Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pavlovian conditioning alters reproductive fitness in sperm competition and sperm allocation paradigms

Michael Domjan lab for their help over the years. Sperm competition results when sperm from rival males compete to fertilize the ovum of a single female. Typically, paternity rates are proportional to the amount of sperm available during fertilization windows. Two males mating in immediate succession with the same female, transferring similar quantities of sperm, will each sire about 50% of the offspring. The greater the delay, the greater the percentage of offspring sired by the second male. Males engaging in multiple copulations with different females will have exponentially decreasing fertilization success. Manipulations that enable one male to transfer more sperm should provide a paternity advantage, independent of delay or depletion. In a series of experiments, reproductive success was increased with the presentation of a Pavlovian signal prior to copulation. vii In a study with domesticated quail (Coturnix Japonica), presentation of a Pavlovian signal permitted one of two competing males to predict copulatory opportunity. Using microsatellite-based DNA fingerprinting to identify paternity, signaled males sired 72% of the offspring as compared with control males when no delay was imposed. If five hours separated the two males, the first male sired 26% of the offspring under baseline conditions. Providing a Pavlovian signal overcomes the temporal delay, allowing the first male to sire 43% of the offspring. Further analysis examined the role of Pavlovian conditioning in sperm allocation when a male copulates with two females, separated by a 15-min or 5-hour delay. Baseline rates of paternity increased when a Pavlovian signal preceded the initial (24% to 42%) or second female (6% to 26%). No difference was found when a 5 hour delay was imposed between females. Pavlovian conditioning is a common learning process affecting a variety of sexual behaviors, including sperm output. It has been shown that Pavlovian conditioning provides reproductive advantage in both sexual competition and sperm allocation paradigms. These effects are independent of other factors emphasized in previous explanations, such as mating system or sperm morphology, and were probably mediated by an impact on how sperm were released from sperm stores.
The effect of fertilization and crop rotation on biological activity in a 90 year long-term experiment.

A long-term field experiment has been studied for more than 90 years on the testing ground of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, situated in Grosenzersdort: Lower Austria, The effects ofmonoculture versus crop rotation and different fertilizers farmyard manure, mineral fertilizer, no fertilizer on the yield of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare), winter rye (Secale cereale) and on soil parameters was investigated. For results of these long-term experiments see STEINECK and RUCKENBAUER (1976). As no biological data existed, we used the bait-laminatest, as developed by VONTORNE (1990a, b), to assess the biological activity; and in addition, we determined the abundance of potworms (Oligochaeta,· Enchytraeidae) as potential feeders on the baitsubstances (PFEIFF et al., 1998). The bait-lamina-test is a possibility for measuring biological activity, which can be disturbed in the eomplex soll ecosystern, Organie matter is exposed in the upper layer of the soil and its reduction in time is determined. Soil organisms are artracred by the exposed bait substance and feed on it, Theevaluation of the feeding activity on the bait is done by a simple yes/no classification. The bait-lamina-test has already been used several times as a screening test for ecological monitoring (HOFFMANN et al., 1991; KRATZ et al., 1992; LARINK and LOBBEN; 1990; lARINK, 1993). Forty to ninety percenr ofthe organie matter in the soil is decomposed by biotic processes, whereas the contribution of abiotic degradation is 5-30 %. Soil mesoand maerofauna mainly reduce plant residues to small pieces, thereby expanding the surface area and breaking up complex components. At this stage, organic matter can be more easily reduced by micro-organisms, whose population dynamics are affected by the soil fauna. Through the activity of soil organisms, the plant residues are on the one hand transformed into humic substances and on the other hand mineralized into inorganic matter which is returned into the nutrient cyele (ErSENBElS, 1993). SoiI micro-organisms and fauna in arable fields. where natural cycles are interrupted, are strongly affected by intensive soil management and fertilization. The micro-climate is changed, soil porosity is gready reduced, many soil animal species are eradicated, and micro-organisms may show enhanced activity (EHRNSBERGER, 1993). To assess the
Eucalypt pests and diseases: growing threats to plantation productivity

