Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Barrier Zone Formation as a Resistance Mechanism of Elms to Dutch Elm Disease

Host responses of elms susceptible and resistant to Dutch elm disease were histologically examined. In a time course study the susceptible elm clone Ulmus × hollandica 'Belgica' and U. × hollandica '390', a clone which shows a high degree of resistance to non-aggressive isolates and a moderate degree of resistance to aggressive isolates of Ophiostoma ulmi, were inoculated in twig or trunk with either an aggressive or a non-aggressive isolate of O. ulmi. For purposes of comparison, the susceptible elm U. americana and the more resistant clones U. × hollandica 'Groeneveld', U. 'Lobel' and U. 'Sapporo Autumn Gold' were included. Depending on clone-isolate compatibility, infected twigs reacted by a walling off process, by barrier zone formation, or failed to resist the infection and died. Trees inoculated into the trunk reacted comparably but in the case of a compatible combination they always formed a barrier zone and the cambium never died in the year of inoculation.
Composición faunística y fenología de las mariposas (Rhopalocera: Papilionoidea) de Cañón de Lobos, Yautepec, Morelos, México

In order to know the species of Papilionoidea in the area and to describe its temporary distribution, the specimens were monthly captured from August of 1983 to December of 1986. 145 species of 4 families of Papilionoidea were recognized, and added to the obtained registries of literature with a total of 148 species for Canon de Lobos; 21 of them are endemic to Mexico. Nymphalidae and Lycaenidae were the richest families, while Nymphalidae was the most abundant. Like in other tropical areas, the temporary distribution of the Papilionoidea is associated closely with the precipitation, reason why there were more species and specimens during the rainy season. The most of rhopalocerofauna of Canon de Lobos is conformed by scarse and rare species that are resident in the area; only 10% of the species is associated exclusively to the dry forest. In comparison with other localities of Morelos, Canon de Lobos has one of the greater richness.
Why are so many boreal freshwater fishes anadromous? Confronting ‘conventional wisdom’

Suggestions that anadromy predominates in northern high latitudes because boreal marine seas have high primary productivity are questioned. Instead, post-Pleistocene invasion of far northern fresh waters, which became inhabitable as Pleistocene temperatures ameliorated, via coastal seas, is suggested as a primary cause for northern distributions of widely anadromous fish families. Also, cold temperature preferences may be implicated in determining the ranges of these families, as well as the inhospitability of far northern fresh waters and the lack of ecosystem space to support the huge populations of boreal anadromous fishes. Moreover, there are significant numbers of tropical anadromous fish species.
Clinical and immunological assessment of 94 patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency: Common variable immunodeficiency, selective IgA deficiency and polysaccharide antibody deficiency syndrome

Abstract We present the clinical and B cell immunophenotypical characterization of 94 patients with Common Variable immunodeficiency (CVID), selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD) and polysaccharide antibody deficiency syndrome (SAD). Study design: We retrospectively investigated clinical findings and B cell compartment in 31 patients with CVID, 35 with SIgAD and 28 with SAD. Regardless of underlying disease, a delay was observed between age at diagnosis and onset of first symptoms. The predominant clinical findings were upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Allergic symptoms were more frequent in SAD and SIgAD patients, hematological and autoimmune manifestations in CVID and celiac disease in SIgAD. B-cell Immunophenotype abnormalities were observed in SAD and CVID patients: both had reduced memory B cells (CD19+ CD27+), and increased transitional B cells (CD24++ CD38++) was found in SAD. We did not find any statistically significant abnormalities in any of differentiation stages of B cells in SIgAD. Defects of the B cell compartment were associated with bronchiectasis, splenomegaly, autoimmunity and/or malignancy in CVID and SAD patients.We conclude that flow cytometric evaluation of the B cell compartment could be a useful tool for the diagnosis and follow up of these patients.
Effects of soya bean extract, bisphenol A and 17 beta-estradiol on the testis and circulating levels of testosterone and estradiol among peripubertal juvenile male sprague-dawley rats

In this study, juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats (PND 22) were fed with soya extract, bisphenol A, and 17 beta-estradiol, respectively by oral gavage to determine the potential effect on the morphology of their reproductive organs and their hormonal levels. After three weeks of treatment (PND 43), all animals were sacrificed and the blood and testes were collected. All the three treatment groups showed histological differences in testes morphology compared to the control. Animals treated with soya extract and bisphenol A showed a decrease in circulating estradiol levels while animals treated with 17 beta-estradiol showed elevated circulating levels of estradiol. Only the animals treated with soya extract showed elevated levels of circulating testosterone. The results of the present study showed that, soya extract, bisphenol A, and 17 beta-estradiol can alter the histological structure of the testes and influence circulating steroidal hormone levels.
Andropogon grass consortium with stylo in two times: the forage response and sources of phosphorus rates = Consórcio de capim andropógon com estilos antes em dois momentos: resposta da forragem a níveis e fontes de fósforo

