Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edge effects and the impact of non‐protected areas in carnivore conservation: leopards in the Phinda–Mkhuze Complex, South Africa

Although high rates of anthropogenic mortality are often reported for carnivores near reserve borders, the resulting edge effects are rarely quantified, and the consequences on conservation goals are usually unknown. Here, we assess the extent and impact of edge effects on a protected leopard Panthera pardus population in the Phinda‐Mkhuze Complex (PMC), South Africa. We compared the spatial and demographic characteristics of leopards in two areas of the PMC, one closer to the border than the other. Leopard density declined from the core of the reserve (11.11 ± 1.31 leopards 100 km−2) to the border (7.17 ± 1.12 leopards 100 km−2), and was the lowest in non‐protected areas adjoining the PMC (2.49 ± 0.87 leopards 100 km−2), but was not related to prey abundance or interspecific competition. Radiotelemetry showed that leopards near the border spent a greater proportion of their time outside the reserve and suffered higher annual mortality rates (0.358 ± 0.075) than those closer to the core (0.122 ± 0.065). A Cox proportional hazards model further demonstrated the negative effect of time spent outside the reserve on the survival probability of leopards. Despite an increased risk of mortality, leopards did not avoid non‐protected areas, which may have functioned as an ecological trap for predators. Although the overall conservation outcome of the reserve was positive, edge effects clearly weakened the potential of the PMC to protect leopards. Our findings show that high mortality rates of carnivores in areas bordering reserves can extend to protected populations. Management approaches that control human activities on both sides of administrative borders are therefore essential if reserves are to conserve large carnivores effectively.
Projected changes in mineral soil carbon of European croplands and grasslands, 1990–2080

We present the most comprehensive pan‐European assessment of future changes in cropland and grassland soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks to date, using a dedicated process‐based SOC model and state‐of‐the‐art databases of soil, climate change, land‐use change and technology change. Soil carbon change was calculated using the Rothamsted carbon model on a European 10 × 10′ grid using climate data from four global climate models implementing four Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emissions scenarios (SRES). Changes in net primary production (NPP) were calculated by the Lund–Potsdam–Jena model. Land‐use change scenarios, interpreted from the narratives of the IPCC SRES story lines, were used to project changes in cropland and grassland areas. Projections for 1990–2080 are presented for mineral soil only.
THE EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED FEEDING AND ENERGY CONTENT OF THE RATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER BREEDING CHICKENS

In two experiments conducted in 1975 and 1976 Hubbard and Shaver stock were reared on a restricted feeding regimen known as the skip-a-day program. The experiment was commenced when the birds were 26 wk of age. The treatments consisted of feeding either a high energy, corn-based ration or a lower energy, wheat-based ration to each strain of pullets on either a free-choice or restricted basis. The experiment was terminated after 36 wk on treatment. The results obtained indicated that restriction of feed intake resulted in decreased mortality as compared to that in the full-fed groups. The general incidence of hemorrhagic liver syndrome was low but was significantly higher in the groups fed free choice as compared to the restricted groups. Production rate, calculated on a hen-day basis, was not affected by level of feeding, energy level of the ration, strain of bird or the year in which the experiment was conducted. Restricted feeding of either the high energy corn ration or the lower energy wheat ration re.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Geohelminth Infections among Primary School Children in Ebenebe Town, Anambra State, Nigeria

A study of the prevalence of parasitic geohelminth infection of primary school children aged 6-13 years was undertaken. Two hundred and twenty (220) soil samples from the school compound and 220 stool samples from pupils in 3 primary schools were examined using formol ether concentration technique. Overall results showed that 118(53.6%) soil and 193(87.7%) stool samples were positive. The recovery rates from stool samples were; eggs of Ascaris spp. 199(54.1%), Hookworm 100(45.5%), Trichuris trichiura 41(18%) and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis 13(5.9%). Prevalence from soil samples showed 53(24.0%) of Ascaris eggs, 57(25.9%) of Hookworm eggs and 21(9.5%) of Strongyloides stercoralis larva. The wide and unrestricted spread of the infection is attributed to failure to wear footwears to school, lack of functional toilet facilities, geophagia and preference of the students to defecate in the bush leading to indiscriminate defecation in and around the school yard. Intervention by way of education on proper hygiene habits and regular de-worming exercise especially at the primary school level coupled with legislation against indiscriminate disposal of faeces and its endorsement is recommended.
Potency evaluation of a dermaseptin S4 derivative for antimicrobial food packaging applications

