Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determining the Relative Abundance of Coyotes by Scent Station Lines

In an attempt to determine the relative abundance of coyotes (Canis latrans), we have been checking several hundred scent station lines (about one line per 5,000 miles) each year in 17 western states. Each line consists of 50 scent stations located at 0.3-mile intervals along a continuous 14.7-mile route; each station is a perforated-plastic capsule containing a fermented-egg attractant placed in the center of a 1-yard circle of sifted dirt. Animal visits (based on tracks) are recorded for each station daily for 5 consecutive days during September to provide an index by which coyote population trends can be compared between states, regions, and years. The present concern over predator control in the western United States has prompted a number of studies aimed at learning more about the ecology and behavior of coyotes, their economic impact, and methods of reducing their depredations on livestock. Determining the status and trends of coyote populations is essential to this research. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has investigated methods of making such measurements, within limited geographic areas, for many years. However, only recently did a search begin for a survey technique that (1) would provide annual indices of coyote abundance over extensive areas throughout the western United States, (2) could be checked at the same time and in exactly the same way from region to region and year to year, and (3) would provide as reliable an estimate of abundance as possible within limits of available funds and trained manpower. Many wild-mammal censusing problems are compounded with wild canids, which are highly mobile, intelligent, and wary. Without unlimited resources or severe restrictions on sample-area size, it is a practical impossibility to obtain actual counts, so one must resort to some index of relative abundance. However, indices (like most direct counting methods) are subject to such variables as the characteristic nonrandom distribution of wild canids, varying seasonal or regional movement and behavior patterns, and other factors including age, sex, weather, food supply, and the influence of habitat. These factors become increasingly difficult to minimize when the survey is conducted over large areas. One can only select a technique as insensitive to these variables as possible and recognize that some variation in canid response is inevitable. Wood (1959), Lord (1961), Overton and Davis (1969), Lewis (1970), Clark (1972), Knowlton (1972), Linhart and Robinson (1972), and Wolfe (1973) have reviewed most of the census techniques used to estimate densities of wild canids. Although varying in details, nearly all fall into five basic categories: (1) direct counts or catch, mark, release, and recapture (Lincoln Index); (2) counts of dens, tracks, or droppings; (3) questionnaires and bounty payments; (4) catch per unit of effort (trap nights, coyote-getter nights, etc.); and (5) elicited responses, such as frequency of visitation to man-made scent stations and howl responses to sirens. Of these techniques, we felt that the
The effects of vitamin E and vitamin C on sexual maturity body weight and hatching characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared under heat stress

Used were a total of 810 seven-day-old Japanese quails. The birds received a basal diet with three levels of two vitamins – vitamin E (ROVIMIX® E-50 SD; stable source of vitamin E in feed, DL-α Tocopheryl acetate) 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg of diet, vitamin C (ROVIMIX® Stay-C 35; stable source of vitamin C in feed, L ascorbic acid) 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg of diet. Birds were reared at 33°C during the treatment period (week 0 to week 16 of age). At weeks 15-16 eggs were collected from the pens and put into incubators. The highest mean sexual maturity body weight (SMBW) and egg weight (EW) values were determined in a combination of 240 mg of Vitamin E and 240 mg of vitamin C group. The effect of treatment groups on fertility (F) ratio was found to be significant (P≤0.01). When the fertility ratios are compared both combinations of 240 mg of vitamin E and 240 mg of vitamin C group and combinations of 240 mg of vitamin E and 120 mg of vitamin C group had higher values than the other treatment groups. The effect of treatment on the hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE), hatchability of total eggs (HTE) and embryo mortalities were significant (P≤0.01). Lower HFE was observed in a combination of 60 mg of vitamin E and 60 mg of vitamin C group.
Short original communications Tubuloreticular structures in microglial cells, pericytes and endothelial cells in Aizheimer's disease*

