Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological aspects of Bacillus thuringiensis in an Oxisol

Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram positive, sporangial bacterium, known for its insecticidal habilities. Survival and conjugation ability of B. thuringiensis strains were investigated; vegetative cells were evaluated in non-sterile soil. Vegetative cells decreased rapidly in number, and after 48 hours the population was predominantly spores. No plasmid transfer was observed in non-sterile soil, probably because the cells died and the remaining cells sporulated quickly. Soil is not a favorable environment for B. thuringiensis multiplication and conjugation. The fate of purified B. thuringiensis toxin was analyzed by extractable toxin quantification using ELISA. The extractable toxin probably declined due to binding on surface-active particles in the soil.
Latitudinal and insular variation in morphology of a small Australian passerine: consequences for dispersal distance and conservation

Abstract. Dispersal ability is a fundamental attribute of threatened species that influences their prognosis for survival in fragmented habitats. More vagile species are considered to be under lower threat from habitat fragmentation than more sedentary species. This study investigates morphological variation amongst island and mainland populations of a threatened Australian passerine, the white-fronted chat (Epthianura albifrons), to review previous conclusions about levels of population differentiation and consequent conclusions about dispersal ability. Standard body measurements were taken from wild-caught birds from three islands and three mainland regions of Australia, ranging over a latitudinal distance of 1150 km and a longitudinal distance of 3300 km. Significant size variation in wing, bill and headbill lengths were found amongst populations, revealing a significant latitudinal trend consistent with ‘Bergmann’s Rule’. Even after accounting for the latitudinal trend, island populations showed significant differentiation from mainland populations in some attributes, although island populations were not consistently larger than mainland populations, as predicted by the ‘Island Rule’. A lack of size variation between island and mainland museum specimens has historically been used to conclude that white-fronted chats are capable of crossing an oceanic barrier of at least 30 km. The level of population differentiation identified in this study suggests that previous estimates of dispersal capacity may be overestimated.
Interactions between Operophtera brumata and Tortrix viridana on oak: new evidence from time‐series analysis

1. Yearly population estimates of the green oak leaf roller moth, Tortrix viridana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and the winter moth, Operophtera brumata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), were taken from the pedunculate oak, Quercus robur, from 1951 to 1966 in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, U.K. Larval mortality from parasitoids was recorded for both species over the same period.
Alimentación de las larvas de tritón pirenaico, Euproctus asper, en el prepirineo de la Cerdaña, España

Se ha estudiado la dieta estacional de los ejemplares larvarios de una poblacion de triton pirenaico Euproctus asper localizada en un torrente de montana media del prepirineo oriental espanol. Las larvas de diptero son la presa fundamental de la dieta, siendo secundariamente las larvas de plecoptero y de efemeroptero las presas de mayor importancia, tanto en numero como en biomasa. El intervalo de talla de presas mas consumido se situa entre los 1.5 y 2 mm. , situandose la media en los 3.02 mm. Se ha obtenido una correlacion significativa entre la talla media de las presas del estomgo y la talla corporal de la larva (r s = 0.38).
Effects of Genotype, Feed Type and Lactational Stage on the Time Budget of Dairy Cows

The effects of genetic merit, feeding system and stage of lactation on the time budget of dairy cows were studied. Sixteen loose-housed Holstein Friesian cows (parity=1) of either high or UK average genetic merit were fed one of two complete mixed silage-based diets (high and low concentrate inclusion). Five-minute time samples were carried out on 11 days across lactation between morning feeding and afternoon milking. Cows fed the low concentrate diet spent more time eating, more time ruminating whilst standing, and less time lying, especially inactive. Genetic line did not affect the time budget of the cows. Standing and rumination decreased with time from calving, whereas the duration of lying bouts increased during the first 3 months of lactation. In this study the time budget of dairy cows was influenced by food roughage inclusion, and not by the production level of the animal.
Silage and milk production: comparisons between grass silage of three different chop lengths

Three grass silages of different chop lengths made from a uniform sward of S23 perennial ryegrass were compared in four experiments including a feeding experiment with twelve lactating cows, an eating behaviour study, a rate of passage investigation and a selection trial. The silages had median chop lengths of 9·4, 17·4 and 72·0 mm, termed short, medium and long, with pH values of 3·93, 3·94 and 4·17 and D-values of 65·9, 65·2 and 64·4 respectively. The daily intakes of silage DM and the daily milk yields increased as silage chop length decreased. The milk yield response to shorter chopping was significant with a supplement of groundnut but not significant with a supplement of sugar-beet pulp. Chop length had small and generally non-significant effects on milk composition. Eating and ruminating times expressed as min per kg DM decreased as silage chop length decreased but the retention time of the silage residues in the entire digestive tract was not significantly affected by chop length. When offered simultaneously, the intakes of the individual silages were 52·2, 31·9 and 15·9% of the total DM intake for the short, medium and long treatments respectively. Although silage with a chop length of 9 mm had nutritional advantages over longer silages, it is concluded that the mechanical and economic aspects of silage making must be considered fully when defining optimum chop length.
The Utility of CA125 and HE4 in Patients Suffering From Endometrial Cancer