Antimicrobial packaging is part of the broader area of active packaging, in which the package absorbs/releases different compounds during the product's storage and plays a major role in maintaining quality, extending shelf‐life and improving the product's safety. Antimicrobial packages are capable of inhibiting the detrimental effects of spoiling microorganisms in food products. There has been very great interest in antimicrobial packaging in recent years and many such packaging materials have been proposed, some of which containing synthetic additives and others natural additives. In the present study, antimicrobial materials containing the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) dermaseptin K4K20‐S4, which shows cytolytic activity in vitro against a broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, protozoa, yeast and filamentous fungi, were investigated. The study was aimed at evaluating the potency of this AMP as an antimicrobial agent for antimicrobial food packaging in two forms: (a) an aqueous solution of AMP was applied onto a polyethylene shrink‐wrapping film; (b) the AMP was incorporated in a corn starch‐based coating and applied directly onto the foodstuff (fresh cucumbers). Of these two versions, the latter has shown a greater efficiency against moulds and aerobic bacteria, even at lower surface concentrations of AMP (4.5µg/dm2 vs. 3.5–3.8µg/dm2) in the coating. While in the first version the AMP had slowed down the growth of microorganisms only slightly, incorporation of AMP into the coating caused a reduction in their concentration practically to zero. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification of a root-adhesive outer membrane protein of root-colonizing Pseudomonas fluorescens

The major outer membrane protein (MOMP) from the rhizosphere isolate Pseudomonas fluorescens OE 28.3 adsorbs strongly and selectively to plant roots. A rapid purification procedure was developed for this protein, involving differential solubilization of the 33-kDa protein from the isolated cell envelope, and preparative SDS-PAGE followed by electro-elution. The purified protein was devoid of lipopolysaccharides, occurred in monomeric form, but was heat-modifiable.
Global and local threats to coral reef functioning and existence: review and predictions

Factors causing global degradation of coral reefs are examined briefly as a basis for predicting the likely consequences of increases in these factors. The earlier consensus was that widespread but localized damage from natural factors such as storms, and direct anthropogenic effects such as increased sedimentation, pollution and exploitation, posed the largest immediate threat to coral reefs. Now truly global factors associated with accelerating Global Climate Change are either damaging coral reefs or have the potential to inflict greater damage in the immediate future: e.g. increases in coral bleaching and mortality, and reductions in coral calcification due to changes in sea-water chemistry with increasing carbon dioxide concentrations. Rises in sea level will probably disrupt human communities and their cultures by making coral cays uninhabitable, whereas coral reefs will sustain minimal damage from the rise in sea level. The short-term (decades) prognosis is indeed grim, with major reductions almost certain in the extent and biodiversity of coral reefs, and severe disruptions to cultures and economies dependent on reef resources. The long-term (centuries to millennia) prognosis is more encouraging because coral reefs have remarkable resilience to severe disruption and will probably show this resilience in the future when climate changes either stabilize or reverse.
Photosynthesis does influence superoxide production in the ichthyotoxic alga Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae)

The ichthyotoxic flagellate Chattonella marina produces extraordinary levels of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide, which is partially controlled by electrons donated through photosynthetic electron transfer. We demonstrate that ROS can be significantly reduced using the photosynthesis blocking herbicide DCMU. As superoxide is considered a contributor to the toxicity of C. marina, fish mortality may be more prominent during daylight hours.
Carbohydrate reserves, translocation, and storage in woody plant roots.

