Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, transmission and intensity of infection by a microsporidian sex ratio distorter in natural Gammarus duebeni populations

This is a report of the prevalence, transmission and intensity of infection of a microsporidian sex ratio distorter in natural populations of its crustacean host Gammarus duebeni. Prevalence in the adult host population reflects differences in the intensity of infection in transovarially infected embryos and in adult gonadal tissue. The efficiency of transovarial parasite transmission to young also differs between populations, but this alone is insufficient to explain observed patterns of prevalence. Infection intensity may be important in determining future infection of target tissue in the adult and subsequent transmission to future host generations. We consider patterns of parasite infection in terms of selection on transmission and virulence.
Effects of road baiting on home range and survival of northern bobwhites in southern Texas

Abstract An increasingly common practice in southern Texas is baiting roads with grains such as milo (Sorghum spp.) and corn (Zea mays) to facilitate northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) harvest. However, baiting roads might have a negative impact on bobwhite survival by increasing predation or harvest rates. The objective of this project was to determine the effects of road baiting on bobwhite survival, home-range size, and predator abundance. The project involved 2 study sites (baited = treatment and nonbaited = control) that were monitored over 3 periods, pre-baiting (September–October), baiting (November–December), and post-baiting (January–February), during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003. We captured, radiomarked, and monitored bobwhites (n = 60 [treatment site]; n= 58 [control site]) in Jim Hogg County, Texas. We assessed relative abundance and activity of avian and mammalian predators using scent-station and road surveys, respectively. The effects of baiting roads varied between years. During 2001–2002, a relatively dry period, bobwhite survival (Ŝ = 1.00±0.00 [control site]; Ŝ = 0.68±0.10 [treatment site], P=0.01), covey home-range size (15.6±1.43 ha [control site]; 12.7±2.22 ha [treatment site], P=0.046), and covey distance to roads (193±24.6 m [control site]; 95±41.57 m [treatment site], P≤0.001) were lower on the treatment site during the feeding period in contrast to the control site. A nonsignificant trend was noted for higher avian predator abundance on the treatment site during the feeding period. During 2002–2003, a relatively wet period, no difference in bobwhite survival, covey home-range size, and covey distance to roads was found between sites and time periods due to baiting, and no trend in predator abundance was found between pastures and time periods. The practice of baiting ranch roads does not appear to benefit bobwhites in southern Texas, and during dry conditions the practice might be detrimental to bobwhite numbers by lowering survival. Baiting or other methods of dietary supplementation are more likely to benefit bobwhites in more northern climates with colder winters.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Rapid Detection of Genus Phellinus using the Nucleotide Sequences of 18S Ribosomal RNA

Analysis of phylogenetic relationship was performed among Phellinus species based on 18S ribosomal subunit sequence data. Twenty-five strains of 19 Phellinus species including P. linteus were examined in this study. Regions of 18S ribosomal subunit were very conserved, but some variable regions between Phellinus species were observed. The species-specific detection primers, modified by 2 or 3 nucleotides in sense primer were designed based on 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence data. The 210 bp PCR bands were detected with annealing temperature 48°C. The 18S 2 F-18S 4 R detection primer set distinguished P linteus from various Phellinus species but some species like P baumii, P weirianius, P rhabarberinus and P pomaceus also had weak reactivity on this primer set. The 18S 3 F-18S 4 R primer set distinguished only P. linteus from various Phellinus species, although sensitivity with this primer set was lower than that of 18S 2 F-18 4 R primer set. These primer sets would be useful for the detection of only P. linteus among unknown Phellinus species rapidly.
Drei neue fossile Hölzer der Morphogattung Primoginkgoxylon gen. nov. aus der Trias von Kenia

