Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between temperature and standard rate of metabolism in African lungfish, Protopterus aethiopicus, from Uganda

The relationship between temperature and metabolism among ancient (non-teleost) fishes, while largely unknown, is essential to an understanding of the effects of temperature on fish energetics. This study quantifies the effect of temperature on the standard rate of metabolism in the African lungfish, Protopterus aethiopicus. We present a Q10 value of 3.3 for individuals ranging in body mass from 42–222g across an ecologically-relevant 10°C temperature range. Protopterus aethiopicus showed a positive bilogarithmic (log-log) relationship between the rate of oxygen consumption and body mass (range = 44–222g) at three water temperatures (20, 25, 30°C). However, adjusted mean rates of oxygen consumption differed among all three temperatures. A Q10 value derived as the means of Q10 values calculated for each individual lungfish averaged 3.3 ± 0.4 (SE) for 20–30°C. A comparison of literature-derived Q10 values for both tropical and temperate fishes suggests a higher Q10 in tropical species (n = 3) than in temperate species (n = 10) across an ecologically-relevant thermal range.
LEUKOTOXIN PRODUCTION BY ACTINOBACILLUS ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a gram-negative pathogen that causes human severe periodontitis. The most intensively studied virulence factor of this bacterium is a pore-forming cytotoxin termed leukotoxin. Production of leukotoxin varies considerably among A. actinomycetemcomitans strains. Interstrain variations in leukotoxin production are thought to derive from differences in structure of the leukotoxin promoter region. In addition, several studies showed that culture conditions are also important factors influencing leukotoxin production levels. Export of A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin across the cell envelope is likely mediated by a type I secretion system. Furthermore, it has also been suggested that outer membrane vesicles are involved in extracellular localization of the leukotoxin. This review summarizes current knowledge on the genetic and environmental factors affecting leukotoxin production and the export pathway for extracellular localization of leukotoxin.
The Photodynamic Action of Methylene Blue on Certain Viruses

In a previous communication (Perdrau and Todd, 1933), dealing with the photodynamic action of methylene blue on bacteriophage, we have recorded the results of experiments confirming the observations of Clifton (1931), both as regards the part played by visible light in bringing about the reaction and also as regards the necessity for the presence of free oxygen. In the course of these experiments it was found that while the free phage is highly sensitive to the photodynamic action of methylene blue, it becomes very much more resistant to the dye in the presence of the corresponding living bacterium. This protection of the phage is only exercised by living bacteria, killed organisms being without effect. It is, moreover, not a strictly specific phenomenon, as protection is in some cases brought about by bacteria other than those for which the phage has been prepared. In view of the many similarities of behaviour shown by the bacteriophage and the ultramicroscopic viruses, it seemed not improbable that some of the latter might be susceptible to the photodynamic action of methylene blue, and tests were accordingly made with such viruses as we had at our disposal.
Relationship between tree size and insect assemblages associated with Anadenanthera macrocarpa

Campos, R. I. , Vasconcelos, H. L. , Ribeiro, S. P., Neves, F. S. and Soares, J. P. 2006. Relationship between tree size and insect assemblages associated with Anadenanthera macrocarpa . � Ecology 29: 442 � 450. This study analyzed the effects of tree size, and correlated architectural tree characteristics, on the assemblages of ants and insect herbivores associated with Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Mimosaceae). The latter is a myrmecophilous tree species from the Atlantic rainforest in south-eastern Brazil. Ants and insect herbivores were collected in 30 individuals of A. macrocarpa , ranging from young individuals ( � / 3mi n height) to emergent trees (up to 40 m). Tree height was a strong indicator of other tree characteristics, including trunk diameter, crown height, crown volume, and number of bifurcations. Ants were collected using arboreal pitfall traps and beating, while insect herbivores with beating only. There was a significant increase in both abundance and species richness of ants and insect herbivores with an increase in tree height. In addition, tree height had a significant effect on the species composition of ants and insect herbivores. Assemblages of both taxa showed a nested organization pattern. The species found in small- and medium-sized trees, in general, consisted of a subset of the species found in the crowns and branches of larger, canopy or emergent trees. Thus, in A. macrocarpa , there was not a replacement of insect species with plant ontogeny. This finding is at variance with those conducted in tropical evergreen forests and which show a clear stratification between the understory and canopy insect faunas. Additional studies are needed to explain these contrasting patterns, but it is possible that differences in microclimate are involved. As the forest we studied is semi-deciduous, microclimatic gradients between the understory and the canopy habitat are probably less severe than in an evergreen forest, thus resulting in a lower turnover of species.
Formative Assessment and Increased Student Involvement Increase Grades in an Upper Secondary School Biology Course

