Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anther Fusion Enhances Pollen Removal in Campsis grandiflora, a Hermaphroditic Flower with Didynamous Stamens

In many insect‐pollinated angiosperms, stamens are grown with anthers cohered, which might affect pollination processes, but the ecological significance of this fusion of anthers remains unexplored. We studied the breeding system and pollination process of didynamous Campsis grandiflora (Bignoniaceae), with anther fusion in pairs. Pollen removal and deposition were studied in the field for naturally fused versus experimentally separated anthers. Campsis grandiflora flowers were protandrous, with a low pollen:ovule ratio, were mostly outcrossed, and were self‐compatible, with pollinators needed. The main pollinators were pollen‐collecting halictid bees and nectar‐feeding vespid wasps. Halictid bees scooped pollen on long anthers for a significantly longer time period and removed twice as much pollen from fused anthers than from separated anthers. Vespid wasps contacted fused short anthers more frequently and more precisely and removed nearly twice as much pollen than when contacting separated short anthers. Pollen deposition on stigmas was not affected by manipulation of either pair of anthers. Our results suggest that anther fusion can promote pollen removal efficiency by aggregating anthers at a similar position, increasing the pollinator’s contact probability and precision with anthers and extending the visit duration of the pollinator. The maintenance of didynamous stamens may reflect functional advantages of the fused anthers in two distinct heights because they can interact with pollinators of different behaviors and sizes.
History Repeating? Avoiding a Return to the Pre-Antibiotic Age

Antibiotics are among the most important discoveries of medical science. Analysis of infectious disease mortality data from the U.S. government reveals that antibacterial agents may save over 200,000 American lives annually, and add 5-10 years to U.S. life expectancy at birth. The spread of antibiotic immunity among bacteria i? ½ an evolutionary phenomenon mediated by plasmids, transposons, and integrons (carrying DNA encoding attack enzymes, efflux pumps, and other protective devices) i? ½ threatens these public health achievements. The examples of increasingly resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrate the importance of continued development of new antimicrobials, especially ones to treat nosocomial, gram-negative infections. Unfortunately, studies indicate that antibiotics comprise less than 1.5% of compounds under investigation at the largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Data from papers on drug costs and revenues show that antibacterial agents are simply not as profitable as other types of pharmaceuticals. i? ½Wild-card patent extensioni? ½ i? ½ in conjunction with restrictions on the use of new antibiotics (to prevent the emergence of resistance) i? ½ provides one possible solution to the twin problems of i? ½bad bugs, no drugs.i? ½
Effect of social environment on plasma hormones and availability of milt in spawning male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)

In this study we investigate the social stimuli responsible for the increases in plasma hormones and in the availability of milt in male rainbow trout allowed to interact with sexually active females. Males were placed in five experimental groups receiving different levels of sensory contact with females: no sensory cues, chemical cues, chemical and visual cues, full sensory and behavioural interaction with a nesting ovulated female, full sensory and behavioural interaction with an inactive postspawning female. Plasma levels of 11-ketotestosterone, 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and gonadotrophin increased only in males allowed full sensory contact with nesting females. Levels of 11-ketotestosterone did not change in males receiving visual and chemical cues, and decreased in the three other groups of males. The amount of milt that could be stripped from males increased only in those males placed with active females. Spermatocrit did not differ among the groups.
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed

