Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tadpole swimming performance and activity affected by acute exposure to sublethal levels of carbaryl

General activity and swimming performance (i.e., sprint speed and distance) of plains leopard frog tadpoles (Rana blairi) were examined after acute exposure to three sublethal concentrations of carbaryl (3.5, 5.0, and 7.2 mg/L). Both swimming performance and spontaneous swimming activity are important for carrying out life history functions (e.g., growth and development) and for escaping from predators. Measured tadpole activity diminished by nearly 90% at 3.5 mg/L carbaryl and completely ceased at 7.2 mg/L. Sprint speed and sprint distance also decreased significantly following exposure. Carbaryl affected both swimming performance and activity after just 24 h, suggesting that 24 h may be an adequate length of exposure to determine behavioral effects on tadpoles. Slight recovery of activity levels was noted at 24 and 48 h post‐exposure; no recovery of swimming performance was observed. Reduction in activity and swimming performance may result in increased predation rates and, because activity is closely associated with feeding, may result in slowed growth leading to a failure to emerge before pond drying or an indirect reduction in adult fitness. Acute exposure to sublethal toxicants such as carbaryl may not only affect immediate survival of tadpoles but also impact critical life history functions and generate changes at the local population level.
Detoxification enzymes associated with insecticide resistance and exposure to entomopathogenic fungi in Anopheles arabiensis

Anopheles arabiensis is one of the major African malaria vectors, and DDT and pyrethroid resistance in this species is widespread. The aim of this study was to investigate, in detail, what detoxification enzymes are associated with insecticide resistance using the An. gambiae “detox chip”, a small-scale microarray based on genes that are putatively involved in metabolic detoxification of insecticides. The first part of the study focused on two DDT and pyrethroid resistant laboratory strains of An. arabiensis – one that originated from Sudan, and a second that originated from South Africa. One P450 was over-transcribed in the Sudanese strain, while 20 genes were over-transcribed in the South African strain. The majority of these were P450s although GSTs and redox genes were also over-transcribed. The use of synergist assays indicated that DDT and permethrin resistance were related to the presence of a kdr mutation (determined by PCR), while deltamethrin resistance was based on insecticide metabolism. In order to evaluate the role of enzymatic detoxification in permethrin resistance, a permethrin selected strain was used. No kdr mutations were present in this strain. Here, 29 genes were over-transcribed. Most of these were CYP genes (55%), followed by redox genes (21%), and GSTs (14%). A certain degree of overlap in the gene over-transcription was observed between the deltamethrin and permethrin resistant phenotypes. These genes are potentially functional against both pyrethroids, while those that differed were possibly more substrate specific. The final part of the study aimed to assess whether genes that are associated with insecticide resistance are also induced in mosquitoes infected with the entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana. Using microarray data, a subset of important insecticide resistance genes was chosen for analysis following fungal infection. This study was based on the use of qPCR
Genotypic Differences in the Temperature Responses of Tropical Crops I. GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L.) AND PEARL MILLET (PENNISETUM TYPHOIDES S. & H.)

