Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The abundance, distribution and structural characteristics of tree-holes in Nothofagus forest, New Zealand

Tree-holes provide an important microhabitat that is used for feeding, roosting and breeding by numerous species around the world.Yet despite their ecological importance for many of New Zealand's endangered species, few studies have investigated the abundance or distribution of tree-holes in native forests. We used complementary ground and climbed tree surveys to determine the abundance, distribution and characteristics of tree-holes in undisturbed Nothofagus forest in the Lewis Pass, New Zealand.We found that hole-bearing trees were surprisingly abundant compared with many other studies, including Australian Eucalyptus species and American beech. In fact, we estimated as many as 3906 tree-holes per hectare, of which 963 holes per hectare were potentially large enough to provide roost sites for hole-nesting bats in New Zealand, while only eight holes per hectare were potentially suitable for specialist hole-nesting birds. This was of great interest as primary cavity-excavating animals are absent from New Zealand forests, compared with North America and Australia. Moreover, tree-hole formation in New Zealand is likely to be dominated by abiotic processes, such as branch breakage from windstorms and snow damage. As has been found in many other studies, tree-holes were not uniformly distributed throughout the forest. Tree-holes were significantly more abundant on the least abundant tree species, Nothofagus fusca, than on either N. menziesii or N.solandri. In addition to tree species, tree size was also an important factor influencing the structural characteristics of tree-holes and their abundance in this forest. Moreover, these trends were not fully evident without climbed tree surveys. Our results revealed that ground-based surveys consistently underestimated the number of tree-holes present on Nothofagus trees, and illustrate the importance of using climbed inspections where possible in tree-hole surveys. We compare our results with other studies overseas and discuss how these are linked to the biotic and abiotic processes involved in tree-hole formation. We consider the potential implications of our findings for New Zealand's hole-dwelling fauna and how stand dynamics and past and future forest management practices will influence the structural characteristics of tree-holes and their abundance in remnant forest throughout New Zealand.
Regulation of Activin A Expression in Mast Cells and Asthma: Its Effect on the Proliferation of Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells1

Activin A, a homodimeric protein (βAβA) and a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is involved in the inflammatory repair process. Using cDNA microarray analysis, we discovered strong induction of the activin βA gene in human mast cells (MC) on stimulation with PMA and calcium ionophore (A23187). Activin βA mRNA was also highly induced in primary cultured murine bone marrow MC (BMMC) after stimulation by IgE receptor cross-linking. Secretion of activin A was evident in human mast cell-1 line cells 3 h after stimulation and progressively increased over time. Activin A was present in the cytoplasm of activated but not unstimulated murine bone marrow MC as demonstrated by immunofluorescence studies, suggesting that secretion of activin A by MC was due to de novo synthesis rather than secretion of preformed protein. Activin A also colocalized with human lung MC from patients with asthma by double-immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, secretion of activin A was significantly increased in the airway of wild-type mice after OVA sensitization followed by intranasal challenge. Secretion of activin A, however, was greatly reduced in MC-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice as compared with wild-type mice, indicating that MC are an important contributor of activin A in the airways of a murine asthma model. Additionally, activin A promoted the proliferation of human airway smooth muscle cells. Taken together, these data suggest that MC-derived activin A may play an important role in the process of airway remodeling by promoting the proliferation of airway smooth muscle.
Molecular identification of three distinct Polerovirus species and a recombinant Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus strain infecting cucurbit crops in Taiwan

To better understand the genetic diversity of cucurbit-infecting poleroviruses in Taiwan, a survey was conducted in 2008 and 2009 as a prelude to screening germplasm for resistance. Out of 102 cucurbit samples showing yellowing symptoms collected across eight counties, 29 were identified as infected by polerovirus(es) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a set of universal polerovirus primers. Sequence analysis of a 1·4-kb PCR product spanning part of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene, the intergenic region (IR) and the complete coat protein (CP) gene of 13 of the 29 samples revealed the presence of three distinct Polerovirus species, namely Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), Melon aphid-borne yellows virus (MABYV) and Suakwa aphid-borne yellows virus (SABYV). In addition to the common strain of CABYV (CABYV-C) a recombinant strain of CABYV (CABYV-R) was identified. The recombinant strain probably arose by recombination in the IR, a recombination hot-spot of poleroviruses, between ancestors of MABYV and CABYV-C. RT-PCR protocols based on sets of specific primers were developed to distinguish between the different cucurbit-infecting polerovirus species and the two CABYV strains. These findings are discussed in relation to strategies for breeding for durable resistance against poleroviruses.
Migration of Cardiac Neural Crest Cells