Plantations of eucalypts (species of Eucalyptus and Corymbia), particularly in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere, have expanded dramatically during the course of the last 100 years. The nature of these plantations has changed substantially as selection, breeding, hybridisation, vegetative propagation and other innovative techniques have been introduced to improve planting stock. Although there are various examples of diseases and pests damaging early plantations, it is clear that separation of the trees from their natural enemies has resulted in exceptional performance. Not surprisingly, both the incidence and impact of diseases and pests in eucalypt plantations has increased over time. This has been due to the accidental introduction of pests and pathogens from areas where the trees are native to new environments. There are also growing examples of host-specific pathogens native to areas where eucalypts have been planted as non-natives, which have undergone sometimes surprising host jumps. These 'new pathogens' threaten not only plantation forestry based on non-natives, but also eucalypts and their relatives in areas where they grow naturally. There is little question that pests and pathogens are set to challenge eucalypt plantation forestry worldwide, more than ever before. In order to sustain profitable businesses based on eucalypt plantations, forestry companies will need to invest substantially in technologies enabling management of these pests and diseases.
Cryptosporidium outbreaks associated with swimming pools

Acute gastrointestinal illness is a common and preventable public health issue. Exposure to recreational water, such as in swimming pools, is a risk factor for acute gastrointestinal illness. Serious outbreaks of water-borne diseases in Canada are rare but can pose a significant threat to human health. Cryptosporidium is one of the most common infectious agents causing pool-related outbreaks. Pool fouling, lack of education and training, inadequate pool structures, and lack of disinfection equipment have been linked to outbreaks of Cryptosporidium. To minimize the burden of swimming pool related outbreaks, interventions should include pool structure alterations, increased surveillance and reporting of swimming pool associated diseases, and public education regarding the risk of swimming pool infections.
Abundance and Richness of Cryptic Species of the Willistoni Group of Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the Biomes Caatinga and Atlantic Forest, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Cryptic species meet the biological definition of species, but are morphologically identical or quite similar. Several ecological studies underestimate richness and neglect important information on cryptic species, as they are rather difficult to identify. Among insects, drosophilids of the willistoni subgroup, which includes Drosophila willistoni Sturtevant, Drosophila paulistorum Dobzhansky & Pavan, Drosophila equinoxialis Dobzhansky, Drosophila tropicalis Burla & da Cunha, Drosophila insularis Dobzhansky, and Drosophila pavlovskiana Kastritsis & Dobzhansky, are good examples of cryptic species. Although several studies have shown that this subgroup is one of the most abundant in the Neotropical region, no identification to species level has been reported for areas where these individuals live in sympatry. This study evaluates the seasonal oscillations in abundance of this subgroup in biomes with contrasting vegetation and rainfall regimes: the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, in northeastern Brazil. Approximately 39,000 drosophilids were captured in 24 collections, of which 18,000 belonged to the willistoni subgroup. The most abundant were D. willistoni, D. paulistorum, and D. equinoxialis, in this order. D. equinoxialis was recorded in only one of the environments surveyed, represented by few individuals. In all environments, individuals of the willistoni subgroup were more abundant in the rainy season, when richness often was higher. The results underline the importance of humidity and of temperature for the subgroup willistoni and indicate the ecological versatility of some of its species.
FEEDING AND EXCRETION BY THE PEA APHID, ACYRTHOSIPHON PISUM (HARR.) (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE), REARED ON DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF PEAS

The amount of honeydew excreted by the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harr.), reared singly and in groups on susceptible resistant varieties of peas, Pisum sativum L. , grown under greenhouse conditions, was measured. Excretion by isolated aphids was interrupted at moulting for mean periods of 12 and 16 hr, and between moults and in the adult stage for mean periods of 3 to 15 hr, although in many cases the aphids remained in the feeding position. Droplet volume, frequency, and rate of excretion were generally proportional to the susceptibility of the host variety on which the aphids were, feeding, The rate of feeding on susceptible varieties was higher and contributed therefore to the faster rate of aphid growth; a greater proportion of the material ingested was excreted and a lesser proportion assimilated than on resistant varieties. Honeydew from aphids feeding on susceptible varieties usually contained a slightly higher concentration of free amino acids and amides.
Fire and Host Abundance as Determinants of the Distribution of Three Congener and Sympatric Mistletoes in an Amazonian Savanna