Germination of 15 groundnut cultivars and 7 pearl millet [P. americanum] cultivars at constant temp. between 0 and 50°C was studied on a thermal gradient plate. Large differences in germination rate and percentage germination were observed in both species. Base temp. ranged from 8.0 to 11.5° in groundnuts and from 8.0 to 13.5° in pearl millet; optimum and max. temp. for germination were 29.0-36.5° and 41.0-47.0°, resp. , in both species. The results are discussed in terms of adaptation to high soil temp. and crop establishment in the semiarid tropics
Análise de detecção de cluster na caracterização espaço-temporal da tuberculose bovina no estado da Bahia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a disease caused by the infection with Mycobacterium bovis that affects humans and several mammalian species. BTB is important, because it inflicts far-reaching economic losses to infected regions, and due to its impact on public health. Epidemiological surveys were conducted in the State of Bahia between 2008 and 2010 with the objective to estimate the prevalence and to assess the spatial distribution of the disease. The State of Bahia has been stratified into four regions, each of them representing a set of homogeneous epidemiological and demographic characteristics, referred to as Production Circuits. A total of 18,810 more than 2-year-old cattle in 1,305 herds, ranging from 320 to 370 ones per region, and 20 to 40 cattle per herd were randomly selected. A cervical comparative test was applied to each selected animal; reactive cattle and cattle with two consecutive inconclusive tests were considered BTB-positive, whereas non-reactive cattle were considered BTB-negative. Positive herds were classified as those with <20 sampled cattle and at least one BTB-positive, as well as those with 40 cattle sampled with <2 BTB-positive animals. Latitude and longitude were recorded for each sampled herd with a generic Global Positioning System (GPS). The Cuzick-and-Edwards' test and the spatial scan statistic were used to assess whether BTB was spatially clustered. Herd-level prevalence, as indicated by the proportion of case-herds, was 1.6% (range 0.3 to 2.9% per region). No significant evidence (P<0.05) of spatial clustering was detected, most likely due to the low disease prevalence in the region. Results here suggest that BTB is low prevalent in the State of Bahia and that under these conditions epidemiological outbreaks found cannot be explained by spatially-structured factors.
Ontogeny of gut associated immune competence in the chick

To accommodate the rapid transition to external nutrients, the chick's gastrointestinal tract undergoes dramatic changes within the first few days of life. These include a rapid increase in mass, villi number and length, enterocyte number, crypt depth and proliferating cells. Concomitant with the development of digestive structures and functions a rapid development of the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) occurs. This lymphoid system works within and in concert with digestive tract parenchyma, however, there is little information describing the normal development and immunological function of the avian GALT in the immediate post-hatch period. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the structure and function of the avian GALT during the early post-hatch period. At hatch, the gut is poorly populated by both innate immune leukocytes and lymphocytes. The basal numbers of lymphocytes are the result of early waves migrating from the thymus and bursa of Fabricius. Further waves of lymphocyte migration occur after 4 days of life and continue intermittently with time. In concert with this pattern of lymphocyte population adaptive immunity develops. Hence, the gut of the hatchling is unprotected by adaptive immunity during the first few days of life. Protection during this critical period might be the result of maternal antibody activity or that of the innate immune system. This system appears to be functional at this time, though much work is needed to establish this possibility. Upon maturity of the immune system, most of the immunological activity within the chick GALT is concentrated in the hindgut, and specifically so in the caeca and bursa of Fabricius. Once immune responses have become established the relevant cells disseminate systemically and to other areas of the small intestines. Finally, observations on the beneficial effects of early feeding on development of gut and GALT are discussed with reference to management of hatchlings.
A Quantitative Morphological Analysis of Some Hypericum Species

Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) is a medicinal plant of considerable interest for the therapeutic potentialities of its biologically active compounds. Due to the presence of hybrids and frequent adulterants from other species of Hypericum, the identification of the drug obtained of this species is difficult. Therefore, a quantitative morphological analysis of the leaf epidermises of H. hircinum L. and H. perfoliatum L. compared with H. perforatum L. , carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy and image analysis, was performed to identify phytognostic markers useful for the characterization of these different Hypericum species. Size and shape parameters of the leaf surface cells have permitted a comparative study of the cogeneric species examined, providing a key factor in their recognition and/or selection. Unlike the methods employed so far, the results obtained by means of this innovative kind of analysis supply a valid criterion, not only for the morphological differentiation of the Italian Hypericum species studied, but also for an accurate and reproducible quality control of the commercial samples, often made up of drugs obtained from different species, subspecies and varieties.
Biocontrol of post-harvest green mould rot (Penicillium digitatum) of kinnow fruits using microbial antagonists