The use of legumes intercropped with forage in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado) region is an alternative to reverse the process of pasture degradation. The natural phosphorus deficiency in this region and the high retention capacity of this nutrient in the soil are factors that directly affect the sustainability of the production system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phosphate with medium solubility (Arad) compared to more soluble sources such as triple superphosphate and mono-ammonium phosphate, on the formation and maintenance of pastures of Andropogon gayanus with or without the introduction of Stylosantes guianensis in pasture already established in the Brazilian savannah. Two experiments were carried out under field conditions in an Oxisol using a randomized block design with split plots, plots with two sources of phosphorus (Arad and super-triple or MAP) and subplots with different levels of phosphorus. The study showed that andropogon grass, even though characterised as forage requiring low fertilization, responded to increased fertilization, especially with the use of more soluble sources of P at planting. From the second year on, with the introduction of Stylosantes guianensis , verified effects were seen on legumes in their efficiency of utilization of residual fertilization from the first year; however, this didn’t affect legume dry matter production resulting from the P sources used for the andropogon grass. The mixed stands of andropogon grass and Stylosantes guianensis made it more advantageous to increase the P sources using phosphate fertilizer with lower solubility (Arad), when compared to MAP.
The range of the curl‐crested jay: lessons for evaluating bird endemism in the South American Cerrado

The South American Cerrado is the largest tropical savanna of the world, and one of the most threatened biomes on the Earth. Levels of bird endemism in this biome are controversial, but the most up‐to‐date study points to 30 endemic species. In this paper, I analysed the recent range shift by one of those species, the curl‐crested jay Cyanocorax cristatellus, comparing it with three other alleged Cerrado endemics (lesser nothura Nothura minor, chestnut‐capped foliage‐gleaner Hylocryptus rectirostris, and grey‐backed tachuri Polystictus superciliaris) and a ‘near‐endemic’ (white‐banded tanager Neothraupis fasciata). The curl‐crested jay expanded its range considerably into south‐eastern Brazil during the last century, colonizing extensive areas formerly covered by the Atlantic forest, which has been almost completely cleared by human activity. I found no evidence of recent range shift for the four other species studied, but demonstrated that the grey‐backed tachuri is not a Cerrado endemic. I found that the vegetation map used by previous authors to classify birds as endemics is imprecise and out‐of‐date, not depicting well the biome limits, resulting in an arbitrary, sometimes erroneous, classification. I suggested the adoption of a more modern and detailed Cerrado map. The necessity of a comprehensive review in the list of Cerrado's endemic birds in light of modern vegetation maps is highlighted.
Effects of UV‐A exposures on longevity and reproduction in Helicoverpa armigera, and on the development of its F1 generation

Abstract Helicoverpa armigera adults display a conspicuous positive phototactic behavior to light stimuli, and are especially sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. The effects of UV‐A (longwave) exposures on adult longevity and reproduction in H. armigera were investigated, as well as the development of the F1 generation. Paired adults were exposed to UV‐A for various time periods (0, 1, 5 and 9 h/day), until the end of adult life. The results showed that adult longevity decreased with increasing exposure time for both sexes, and a significant decrease was observed after exposure for 5 and 9 h/day. Fecundity increased when adults were exposed for 1 and 5 h/day, and a significant difference was observed in the 5 h/day group. Oviposition rates of females in all treatments were significantly higher than in the control. Exposure to UV‐A for longer periods (5 and 9 h/day) caused a decline in cumulative survival of F1 immature stages, but no significant differences were found in egg hatch, pupation and eclosion. The developmental periods of F1 larvae were significantly prolonged after exposure to UV‐A for 5 and 9 h/day. UV‐A radiation had no significant effects on F1 pupal period.
A test for the parallel co-evolution of male colour and female preference in Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

Question: Do male traits and female preferences co-evolve in response to divergent natural selection? Organisms: Six Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) populations adapted to high- or low-predation environments in three separate drainages. Methods: Measurement of colour patterns on wild-caught and lab-reared males. ‘No-choice’ mating experiments to quantify female preference functions for male traits. Comparisons of male colour and female preference functions between predation environments. Predictions: If divergent natural selection drives parallel co-evolution, both male traits and female preferences should be similar for populations in similar environments but different for populations in different environments. Conclusions: Male traits have broadly diverged in parallel between predation environments, leading to larger body size and increased colour in low-predation sites. Female preferences also appear to be diverging because females discriminate against colourful males in high-predation sites but not in low-predation sites. Despite this general pattern, deviations from parallel co-evolution were also present, suggesting a substantial role for other selective agents.
IN VITRO DETERMINATION OF RATES OF RUMINAL PROTEIN DEGRADATION

