Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotyping Castanea hybrids for Phytophthora cinnamomi resistance

Castanea sativa is susceptible to Phytophthora spp. , a serious root pathogen causing ink disease, while C. crenata and C. mollissima show resistance to infection. Interspecific controlled crosses were established for introgression of resistance genes from the resistant species into the susceptible C. sativa, and two mapping populations were created. Phytophthora cinnamomi resistance of each progeny was evaluated by root and excised shoot inoculation tests. The number of days of survival after root inoculation was the best discriminator of resistance to P. cinnamomi while the percentage of shoots with internal lesions was the symptom most associated with survival. The lesion progression rate in the excised shoot inoculation test was strongly and negatively correlated with survival in the root inoculation test. The excised shoot inoculation test appears to be a reliable approach for screening the resistance of chestnut genotypes to P. cinnamomi. Strong genetic correlations were obtained between survival and ink disease symptoms and among symptoms, indicating that common or linked genes might influence resistance to P. cinnamomi. The most resistant genotypes selected from this study will be tested for other commercial variables, such as ease of vegetative propagation and stock–scion compatibility.
Performance of Ready Mix Formulation of Fenoxaprop+Metribuzin for the Control of Grass and Broadleaf Weeds in Wheat

An experiment was conducted for three years at the Research Farm of Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi seasons of 2007–08 to 2009–10. The experimental field was heavily infested with Phalaris minor and broadleaf weeds. A new herbicide i. e. AEF 04 6360-8%+DIC 1468–14%-22% EC (fenoxaprop-P-ethyl+metribuzin) was applied at 165, 220, 275, 330 and 550 g/ha as post-emergence (30–35 DAS). The results of three years revealed that application of this herbicide at 275 and 330 g/ha provided effective control of P. minor and broadleaf weeds in wheat crop and were found statistically at par with Atlantis 3.6 WDG (mesosulfuron 3.0%+iodosulfuron 0.6% at 12+2.24 g) on dry matter accumulation by P. minor and broadleaf weeds. On an average of three years, post-emergence application of AEF 046360-8%+DIC 1468–14%-22% EC at 275 and 330 g/ha as well as Atlantis 3.6 WDG at 14.4 g/ha increased wheat grain yield by 58.8, 64.2 and 67.3% as compared to unweeded (control) treatment, respectively.
Using Landsat images to map habitat availability for waterbirds in rice fields

Rice fields are an important habitat for waterbirds. Knowledge of the availability of this habitat is important since the reduction in the area of natural wetlands has converted rice fields into vital refuges. This paper presents a method for mapping habitat availability in rice fields according to different waterbirds’ habitat preferences and examining its phenology during the crop cycle. Data from bird censuses carried out in the Donana rice fields were analysed to determine the habitat preferences of 22 species of waterbird at different stages in the rice production cycle. Discriminant function analysis of seven Landsat images was used to classify paddy field stages. The phenology of habitat availability in rice fields during autumn and winter was examined. Waterfowl and waders preferentially used the ‘flooded’ and ‘mudflats with water’ paddy field stages, respectively, and the ‘rice growing’ and ‘dry’ stages were rejected by waterbirds. The area of preferred habitats within rice fields increased during autumn; subsequently, the area of the ‘flooded’ paddy fields decreased in January, whereas that of ‘mudflats with water’ remained available until March. The automatic classification of paddy field stages with Landsat images allowed habitat availability for different species of waterbirds to be monitored and provides relevant information for understanding behavioural and population responses in waterbirds that use rice fields. After examining the phenology of the availability of habitat and comparing it with dates of arrival and departure of migrant waterbirds, best crop practices could be defined to favour waterbirds (i.e. adjusting harvest, ploughing and flooding dates). Taking into account climatic change and loss of wetlands this method could help in the integration of agriculture and conservation, in particular in areas where there is no remaining natural wetland habitat.
Presence of Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. (Asteraceae) in Turkey

