Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Ultrastructural Study of the Distal Epidermis and the Occurrence of Subcuticular Bacteria in the Gutless Tubificid Phallodrilus Albidus (Oligochaeta:Annelida).

The typically annelid cuticle of Phallodrilus albidus has an increased population density of epicuticular projections, but this is not thought to be related to its gutless condition. The irregular outline of the apical membrane of the epidermal cells is an inherent feature, possibly enhancing an absorptive function. The cuticle-epidermal interface is characterized by multigranular bodies, rod-shaped bacteria and filiform structures. The multigranular bodies are present in the postclitellar region only, coinciding with the chalkiness of living specimens. The bacteria occur throughout the entire length of the worm, their presence exaggerating the irregularities of the apical membrane. The bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, in contrast to the limiting membrane, was difficult to resolve. Between the two membranes is an amorphous zone. Storage granules of a carbohydrate-rich complex are located peripherally and the bacterial core contains a reticulum of DNA threads. Filiform structures, ultrastructurally similar to the bacterial peripheral region, are numerous, especially where the bacteria are carbohydrate-rich. Connections with the bacterial bodies were observed, but infrequently. The non-pathologic association between the subcuticular bacteria and the gutless tubificid is discussed.
Optimization of Ultraviolet Irradiate Conditions for Vitamin D 2 Synthesis in Shitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) by Using Response Surface Methodology

The determination of the optimum conditions for the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2 in shitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of the three main variables ambient temperature (20-40 o C), exposure time (60-180 min), and irradiation intensity (0.6-1.8 W/m 2 ) were investigated. According to the RSM ridge analysis, the optimum conditions were as follows: ambient tem- perature of 34.2 o C, exposure time of 175.6 min, and irradiation intensity of 1.41 W/m 2 . Under these optimum conditions, the maximum vitamin D2 content of 117.93 µg/g in shitake mushrooms was obtained, which agreed fairly well with the predicted value of 122.60 µg/g.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SOME KERSTING’S GROUNDNUT LANDRACE CULTIVARS TO INFESTATION BY CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS (FAB.) [COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE]

Seeds of five different landrace cultivars of Kersting’s groundnut, Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Marechal and Baudet, obtained from northern Ghana, were evaluated for their susceptibility to infestation and damage by the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. The completely randomized design was used to obtain data on the oviposition, developmental period, progeny emergence, weight loss in seeds and susceptibility index. The results showed that the Nakpanduri-white, Heng-mottle and Damongo-cream landrace cultivars proved to be the highly preferred hosts to C. maculatus , recording the highest egg load and progeny emergence, as well as the shortest egg-adult developmental period, and highest seed weight loss. The Najung-black landrace cultivar was the least preferred, followed by the Nakori-brown cultivars. Results from susceptibility indices further indicated that the Najung-black and Nakori-brown were the least susceptible to C. maculatus , while Nakpanduri-white was the most susceptible. Overall, the Najung-black and Nakori-brown landrace cultivars consistently demonstrated high tolerance to the pest and therefore, should be promoted or incorporated into breeding programmes to help minimize the high losses incurred by farmers during storage.
Causes of episodic acidification in Alpine streams

SUMMARY 1. Despite their global importance as mountain landscapes, the effect of acid deposition on running waters in the Alps is still incompletely described. The acid–base status of 30 clearwater streams in Canton Ticino (Switzerland) was therefore assessed at low and high flow across a south/north gradient of acid deposition in 2000. 2. At low flow, no stream was acidic, alkalinity being ≥29 μeq L−1 and pH ≥6.4. However, NO3– was present in streamwater at these flows in concentrations that suggested anthropogenic enrichment, and its concentration correlated with spatial patterns of N deposition from the atmosphere. 3. Severe loss of alkalinity occurred in most streams at high flow during snowmelt (spring) or rainstorms (spring and autumn). Autumn episodes were because of dilution of streamwater alkalinity by rainwater. By contrast, spring episodes involved dilution and NO3– titration, the increase in nitrate being correlated with patterns of N deposition. SO42– declined during most episodes. 4. High NO3– leaching at low flow suggests that catchment soils in Canton Ticino are approaching saturation in N. These data are among the first to illustrate that NO3– can drive episodic acidification in Europe, paralleling locations in north-eastern United States.
Acute oral toxicity of p‐aminopropiophenone to stoats (Mustela erminea)

