Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invasive exotic aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) as a major threat to native Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica): a habitat suitability model approach

The introduction of alien species to new environments is one of the main threats to the conservation of biodiversity. One particularly problematic example is that of wild ungulates which are increasingly being established in regions outside their natural distribution range due to human hunting interests. Unfortunately, we know little of the effects these large herbivores may have on the host ecosystems. This study deals with a first comparative analysis of the habitat requirements of two ungulate species that may be facing competition for resources in the south of Europe: the native Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) and the exotic aoudad (Ammotragus lervia). The aoudad is a North African caprid introduced in 1970 as a game species in south‐eastern Spain. It has adapted well, and populations have been freely expanding since then. Ecological Niche Factor Analysis is used to describe the realized niche of both species where their distribution ranges merge. Both species occupy marginal areas of rugged terrain in the region. Marginality is higher for the Iberian ibex, which also presents a higher tolerance of secondary environmental gradients than the aoudad. Highly suitable areas for each species are secondarily suitable for the other. Reclassified and cross‐tabulated habitat suitability maps showing the areas of potential spatial coexistence and differences in ecological traits between both species are provided. The results obtained do not allow inferring resource competition between these species. However, current aoudad expansion could result in it invading the favoured habitats of the ibex. Inadequate hunting policy and monitoring, and increasing climatic resemblance of the study region to the native aoudad areas, due to a strong desertification process, are facilitating a high rate of expansion. We strongly recommend to eradicate or, at least, monitor these exotic populations, and promote active conservation practices, if one wants to preserve the unique natural resources present in this European region.
Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Probiotic, Prebiotic and Butyric Acid Glycerides on Resistance against Coccidiosis in Broiler Chickens

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of single or combined use of probiotic (Primalac), prebiotic (Fermacto) and butyric acid glycerides (Baby C4) compared to salinomycin on resistance against coccidiosis in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. One day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into 9 cages with 15 birds per each. Birds of different treatments received a regular corn-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with feed additives; none of them in negative control (C − ), salinomycin in positive control (C + ), probiotic in PRO group, prebiotic in PRE group, butyric acid glycerides in BAG group, probiotic+prebiotic in PRO+PRE group, probiotic+ butyric acid glycerides in PRO+BAG group, prebiotic+butyric acid glycerides in PRE+BAG group, and probiotic +prebiotic+butyric acid glycerides in PRO+PRE+BAG group. At 28 d of age, 8 birds from each treatment were removed and kept separately in other cages (2 birds/cage) to challenge with Eimeria. These separated chicks were orally challenged with 1×10 5 E. acervulina and 9×10 4 E. tenella. Positive effect (P<0.05) was observed in the duodenal and cecal lesion scores in any of the supplemented groups when compared to that of the C − . There was no significant difference between all supplemented groups and C + for cecal lesion score. PRO, PRE+BAG, PRO+ PRE, PRO+BAG and PRO+PRE+BAG reduced (P<0.05) oocyst shedding in birds challenged with Eimeria oocysts compared to the C − , and there was no significant difference between PRO+PRE, PRO+BAG, PRO+PRE +BAG and C + . These results demonstrate that prebiotic, butyric acid glycerides and especially probiotic or its combination with prebiotic or butyric acid glycerides enhance the resistance of birds and partially protects against coccidiosis. Therefore, it seems some of these supplements, in comparison to salinomycin, can diminish partially the adverse effects of coccidiosis.
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus : Aflatoxigenic Fungi of Concern in Foods and Feeds † : A Review.

