Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Potential of a Disturbance-Tolerant Frugivore, the Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Viverridae), as a Seed Disperser for Large-Seeded Plants

The common palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus is a small mammal belonging to the order Carnivora (2–5 kg) that is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. They live in a broad array of natural habitats and survive well in human-modified areas (Corlett 1998). They are reported to be highly frugivorous animals (Davis 1962; Bartels 1964; Alcala and Brown 1969; Joshi et al. 1995; Grassman 1998; Yoneda et al. 1998; Krishnakumar and Balakrishnan 2003; Su and Sale 2007) and thus have been regarded as important seed dispersal agents (Gruezo and Soligam 1990; Rabinowitz 1991). In human-modified areas, this species is one of the few frugivorous mammalian species reported to exist (Corlett 1998). Despite their potential importance, little reliable information exists on their food habits and role as seed dispersers, especially in areas where several carnivores occur in sympatry. In all previous studies, the diet of civets was estimated by fecal analysis, and the civet species was identified on the basis of the size, shape, color, smell of the feces as well as the hairs found in it. However, this method may lead to false identification of the civets (Viverridae) because the body size and hair color of different civet species are similar. In this study, we used molecular techniques to overcome the difficulty in differentiating between species with their feces samples, and we evaluated the importance of civets as seed dispersers (especially in the case of large-seeded plants) in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah, Malaysia. Large seed size is known to be the major factor that limits the number of potential dispersers available for a plant (Corlett 1998). Generally, large-seeded plants depend only on large frugivores, which are highly vulnerable to human disturbances, for seed dispersal. Because small carnivores generally have relatively wide gapes and swallow their prey whole (Nowak 2005), we predicted that civets possess a high potential for swallowing large seeds. To evaluate this relative potential, we compared the size of the seed swallowed by civets with that of the seeds swallowed by other sympatric frugivorous mammals.
Excretion of radiolabeled estradiol metabolites in the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang)

The excretion pattern of estradiol was studied in the slow loris Nycticebus coucang) and the ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in order to compare steroid excretion in two representative prosimian species. Daily urinary estrone conjugate measurements in the female loris provided little information when applied over prolonged periods. As a result of these negative data, a metabolic study was performed to determine if estrogen excretion patterns in the slow loris differed from those in the lemur, where urinary assays proved a useful tool in characterizing reproductive cycles. Radio‐labeled estradiol was injected intravenously, and serial urine and fecal collections were analyzed for radiolabeled metabolites. The results of these studies demonstrate that more than 92% of the radiolabel was excreted in the feces of the loris, in contrast to only 16% excreted in the feces of the lemur.
Serological Detection of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Non-Structural Protein Antibodies in Sheep Slaughtered at Gwagwalada Abattoir, Abuja-Nigeria

Small ruminants (Ovine and Caprine) constitutes a significant revenue generation component for small-scale livestock farmers across the globe especially in most developing nations including Nigeria. Viral diseases like Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a major contagious disease of domestic ruminants that hampers livestock productivity in countries where the disease is still endemic. However, the role of Sheep in FMD epidemiology in Nigeria is still underestimated and poorly understood. This study was aimed at establishing the occurrence of FMD in slaughtered Sheep at Gwagwalada abattoir. One hundred and eighty (180) sera were randomly collected from slaughtered sheep and subjected to NS-Blocking ELISA test using PrioCHECK® ELISA kit at the Foot and Mouth Disease Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The result showed that out of 180 test sera, 29 (16.0%) were evident of NSP-FMD antibodies and 151 (84.0%) were negative. This findings indicates FMD infections were within and absence of vaccination against FMD in sheep. The consequence of co-herding of sheep as a risk factor in FMD spread and transmission within this study area could be far overwhelming. In conclusion, this preliminary finding provides information on the occurrence of FMD in all breeds of apparently healthy, non-vaccinated Rams and Ewes slaughtered in Gwagwalada abattoir. Control efforts should be put in place to prevent potential vicious circle of outbreaks that may arise from transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus from slaughtered sheep in the abattoir to livestock markets and possibly herds within and around Gwagwalada Area Council.
Allium serpentinicum and A. kandemirii (Alliaceae), Two New Species from East Anatolia, Turkey

