Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two complete chloroplast genome sequences of genus Paulownia (Paulowniaceae): Paulownia coreana and P. tomentosa

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of the two chloroplast (cp) genomes from Paulownia coreana and P. tomentosa are the first to be completed in genus Paulownia of family Paulowniaceae. The structure of two Paulownia cp genomes shows similar characteristic with general cp genome of angiosperms. The lengths of two cp genomes are 154,545 bp and 154,540 bp, respectively. The cp genomes are divided into LSC region (85,241 bp and 85,236 bp) and SSC region (17,736 bp and 17,736 bp) by two IR regions (25,784 bp and 25,784 bp). Both of two cp genomes contain 113 genes (79 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes), eight protein-coding genes, seven tRNA genes and four rRNA genes duplicated in the IR regions. Similar to the general cp genome of angiosperms, 18 of the genes in the two cp genomes have one or two introns. The overall A-T contents of two genomes are 62.0% which is similar with general angiosperms. The A-T content in the non-coding (64.6%) is higher than in the coding (60.1%) regions. Seventy-one and seventy simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were identified in the P. coreana and P. tomentosa cp genomes, respectively. In phylogenetic analysis, genus Paulownia shows closed relationship with Lindenbergia philippensis of Orobanchaceae.
Colour changes of beech wood modified with essential oils due to fungal and ageing-fungal attacks with coniophora puteana

Fungal attacks on beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) samples (25 × 25 × 3) mm were performed using the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana over a period of 8 weeks, without or with their previous accelerated ageing in a Xenotest and a drying oven. Due to the fungal and ageing-fungal attacks, respectively, the top surfaces of the reference beech samples obtained a darker yellow-red shade according to the CIE-L*a*b* colour system. Similar changes in the colour coordinates L*, a*, and b* were found for the beech wood modified with the essential oils which were less fungicidal efficient – lavender, sage, tea-tree, and the oil-mixture. On the other hand, the colour changes in the beech wood modified with those essential oils which had a better fungicidal efficiency – birch, clove, oregano, sweet flag, savory, and thyme – were less significant, confirmed by Duncan’s test. Linear correlations with greater or lesser significance were established between the changes in the colour parameters (∆L*; ∆a*; ∆b*; ∆E*) and the corresponding mass losses (∆m) of attacked beech wood, the best for positive ∆b which identified its yellowing.
Changes in size, age, and sex ratio composition of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) on the northwestern Pacific Ocean spawning grounds

&NA; The Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis, PBF), an iconic fisheries species, is heavily exploited and its biomass is at a historically low level. To enhance effectiveness of management and conservation, a study was initiated to examine the demographic changes of the PBF between 2002 and 2015. Annual tuna age compositions were estimated by applying an empirical age‐length key, based on the ages and lengths of 892 fish, to the length frequencies observed among annual catches in the northwestern Pacific spawning grounds located near Taiwan. Ages of the spawners concentrated in 7‐20‐years old (range = 4‐28 years), corresponding to fork lengths between 200 and 240 cm. The size and age compositions were influenced by the strong 1994 and 1996 year‐cohorts, which showed a relatively high abundance in most years except 2007‐2009. Between 2013 and 2015, recruits of 2005‐2009 year‐cohorts (age 6‐10) increased in relative abundance while the strong 1994 and 1996 year‐cohorts decreased as they neared the end of their lifespan. PBF smaller than 200 cm were rarely found in the tropical areas and the mean sizes of the PBF caught south of 24°N were significantly larger than those caught north of 24°N. These results suggested that the choice of spawning latitudes of the PBF was influenced by the size of spawning adults. The sex ratio of smaller (<200 cm) and intermediate size classes (200‐230 cm) was female biased (50‐75%) while that of larger fish (>240 cm) were male biased (62‐100%). The size and age composition of the PBF was mainly influenced by the recruitment of young spawners and was less sensitive to the catch of longline fisheries. However the impact of longline fisheries on the reproductive potential of this species warrants further investigation.
Bypassing NK cell tuning by targeting diacylglycerol kinase zeta, a distal regulator of signaling