This study shows that formative methods and increased student participation has a positive influence on learning measured as grades. The study was conducted during the course Biology A in a Swedish Upper Secondary School. The students constructed grade criteria and defined working methods and type of examination within a given topic, Gene technology. The procedure resulted in variation within teaching and examination carried out as an oral test in small groups. In the analysis, students’ grades on Gene technology were analysed in comparison with grades on other topics within the course, and the results show that mean grade is significantly higher on Gene technology. Based on the results and student course evaluations, I discuss the reasons behind the good results and the relation to participation, student interest, teacher and type of examination.
Nondestructive Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Components by Single Seed Analysis

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), is one of the most important of the oilseed plants, and the improvement of its components is an important goal in breeding. For screening sesame cultivars and lines with improved components, a simple and rapid determination method is necessary. Genetic resources and cultivars, or lines, are precious in the breeding project. The demand for nondestructive analysis of a small sample, such as single seed analysis, is strong for the breeding based on the composition of specifi c constituents. The seeds need to be analyzed nondestructively for use in breeding and cultivation after the analysis and selection. We previously reported that the amounts of the major constituents and the fatty acid (FA) composition in plural sesame seeds could be successfully estimated by simple, rapid and nondestructive analysis using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (Sato et al., 2003; Sato et al., 2004). In this report, the nondestructive evaluation of sesame composition by using NIR spectroscopy was investigated for analysis of a small sample, i.e., single seed.
Gametogenesis, brooding and planulation in laboratory populations of a temperate scleractinian coral Balanophyllia elegans maintained under contrasting photoperiod regimes

Summary Males of Balanophyllia elegans Verrill, 1864 in Monterey Bay, California, spawn in the fall. Fertilization occurs within the females and the internally brooded embryos develop into large benthic planulae that are released mainly in the late winter. Field-collected corals were held in the laboratory under contrasting photoperiod regimes (ambient or in-phase, and 6 months out-of-phase) for 6.5 years. After two years in the laboratory corals planulated at the same time, independent of photoperiod. Corals show a cyclic pattern of later winter and early spring planulation that coincides with declining sea temperatures in Monterey Bay. Gametes appeared in the first laboratory generation at IS months and brooded embryos were found in females at 31 months under both light regimes. Planulae production by laboratory-reared corals peaked at the same time as that of the parents. These findings suggest that the temporal pattern of planulation is regulated by both endogenous and exogenous components that can be.
Ecology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and H. punctigera (Wallengren) in the Inland of Australia: larval sampling and host plant relationships during winter and spring

Extensive surveys during the winter months in inland areas of Australia have greatly extended both the range and known hosts of Australia's two pest Helicoverpa species. H. punctigera was the more common species, being collected from c. half of the sites sampled. Here a further 47 plant species in 8 families are recorded as possible host plants; the majority (all except two) are new records of native hosts, and greatly extend the existing lists. H. armigera was less common, being recorded from c. 10% of the 554 sites sampled. This species was reared from 28 species in 10 plant families. Both moth species are recorded for the first time from various native plant species, predominantly in the Asteraceae and Fabaceae. The Goodeniaceae is also added to the host list of both species. Determination of the status of host plants is discussed.
Internet Addiction and Happiness Among Medical Sciences Students in Southeastern Iran

Background: Several factors are responsible for overuse of the internet among young adults. The practice can lead to internet addiction (IA). In addition, users’ happiness may be an important factor related to IA, and should be assessed. Objectives: The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) and its relationship to happiness among students enrolled at the Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS) in southeastern Iran. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 380 medical students at ZUMS in 2015. The subjects were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using Yang Standard Internet Addiction and Oxford Happiness questionnaires, and were analyzed in Stata.12 software using bivariate and multiple logistic regression with the Hosmer-Lemshow method. Results: The prevalences of IA among males and females were 33.8% (95% CI: 26.1 - 41.5) and 20% (95% CI: 14.9 - 25.1), respectively. The results of logistic regression analyses revealed that gender (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.48 - 2.48), average grades (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81 - 0.99), and happiness scores (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75 - 0.98) were statistically significantly associated with IA. However, IA was not associated with subjects’ age, semester of study, residential area, or school of education (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of IA among medical students in southeast Iran was high and affected by happiness. Increasing happiness with the provision of various programs may prevent IA problems among students and may improve their educational situation.
Polarity and endoplasmic microtubules in food-conducting cells of mosses: an experimental study