Aspergillus flavus and the closely related subspecies parasiticus have long been recognized as major contaminants of organic and nonorganic items. A. flavus , a common soil fungus, can infest a wide range of agricultural products. Some A. flavus varieties produce aflatoxins, which are carcinogenic toxins that induce liver cancer in laboratory animals. A. flavus var. flavus , A. flavus subsp. parasiticus , and A. nomius share the ability to produce aflatoxins. Identification of the A. flavus species group is mainly based on the color and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the fungus. A. flavus growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis depend on substrate, moisture, temperature, pH, aeration, and competing microflora. The growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin production are sometimes unavoidable. Aflatoxins are considered natural contaminants; the ideal control approach is prevention of mold growth and aflatoxin production. The detection of members of the A. flavus species group in foods and feed is generally carried out by using plate techniques such as surface spread or direct plating. Research on alternative fungal detection methods is still in its infancy. Few immunoassay techniques have been investigated in this regard. Aflatoxins are generally analyzed by chemical methods, although immunochemical methods which use antibodies are becoming common analytical tools for aflatoxins.
Phylogenetic relationships among Flavescence dorée strains and related phytoplasmas determined by heteroduplex mobility assay and sequence of ribosomal and Nonribosomal DNA

Heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) and DNA sequencing were performed on Flavescence doree (FD) phytoplasma strains and related phytoplasmas belonging to the elm yellows group. Part of the ribosomal RNA gene operon and a nonribosomal DNA region were utilized for phylogenetic analyses. Two FD strains, FD92 and FD-D, detected in France and Italy, respectively, were identical in both DNA fragments, confirming previous results. Other FD strains were all very similar and most closely resembled ALY, an Italian alder phytoplasma. Phytoplasmas associated with German Palatinate grapevine yellows were shown to form a distinct subcluster, also different from the elm yellows phytoplasma subcluster. Strain disparities revealed by HMA and sequence data were mostly in agreement, highlighting the utility of HMA in differentiation and classification of phytoplasmas belonging to the same ribosomal RNA group.
REVIEW OF THE OZARK HIGHLAND SCAPHISOMA (COLEOPTERA: SCAPHIDIIDAE)

Keys and diagnoses are provided for the identification of nine species of Scaphisoma from the Ozark Highland. Scaphisoma stephani Leschen and Lobl, new species, is described. Lectotypes are designated for: S. carolinae Casey, S. ornatum Fall, S. pusillum LeConte, S. suturale LeConte, S. impunctatum Reitter, and S. terminatum Melsheimer. New synonymies are: S. arkansana Casey (= S. carolinae), S. obesula Casey (= S. impunctatum), and S. evanescens Casey and Baeocera punctipennis Blatchley (= S. terminatum). Information about fungus hosts and distribution are provided. Discussions about terminology and nomenclature are included. "To the general student of Coleoptera [the Scaphidiidae] are less interesting than usual" (Casey 1893). Our opinion is quite the opposite. Casey was probably referring to the fact that most scaphidiids are small, shiny-black, and tear-drop in shape. Upon closer examination, these beetles reveal many useful characters for identification. Many species of scaphidiids have been associated with fungus (Newton 1984). Species of Scaphisoma are found commonly on members of the Basidiomycetes, particularly the Polyporaceae, Clavariaceae, and the Tremellales (Newton 1984; Leschen 1988). Scaphisoma larvae have well-developed subapical pseudomolae on the mandibles which enable them to feed inside the sporocarps (Leschen 1988). In contrast, the adults possess typical spore-feeding mandibles and are found on the exterior of the sporocarps (Fig. 1). In this paper we will show that some Scaphisoma species are not necessarily attracted to higher fungi. Scaphisoma is a diverse world-wide genus, although its members are poorly represented in cool or dry areas. There are about 490 valid species, about 20 species of which occur in the United States. LeConte (1860) was the first to revise the North American Scaphidiidae; he added five species to the two previously known species of Scaphisoma. Casey revised the family twice (1893, 1900), and in his second revision he erected the genus Scaphiomicrus for the smaller species of Scaphisoma. Subsequently, Fall (1910) deemed Scaphiomicrus unnecessary. Other studies on Scaphisoma were regional (Blatchley 1910; Hatch 1957) or consisted of single species descriptions. We limit our study to those species found in the Ozark Highland, since two of us (K. Stephan and R. Leschen) have collected intensively in this area. The Ozark Highland is a group of mountains located mostly in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The purpose of this paper is to provide a key to the Ozark Highland Scaphiso
Influence of pH and hardness on toxicity of ammonia to the amphipod Hyalella azteca