Allium serpentinicum İ. Genç & N. Özhatay and A. kandemirii İ Genç & N. Özhatay (sect. Melanocrommyum) are described and illustrated as new species from East Anatolia, Turkey. The morphological characters of these taxa are discussed and the distributions of the taxa are mapped. The diploid chromosome numbers are: A. serpentinicum 2n = 16, 32; A. kandemirii 2n = 16.
The novel use of "point of care" devices to evaluate transport duration on selected pork quality parameters

Point-of-care (POC) devices were used to measure plasma metabolic substrates in pigs subjected to stressful conditions. These were then related to the meat pH, drip loss and carcass temperature. Forty Large White x Landrace pigs (20 females and 20 males) weighing approximately 67 ± 6.5 kg were used in the study. Twenty of the pigs were subjected to a stressful regimen for two hours and the other 20 pigs were transported for 15 minutes from their pens directly to the abattoir. Salivary cortisol, plasma glucose, triglycerides and lactate concentrations were determined before and after transportation to the abattoir and carcass temperature, pH and drip loss were measured after slaughter. There were no differences in the lactate, cortisol, pH and triglycerides measurements from the pigs of different sexes. Female pigs had higher carcass temperature and lower glucose levels than male pigs. Regression analysis showed that back fat and lactate accounted for 99% of variation in the pH24h of pigs transported over a short duration while lactate was responsible for only 16% of the variation in pigs transported over the long duration. The difference in lactate accounted for 78% of variation in the carcass temperature at 45 minutes for pigs transported over the short duration while in the long duration group, the weight was responsible for 81% of the variation. In conclusion, POC devices measured differences in lactate concentrations in pigs transported over different durations and relationships between the lactate and the carcass pH, carcass temperature and drip loss was determined.
Molecular taxonomy of virus-sensitive Chlorella sp. . Symbionts of Paramecium bursaria

Summary Collection of virus-sensitive Chlorella -like algae isolated from a ciliate Parameciumbursaria is described. Differences are revealed in surface antigens and polymerase chainreaction (PCR) patterns of two groups of virus-sensitive Chlorella strains from«northern» and «southern» populations of hosts. A correlation between virus-sensitivity,serological characteristics, and UPPCR-patterns of the zoochlorellae strains DNA isshown. We have proposed considering this alga as the Chlorella paramecii group of twocontrasting («northern» and «southern») ecotypes, each of them having a specificuniform serotype characteristic. This subdivision coincides with two groups ofpractically the same set of Chlorella sp. strains differing by 8 isoenzyme patterns anddescribed in our previous paper (Linz et al., 1999). Key words: zoochlorellae, Chlorella vulgaris/Ch. sorokiniana, Chlorella paramecii ,molecular taxonomy, PBCV-virus, virus-sensitivity of Paramecium bursaria symbionts,isoenzymes, serological characterization, agglutination, precipitation, immunoblotting,surface antigen specificity, UP-PCR-patterns, stability of symbionts, DNA basecomposition, GC% DNA, DNA homology.
Osmotic Regulation in the Brackish Water Teleost, Blennius Pholis

1. The sodium effluxes between the blood and the medium have been studied in Blennius pholis in 10, 40 and 100% s.w. and in transfer from 40 to 100% s.w. under equilibrium conditions with the isotope 24 Na. In addition the sodium influxes have been studied in 40 and 100 % s.w. in a similar manner. 2. The total flux in 100% s.w. has been found to be 100 mM. Na/l. blood/hr. , and in 40 and 10% s.w. it has been found to be 20 mM. Na/l. blood/hr. 3. The results are interpreted as showing that the presence or absence of exchange diffusion does not alter the estimation of the active sodium efflux across the gills in 100% s.w. 4. The efflux experiments showed that the animal had a rapid adaptive ability to osmo-regulate upon transference from 40 to 100% s.w. 5. The electric potential differences between the blood and external medium have been measured in animals adapted to 10, 40, 100 and 150% s.w. and the blood serum concentrations of sodium and chloride ions have been measured in these media. 6. The mean potential differences ± standard deviation in 10, 40, 100 and 150% s.w. have been found to be -3±4.5 mV. , +23±4 mV. , +23 ±3 mV. and +29.5±5 mV. respectively (external medium taken as reference). 7. The results are interpreted as showing that there is active outward excretion of chloride ions in animals adapted to 150, 100 and 40% s.w. and active inward absorption of chloride ions in 10% s.w. and of sodium ions in animals adapted to 40 and 10% s.w. 8. The drinking rate in 100% s.w. has been calculated to be 27 mM. Na/kg. fish /hr. or 6% body weight/hr.
Species Composition and Abundance of Click-Beetles (Coleoptera, Elateridae) in Agrobiocenozes in Southern Lithuania

