Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MOVEMENT PATTERNS AND EGG DISTRIBUTION IN CABBAGE BUTTERFLIES

(1) The movement patterns of Canadian (Vancouver) and Australian (Canberra) cabbage butterfly females searching for hosts are described, and the descriptions incorporated in stochastic simulation models. Some of the parameters of the model (those dealing with probabilities of landing and laying) depend on host plant quality and particularly on the age and species of host plant. Other parameters, and particularly the degree of attraction toward hosts, depend on the current fecundity of the butterfly. (2) The models correctly predict observed behaviour patterns, characteristics of Pieris rapae egg distributions described in the literature, and egg distributions produced in field trials during the study. (3) Vancouver females are quite different from Canberra females. The behavioural differences result in less dispersal, a more aggregated distribution of eggs and more efficient search at low plant densities. (4) The two are nonetheless affected in qualitatively similar ways by changes in resource distribution. At any given host density, fewer eggs are laid on more contagiously distributed hosts and egg distributions are more aggregated at low host densities than at high. The effect of contagious host distribution means that more eggs are laid on isolated plants than on plants in small groups, and more on plants in small groups than on plants in large groups. (5) Thus butterfly density tends to vary inversely with host density, despite aggregative behaviour identical to that which, in predator-prey systems, leads to a direct correlation between the densities of searcher and resource. The difference occurs because the butterfly can find the same host repeatedly, and indicates that such a direct correlation (with its stabilizing properties) is much more difficult for a truly non-discriminating parasite to achieve than it is for a predator. (P. rapae can be regarded as a non-discriminating parasite whose prey happens to be a plant.)
Intra- and inter-sexual aggression in the ground skink (Scincella lateralis)

Differences in reproductive investment between males and females can be a basis for both intra- and inter-sexual conflict. In a series of laboratory experiments, I staged intra- and inter-sexual contests for food between pairs of adult ground skinks (Scincella lateralis). Males were significantly more aggressive than females. Size asymmetry between contestants significantly affected intrasexual behavior between females, as smaller individuals exhibited avoidance behaviors more frequently than larger individuals. Aggression was more prevalent in intersexual contests than in intrasexual contests, and males bit females significantly more often than females bit males. Females captured significantly fewer prey in the presence of a male than in control tests, but showed more avoidance behaviors in intersexual contests than did males. These results suggest that intersexual conflict may be important in social interactions in ground skinks, particularly with respect to spatial distribution.
Age determination of Northeast Arctic cod otoliths through 50 years of history

Abstract Norwegian and Russian Marine Research Institutes have investigated the possibility that biases in age determination from otoliths may have contributed to the long-term trends observed in the Northeast Arctic cod stock productivity: changes in growth, maturation rate, fecundity, etc. To determine the effects of changes in age reading protocols between contemporary and historical practices, randomly chosen material from each decade for the period 1940–1980s was re-read by experts. The quality of old otoliths stored in paper bags for more than 50 years was also assessed. Although some year-specific differences in age determination were seen between historical and contemporary readers, there was no significant effect on length at age for the historical time period. A small systematic bias in the number spawning zones detection was observed, demonstrating that the age at first maturation in the historic material as determined by the contemporary readers is younger than that determined by historical readers. The difference was the largest in the first sampled years constituting being approximately –0.6 years in 1947 and 1957. Then it decreased with time and was found to be within the range of –0.28–0 years in the 1970–1980s. The study shows that cod otoliths could be used for age and growth studies even after long storage.
Isozyme evidence for hybridization betweenPotamogeton natansandP. nodosus(Potamogetonaceae) in Britain

A population of pondweeds from the River Stour in Dorset intermediate in morphology betweenPotamogeton natansL. andP. nodosusPoir. is shown by means of isozyme evidence to be the hybridP. ×schreberiG. Fisch. It is represented by a single multi-enzyme phenotype which, together with its sterility, suggests it reproduces vegetatively and may well constitute a single clone. It is genetically distinct from the morphologically similar hybrid betweenP. lucensL. andP. natans(P.×fluitansRoth).
Detection of Phenol and Benzoate as Intermediates of Anaerobic Benzene Biodegradation under Different Terminal Electron-Accepting Conditions