Insects will likely play an important role as protein sources for livestock in the future. Many insect species are able to convert materials not suitable for human nutrition – or even waste – into valuable protein with a favourable amino acid composition for poultry and other livestock. A feeding trial with partly de-fatted meal of dried Hermetia illucens larvae (Hermetia meal) reared on vegetarian by-products of the pasta and convenience food industry was carried out in small groups of Lohmann Selected Leghorn laying hens (four rounds, 10 hens/round). Experimental diets H12 and H24 contained 12 and 24 g/100 g Hermetia meal replacing 50 or 100% of soybean cake used in the control feed, respectively. After three weeks of feeding experimental diets, there were no significant differences between feeding groups with regard to performance (egg production, feed intake). There was a tendency (P=0.06) for lower albumen weight in the H24 group; yolk and shell weights did not differ. No mortality and no sign of health disorders occurred. Plumage as well as wound scores remained stable during the feeding period and did not differ between treatments. Dry matter of faeces increased with increasing proportions of Hermetia meal in the diet, with a significant difference between H24 and the control (P=0.03). An increase of black faecal pads was observed in the H12 and H24 groups. Overall, these results suggest Hermetia meal can be a valuable component of layer diets. However, insect meal production still has to become economically more viable through upscaling production and, especially, legislative issues have to be solved.
Vaccines and therapeutics for the encephalitic alphaviruses

This article is a review of vaccines and therapeutics in development for the encephalitic alphaviruses, which includes eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. The encephalitic alphaviruses are endemic within regions in North and South America. Hosts are normally exposed after being bitten by infectious mosquitoes, and infection can develop into encephalitis in equines and humans with severe rates of morbidity and mortality. These viruses are also potential biological threat agents, being highly infectious via an aerosol route of exposure. In humans, equine encephalitis virus and western equine encephalitis virus are neurotropic viruses targeting the CNS and causing encephalitis. Mortality rates are 50 and 10%, respectively, for these viruses. On the other hand, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus produces a systemic influenza-like illness with pathogenesis in the lungs and lymphoid tissue in adults and older children. The incidence of.
Out of Borneo: Neogene diversification of Sundaic freshwater crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae: Parathelphusa)

We investigate the biogeographical history of the species‐rich Sundaic freshwater crab genus Parathelphusa (family Gecarcinucidae). In particular, we ask to what extent eustatic sea‐level fluctuations influenced diversification and species distribution. We test the prediction that sea‐level fluctuations in the course of the Pleistocene glaciations increased speciation rates.
Monitoring Salmonella sp dan Escherichia coli dalam Bahan Pakan Ternak (Salmonella sp and Escherichia coli Monitoring in the Animal Feed Ingredients)

Quality of livestock feed affects production and animal health. Fish and bone meal is animal feed ingredients that need to be monitored because highly contaminated with of Salmonella sp and E. coli. Salmonella sp and E. coli are pathogen causing diarrhea in cattle and humans. The aim of this study was to investigate both E. coli and Salmonella contamination animal feed ingredients. A total of 38 animal feed ingredients samples from a poultry farm in Sukabumi consisting of 15 samples fish meal, bone meal 13 samples and corn 10 samples. These samples were analyzed for Salmonella sp and E. coli by isolation and identification using biochemical analysis. Salmonella Weltevreden was isolated from fish meal at rates of 6% from the 15 samples. E. coli was isolated at rates of 6% from the 15 fish meal samples and 7% from 13 bone meal samples, while corn samples were free from Salmonella sp and E. coli. This study showed that bone meal and fish meal was contaminated slightly by Salmonella Weltevreden and E. coli. (Key words: Feed, Livestock, Salmonella sp, E. coli)
Further Studies on the Mating Range of the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera L.

Abstract Genetically-marked virgin queen honey bees were located at various distances up to 14.0 miles from an apiary stocked with genetically-marked drones in an area containing only these experimental bees. Some matings occurred across distances up to 10.1 miles. With increasing distances from the drone source a decreasing percentage of queens mated successfully. Queens located at the drone source, 3.8 and 6.1 miles distant, began laying at approximately the same time. Those located 8.0 miles distant began laying later and those at 10.1 miles later still.
The effect of fixation on the morphology of the late premolt and early postmolt cuticle of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

