Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic Status of Acris Gryllus Paludicola: In Search of the Pink Frog

Abstract Acris gryllus paludicola, the Coastal Cricket Frog, was described from Sabine Pass, Jefferson County, Texas, by L. W. Burger, P. W. Smith, and H. M. Smith in 1949. Additional specimens have not been reported or examined in the literature. At the time of its description, the association with Acris gryllus was parsimonious with the then-current understanding of the taxonomic position of the two species within the genus, A. gryllus and Acris crepitans. All subspecies within the genus were described within four years of each other, and all were subspecies of A. gryllus. The Coastal Cricket Frog is currently treated as a subspecies of A. crepitans but without an explicit treatment resolving its species level affinity. Seven individuals found on 19 May 2005 near the type locality are relatively smooth skinned; have reduced, or lack, anal warts; and retain ill-defined postfemoral striping; vocalizing males have pink-rose colored vocal pouches. Phenotypic comparison of the seven specimens fails to eliminate their inclusion in the species A. gryllus. Concurrent mtDNA sequence comparisons with A. gryllus from Florida and a series of A. crepitans from Texas confirm that the Coastal Cricket Frog is nested within the A. crepitans clade distinct from A. gryllus. We conclude that the original description of the “pink” frog is supported by examination of living specimens and have no evidence indicating that its subspecific status within A. crepitans should be questioned. Recent work within this genus has highlighted the need for an exhaustive study of the variation it presents rangewide.
THE INFLUENCE OF NITRATE AND CARBON INPUTS ON THE END PRODUCTS OF BACTERIAL NITRATE DISSIMILATION IN MARINE SEDIMENT

The aim of this work was to study the influence of various carbon sources (acetate, glucose, succinate) and nitrate concentration on dissimilatory nitrate reduction rates (denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium: DNRA). Without nitrate ammendement the rate ratio DNRA/denitrification was about 11. When the nitrate added was lower than 0.05 mM, the ratio increased 3.8‐fold showing that nitrate ammonifiers have high affinity for nitrate. When nitrate concentration increased up to 0.5 mM, denitrification was stimulated. When glucose, acetate or succinate were added as electron donor, denitrification rates followed the order succinate > acetate > glucose > control, whereas the order of DNRA values was glucose > succinate > acetate = control. Thus, the DNRA‐to‐denitrification activity ratio is affected by the quantity of carbon and nitrate but also by the theoretical energy of the substrate.
Is logarithmic transformation necessary in allometry? Ten, one‐hundred, one‐thousand‐times yes

Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai‘i at Mânoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 2072, Balboa, Republic of Panama
Performance and carcass quality of commercial broiler strains.

Abstract Several broiler strains commonly used in the Middle East were evaluated for performance and carcass quality. In one experiment, the live body weight (LBW) and feed:gain ratio (FC) of three strains were studied at 21 and 49 days of age. The abdominal fat pad (AFP), percentage of AFP, and ready-to-cook (RTC) carcass were evaluated at 49 days of age. In other experiment, RTC carcass protein, moisture, and fat were determined for three other broiler strains. Experiment 1 showed that birds of the Arbor Acres (AA) strain were heavier and had FC values lower than those of the Hybro N (HN) and Hybro G (HG) birds at 21 and 49 days (P
What Determines the Rates of Double Brooding in the Western Bluebird?

Abstract. In many bird species, double brooding (producing a second brood after successfully rearing a first) is a common reproductive strategy that can greatly increase reproductive output. However, the proportion of breeding pairs that produce a second brood varies considerably from year to year. Here, we examine how environmental factors such as weather patterns and individual factors such as clutch size, the female's body mass, and date of breeding affect the rate of double brooding in a population of the Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) in New Mexico. More pairs tended to produce second broods in years in which freezing ended earlier and there was warm, dry weather during the breeding season, but this pattern was apparent only when we excluded years with wildfires from the analysis. In addition, pairs that bred earlier were more likely to produce a second brood, and in these pairs females tended to be heavier. Thus both the length of the breeding season and the weather during that time influence rates of double brooding, and an individual's condition can affect whether or not it produces a second brood. Knowledge of how weather patterns influence birds' reproductive effort can help scientists predict how bird populations will respond to changing weather in the future.
Taxonomic Studies of Red Halophilic Bacteria

