Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A gastric evacuation model for three predatory gadoids and implications of using pooled field data of stomach contents to estimate food rations

The general applicability of the square root model to describe gastric evacuation in predatory gadoids independently of meal size was verified through experiments on whiting Merlangius merlangus, saithe Pollachius virens and cod Gadus morhua fed different fish and crustacean prey. Gastric evacuation rate was related by a negative power function to energy density of fish prey over an extended range from 3.4 to 11.5 kJ g -1 of the effector variable. Gastric evacuation of crustacean prey seemed to depend on the characteristics of their exoskeleton. Gastric evacuation of mixed meals composed of fish prey with different energy densities could be described as a function of the overall energy density. The evacuation rate of each of the prey could be described directly by their share of the stomach content. A full gastric evacuation model including predator size, temperature and prey energy density was established for whiting, saithe and cod. It was demonstrated that estimates of food rations might be severely biased by use of mean values for prey composition and total mass of stomach contents.
A molecular approach for the identification of drought-resistant rapeseed genotypes based on gene expression

Areas affected by drought have lately extended all over the world. Rapeseed ( Brassica napus L. ), one of the most important species for oil production, is sensitive to drought stress mainly during the early vegetative growth stage. The comparative proteome analysis pointed out that heat shock proteins 90 (HSP 90), 70 (HSP 70) and beta-2 tubulin have a role in the drought tolerance of rapeseed. The aim of this work was to develop a molecular approach suitable for the identification of the drought resistant rapeseeds genotypes and, at the same time, to study the tolerance mechanism related to specific genes expressions. The primers for the mentioned genes were designed according to data from NCBI Data Base and the genes expression was evaluated by RT- PCR technique. The total RNA was extracted, the cDNA was synthesized and the specific genes were amplified, the process being followed up in the presence of SYBR Green dye. The genes expression was investigated for two variants - control plants and drought stressed plants. It was found that all of the studied genes were up-regulated in known as tolerant genotype and therefore they were over-expressed in drought conditions. The most obvious differences were pointed out for HSP 70 gene. Â
Characterization of lactococcal bacteriophages from Quebec cheese plants

This is the first study on the characterization of lactococcal phages isolated in Canada. Thirty lactococcal phages were isolated from Quebec cheese plants reporting partial loss of starter activity. Phages were characterized by electron microscopy, DNA homology, protein profile, and host range. All phages belonged to the Siphoviridae family. Seventeen phages (57%) has prolate heads (60 × 40 nm) and 100 nm long, noncontractile tails (morphotype B2, species c2). They showed strong DNA homology with other prolate-headed phages isolated from other countries (Australia, United States). In addition to normal prolate phages, most lysates contained pairs of empty heads (no DNA) connected by a small bridge. Thirteen phages (43%) had small isometric heads (55 nm in diameter) and long, noncontractile tails (morphotype B1). Based on DNA homology, 11 of these phages were found related to phage species 936 despite differences in tail length (140 to 200 nm). The two other small isometric phages, UL36 and UL39, hybridiz.
IMPACTS OF DROUGHT AND CRAYFISH INVASION ON STREAM ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Drought and seasonal drying can be important disturbance events in many small streams, leading to intermittent or isolated habitats. Many small streams contain crayfish populations that are often keystone or dominant species in these systems. I conducted an experiment in stream mesocosms to examine the effects of drought and potential ecological redundancy of a native and invasive crayfish species. I examined the effects of drought (drought or control) and crayfish presence (none, native crayfish Orconectes eupunctus or invasive crayfish Orconectes neglectus) on stream mesocosm structure and function (leaf breakdown, community metabolism, periphyton, sediment and chironomid densities) in a fully factorial design. Each mesocosm contained a deep and shallow section, and drought treatments had surface water present (5‐cm depth) in deep sections where tiles and leaf packs were placed. Drought and crayfish presence did not interact for any response variable. Drought significantly reduced leaf breakdown, and crayfish presence significantly increased leaf breakdown. However, the native and invasive crayfish species did not differ significantly in their effects on leaf breakdown. Drought significantly reduced primary production and community respiration overall, whereas crayfish presence did not significantly affect primary production and community respiration. Neither drought nor crayfish presence significantly affected periphyton overall. However, drought significantly reduced autotrophic index (AI), and crayfish presence increased AI. Inorganic sediment and chironomid density were not affected by drought, but both were significantly reduced by crayfish presence. O. eupunctus reduced AI and sediment more than O. neglectus did. Neither drought nor crayfish species significantly affected crayfish growth or survival. Drought can have strong effects on ecosystem function, but weaker effects on benthic structure. Crayfish can have strong effects on ecosystem structure and function regardless of drought. In stream mesocosms, native and invasive crayfish species appeared largely ecologically redundant, although subtle differences in crayfish effects could cascade throughout the food web, and further research is needed to address this question. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Investigation of Bacterial Epiphytes of the Agar-producing Red Seaweed Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) Steentoft, Irvine et Farnham from Saldanha Bay, South Africa and Lüderitz, Namibia