The dorsal carapace from late premolt (D3) and early postmolt (1 hr) blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) was used to study the effects of fixation on the morphology of the epicuticle, exocuticle, and hypodermis. Tissues were freshly dissected, quick-frozen in liquid nitrogen, or lyophilized. They were then treated with a standard fixation consisting of sequential fixation in glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide, tannic acid and uranyl acetate or with a uranyl acetate primary fixative. Lyophilized-unfixed and lyophilized-rehydrated tissues were also examined. Treatments were viewed using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Standard fixation preserved both cuticle fibers and cellular elements. Results varied due to the impervious nature of cuticle and the formation of a permeability barrier by 1 hr postmolt. Uranyl acetate fixation greatly improved the contrast of fibers and enhanced the visualization of calcification initiation sites at the epicuticle-exocuticle interface and along the interprismatic septa (IPS), but it did not preserve the hypodermis. The IPS varied in staining intensity among samples, but overall fixation was more uniform than standard fixation. Both treatments revealed a diverse collection of fiber types. Anaglyphs showed that horizontal fibers, oriented parallel to the cuticle surface, rotated in successive planes while vertical fibers were oriented perpendicular to the cuticle surface. Of the vertical fiber types observed, some were associated with pore canals, others were not, and certain ones were restricted to specialized regions of the cuticle. Quick-freezing caused voids to occur between horizontal fibers. Voids were accentuated by lyophilization. The cuticle was more distorted by voids when it was quick-frozen or lyophilized and treated with standard fixation than with uranyl acetate fixation. Unfixed lyophilized samples had a unique tubular morphology that exhibited a lamellar periodicity. Rehydration of lyophilized cuticles reconstituted the fibrous matrix, with all fiber types being preserved except the IPS. Fibers in this treatment appeared most similar to uranyl acetate fixations but were more dispersed. Although the tubular morphology of unfixed, lyophilized samples appears to be an artifact of quick-freezing, it speaks to the highly hydrated nature of the cuticle at the time of ecdysis.
Channel head dynamics: capelin (Mallotus villosus) aggregation in the tidally driven upwelling system of the Saguenay - St. Lawrence Marine Park's whale feeding ground

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) tridimensional distribution at the head of the Laurentian Channel in the St. Lawrence estuary was investigated using 38- and 120-kHz acoustic surveys in the summers of 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998. The results are interpreted with the help of a high-resolution tridimensional tidal circulation model. Total biomasses were small (93-4583 t) and showed rapid fluctuations, whereas mesoscale distribution was more constant. Capelin tended to occupy the very end of the channel head, especially the slopes and shallows surrounding the basins. This pattern did not coincide with the krill distribution, but the two total biomass series were significantly correlated. Capelin tidal dynamics is characterized by herding of capelin against the channel head slopes by the starting flooding currents, followed by an upwelling over the sills and shallows during maximum flood currents, and a return to the channel by the surface outflow during ebb. Each side of the channel head has a distinct capelin retention tidal cycle involving passive advection, swimming, and the two-layer estuarine circulation. This capelin distribution and tidal dynamics closely match the local fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) distributions observed from the whale-watching fleet and typical tidal feeding strategies at the channel head. Resume : La repartition tridimensionnelle du capelan (Mallotus villosus) a la tete du Chenal Laurentien dans l'estuaire du Saint-Laurent a ete examinee a l'aide de missions acoustiques (38 et 120 kHz) aux etes 1994, 1995, 1997 et 1998. Les resultats sont interpretes a l'aide d'un modele tridimensionnel a haute resolution des courants de maree. La biomasse totale etait faible (93-4583 t) et fluctuait rapidement, alors que la repartition a meso-echelle etait plus constante. Le capelan tendait a occuper la toute fin de la tete du chenal, specialement les talus et les hauts-fonds entourant les bassins. Cette repartition ne coincidait pas avec celle du krill, mais les deux series de biomasse etaient significativement correlees. La dynamique du capelan pendant un cycle de maree est caracterisee par un rassemblement contre les talus a la tete du chenal par les courants au debut du flot, suivie par un saut au-dessus des hauts-fonds pendant le maximum du flot et d'un retour au chenal par les courants de surface sortant pendant le jusant. Chaque cote de la tete du chenal est caracterise par une boucle distincte de retention du capelan sur un cycle de maree, chacune faisant intervenir l'advection passive, la nage et la circulation estuarienne en deux couches. Cette repartition du capelan et sa dynamique en fonction du cycle de maree sont etroitement appariees avec la repartition locale des rorquals communs (Balaenoptera physalus) et des rorquals nains (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) observee par la flottille des ba- teaux d'observation ainsi qu'avec leurs strategies typiques d'alimentation en relation avec le cycle de maree.
Light, melatonin and cancer: current results and future perspectives 1