A sulfate-reducing bacterial enrichment that anaerobically metabolized benzene was obtained from a petroleum-contaminated aquifer. During biodegradation, we observed the transient accumulation of phenol and benzoate as putative benzene intermediates. As these compounds are intermediates in many anaerobic metabolic pathways, we investigated their relation to anaerobic benzene decay with 13C-labeled starting material. We were able to confirm the presence of [13C]phenol and [13C]benzoate as intermediates of anaerobic [13C-UL]benzene decay. Mass spectral evidence indicated that the carboxyl group of benzoate also originated from 13C-labeled benzene. Benzoate was also found as a putative benzene intermediate when inoculum from the same site was incubated under methanogenic conditions or when organisms enriched from a different petroleum-contaminated location were incubated with chelated Fe(III) as an electron acceptor. These findings are the first to confirm the importance of benzoate during anaerobic benzene .
Efficiency of alpha-lattice designs in international variety yield trials of barley and wheat

Use of an alpha-lattice design in 714 international yield trials of barley, durum wheat and bread wheat in 1990/91 to 1992/93 resulted in an average efficiency 18% higher than the randomized complete block design when average variance was used as the comparison criterion. Alpha-lattice was generally most efficient when the C.V. s of the trials were high. It was also slightly more efficient for low-yielding than for high-yielding trials, and for rainfed than for irrigated trials. Since the changeover to alpha-lattice designs requires no new major input or changes in present field layout, its use for international trials is recommended.
Estimação da fração digestível da proteína bruta em dietas para bovinos em condições brasileiras

The objective of this study was to propose and validate a model to estimate the apparently digestible fraction of crude protein (CP) of cattle diets. The theoretical framework for model development was based on true digestibility coefficient and metabolic fecal contribution. The estimation of both parameters was done by using the Lucas test. The dataset for model building was composed by 39 and 54 means from 10 experiments with lactating cows and 23 experiments with growing and finishing cattle, respectively. For comparisons of animal categories a Dummy variable was used. The dataset for model validation came from two trials with lactating cows and two trials with growing and finishing cattle. The true digestibility coefficient, which was estimated as 0.7845 did not differ among animal categories. The greatest metabolic fecal CP was observed on lactating cows but it was not affected by dietary CP level when expressed as percentage of dietary CP. Thus, for animals fed ad libitum the content of apparently digestible CP (CPad%) in the diet can be estimated by the following equations: CPad% = 0.7845CP% - 0.97 for lactating cows and CPad% = 0.7845CP% - 1.61 for growing and finishing cattle. The validation procedure indicated no differences between observed and estimated values of CPad%. It can be concluded that the proposed models will improve the accuracy of TDN prediction using the chemical composition of the diet.
Saffan®: A review and some examples of its use in fishes (Pisces: Teleostei)

Saffan®, previously known as CT1341, is an injectable steroid anesthetic for use in cats and monkeys. It is also suited to induce anesthesia in fishes. It has the convenient property to induce anesthesia of the central nervous system, and to leave the sensory system of the integument operational. The active constituents are alphaxalone and alphadolone. A dose of 24 mg/kg i.m. is sufficient for 2 to 3 hours narcosis in fish of several hundreds of grams. For small specimens administration via bath-water in doses of 2 to 4.8 mg/l for induction and half this dose for maintenance are advisable. In catfish, Ictalurus nebulosus and I. melas, of 100 g or more the induction time after i.m. injection with 21 mg/kg is about 20 min and independent of weight or temperature. The recovery time varies with temperature from 213 min at 13°C to 19 min at 19°C. In 1000 g catfish, Clarias gariepinus, the onset of surgical anesthesia occurs after 26 min on average at doses of 24 mg/kg at 24°C. In 5 g catfish, Kryptopterus bicirrhis, 4.8 mg/l bath water at 25°C makes the opercular movements disappear after 5 min. For 15 cm TL Gnathonemus petersii a good induction dose is 2 mg/l bathwater. After 20 minutes at 23°C surgical narcosis is reached.
A PIVOTAL ROLE FOR TGF‐β* IN ATHEROGENESIS?