Specimens of Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. were collected from A2 (A) Bursa, Uluda¤. This study confirms the presence of this species, which is given as a doubtful record in the flora of Turkey. A description, photographs, an illustration of the median phyllaries and a distribution map of the species are also given. Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. (Asteraceae)'un Turkiye'deki Varl›¤› Ozet: Bu cal›flma Turkiye floras›'nda flupheli bir kay›t olarak verilen ancak taraf›m›zdan A2 (A) Bursa, Uluda¤'dan toplanan Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. turunun varl›¤›n› kan›tlamay› amaclamaktad›r. Turun betimi, fotoraflar›, ortadaki fillarilerinin cizimi ve da¤›l›fl haritas› da cal›flmaya eklenmifltir.
Temperature and substrate availability regulate soil respiration in the tropical mountain rainforests, Hainan Island, China

Aims Tropical forest plays a key role in global C cycle; however, there are few studies on the C budget in the tropical rainforests in Asia. This study aims to (i) reveal the seasonal patterns of total soil respiration (RT), litter respiration (RL) and soil respiration without sur face organic litter (RNL) in the primary and secondary Asian tropical mountain rainforests and (ii) quantify the effects of soil temperature, soil moisture and substrate availability on soil respiration. Methods The seasonal dynamics of soil CO 2 efflux was measured by an automatic chamber system (Li-8100), within the primary and secondary tropical mountain rainforests located at the Jianfengling National Reserve in Hainan Island, China. The litter removal treatment was used to assess the contribution of litter to belowground CO 2 production.
THE GENUS ZALERION MOORE & MEYERS

The genus Zalerion is reconstituted to include Z. maritima (Linder) comb. nov. and a new species from salt lakes, Z. varia. Z. nepura Moore & Meyers, Z. eistla Moore & Meyers, Z. xylestrix Moore & .
Cell Type-Specific Differences in Chloride-Regulatory Mechanisms and GABAA Receptor-Mediated Inhibition in Rat Substantia Nigra

The regulation of intracellular chloride has important roles in neuronal function, especially by setting the magnitude and direction of the Cl- flux gated by GABAA receptors. Previous studies have shown that GABAA-mediated inhibition is less effective in dopaminergic than in GABAergic neurons in substantia nigra. We studied whether this phenomenon may be related to a difference in Cl-regulatory mechanisms. Light-microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed that the potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) was localized only in the dendrites of nondopaminergic (primarily GABAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra, whereas the voltage-sensitive chloride channel 2 (ClC-2) was observed only in the dopaminergic neurons of the pars compacta. Electron-microscopic immunogold labeling confirmed that KCC2 is localized in the dendritic plasma membrane of GABAergic neurons close to inhibitory synapses. Confocal microscopy showed that ClC-2 was selectively expressed in the somatic and dendritic cell membranes of the dopaminergic neurons. Gramicidin-perforated-patch recordings revealed that the GABAA IPSP reversal potential was significantly less negative and had a much smaller hyperpolarizing driving force in dopaminergic than in GABAergic neurons. The GABAA reversal potential was significantly less negative in bicarbonate-free buffer in dopaminergic but not in GABAergic neurons. The present study suggests that KCC2 is responsible for maintaining the low intracellular Cl- concentration in nigral GABAergic neurons, whereas a sodium-dependent anion (Cl--HCO3-) exchanger and ClC-2 are likely to serve this role in dopaminergic neurons. The relatively low efficacy of GABAA-mediated inhibition in nigral dopaminergic neurons compared with nigral GABAergic neurons may be related to their lack of KCC2.
A Multiscale Variation Partitioning Procedure for Assessing the Influence of Dispersal Limitation on Species Rarity and Distribution Aggregation in the 50-Ha Tree Plots of Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Spatial autocorrelation is one of the most important ecological processes discussed in current ecological literature. The present study represents an attempt to quantify the effect of dispersal limitation on community structure under a local environmental condition using a multiscale approach. Moreover, I assess the relationships between explained variation accounted for by space, rarity, and the distributional aggregation of species in the community. My results showed that spatial autocorrelation would have increasing influences on community composition when the spatial resolutions were increased for the 50-ha tree plots of Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama Canal. Also, when spatial resolutions were increasing, the rarity of species tended to decrease as measured as an intrinsic characteristic of the species regarding its distribution (monotonically), while the aggregation of species tended to increase (not monotonically). Overall, it might be of some values to perform such multiscale analyses for analyzing the relative contribution of space and environment on shaping community structure and species distribution dynamically.
Taming the wild life of genes by law? Genes reconfiguring solidarity in private insurance