Kinnow (Citrus deliciosa) fruits are prone to attack by several microorganisms during storage and marketing. Green mould rot caused by Penicillium digitatum is one of the most prominent post-harvest rots of kinnow fruits. Twelve native and exotic strains of fungal (Trichoderma hamatum (HP-20), T. harzianum (TG-1), T. viride-1, T. viride-2, Gliocladium deliquescens, G. virens and Chaetomium globosum (HP-29)), yeasts (Debaryomyces hansenii, Sporidiobolus pararoseus (KFY-1)) and bacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens (CHAO), P. fluorescens (Pf-1)) antagonists were evaluated against the P. digitaum. Debaryomyces hansenii and S. pararoseus (KFY-1) proved superior over rest of the antagonists tested against pathogen by inhibiting 89.63 and 83.15 per cent mycelial growth respectively. Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf-1), B. subtilis and P. fluorescens (CHAO) exhibited 82.41, 74.44 and 69.82 per cent growth inhibition, respectively. Maximum reduction in rot incidence was observed in fruits treated with spore suspension (10 9 cfu/ml) of D. hansenii and S. pararoseus (KFY-1) where, 87.75 and 79.99 per cent in pre-inoculation and 82.60 and 73.33 per cent in post-inoculation treatment was noted, respectively. Spore suspension (109 cfu/ml) of P. fluorescens (Pf-1) and B. subtilis were found to be the next in order of bioefficacy against the fruit rotting, protected the treated fruits to the extent of 76.10, 72.23 and 68.40, 64.35 per cent, respectively in pre- and post-inoculation treatments.
Role of the Cytochrome P450 2A5 in Bilirubin Metabolism and Clearance in C57BL/6 Mice.

ROLE OF THE CYTOCHROME P450 2A5 IN BILIRUBIN METABOLISM AND CLEARANCE IN C57BL/6 MICE Maryse N. Darch Advisor: University of Guelph, 2016 Dr. Gordon M. Kirby Cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5) is uniquely induced in response to liver injury, indicating that CYP2A5 may have a cytoprotective function. Others have proposed that CYP2A5 protects hepatocytes by oxidizing bilirubin to biliverdin in a redox-cycle to prevent toxic bilirubin accumulation. We hypothesize that CYP2A5 enhances bilirubin clearance by excreting polar dipyrroles when UDP-glucoronosyltransferase 1A1 conjugating capacity is impaired by liver injury. The objective of this study is to compare hepatic bilirubin metabolism and clearance in wild type and Cyp2a5-null C57BL/6 mice. Microsomal bilirubin disappearance and biliverdin production in vitro were quantified by HPLC with UV-Vis detection. Bilirubin clearance was assessed by measuring serum levels one hour after bilirubin injection. Our results indicate that bilirubin metabolism and clearance are not influenced by CYP2A5. We conclude that the role of CYP2A5 in hepatoprotection does not involve bilirubin redox-cycling and elimination in C57BL/6 mice.
Discovery of the Eucalyptus canker pathogen Chrysoporthe cubensis on native Miconia (Melastomataceae) in Colombia

Chrysoporthe cubensis is one of the most serious canker pathogens on commercially grown Eucalyptus species in the tropics and subtropics. During recent surveys for native hosts of C. cubensis in Colombia, fungi with fruiting structures similar to those of C. cubensis were found on native Miconia theaezans and Miconia rubiginosa , both members of the Melastomataceae. These fungi were identified based on morphology and DNA sequences of the ITS1/ITS2 region of the rDNA operon and the β -tubulin genes. The majority of isolates from M. theaezans and M. rubiginosa grouped together with South American C. cubensis isolates from Eucalyptus species and Syzygium aromaticum (clove). However, some of the isolates from M. theaezans grouped with isolates of Chrysoporthella hodgesiana , another anamorph species linked to Chrysoporthe , from Tibouchina spp. in Colombia. Pathogenicity of these fungi was assessed on various Melastomataceae. Miconia rubiginosa was more susceptible to infection by C. cubensis than two Eucalyptus clones . Isolates of C. cubensis and Chrysop. hodgesiana were mildly pathogenic on the various hosts included in the pathogenicity trials, and most pathogenic on Tibouchina urvilleana and Tibouchina lepidota .
DISPOSABLE MICROFLUIDIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR ON CHIP CELL STUDIES

We present a method for microfluidic temperature control in the range between 5°C and 35°C. This method is based on the use of a double layer PDMS structure in which a temperature controlled micro-flow circulates in the close proximity of working area, allowing a dynamic change of the temperature in less than 10s. Accordingly, de-polymerization behaviour of microtubule bundles of S. pombe yeast has been investigated, showing the simplicity and reliability of the proposed method for a number of cell biology studies.
Effect of Temperature on Germination of Phalaris minor Retz.