Summary. In two of six brain biopsies of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), tubuloreticular structures (TRS) were observed in the distended endoplasmic reticulum of microglial cells, endothelial cells of vessels, and pericytes. In the microglial cells that produce amyloid fibrils, TRS were found in the cytoplasmic channels, which were filled with newly formed amyloid fibrils. Co-localization of TRS and newly formed amyloid fibrils in the same cellular compartment strengthens the hypothesis that amyloid fibrils are formed in the endoplasmic reticulum of microglial cells. Formation of TRS in microglial cells, pericytes, and endothelial cells of vessels probably reflects local or systemic a-interferon production. In some cells, this pathological process coexists with the second type of pathological changes: formation of amyloid fibrils.
Studies on the behavior and life history of the mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni Girard)

In-season homing of displaced adult mountain whitefish from Mission Creek was demonstrated by the return of 31 fish (10.2%) in 1968, and 367 fish (31.4%) in 1969, from release sites. In 1969, there was a significant difference in homing time between sexes. More fish homed from release sites in the Yellowstone River down-stream than upstream from the mouth of Mission Creek and a greater percentage of males homed than females from all release sites in 1969. Repeat homing in 1969 was evidenced by the return of eight fish marked in 1968. Mountain whitefish fry ranging in age from newly hatched to seven weeks exhibited strong positive phototaxis to illumination ranging from 40-200 ft-c and also responded strongly to a decrease in light intensity. Fry were more attracted to red, yellow and white rectangles and showed greater avoidance to black and blue rectangles in a trough than in a tank under approximately equal light intensities. They showed a greater preference for red than any other of the colors used. Adult mountain whitefish spawned under artificial conditions in the laboratory and in an outdoor raceway. Fry of this species were reared on commercial trout food for approximately seven weeks subsequent to hatching. Analyses of digestive tract contents of mountain whitefish ranging in total length from 12.5-31.0 mm collected from the Yellowstone River showed Tendepedidae larvae to be the most important food organism both in numbers and frequency occurrence. STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOR AND'LIFE HISTORY OF THE MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH (PROSOPIUM WILLIAMSONI GIRARDj ' by JAMES EDWARD LIEBELT A thesis.submitted to the Graduate Faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of ■ DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in
Behavioral response of free-ranging bison to human disturbance

Although anthropogenic disturbance can have a significant impact on wildlife populations, little information exists on the behavioral response of free-ranging bison (Bos bison) to human activity. From 1996-1998, we identified factors influencing the immediate response of free-ranging plains bison (B. b. bison) to human presence, evaluated whether human disturbance increased their daily movements, and determined whether this influenced resource use in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan. We conducted 299 bison surveys while traveling by foot, snowmobile, or pickup truck. When bison were encountered, we recorded herd size and composition, reaction of bison to our presence, and our distance from the herd. Following the detection of human presence, bison reacted by either approaching the observer (3% of 384 observations), looking in our direction while remaining in place (46%), or fleeing the area (51%). Bison were more likely to flee from a truck than a hiker and as likely to flee from a person traveling by snowmobile as from one on foot. The probability of flight by herds that included young bison (<1 year old) increased as the snowmobile got closer, reaching 50% at 257 m. The average daily radius (i.e., straight-line displacement over 24 hours) of female bison equipped with GPS collars increased 27-30% when they responded to human presence by fleeing compared to when there was no disturbance. There was no evidence, however, that the frequency of disturbance imposed on this population had an important impact on resource use. Variation in bison density among meadows was not related to the number of human disturbances. Instead, bison density was related to environmental factors such as snow depth in winter and water availability during the snow-free season. Additionally, human disturbance was not more frequent in the meadows where bison were observed relatively less than expected based on the abundance of their preferred plant species. Our observations indicated that humans can minimize their impact on bison by remaining farther than 260 m from herds and by being discreet when near large herds containing young bison.
PREVALENCE OF NON-FERMENTING GRAM NEGATIVE BACILLI FROM CLINICAL ISOLATES AND THEIR ANTIBIOGRAM PROFILE