Click-beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) species composition and abundance in agrobiocenozes were examined. The research was carried out in four locations in southern Lithuania with different agrobiocenozes and soil types. In total 687 imago click-beetle specimens were caught belonging to 13 species and 10 genera. The most numerous species detected were Selatosomus aeneus (Linnaues, 1758), Agriotes lineatus (Linnaues, 1767), Agriotes obscurus (Linnaues, 1758), and Negastrius pulchellus (Linnaues, 1758). Zorochros dermestoides (Herbst, 1806) was recorded for the first time for Lithuanian fauna. The number of specimens entering the traps declined steadily depending on soil granulometric structure. It has been observed to be higher in lighter soils and lower toward heavier soil types. The least number of clickbeetle specimens was trapped in the agrobiocenozes with the intensively cultivated land over all study areas except sandy soils. This infers that intensive tillage may affect the abundance of click-beetles in agrobiocenozes. The summary of research data clearly indicates that the highest abundance of click-beetles was detected in the seminatural meadow with light granulometric structure soil.
Morphology and phylogeny of Gymnodinium trapeziforme sp. nov. (Dinophyceae): a new dinoflagellate from the southeast coast of Iran that forms microreticulate resting cysts

G. Attaran-Fariman, M.F. de Salas, A.P. Negri and C.J.S. Bolch. 2007. Morphology and phylogeny of Gymnodinium trapeziforme sp. nov. (Dinophyceae): a new dinoflagellate from the southeast coast of Iran that forms microreticulate resting cysts. Phycologia 46: 644–656. DOI: 10.2216/07-05.1 A new gymnodinioid dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium trapeziforme sp. nov. is described from laboratory cultures established by germination of microreticulate resting cysts collected along the southeast coast of Iran bordering the northern Oman Sea. The vegetative cells are small, biconical to ovoid, with a horseshoe-shaped apical groove that encircles the apex in an anticlockwise direction. Cells have a large tear-shaped nucleus positioned in the right side of the cell that extends from the epicone to the hypocone. Cells of G. trapeziforme can be clearly differentiated from the three other microreticulate cyst-forming gymnodinioids, Gymnodinium catenatum, Gymnodinium nolleri, and Gymnodinium microreticulatum by the shape and position of the nucleus. Cultures established from resting cysts do not produce detectable saxitoxin. The resting cysts of G. trapeziforme are unique in being cubic-trapezoidal in shape with a cyst wall colour that is pale purple-brown, most similar in colour to cysts of G. microreticulatum Bolch & Hallegraeff. Comparisons of partial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences demonstrate that G. trapeziforme is allied with, but distinct from (> 12.4% sequence divergence) the other microreticulate cyst-forming gymnodinioid species.
Orchis ustulata L.