Most mistletoe species that live in savanna patches are subjected to frequent fires. Although having similar habits, even congener species may parasitize very different host species and show different degrees of specialization that may differentially affect their resistance to fire. We studied three congener mistletoe species with a diverse degree of specificity to their hosts: Psittacanthus biternatus, Psittacanthus eucalyptifolius and Psittacanthus plagiophyllus, the first being the most generalist species, and the last the most specialist. We investigated their prevalence (proportion of hosts infected) in 35 plots of an Amazonian savanna, with different fire histories. Our aim was to understand if they respond similarly to fire frequency and the abundance of their hosts. Additionally, we experimentally applied fire to individuals of the three species using a portable propane flamethrower to test for the influence of mistletoe species, plant size and quantity of heat pulses (single or double burn) on mistletoe survivorship. Prevalence varied greatly among species: 1.5 percent for P. biternatus, 4.8 percent for P. eucalyptifolius and 20 percent for P. plagiophyllus. Prevalence of P. plagiophyllus was negatively related to fire frequency, while for the other two species it was not. Psittacanthus biternatus had a higher probability of survival compared with the other two species, and larger plants were more likely to survive under single burn treatment and to regenerate through sprouting. Our results suggest that, due to complex interactions between fire, hosts and mistletoes, even sympatric species may respond differently to fire frequency and host abundance.
Crocodylus johnstoni in a Controlled-Environment Chamber: a Raising Trial

Crocodylus johnstoni hatchlings were raised in a constant-environment chamber of the type used for Alligator mississippiensis by Joanen and McNease. Minced marine fish with vitamin and mineral supplements appeared an adequate diet for growth, but growth rates were highly variable. Density was an important determinant of mortality and food conversion rates. No significant variation in growth rate was attributable to sex, but mortality in low-density pens was slightly higher for males than for females; samples were too small to determine whether or not this was significant. Daily feeding resulted in higher conversion rates and a greater intake of food per pen than feeding 5 days per week, but within the period tested significant differences in linear growth were not apparent. This could reflect excessive fat deposition, which is known to result in chronic obesity. No significant difference in growth was attributable to chopped or minced food. Food intake and conversion rates dropped during the dry season, when feeding and growth in the field are also retarded. The application of constant-environment chambers for testing variables likely to influence raising success is discussed; however, C. johnstoni may not be as suited to this style of raising as are some other crocodilians. At all densities tested fighting was a problem, and even minor disturbances were associated with reduced food intake and defensive behaviour.
Relating spatial and temporal scales of climate and ocean variability to survival of Pacific Northwest Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Pacific Northwest Chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, have exhibited a high degree of variability in smolt-to-adult survival over the past three decades. This variability is summarized for 22 Pacific Northwest stocks and analyzed using generalized linear modeling techniques. Results indicate that survival can be grouped into eight distinct regional clusters: (1) Alaska, Northern BC and North Georgia Strait; (2) Georgia Strait; (3) Lower Fraser River and West Coast Vancouver Island; (4) Puget Sound and Hood Canal; (5) Lower Columbia Tules; (6) Columbia Upriver Brights, Willamette and Cowlitz; (7) Oregon and Washington Coastal; and (8) Klamath River and Columbia River Summers. Further analysis for stocks within each of the eight regions indicates that local ocean conditions following the outmigration of smolts from freshwater to marine areas had a significant effect on survival for the majority of the stock groups analyzed. Our analyses of the data indicate that Pacific Northwest Chinook survival covaries on a spatial scale of 350–450 km. Lagged time series models are presented that link large-scale tropical Pacific conditions, intermediate-basin scale northeastern Pacific conditions, and local sea surface temperatures to survival of Pacific Northwest stocks.
Follicular fluid growth differentiation factor-9 concentration and oocyte developmental competence