This article introduces thinking from science and technology studies (STS) and in particular the work of Callon to study the topic of genetic testing and private insurance markets. To explore the fruitfulness of this STS approach, I will reconstruct the conventional framing of genetics and insurance as a way of understanding the underlying mechanisms that have led to the solutions of enacting Genetic Non-Discrimination Acts (GNDAs) in private insurance markets. I argue how this conventional framing has been underpinned by a shared paradigm of genetic exceptionalism and I indicate the role of genes as operators of solidarity in aligning a hybrid coalition of concerned groups and people, captured by the trope of genetic discrimination. Using this STS approach, I will point to the unanticipated effects of GNDAs in insurance markets, in the sense that new issues may arise – for example new struggles for solidarity – issues that cannot be identified by the conventional framing of genetics and insurance. This may pave the way for new configurations of solidarity in insurance in the molecular age. I suggest how genes, instead of simply being an object of discrimination, can be important operators of solidarity. Sensibility to the co-shaping of genes and the social, and the new identities, groups and biosocial relations involved in the manufacture of biosciences, law and insurance classifications is essential for better understanding of the politics of insurance markets, for the role of genes in reconfiguring solidarity in insurance markets and for informed governance. This article should be seen as programmatic, fleshing out important contemporary issues in the relationship between genetic technologies, insurance markets and politics that really need much more detailed analyses and discussion.
Cranial Dimensions as Estimators of Body Mass and Locomotor Habits in Extant and Fossil Rodents

ABSTRACT Estimating body mass and locomotor habits of fossil rodents is challenging for taxa without available postcranial material. Although equations exist to estimate body mass from dental dimensions based on extant rodents, the applicability of such equations is doubtful given that modern rodents have evolved highly specialized teeth, whereas fossil taxa often exhibit a much less derived condition. For the present study, 11 cranial variables from a sample of 203 extant rodents of known body mass representing a range of taxonomic groups were assessed using reduced major axis (RMA) regression. The results show a strong correlation between body mass and each of the 11 cranial variables. The best estimators for body mass are skull length and cheek-tooth area, whereas the least reliable measures are palate length, and foramen magnum, as well as braincase and occipital condyle dimensions. We estimated body mass for specimens of five fossil Ischyromyidae rodents for which body mass had never been estimated (Paramys copei, P. delicatus, Reithroparamys delicatissimus, Rapamys atramontis, and Ischyromys typus). Principal components and canonical variates analyses based on 10 cranial dimensions for 103 members of Sciuromorpha demonstrate that a relationship exists between locomotor habits and cranial variables in this suborder. In these analyses, early ischyromyids are all placed in the terrestrial group with Aplodontia, Marmota, Cynomys, and Spermophilus. This contradicts previous hypotheses regarding early rodent locomotion, which suggested that they were arboreal or more generalized in their habits.
Knoelle, a new monotypic wolf spider genus from Australia (Araneae: Lycosidae)

A new monotypic wolf spider genus, Knoelle, is described to accommodate the Australian member of the Lycosinae Knoelle clara (L. Koch, 1877) comb. nov. as type species. Knoelle gen. nov. differs from all other wolf spiders in the peculiar structure of the male pedipalp. The tip of the cymbium carries a unique, large patch of macrosetae and the tegular apophysis has a unique lamellar structure between two hook-shaped processes. The median septum of the female epigyne widens distinctly anteriorly. Knoelle clara comb. nov. is common in the northern parts of Australia (New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia) north of ca. 30°S latitude. The species appears to prefer sandy, open to partly shaded habitats near freshwater, such as creeks, springs and lakes, but can also be found in sand dunes near beaches. Adults show a peak of activity in October (males) and November (females) and records of mature spiders are rare between May and August.
The distribution of below‐ground traits is explained by intrinsic species differences and intraspecific plasticity in response to root neighbours