Objectives: Uterine endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common female reproductive system malignancy. There are various comments on pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy during the surgical staging of EC. Several oncologists believe that total lymphadenectomy, in some cases, may lead to operative morbidity without any considerable advantage over more surveillance, especially in patients with comorbidities. The purpose of the current study was to examine the correlation between serum tumor marker levels and stage, grade, histological type, myometrial invasion, and lymph node involvement in EC. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 patients with EC participated in the present cross-sectional study. Preoperative serum CA125 and HE4 levels were evaluated 1 week before surgery. Then, the stage, grade, and lymph node involvement were recorded according to the pathological findings. After Data analysis through SPSS software, P value<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: One hundred thirty-one patients with EC (70, 31, 15, and 15 patients in sequence with stages IA, IB, II, and III) were analyzed. The serum CA125 and HE4 levels were significantly higher in more advanced stages (over IA), ( P = 0.016 and P = 0.004, respectively). Levels of both tumor markers were significantly higher in patients with lymph node involvement, and cervical and myometrial invasions. In logistic regression analysis, a significant correlation was found between HE4 level (odds ratio [OR] = 1.005, P = 0.035) and grade of disease (OR = 2.137, P = 0.005). Conclusions: HE4 and CA125 are useful for predicting high-risk patients. Sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 60% were indicated at cut-off value of 70 pmol/L for HE4 in stage IA in comparison with stages over IA. Although the ideal cut-off which is defined as higher than 80% was not obtained, such a cut-off (60%) can also be considered for preoperative evaluation of surgical staging of EC.
O2-enhanced induction of photosynthesis in rice leaves: the Mehler-ascorbate peroxidase (MAP) pathway drives cyclic electron flow within PSII and cyclic electron flow around PSI

Lowering the oxygen (O2) partial pressure from 21 kPa to 1 kPa delayed the light-dependent increase of the net carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation rate in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Notohikari) leaves. Researching the underlying molecular mechanisms that act before the start of photosynthesis, we established the following facts. First, O2 at 21 kPa enhanced the quantum yield of PSII [Y(II)] and PSI [Y(I)]. More than 90% of Y(II) and Y(I) were not accounted for by O2-dependent electron flow in the Mehler-ascorbate peroxidase (MAP) pathway. Both yields increased further with the start of photosynthesis. Second, O2 enhanced photochemical quenching of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence (qL). qL also increased further with the rate of photosynthesis. Third, O2 enhanced the photo-oxidation of P700. Fourth, O2 suppressed the reduction of P700. Fifth, O2 enhanced non-photochemical quenching of Chl fluorescence (NPQ). These results showed that the MAP pathway triggered cyclic electron flow within PSII (CEF-II) and cyclic electron flow around PSI (CEF-I) by inducing ΔpH across thylakoid membranes and oxidizing the plastoquinone pool, before photosynthesis started. We propose that the photosynthetic electron transport system is controlled by the MAP pathway, which would explain the O2-dependent enhancement of the induction of photosynthesis.
Local- and landscape-level den selection of striped skunks on the Canadian prairies

We examined the seasonal landscape and habitat use patterns of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis Schreber, 1776). We tracked 52 male and 72 female skunks from September 1999 to June 2003 in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the local level, den structures differed by sex and season. In autumn/winter, all skunks preferred buildings, whereas in spring/summer females selectively used underground burrows and rock piles for parturition and rearing of young, and males used aboveground retreats. Den sites were closer to crop fields, roads, water sources, and macrohabitat edges than random sites. At the landscape level, den sites were associated positively with weighted mean shape index of crop fields, mean patch size of water bodies, total edge of water bodies, and weighted mean fractal dimensions of grassland, woodland, and farmsteads, suggesting that wetland edges and habitat complexity are important in den selection by skunks. Compositional analysis revealed sex- and season-specific differences at the population level.
Minerals in honey: environmental, geographical and botanical aspects