Laboratory experiment revealed that littleseed canary grass (Phalaris minor) was capable of germinating in the temperature range of 10 to 25°C and optimum was 10 to 20°C. At the end of incubation period, maximum germination was recorded at a constant temperature of 15°C. From the mean weekly temperature during rabi season, it was found that November to February were most congenial for its emergence and because of suitable temperature in the growing season. it emerged in several flushes.
What can stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) tell about the food web of soil macro-invertebrates?

Animals reflect the stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) of their diet, with a slight enrichment in 15N that allows the use of δ15N as a trophic-level indicator. Stable isotope contents were measured for the litter, soil, and macro-invertebrates of three temperate deciduous forest sites, in spring, summer, and autumn, to study the trophic structure of this community. No distinct trophic structure could be derived from measurements of δ13C. In contrast, when the δ15N values of all animal species were grouped together, the hypothesis of an isotopically similar diet was rejected. Therefore, the community spreads over more than one trophic level and was subdivided into detritivores and predators. The potential detritivore food sources in the forest litter and soil showed a variety of isotopic ratios. Despite this fact, the variance of the isotopic ratios of the detritivorous species was not larger than what could be expected from interspecific variability of trophic isotopic enrichment alone. This was also t.
Adaptive Roosting Gives Little Brown Bats an Advantage over Endangered Indiana Bats

Abstract In recent decades tree roosts of endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) have been more heavily studied than those of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), a much more common sympatric bat species. Motivated by precipitous declines in both species’ populations, we attempted to address this inconsistency by comparing the characteristics of these sibling species’ roosts. We used radio telemetry to find roosts of adult female bats of both species in two sites in southern Illinois and two sites in south-central Indiana. We then collected data on roost characteristics and bat movements. Little brown bats used more anthropogenic roosts and crevice/cavity roosts than Indiana bats, which used exfoliating bark roosts almost exclusively. Additionally, both species roosted in similar tree genera with similar DBHs (diameter at breast height) and roost heights. However, little brown bats roosted in shorter trees and in bigger clusters (based on emergence counts) than Indiana bats. Both species moved similar distances between roosts. However, little brown bats switched roosts slightly less often than Indiana bats. The potential preference for natural crevice/cavity roosts by little brown bats may have been a pre- adaptation that allowed the species to take advantage of the rapidly growing availability of crevice/cavity mimicking anthropogenic roosts during the spread of Europeans throughout North America.
Demonstrating the Minimal Impact of Cultivation Conditions on Antioxidants in Fruits and Vegetables by Differential Pulse Voltammetry

Conventionally, organically, and locally grown varieties of carrot, tomato, rhubarb, raspberry, strawberry, and bell peppers were analyzed by differential pulse voltammetry to determine the impact of cultivation conditions on produce antioxidant content. The potential (indicating antioxidant activity) and area (indicating antioxidant capacity) of the primary peaks were evaluated. Overall, no consistent trends were observed across cultivation conditions, suggesting that cultivation conditions have minimal impact on antioxidant content. This study revealed differential pulse voltammetry to be a sensitive and rapid method for antioxidant determination, with a detection and quantitation limit of 8.38 × 10−5 and 2.79 × 10−4 mol/L, respectively.
An α/β-Fold C—C Bond Hydrolase Is Involved in a Central Step of Nicotine Catabolism by Arthrobacter nicotinovorans

ABSTRACT The enzyme catalyzing the hydrolytic cleavage of 2,6-dihydroxypseudooxynicotine to 2,6-dihydroxypyridine and γ-N-methylaminobutyrate was found to be encoded on pAO1 of Arthrobacter nicotinovorans. The new enzyme answers an old question about nicotine catabolism and may be the first C—C bond hydrolase that is involved in the biodegradation of a heterocyclic compound.
On-farm survey of beak characteristics in White Leghorns as a result of hot blade trimming or infrared beak treatment