Received: 2010. 8. 13.Revised : 2010. 9. 7.Accepted: 2010. 10. 13.Corresponding author: Seok Hyun Kim, MD, PhDDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, 28 Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, Korea Tel: +82-2-2072-3773, Fax: +82-2-762-3599E-mail: seokhyun@snu.ac. kr
Inflammation in cardiac disease: focus on Interleukin-33/ST2 pathway

Several studies have identified the importance of pro-inflammatory mediators in the development and progression of cardiac disease such as heart failure (HF). Recently, a number of studies from basic research have used gene expression, array screening, cloning, and other techniques to identify new cardiokines and cardiokine networks that are regulated during cardiac stress. IL-33, an IL-1 family member, binds to a ST2L, which is a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL1R superfamily. The ST2 gene can encode at least two other isoforms in addition to ST2L by alternative splicing, including a secreted soluble ST2 (sST2) form which can serve as a decoy receptor for IL-33. Studies in animal models suggest that IL-33/ST2 is involved in cardiovascular disease and plays an important role in protection of cardiac muscle. Furthermore, sST2 is a promising biomarker predictive of worse outcome in several cardiovascular disease. Although manipulation of IL33/ST2 system is still in its infancy, it may be a unique opportunity to quench the inflammatory response after cardiac injury.
Fitossociologia do estrato arbóreo em uma toposeqüência alternada de mata atlântica, no munícipio de Silva Jardim-RJ,Brasil

Este estudo foi realizado em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica pertencente a fazenda Biovert, no municipio de Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro. Teve como objetivos a caracterizacao da vegetacao e a analise da estrutura da comunidade arborea que ocorre ao longo de uma topossequencia de um trecho de Floresta Atlântica bastante alterado antropicamente, de forma a estabelecer criterios adequados para seu manejo e sua recuperacao. Para o estudo foi empregado o metodo de amostragem por parcelas de area fixa, distribuidas de forma sistematica, na topossequencia. Os dados foram coletados de parcelas amostrais de 600 m2, alocadas nos tercos inferior, medio e superior de uma topossequencia. Foram registrados, por especie, os nomes vulgares e cientificos e a circunferencia do tronco a 1,30 m (CAP). No levantamento da composicao floristica foram constatadas 43 familias, 95 generos e 129 especies, obtendo-se um indice de diversidade de Shannon (H') de 4,137 nats/individuo. As especies mais importantes (VI) foram Euterpe edulis, Cecropia glaziovii, Astrocaryum aculeatissimum e Piptadenia gonoacantha.
5HT1a Receptor Binding Affinities of a Series of Serotonin Transporter (SERT) Inhibitors and Related Thermodynamic Insights

Clinical depression encompasses a complex neurobiology involving multiple interacting systems. This intricate pathophysiology is, in part, correlated with dysfunction in serotonin (5HT) neurochemistry. The 5HT1a receptor (R) and SERT (serotonin transporter) components of this network are highly correlated to mood and anxiety regulation and difficulties in this regard in the realm of depression. Aims: The current study was designed to develop a series of arylpiperazine derivatives ligands that are antagonists at both H5HT1aR and SERT. Study Methodology: Chinese Hamster Ovary cells transfected with the gene for the Human (H) 5HT1a Receptor were cultured, and membranes containing the receptor were prepared for competition assays between the test compounds and the agonist, [ 3 H]8-OH-DPAT. For thermodynamics, Ki's were determined at a series of temperatures from 0-35 degrees C. Further, membranes from rat brain were utilized for competition assays between the test compounds and the SERT inhibitor, [ 3 H] paroxetine. Results: Many of these substances show nanomolar affinities at H5HT1aR, and a number of the compounds also have high efficacy in inhibiting SERT. It is of note that some members of this series also substantially discriminate between binding at H5HT1aR and H5HT7R, a receptor studied with these compounds in previous work. Thermodynamic properties for the compound 4-[4-(3-benzo [b] thiophen-3-yl-3-oxopropylamino) piperidin-1-yl] benzonitrile (BTPN; compound15) are also reported. Conclusions: these compounds that excel categories of SERT activity, and discriminatory binding capacity between the two receptors. Implications in the context of clinical needs in depression and other nervous systems disorders are discussed.
Fungal Contamination Of Meat And Its Environment With Special Reference To The Strains Producing Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, Proteinase And Lipase Enzymes