NK cells are part of the innate immune system, and play an important role in viral and tumor defense. Improving natural killer (NK) cell function could be beneficial for enhancing anti-tumor or anti-viral responses. However, efforts to improve NK cell function by disrupting negative regulators that target proximal signaling pathways paradoxically results in less responsive NK cells. This is often attributed to their ability to tune their responsiveness. In this thesis, I found that NK cells are extremely sensitive to loss of inhibitory ligand or mediators of inhibitory signaling. Using adoptive transfer and mixed chimera models, I found that MHC class I expression is necessary both in cis and trans for NK cells to possess full functionality. Furthermore, using an acute model of genetic targeting, I found that temporal ablation of SHP-1 was sufficient to drive hyporesponsiveness, and the loss of even a single allele of SHP-1 had profound effects on NK cell responses. However, the data also showed that tuned NK cells could still be stimulated to respond via analogs of secondary messengers of signaling, suggesting that NK cell tuning targets proximal signaling pathways. To improve NK cell function but avoid NK cell tuning, I targeted a distal negative regulator of signaling. I found that genetic deletion of diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKζ), a negative regulator of diacylglycerolmediated signaling, enhances NK cell function due to its distal position in the signaling cascade. Upon activating receptor stimulation, NK cells from mice lacking DGKζ display increased cytokine production and cytotoxicity in an ERK-dependent manner. This enhancement of NK cell function is NK cell-intrinsic and developmentally independent. Importantly, DGKζ deficiency does not affect inhibitory NK cell receptor expression or function. Thus, DGKζ KO mice display enhanced clearance of a TAP-deficient tumor. I therefore propose that enzymes that negatively regulate distal signaling pathways such as DGKζ represent novel targets for augmenting the therapeutic potential of NK cells. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Immunology First Advisor Taku Kambayashi
Taxinomie, écologie et chorologie des espèces françaises des genres Hypotrachyna et Parmelinopsis (Ascomycota lichénisés, Parmeliaceae)

L'etude sur le terrain et en herbiers des lichens francais et europeens appartenant aux deux genres Hypotrachyna et Parmelinopsis montre que la France continentale heberge la totalite des 12 especes europeennes. Hypotrachyna lividescens est signale pour la premiere fois dans l'hemisphere nord, Hypotrachyna rockii et Parmelinopsis afrorevoluta pour la premiere fois en France, ce dernier taxon egalement nouvellement signale en Allemagne et au Portugal. La presence de Parmelinopsis minarum en Italie est confirmee et Hypotrachyna pseudosinuosa est nouvellement mentionne a La Reunion (ocean Indien). Outre une cle de determination de l'ensemble des especes, sont donnees pour chaque espece une description, une photographie, la liste des metabolites secondaires presents, la repartition et l'ecologie. Parmelinopsis afrorevoluta et Hypotrachyna revoluta sont les taxons les plus communs, H. rockii le plus rare. La presence de cils a la marge des lobes et le degre de ramification des rhizines en tant que criteres permettant la distinction entre les deux genres sont discutes a partir des especes etudiees. Le statut generique problematique de Hypotrachyna britannica et H. revoluta est souligne. En raison de l'affinite oceanique marquee de l'ensemble des especes, ce sont le Massif armoricain et le Sud-Ouest qui sont les secteurs geographiques les plus riches, tant qualitativement que quantitativement.
Feeding Habits of Two Sympatric Rocket Frogs (Genus Ptychadena) in a Forest Remnant of Southern-Central Ivory Coast, West Africa

The decline of tropical amphibian species calls for studies on their biology and ecology, in order to understand their role in the respective ecosystems. We studied the diet of Ptychadena oxyrhynchus and P. longirostris, two rocket frogs co-occurring along dirt roads with puddles in the Azagny National Park, southern-central Ivory Coast. Stomach contents of 62 individuals of P. oxyrhynchus and 75 specimens of P. longirostris were obtained using the stomach-flushing method. The diet of both species was essentially characterized by various terrestrial invertebrates (predominantly insects) and both species can be considered opportunistic feeders. The presence of tadpoles in the stomach of a female P. longirostris indicates that this species may occasionally prey on aquatic food items as well. The large overlap in prey between both study species can be taken as a hint that competition for food does not play a major role between them. An unexpected observation was the proportion of plant fragments in the diet of our frogs. However, it remains unknown if they devoured plant deliberately or not. Future research should investigate this question.
Effect of Copper on Fatty-Acid Composition and Peroxidation of Lipids in the Roots of Copper Tolerant and Sensitive Silene-Cucubalus.