A large number of culturable bacterial epiphytes were isolated from the agarophyte Gradlaria gradlis (Stackhouse) Steentoft, Irvine et Farnham. Most of these bacteria were Gram negative, motile rods, and many were classified to genus level. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that a large epiphytic population of coccoid and rod-shaped bacteria occur primarily on the main thalli of the plant. Of the total number of isolates examined, 34% were highly agarolytic. The agarolytic and proteolytic activity of these bacterial epiphytes suggests that they may be pathogenic to G. gradlis.
Thermal ecology, behavior, and growth of gypsy moth and eastern tent caterpillars

Eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum) are behavioral thermoregulators while gypsy moth caterpillars (Lymantria dispar) are thermal conformers. Differences in thermal ecology can be related to differences in the environments these species encounter. Temperature sensitivity of growth rates differs in a predictable manner; the growth rates of gypsy moth caterpillars are temperature independent at ecologically relevant temperatures of 25°—30°C, and the growth of the tent caterpillars is very temperature dependent. Growth rates of tent caterpillars in the field are greater than that expected for the average ambient temperature of 15°, and closely approximate growth in the laboratory at 25°, near the average Tb exhibited in the field. The higher growth rates are a result of the tent caterpillars' elevated body temperatures. These data are used to develop hypotheses for the evolution of caterpillar thermal responses. See full-text article at JSTOR
Zoospore ultrastructure of Zygorhizidium affluens and Z. planktonicum, two chytrids parasitizing the diatom Asterionella formosa

The fine structure of zoospores of two Zygorhizidium species pathogenic on the freshwater planktonic diatom Asterionella formosa Hassall, are described. Zygorhizidium affluens Canter and Z. planktonicum Canter have monocentric operculate sporangia and zoospores which have single lipid globules to which the cell nucleus and single mitochondrion are closely adpressed. Several features place Z. affluens in the Chytridiales sensu Barr. These include having its kinetosome and nonfunctional centrioles not closely associated with the nucleus and having a ribosome-rich core region delimited by endoplasmic reticulum. However, there are no cytoplasmic microtubules or membranous rumposome complex in this species. In contrast, zoospores of Z. planktonicum have dispersed or loosely aggregated ribosomes and a rumposome complex. The zoospores of this species appear to belong to the same morphological subtype as the pathogenic genus Synchytrium, which has also been placed in the Chytridiales. Zygorhizidium planktonicum z.
Prostaglandin F2α stimulates motility and invasion in colorectal tumor cells

