroid were noted. Expression and estrogen sensitivity of target genes and nuclear receptor coregulators were altered at mRNA and protein levels in adult uterus, prostate and brain. Female sexual behavior was affected by 4-MBC and 3-BC, estrous cycles by 3-BC. Classical endpoints exhibited LOAELs/NOAELs of 7/0.7 mg/kg/day for 4-MBC and 0.24/0.07 mg/kg/day for 3-BC. Molecular endpoints were affected by the lowest doses. In order to obtain information on human exposure, we conducted a monitoring study on human milk with three series of mother-child pairs (2004, 2005, 2006), with focus on cosmetic UV filters in relation to other endocrine disrupters. Methods for UV filter analysis followed the principles of European standardized methods for pesticide residue analysis (EN 15289). In cohorts 2004 and 2005, 78.8% of women reported use of product(s) containing cosmetic UV filters in a questionnaire, and 76.5% of milk samples contained these filters. Use of UV filters and concentration in human milk were significantly correlated. The results agree with the idea of transdermal passage of UV filters. They also indicate that it may be possible to reduce human exposure during critical periods such as pregnancy and lactation by transiently abstaining from use.
Antioxidant Properties of Peptide from Cowpea Seed

The amino acids, hydrophobicity, preparation technology, and antioxidant activity of peptide from cowpea seed isolated protein were investigated. The ratio of essential amino acid to total amino acid of cowpea seed and cowpea seed isolated protein were 35.60 and 36.27%, respectively, and the essential amino acid to non-essential amino acid were 55.27 and 56.96%, respectively. The mole ratio of hydrophobic amino acids and branched chain amino acids in cowpea seed isolated protein were 38.10 and 31.75%. The hydrophobicity value of cowpea seed isolated protein was 5.01 KJ/ mol. The optimum hydrolyzing parameters obtained from orthogonal experiment (L9(3)4) were as follows: hydrolyzing temperature, 50°C; cowpea seed isolated protein concentration, 5%; pH, 9.0; and hydrolyzing time, 2 h. Under optimized conditions, the degree of hydrolysis was 26.85%. Available data obtained with in vitro models exhibited that peptides had significant inhibitory effects on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical with half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of (6.38 ± 0.15) mg/mL and 2.03 mg/mL, respectively, suggesting that cowpea seed peptide possessed higher antioxidative activity and could be used as a potential functional food ingredient.
Water pathways in wheat leaves. I: The division of fluxes between different vein types

This study concerns the pathway of water movement through the vascular system of the wheat leaf blades. These water pathways were followed using three kinds of markers dissolved in the transpiration stream by which the patterns of water reticulation were made visible. There was a partitioning of the total water flux between the veins of the different types. The lateral veins dominate the conduction of water along the leaf from the base, and also distribute water to the mesophyll in their immediate vicinity. The intermediate veins receive water from the lateral veins in the transverse direction, via the transverse veins. The intermediate veins are primarily involved in the distribution of water to the mesophyll in their vicinity. Since there are more intermediate veins than lateral veins across the leaf blade they are the more important distributors of water to the mesophyll. The transverse veins are the pathway by which water is moved transversely from the lateral veins to the intermediate veins. Water can also be conducted in both directions, or in either direction, from its point of entry into an intermediate vein from a transverse vein. This versatility enables the network of transverse and intermediate veins to act as alternative pathways for longitudinal water conduction in the event of damage to a lateral vein.
Levantamento de Attini (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) em povoamento de Eucalyptus na região de Paraopeba, Minas Gerais, Brasil

This Work was conducted in Eucalyptus stands at the Itapoa farm of the Mannesmann Fi-El Florestal Ltda. in Paraopeba, MG. The species of fungus growing-ants and leaf-cutting ants found in regrowth areas and in harvesting phase plantings were: Acromyrmex balzani Emery, 1890; Acromyrmex laticeps nigrosetosus Forel 1908; Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel, 1893; Atta laevigala (F. Smith, 1858); Alta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908; Mycocepurus goeldii Forel, 1893; Sericomyrmex sp. ; Trachymyrmex fuscus Emery, 1894 and three morphospecies of Trachymyrmex Forel, 1893. Taxa belonging to the genus Atta Fabricius, 1804 represented 39.14 and 41.22% of the total number of nests found in the regrowth area and in the harvesting phase plantings, respectively. For Acromyrmex Mayr, 1865 these values were 14.34 and 13.16%; for Trachymyrmex, 40.59 and 30.89%; for Mycocepurus Forel, 1893, 5.34 and 12.50% and Sericomyrmex Mayr, 1865, 0.59 and 2.23% in the regrowth area and in the harvesting phase plantations, respectively.
Comparative analysis of the genetic composition of canopy and Juvenile sugar mapie individuals (Acersaccharum) in an old-growth forest in southern Quebec as related to anthropogenic disturbance