All of the perennial organs of a woody plant may serve a storage function, but the highest concentrations of carbohydrate reserves are usually found in root tissues. These root reserves change dramatically throughout the year, decreasing rapidly with budbreak and early vegetative and reproductive development, and then increasing late in the growing season, usually after cessation of vegetative growth and fruit maturation. Accumulation of these reserves is very sensitive to late-season stresses and management practices, and decreased accumulation can profoundly affect a tree’s performance the following year. These root reserves apparently play important and specific roles in supplying substrates for shoot respiration and growth, especially in woody species that flower and begin fruit development before substantial canopy development. Although phloem transport may be involved in root-to-shoot transport, considerable xylem transport occurs in some early flowering and fruiting species. Regulation of mobilization of root reserves remains unclear, but both gibberellins and auxins are possibly involved. Unfortunately, despite their apparent importance, mobilization, transport and the specific functions of root reserve carbohydrates are only superficially defined for any woody plant. nearly fully expanded before anthesis, and much of fruit development occurs late in the season, long after canopy development. Hansen (1971) reported that apple flowers depend on reserves only during their earliest stages of development, or until the first five or six leaves have formed. Once petals emerge from the sepals, photosynthesis from the leaves becomes the major source of carbohydrates for flower and fruit growth. Most of the apple reserves are apparently used in respiration rather than for new building materials (Hansen and Grausland, 1973), and, in young apple rootstocks, < 20% of [ 14 C]-labeled reserves assimilated in fall was fixed in new growth the following season (Hansen, 1967; Kandiah, 1979b). Tromp (1983) concluded that, while apple roots do certainly supply aboveground parts with carbohydrates early in the spring, it was doubtful whether such contributions are significant, and it was likely that reserves are used mostly in respiration.
Plant Freezing and Damage

Abstract Imaging methods are giving new insights into plant freezing and the consequent damage that affects survival and distribution of both wild and crop plants. Ice can enter plants through stomata and hydathodes. Intrinsic nucleation of freezing can also occur. The initial growth of ice through the plant can be as rapid as 40 mm s−1, although barriers can limit this growth. Only a small fraction of plant water is changed to ice in this first freezing event. Nevertheless, this first rapid growth of ice is of key importance because it can initiate further, potentially lethal, freezing at any site that it reaches. Some organs and tissues avoid freezing by supercooling. However, supercooled parts of buds can dehydrate progressively, indicating that avoidance of freezing-induced dehydration by deep supercooling is only partial. Extracellular ice forms in freezing-intolerant as well as freezing-tolerant species and causes cellular dehydration. The single most important cause of freezing-damage is when this dehydration exceeds what cells can tolerate. In freezing-adapted species, lethal freezing-induced dehydration causes damage to cell membranes. In specific cases, other factors may also cause damage, examples being cell death when limits to deep supercooling are exceeded, and death of shoots when freezing-induced embolisms in xylem vessels persist. Extracellular masses of ice can damage the structure of organs but this may be tolerated, as in extra-organ freezing of buds. Experiments to genetically engineer expression of fish antifreeze proteins have not improved freezing tolerance of sensitive species. A better strategy may be to confer tolerance of cellular dehydration.
Population Fluctuation of Thrips Species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Nectarine Orchards and Damage Levels in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The occurence and population fluctuation of thrips (Thysanoptera) and damage to nectarines were studied in four orchards at two locations Adana and Mersin in the east Mediterranean Region of Turkey during 2005 and 2006. Direct sampling of nectarine flowers before petal fall revealed 12 thrips species with, western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) the most common and abundant species followed by Thrips tabaci Lindeman and Thrips major Uzel. Adult thrips were first recovered from flowers during early bloom whilst thrips larvae (first instars) were first detected at the beginning of petal fall. The highest average number of thrips per flower (0.65 adults, 0.45 larvae in 2005; 3.80 adults, 4.92 larvae in 2006) were in an orchard located in Mersin where the most thrips damage to fruit was recorded. Damage was the least in an orchard in Adana where the thrips abundance in the flowers were the lowest. Therefore, a direct correlation between damage to fruit and abundance of thrips in the flowers could be inferred. Thrips were also counted from sticky traps from flowering until trap catches ended in the Fall.
Identification of the Genomic Constitution of Musa L. Lines (Bananas, Plantains and Hybrids) Using Molecular Cytogenetics