Increased expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and subsequent prostaglandin production is an important event in several human malignancies, including colorectal cancer. COX‐2 mediated prostanoid synthesis has been shown to play a key role in tumor progression with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) being shown to promote tumor growth, invasion and angiogenesis. The role of the other prostaglandins produced by COX‐2 in tumors remains poorly understood. We have shown that colorectal tumor cells produce prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and provide evidence that PGF2α may play an important role in colorectal tumorigenesis. Our data show that PGF2α is secreted by both colorectal adenoma and carcinoma‐derived cell lines at levels in excess of those detected for PGE2. These cell lines were also found to express the PGF2α receptor (FP) indicating potential autocrine effects of PGF2α. This finding is further supported by an in vivo immunohistochemical study of FP expression in resected colon tissue. These data show epithelial expression of FP in normal colorectal mucosa and also in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. We compared the relative abilities of PGF2α and PGE2 to induce cell motility in vitro in colorectal tumor cell lines and show the first evidence of prostaglandin‐induced cell motility in colorectal adenoma cell lines. PGF2α induced cell motility with equivalent potency to PGE2 in all the cell lines tested and was also shown to increase the invasion of carcinoma‐derived cells into reconstituted basement membrane. These data show that PGF2α may play an important role in the malignant progression of colorectal tumors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A VEHICLE-MOUNTED INSECT TRAP

Abstract A vehicle-mounted trap for collecting airborne insects is described. Air enters at 1.9 m wide × 0.7 m high funnel and escapes through 12.5 mesh/cm nylon netting; insects are concentrated and directed into a removable receiving bag. The trap is durable, inexpensive, simple to construct and install, and can be transported in a station wagon or pickup truck.
Increasing the attractiveness of tourism-related Facebook pages based on emotion analysis of user comments

The percentage of people using social network services (SNSs) exceeds 60 % in Japan; SNSs are being used by people of various age groups. Recently, the number of companies that use Facebook Pages to advertise their activities and the number of organizations that use them to disseminate information have been increasing. In tourism, disseminating local information on Facebook Pages and increasing the attractiveness of the pages are expected to lead to the promotion of regional tourism industries. In this study, the current state of the use of tourism-related Facebook Pages was examined. The engagement rate and the number of fans were used as an indicator of the attractiveness of Facebook Pages. An increase in the attractiveness of Facebook Pages was examined through emotion analysis of user comments.
Perennial pastures for recharge control in temperate drought-prone environments. Part 1: productivity, persistence and herbage quality of key species

Abstract Perennial-based pasture swards potentially offer land managers the capacity for recharge control in temperate cropping zone environments to satisfy the dual role of fostering increased agricultural productivity and reduced deep drainage. This study evaluated the productivity, persistence and herbage quality of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), perennial veldt grass (Ehrhata calcycina Sm.), grazing brome (Bromus stamineus E. Desv.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea syn. Lolium arundinaceum Schreb. syn. Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub. ) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) in two contrasting environments in the cropping zone of southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The performance of two cultivars with contrasting levels of summer activity of each of the latter two species was also assessed. Lucerne was the most productive species evaluated, producing 54–85% more herbage than phalaris, the next most productive species. Lucerne was also the most persistent species with a higher basal frequency than all other species during the experimental period and, averaged across samplings, had the highest crude protein (22.3%) in the leaf and stem of any species. Chicory herbage had the highest dry matter digestibility (76.7%) and ash content (15.1%) and lowest neutral (35.4%) and acid detergent fibre contents (21.8%) compared with the other species. The more summer-dormant cultivars of cocksfoot (cv. Kasbah) and tall fescue (cv. Fraydo) were both found to be more persistent than their semi-summer-active counterparts (cvv. Currie and Demeter, respectively), demonstrating the importance of summer dormancy for the persistence of both species in these environments. Tall fescue cv. Fraydo was equally persistent yet produced only 42–51% of the cumulative biomass of phalaris over 5 years, indicating that tall fescue is not a viable species in these drought-prone environments, nor were plantain and grazing brome due to their inferior productivity and persistence. The study highlighted the lack of viable perennial pasture options currently available in cropping zone environments of southern NSW other than lucerne, phalaris and the summer-dormant cultivar of cocksfoot, Kasbah. Chicory and perennial veldt grass, with further breeding and selection under Australian environmental conditions, could have the potential to be viable perennial pasture options for the cropping zone of southern NSW.
Mass-dependent mass loss: how to get the null hypothesis wrong