Abstract No toxic baits are currently registered in New Zealand for stoat (Mustela erminea) control. PAPP (p‐aminopropiophenone) has potential application as a vertebrate pesticide for stoat control in New Zealand, and in the hydrochloride form was highly toxic (LD509.3 mg/kg) to stoats in pen trials. The first visible signs of toxicosis, cyanosis and salivation, generally appeared within 20 min of gavage administration of PAPP. These signs were generally followed by rapid respiration, lack of coordination and lethargy. Death generally followed within an hour of receiving a lethal dose. Stoats remained at least partly conscious until just prior to death, or may have had periods of intermittent consciousness in the later stages. PAPP toxicosis in stoats appeared relatively rapid (in comparison with other vertebrate pesticides in mustelids) and on preliminary assessment appears relatively humane. Further investigation and development of targeted bait delivery of PAPP for stoat control in New Zealand is recommended. This should be conducted alongside formal assessment of humaneness and the potential for unwanted effects such as non‐target mortality and environmental contamination.
Multiplication of Ovaries in Ctenotaenia marmotae (Frölich, 1802) (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae)

Abstract Individuals of the cestode species Ctenotaenia marmotae (Frölich, 1802) (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) possessing duplicated rudimentary ovaries toward the medial parts of the segments were found in material collected from the Siberian marmot (Marmota sibirica) in Mongolia. This tapeworm is characterized by possessing one pair of female genitals per segment. The extra rudimentary ovaries that we found ranged from 1 to 6 in number per segment and were much smaller than the main pairs of ovaries. Although multiplication of ovaries was reported to occur in a species of Diandrya (Darrah, 1930) by Rausch (1980), this is the first report of multiplication of ovaries in this species of cestode.
Effects of irrigation frequency and transient waterlogging on the production of a perennial ryegrass–white clover pasture

Summary. Perennial ryegrass–white clover swards were irrigated for 3 years every 50, 80 and 120 mm of crop evapotranspiration minus rainfall (ETc–R) and water ponded on the soil surface for either 4, 12 or 24 h at each irrigation. Pasture production and clover content were highly seasonal, peaking in spring and autumn. Frequent irrigation increased dry matter production by an average of 56%. When irrigating at 50 mm ETc–R, dry matter production was decreased by ponding water on plots, 17% for 12 h ponding and 14% if ponded for 24 h. However, when irrigating at an interval of 80 mm ETc–R ponding increased dry matter production by 7% for 12 h ponding and by 25% for 24 h ponding. Ponding also increased production at an irrigation interval of 120 mm ETc–R by 25% for 12 h ponding but only by 2.4% for 24 h ponding. While these increases in dry matter production are large in relative terms the absolute increase in production is small. More water infiltrated per irrigation at longer irrigation intervals, and at longer ponding times. Frequently irrigated, rapidly drained swards used irrigation water most efficiently. The small gain in dry matter production achieved by prolonging ponding at longer irrigation intervals is an inefficient use of water and likely to recharge regional groundwater systems. Oxygen diffusion rate measurements suggested that ponding for as short as 4 h was likely to cause waterlogging stresses and that these stresses were higher when irrigating frequently. The relative increase in waterlogging stress by extending the period of ponding from 4 to 24 h was small.
A method for enhancing tree species proportions from aerial photos

Data on tree species richness of forests are needed for sustainable management. Photo interpreted data is a mainstay of forest inventories in Canada but is known to simplify the species composition of stands in accordance with the objective of providing stand descriptors. Species proportions estimated from aerial photos will often deviate significantly from ground based sample estimates. More tree species are usually found in the latter. To enhance photo-interpreted species proportions to better match ground observations this study proposes a cross-correlation memory matrix model as the most promising approach to a notoriously difficult problem. Ground and photo data from 246 stands in three sites in coastal BC were used for model estimation and validation. Enhanced photo-based tree species proportions were, in most stands, closer to the ground estimates than the raw estimates. Changes in species proportions due to enhancement appeared reasonable when considering the actual species mix and stand structure.
Synthesis of [131‐I]‐iodinated quercetin

Two iodination procedures via thallation were applied to quercetin leading to the formation of 2′-iodoquercetin and 2′,6,8-triiodoquercetin; their structures being elucidated by FT-IR and NMR spectral analysis. The preparation of mono- and polyiodinated products is discussed here on the basis of the experimental details and spectral data. This is the first report on the radiolabelling of quercetin, which is here selectively performed with 131-iodine. The radiochemical purity was of 99%. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An in‐use study of the relationship between bacterial contamination of food preparation surfaces and cleaning cloths

The relationship between bacterial contamination of food preparation surfaces and the cleaning cloths associated with these surfaces was investigated in a busy college kitchen. Cleaning cloths used in conjunction with detergent became heavily contaminated within hours of first use. Following ‘cleaning’ with these cloths with detergent, both surfaces and cloths were found to be more heavily contaminated and there was evidence of contamination transfer to and from cloths and surfaces. Following ‘cleaning’ with cloths impregnated with quaternary ammonium disinfectant, there was a significant reduction in contamination on both surfaces and cloths, together with a reduction in the numbers of enterobacteria and pseudomonads. The results suggest that significant improvements in kitchen hygiene could be achieved by ensuring that contaminated cloths are not used for food preparation activities.
Accumulation of hepatic Hsp70 and plasma cortisol in Oreochromis mossambicus following sublethal metal and DDT exposure