Drei permineralisierte Gymnospermenholzer aus der Oberen Trias der Mazeras-Formation (Duruma-Gruppe, Mombasa-Becken) werden beschrieben und aufgrund ihrer ginkgoalen Holzstruktur der neu errichteten Morphogattung Primoginkgoxylon gen. nov. zugeordnet (P. crystallophorum, P. muthamii, P. shimbaense). Die Kieselholzer sind dreidimensional anatomisch erhalten und stammen aus dem fluviatil-deltaischen Mazeras-Sandstein, aufgeschlossen im Tal des Manolo River im Mwaluganje Community Elephant Sanctuary/Shimba-Hills, im Sudosten Kenias. Der Fundort wurde bisher nicht systematisch untersucht, erscheint jedoch sehr reich an Fossilien und verdient umfangreichere Untersuchungen wie in den Schlussbemerkungen erlautert wird. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) Three new fossilized woods of the morphogenus Primoginkgoxylon g. nov. from the Triassic of Kenya Three permineralized gymnosperms from the Late Triassic Mazeras Formation (Duruma Group, Mombasa Basin) are described and, based on their ginkgoalean wood structure, referred to the newly erected morphogenus Primoginkgoxylon gen. nov. (P. crystallophorum, P. muthamii, P. shimbaense). These petrified samples are three-dimensionally preserved and come from the fluvial-deltaic Mazeras Sandstone outcropping along the course of Manolo River in the Mwaluganje Community Elephant Sanctuary/Shimba Hills, SE Kenya. The site has not been systematically investigated but appears very rich in fossils and, as pointed out in the concluding remarks, deserves for more extensive study.
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery Excision: Is Anorectal Function Compromised?

PURPOSE Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a new technique that has not yet found its place in routine practice. The procedure results in dilation of the anal sphincter with a large-diameter operating sigmoidoscope, sometimes for a prolonged period. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of transanal endoscopic microsurgery on anorectal function. METHODS Eighteen consecutive patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery excision of rectal tumors, of whom 13 were available for evaluation, were included. Continence was scored by a numeric scale before surgery and at three and six weeks after surgery. Anorectal physiology studies were performed preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively with manometry, pudendal nerve motor terminal latency, anal mucosal electrosensitivity, rectal balloon volume studies, and endoanal ultrasound. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in mean anal resting pressure (104 ± 32 cm H2O before surgery, 73 ± 30 cm H2O after surgery;P = 0.0009). There was no significant change in squeeze or cough pressure, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, anal mucosal electrosensitivity, or rectal balloon study volumes. Fall in resting pressure was significantly correlated with length of operating time (r2 =0.39, P = 0.047). There was no significant change in mean continence score after surgery. CONCLUSION Transanal endoscopic microsurgery results in a reduction in internal sphincter tone. This did not affect continence in a short-term study.
Effect of dried earth worm (Aporrectodea caliginosa) as replacement of fish meal on growth and survival rate of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachioum rosenbergii (DE MAN 1879) larvae.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of earthworm powder in replacement of the high cost fish meal for feeding the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Triplicate groups of prawns were fed on control diet (fish meal based protein) or experimental diets in which earthworm meal was used to replace fish meal as animal protein source at various inclusion levels namely 0% (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The diets were coded EM1 (control) to EM5. The highest growth performance in term of length, weight and SGR were observed in prawn fed on EM2. The lowest and best feed conversion ratio, 1.1 was recorded with diet containing 25% earthworm meal (EM2). Highest survival (93.5%) was observed within the prawn group fed on the same diet. Biochemical composition of prawn carcasses showed no significant differences among different diets, while the higher level of protein was found in prawn fed on EM2. Results revealed that 25% earthworm meal is recommended in the diet of M. rosenbergii as replacement of fish meal.
Response of bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis and Asian catfish Clarias macrocephalus larvae to free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus as alternative feed

This study is part of the collaborative, EU-funded INCO-DC Project with Contract No. ERB IC18 CT98-0333. We thank Ms. Ofelia Reyes for the fatty acid analysis. Part of this study was presented during the 6th Asian Fisheries Forum held in National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan on 25–30 November 2001.
Increase of parental effort in experimentally enlarged broods of Pallid Swifts