A total of 95 strains of moderately to extremely halophilic bacteria, either from culture collections or freshly isolated, were subjected to taxonomic analysis by the computer method. The culture collection strains were examined in the initial phase of the study, and the fresh isolates were examined later. Three major groupings of these organisms were evident: a group of rodlike halophiles, a group of halotolerant, rod-shaped bacteria, and a less morphologically homogeneous, but taxonomically distinct, cluster of halophilic cocci. The rodlike halophiles could be further subdivided into one cluster containing strains of Halobacterium cutirubrum, which, on initial isolation, are capable of growth on media containing 8% salt when incubated at elevated temperatures, and another cluster containing strains of Halobacterium salinarium, which have a minimum requirement for 15% salt irrespective of the temperature of incubation. NRC 34002 and NRC 34001 are proposed as the neotype strains of Halobacterium salinarium and Halobacterium cutirubrum, respectively. The group of halophilic cocci appeared to be less homogeneous, i.e., were less uniform in character frequency of occurrence. Halococcus morrhuae is judged to be the correct name for the halophilic cocci. Results of the taxonomic analyses also indicated that at least two, and perhaps three, biovars comprise H. cutirubrum. A comparative study of the halophiles and a sample of 48 strains of halotolerant streptococci, staphylococci, and micrococci did not reveal any significant interrelationships. The moderate halophiles included in this analysis appear to be taxonomically distinct from the extreme halophiles. Results of lipid and pigment analyses accumulated for the halophilic bacteria support the taxonomic conclusions.
Seasonal variation in the polyamines of Ecklonia maxima

Abstract The seaweed concentrate (SWC) Kelpak® is made from Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss and is used as a biostimulant in agriculture. Cytokinins and auxins have been identified in Kelpak® and are partly responsible for the growth-promoting effects observed. Other biologically active compounds such as polyamines (PAs) might also be present in the SWC. A study was carried out to investigate the PA levels in E. maxima and Kelpak®. The stipes, fronds, and SWC prepared from E. maxima were collected monthly over a 2-year period. Extracts were benzoylated, and endogenous PAs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Putrescine concentrations ranged from 6.10 to 40.40 μg g-1 dry weight (dw), from 15.98 to 54.46 μg g-1 dw, and from 0.98 to 5.51 μg ml-1 in the stipe, fronds, and SWC, respectively. Spermine concentrations ranged from 1.02 to 35.44 μg g-1 dw, from 1.05 to 27.35 μg g-1 dw, and from 1.27 to 4.95 μg ml-1 in the stipe, fronds, and SWC, respectively. Spermidine concentrations fell below the detection threshold. This is the first report of PAs being detected in a SWC. The seasonal pattern established for the stipe, frond, and SWC followed the same trend over a biennial cycle, with PAs accumulating in the seaweed tissue during periods of active growth and during periods of rough wave action (stress response).
DIETS OF ADULTS AND LAMBS OF DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP DURING YEARS OF VARYING RAINFALL IN CENTRAL ARIZONA

Abstract Effects of unpredictable, variable rainfall in arid systems on diets of adults and lambs of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are poorly understood. We determined associations based on analysis of feces between amounts of rainfall and composition and similarity (overlap and diversity) of diets of adults and lambs, and relationships between diets of adults and lambs, in the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona during 1999–2003. Drought occurred in 2 of 3 years during sampling of feces of adults, and in 1 of 3 years during sampling of feces of lambs. Composition and diversity of diets of adults were comparable during years of drought and normal rainfall, except that diets were not correlated between years when severe drought (31% of long-term average rainfall) followed normal rainfall. Composition and diversity of diets of lambs also were independent of amounts of rainfall, but dietary overlap between and within age groups was greater during years of increasing rainfall compared to previous years. We hypothesized that amounts of rainfall moderately influenced diets of adults and lambs of desert bighorn sheep, but diets generally were closely linked among years and between age classes, and associations tended to persist independently of amounts of rainfall. Improved quality of diets and higher production, particularly of forbs, were more important proximate factors than composition of diets in affecting differences in nutritional status of adults and lambs between drier and wetter years. Furthermore, selection of forage by lambs likely is learned, at least in part, through associations, particularly with their mothers, prior to weaning.
GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF THE GIANT GLOSSIPHONIID LEECH HAEMENTERIA GHILIANII