The unexpected discovery of a relatively undisturbed presettlement forest in southern Quebec, the Muir Forest, allowed us to investigate the potential reproductive effects of recent man-made air pollution upon the genetic structure and variability of sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) at this site. The genetic structure of the canopy subpopulation consisting of 62 trees over 140 years of age was compared with that of three understory subpopulations of 90 juvenile individuals, 6 to 15 years old. The genetic structure and variability were analyzed using cellulose acetate electrophoresis of 14 enzyme systems. The analysis of 20 loci showed an average polymorphism of 60.1%, a mean of 1.83 alleles per locus, a mean of 1.17 effective alleles, and observed and expected levels of heterozygosity of 0.136 and 0.148, respectively. There were no significant differences among the canopy and the three juvenile subpopulations for these five genetic parameters. Estimated Fis and Fit (Wright's fixation indices) values ind.
Assessment of summer drought tolerance variability in Mediterranean alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars under Moroccan fields conditions

This study was undertaken to assess levels of tolerance to summer drought in Medicago sativa genotypes and to comment on their abilities to adapt to Moroccan conditions. Sixteen alfalfa cultivars originating from the Mediterranean basin were tested at an experimental station in Morocco, located in the semi-arid bioclimatic area. Trials were conducted over three years and consisted of one continuously irrigated treatment and another irrigated treatment in which summer watering was withheld for 9 weeks. Results showed that summer water stress significantly reduced aboveground biomass in all of the cultivars tested. This reduction ranged between 23.9 and 42.6% compared with fully irrigated treatment. At the end of stress period, mean summer leaf senescence rate was 83.3%, with a significant difference between cultivars. Ground cover, estimated at the end of summer in the third year, decreased dramatically and ranged between 12 and 30.7%, depending on the cultivar. High intrinsic water-use efficiency was associated with a decrease in stomatal conductance rather than an increase in photosynthesis.
Water relations of an encroaching vine and two dominant C4 grasses in the serpentine barrens of southeastern Pennsylvania1

Abstract Globally rare serpentine barren ecosystems support unique communities, but in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, these systems are threatened by forest encroachment in the absence of disturbance. Serpentine barrens are commonly high-stress environments with low water and nutrient availability, as well as high heavy metal content. Forest encroachment into barrens is often preceded by prolific growth of the vine, Smilax rotundifolia L. To better understand how S. rotundifolia is able to colonize these inhospitable environments, the water relations of this species were examined along a gradient from serpentine barren to encroaching forest. These data were compared to the water relations of dominant C4 grasses in the barrens. Diurnal measurements of stomatal conductance and leaf water potential were made in June, July, and August 2012 at three study sites in southeastern Pennsylvania. Predawn water potential was often highest for S. rotundifolia growing in serpentine barrens, indicating higher soil moisture availability in these areas relative to the encroaching forest. However, no evidence of water stress in diurnal measurements of stomatal conductance or water potential was detected for S. rotundifolia along the barren to forest gradient. Similarly, neither of the C4 grasses exhibited signs of water stress, and both grasses maintained high stomatal conductance in the afternoon, relative to S. rotundifolia. The C4 grasses are likely to have a competitive advantage over S. rotundifolia, in terms of their ability to maximize carbon gain over the course of a day and growing season, but these species are liable to suffer if they become overtopped by S. rotundifolia. Smilax rotundifolia was not limited by water availability during the 2012 growing season, calling into question the common assertion that serpentine barrens impose plant moisture stress. Given its height advantage, S. rotundifolia is likely to effectively compete with serpentine barren vegetation in the absence of disturbance or active management.
The effect of ration level on the growth and survival of sub-adult tench (Tinca tinca L. 1758) in a recirculating water system

Although tench (Tinca tinca Linnaeus 1758) has been cultured traditionally in Eurasia, Central and Southern Europe mostly by low intensity methods, investigations of the optimum intensive culture conditions for the species have recently been initiated. This work was aimed to investigate the effect of food ration level on growth and survival of sub-adult tench, under intensive culture conditions. One hundred and twenty individuals (24.55 g ± 3.28) were fed for 102 days at three feeding levels: 0.5%, 1%, 2% b.w. d−1. Higher body weights (b.w.) have been achieved with the 2% ration level in all experimental phases. However, by the end of the experiment (up to the b.w. of 34 g), fish fed with the ration level of 1% b.w. d−1 resulted in better indices (FCR, SGR, % weight gain). These findings conform to the ones previously observed for tench juveniles and indicate that the 1% b.w. d−1 ration level (below satiation) could be advantageous for tench sub-adults as well.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori detection and an increased risk of infection in childhood

The risk of developing gastric cancer is believed to be related to differences among Helicobacter pylori strains and the inflammatory responses mediated by host genetic factors. H. pylori infection is acquired at an early age and in the absence of appropriate antibiotic therapy, it generally persists for life. Tp53 gene regulates the transcription of several cytokines and chemokines involved in innate immunity and its action may be influenced by the presence of different H. pylori strains. The present study aimed to detect H. pylori in pediatric patients, to access Tp53 polymorphism at codon 72 and to correlate such findings with age and histopathological results. Three hundred and forty-two patients were analyzed. DNA from their gastric biopsies was extracted and the detection of H. pylori was performed through polymerase chain reaction assays, urease test and histopathologic examination. Allelic discrimination of SNP rs1042522 (Tp53) was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results suggest a possible relationship between the presence of H. pylori and chronic gastritis in children and young patients, and showed a significant association between ageing and positivity for H. pylori. It was verified that patients aged 10 years. Finally, no association was found between Tp53 polymorphisms and the presence of H. pylori.
Individuality of ruminal methanogen/protozoa populations in beef cattle fed diets containing dried distillers' grain with solubles