Variation in parental effort of Pallid Swifts (Apus pallidus) was investigated for 3 years in a colony in northwestern Italy. The masses of adults and of bolus loads brought to chicks were monitored by electronic balances inserted under nests, and feeding rates were monitored by video cameras. Fluctuations in daily food availability were measured with an insect-suction trap. Manipulation experiments on broods originally consisting of three chicks were performed to increase (four chicks) or reduce (two chicks) adult effort, with the aim of determining if parents tend to allocate food primarily to themselves or to their offspring, and if mass loss in adults results from reproductive stress or from adaptive programmed anorexia. With the enlargement of brood size, mean bolus mass remained constant, but the visitation rate increased significantly. Daily food abundance did not influence the amount of food allocated to chicks (neither time spent foraging nor the bolus mass changed), but positively influenced the.
Fatty acid profile of raw and cooked fish consumed in Bahrain

The objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid profile of raw and cooked (grilled, curried and fried) fish commonly consumed in Bahrain. Four most popular species of fish were purchased from the local market in Manama city, the capital of Bahrain. Fatty acids in raw and cooked fish were separated and quantitatively determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) using standard methods. The findings revealed that the predominant fatty acids in raw fish were palmitic, stearic, oleic, palmitoleic and linoleic acid (30.5-30.50, 3.6-8.8, 13.4-22.6, 6.7-14.1 and 1.3-2.0 mg/100 g respectively). With regard to cooking, curried and fried Pearlspotted Rabbitfish showed predominant changes in their fatty acid profiles. In the omega-3 and omega-6 families the dominant fatty acids were eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (2.9-6.4 mg/100 g), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (1.5-14.8 mg/100 g) and arachidonic acid (AA) (2.0-5.2 mg/100 g). There was no consistent trend in the EPA/DHA ratio in all the four species of fish. Cooking increased polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), the most noticeable increase was again in Pearlspotted Rabbitfish. PUFA increased from 21.8 mg/100g to 50.0 mg/100 g in curried and 49.5 mg/100 g in the fried variety. Key words: Arabian Gulf, fish, cooking, fatty acid profile.The objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid profile of raw and cooked (grilled, curried and fried) fish commonly consumed in Bahrain. Four most popular species of fish were purchased from the local market in Manama city, the capital of Bahrain. Fatty acids in raw and cooked fish were separated and quantitatively determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) using standard methods. The findings revealed that the predominant fatty acids in raw fish were palmitic, stearic, oleic, palmitoleic and linoleic acid (30.5-30.50, 3.6-8.8, 13.4-22.6, 6.7-14.1 and 1.3-2.0 mg/100 g respectively). With regard to cooking, curried and fried Pearlspotted Rabbitfish showed predominant changes in their fatty acid profiles. In the omega-3 and omega-6 families the dominant fatty acids were eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (2.9-6.4 mg/100 g), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (1.5-14.8 mg/100 g) and arachidonic acid (AA) (2.0-5.2 mg/100 g). There was no consistent trend in the EPA/DHA ratio in all the four species of fish. Cooking increased polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), the most noticeable increase was again in Pearlspotted Rabbitfish. PUFA increased from 21.8 mg/100g to 50.0 mg/100 g in curried and 49.5 mg/100 g in the fried variety. Key words: Arabian Gulf, fish, cooking, fatty acid profile.
Wine industry residue as antioxidant in cooked chicken meat

Summary The effectiveness of grape extracts as food ingredient has been tested in various systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of four concentrations of residues of the wine industry in delaying lipid oxidation in processed chicken meat stored under refrigeration. The development of oxidation during the 14-day storage was evaluated through the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method (TBAS). The analyses of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were performed in grape residue extracts through DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picrilidrazil) method, lipid peroxidation inhibition and Rancimat. The profile of polyphenols was determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Isabel grape extract (IGE) and Niagara grape extract (NGE) showed significant content of phenolic compounds. NGE and IGE had high antioxidant activity. The addition of grape extracts significantly increased the oxidative stability of processed and cooked chicken meat during the storage time. The extracts from both grape varieties when applied in concentrations of 40 and 60 mg of GAE, presented results similar to that of Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT).
SPAWNING FREQUENCY AND BATCH FECUNDITY OF CHUB MACKEREL, SCOMBERJAPONICUS, DURING 1985