An in vitro procedure for estimating rates of ruminal protein degradation was extended to typical ruminant feedstuffs. Linear first-order degradation was obtained for protein concentrates. Degradation estimates were more variable for alfalfa forages which contained 21–51% degraded protein prior to incubation. Key words: Rumen, in vitro, protein degradation
Tillage effects on soil properties and maize productivity in western Turkey

Information regarding the evaluation of long-term tillage effects on soil properties and summer maize growth after winter vetch in western Turkey is not available. Therefore, this study was conducted for 5 years with three types of tillage including conventional (mouldboard plough) and conservation (rototiller and chisel). Results indicated that tillage had no significant effect on penetration resistance, except at the bottom of 20 cm soil depth where it was higher in mouldboard plough than in rototiller and chisel. Bulk density in the topsoil of 10 cm decreased with the degree of soil manipulation during tillage practices. Rototiller caused significantly higher root, leaf and stems biomass and plant height than the other systems. The root dry weight was higher in the topsoil of 10 cm than at the bottom of this soil depth for all systems. The highest root dry weight was found in fourth year of chisel, but the lowest was recorded in the same year of plough, especially at the bottom of 20 cm due to higher penetration. Rototiller improved soil properties and maize growth compared to other systems in 2 of 5 years. We concluded that using rototiller for maize after winter vetch will be more effective compared with other systems.
Spatial structure and genetic diversity of natural populations of the Caribbean pine, Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis (Pinaceae), in the Bahaman archipelago

For the first time a comprehensive population genetics study of the endemic Caribbean pine, Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis, in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is undertaken. Information on inbreeding levels, genetic diversity and spatial structure in the focus taxon are important tools for its future conservation and can help guide local forest management. Plastid (pDNA) and nuclear microsatellite (nDNA) loci were used to reveal past and contemporary patterns of genetic differentiation and levels of genetic diversity and to test the hypothesis of isolation by distance of populations in the Bahamas and TCI regions. Due to its non-recombinant nature, low mutation rates and uniparental inheritance, pDNA can give an insight into an earlier state of the populations than that revealed by nDNA. Data from pDNA showed only 12 haplotypes, with one of them present in c. 81% of individuals, low unbiased genetic diversity (uh 0.487) and significant variation between regions (FCT = 0.156, P < 0.01). Isolation by distance was only significant for nDNA (r2 = 0.56, P < 0.01). Only two of the populations had significant levels of inbreeding (FIS = 0.090, FIS = 0.113). High levels of gene flow and lack of isolation in the past were revealed by pDNA, whereas nDNA showed a more recent spatial isolation and genetic differentiation between the Bahamas and TCI populations. Conservation measures are discussed in view of the genetic diversity, inbreeding and spatial structure found in the taxon. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 174, 359–383.
Jumping spider phylogeny (Araneae : Salticidae)

A phylogenetic analysis of five sequenced genes (28S, 16S, EF1-α, CO1, ND1) from 81 genera of jumping spiders (Salticidae) and five outgroups supports the monophyly of the Dendryphantinae and Euophryinae and refines the concepts of the Plexippinae and Pelleninae. The clade that excludes lyssomanines and spartaeines and contains the bulk of salticid species is formally named as the Salticoida. The previously proposed clade delimited by an embolus articulated and separated from the tegulum by a developed distal hematodocha (as opposed to fused immovably to the tegulum) is rejected, suggesting the 'free embolus' evolved independently several times. Three major clades are discovered, the Marpissoida (including Dendryphantinae, Marpissinae and smaller groups such as synagelines), the Plexippoida (plexippines plus pellenines) and the Amycoida (including Amycinae, Sitticinae, Hyetusseae, Hurieae, Synemosyninae). The amycoids form a large neotropical radiation from which only a single known group (Sitticus and Attulus) has reached the Old World. The marpissoids also constitute a major New World group with relatively few species in the Old World. In contrast, the Plexippoida is predominantly an Old World group (except for the spectacular radiation of Habronattus in North America), as is the Heliophaninae. These results suggest that much of salticid diversification occurred after the separation of the continents of the Old World and New World.
Fine structure and synaptic connections of the common spiny neuron of the rat neostriatum: A study employing intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase

Medium‐sized spiny neurons of the rat neostriatum, identified by intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase, were examined at both light and electron microscopic levels. These neurons were characterized by their heavy investment of dendritic spines, beginning about 20 μm from the soma and continuing to the tips of the dendrites. Their axons arose from the soma or from a large dendritic trunk very near the soma, and tapered rapidly to form a main axonal branch from which arose several smaller initial collaterals. These arborized extensively throughout an area of about the same size as, and highly overlapping with, the dendritic field of the cell, while the main axon could be followed for distances of up to 1 mm in the direction of the globus pallidus. Three major synaptic types were seen in contact with spiny neurons.
The effect of mechanical impedance on root growth in pea (Pisum sativum). II. Cell expansion and wall rheology during recovery