The effect of high copper exposure in vivo on the lipid and fatty acid composition and lipid peroxidation was studied in the roots of plants from one copper sensitive and two copper tolerant genotypes of Silene cucubalus. At 0.5 muM Cu (control treatment) the compositions of lipids and fatty acids in sensitive plants were not different from those in tolerant plants. An exposure to 20 muM Cu for 3 days (high copper treatment) caused a significant decrease in the fatty acid content and a shift in the composition of fatty acids resulting in a lower degree of fatty acid unsaturation in the sensitive plants only. The high copper treatment did not affect the lipid and fatty acid compositions in the intermediately tolerant plants, and increased the fatty acid content in the most tolerant plants. When sensitive and tolerant genotypes were exposed to a range of copper concentrations, lipid peroxidation was only observed at those concentrations that were toxic for that genotype. Lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.12) was apparently not active in the roots, suggesting that lipid peroxidation was initiated by copper itself, rather than through activation of lipoxygenase. The results indicate that (a) copper toxicity involves the peroxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, and (b) the mechanism of copper tolerance in S. cucubalus does not rely on a constitutive change in the lipid and fatty acid composition of the roots.
A global systematic review of ecological field studies on two major invasive plant species, Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata

Much of what is known about invasion biology is based on research conducted in North America and Europe, leading to limitations and potential biases in our knowledge. We address these limitations by conducting a systematic review to assess the literature on ecological studies of two major tropical and subtropical invasive plant species, Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata. Our goals were to: (1) collect the literature on the invasion biology of these species by broadly searching five databases (one international and four regional); (2) determine limitations to the international literature available in the ISI Web of Science (WOS); (3) quantitatively summarize the scope of the invasion literature on the two species; and (4) propose future studies based on what we found.
Trends in the Nesting Populations of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and Great Black-Backed Gulls (Larus marinus) in Maine, USA, 1977–2013

Abstract. The status and trends of Maine's island-nesting Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Great Blackbacked Gull (L. marinus) populations have changed dramatically over the last century. Aerial photographs were used to count nesting Herring and Great Black-backed gulls at all colonies along the coast of Maine, USA, in 2008 and 2013. Population trends were assessed by comparing current survey data to a previous coastwide survey in 1977. The breeding population of Herring Gulls in Maine was estimated at 24,302 pairs nesting on 180 islands during 2008 and 21,488 pairs nesting on 180 islands during 2013. This represents an annual decline of 2.3% in the number of nests in Maine from 2008 to 2013. The breeding population of Great Blackbacked Gulls in Maine was estimated at 10,094 pairs nesting on 197 islands during 2008 and 6,934 pairs nesting on 191 islands during 2013. This represents an annual decline of 6.3% in the number of nests in Maine from 2008 to 2013. Nesting populations for both species appeared to peak in the 1990s. Between 1977 and 2013, the number of Herring Gull nests in Maine declined by 17%, and the number of nesting islands declined by 19%. Great Black-backed Gull populations also declined between 1977 and 2013, with a 30% decline in the number of nests and a 14% decline in the number of islands supporting nesting. The reason for the decline is unknown, but we speculate that these declines may be related to changing food availability around colonies and increased predation rates by Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and mammals.
Comparative laboratory efficacy of noviflumuron and diflubenzuron on Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Noviflumuron and diflubenzuron are benzoylphenylurea chitin synthesis inhibitors used in termite bait systems for control of subterranean termites. In this paper we report comparative laboratory efficacy data between noviflumuron and diflubenzuron on the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Noviflumuron (0.5% bait concentration) and diflubenzuron (0.25%-0.5%) showed equivalent levels of feeding acceptance on cellulose bait; however, noviflumuron caused significantly faster and higher levels of mortality than diflubenzuron after 2-wk bait exposure in no-choice and choice feeding tests held under moderate temperature conditions (∼21°C). The commercial implications of this laboratory study suggest that against R. jlavipes, noviflumuron would be faster acting and more robust than diflubenzuron under field baiting conditions.
Evaluation of Biochemical Models for Biological Excess Phosphorus Removal