Heat shock response in Oreochromis mossambicus livers was measured, using antibodies specific to Hsp70 family members, by an immunoblotting protocol. The hepatic isoforms Hsp70, Hsp74 and Hsp76 were identified and quantified from copper exposures. Long-term DDT exposure did not result in significant induction of hepatic Hsp70. An increase in plasma cortisol concentration was associated with a decrease in heat shock protein accumulation after cadmium exposure, but this negative correlation was not statistically significant. A positive correlation between Hsp70 accumulation and plasma cortisol concentration was observed after chromium and nickel exposures. The induction of cortisol as a stress response may be metal-specific. No statistically significant relationship between cortisol and Hsp70 synthesis was found. The quantification of three hepatic Hsp70 isoforms demonstrates the feasibility of applying heat shock response in O. mossambicus as a biomarker of exposure to pollutants in the aquatic environment.
Viability and Acidification Activity of Pure and Mixed Starters of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus 404 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 398 at the Different Steps of Their Production

Abstract Three types of lactic starters of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus 404 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 398 have been produced by controlled pH batch cultures: pure starters, mixings of pure starters and mixed starters. They were compared according to their viability and their acidification activity after the different steps of their production and during storage. At the end of the batch cultures, the acidification activity, characterized by the maximum acidification rate in milk, was 40% higher for the starters issued from the mixed cultures or the mixings of pure cultures with regard to the pure starters. During the concentration, freezing and freeze-drying processes, tea significant alteration of the activity of the starters was observed. The viability of the starters, during 24 wk of preservation after freezing (-75°C) or freeze-drying (4°C), decreased continuously. This decrease was slightly faster in the case of the starter obtained from a mixed culture. The starters were more resistant during storage in a frozen state than in a freeze-dried state. Finally, thanks to the use of a well normalized procedure, the acidification activity was not altered during the storage of each type of starter.
Workplace Violence against Health Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study from Baglung District, Nepal

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) in the health sector is a worldwide concern with healthcare workers being at high risk of being victims. This study aimed to assess the magnitude, perpetrators and place of incidence, available violence response, reporting and prevention/control mechanism WPV in health institutions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered questionnaire to collect quantitative data on different aspects of workplace violence against health workers among 123 health workers of 14 selected health institutions of Baglung district between July-December 2013. Indepth interview was conducted among 10 respondents to collect qualitative data. Results: Almost two-thirds of respondents (64.9%) reported exposure to at least one type of violence in the previous 12 months: physical-11.3%, verbal-59.8% and sexual-11.3%. The perpetrators of all three types of violence were mostly the relatives of patients: physical-45.5%, verbal-29.3% and sexual-36.4%. Very few cases were investigated. Less than half of respondents reported the availability of violence reporting procedures in their health facilities and only one third reported any sort of encouragement for reporting. Non-reporting of violence was a concern, main reasons were lack of incident reporting policy/procedure, anti-violence measures and management support. Conclusion: There is an immediate need to address workplace violence by concerned authority though introducing appropriate policy and strategies, enhancement of incident reporting and follow up on reported events as well as providing adequate physical and psychological support to victims of health workplace violence.
Movement Responses of Stream Fishes to Introduced Corridors of Complex Cover

Abstract Although the efficacy and design of terrestrial movement corridors have received considerable attention, the potential role of corridors in connecting stream habitats has not. We studied the movements of three benthic species of fish, fantail darters Etheostoma flabellare, riverweed darters E. podostemone, and Roanoke darters Percina roanoka, among suitable mesohabitat patches (i.e., riffles) through adjacent, less suitable pools in the South Fork Roanoke River, Virginia. We constructed movement corridors of overhead cover in four pools and compared rates of movement through these pools with those through four control pools without corridors. Movement rates were significantly greater through pools with corridors than through control pools for riverweed and Roanoke darters but equivalent through connected and unconnected pools for fantail darters. Interspecific differences in microhabitat use may have been responsible for the observed variability in corridor effects. Our results suggest that intac.
The fatty acid compositions of total, neutral and polar lipids in wild and farmed lambari (Astyanax altiparanae) (Garutti & Britski, 2000) broodstock