Large variation in tree root architecture and morphology has been reported for temperate forest communities. However, it is not clear whether this variation represents adaptation of species to specific soil properties, alternative resource acquisition strategies among co‐occurring species, or canalized traits without a strong impact on the success of individuals in different environments. Here, our goal was to test these alternative hypotheses and quantify how community‐aggregated and intraspecific root trait variations are explained by biotic versus abiotic mechanisms in a temperate deciduous forest. We conducted our study in an Acer‐Fagus‐dominated forest in north‐east Ohio, USA. Using molecular barcoding techniques, we identified 738 root systems belonging to 14 tree species. We measured seven functional root traits related to root architecture and morphology at the species and community‐aggregated levels. Although we found significant relationships between soil resource gradients and root trait distributions, intrinsic differences between coexisting species were more important than soil factors in explaining the distribution of root traits in the community. Additionally, root trait variation at the species level was also influenced by the presence of other species within cores. Community‐aggregated variation was more influenced by the combination of species present than soil properties in each sample, suggesting that biotic interactions play an important role in controlling community root trait distribution. Synthesis. We propose that root trait differentiation between coexisting species is the result of inherent differences between species and plasticity‐mediated responses to neighbours. Hence, the large variation in root traits reported in temperate forest seems to reflect alternative evolutionary pathways that allow individuals to exploit distinct niches in relatively close proximity.
Structural characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao

Water-soluble polysaccharides were extracted from the Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao using an ultrasonically assisted extraction method and fractionated by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow ion-exchange chromatography. The relevant fractions (HJP1 and HJP3) were subjected to structural analysis by using characterization techniques such as acid hydrolysis, partial acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation-Smith degradation, methylation, FT-IR spectral and NMR spectral analysis. Both HJP1 and HJP3 were determined to be acidic polysaccharides with a molecular weight of 6.762 × 104 Da and 2.936 × 104 Da, respectively, comprising of mannose, rhamnose, galactose, galacturonic acid, glucose and arabinose. The demonstrated data (monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis and 13C NMR spectrum) points to the presence of type I rhamnogalacturonan (containing arabinogalactan/arabinan side chains) domains and typical pectic polysaccharides, with homogalacturonan (methyl and acetyl esterified). The results from in vitro antitumor studies indicate that both HJP1 and HJP3 could inhibit the growth of human HepG2 cells and HJP3 had stronger cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells than HJP1, suggesting that these polysaccharides could potentially be used in liver cancer prevention and treatment.
Above‐ and belowground emergent macrophyte production and turnover in a coastal marsh ecosystem, Georgia1

Seasonal patterns of aboveground plant mass and the depth distribution of live roots, rhizomes, and dead belowground organic matter were measured for Spartina alterniflora and Spartina cynosuroides in Georgia tidal marshes. Peak live aboveground biomass was 1.6 x higher for S. cynosuroides than for S. alterniflora. Live biomass was 2.4 x more belowground thanaboveground for S. cynosuroides and 1.7 x for S. alterniflora. Rhizomes made up 76 and 87% of live belowground biomass during the year. Mirrored patterns of biomass accumulation and loss in above- and belowground tissues during the year suggest the importance of seasonal storage and redistribution of organic matter. Belowground production was measured with a technique that partially accounts for midseason decomposition. Total plant production was estimated to be 7,620 g dry mass~m+. yr-’ for S. alterniJlora and 7,708 for S. cynosuroides. Belowground production was roughly 1.6 x aboveground production. Turnover rates for belowground live material were 1.42. yr’ for S. cynosuroides and 3.22. yr-’ for S. alterniflora. The fate of root and rhizome material, including the extent to which such material enters the estuarine or nearshore food webs, is not clear.
The effects of agricultural intensification on Skylarks (Alauda arvensis): Evidence from monitoring studies in Great Britain