( I ) Introduction . ( 2 ) Factors affecting the presence of latent TGF-fi . (3) Activation of TGF-P . (4) Bioavailability of TGF-/I. (5 ) The cellular response to TGF-,8 IV. Evidence for a role of TGF-P in atherogenesis ( I ) Role of TGF-P in the normal vessel wall (2) Potential defects in the biology of TGF-/I V. The hypothesis: TGF-P as a brake on atherogenesis VI. Potential therapies based on modulation of T G F P . ( I ) Currently available modulators of TGF-/I activity . (2) Potential side effects of therapies based on TGF-P modulation V I I . Conclusion . VIII. Acknowledgements . IX. References . 571 575 575
Variations in the Contents of Crude Protein, Total and Free Amino Acids of Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) Reared at Different Stocking Densities

Abstract The contents of crude protein and total and free amino acids of fillets of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) stocked at 40, 50, and 75 kg/m3, were determined. Results indicate that as the fish grew their protein content increased. Statistical analyses indicated that protein contents of fish varied significantly (p < 0.05) among density groups, but no relationship existed between stocking density and protein contents of fish (r = −0.5394). The contents of total amino acids of fish varied significantly (p < 0.05) according to stocking density and sampling dates. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine and lysine were most abundant, whereas hydroxyproline was the least abundant amino acid present. The content of free amino acids of fish also varied significantly with stocking density (r = −0.9441) and sampling date. The major free amino acids and related compounds present in the fillets were glycine, alanine, anserine and taurine.
Morphological, reproductive and productive characteristics of Sudanese native chicken

Summary A structured questionnaire was administered to 40 households in each of the three localities (Bahri, Dilling and Abu-neama). Morphological characteristics of 900 chickens were physically examined. Data analysis showed that the average flock size per household was 16.7 and that it varied significantly among localities. The flock structure study showed that 46.1 percent were chicks and growers, 34.6 percent hens and 19.35 percent cocks. Regarding the ecotypes, the flock was composed of 75.7, 8.8 and 15.5 percent large Beladi (LB), bare neck (BN) and Betwil (BT) dwarf, respectively. The Sudanese indigenous chicken are characterized by wide phenotypic variation. The plumage colour frequencies were mixed colour (37.8 percent), light brown (16.5 percent), black (13.1 percent), grey (3.5 percent) and white (6.2 percent). Feathering did not show a well-defined pattern; however, the few birds whose feathering pattern could be identified were crown feather (7.0 percent), partridge (3.5 percent), barred (3.5 percent), laced (3.1 percent) and frizzled (0.01 percent). The average adult body weight was 1 650.5 ± 125 g in males and 1 187 ± 70 g in females. Hens reached sexual maturity at 6.5 months and layed 13.2 eggs/clutch in 3–3.5 clutches per year. The average egg weight was 40.8 ± 1.6 g and the hatchability rate under natural incubation was 71.8 percent. The BN ecotype had significantly (P< 0.01) poorer maternal care (57.7 percent hatchability) compared with the other types (LB and BT).
Incorporation of Whole Lupin, Lupinus albus, Seed Meal in Commercial Extruded Diets for Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss: Effect on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Muscle Fatty Acid Composition