Background and Objectives: Non fermenting gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) are an increasing cause of concern in the hospitals as they produce a therapeutic dilemma for the treating physician.The present study was undertaken to know the prevalence and the resistance pattern of non-fermenting gram negative bacilli from clinical isolates. Methods: Of2758 bacterial isolates 389 (14.1%) were Non-fermenting gram negative bacilli recovered from various clinical specimens . All the samples were processed for routine bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test as per standard protocol (CLSI guidelines). Results: Among NFGNBs, 274(70.43%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 99 (25.44%) Acinetobactercalcoaciticus - baumaniicomplex, 10 (2.57%) Acinetobacterlwoffii and6 (1.54%) Acinetobacterhemolyticus . All the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were sensitive to Polymyxin B and least resistance was observed towards Amikacin 9.85%. All the Acinetobacterisolates were sensitive to Polymyxin B. Only 20.20 % of Acinetobactercalcoaciticusbaumannii complex were resistant to Imipenemwhereas rest all strains were sensitive . Conclusion: The prevalence of NFGNB among clinical isolates was 14.1%. Significantly higher resistance rate was observed by these isolates to almost all the drugs routinely used. Keywords: NFGNB,Pseudomonas,Acinetobacter, Amikacin, Polymyxin B
Effect of dietary supplemental chromium on nutrient utilization, rumen metabolites and enzyme activities in fistulated crossbred male cattle.

The experiment was conducted to ascertain effect of different levels of dietary supplementation of chromium (Cr) on nutrient utilization, ruminal enzyme activities and fermentation pattern. Adult fistulated male crossbred cattle (3) were supplemented with chromium as chromium picolinate in a 3×3 latin square switch-over design, viz. treatment 1, control (without chromium supplementation), treatment 2 (0.5 mg chromium/kg diet dry matter as chromium picolinate), and treatment 3 (1.0 mg chromium/kg diet dry matter as chromium picolinate). There was no significant effect on dry matter, total digestible nutrients and digestible crude protein intakes and digestibility of different nutrients due to supplementation of chromium. The mean concentration of total nitrogen and non-protein nitrogen in SRL was significantly higher in T2 supplemented with 0.5 mg Cr/kg DM than in T3 supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM, while TCAprecipitable protein nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen concentrations did not differ significantly among the treatments. No significant difference was observed in TVFA concentration among the treatments. However, all the rumen biochemical parameters differed significantly due to time interval of sampling of rumen liquor. The different fractions of whole rumen content, viz. particulate material (PM), cellular fraction (C) and extra cellular fraction (EC) exhibited no significant effect on activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, α-amylase, xylanase, α-glucosidase and s-glucosidase in rumen content with different levels of chromium supplementation. Activity of all enzymes was higher in particulate material fraction as compared to cellular fraction and extra cellular fraction. It is concluded that 0.5 to 1.0 mg chromium supplementation per kg diet dry matter as chromium picolinate had no effect on feed intake, nutrient utilization, ruminal metabolic profile and enzyme activities in crossbred male cattle.
Ecomorphology Of The Mexican Fence Lizards Of The Sceloporus Formosus Group (squamata: Phrynosomatidae)