Abstract This study investigated the variability of ruminal methanogen/protozoa among beef heifers (n = 4) fed corn- or wheat-dried distillers' grain with solubles (DDGS). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative real-time PCR were used to investigate variation in ruminal methanogenic communities, while protozoal communities were analyzed using light microscopy. Observed methanogen profiles were not affected by DDGS source, but were distinctive within individuals (Global R=0.87, P < 0.01). Populations of total methanogens, total protozoa, Methanobrevibacter sp. AbM4, Entodinium, and Polyplastron varied among heifers and diets, while densities of total Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Isotricha, and Ostracodinium only differed among individual hosts. Responses in the ruminal methanogenic community to DDGS source were host dependent, suggesting that host biology should not be ignored if dietary strategies are used to alter ruminal methanogens to lower enteric methane emissions.
Dry-dispersal and rain-splash of brown (Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici) and yellow (P. striiformis) rust spores from infected wheat leaves exposed to simulated raindrops

The dispersal of spores from lesions of brown (Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici) or yellow (P. striiformis) rusts of wheat by impacting drops was studied. Using a generator of uniform-size drops, drops of 2.5, 3.4, 4.2 and 4.9 mm in diameter were released from rest at heights of 5, 50 and 100 cm above horizontal and primary leaves uniformly covered with sporulating lesions. Dry-dispersal and rain-splash occurred simultaneously in response to drop impaction. A coloration technique allowed separate counting of dry-dispersed and rain-splashed spores caught on slides. More spores were rain-splashed than dry-dispersed. Neither removal mechanism affected in-vitro germination of spores, which was higher in brown than in yellow rust. For both rusts, the number of both dry-dispersed and rain-splashed spores, as well as their travel distance, increased with drop diameter and fall height. The fall speed of incident drops in relation to diameter and fall height was obtained by solving numerically the equation of vertical drop motion. The number of spores removed by a given impacting drop was found to be a power function of the calculated kinetic energy of the impacting drop. Based on this experimental relationship, a simulation study showed the relevance of rain type in the removal of spores.
Aflatoxin M1 in milk and its risk in Japan

*1 Food Department , Nagoya City Public Health Research Institute (1-11, Hagiyama-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8615, Japan) *2 Division of Food Hygiene and Nutrition , Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health (3-24-1, Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan) *3 Division of Foods , National Institute of Health Sciences (1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan) *4 Division of Biomedical Food Research , National Institute of Health Sciences (1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan) *5 Department of Food Chemistry, Kobe Institute of Health (4-6, Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0046, Japan) *6 Center for Infectious Disease Prevention , Hokkaido Institute of Public Health (Kita-19 Nishi-12, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan) *7 Food Hygiene Division, Department of Food and Drug, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health (Kits-19 Nishi-12, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan) *8 Department of Biochemistry and Food Science , Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University (Miki-cho, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan) *9 Department of V eterinary Public Health, University of Tokyo (Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan)
Spiders of North America: An Identification Manual

This beautifully illustrated guide to the spiders of North America, north of Mexico, provides more than 1,400 illustrations and keys to the genera in 68 spider families. The book includes more than 550 genera. The manual contains 72 chapters and a wealth of information including an introduction to spider morphology, natural history, collecting techniques and preservation methods; an overview of the current status and most recent developments in spider evolutionary history; a key to the 68 families of spiders found in North America, north of Mexico; keys to the genera in each of these 68 families; an etymological dictionary explaining the derivation of the names of spider genera and families; and a well illustrated glossary.
Parental Investment in the Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys Reticularia)

Eggs of the chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia) were collected in South Carolina from clutches laid in the spring and fall. Clutch size averaged 8.0 eggs (2 SE = 1.6; n = 15) and was weakly correlated with body size of the female. Wet mass of the clutch averaged 72.4 g (2 SE = 11.6, n = 15). There were no significant differences in clutch size or wet mass between spring and fall nesting seasons. Individual eggs laid in the fall (anti x = 10.7 g) were significantly larger than those laid in the spring (anti x = 8.5 g). Fifteen eggs laid in the spring and incubated at 29/sup 0/ +- 2/sup 0/C averaged 152 d to hatching. Hatchling plastron length averaged 24.3 mm, and body wet mass was 6.7 g. Hatchlings (dry mass) contained 27.4% lipid, and the lipids remaining in the neonate at hatching represented 61% of the lipids originally present in the egg. The wet mass of a hatchling is highly correlated with wet mass of the egg. In contrast to clutch size, egg size had a strong positive relationship to body size. A morphological constraint, the width of the pelvic canal, is proposed as having anmore » influence on this relationship. The negative relationship between an optimized egg size and clutch size was not evident, so current optimality models do not appear to be applicable to Deirochelys. « less