The amphipod Hyalella azteca is frequently used for freshwater sediment tests throughout North America. A common potential toxicant in sediments is ammonia. Our objective was to characterize the influence of two key water quality variables, pH and hardness, on toxicity of ammonia to the amphipod. Ninety-six hour, water-only exposures of H. azteca to ammonia were conducted using three different water types with hardnesses of 42, 100, and 270 mg/L as CaCO3 and three levels of pH (ca. 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5). In the soft water, toxicity of total ammonia was constant across test pH. As water hardness increased, toxicity of ammonia (on a total basis) to the amphipod decreased and became more pH dependent. Our data suggest that in softer water the amphipod was quite sensitive to the ionized (NH4+) form of ammonia. This contrasts with most other species that have been tested, which typically are more sensitive to un-ionized (NH3) ammonia than to NH4+. These data provide baseline values for interpreting the possible c.
The effectiveness of pine oil as a repellent against the striped ambrosia beetle Trypodendron lineatum (Col., Scolytidae) 1

Pine oil is an effective repellent and can protect spruce logs from ambrosia beetle attack. The repellent effect was measurable 2 cm above sprayed log surface, in 50 to 80 cm it was no more detectable. Logs treated twice kept free from attack for nearly 3 weeks. Although the population was very high (mean attack density 509 borings/m2 on controls) the attack reduction was 85% after 8 weeks flight. A single treatment with pine oil gave absolute protection for nearly 1 week during beetle flight. The attack reduction kept greater 90% for 7 weeks if sprayed directly to the log surface and nearly 4 weeks, if applied in dispensers. After 10 weeks exposure to beetle flight both kinds of application reached about 85% attack reduction to controls, that were heavily infested (395 borings/m2). Pine oil 65 and norpine 65, two commercial products, showed no significant differences in their effectiveness on logs. Pine oil had no negative effect on the breeding success of T. lineatum. In reverse, the lower attack density on sprayed logs gave a 3 times higher offspring per brood system.
Use of Creative Cognition and Positive Affect in Studying: Evidence of a Reciprocal Relationship

This two-wave study examined the longitudinal relationships between positive affect in studying and the use of creative cognition in studying. Based on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, the mood-as-input model, the control-process model of self-regulation of intentional behavior, and self-determination theory, it was hypothesized that positive affect will be both an antecedent and a consequence of the use of creative cognition. A sample of 130 university students completed the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule–Short Form (I-PANAS-SF) and the Use of Creative Cognition Scale (UCCS) with reference to their overall studying experience in the first and second semesters of an academic year. A comparison of alternative structural equation models showed clear support for the reciprocal relationship between positive affect in studying and the use of creative cognition in studying. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are outlined.
A simple non‐destructive biometric method for estimating fat levels in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., parr

Simple body measurements were used to predict the fat content of Atlantic salmon parr. For three different sizes (wet weights 18–98g, 44–207g and 137-151·8g) at two times of year (November/December and July) the percentage body fat (as measured by lipid extraction) could be predicted accurately using multiple regressions based on a combination of the following measurements: wet weight, fork length, opercular height, dorsal height, opercular width, dorsal width, anal width, adipose fin length and condition factor. In every case predictions based on multiple regression equations were more accurate than condition factor alone. This biometric method is easily employed and can potentially be used both in biological studies and on fish farms to assess body condition of individual fish. Since it is non-destructive it has the additional advantage of allowing repeated monitoring of fat levels in the same fish.
STRUCTURAL, FUNCTIONAL AND EVOLUTIONARY STUDIES OF ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES

Antimicrobial peptides represent a heterogeneous group that displays multiple modes of action such as bacteriostatic, microbicidal and cytolytic properties that are sequence and concentration dependent. Life threatening infectious disease is now a worldwide crisis and treating them effectively is becoming difficult day by day, due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains at alarming rates. Hence, there is an urgent need for new class of antibiotics and, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an ideal candidate for this job. AMPs are gene encoded short (<100 amino acids), amphipathic molecules with hydrophobic and cationic amino acids arranged spatially which exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. AMPs form an ancient non-specific type of innate immunity found universally in all living organisms and used as the principal first line of defense against the invading pathogen. AMPs have been in the process of evolution, as have the microbes, for hundreds of years. Despite the long history of co-evolution, AMPs have not lost their ability to kill the microbes totally nor have the microbes learnt to avoid the lethal punch of AMPs. Based upon accumulating positive data, we are encouraged to believe that antimicrobial peptides have a great potential to be the next breakthrough and first novel, truly biological in nature, class of antibiotics. The purpose of this study was twofold; primarily to elucidate the factors involved in governing the peptide activity and toxicity against membranes, and secondly to design a simple approach where we can boost and spread the spectrum of antimicrobial activity against pathogens such as S. aureus and P. aeruginosa for a peptide that is otherwise non-lethal to the bacteria. Results presented in this thesis show that antimicrobial domains of the anaphylatoxin C3a are structurally and evolutionary conserved. Moreover antimicrobial activity is not governed by a single factor, but instead by a combination of net charge, amphipathicity and helicity. By utilizing a low number of amino acid substitutions at strategic positions in an antimicrobial peptide derived from C3a, CNY20, we were able to develop peptides, which exert a significant activity on both S. aureus and C. albicans in contrast to the parent peptide. Although, antimicrobial activity is not governed by single parameter, the activity can still be boosted by end-tagging of a peptide with hydrophobic oligopeptide stretches. This modification promotes peptide binding to bacteria and subsequent cell wall rupture, but does not increase the toxicity or the protease susceptibility of the peptide. It is noteworthy that end tagging of ultra short peptides spanning 5-7 amino acids with hydrophobic amino acids enhances bactericidal activity, while preserving low toxicity and protease resistance. (Less)
Effects of Mulch on Seedlings and Soil on a Closed Landfill

Landfills are ideal locations for short‐rotation forestry, tree‐based bioremediation, and wildlife habitat reconstruction. However, tree survival is reduced by harsh growing conditions and poor soil quality. This study was designed to determine survival of tree seedlings and test effects of different mulch types and depths on edaphic properties and herb emergence on a closed Ohio landfill. In spring 2002, five species of hardwood tree seedlings (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Prunus serotina, Quercus macrocarpa, and Populus sp.) were planted in a clustered fashion on 35 plots. Each plot received a mulch treatment consisting of one type of mulch (hardwood, leaf, or mixed) at a specific depth (5 or 15 cm) or was designated as a nonmulched control. The status of each seedling and edaphic qualities (soil moisture, temperature, and nutrients) were recorded for two growing seasons. Aboveground herbaceous biomass was sampled at the end of each growing season. We found that survival and growth were species dependent. At the conclusion of the experiment, Fraxinus had the highest survival rate (70%) and Prunus the lowest (7%). The use of leaf mulch (15 cm deep) increased organic matter and various edaphic properties (cation exchange capacity, P, Mg) after the second growing season. Mulch treatments did not significantly affect aboveground herbaceous biomass when compared to nonmulched controls. These results suggest Fraxinus as a good candidate for landfill plantings. Additionally, leaves and yard waste are plentiful and could quickly enrich poor soils on a landfill if left to decompose aboveground.
Roles and molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial efflux systems in facilitating the adaptation of Campylobacter jejuni to various environments