Whole lupin seed meal was evaluated as partial replacement for fishmeal in extruded diets for rainbow trout, with particular emphasis on the effect on growth performance and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and energy. Effect on muscle fatty acid composition was also evaluated. All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic and to contain approximately 45% crude protein and 5.5 kcal energy g/diet. Diets were formulated to include whole lupin seed meal at 0, 10, 15, and 20%. Triplicate groups of fish weighing 65.9 ± 15.1 g on average were fed twice a day until apparent satiation during 12 wk. Growth, feed intake, hepatosomatic index, hepatic histology, proximate composition of whole body, and muscular fatty acid profile were determined. Growth and feed utilization were similar in all treatments and whole-body composition did not vary among treatments. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 and n-3 series remained constant in muscle as the amount of lupin in diets increased. Furthermore, the ADCs were similar among all diets. These results suggest that inclusion of whole lupin seed meal up to 20% in extruded diets for rainbow trout do not have any negative effect on growth, feed performance, or flesh quality.
Estimation of the CO2 fertilization effect using growth rate anomalies of CO2 and crop yields since 1961

The sentence ‘‘In this study, measurements of atmospheric CO2 growth rates and crop yields for individual countries since 1961 were compared with empirically determine the average effect of a 1 ppm increase of CO2 on yields of rice, wheat, and maize’’ of this paper, which appeared on p. 451, should read as ‘‘In this study, measurements of atmospheric CO2 growth rates and crop yields for individual countries since 1961 were compared to empirically determine the average effect of a 1 ppm increase of CO2 on yields of rice, wheat, and maize’’.
The Early Development of the Skull of the Rabbit

In the study of the chondrocrania of embryonic mammals, it is probably true to say that no form at the maximum stage of development of the cartilage has been more thoroughly investigated than the rabbit, by Voit. His material, however, consisted of well-developed stages only, of 43, 45, and 70 mm. greatest length ; and apart from a few remarks by Noordenbos, the earliest stages of development of the skull of the rabbit remained unknown. This was an unfortunate gap, for while what may be called the morphology of the chondrocranium is now, thanks to the work of Gaupp and Fawcett among others, well understood, the embryology of the chondrocranium is still mysterious. In four forms only among the mammals, viz., mole (Noordenbos) ; cat (Terry) ; Tatusia (Fawcett) ; and man (various authors); can it be said that the earliest appearance of the various cartilaginous structures has been followed. It seemed particularly desirable, therefore, to extend the present excellent knowledge of the late skull of the rabbit back to the earliest stages of its development. The authors owe the incentive to this work to Prof. J. P. Hill, F.R. S. , to whom they wish to express their thanks for encouragement and help freely given in many ways. They also desire to acknowledge their debt to Prof. E. S. Goodrich, F.R. S. , whose interest in the work has been of great assistance to the authors.
Systematic Errors in Length Frequency Data and their Effect on Age-Structured Stock Assessment Models and Management

Abstract Length frequency data are a central component of many statistical age-structured models, which are used widely to conduct fisheries stock assessments and produce estimates of stock status for management. However, these data can be biased due to systematic errors during the sampling process. This study examined how bias in length frequency data affected stock status estimates from an age-structured assessment model and subsequent prescribed management actions. A simulation approach was used to test the effect of two different scenarios of bias on assessment results. Populations were simulated based on life history parameters for three different serranid species in the southeastern United States and followed a trajectory that increased and then decreased over time. From these simulated populations, fishery-dependent length frequency data were generated and then altered to represent different types of systematic sampling error. Data that were biased towards larger fish had a considerable effect on t.
THE PROTECTIVE POTENCY OF VITAMINS E AND C IN METHANOL-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND RETINOTOXICITY