The average female Scomber japonicus collected from April through July of 1985 spawned 8.8 times during the 101-day sampling period. The average interval between spawns was 1.3 days in 32 females with more than one spawning stage in their ovary. The average batch fecundity was 68,400 oocytes, or 168 oocytes per gram female wet weight (without ovary). RESUMEN Hembras de Scomber juponicus colectadas de Abril a Julio de 1985 desovaron en el period0 de muestreo de 101 dias un promedio de 8.8 veces. Treinta y dos hembras tuvieron un interval0 promedio entre 10s desoves de 1.3 dias; 10s ejemplares posefan mis de un estadio de desove en sus ovarios. La fecundidad por cada puesta del grupo promedic5 68,400 ovoci- tos, equivalentes a 168 ovocitos por gramo de hem- bra (peso humedo; excluyendo el ovario). INTRODUCTION Scomber japonicus, chub mackerel, spawn more than once per season (Knaggs and Parrish 1973; Peiia et al. 1986; Asano and Tanaka 1989), but the fre- quency is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of spawning and es- timate batch fecundity (number of oocytes per
Comparison of disease occurrence and Green leaf area (GLA) of winter wheat depending on the forecrop and differentiated fungicidal protection used.

The effect of the forecrop and differentiated chemical plant protection on the intensity of fungal leaf diseases of winter wheat were studied from 1999-2008. Five (I-V) separate experiments were conducted in Mazury (Szestno I,), Żulawy Wiślane (Lisewo II), and Powiśle (Wielglowy III, IV and Radostowo V). The intensity of diseases varied. Powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) was noted in relatively low or trace intensity. On the other hand, there was a large amount of necrotic leaf spot complexes caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola, Stagonospora nodorum, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Fusarium spp. In 2000, 2001 and 2003 brown rust (Puccinia recondita) was noted in high intensity. The applied treatments were very effective in reducing fungal disease on leaves. The surface of the upper leaves (Green leaf area - GLA) with no symptoms of infection and fungicide use were significantly higher than in the control. It was also found that the GLA of crops grown after oilseed rape was higher than the GLA of crops grown after wheat.
Daily vertical migrations in the epifauna associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows

To estimate the importance of the vertical daily migrations in the structure of the community of the epifauna associated with the leaf stratum of Posidonia oceanica, we compared to the vagil epifauna abundance in respect to the period of the day and the height of the sediment. The study was developed in the P. oceanica meadow of El Campello (Alicante, south-east Spain), during May of 1996, to a depth of 12 m, repeating the samplings in four sites to obtain a correct spatial interpretation. Three main behaviours were detected. Decapods, amphipods, isopods, mysids, ostracods and polychaetes showed a nocturnal increase in the leaf stratum of P. oceanica. By contrast, copepods showed a nocturnal decrease in the leaves and gastropods did not show any temporal change. Chaetognaths and acari did not show statistical differences because of the considerable spatial heterogeneity. These vertical migrations have an extreme importance in the configuration of the structure of the epifauna associated to P. oceanica, in addition to the diverse response of the different taxa.
Abundance and Species Richness of Shrews within Forested Habitats on Prince Edward Island

Abstract Little is known about the small mammalian fauna of Prince Edward Island, particularly shrews. Although historical data indicate the presence of five shrew species on PEI (Sorex cinereus, S. fumeus, S. hoyi, S. palustris and Blarina brevicauda), recent studies have failed to capture S. fumeus, S. hoyi and S. palustris on the Island. During a study designed to examine the abundance of amphibians in 11 forest fragments located in the central region of Prince Edward Island, we collected 344 shrews in pitfall traps. Sorex cinereus was the most abundant species captured, and was present in all forest fragments. Blarina brevicauda was captured in all but one forest fragment. Sorex fumeus was found in only one fragment. Sorex hoyi and S. palustris were not captured during this study. No significant correlations were found between physical characteristics of forest remnants (i.e., area, perimeter, ratio area:perimeter) and the total abundance, species richness or species diversity of shrews. However, shrew captures were correlated with various biotic characteristics including ground temperature, the presence of canopy cover, number of stumps and number of logs. We conclude that both B. brevicauda and S. cinereus are common and widespread-distributed on Prince Edward Island. In conjunction with other recent studies, our findings indicate that S. hoyi is extremely rare on the Island and that it is possible that the species is extirpated from Prince Edward Island. We stress the need for a more comprehensive study specifically designed to determine the abundance, distribution and conservation status of shrew species on Prince Edward Island.
Responses of Three Natural Enemy Species to Contact and Systemic Insecticide Exposures in Confined Assays