The aim of the present work was to determine the factors limiting growth in mechanically impeded roots. Pea roots were grown in compressed and uncompressed sand cores, and then removed and transferred to hydroponics. Root elongation was slowed in impeded sand cores and did not recover to the unimpeded rates until 60 h after transfer to the hydroponics system. Root diameter was greater in impeded roots, and only after 36 h in hydroponics was new root tissue produced of the same diameter as the unimpeded controls. The turgor pressure of the growing cells was measured with a turgor probe and was the same in both treatments. The slower elongation rate of the previously impeded roots was, therefore, the result of axial tightening of the cell walls. Cell length profiles suggested that axial cell wall tightening persisted in the unrestricted hydroponics system. Production of new cells in unrestricted conditions was required before root elongation returned to the unimpeded state. Osmotic potential was decreased by approximately 0.2 MPa in previously impeded roots compared with the unimpeded ones. This corresponds to a decrease in water potential of 0.2 MPa. These data are discussed in relation to regulation of cell extension, solute unloading and the penetration of compacted soils by roots.
Predictive habitat modelling to estimate petrel breeding colony sizes: Sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) and mottled petrels (Pterodroma inexpectata) on Whenua Hou Island

Abstract Between 2001 and 2006, we systematically sampled the entire coast of Whenua Hou, a rugged offshore island in southern New Zealand, to estimate the population densities of sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) and mottled petrels (Pterodroma inexpectata) by counting the entrances of breeding burrows. A two‐step regression modelling process using binomial errors was used to predict the presence of a colony, and a normal general linear model was used to predict the density of entrances within colonies. Aerial photography, GIS and a Digital Elevation Model were used to extract relevant habitat and location variables, and a combination of both regression models was used to predict the density of breeding burrows within each 5.32 m2 pixel on the island. This complex GIS and habitat prediction modelling approach gave population estimates very similar to a more traditional simple area extrapolation method and gave no improvement in precision. However, correction for the slope of the land increased our simple area estimates of population size by 11%. We estimate populations of sooty shearwater and mottled petrel breeding pairs at 173 000 (162 000–190 000) and 160 000 (123 000–197 000) respectively. Based on this number of breeding pairs, we calculate that Whenua Hou supports a total population of 868 000 (554 000–1 270 000) sooty shearwaters. Our estimate of the total mottled petrel population 202 000 pairs (162 000–242 000) is comparable with the only published estimate, but could be an underestimate because mottled petrels are sometimes found in large burrows. More research for robust estimation of population trends is needed to assess the conservation status of mottled petrels.
Effect of Exposure to Lead and Cadmium in Drinking Water Sourced from Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region on Serum Enzymes and Eletrolytes of Albino Wistar Rats

Drinking water randomly collected from various sources in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region were assessed for lead (Pd) and cadmium (Cd) contents. Groups of albino Wistar rats were exposed to these water samples ad libitum as drinking water for a duration of 28 days, following which levels of three(3) serum enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase- AST , alanine aminotransferase- ALT and alkaline phosphatase- ALP ) and electrolytes (Na + , K + and CI) were investigated using standard analytical methods. The results indicated that Pd (0.105-0.142 mg/L) and Cd (0.015-0.024mg/L) detected in the water samples caused significant increases (P<0.05) in AST (102.92 + 0.23 U/L), ALT (96.63 + 0.20 U/L) and ALP (83.86 + 0.35 U/L), but there were significant decrease (P<0.05) in Na + (102.72 + 0.75 mmol/L), CI - (39.38 + 0.55 mmol/L) and increase (P<0.05 in K + (5.18 + 0.40 mmol/L) in the albino Wistar rats. These results suggest possible toxicity on the liver and kidney. Keywords: Lead, cadmium, drinking water, serum enzymes and electrolytes
Melanic frequencies in three species of moths in post industrial Britain

Changing patterns of morph frequency in three moth species (Biston betularia, Odontoptera bidentata and Apocheima pilosaria) have been investigated using data from the Rothamsted Insect Survey. All three exhibited industrial melanism during the period of high atmospheric pollution in Britain. Three historical and habitat types are compared, the old industrial north of England, rural Scotland, Wales and South-West England, and a southern English intermediate region of high human population density but generally low industrialization. Between 1974 and 1999 the carbonaria morph of B. betularia declined in frequency in the industrial region and is nearly absent from rural areas. It is the form which most closely tracks atmospheric change. It is shown that the insularia forms of B. betularia and the melanic morphs in the other two species have decreased in the industrial region, commencing later than carbonaria, but have maintained their presence and possibly reached equilibrium elsewhere. They may be non-industrial polymorphisms. B. betularia is rarer than the other species and all three species are at lower densities in industrial than in non-industrial regions.