Three biochemical models for biological excess phosphorus removal are critically analysed: the Comeau/Wentzel, Mino and modified Mino models. There is agreement between the models except in one respect, the generation of reducing equivalents (NADH 2 ) required to convert acetate to poly- β -hydroxybutyrate under anaerobic conditions. In this regard a procedure is suggested to determine which of the models9 premises are correct.
Changes in motility and induction of enzymatic activity by nitrogen and phosphate deficiency in benthic Halamphora luciae (Bacillariophyceae) from Argentina

Abstract: Cells of Halamphora luciae were isolated from the mudflat of the Bahía Blanca estuary. Unialgal axenic cultures were grown in f/2 with limiting concentrations of N or P and in f/2 medium deprived of one or both macronutrients. On the one hand, limited macronutrient supply did not affect growth rate, but final cell yield was lower than in the complete medium. On the other hand, N or P deprivation reduced growth rates as well as final cell yield in the stationary phase. P deficiency enhanced the secretion of soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the percentage and speed of gliding cells, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase, especially after a previous prolonged P starvation. Regarding the morphology of the frustules, P deprivation reduced areola size but did not alter cell biovolume. N deficiency had a deleterious effect on the motility of the cells, and reduced the secretion of soluble EPS and cell biovolume. After incubation in N-deprived media for 10 days, cells exhibited enhanced protease activity.
Effects of storage temperature and container type on the vigour of Welsh onion seeds with low moisture content

Summary. The vigour of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) seeds with low moisture content was determined after exposure to different storage temperatures and container types. As the storage period was prolonged, the effects of storage temperature and container type on seed vigour became more pronounced. Storage temperature had a greater effect on seed vigour than container types, and the effect of the latter was subject to the storage temperature. When the seeds were stored in the same type of container, several indices of the seed vigour declined as the storage temperature increased. A highly significant positive correlation was evident between dehydrogenase activity and the percentage germination of the seed. Improving storage conditions could prolong seed longevity. If the seeds, in which the moisture content has been reduced to less than 6%, are stored airtight, the percentage germination will be about 85% after storage for 2 years at room temperature or after 3-year storage at 6°C. If the seeds are stored at –6°C, the percentage germination will range from 86 to 91% after 3-year storage, regardless of the storage container types in this study. These data are very important for the seed storage and germplasm conservation of Welsh onion.
Tools and Techniques in Plant Ecology-A review

To solve ecological interference problems, ecologists are using a combination of ecological strategies and tools and are also in search of new methods. Direct gradient analysis, ordination methods, principle components analysis, cluster analysis, TWINSPAN, discriminant analysis, reciprocal averaging, canonical correspondence analysis and detrended correspondence analysis were and are most commonly used tools and techniques in plant ecology. Advanced marker techniques, ecological footprint, Laser scanning, Dirichlet allocation model and ecological engineering are advanced methods in plant ecology. Dirichlet allocation model is non parametric method for multivariate analysis. Algorithmic model can be used as an alternative to traditional regression models. Still there is need to carry out a lot of research with the recently developed techniques to improve their efficiency, reliability and validity. Articles aimed to describe methodology play a crucial role in the advancement of applied ecology.
Dinâmica populacional do Surubim-tigre, Pseudoplatystoma Tigrinum (Valenciennes, 1840) no médio Amazonas (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae)