It has been shown that the cardiac neural crest from the level of the midotic placode to the rostral limit of somite 4 contributes to the septation of the outflow tract of the heart in chick embryos. ' The cardiac neural crest can be divided into three regions: arch 3 (adjacent to the midotic placode to the rostral limit of somite l), arch 4 (adjacent to somites 1 and 2), and arch 6 (adjacent to somite 3). The crest cells derived from the arch 4 region contribute four times as many cells to the outflow septation as the arch 3 or 6 regi0ns.2'~ The precise migration route of the neural crest is not clear, however. This study investigated the migration of the cardiac neural crest in quail-chick chimeras from stages 18 to 25. Fertilized Arbor Acre chicken eggs (Seaboard Hatchery, Athens, GA) and Japanese quail eggs (HDG, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA) at stages 8 to 114 were used to construct quail-chick chimeras. The embryos were prepared for microsurgery as has been described previously? Eighty-nine chimeras were made by transplanting premigratory neural crest from these three regions bilaterally or unilaterally. In bilateral arch 3 or 4, chimeras at stage 24, the quail neural crest cells mainly surrounded the third (FIGURES 1, 2) or fourth pharyngeal arch arteries bilaterally. In bilateral arch 6 chimeras, the quail cells were located around the sixth pharyngeal arch arteries and the pulmonary arteries. After unilateral transplants, quail cells were located mainly in the ipsilateral side of the pharyngeal arch. The data further illustrates the precise time of migration of cardiac neural crest cells through the pharyngeal apparatus.
Histopathological Changes in Tissues of Danio rerio Exposed to Sub Lethal Concentration of Combination Pesticide

The objective of this study is to investigate in detail the histopathological changes in gill, liver, brain, spinal cord, ovary and kidney of zebra fish exposed to combination pesticide. Twenty one days semi static exposure to sublethal concentration of 8.4 and 4.2 μg/L of Chloropyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC was conducted and it was followed with a reversal period of 7 days without pesticide in the exposure water. Three fish were collected from control and treatment group periodically. Whole body fixation of zebra fish as per OECD guidance document 123 was adopted for obtaining the histopathology sections. Structural damages of gill observed were of inflammatory cell infiltration, minimal congestion in primary lamellae, fusion of secondary lamellae, diffused epithelial hyperplasia and multifoci mucus cell hyperplasia. In liver, moderate, diffused to severe cytoplasmic vacuolation, diffused minimal to mild sinusoidal congestion, steatosis, pyknotic, karyorrhectic nuclei with complete dissolution of necrotic hepatocytes was observed. Minimal focal tubular degeneration was observed in kidney. Minimal to mild multifocal follicular atresia was observed in the ovary. In spinal cord neuronal cell degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolation and enlargement of neuronal body was observed. In brain, mild to moderate demyelination in the neurophil and mild necrotic changes observed in the cerebrum. Some of the lesions were less pronounced after recuperation period. Pesticide in exposure water was analyzed using Agilent QQQ GC-MS/MS equipped with Election Impact Ionization mode. Limit of detection and quantification was 1 μg/L with a Correlation Co-efficient (CC) of 0.999. The recovery of active content of Chlorpyrifos for 4.2 and 8.4 μg/L at 0 hour was 88.1%, 90.3% and at 48 hour was 83.48%, 85.70%, respectively. Similarly, Cypermethrin active content recovered at 0 hour for 4.2 and 8.4 μg/L was 78.74%, 86.24% and at 48 hour was 57.85%, 62.09%, respectively. Further, this is the first study to report pathological findings in Zebrafish exposed to a combination pesticide formulation. The histopathological finding of this investigation reveals the potential toxic hazard from exposure to sub lethal level of the combination pesticide. Few literatures have reported on the mixture toxicity of pesticides and this research work throws light on histopathological lesions of Zebrafish. Further, this is the first study to report spinal lesions in fish due to pesticide exposure. Pesticides usage in pest management or in agriculture practice should be applied safely to prevent pollution and contamination.
Intersexual ontogenetic conflict