Summary Honey usually contains a variety of mineral substances. Ninety five samples of known geographic and botanic origin were analyzed in order to detect possible contamination by common air pollution or other pathways. It was found that most elements correlate significantly with electrical conductivity. The contamination level of the toxic elements Pb and Cd measured in our study was low. There were differences between the honeys produced in the different areas only with regard to Fe and Cr content. The concentrations of the other trace elements measured in the present study, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe, were similar to the values found in other recent studies. All of the trace elements determined in this work can be both from natural sources (soil, plants) and anthropogenic sources. Pb, Cd, and Zn especially, but also Cu, Cr, and Ni, are well known as potential air or soil contaminants of anthropogenic origin, but are of course also found as natural ingredients of soil minerals, as are also Fe and Mn. Variation in trace element content in different honey types is primarily due to botanical origin rather than geographical and environmental exposition of nectar sources.
Effects of Wildflower Strip Quality, Quantity, and Connectivity on Butterfly Diversity in a Swiss Arable Landscape

The effects of habitat restoration measures designated to promote farmland biodiversity have been documented at the field scale, but little is known about their role in restoring the agricultural mosaic. In this study, we analyzed the effects of wildflower strips (WFS) at the field scale and in the landscape context on butterflies in a Swiss arable landscape. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) butterfly diversity and abundance are higher in WFS than in conventional fields; (2) butterfly diversity and abundance are enhanced by the amount, proximity and connectivity of WFS in the landscape context; (3) additional factors influence butterfly diversity and abundance according to individual site conditions and landscape context characteristics linked to other landscape elements. WFS had more species and individuals of butterflies than conventional habitats. However, promoted species were mainly generalists; few specialists were enhanced. The diversity of all butterflies and of generalists increased linearly with percent cover of WFS, reflecting an effect of restoration measures depending on the landscape context. The influence of proximity and connectivity of WFS were, however, not significant. The occurrence of specialists was conditioned by plant species richness, while the effect of WFS for overall diversity was affected by the amount of grassland in the surroundings. We conclude that to increase the effectiveness of biodiversity‐orientated restoration measures, their implementation should be steered toward increasing the share of WFS in the landscape. However, the combination of WFS with additional restoration measures might be needed to halt the decline of specialist species.
Spread of raspberry bushy dwarf virus by pollination, its association with crumbly fruit, and problems of control

SUMMARY Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) was transmitted to raspberry seed both through the pollen and through the ovule and it infected plants pollinated with infected pollen. It did not infect plants prevented from flowering, and transmission through pollen seems to be the only method of spread in the field; in the proximity of infectors, most plants became infected during the first two or three flowering seasons. Plants containing RBDV showed no obvious symptoms, but healthy or infected flowers pollinated with infected pollen produced ‘crumbly’ fruit, containing a high proportion of aborted drupelets. RBDV was difficult to eliminate from infected raspberry by heat therapy. Raspberry cultivars that fail to become infected naturally were also immune to infection by grafting. Use of immune cultivars offers the only method of control and, because infected plants may produce crumbly fruit, future cultivars should if possible possess immunity to RBDV.
Carotenoid Pigments and .beta.-Carotene in Paprika Fruits (Capsicum spp.) with Different Genotypes

Recent evidence for antitumor activity of carotenoids in humans has revived interest in these compounds in foods, nutrition, and medicine. A wide variation in carotenoid content was found among various Capsicum genotypes. The total carotenoid content was generally higher in C. annuum lines than in the accessions from other species. In contrast with the wide variation found in the content of the major carotenoids, the proportions of individual carotenoids within the total content and the ratios among them showed much less variation. The coefficients of variation for the ratios ranged from 8 to 35% in comparison with 70-90% for the carotenoid content. Significant correlations were found among the concentrations of the major carotenoids. Increasing the carotenoid concentration in high-pigment fruits of paprika by genetic manipulation improved not only the quality of the fruit as a source of food colorant but also its nutritive value. The breeding line 4126 contains about 240 mg of carotenoids/100 g of fresh weight, of which 20 mg is β-carotene
Relationship Between Marital Satisfaction With Maternalinfant Attachment and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy in Primiparous and Multiparous Nursing Mothers

Objectives: Parental attachment is effective on parents’ feelings of commitment toward infant care and increases maternal efficiency. Given that the parity is considered as the main factor and moderator of the mother-infant interaction, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between marital satisfaction with mother-infant attachment and breastfeeding self-efficacy and its comparison in primiparous and multiparous women. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was carried out using a random sampling method. A total of 420 mothers having 4-6 months children were randomly selected from health centers in Ahvaz and enrolled in the study. The required data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, ENRICH marital satisfaction scale, Müller’s mother-infant attachment inventory, and Denis’s breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 20. Results: The findings revealed that the mean scores of marital satisfaction, mother-infant attachment, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was 136.57±19.76, 100.82±4.604, and 13.148±135.75 in primiparous women and the values of the same variables were 127.65±18.67, 9±95.31, and 138.66±13.889 in multiparous women, respectively. In addition, the Pearson correlation test showed that marital satisfaction was significantly correlated with mother-infant attachment in two groups of primiparous and multiparous mothers, as well as breastfeeding self-efficacy in multiparous mothers (P<0.05). Conclusions: In general, multiparous mothers are often neglected since most of the training and counseling services provided during the perinatal period focus on new mothers. Thus, this research supports the need for educating and informing parents regarding the importance of spousal support and its effect on improving family functions.
Seasonal dynamics and the effect of temperature in Corythucha cydoniae (Heteroptera: Tingidae)