Section Orchis. A native perennial herb with 1–2( − 3) ovoid, subglobose or ellipsoid tubers positioned 3–6 cm underground; 5–10 unbranched ﬂeshy roots of dia-meter 0.8–2 mm. Stem (5–)10–20( − 50) cm, erect, usually slender, with basal sheaths. Leaves two to six, unspotted, oblong-acuminate to broadly lanceolate (rarely linear), 2–10( − 15) cm × 0.5–2( − 3) cm, forming a bluish-green rosette, sometimes with 1–2 bract-like leaves on the stem. Bracts small, membranous, reddish, slightly shorter than the ovary. Spike compact, ovoid, subcylindrical, dense, 1–10 cm long, elongating after anthesis. Flowers sessile, opening from the base upwards, dark purple when unopened. Spur cylindrical, directed downwards, 1/4–1/2 of the length of the ovary. ‘Sepals’ oval-lanceolate, purple, 3.5–4.5 × 1.5–2.5 mm, laterals asymmetric, 3– 3.5 mm long. ‘Petals’ linear, subspathulate, keeled, 3– 3.5 mm long. Labellum 4–8 mm, longer than wide, white or pale pink with papillose purple spots
Estimates of genetic parameters for visual scores and their correlation with production and reproductive traits in Brahman cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of visual scores of body structure, precocity and muscularity with production (body weight at 18 months and average daily gain) and reproductive (scrotal circumference) traits in Brahman cattle in order to determine the possible use of these scores as selection criteria to improve carcass quality. Covariance components were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method using an animal model that included contemporary group as fixed effect. A total of 1,116 observations of body structure, precocity and muscularity were used. Heritability was 0.39, 043 and 0.40 for body structure, precocity and muscularity, respectively. The genetic correlations were 0.79 between body structure and precocity, 0.87 between body structure and muscularity, and 0.91 between precocity and muscularity. The genetic correlations between visual scores and body weight at 18 months were positive (0.77, 0.57 and 0.59 for body structure, precocity and muscularity, respectively). Similar genetic correlations were observed between average daily gain and visual scores (0.60, 0.57 and 0.48, respectively), whereas the genetic correlations between scrotal circumference and these scores were low (0.13, 0.02, and 0.13). The results indicate that visual scores can be used as selection criteria in Brahman breeding programs. Favorable correlated responses should be seen in average daily gain and body weight at 18 months. However, no correlated response is expected for scrotal circumference.
Effect of Forest Harvest on the Vegetation of an Urban Park

Abstract Forested parks are an urban oasis, and forest management plays an important part in their maintenance. I used a systematic sampling technique to quantify the vegetation and propagule bank in a small urban park prior to and following a forest management event. The number of non-forest species and the abundance of Toxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy) increased after forest harvest. Distance from an edge did not affect the change in vegetation. In the propagule bank, loss of basal area in a plot was positively correlated with an increase in the percent of species that were non-forest and non-native. The Sørenson coefficient of community similarity comparing the species composition of the vegetation before and after harvest was 0.769 (out of 1.0), but that for the propagule bank was 0.308. Forest management practices in small urban parks should be designed with extreme caution due to the volatile settings of these refuges.
Brief communication (Original). Molecular characterization of G6PD mutations in the Phuan tribe in Thailand

Abstract Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an enzymopathy with high frequency in Southeast Asians. Phuan is a minority tribe in Thailand. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency and its molecular heterogeneity in this population is yet unknown. Objectives: To characterize molecular heterogeneity of G6PD in Phuan people and investigate whether the heterogeneity of G6PD could be used to delineate the origin of Phuan people in Thailand. Methods: Cord blood samples from 202 Phuan neonates were tested for G6PD deficiency using a G6PD activity assay. G6PD mutations were determined in G6PD deficient blood samples by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing. Results: G6PD deficiency was found in 12 (12.2%) of 98 males and 8 (7.7%) of 104 females in the study population. Molecular analysis was performed on 12 males and 8 females to identify G6PD mutations. G6PD Viangchan (871G→A, 1311C→T)(25.0%) was the most dominant mutation followed by the G6PD Canton (1376G→T) (15.0%), G6PD Union (1360C→T) (10.0%), one case each of G6PD Kaiping (1388G→A) and G6PD Mediterranean (563C→T, 1311C) (5%), and eight G6PD deficient unidentified mutations. Conclusions: G6PD deficiency in Phuan is highly frequent and G6PD Viangchan(871G→A, 1311C→T) is the most common mutation. Our study suggests that Phuans have coevolved with Thais, and were influenced by gene flow from Chinese and Indian mutations.
Fusarium udum is resistant to the mycolytic activity of a biocontrol strain of Bacillus subtilis AF 1