Evolutionary conflict has been investigated at many levels of organization, from interactions between loci within a genome to the coevolution of species. Here we review evidence for intersexual ontogenetic conflict, a type of conflict that has received relatively little attention both theoretically and empirically. It is manifest during development when expression of the same allele, on average, moves one sex towards, and the other sex away from, its phenotypic optimum. We first introduce this type of conflict with an illustrative example and assess conditions for maintaining polymorphism for alleles underlying the conflict. We then summarize evidence from our own experiments with Drosophila melanogaster that show substantial genome‐wide sexually antagonistic fitness variation. Finally we discuss evidence from other organisms and some of the ramifications of widespread polymorphism for sexually antagonistic fitness variation.
Deformation Curve Characteristics of Rapeseeds and Sunflower Seeds Under Compression Loading

Abstract The deformation curve characteristics of rapeseeds and sunflower seeds compressed using the equipment ZDM 50-2313/56/18 and varying vessel diameters (40, 60, 80, and 100 mm) were investigated. Maximum compressive force of 100 kN was applied on bulk oilseeds of rape and sunflower of measured height 20-80 mm and deformed at a speed of 60 mm∙min-1. The compression test using the vessel diameters of 40 and 60 mm showed a serration effect while the vessel diameters of 80 and 100 mm indicated an increasing function effect on the force-deformation characteristic curves. Clearly, the increasing function effect described the region with oil flow and that of serration effect described the region without any oil flow. However, it was observed that the serration effect could be due to the higher compressive stress inside the smaller vessel diameters (40 and 60 mm) compared to those with bigger vessel diameters (80 and 100 mm). Parameters such as deformation, deformation energy, and energy density were determined from the force-deformation curves dependency showing both increasing function and serration effect. The findings of the study provide useful information for the determination of specific compressive force and energy requirements for extracting maximum oil from oilseed crops such as rape and sunflower.
Elevation-related variation in life history traits among Phrynocephalus lineages on the Tibetan Plateau: do they follow typical squamate ecogeographic patterns?

We examined body size, litter size and evidence for Bergmann's and Rensch's rules among eight closely related viviparous Phrynocephalus (Agamidae) lineages from the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau. Mean snout-vent length and (relative) abdomen length was greater in females than males, whereas absolute and relative mean head size, fore - and hindlimb length was larger in males. These patterns suggest that body size may reflect sexual evolutionary conservatism. The lizards are smaller at higher elevations or in colder climates, representing the converse of Bergmann's rule. Absolute differences in female body size among taxa are not equal to the male differences among taxa. This results in a slope less than one when male size is regressed on female size, which allows rejection of Rensch's rule for this group. The female body size elevation-related cline was steeper than the corresponding male cline. Litter sizes were both smaller and less variable at higher elevations. These elevational clines remained after application of phylogenetic comparative methods, indicating that ecological processes play a more important role than phylogeny in shaping patterns of size and reproductive variation in these lizards. It is suggested that seasonal activity and temperature are important environmental factors that contribute to the converse Bergmann's cline, while fecundity selection in females and sex-specific differential-plasticity likely explain why patterns do not conform to Rensch's rule.
Phytoplankton diversity and community structure affected by oceanic dispersal and mesoscale turbulence