Nocturnal light inhibits the production of pineal melatonin which possesses anti-carcinogenic properties and is able to inhibit the growth of slow-growing and/or well-differentiated experimental tumours. On the basis of these interactions it becomes understandable why light at night as well as circadian rhythm disturbances can exert cancer-enhancing effects. Several studies have shown that constant light treatment stimulates experimental tumour growth and epidemiological studies have detected elevated cancer risks in long-term shift workers as well as flight attendants, even though these results have not been confirmed in all studies. For a better understanding of these divergent results, it is suggested that more complex regulatory mechanisms should be taken into consideration, including seasonal modulations of pineal function. Since annual rhythms of nocturnal melatonin are observed under standardized laboratory conditions and appear to be hypermodulated even by the 11-year solar cycle, it is assumed that the pineal gland is affected by omnipresent natural alterations of the geomagnetic field. These potential interactions should be taken into consideration for the design of future studies and the re-evaluation of previous investigations. In case of a functional involvement of magnetic fields, it has to be assumed that diverse artificial electromagnetic fields present within manmade environments will also affect melatonin secretion, either directly or indirectly via a modulation of light-mediated mechanisms. As an immediate preventive measure to counteract presumed cancer-enhancing effects of circadian rhythm disturbances due to shift-work and chronic jetlag, it may be advisable to reduce the number of years professionals are allowed to work on such routines. In order to avoid a chronic suppression of nocturnal melatonin due to light at homes and in offices, the preferential use of blue-filtered light should be considered, particularly during autumn and winter months, with the aim of restoring natural seasonal variations of melatonin secretion which may foster endogenous protective processes against cancer.
Suppressive soil against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as a source of potential biocontrol agents: selection and evaluation of Clonostachys rosea BAFC1646

The fungal diversity structures of soils that are suppressive and non-suppressive to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were characterised and screened for fungal strains antagonistic to the S. sclerotiorum pathogen. Soil suppressiveness was associated with a particular fungal diversity structure. Principal component analysis showed that antagonism by fungal species in suppressive soils was associated with the occurrence of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Talaromyces flavus var. flavus and Clonostachys rosea f. rosea. In particular, C. rosea f. rosea occurred exclusively in suppressive soil samples, suggesting that this morpho-species plays an important role in suppression of S. sclerotiorum diseases. One strain of C. rosea f. rosea (BAFC1646) was selected for further experiments. Dual-culture assays confirmed the antagonistic behaviour of C. rosea f. rosea BAFC1646 against three different S. sclerotiorum strains. Antifungal activity was corroborated by diffusion assays with metabolite extracts. Greenhouse assays with soybean plants showed that the selected C. rosea f. rosea strain reduced the percentage of dead plants when co-inoculated with S. sclerotiorum. In addition, inclusion of C. rosea f. rosea alone increased shoot lengths significantly. In this work, we established the involvement of fungal species in soil suppressiveness and in further assays confirmed that C. rosea f. rosea BAFC1646 exhibits a bioprotective effect against S. sclerotiorum in soybean plants.
Effects of migratory geese on plant communities of an Alaskan salt marsh