In ecological studies there is often considerable interest in the question whether the magnitude of mass loss in animals depends on their initial mass. Cichon et al. have recently questioned the validity of conventional statistical testing of relations between mass loss and initial mass, and derived a new null hypothesis to be used for a “correct” statistical analysis. Here, I demonstrate that the method employed by Cichon et al. is wrong and leads to false conclusions. Hence, there is no need to reverse the biological interpretation of previously published results.
Cytokinin inhibits the growth of Leptosphaeria maculans and Alternaria brassicae

Abstract Blackleg and blackspot are economically important diseases of canola caused by Leptosphaeria maculans and Alternaria brassicae, respectively, and can lead to significant crop losses. In this study, we investigated the effects of cytokinins on the symptoms caused by these two pathogens. We observed that cytokinin, especially 6-benzyl amino purine, was able to significantly reduce disease symptoms and mycelial growth within plant tissues. This cytokinin was also able to inhibit the in vitro growth of both fungi. Other cytokinins such as kinetin or adenine hemisulfate were unable to inhibit fungal growth in vitro, suggesting that the presence of a benzene ring structure is required for the inhibitory effects observed. Our findings are discussed within the context of plant–pathogen interactions.
Status of Geoduck Clam Fisheries in Mexico

ABSTRACT There are 2 species of geoduck fished commercially in northwest Mexico: Panopea generosa, along the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula, and Panopea Globosa, in the Gulf of California and in Bahía Magdalena. This study describes the status of the geoduck clam fishery in northwestern Mexico. Recent surveys suggest an ample distribution of beds along both coasts of Baja California and the coast of Sonora. Landings have increased from 49 mt in 2002 to 2,000 mt in 2011. The fishery has a current annual value of approximately US$30 million, and in Sonora, stock assessments estimate the potential yield to be around 1,800 mt. Fishers in Sonora have expressed an increasing interest to enter into the geoduck fishery, and a total of 1,173,898 pieces have been authorized for new extraction in 2012. We have conducted surveys in 24 beds from February 2009 to October 2011 to evaluate the resource. Given the long life cycles of geoduck, low recruitment and high fishing rates threaten the viability of this resource unless immediate management actions are taken.
Beef production from lucerne and subterranean clover pastures. 2. Bloat occurrence and effect of anti-bloat capsules

Over 3 years (1975-77), the occurrence of bloat was recorded in steers grazing two legumedominant pastures, one (LC) containing lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and the other (C) subterranean clover. The effect of intraruminal capsules on both the occurrence of sub-lethal bloat and liveweight gain was assessed in spring 1976 (anti-bloat capsules), and in spring 1977 (anti-bloat and monensin capsules, singly and together). In unprotected steers, bloat occurred only during winter or early spring on both pastures. Over the 3 years, seven steers died from bloat on LC, and three on C. Sub-lethal bloat (rumen distention) was more frequent and severe on LC than on C in 1975 and 1976. However, in 1977 it was more frequent on LC in June-July, but more frequent on C in August-September; there was no difference in severity between pastures. The anti-bloat capsules halved the rumen distention index and improved liveweight gain by an average of 0.2-0.3 kg/head day-1 for short periods in October 1976 and August 1977. The results with monensin capsules were inconclusive. Bloat occurrence is discussed in relation to pasture and environmental conditions, and to beef production on lucerne-clover and clover pastures.
Purinergic control of neuropathic pain