We explore the role of oceanic dispersal in setting patterns of phytoplankton diversity, with emphasis on the role of mesoscale turbulence, using numerical simulations that resolve mesoscale eddies and a diverse set of phytoplankton types. The model suggests that dispersal of phytoplankton by oceanic transport processes increases phytoplankton diversity at the local scale of O(10–100) km (α-diversity), extends the range of many phytoplankton types, and decreases the ability of rare types to persist in isolated areas. As a consequence, phytoplanktonic assemblages are modified and diversity decreases at the regional scale of O(1000) km (γ-diversity). By progressively accounting for different classes of motion, we show that the increase of α-diversity ensues from vertical mixing of the organisms, dispersal by mean lateral currents, and in slightly larger proportion, dispersal due to eddies. With the progressive inclusion of mechanisms of dispersal, the community becomes dominated by a smaller number of types but with larger degree of coexistence, in larger home range areas. From a resource competition perspective, physical transport can reduce the effective concentration R* of a limiting resource R, thus allowing more types to become equally fit. In addition, mixing of nearby populations allows coexistence of types with unequal fitness. The simulations suggest that mesoscale turbulence plays a particular role, concomitantly providing a means for different phytoplankton types to achieve comparable fitness and extending the exclusion time scale for less competitive types.
Effect of Feeding Maize Stover Based Complete Rations on Growth and Carcass Characteristics in Nellore × Deccani Ram Lambs

An investigation was carried out for 120 days to study the effect of feeding maize (Zea mays) stover based complete rations (mash form) by including maize stover 70% (MS70) 60% (MS60) and 50% (MS70) level, to find out the suitable ratio of maize stover and concentrate for optimum growth and carcass characteristics in growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs. A significant (P 0.05) rations, respectively. The FCR was higher (P 0.05) trend in bone meat ratio in carcasses was observed as the level of concentrate increased in the ration of experimental ram lambs. The chemical composition of meat were not affected and there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in fat (%) as the level of concentrate increased in complete rations. Based on the results, it is inferred that maize stover, a potential cereal crop residue hitherto unused can be incorporated as roughage component in complete rations at 50–60% for obtaining optimum growth with better feed efficiency in growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs. Level of inclusion of maize stover had no effect on dressing percentage either on live weight or empty body weight basis.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Abilities of Free Living Amoeba Isolated From Domestic Tap Water Samples in İstanbul

Free living amoeba (FLA) have been isolated from water and soil samples throughout the world. Among the many genera of FLA , members of only four genera are responsible for human disease: Acanthamoeba spp. , Balamuthia mandrillaris , Naegleria fowleri and Sappinia diploidea . Naegleria spp. and Acanthamoeba spp. can be cultivated on nonnutrient agar (NNA) in the presence of living or dead bacteria. Balamuthia , however, will not grow with bacteria as a food source but they can feed upon smaller soil amoeba. In the current study we try to find out the morphological appearance (Trichrome staining) and growth characteristics of free living amoeba in different liquid culture media previously isolated from domestic tap water samples (10 isolates) and a strain of Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii) isolated from a keratitis case. Although A.castellanii strain grew on proteose peptone-yeast extract-glucose and proteose peptone-yeast (with or without antibiotics), our isolates from domestic tap water samples did not grow on any tested liquid culture media. It is suggested that investigating both the morphological characteristics and the growth characteristics on liquid culture media are necessary for the identification of free living amoeba.
Virtual water flows related to grain crop trade and their influencing factors in Hetao irrigation district, China.

Virtual water adds a new dimension to crop trades and provides a new way of thinking about water scarcity. A systematic analysis of virtual water flows requires integration of all critical drivers of virtual water flows under a single consistent framework. The aim of this study was to assess virtual water flows related to trades of grain crops (wheat, corn, rice, and coarse cereals) and their influencing factors in Hetao irrigation district, China during 1981-2010. Results indicated that: (1) volume of virtual water export decreased from 2.08×10 9 m 3 in 1981 to 1.27×10 9 m 3 in 2010. Volume of virtual water import fluctuated around 621.48×10 6 m 3 during study period; (2) Cultivated area per capita and total population were the major influencing factors for virtual water export in Hetao irrigation district. Volume of virtual water import was mainly influenced by consumption and retail price index of grain crops. Combination of large volume of virtual water export and severely constrained water resources confronted Hetao irrigation district with great challenges in its sustainable development. Decreasing virtual water export is a mean to alleviate regional water shortage pressure, and may be achieved by measures that constrain continued population expansion.
Insect pathogenic fungi in biological control: status and future challenges