ECOMORPHOLOGY OF THE MEXICAN FENCE LIZARDS OF THE Sceloporus formosus GROUP (SQUAMATA: PHRYNOSOMATIDAE) Gloria Andrea Acevedo, M.S. The University of Texas at Arlington, 2009 Supervising Professor: Eric N Smith vi A central belief of ecomorphological studies is the link between morphology and performance, but, surprisingly few analyses demonstrate this relationship. Fence lizards of the genus Sceloporus offer a useful system for addressing correlations between morphology and performance because they possess keratinized and keeled scales, a distinctive morphological character that might influence water balance. A common observation across different taxa of reptiles is that many organisms in dry habitats have few scales on their bodies, compared to organisms inhabiting moist environments. This pattern is also present in fence lizards. I investigated if the number of dorsal and lateral scales varies across three environmental variables (elevation, temperature and precipitation) for three species of Sceloporus (S. adleri, S. scitulus and S. druckercolini). Among and within species, I found that lizards with the fewest and most heavily keeled scales occur at low elevations and dry environments and lizards with the most and smoothest scales occur at high elevations and moist environments. A compelling hypothesis to explain this pattern is that fewer and larger scales are generally keeled and overlapping reducing skin exposure and hence the amount of evaporative water loss. On the other hand, smaller, more granular scales increase the exposed skin surface area and increase rates of dehydration. To test this hypothesis, the skin resistance to water loss (Rs) was measured on the sides of lizards and the number of lateral scales was counted for this specific area. The relationship between water loss and scalation was as expected, observing the lowest values of Rs with the highest number of lateral scales for all species together and within species. In addition, I tested if water loss was correlated to any of the three climate variables. I found the lowest values of Rs in lizards occurring at highlands, where temperatures tend to be low and water is usually more readily available. As a consequence of the variation in the lizard’s morphology (scalation) with their habitat, I proposed a third hypothesis relating the morphology with the performance of the lizards. I predicted that a higher number of scales will be positively correlated with sprint speed. Out of the three species, only S. scitulus increased its performance with a higher scalation. Our results suggest that reptilian changes in scale numbers are correlated with ecological variables such as elevation, temperature and precipitation, and that the number of scales in a population and/or species may be highly plastic in order to maintain a proper osmotic balance. In turn, this important ecomorphological relationship provides also an opportunity to explore trade-offs between the already compromised morphological variation and running performance, as suggested for S. scitulus.
Identification of life history variation in salmonids using otolith microchemistry and scale patterns : Implictions for illegal introductions and for whirling disease in Missouri River Rainbow trout

Proper conservation and management of wild salmonid populations requires correct identification of the array of life histories present and their contribution to adult recruitment. I used otolith microchemistry to identify natal origin and scale patterns to determine outmigration age in Missouri River rainbow trout where whirling disease could potentially cause a population collapse. First, I reviewed the otolith microchemistry literature and concluded that there have been a limited number of freshwater studies, and there has been limited rigorous testing of the many instruments used. Second, I tested the efficacy of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and found that Sr:Ca could be precisely measured in an otolith ‘standard’, there is a strong relation between qualitative ToF-SIMS results and concentrations measured with an electron microprobe, and the ambient water strongly influences otolith composition. Third, I analyzed the chemical composition of lake trout otoliths to identify the likely source of illegally transplanted lake trout in Yellowstone Lake. Changes in otolith microchemistry of suspected transplants accurately (>90%) determined the likely source of the introduction, and transect analyses indicated that lake trout have possibly been in Yellowstone Lake since as early as the mid-1980s. Finally, I used otolith microchemistry to identify natal origin and scale patterns to identify outmigration age in Missouri River rainbow trout. Otolith microchemistry was not an effective technique for this particular system because of similarities between the two major rainbow trout producing tributaries. However, I demonstrated a technique that uses the relation between otolith and water Sr:Ca to estimate sample sizes required to detect differences between streams. This can be used in future studies as a preliminary test to determine if otolith microchemistry is feasible. Scale patterns revealed that the yearling outmigration life history contributed most (88%) to adult recruitment in the mainstem fishery and the proportion of young-of-the-year to yearling outmigrants did not change post-whirling disease. Rainbow trout in the Missouri River have two obstacles to overcome: 1) severe whirling disease infection if the natal stream has Myxobolus cerebralis; and 2) low probability of surival if they manage to avoid severe infection but leave the stream too early.
Crop Rotation Systems for the Management of Meloidogyne arenaria in Peanut

An eight-year study with peanut (Arachis hypogaea), soybean (Glycine max), and corn (Zea mays) was established to determine the effect of selected rotation systems with these crops on population dynamics of Meloidogyne arenaria. The study was conducted in a field initially lightly infested with the nematode. The size of the population of the nematode, determined each year near peanut harvest time, increased with each succeeding year in plots with continuous peanut. The pattern of increase was best described by the logistic equation J = 600/(1 + e ), where L represented the number of juveniles per 100 cm soil and T the number of years in peanut. A rotation system of one year of peanut (P) followed by 2 years of corn (C) was most effective in maintaining low ( 100/100 cm soil) juvenile populations of the nematode. A rotation of peanut followed by a year each of 'Bragg' soybean (S) and corn was almost as effective as the P-C-C system. The P-S-C rotation resulted in populations 100 juv
Effects of diet particle size on digestive parameters in D+ and D- chicken lines selected for divergent digestion efficiency.