Understanding the purinergic modulation of neurotransmission has been greatly advanced in recent years by the development of receptor‐selective compounds and the ability to manipulate expression of specific receptor subtypes. The use of these tools has resulted in a wealth of evidence demonstrating the importance of adenosine (ADO)‐sensitive and adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive receptors (P1 and P2, respectively) to the development of pathological nociceptive states, including neuropathic pain. It is likely that more than one of these P1 and P2 receptor subtypes is involved in the modulation and/or transmission of pathological nociceptive signals. ATP, acting at sensory neurons in the periphery and spinal cord as well as on glial cells contributes to neural excitability, is pro‐nociceptive, and likely participates in the sensitization of the central nervous system during chronic pain. ATP is a non‐selective agonist for several ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y receptor subtypes. The homomeric P2X3, P2X4, P2X7, heteromeric P2X2/3, and possibly P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y6 have all been linked to neuropathic pain in preclinical models. In contrast, ADO generally functions as an endogenous inhibitory neuromodulator and produces these effects by activating on a family of G‐protein coupled cell surface receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, A3). Systemic and intrathecal administration of ADO itself, both preclinically and clinically, reduces neuropathic hypersensitivity, and these effects are likely mediated through activity at the A1 receptor subtype. In order to reduce side effects typically related to the administration of ADO, compounds have been identified to allosterically modulate the A1receptor or to limit ADO reuptake. These compounds potently affect neuropathy‐related sensitivity with an improved therapeutic window. Thus, advances in the pharmacology of purinergic neurotransmission have led to the development of new strategies to enhance the endogenous actions of ADO and to limit the neuro‐excitatory effects of ATP. The contributions of the various purinergic receptors to states of neuropathic pain will be reviewed. Drug Dev. Res. 67:376–388, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome composition of an F2 Triticum aestivum × T. turgidum spp. durum cross analysed by DArT markers and MCFISH

This study has employed multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (MCFISH) and Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers to determine the segregation of parental A, B and D genome material into the progeny of a cross between a hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. 2-49) and a tetraploid durum wheat [T. turgidum L. spp. durum (Desf.) var. Bellaroi]. In the F2 progeny from a 2-49/Bellaroi cross, 82 out of 83 F2 plants investigated with DArT analysis carried some D genome material, principally as entire chromosomes, while 40 plants included at least one complete copy of all seven D genome chromosomes. Twelve plants containing partial D chromosomes were identified. MCFISH analysis of 26 additional F2 plants of the same cross showed that all 26 plants contained varying amounts of D genome material of which three carried single A-D translocations. In addition two telocentric D genome chromosomes were detected. The D genome content of each line and the breakpoint positions of the three A-D translocations were confirmed with DArT marker analysis. Overall results indicate a random recombination of A and B genome loci from the hexaploid female parent and the tetraploid male parent in this F2 population and a significant retention of the maternal D genome material. This study illustrates that the combined application of the MCFISH and DArT techniques provides a powerful approach for the analysis of crosses between cereal genotypes of different ploidy.
Association of SNPs in Intron 8 of Avian Lipoprotein Lipase Gene with Cholesterol, Triglyceride and Lipoprotein Concentrations

Abstract Musa, H.H. , Chen, G.H. , Bao, W.B. , Cheng, J.H. and Mekki, D.M. 2007. Association of SNPs in intron 8 of avian lipoprotein lipase gene with cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoprotein concentrations. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 155–159. A total of 118 blood samples were collected from Anka and Rugao chickens at 12 weeks of age and total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, VLDL and LDL were determined. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) SNPs in Anka and Rugao were detected at 14538bp (C/A) and 14977bp (T/C). Allele frequency was significantly (P<0.01) different in Rugao at LPL10 locus. LPL gene was found to be significantly (P<0.01) different in Anka and Rugao chicken populations. SNPs at LPL9 locus were significantly (P<0.05) associated with LDL in Anka. In addition, total cholesterol and HDL were found to be significantly (P<0.05) different between SNPs genotype at LPL10 locus in both Anka and Rugao chickens. It is concluded that in avian, LPL SNP was significantly associated with LDL in fat chickens and with total cholesterol and HDL in both fat and lean chickens.