Corythucha cydoniae (Fitch), a serious pest of rosaceous hosts, did not diapause when reared in the laboratory at 20.6, 26.1, and 31.7°C in a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D). A polynomial regression showed that egg development across temperatures was nonlinear ranging from 10 d at 31.7°C to 19 d at 20.6°C. Instar development for both sexes was similar at each temperature, and development was linear. At all temperatures, third instars required the least time for development and fifth instars required the most. Males, both single and paired, outlived females at all temperature regimens. At 20.6°C, single males lived a maximum 286 d and paired males 289 d; corresponding female cohorts lived a maximum 167 d and 140 d, respectively. Fecundity varied nonlinearly with temperature and was highest at 26.1°C, with a mean of 322 and 369 eggs produced by mated and unmated females. This previously reported univoltine species was determined to be trivoltine in Maryland. Feral adults demonstrated diapaused-like behavior in mid-September. Also, adults reared as nymphs in a glasshouse with natural, declining light diapaused with a delayed preoviposition period; whereas adults from nymphs reared in the lab under 14:10 (L:D) did not diapause. High fecundity, trivoltinism, absence of significant parasites and predators, and a wide host range contribute to the pest potential of C. cydoniae .
METABOLIZABLE ENERGY VALUES AND CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WHEAT AND BARLEY

Analyses for proximate components and for a number of other specific components were performed on a series of Canadian wheats and barleys. The metabolizable energy values (ME) were determined with young chicks, turkey broilers and mature roosters using both the chromic oxide indicator and the total collection methods. The indicator ratio method gave significantly lower ME values than the total collection method, but there was less variation between the replicates for the indicator ratio method. The ME values of the wheats were greater with the roosters than with the chicks or turkey broilers, but for the barleys the ME values with both the roosters and turkey broilers were greater than with the chicks. There were significant negative correlations between the crude fiber level in the grain and ME values. The positive correlations between the level of nitrogen-free extract and ME in the barleys were higher than the correlations with estimates of total starch or soluble sugar determined by specific chemical .
On the microbiology of Serra da Estrela cheese: geographical and chronological considerations

Abstract Serra da Estrela cheeses, produced following artisanal practices from raw ewe's milk in two consecutive years in five selected dairies, were sampled throughout a 60-day ripening period. The viable numbers of the major microbial groups (Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci and yeasts, as well as such lactic acid bacteria as lactobacilli, lactococci and enterococci) were determined and statistical significance of the results was assessed. Significant differences in the viable counts of lactococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci were found for the various geographical locations, whereas the year of manufacture played a significant role only upon the viable numbers of yeasts and staphylococci. These data back up the claim that those microbial families usually implicated with health hazards are prone to a wide variability, which reflects the intrinsic heterogeneity associated with production and handling of raw milk in traditional cheesemaking.
Interspecific interactions affect species and community responses to climate shifts

The response of individual species to climate change may alter the composition and dynamics of communities. Here, we show that the impacts of environmental change on communities can depend on the nature of the interspecific interactions: mutualistic communities typically respond differently than commensalistic or parasitic communities. We model and analyse the geographic range shifting of metapopulations of two interacting species – a host and an obligate species. Different types of interspecific interactions are implemented by modifying local extinction rates according to the presence/absence of the other species. We distinguish and compare three fundamentally different community types: mutualism, commensalism and parasitism. We find that community dynamics during geographic range shifting critically depends on the type of interspecific interactions. Parasitic interactions exacerbate the negative effect of environmental change whereas mutualistic interactions only partly compensate it. Commensalistic interactions exhibit an intermediate response. Based on these model outcomes, we predict that parasitic species interactions may be more vulnerable to geographic range shifting than commensalistic or mutualistic ones. However, we observe that when climate stabilises following a period of change, the rate of community recovery is largely independent of the type of interspecific interactions. These results emphasize that communities respond delicately to environmental change, and that local interspecific interactions can affect range shifting communities at large spatial scales.