One way to develop broodstock fish diets is to determine the compositions of wild broodstock tissues and attempt to replicate these compositions in the eggs of farmed fish via dietary manipulation. We collected 30 wild and 30 farmed lambari females that were in the reproductive stage. The extraction and separation of polar and neutral fractions and the saponification and methylation of lipids were performed and analysed in the muscles, livers and ovaries to determine the compositions of the fatty acids via gas chromatography. Regardless of habitat, lambaris mobilize large amounts of fat to the ovaries during the reproductive period, in addition to highly unsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The wild lambaris were observed to contain higher levels of various fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. The most abundant fatty acid that was observed in the commercial diet was linoleic acid, which was supplied in all fish farmed tissues. The commercial diet has low AA, EPA and DHA contents, and, higher levels of these fatty acids were recorded in the tissues of farmed lambari, which suggests that this species are able to elongate and desaturate precursors, linoleic and linolenic acids, into highly unsaturated fatty acids.
Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Complex Songs Among European Warblers of the Genus Acr Ocephal Us

An attempt has been made to explain why the songs of Acrocephalus warblers have become so complex during their evolution. A considerable body of evidence has implicated sexual selection, and two predictions from sexual selection theory have been tested. First, males with more complex songs should attract females for pairing before their rivals with simpler songs. This prediction has been confirmed, when a strong inverse correlation between syllable repertoire size (song complexity) and pairing date (female choice) was obtained in a population of sedge warblers. No significant correlation was obtained between male arrival date and pairing date. Assuming that the first (usually older) males back should select the best territories, then territory quality appeared to have little or no significant effect upon female choice. The second prediction tested was that due to increased sexual selection pressure, males of polygynous species should have evolved more comples songs than males of monogamous species. Of the six common European Acrocephalus species studied, four are monogamous and two polygynous. The prediction was not upheld, as the four monogamous species had long, complex and variable songs, and the two polygynous species had shorter, simpler and less variable songs. The explanation for this apparent paradox can be found in the different relationships between female choice, feeding ecology and parental investment in monogamous or polygynous Acrocephalus species. In polygynous species, a female must ensure the territory contains enough resources to enable her to feed the young and should base her choice primarily upon territory quality. In monogamous species, a female must select a male who will help her to feed the young, and should base her choice more directly upon male quality. The songs of polygynous species have therefore evolved primarily through indirect (intrasexual) sexual selection pressure, which has produced shorter, simpler and more stereotyped songs more suited to male-male interactions and a territorial function. The songs of monogamous species have evolved primarily through direct (intersexual) selection pressure, which has produced the long, complex and variable songs which females find more attractive.
A new durophagous phocid (Mammalia: Carnivora) from the late Neogene of Peru and considerations on monachine seals phylogeny

Here we describe a new phocid, Hadrokirus martini gen. et sp. nov., from the Pisco Formation, in the locality of Sud-Sacaco (Late Miocene to Early Pliocene of Peru). This taxon is the third true seal described from this locality. It is characterized by strong dentition paired with a powerful masticatory musculature and a peculiar atlas. No precise diet is inferred here, but a propensity for durophagy and predation on large prey (such as the extant leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx) can be considered. A cladistic analysis including characters from the literature as well as original ones places Hadrokirus among lobodontines in a clade with Piscophoca pacifica, another phocid from the Pisco Formation. In addition, this analysis supports the monophyly of both Phocinae and Monachinae and recognizes a clade consisting of the four extant species of lobodontines, with Acrophoca longirostris (the third phocid from the Pisco Formation) as sister-group of this clade. All clades are supported by unambiguous non-homoplastic synapomorphies. Following the optimization, our analysis recognizes aquatic innovations as phocine reversions at the scale of Carnivora, or as convergences of monachines with non-phocid pinnipeds. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A9884A4D-99C2-4CB0-BEE9-E2D2830481DD
Characterisation of chicken erythroid nuclear proteins which bind to the nuclease hypersensitive regions upstream of the t3k and H3-globin genes

Chicken erythrocyte sequence-specific nuclear DNA-binding proteins, which bind to the 5'-flanking DNAseI hypersensitive sites of the erythrocyte chromosomal OA. and 0H-globin genes, have been fractionated by HPLC gel filtration. Three OA-globin gene DNA binding activities (to sites A, B and B' (10-12)) were separated . The erythroid precursor cell line HD3 has 8A_globin gene sites B and B' binding activities, but binding to site A is detected only after the HD3 cells are induced to differentiate. The fractionated protein binds to a redefined site B', which contains at its center the globin CACCC consensus sequence. The chromosomal OH-globin gene has two 5'-flanking DNAseI hypersensitive sites which bracket two sequences (H and H') bound by erythrocyte and HD3 nuclear protein in vitro. The OH- and OA-globin gene binding sites (H and B) contain variants of the sequences bound by Nuclear Factor 1 and the TGGCA-binding protein, and their protein binding activity- (ies) co-purify after HPLC gel filtration.