In vitro interaction of the pigeonpea wilt pathogen Fusarium udum and a biocontrol strain of Bacillus subtilis AF 1 showed that the fungus forms chlamydospore-like structures and increases vacuolation, when both cultures are simultaneously inoculated into potato dextrose broth. If B. subtilis AF 1 was inoculated after 24 h of growth of F. udum, chlamydospores were not formed and regular conidiation was observed. The growth of F. udum was significantly affected in the presence of AF 1 in terms of dry weight. Extracellular proteins of B. subtilis AF 1 reduced the growth of F. udum in proportion to the concentration of the protein precipitate. Cell-free filtrates of B. subtilis AF 1 prepared from chitin-containing medium showed chitinase activity. The formation of chlamydospore-like structures and vacuolated portions in mycelium of F. udum in the presence of AF 1 suggests that F. udum has a mechanism to tolerate mycolytic activity and grows slowly with regular conidiation.
Early development of Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. in response to emissions from a copper smelter

Abstract The early development of Hypogymnia physodes from soredia to the formation of stratified lobes has been studied experimentally in the vicinity of a copper-smelting plant in theMiddle Urals. SEM investigations combined with life table analyses of early developmental stages revealed decreases in soredial survival and developmental rate in polluted localities. Non-stricatified pre-thallus stages without an epicortex were tolerant to toxic impact and were able to survive even in the zone with the highest pollution (lichen desert zone). The sensitivity of developmental stagesancreased after stratified lobes had developed.
A New Specimen of the Hybodont Shark Palaeobates polaris with Three-Dimensionally Preserved Meckel's Cartilage from the Smithian (Early Triassic) of Spitsbergen

ABSTRACT A new, well-preserved specimen of Palaeobates polaris from the Smithian ‘fish horizon’ of Spitsbergen (Svalbard archipelago, Arctic Norway) is presented. The find is more complete than the type material of P. polaris and contains amongst others the left mandibular branch with associated dentition and labial cartilage as well as elements of the hyoid arch and a portion of the anterior dorsal fin. P. polaris shares with the other species of the genus Palaeobates the same tooth histology (orthodont teeth with pulp cavity), but the ornamentation of the teeth is different. Several studies have shown that it is problematic to deduce phylogenetic relationships among hybodontiform sharks by means of tooth histology. Moreover, orthodont teeth with a pulp cavity are probably plesiomorphic for hybodontiforms. Based on the new find of P. polaris, three other characters are proposed to be apomorphic for Palaeobates in general: (1) the lower margin of the dental groove of Meckel's cartilage runs nearer to the ventral than to the dorsal border of the mandible in P. polaris but medially to these margins of the lower jaw in the crown group hybodontoid Acrodus; (2) the number of tooth files and arrangement of the teeth of P. polaris are well-distinguishable from those of Acrodus and Asteracanthus; and (3) the dorsal fin spines of P. polaris, and also of P. angustissimus, tend to be more slender compared to those of Hybodus and Acrodus. Nonetheless, more material is needed to ascertain if these traits are useful to separate Palaeobates from other hybodontiforms.
Relationship of Broad Mite (Acari: Tarsonemidae) to Host Phenology and Injury Levels in Capsicum annuum

The responses of broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Acarina: Tarsonemidae), were studied on four phenological stages of pepper plants: vegetative (V), blossoming (B), early fruiting (EF) and late fruiting (LF) stages. All stages of the mite preferred the undersides of the leaves to the uppersides. Plants in V, B, and EF stages had higher numbers of mites per cm 2 of foliage than plants in the late fruiting stage. A damage index scale (0-6) was developed to assess broad mite injury to pepper plants. Eight to nine cumulative mite days/cm 2 were needed to reach a damage index equal to 3 for V, B and EF plant stages. The damage index was also used to relate broad mite injury to leaf area, height, water content, number of leaves, flowers, buds, fruits and fruit weight of plants infested at four different phenological stages. Plants infested when 14 weeks old (late fruiting stage), had less damage, significantly higher number of fruits and fruit weight than plants infested at earlier plant stages, i.e., vegetative, flowering or early fruiting. The relationship between the damage rating (x) and fruit numbers per plant (y1) and fruit weight in grams (y2) was given by y1 = 2.83-0.45x and y2 = 232.5-37.234x, respectively.