Abstract The genomic constitutions of some Musa L. lines (bananas, plantains and artificial hybrids) were identified using molecular cytogenetic techniques. Double target in situ DNA:DNA hybridization to chromosome spreads using as probes, total genomic DNA isolated from diploid Musa lines of known AA (labelled with biotin-11-dUTP) and BB (labelled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP) genome constitution was carried out. The use of 60% acetic acid combined with heating over a flame gave high quality chromosome spreads free of cytoplasm for in situ hybridization. Total genomic A DNA labelled broad centromeric regions of all 22 chromosomes of the diploid line, Calcutta 4 ( M. acuminata Colla. ssp. burmanniccoides ; A genome) with some chromosomes showing stronger hybridization. Labelled DNA from the B genome hybridized strongly to the centromeric regions of all 22 chromosomes of Butohan 2 ( M. balbisiana Colla; B genome). The two satellited chromosomes of genome B labelled strongly with genomic A DNA. In situ hybridization of labelled A and B genomic DNA to metaphase chromosomes of triploid AAB and ABB cultivars discriminated between A and B genome chromosomes. The plantains Agbagba, Obino l'Ewai and Mbi Egome showed 22 genome A and 11 genome B chromosomes while the cooking bananas Bluggoe and Fougamou showed 11 genome A and 22 genome B chromosomes. Hybridization of labelled A and B genomic DNA to chromosomes of the hybrids showed that TMP2x 2829-62 has all 22 genome A chromosomes while TMPx 4698-1 has 33 genome A and 11 genome B chromosomes. In situ hybridization of labelled total genomic DNA to chromosomes has immense potential for identification of chromosome origin and can be used to characterize cultivars and hybrids produced in Musa breeding.
Bioevaluation of Oilseed Enriched Wheat Chapatties

Chapatties prepared at 10% replacement level with cottonseed, mustard and Sunflower seed flours were fed to albino rats for determination of true digestibility, net protein utilization (NPU), biological value (BV), net protein retention (NPR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed efficiency. It was concluded that higher digestibility value (93.50) was noted for casein diet while the lowest (77.90, 80.40) were found in whole wheat, chapati diets. All the experimental diets were higher than the values of whole wheat, flour and less than the digestibility value for casein. Similarly, the casein diets had the highest NPU value (64.30) whereas whole wheat, chapaties had the lowest (37.59, 43.10) values for NPU. There was an increase in NPU values in all the oilseed enriched chapties as compared to whole wheat chapattis. In enriched chapaties it was highest (51.79) in diets containing peela raya oilseed flour and lowest (45.37) in hysun 33. Whole wheat diets had the lowest (48.24, 53.59) biological values. The BV increased in all the enriched chapati that was higher than whole wheat flour chapati diets and less than casein diet. It was highest in diets containing mustard seeds (peela raya, raya anmol) followed by cottonseeds (CIM, 240, NIAB, 78) and sunflower seeds (hysin, 33; Suncom, 110). An increase in NPR in all the experimental diets was observed as compared to wheat chapati diets that had the lowest NPR of 4.12. NPR of casein diets was 5.45, being the highest among the enriched chapati diets. It was highest (4.91) in raya anmol enriched diet and lowest (4.59) in hysun 33. PER increased in all the enriched chapati diets as compared to whole wheat. Among the enriched chapaties it was highest (1.97) in peela raya diets and lowest (1.51) in hysin 33. The PER was 2.51 in case of casein diet being the highest. The rats consumed significantly lowest (3.89) feed per unit gain in weight on casein diet and the highest (7.16, 7.39) on diets containing whole wheat flour alone. Enrichment of wheat flour with various oilseed flours improved the feed efficiency significantly.
Effects of crossbreeding Hungarian Merino sheep with Suffolk and Ile de France on carcass traits.