SUMMARY The effects of decapitation and of drugs affecting microtubules, microfilaments and the endomembrane system, on the ultrastructure of food-conducting cells have been studied in the sporophyte of the mosses Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw. and Mnium hornum Hedw. In both species decapitation caused a marked reduction of cellular polarity. Moreover in Mnium but not in Polytrichum decapitation induced the disappearance of endoplasmic microtubules (MTs), the loss of longitudinal alignment of organdies and the accumulation of abundant starch. Starch accumulated in the cortical parenchyma cells in Polytrichum. In both species extensive MT depolymerization was induced by 100 μM oryzalin, whereas 10 μM oryzalin was less effective and 2·5 mM colchicine had no apparent effect. Treatment with 100 μM oryzalin also caused disruption of organdie alignment, alterations in the shape and position of the nucleus and a marked reduction in, or disappearance of, endoplasmic reticulum, trans Golgi network and membrane-bounded tubules, that were abundant in the controls. Treatment with 10 μM monensin partially mimicked the effects of oryzalin, causing a reduction of the endomembrane system and disappearance of most endoplasmic MTs. Neither oryzalin nor monensin suppressed cellular polarity. Cells treated with D2O or the actin microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin D showed no structural alterations. The data indicate that: (a) endoplasmic MTs have a major role in organelle alignment and shaping in food-conducting cells of mosses; (b) cellular polarity depends on the presence of a source/sink gradient and is not directly associated with MTs; (c) interactions between MTS and organelles, notably the ER and other components of the endomembrane system, have mutually stabilizing effects.
Gibberellins and the Growth of Excised Tomato Roots: Comparison of gib-1 Mutant and Wild Type and Responses to Applied GA3 and 2S, 3S Paclobutrazol

Clones of excised roots of wild type tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill., cv. Moneymaker) and a near-isogenic GA-deficient mutant (gib-l/gib-1) were cultured in modified White's medium containing 1-5% w/v sucrose. The linear elongation rate of the main axis of the gib-1 mutant was 40% less than that of the wild type. In addition, the main axis of the gib-1 mutant was thicker than that of the wild type but main axis volume growth was the same in both genotypes, indicating that the gib-1 allele was affecting the orientation of root expansion. There was no evidence to suggest that the gib-1 allele affected either the pattern of emergence or the density of lateral roots. Elongation rate and thickness of gib-1 mutant roots were restored to those of the wild type by the addition of low concentrations (01-10 /aM) of gibberellic acid (GA3). These concentrations of GA3 caused a slight reduction in extension growth of wild type roots, indicating that endogenous GAs were not limiting elongation of normal roots in culture. The GA biosynthesis inhibitor, 2S,3S paclobutrazol, at 0T juM, significantly reduced elongation of wild type roots and this inhibition was counteracted by 01 /aM GA3. It is concluded that the difference in growth between the gib-1 mutant and the wild type represented GA-dependent growth. Low concentrations of 2S,3S paclobutrazol caused only a small (5%) reduction in growth of the gib-1 mutant and this growth inhibition was not reversed by GA3. This observation, and the fact that gib-1 mutant roots grow in the absence of added GA3, suggested that part of root growth was GA-independent. However, the possibilities that the gib-1 mutant is 'leaky' and that paclobutrazol does not inhibit GA biosynthesis completely cannot be excluded.
Biological parameters and predatory potential of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) feeding on wheat aphid Schizaphis graminum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions.

Studies on biological parameters of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) aphid were carried out in InsecatryBio control Laboratories, Insect Pest Management Programme, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. The results indicate that incubation period was 3.8±0.08 days with 87.0% hatchability. The developmental duration of first, second and third instar larvae were 3.2 ± 0.13, 4.0±0.21 and 4.8±0.25 days, respectively. The total larval developmental duration was 12.0 ±0.67 days with 85.05% survival rate of larvae. The larval predatory potential was 414.6±0.05 aphid per larvae. The total duration and survival rate from egg to adult emergence was 24.6± 0.06 days with 73% survival rate. The pre oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods were 9.2±1.25, 34.6±1.72 and 7.4±1.02 days, respectively. The female and male longevity was 51.2 ± 2.18 and 32.4±2.04 days respectively. The female fecundity was 384.2±21.20 eggs per female with 11.16±1.31 eggs per day per female.
Gaseous Loss of Ammonia Following Urea Application in a Balsam Fir Forest