A continuously breeding laboratory colony of the giant leech Haementeria ghilianii has been established from a few specimens collected in French Guyana. The leeches feed on live rabbits or bovine blood, which they draw from an artifical feeding device. Leech growth is saltatory, in that at each of four successive feedings, spaced over about half a year, the weight of each specimen increases 3- to 6-fold. The male reproductive system of this hermaphroditic leech matures first, at a body weight of 3-5 g. The female reproductive system matures after at least one more feeding, at a body weight of at least 8 g. Fecundity (number of eggs per laying) depends on the weight of the leech at the time of oviposition, increasing from 60 for the smallest mature individuals to 500 for the largest. These data on the growth and reproduction of H. ghilianii gathered under laboratory conditions are consistent with its probable life cycle in the native habitat.
Genetic Differentiation in Horus Chamberlin (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Olpiidae) as Indicated by Mitochondrial DNA Analysis

Horus is an olpiid pseudoscorpion of which nine species have been described from southern Africa; a tenth, debatable species was described from the Ivory Coast. The two most widely distributed species are H. granulatus and H. obscurus, the former occurring especially in the west and the other in the east, but their distributions overlap; in two instances they have been recorded from the same site. All species have a preference for rock outcrops, which are largely disjunct, and their regular prey comprises small ant species. Fieldwork over a period of 15 years indicated a very low dispersal rate; therefore one would expect localized ‘island’ populations rather than widely dispersed species. This means that the current species delimitations which lump geographically widespread populations may be incorrect. Mitochondrial DNA of specimens from each of 20 different localities across South Africa were analysed to test the hypothesis. Five of these localities did not yield results, but 14 yielded DNA from specimens which proved to belong to Horus and a fifteenth turned out to be a misidentified pseudoscorpion unrelated to Horus. The results were unequivocal: populations from each locality or group of closely-spaced localities were genetically distinct from any other one tested, and the greater the distance between localities, the greater the genetic differences (i.e. significant isolation by distance). This means that the current species delimitations for Horus are incorrect. It will require detailed micro-anatomical study to identify new characteristics on which species delimitations can be based in future.
Effect of vitamin E in swine diet on animal growth performance and meat quality parameters.

Lipid oxidation is the primary cause of deterioration in the quality of frozen meat and meat products. Oxidative deterioration of meat lipids during frozen storage can directly affect the colour, flavour, texture, nutritive value, and safety of food. Natural antioxidants reduce lipid oxidation and as a consequence may improve meat quality. In the present study we investigate the effect of three levels of dietary vitamin E on animal growth performance and on meat oxidation. HPLC analyses were performed in order to assess a-tocopherol levels in blood serum and its deposition in muscles. The oxidative stability of muscle was examined over 7 days of refrigeration storage by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). We concluded that supplementation with vitamin E augmented a-tocopherol levels in blood serum and muscles from pig samples receiving 300 mg/kg feed. Moreover lipid oxidation in chilled meat was successfully reduced.
The Relationship between Personal Commitment to Angling and the Opinions and Attitudes of German Anglers towards the Conservation and Management of the European Eel Anguilla anguilla