SUMMARY Commercial laying hens in North America are typically beak trimmed to prevent injury and mortality caused by feather pecking and cannibalism. Beak trimming is most commonly performed on day-old chicks at the hatchery, either by hot blade (HB) or infrared (INF) techniques. The differences between these 2 methods and the potential variability within each method may cause morphological differences in the beaks of laying hens throughout their production cycle. Few data are available detailing variations between the beaks of laying hens after trimming in commercial settings. The purpose of this field survey was to measure beak lengths of 4 commercial laying hen flocks at 2 age ranges treated by either HB or INF techniques at hatch. Statistical analyses of the data for the 2 treatment types were not possible because of genetic and environmental differences between flocks; therefore, statements comparing treatments are not meant as definitive and are provided for general information only. Infrared-treated hens had shorter beaks with a lower SEM, and they generally exhibited fewer beak abnormalities than HB-trimmed hens at both ages. It is our observation in this field survey that INF-treated commercial hens seemed to have less variation in beak length and fewer beak abnormalities.
Revegetating Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)-Infested Rangeland with Native Tallgrasses

Degradation of Great Plains rangelands can be linked to past management practices that reduced native species diversity and accelerated establishment and expansion of exotic weeds and less desirable native species. Leafy spurge is an exotic perennial weed that infests more than 1 million ha in the northern Great Plains and reduces rangeland carrying capacity by competing with desirable forages and causing infested areas to be undesirable to cattle and wildlife. Research was conducted to determine the feasibility of using herbicides to suppress leafy spurge and other resident vegetation, which facilitated planting and establishment of native tallgrasses. Four experiments were conducted where 0.28, 0.56, and 0.84 kg ai/ha imazapyr and 0.1 kg ai/ha sulfometuron were applied alone and in combination and 0.84 kg ai/ha glyphosate was applied to leafy spurge-infested range sites in fall 1991 near Ainsworth, NE, and in fall 1991, 1992, and 1993 near Ansley, NE. Research areas were burned about 200 d after herbicide application to reduce plant residue. Monoculture stands of big bluestem and switchgrass were then no-till planted in each experiment and indiangrass was no-till planted in experiments initiated at Ansley in 1992 and 1993. Yields of the planted grasses, leafy spurge, and other vegetation were measured in August at each location starting the year after planting. Imazapyr was an essential component of treatments applied before planting to facilitate establishment of highly productive stands of the tallgrasses. Generally, yields were maximized by fall treatments of 0.28 kg/ha imazapyr + 0.1 kg/ha sulfometuron for big bluestem, 0.84 kg/ha imazapyr for indiangrass, and 0.84 kg/ha imazapyr + 0.1 kg/ha sulfometuron for switchgrass. Yields of the planted grasses were frequently four times greater where these herbicides were applied compared to where glyphosate or no herbicide were applied. Leafy spurge yields were usually reduced in areas where tallgrass yields were greatest. The sequential combination of suppressing vegetation with fall-applied herbicides, burning standing dead plant residue, then no-till planting desirable native tallgrasses in the spring increased productivity of these leafy spurge-infested range sites.
Pollen gene flow in South Australian cherry (Prunus avium L.) orchards

Summary. Isozyme analysis of sweet cherry embryos from 3 different South Australian orchards has proven to be an invaluable diagnostic tool. It has shown that in comparison with almond orchards, pollen gene flow occurs over much greater distances. Furthermore, pollen genes are being donated by more than one polleniser cultivar. For example, Sam planted at Lenswood Horticultural Centre was pollinated by both Vista and Merton Glory Protective netting was used to exclude birds from the cherry orchard at Lenswood and only 0.003% of the apparent net pollen gene flow came from cultivars planted outside of the net to those within. The presence of bird netting discouraged the movement of honeybees. Cross-compatible pollen rather than self pollen contributed most to embryo formation in the self-fertile cultivar Stella. Seventy-one percent of embryos produced by Stella at Lenswood were as a result of outcrossing. This work has culminated in some important recommendations for the cherry industry. Namely that where bird exclosures are used bee hives and polleniser cultivars should be placed inside the netted area, and when planting self-fertile cultivars, such as Stella, polleniser cultivars should be included in the orchard plan.