Catch and effort data and length data series of striped catfish Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum obtained through 1993 to 1996 in the Lower Amazon, Brazil, were used to describe the fishery and to estimate growth and mortality rates. Mean population parameters estimated were = 180,0cm (total length), Woo = 56,56 kg, k = 0,29 year1, C =, WP = November, M = 0,47 year-1, Z = l,42 year1, F = 0,95 year1 e Lc = 87,0 cm. Yield-per-rccruit analysis shows that the stocks are being exploited near to limit of sustainability.
Effect of Dry Storage on Bacterial Counts in Stems of Cut Rose Flowers

The number of bacteria in the basal 5 cm of the stems of cut rose flowers (Rosa hybrida L. cv. Sonia) stored in water for 1 to 4 days was positively correlated with the number of bacteria in the water. Subsequent dry storage of the flowering rose stems resulted in an increase in the number of bacteria in the stems, similar to that occurring in stems that were held in water. Low temperatures during dry storage (SC) reduced the reproduction rate of bacteria in the stems (.)
SELECTION OF TRAITS FOR YIELD IMPROVEMENT IN CHILLI (Capsicum annuum L.)

Hasanuzzaman M, Faruq Golam (2011) Selection of traits for yield improvement in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). J. Innov. Dev. Strategy 5(1), 78-87. The experiment was conducted at R & D Farm, Lal Teer Seeds Limited, Gazipur, Bangladesh. At Phenotypic level, yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with fruit length, fruit weight and number of fruits per plant and days to fruit maturity (green). At Genotypic level, yield per plant significantly and positively correlated with all the characters mentioned above including fruit width. Significant and positive correlation was existed between plant height and plant canopy width at genotypic level. Fruit length had significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with fruit width and fruit weight. Multicolinearity between the traits was minumum. Number of fruits per plant was positively and significantly correlated with yield per plant (0.519) at phenotypic level. The direct effect of number of fruits per plant (0.653) was very close to correlation value and five different characters were involved to indirect positive effect. At genotypic level, the direct effect (0.501) was closer to correlation value (0.542) and indirect positive effect was acting through seven different characters. Selection should be done through number of fruits per plant. The residual effect of path analysis was 0.21 at genotypic level indicated all the important traits had been considered.
Mammals of four Caatinga areas in northeastern Brazil: inventory, species biology, and community structure

Studies on population dynamics and com­munity structure for mammals from the semi-arid Caatinga biome are very scarce. I surveyed non-volant mammals in four sites in the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Herein, 24 species belonging to eight orders are recorded. A total of 165 individuals of five species of small mammals were captured in a 4-year capture-recapture study. Capture success and relative richness were low and not correlated with precipitation and temperature. The present study contributes to the knowledge of species biology and ecology in sites geographically close to priority areas for conservation in this biome.
On the taxonomy and variability of recent european and North African species of the subgenera Apicularia and Goniostoma of the gneus Rissoa (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia)

The followingspecies are recognized on the basis ofthe dimensions ofthe apex and additional characters: R. aartseni (nom. nov. for R. monterosatoi Pallary, 1906, non Fischer, 1877; R. auriscalpium (Linné, 1758); R. decorata Philippi, 1846; R. guerinii Recluz, 1843; R. italiensis n. sp. ; R. lia (Monterosato, 1884) with the subspecies torquilla Pallary, 1912; R. panhormensis n. sp. ; R. rodhensis n. sp. ; R. similis Scacchi, 1836; and R. scurra (Monterosato, 1917). Lectotypes of R. lia torquilla, R. scurra and R. aartseni and a neotype of R. auriscalpium are designated. Evidence is produced for the close relationship between R. auriscalpium, type species of Goniostoma Villa, 1841, and part of the species which so far had been considered to belong to Apicularia Monterosato, 1884.
The effect of humidity on the reproduction of Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius, 1794) (Acarina: Ixodidae)

L'effet de l'humidite sur la reproduction d'Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius, 1794) (Acarina: Ixodidae) a ete etudie en employant des taux d'humidite differents pour une temperature constante de 25°. On a observe que les divers changements d'humidite n'ont pas d'influence apparente sur la preoviposition, sur l'oviposition, et sur l'eclosion des œufs chez A. variegatum a 25°