Nitrogen losses through ammonia volatilization increased with increasing rates of application and were 6.8% of 112 kg urea-N/ha after 10 days. Initial humus moisture content within the limits studied affected volatilization rates in the first days but had little effect on overall losses. A discontinuous ammonia-trapping technique for field use is discussed.
Foliar nutrition and wood growth in red pine: the distribution of radiocarbon photoassimilated by individual branches of young trees

The distribution of photoassimilated carbon-14 in young plantation trees was studied 6 or 10 days after supplying 14CO2 for a day to a single branch in the second, third, or fourth whorl. Both apical and cambial growth occurred during the interval, and apical growth throughout the trees was measured. Elongating terminals and products of cambial growth in the fed branch were highly labeled. In all trees some 14C was exported to the adjacent side of the tree. Movement in the trunk was bidirectional, but the position of the donor branch determined the direction of major transport. Only from whorl 2 was it upward; from whorl 3 or 4 it was downward. In both directions activity decreased with distance from the base of the donor branch, and the leader did not accumulate more, per unit weight, than the intervening internodes. Some 14C entered branches arising in the path of transport.Radioactivity was concentrated only in regions of growth, whether apical or cambial. Most of the 14C was in ethanol-insoluble compo.
Competitive effects of woody and herbaceous vegetation in a young boreal mixedwood stand

The influence of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and herbaceous (forb and grass) vegetation on resource availability and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) growth were examined as part of a long-term experiment established in 2002 near Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada. During the 2005 growing season, we examined the effects of herbicide treatments designed to control only woody (triclopyr ester) or both woody and herbaceous (glyphosate) vegetation on leaf area index (LAI) of both the woody and herbaceous components and relationships among LAI and light, soil moisture, air temperature, soil temperature, nitrogen availability, and spruce growth. Treatments reduced LAI and increased light, soil nitrogen availability, and white spruce growth. There were no apparent effects of the treatments on soil moisture in 2005. Both the woody and herb–grass layers appear to be competing for light and soil nitrogen in this young plantation. Controlling only woody vegetation resulted in an increase in herbaceous and t.
COMPARATIVE RESPONSES OF PHENOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT TO SIMULATED ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE IN SUB-ARCTIC AND HIGH ARCTIC PLANTS

The effects of temperature, precipitation and nutrient perturbations, and their interactions, are being assessed on two contrasting arctic ecosystems to simulate impacts of climate change. One, a high arctic polar semi-desert community, is characterised by a sparse, low and aggregated vegetation cover where plant proliferation is by seedlings, whereas the other, a sub-arctic dwarf shrub heath, is characterised by a complete vegetation cover of erect, clonal dwarf shrubs which spread vegetatively. The developmental processes of seed production were shown to be highly sensitive, even within one growing season, to specific environmental perturbations which differed between sites
Evaluating Walleye Length Limits in the Face of Population Variability: Case Histories from Western Minnesota

Abstract Population and fishery responses to the implementation of minimum length limits (356 and 381 mm total length) for walleyes Sander vitreus were evaluated for two Minnesota populations (Big Stone Lake and Lac Qui Parle) and were compared with population trends observed in a single reference lake (Lake Traverse) between 1991 and 2004. High variation in walleye recruitment (coefficient of variation (CV = 100 × SD/mean) in mean gill-net catch per unit effort of age-2 walleyes > 98%) was observed in all study populations and also in recruitment indices from 20 populations across North America (mean CV = 112%), indicating that high variability in recruitment is common. Walleye growth rates were also variable; mean length at age 3 varied by more than 120 mm among year-classes in all three study populations. Observed trends in population age- and size-structure indices estimated from gill nets appeared to be largely related to growth and recruitment patterns both before and after the regulations were in p.
Tretomyces gen. novum, Byssocorticium caeruleum sp. nova, and New Combinations in Dendrothele and Pseudomerulius (Basidiomycota)

One new genus, Tretomyces K.H. Larss. , Kotir. & Saaren. , and two new species, Tretomyces microsporus Kotir. , Saaren. & K.H. Larss. , and Byssocorticium caeruleum Kotir. , Saaren. & K.H. Larss. are described and illustrated. Three new combinations, Tretomyces lutescens (J. Erikss. & Ryvarden) K.H. Larss. , Kotir. & Saaren. , Dendrothele minutissima (Höhn. & Litsch.) Kotir. , K.H. Larss. & Saaren. and Pseudomerulius montanus (Burt) K.H. Larss. , Kotir. & Kulju, are proposed.