The protective effects of vitamins E and C against methanol-induced free radical production with its subsequent tissue injury in liver and retina of male albino rats were assessed. The rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) antioxidant (Ao) control group receiving 5 mg of each vitamin, E and C, (3) daily ip-injected methanol (2 mL/kg b.wt.) group, killed after three and six doses, and (4) Ao/methanol group administered the vitamins 3 weeks prior to and along with methanol injection and killed as the latter group [Sharpe et al. Methanol Optic Neuropathy: A Histopathological Study. Neurology 1982, 32 (10), 1093–1100]. Methyl alcohol drastically altered the Ao defense system and energy status of rat liver, where highly significant depletion of glutathione levels and inhibition of superoxide dismutase activity, concurrent with significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances indicating marked elevation in lipid peroxidation. These effects were reversed when the vitamins were administered denoting their role in promoting the Ao defense system. Furthermore, they also increased the methanol-induced depletion in adenylate energy charge, phosphate potential, and ATP values. The amelioration in the energy status as a result of vitamins E and C supplementation suggests that their role as Aos is effective in relieving the impaired oxidative phosphorylation in order to increase the energy demand under physiologically stressful conditions. Histopathological and ultrastructural results of rat retina confirmed the protective effect of Ao vitamins. As compared to the methanol-intoxicated group, the protected group showed preservation of the membranous structures of the retinal cells, especially mitochondria that assumed their normal shape. This may be attributed to the inhibition of free radical production and lipid peroxidation and subsequently minimum degree of tissue damage. Amelioration of mitochondrial structure reflected the improvement of impaired oxidative phosphorylation of intoxicated animals with an approximately normal level of energy demand. This suggests that Ao vitamins may alter the retinotoxic effects of methanol by promoting the internal Ao defense system and preserving the energy status of the animal.
Evaluation of Four Soil Conservation Practices in a Non-Terraced Oil Palm Plantation

In Malaysia, four soil conservation practices are oft en recommended for non-terraced oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations. Th ese practices are oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB), Ecomat (a compressed EFB mat; ECO), and pruned oil palm fronds. Th ese three oil palm residues are used as organic mulching materials. Th e fourth method is silt pits (SIL) which are soil trenches to collect nutrients from runoff water and later redistribute them back into the soil. Nonetheless, the relative eff ectiveness of these four methods in improving soil and oil palm properties have never been studied. A 3-yr fi eld experiment was consequently conducted to determine their relative eff ects on increasing soil chemical properties (pH, cation exchange capacity, organic C, total N, available P, and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg) and oil palm nutrition levels (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg). Biomass decomposition rate and nutrients release rate in the fi eld by the three mulching materials were also determined. Results showed that EFB mulching was signifi cantly better than the other three soil conservation practices in improving nearly all of the measured soil and plant parameters. Empty fruit bunches was most eff ective partly because of the combined eff ects of higher amounts of dry matter added and the higher nutrient concentrations in the EFB than in other mulching materials. Silt pitting was found not to be as eff ective as EFB because SIL could only trap and return nutrients back into the soil, whereas EFB could do both: trap nutrients and release additional nutrients into the soil as it decomposes.
Mating behaviours of Daphnia pulicaria, a cyclic parthenogen: comparisons with copepods

The pre–and post–contact mating behaviours of Daphnia pulicaria are investigated by direct observations of vertical distributions, swimming behaviours and male–female interactions. Analysis of vertical distributions in a 1 m deep, thermally stratified migration chamber reveals that females were always located in the upper layer of the water column but males exhibited a bimodal depth distribution, in which an individual9s depth was a function of body length and water temperature. The observed distributions of males may be the result of several interacting pressures; predation avoidance, life–history optimization, and avoidance of assortative mating. Male swimming behaviour was faster and orthogonal to that of females, which is in agreement with the predictions of encounter–rate maximization models. Video recordings of males and females interacting in a 1–litre vessel showed that males both pursued and contacted other males more often than females. Thus, there was no evidence that Daphnia are able to use water–borne chemical signals to locate and identify potential mates. However, the average duration of male–female contacts (13.8 s) was much longer than those between males (1.6 s), suggesting that males can determine the sex of contacted individuals. Daphnia mating behaviour is significantly more complex than previously acknowledged. In contrast to the conventional view of Daphnia males swimming more–or–less randomly and mating with any individual encountered, they exhibit behaviours which increase the potential of mating with females while reducing the risk of predation. Several male behaviours, such as ‘scanning’ and the performance of area–restricted spirals upon encounter, are similar to those reported for some copepods and may be common to zooplankton that lack sophisticated chemosensory abilities. The possibility that Daphnia may also be able to assess such important female attributes as species and reproductive status is discussed.