A total of 337 isolates were recovered from 200 samples of meat. The rate was higher in meat obtained during slaughter (2.3) in comparison to that obtained from butcher shops (1.0). On the other hand,790 fungal isolates were recovered from 120 environmental samples. The highest rate of isolation was from floors (11.6 isolates per sample) and the lowest was from workers hands (1.6 isolates / sample). The most commonly isolated fungi belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Candida and Rhodotorula. Aspergillus niger was by far the most common, followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus. The most common Penicillium species were Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium oxalicum and Penicillium citrinum.Of the 27 Aspergillus flavus isolates tested for the production of aflatoxins, 21 isolates (77.7%) were found toxigenic. They produced aflatoxins B1, B2 or G1, either singly or combined. On the other hand, 15 out of 26 isolates of Aspergillus ochraceus produced ochratoxins.The rate of proteolytic activity was slightly higher in buffalo meat isolates, than in cattle meat, where 80% of Aspergillus isolates and 100% of Penicillium isolates were proteolytic. Corresponding figures for cattle isolates were 74% and 86.6%. The least proteolytic activity was demonstrated by Candida albicans recovered from both types of meat. However, 70%-80% of Rhodotorula isolates produced proteases. All tested mould and yeast isolates showed lipolytic activity. New Egyptian Journal of Microbiology Vol. 17 (2) 2007: pp. 1-14
THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS. 4. PLANTAGO MAJOR AND P. RUGELII

This summary of biological information of Plantago major L. (broad-leaved plantain) and P. rugelii Decne. (Rugel’s plantain) is part of a series on the biology of Canadian weeds. P. major is a weed of disturbed habitats throughout Canada whereas P. rugelii is restricted to similar habitats in eastern Canada.
Ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus (Bloch and Schneider) (Pisces: Zoarcidae)) predation on green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (O.F. Mull.) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)) in eastern Newfoundland

The diet of ocean pout was studied by analysis of the contents of the gastrointestinal tracts of 151 individuals collected from the green sea urchin dominated rocky subtidal in eastern Newfoundland. Green sea urchins constituted 62% of the overall diet by weight. The brittle star, Ophiopholus aculeata, constituted 7% of the diet, while the remainder was miscellaneous invertebrates and fish (mainly capelin and billfish). From April to July, when the fish are inshore and feeding, before breeding, the average ocean pout contained 56.3 g of urchins. This is a biomass of urchins equivalent to that in 0.106 m2 of the middle of the urchin-dominated zone. During the inshore feeding period, the average male ocean pout contained 65.0 g of urchins, and the average female contained 47.5 g, biomass values representing 0.122 and 0.089 m2, respectively. Assuming that the contents of the gastrointestinal tract turn over every 3 days, and assuming a 1:1 sex ratio, it is calculated that while inshore, before a seasonal red.
Recovery of the brown trout, Salmo trutta L., from acute handling stress: a time-course study

The response of the brown trout to a single, short (c. 1 min) incidence of handling stress was monitored for a period of 1 month post-stress. Significant changes were found in feeding behaviour, in the levels of plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate, in the concentration of circulating lymphocytes and in the degree of epidermal mucification. No changes were detected in the growth rate and coefficient of condition, in the levels of plasma thyroxine, in the concentrations of circulating erythrocytes, neutrophils and thrombocytes or in the thickness of the epidermis. The time-course for recovery of each parameter was examined and from this it was concluded that a minimum of 2 weeks was required for complete recovery and a return to normality.