Abstract Chemical pesticides can efficiently control insect pests and are often relied upon by nursery producers. With increased consumer concerns regarding insecticides, growers may choose to limit insecticide applications by incorporating natural enemies into their pest management program. This study assessed the effects of commonly used contact (bifenthrin and carbaryl) and systemic (imidacloprid and dinotefuran) insecticides on adult Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister), adult Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville), and adult Orius insidiosus (Say) to evaluate their safety for use with natural enemies. Insects were confined in experimental arenas either with leaves sprayed to provide insecticide residues or leaves treated with only water and then air-dried prior to use. Both systemic and contact insecticides caused mortality in all three insect species. The contact insecticide bifenthrin was the least toxic to C. rufilabris, and the systemic insecticide, dinotefuran, was not toxic to H. convergens. The broad-spectrum contact insecticide carbaryl was the most toxic insecticide to both C. rufilabris and H. convergens. All insecticides caused mortality to O. insidiosus with bifenthrin being the most toxic. None of the insecticides chosen in this study were “safe” for all three natural enemy species.
WATER MITES (ACARI: HYDRACHNIDIA) OF WATER BODIES IN THE CARBONATE PEAT BOG BAGNO BUBNÓW IN POLESKI NATIONAL PARK. DIRECTION AND DYNAMICS OF CHANGES

Thirty one species of water mites were found in the carbonate peat bog pools of Bagno Bubnow, including 5 species new to Poleski National Park and to Polesie Lubelskie. Tyrphobiontic and tyrphophilic species (36.2%, 9 sp.) dominated in the material collected. The second most numerous group comprised small water body species (31.4%, 7 sp.). Water mites characteristic of vernal pools constituted 24.4% (12 sp.) and lake species 8.0% (3 sp.). High biodiversity was noted in the water bodies studied – H = 4.29. Taking into account the present study as well as historic materials, 52 species of water mites have been found in the peat bog pools of Bagno Bubnow (1967–2007). Over the last 40 years significant changes have been observed in the composition of the fauna. Nevertheless, the water mite fauna of Bagno Bubnow can be characterised as stable, showing no signs of degradation. Bagno Bubnow can be considered the most valuable area of the Poleski National Park with regard to Hydrachnidia.
Patterns of activity and inactivity in echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) free-ranging in a hot dry climate: correlates with ambient temperature, time of day and season

Echidnas occur throughout Australia. They exhibit daily fluctuations in body temperature (T-b) and use torpor to various degrees throughout much of their range. Echidnas elsewhere are commonly diurnal except during hot weather. This study used temperature-sensitive radio-transmitters to investigate the activity patterns and temperature relations of echidnas in the relatively hot, dry climate of south-west Queensland with respect to temperature and photoperiod. During activity, echidnas were characterised by rising, but not necessarily high, T(b)s. Activity was seen only within an ambient temperature range (as measured in a nearby Stevenson Screen: T-ss) of 9-33degreesC so that activity was seen during the day and at night during the cool weather but only at night in summer. Echidnas used caves, burrows and logs when inactive. T(b)s of inactive echidnas declined except when affected by rising ambient temperatures, as determined within these shelters (T-a). In summer, T(b)s of echidnas in these shelters changed little or rose with increasing T-a to levels even higher than in active echidnas. Torpor was used by echidnas for periods up to nine days during winter and occasionally for up to one day during summer. Due to the difficulty of identifying the occurrence of torpor from T-b alone in warm conditions, the possibility that echidnas utilise torpor for less than one day remains inconclusive. Nevertheless, at least five bouts of torpor were identified in four (of eight) echidnas during winter/spring and two bouts of torpor from two echidnas in summer.