In Europe, insect pathogenic fungi have in decades played a significant role in biological control of insects. With respect to the different strategies of biological control and with respects to the different genera of insect pathogenic fungi, the success and potential vary, however. Classical biological control: no strong indication of potential. Inundation and inoculation biological control: success stories with the genera Metarhizium, Beauveria, Isaria/Paecilomyces and Lecanicillium (previously Verticillium). However, the genotypes employed seem to include a narrow spectrum of the many potentially useful genotypes. Conservation biological control: Pandora and Entomophthora have a strong potential, but also Beauveria has a potential to be explored further. The main bottleneck for further exploitation of insect pathogenic fungi in biological control is the limited knowledge of host pathogen interaction at the fungal genotype level.
Dynamic changes in gene expression of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in response to nitrogen starvation

In this thesis we exploit the fast moving field of microarray analysis, from its early rise till a first valuable product. A newly developed microarray platform for Synechocystis permits whole-genome transcriptomics of cyanobacteria exposed to environmental stress. This brings new insights into the molecular and physiological adaptations of cyanobacteria to nitrogen limitation and nitrogen starvation. In a broader context, this work may contribute to an improved understanding of the response of aquatic microorganisms to changing environmental conditions, thus providing a deeper appreciation of the complexities of microbial life in aquatic ecosystems.
Mechanism of Spermidine Cytotoxicity at 37°C and 43°C in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Spermidine (SPD) cytotoxicity is mediated largely through SPD oxidation by serum amine oxidases at both 37 degrees C and 43 degrees C. Alkaline sucrose gradient data suggest random induction of DNA strand breaks. A dose response with time at 37 degrees C or 43 degrees C (constant SPD) or with SPD concentration (constant time at 43 degrees C) was observed in terms of both DNA strand breaks and cell survival. The generation of peroxide was demonstrated in the absence of cells by the addition of SPD to medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Toxicity of SPD was reduced in saline, with catalase-thiourea and aminoguanidine, and enhanced by prior depletion of glutathione. Thermotolerance induced 16 h previously did not protect against SPD toxicity, suggesting that the reactive species from spermidine oxidation and heat damage do not produce related subcellular lesions.
Fatty acids and TBA-RS in frozen stored breast meat of chickens fed diets with rapeseed oil supplemented with fish oil and vitamin E.

640 Cobb chickens 22 days old were assigned to 16 groups and fed four types of diet contained rapeseed oil (50, 47, 45 or 42 g · kg ) and stabilized fish oil (0, 3, 5 or 8 g · kg ), respectively and supplemented with α-tocopheryl acetate (0, 40, 150 or 300 mg · kg ). At 43 day of age chickens were killed and breast meat was prepared, packed and frozen (-20 C). Samples were stored during 6 month and then analyzed for fatty acids composition and for TBA-RS and vitamin E content. Fish oil (FO) incorporated at level of 5-8 g · kg –1 to the diet with rapeseed oil significantly (P<0.01) elevated from 75 g to 85 g · kg –1 the content of stearic acid (C 18) and from 4,9 g to 7 g · kg –1 of eicosapentaenoic acid (C 20:5, n-3 ) and advantageously lowered from 5.5 to 5.1 the PUFA n-6 : n-3 ratio in stored breast meat lipids. FO at dietary level of 8 g · kg –1 decreased from 413 to 394 g · kg –1 PUFA and from 344 to 322 g · kg –1 PUFA n-6 content, increased from 235 g to 250 g· kg –1 SFA and lowered from 1.8 to 1.6 the PUFA : SFA ratio in lipids (P<0.05). Vitamin E supplementation (150-300 mg α-tocopheryl acetate· kg ) of diet enlarged from 2.4 to 12.35 mg· kg –1 (P<0.001) the content of α-tocopherol and lowered TBA-RS content in meat from 0.514 to 0.382 · kg .