Salicylate, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound, has been shown to increase the resistance of Campylobacter to antimicrobials. However, the molecular mechanism underlying salicylate-induced resistance has not yet been established. In this study, we determined how salicylate increases antibiotic resistance and evaluated its impact on the development of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter mutants. Transcriptional fusion assays, real time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and immunoblotting assays consistently demonstrated the induction of the CmeABC multidrug efflux pump by salicylate. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay further showed that salicylate inhibits the binding of CmeR (a transcriptional repressor of the TetR family) to the promoter DNA of cmeABC, suggesting that salicylate inhibits the function of CmeR. The presence of salicylate in the culture media not only decreased the
Prolongation of survival in retrovirally induced T cell lymphoma by dietary ω6 fatty acid

Abstract C57BL/Ka mice were fed diets rich in ω3 or ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inoculated with the thymic lymphoma‐inducing retrovirus RadLV. Mice receiving the ω3 diet died significantly sooner than those receiving the ω6 diet. Of the three known mechanisms by which fatty acids can exert antiviral activity, namely, modification of membrane fluidity, modulation of immune response, and synthesis of metabolites with antiviral activity, the first two can be eliminated in the model under study. It is therefore concluded that differences in survival are due to fatty acid metabolites with distinct antiviral activities.
Responses of the southern stingray (Dasyatis americana) and the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) to permanent magnets

The behavioral responses of free-swimming, wild southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana) and nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) to permanent magnets were evaluated in the Florida Keys, USA. Animals were attracted to a baited magnetic treatment board consisting of two 15 cm × 10 cm × 5 cm grade C8 Barium-Ferrite (empirically, BaFe12O19) permanent magnets producing a flux of 950 gauss at their surface and a baited procedural control board containing two smooth nonmagnetized clay bricks. In the presence of permanent magnets, D. americana and G. cirratum demonstrated a significantly greater number of avoidance behaviors away from the magnet side of the apparatus, while both species fed a significantly greater number of times from the non-magnetized procedural control side. Thus, D. americana and G. cirratum showed sensitivity to a magnetic field and were successfully repelled from baited areas containing magnets. The results from the current study suggest that the use of grade C8 Barium-Ferrite permanent magnets as an avoidance mechanism (e.g., repellent) to reduce elasmobranch mortalities associated with fishing operations and beach nets merits further investigation.
Evaluation of a Steam Pasteurization Process in a Commercial Beef Processing Facility.

The effectiveness of a steam pasteurization process for reducing naturally occurring bacterial populations on freshly slaughtered beef sides was evaluated in a large commercial facility. Over a period of 10 days, 140 randomly chosen beef sides were microbiologically analyzed. Each side was sampled immediately before, immediately after, and 24 h after steam pasteurization treatment. Total aerobic bacteria (APC), Escherichia coli (generic), coliform, and Enterobacteriaceae populations were enumerated. The process significantly (P ≤ 0.01) reduced mean APCs from 2.19 log CFU/cm2 before treatment to 0.84 log CFU/cm2 immediately after and 0.94 log CFU/cm2 24 h after treatment. Before pasteurization (8 s steam exposure), 16.4% of carcasses were positive for generic E. coli (level of 0.60 to 1.53 log CFU/cm2), 37.9% were positive for coliforms (level of 0.60 to 2.26 log CFU/cm2), and 46.4% were positive for Enterobacteriaceae (level of 0.60 to 2.25 log CFU/cm2). After pasteurization, 0% of carcasses were positive for E. coli , 1.4% were positive for coliforms (level of 0.60 to 1.53 log CFU/cm2), and 2.9% were positive for Enterobacteriaceae (level of 0.60 to 1.99 log CFU/cm2). Of the 140 carcasses evaluated, one carcass was positive for Salmonella spp. before treatment (0.7% incidence rate); all carcasses were negative after steam treatment. This study indicates that steam pasteurization is very effective in a commercial setting for reducing overall bacterial populations on freshly slaughtered beef carcasses. The system may effectively serve as an important critical control point for HACCP systems at the slaughter phase of beef processing. In conjunction with other antimicrobial interventions (mandated by USDA to achieve zero tolerance standards for visible contamination) and good manufacturing practices, this process can play an important role in reducing the risk of pathogenic bacteria in raw meat and meat products.