Declines in a number of farmland bird species in northern Europe have been linked to agricultural intensification. In this paper, we review the evidence for the effects of agricultural intensification on farmland bird populations using monitoring studies on a single well-studied species, the Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis). Between 1970 and 1998, the Skylark population declined by 44% and this decline was greatest on farmland compared to upland or coastal habitats, yet during that time, reproductive performance per individual nesting attempt improved significantly. Skylarks consistently prefer relatively sparse (spring cereals) or structurally complex (fallow "set-aside") crops, particularly late in the breeding season when crops that are too tall or dense are abandoned. Outside the breeding season, cereal stubble is the most preferred foraging habitat. Intensification has been characterized by decreases in preferred crops (spring cereals and cereal stubble) and an increase in unfavourable habitats (winter cereals, oilseed rape, and intensively managed or grazed grass). Reduction in the number of breeding attempts due to rapid sward development of winter cereals and the lack of suitable alternative habitats is likely to have been an important factor in the Skylark decline. The decline may also have been driven by decreases in survival outside the breeding season. Management regimes that include spring cereals, cereal stubble, and low-intensity grazing are likely to increase Skylark abundance and will benefit a number of other farmland birds. This review highlights the great value of large-scale monitoring schemes in understanding population declines. However, the factors affecting the post-fledging survival of Skylarks and the effects of crop diversity on Skylark abundance remain to be resolved.
DETERMINATION OF THE CRITICAL PERIOD OF WEED CONTROL IN FALL-GROWN SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS)

To determine the critical period of weed control in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), two field studies were conducted in 2002 at the Bajgah and Kooshkak Experimental Stations, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University. Each experiment consisted of two series of treatments. In the first series, weeds were kept in place until crop emergence, leaf formation, stem elongation, lateral stem emergence, head emergence, flowering and ripening, and were then removed and the crop kept weed-free for the rest of the season. In the second series, crops were kept weed-free until the above growth stages after which weeds were allowed to grow in the plots for the rest of the season. The beginning of the critical period was defined as the crop stage in which weed interference reduced crop yield by 10%. Similarly, the end of the critical period was defined as the crop stage in which the crop had to be weed free to prevent more than 10% yield loss. The Weibull and MMF models were used to determine the critical period. The critical period of weed control occurred between safflower early stem elongation and flowering stages (144-220 days after planting, DAP) at the Bajgah site and between early stem elongation and
Income Distribution and Poverty in Russia

The paper is a survey of literature and statistical sources on poverty and inequality in Russia in the 1990s and the 2000s. It serves as a background to OECD (2011), the OECD Labour Market and Social Policy Review of the Russian Federation that was released in 2011. We start with an overview of poverty and income inequality estimates available. Poverty and inequality trends are then complemented with poverty incidence analysis based on a nationally representative household survey. Long-term poverty patterns are examined using a panel dataset with survival analysis methods. Poverty prevention and reduction policies are discussed in the conclusion. Ce document fait le tour des sources statistiques et bibliographiques sur la pauvrete et les inegalites dans la Federation de Russie dans les annees 90 et 2000. Il a servi a l’elaboration de l’Etude publiee en 2011 par l’OCDE intitulee « OECD Reviews of Labour Market and Social Policy : Russian Federation ». Ce document debute par un examen des donnees disponibles sur la pauvrete et les inegalites de revenus. Les tendances en matiere de pauvrete et d’inegalite sont ensuites completees par des analyses qui s’appuient sur des enquetes nationales representatives des menages. Les motifs de la pauvrete a long terme sont etudies en utilisant un echantillon de donnees avec des methodes d’analyse de survie. Les politiques de prevention et de reduction de la pauvrete sont presentees en conclusion.