Abstract In response to the dramatic decline of the European eel Anguilla anguilla population, the European Union member states developed eel conservation programs. To facilitate program development, a thorough understanding of eel angler perceptions about the degree of the current eel decline, their potential contribution, and their perceptions about the ways forward is important. In 2007, we sent a self-administered mail questionnaire to 640 anglers living in northeastern Germany asking them about a range of eel conservation and management issues. Respondents were segmented according to their degree of eel angling commitment. We tested a range of hypotheses, including whether highly committed eel anglers would feel greater concern about the eel decline than less committed anglers. In contrast to expectations, all identified angler groups had experienced a similarly pronounced eel decline. While high-centrality eel anglers were found to be somewhat more concerned with the decline, they exhibited less wil.
How to do BPA, really

Recent comparisons of different approaches to historical biogeography have suffered in part because Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA) has been characterized as a one‐step process following protocols proposed in 1981. Subsequent modifications have resulted in a two‐step methodology. This contribution presents the mechanics and applications of those modifications.
Assessment of Anti-Oxidant Potency of Small Chain Glycopeptides Using DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Assay

Abstract: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) in-vitro assay was employed to determine the antioxidant potency of test compounds I to VII [Arg-Thr-Starch (RTStr); Ser-Arg-Lac (SRLac); Asn-Arg-Mannose (NRMs); Arg-Asn-Lac (RNLac); Arg-Thr-Lac (RTLac); His-Asn-Mannose (HNMs); Asn-His-Lac (NHLac)] using ascorbic acid as the standard drug. The percentage scavenging activity of the test drugs were determined at different concentrations and the IC 50 value of the test compounds were subsequently compared with that of ascorbic acid. Among the compounds tested, compound II (SRLac) showed highest antioxidant activity with an IC 50 value of 14.2 mg/ml whereas compounds I (RTS), VII (NHLac) and IV (RNLac) revealed the IC 50 value of 14.3 mg/ml, 14.5 mg/ml and 15.7 mg/ml, respectively when compared with ascorbic acid (IC 50 = 15.8 mg/ml). All the synthesized glycopeptides were further characterized by TLC, Melting point, IR, NMR and Mass spectral datas. Based on the above results, Ser-Arg-Lac could be considered as a lead compound for the development of new antioxidant drug for prevention of human diseases.
ROOSTING, PERCHING, AND HABITAT SELECTION IN ARGIA VIVIDA HAGEN AND AMPHIAGRION ABBREVIATUM (SELYS) (ODONATA: COENAGRIONIDAE), TWO DAMSELFLIES INHABITING GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS

Abstract Although Amphiagrion abbreviatum (Selys) and Argia vivida Hagen often occur at the same geothermally heated springs in western Canada and the United States, they differ markedly in their abundance at any particular site. There is no relationship between crude data on water temperature, conductivity, or aquatic vegetation and the relative abundance of the two species, but there is a striking correlation with presence or absence of trees. The absence of A. abbreviatum from heavily treed areas is associated with the paucity of suitable daytime perching sites, and there may be competitive pressure exerted by A. vivida for the perching sites that are available. Argia vivida does not live at open sites because it requires trees for night-time roosts. Argia vivida roosted higher than A. abbreviatum in cages and held the body at a greater angle from the cage wall. The roosting posture of A. vivida is probably related to interception of solar radiation in the morning, and the body positions of both species possibly provide defence against predation. Résumé Bien qu’Amphiagrion abbreviatum (Sélys) et Argia vivida Hagen fréquentent souvent les mêmes sources géothermiques dans l’ouest du Canada et des États-Unis, elles diffèrent toujours fortement par leur abondance à un site donné. Aucune des données brutes, température de l’eau, conductivité ou végétation aquatique, ne peut expliquer l’abondance relative des deux espèces, mais il existe une corrélation très évidente entre leur abondance et la présence ou l’absence d’arbres. L’absence d’A. abbreviatum des boisés denses s’explique par la rareté de perchoirs de jour appropriés et A. vivida exerce probablement une forte pression de compétition pour les perchoirs disponibles. Argia vivida ne fréquente pas les terrains ouverts car des perchoirs de nuit lui sont essentiels. La nuit, A. vivida se perche plus haut qu’A. abbreviatum dans des cages et l’angle entre son corps et la paroi de la cage est plus grand. Cette posture s’explique sans doute par son besoin d’intercepter les rayons solaires le matin, et les postures respectives des deux espèces ont peut-être aussi pour but la défense contre les prédateurs. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Comparison of stomach contents of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) from the 1981 and 1991 North Sea International Stomach Sampling Projects