In this examination, Hungarian Merino (ram n=30, ewe n=30), Hungarian Merino × Ile de France F1, and Hungarian Merino × Suffolk F1 (ram n=15, ewe n=15) lambs were used to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on carcass characteristics and composition. We examined fattening performances and the following carcass traits: dressing percentage, weight of valuable carcass cuts, percentage of valuable meat, bone to meat ratio, and as well as meat conformation and fat cover (S/EUROP grading). In the present investigation, the weight at slaughter was fixed between 31-32 kg approximately, thus ensuring, weight would not affect carcass composition. Standardizing carcass weight allowed us to spot differences due to genotype and gender. The best results of fattening performance showed the Hungarian Merino × Ile de France F1 lambs (358 g/day). The tested crossed genotypes had not greatly influence dressing percentage and warm carcass weight, but the best percentage valuable carcass cuts had Hungarian Merino × Suffolk F1 (83.37 %). The best percentage of valuable meat presented (77.76 %) the Hungarian Merino × Ile de France F1 lambs. The best meat conformation and fat covered showed the Hungarian Merino × Suffolk F1 lambs. Hungarian Merinos showed less favourable results. To the summarising, the Suffolk and Ile de France improved the Hungarian Merino’s fattening performance, slaughter value and ability of market over 30 kg live weight, therefore there were both breeds suggest with crossing.
Evolutionary Radiation of Present-Day Nautilus and Allonautilus

Abstract: The extensive fossil record of coiled nautiloids indicates that they comprised a diverse assemblage of species in ancient oceans. Today they are represented by the genera Nautilus Linnaeus, 1758 and Allonautilus Ward and Saunders, 1997, inhabiting reef systems throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Some individual populations of Nautilus show subtle differences in shell morphologies, and these morphological differences may be used to diagnose different species. An alternative view is that these differences are simply geographically localized, morphological variants within the broadly distributed taxon generally referred to as Nautilus pompilius Linnaeus, 1758. Here we present a hypothesis for the phylogeny of present-day Nautilus and Allonautilus using molecular characters from two mitochondrial gene regions, 16S rDNA and Cytochrome Oxidase c subunit I. Populations of N. pompilius in Indonesia (Ambon Strait), the Philippines, Vanuatu (New Hebrides Islands), Papua New Guinea, Carter Reef and Osprey Reef (Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia) and N. macromphalus (Sowerby, 1849) in New Caledonia were surveyed as well as samples of N. repertus (Sowerby, 1849) (Rowley Shoals, Western Australia), N. belauensis (Saunders, 1981) (Palau), and N. stenomphalus (Sowerby, 1849) (Queensland, Australia). The gastropod Crepidula striolata (Menke, 1851) was included as an outgroup. Our results indicate that Nautilus is currently undergoing a period of evolutionary radiation throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The topology of the strict consensus tree suggests that the basal divergence between Nautilus and Allonautilus occurred in the waters surrounding the present-day island of New Guinea and the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef in northeast Australia. This was followed by a migration to the east by the common ancestor of N. macromphalus and the N. pompilius populations in Vanuatu, Fiji, and American Samoa. A subsequent migration to the west led to the founding of populations off the west coast of Australia, the Philippines, Palau, and Indonesia. Our results also indicate that N. macromphalus and A. scrobiculatus are phylogenetic species. However, N. pompilius is a paraphyletic assemblage of populations and does not represent a true phylogenetic species. Divergences within the genus Nautilus appear to be driven by geographic isolation, and we discuss how this may be a result of constraints on dispersal imposed by the ecology of the animals.
Effects of fatty acids on gene expression: role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, liver X receptor α and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c

Dietary fatty acids have numerous effects on cellular function, many of which are achieved by altering the expression of genes. The present paper reviews recent data on the mechanisms by which fatty acids influence DNA transcription, and focus specifically on the importance of three transcription factors: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α; liver X receptor α; sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c. These data indicate that fatty acids induce or inhibit the mRNA expression of a variety of different genes by acting both as agonists and as antagonists for nuclear hormone receptors.