1 We studied the effects of lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) on two salt marsh plant communities in Cook Inlet, Alaska, a stopover area used during spring migration. From 1995 to 1997 we compared plant species composition and biomass on plots where geese were excluded from feeding with paired plots where foraging could occur. 2 Foraging intensity was low (650–1930 goose‐days km−2) compared to other goose‐grazing systems. 3 Canada geese fed mainly on above‐ground shoots of Triglochin maritimum, Puccinellia spp. and Carex ramenskii, whereas the majority of the snow goose diet consisted of below‐ground tissues of Plantago maritima and Triglochin maritimum. 4 Plant communities responded differently to goose herbivory. In the sedge meadow community, where feeding was primarily on above‐ground shoots, there was no effect of grazing on the dominant species Carex ramenskii and Triglochin maritimum. In the herb meadow community, where snow geese fed on Plantago maritima roots and other below‐ground tissues, there was a difference in the relative abundance of plant species between treatments. Biomass of Plantago maritima and Potentilla egedii was lower on grazed plots compared with exclosed, whereas biomass of Carex ramenskii was greater on grazed plots. There was no effect of herbivory on total standing crop biomass in either community. The variable effect of herbivory on Carex ramenskii between communities suggests that plant neighbours and competitive interactions are important factors in a species’ response to herbivory. In addition, the type of herbivory (above‐ or below‐ground) was important in determining plant community response to herbivory. 5 Litter accumulation was reduced in grazed areas compared with exclosed in both communities. Trampling of the previous year’s litter into the soil surface by geese incorporated more litter into soils in grazed areas. 6 This study illustrates that even light herbivore pressure can alter plant communities and affect forage availability.
Biovolumen ponderado; índice para estimar la contribución de especies en asociaciones de diatomeas bentónicas

With the purpose of deriving an alternative way for assessing the contribution of diatom taxa in benthic assemblages to biomass, the weighed biovolume index (WBV) is here proposed. The biovolumen (BV) was computed for taxa collected from intertidal mangrove sediments. The taxa were selected on the basis of total abundances (TA) and linear size. The TA and BV values showed an apparent inverse relation. In this way, the combined use of these variables is proposed (as WBV) as a more precise approximation to the contribution (as biomass) of each taxon in the assemblage. Thus, the WBV is computed as the product of the total abundances (TA) times the BV for each taxon, divided by the Σ BV(AT) of all the taxa in the sample and expressed as percentage.
Cajeput oil, an effective botanical against gyrodactylid infection

Infectious diseases are a major welfare issue, economically costly and, from a conservation perspective, threaten susceptible fish populations. Parasite control in aquaculture is over reliant on a limited range of treatments which tend to be low in efficacy, toxic to hosts and have negative consequences on human health and the environment. Here, we tested 22 botanical treatments alongside five controls against Gyrodactylus turnbulli (Harris 1986), in vitro and in vivo, infecting guppies (Poecilia reticulata Peters 1859). Survival of detached parasites was significantly reduced by all treatments with cajuput oil, bay rum oil, bladderwrack, octanoic acid, pine tree oil and barberry killing worms instantly. In vivo, cajuput oil applied with emulsifier was as effective as a licensed livestock dewormer, Levamisole, which is not routinely prescribed for use in fish; hence, cajuput can be considered for further research to replace Levamisole in UK research laboratories as well as in ornamental aquaculture.
Host promiscuity in symbiont associations can influence exotic legume establishment and colonization of novel ranges

Invasive Acacia species have negatively impacted natural areas in multiple regions around the globe. Almost 400 Acacia species have been introduced outside their native ranges in Australia; approximately 6% have become invasive, 12% are naturalized, and 82% have no record of naturalization or invasion. This variation in invasiveness provides a comparative framework in which to examine mechanisms that either promote or constrain establishment and colonization of species in novel regions. Here, we experimentally examine the role that the legume–rhizobia symbiosis plays in the differential invasiveness of acacias introduced outside their native Australian ranges.