The experiment aimed at studying the effects of diet particle sizes in the D and D genetic lines selected on divergent digestion efficiency. The effect of diet particle size was investigated by testing a “S” Standard pelleted diet (maize/soybean starter diet), a “H” Hull pelleted diet (S diet diluted with 7% coarse cereal hull) and a “C” Coarse diet (the “S” diet distributed as 30% coarsely crushed maize and 70% remaining part as pellets). Interactions were observed between diet and line for gain:feed ratio (7 to 20 d), AMEn (20 to 23 d), and [measured AMEn:calculated AMEn] ratio (20 to 23 d). Gain:feed ratio (7 to 20 d) decreased with Coarse and Hull diets for D chickens, whereas there was no diet effect for D line. Digestion efficiency assessed by the [measured AMEn:calculated AMEn] ratio was improved in D chickens fed with the Coarse and Hull diets compared to the Standard diet, while it remained the same for all diets in D chickens. Independently of the diet, gizzard and pancreas were heavier, and intestine was lighter in D line compared to D. Within both genetic lines, the relative weight of gizzard and pancreas increased with the Coarse and Hull diets.
Production performance of Gohilwadi goats under range conditions.

A study on Gohilwadi goats belonging 56 flocks of 17 villages of Kathiawad region of Gujarat was carried out to evaluate the management and performance. Gohilwadi are medium to large sized (70–85 cm withers height) and dualpurpose goats mostly concentrated in Bhavnagar and Amreli and in some pockets of Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Junagarh districts. The coat colour of these goats is black, head is long (16–22 cm) with relatively bulged forehead and convex face profile. Horns move backward laterally, twisted (1–2 folds) and medium in length (12–17 cm). Ears are pendulous, folded, medium in length (15–19 cm) and black in colour. Udder is symmetrical, pendulous and capacious with cylindrical and outward teats with round tips. People of Rebari and Bharwad communities mostly rear these goats. Flock size varied from 10 to 78 with an average of 28 ± 3. Goats were mostly (76%) kept in open corrals enclosed with fencing of bushes. These goats were maintained on range grazing without supplementary feeding. About 35–50% (medium to large size) flocks migrate for 6–8 months towards North and South Gujarat in summer and sizable flocks (10–15%) remains on migration throughout the year. Goats (>87%) were bred during summer (April–June) due to better biomass availability with onset of rain in July. Males for breeding were mostly (67%) selected from their own flock, initially from high yielding (2.5–3 litre peak yield), tall and true to breed dam’s and finally on the basis of their libido and fertility. Bucks (1–2) were available with large flock and used excessively (80–100 goats/year). Major criterions of doe/female selection were breed characteristics and milk yield. The average age of first kidding, lactation length, kidding interval, and herd life were 19.07±0.73, 6.52±0.30, 10.78±0.57, 91±7 months, respectively. The twin and triplet recorded were 46.7 and 5.3%, respectively. The average body weight of males at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 and >18 months of age were 2.78±0.1, 10.1±0.4, 16.9±1.1, 21.8±1.6, 30.4±2.4 and 48.5±4.5 kg, respectively. Corresponding body weights of females were 2.64 ± 0.01, 10.6 ± 0.3, 15.6 ± 0.5, 18.2 ± 0.7, 21.07, 21.07 ± 0.8 and 37.6 ± 0.5 kg, respectively. The average milk yield recorded was ranged from 0.98 litre (I parity) to 1.42 litre (fourth parity) with an average of 1.29 litre/day. Infantile diarrhoea, pneumonia and coccidiosis were major diseases in kids accounted for 10% mortality. Whereas, diarrhoea, FMD foot-rot, PPR, pneumonia, blue tounge and mycoplasmal mastitis were common diseases in adult accounted for about 5% mortality of their strength. Grass root infrastructure available in the state for sheep development may be utilized for goat development by state government for motivating the goat keepers to adopt strategic management inputs, judicious utilization of bucks, prophylaxis and marketing of goat (males) for meat.