This study analyses data from over 20 000 haddock stomachs collected during the 1981 and 1991 Stomach Sampling Projects of the North Sea. Sampling was within the framework of the Multispecies Virtual Population Analysis (MSVPA) for fisheries stock assessment. In 1981 stomachs were collected to calculate input feeding parameters from main predators. During 1991 the sampling exercise was repeated to test stability of the parameters in the region. We investigate stability of haddock stomach content weight between years accounting for ontogenic, spatial and temporal variations within the scope of the survey resolution. Analysis using generalized linear and additive models is performed for weight of the stomach content including and excluding empty stomachs and also for proportion of stomachs without food. Results indicate that haddock stomach contents varied significantly between years, quarters and North Sea roundfish areas. Content weights were overall higher in 1981 than in 1991. In 1981 levels were high from spring to fall and in 1991 mostly in spring. During both years levels were lowest in the central North Sea and in winter. Most of the deviance in modelling the stomach weight is explained by the length of the predator. Stomachs sampled in 1981 were most frequently empty in spring and those sampled in 1991 in winter. In both years, proportions decreased with fish length except in winter when levels increased. Proportion of empty stomachs was highest in the central region of the North Sea. Most of the proportion variation is explained by quarterly fluctuation. Variation of content weight can be related to prey composition found in the stomachs. High stomach contents are generally associated with high contribution of fish prey to the total stomach content, mainly sandeels. We propose that sandeels were more vulnerable to predation in 1981 than in 1991 due to colder temperatures.
The effect of raw and roasted soybeans on intestinal health, diet digestibility, and pancreas weight of broilers

Abstract Soybeans have high protein and energy content; however, they also contain antinutritional factors that limit inclusion in feeds for nonruminant animals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of feeding raw (RFFS), deactivated (DFFS), or over-heated (OFFS) full-fat soybeans on the intestinal health, diet digestibility, and pancreas weight of broilers. One hundred twenty broilers were fed diets containing 15% DFFS, 10% DFFS + 5% RFFS, 15% RFFS, or 10% DFFS + 5% OFFS; data were submitted to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey's test. Broilers fed 15% RFFS presented higher goblet cell counts and sialic acid levels compared with those fed diets containing DFFS and OFFS. Intestinal villi were shorter in birds fed 15% RFFS than those fed 10% DFFS + 5% RFFS. The coefficient of apparent digestibility of nutrients was affected by the dietary treatments. The pancreas of the broilers fed the diets containing RFFS was significantly heavier of those fed DFFS or OFFS. The intestinal integrity, as well as pancreas structure, is impaired by the inclusion of RFFS in broiler diets. Conversely, soybean over-heating hinders nutrient utilization by broilers.
Protocol for isolation of genomic DNA from dry and fresh roots of medicinal plants suitable for RAPD and restriction digestion

A simple and efficient protocol for isolating genomic DNA from fresh and dry roots of medicinal plants was developed. It involves a modified CTAB procedure using 3%CTAB, 4% b-mercaptoethanol, 2 M NaCl and 5% PVP. The extraction was carried out at 70°C. A slight increase in the concentrations of these chemical components and temperature helped in the removal of secondary metabolites and polysaccharides from the DNA preparation. The quantity and purity of isolated DNA was higher when compared with DNA extracted by the methods of Dellaporta et al. (1983) and Doyle and Doyle (1990). The DNA yield ranged from 33 to 68 µg per g of root samples and it was 1.47 times greater in dried than fresh samples. The DNA samples were found suitable for analysis with restriction enzyme digestion and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The total duration for DNA extraction from roots of medicinal plants using this protocol was 135 min as compared to 225 min with existing protocols. Key words: DNA isolation, roots, medicinal plants, secondary metabolite, PCR amplification, restriction digestion.