Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the occurrence of Chordodes cf. furnessi (Nematomorpha) from praying mantis in India, and a note on Indian nematomorph species

Two worms collected from a praying mantis, Hierodula sp. , in India were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy for species determination. Three types of cuticular structures (areoles) were distinguishable on the cuticle with characteristic distribution patterns. The observed characteristics of the specimens studied are very close to those of Chordodes furnessi, which was reported from Borneo in 1898. Nevertheless, a difference is observed In one type of areole along both sides of the ventral midline. There is no mention of this type of areole in the specimens described from Borneo. We presume this character might have escaped the attention of the earlier reporter. This is the first report of Chordodes cf. furnessi from the Indian sub-continent and the first SEM investigation of a nematomorph species from India.
Sub-specific differentiation and distribution of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in Europe

The use of biometrics for sub-specific differentiation of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in Europe was investigated using skins of known sub-species and showed that gular pouch angle is a useful character for assigning individuals to sub-species. Where further measurements of bill depth and bill length can be taken, sex-specific discriminant functions allow the majority of individuals to be correctly identified to sub-species. The identity of 261 Great Cormorants of unknown sub-species shot (under MAFF licence) on inland water bodies in England during the winters of 1997-98 and 1998-99 were investigated; 66% were P.c. carbo and 34% P.c. sinensis. This suggests that P.c. carbo is currently the predominant sub-species inland in England during the winter. The findings of this paper now allow for long-term and cost-effective monitoring of sub-species occurrence and population development in the UK, as well as in other European countries where the two sub-species may occur.
Muskmelon Production under Mulch and Trickle Irrigation in the Jordan Valley

The effects of different plastic mulching using drip irrigation on yields, soil temperature, crop water requirements, and root density and distribution were determined for muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) at the Jordan Valley Research Station, Jordan. There were no significant differences among transparent, black, and nonmulched treatments with respect to irrigation amounts, soil moisture depletion, total water supplied, deep percolation losses, and vapotranspiration. Root weights, density, and distribution, horizontally and vertically, were not significantly different among treatments. Transparent mulch treatment yields averaged 14.2 t·ha-1 and were significantly lower (5% level) than average yields (28.7 t·ha-1) of the black mulch treatments. Nonmulched treatment yields averaged 6.0 t·ha-1 and were significantly different from the average transparent mulch (5% level) and from black mulch (1% level). This difference in yield may be attributed to the fact that black mulch treatments received more irrigations than transparent mulch and bare ones. Calculations of expected potential evapotranspiration for muskmelon during the season showed that the plants did not receive their water requirements.
A new genus and species of oonopid spider (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Ukraine

Th e new genus and species Spinestis nikita, gen. n. and sp. n. from the Crimea, Ukraine is described from both sexes. Th e new genus resembles Tapinesthis and Megaoonops. The type species of these genera are illustrated. Th e conformation of the male palp and endogyna in Oonopidae are briefl y discussed. Th e relationships of Spinestis, gen. n. , Megaoonops, Oonopinus, Oonops and Tapinesthis are discussed.
Mental accounting and framing of sale promotions.

The authors explore why the relative attractiveness of mixed promotions, with the same total cost, may vary depending on their frames (e.g., “buytwo, get 25% off” versus “get the second one 50% off”). Different frames influence consumers’ mental accounting processes, as well as the determination of the referent and subject of their price comparison. Therefore, a focused discount promotion (e.g., last item for x% off) should be more attractive than an all discount promotion (i.e., buy N, get y% off). Participants perceive more savings when they consider a focused discount framing because they assign the discounts differently to each item in the mixed promotion; however, priming participants to focus on the first (rather than the final) item reduces this effect. This more comprehensive view of the framing effects of mixed promotions suggests some ways companies might frame their promotions to increase their relative attractiveness.
Temporal Patterns of Gene Expression in the MNTB During Calyx of Held Development

Temporal Patterns of Gene Expression in the MNTB During Calyx of Held Development Douglas Richard Kolson Brain development is inextricably linked to changes in gene expression. Providing insight into the mechanisms controlling these complex events is a current challenge in neuroscience. Neurons in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) receive large specialized glutamatergic nerve terminals, the calyces of Held, which grow very quickly between postnatal day 2 (P2) and P4. Through both quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and microarray analysis, we examined the gene expression over time for a select group of voltage-gated potassium channels controlling ion channel function and composition to finely tune their biophysical properties. Low threshold activated potassium channels subunits Kv1.1 (Kcna1) and Kv1.2 (Kcna2) both increase between P0 and P6. However, between P6 and P14, Kcna1 continues to increase while Kcna2 stays more constant. Delayed rectifier potassium channels (Kv3 family), Kv3.1 (Kcnc1) levels increase slowly between P0 and P14 while Kv3.3 (Kcnc3) levels are stable between P0 and P6 followed by a sharp increase between P6 and P14. Hcn2, a member of the hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated channel family controlling hyperpolarization-activated current (IH), also showed stable expression between P0 and P6 followed by an increase between P6 and P14. These data suggest that potassium channel composition changes dynamically during early postnatal development of the MNTB. We next characterized the genome-wide changes in the MNTB/calyx of Held developmental system utilizing microarrays and dense temporal sampling at ages surrounding growth of the calyceal inputs between P0 and P6. We identified a list of 541 significantly changing genes and clustered them into eight groups based upon their temporal expression profiles. Candidates originating from each of the profile groups were validated by qPCR and showed excellent correlation between both techniques. Many of the changing transcripts are associated with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in addition to the neuronal contribution. Gene ontology revealed enrichment of genes involved in axon pathfinding and cell adhesion. These results provide a genetic framework for future investigation of mechanisms associated with nerve terminal growth and maturation.
In Vitro Screening of Cactus [ Opuntia ficus-indicia (L.) Mill] Genotypes for Drought Tolerance

Drought is one of the complex environmental factors affecting growth and yield of crops in arid and semi-arid areas of the world. In this context, this investigation was carried out to select drought tolerance cactus genotypes under in vitro condition. An experiment was carried out at Laboratory of Mekelle Agricultural Research Center, Northern Ethiopia. Six cactus pear genotypes namely, Gerao, Keyih Beles, Shenkor, Limo, Lemats Beles and Suluhna were used. Areoles were used as explants in tissue culture. The non-ionic water soluble polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) of molecular weight 6000 was used as osmoticum to simulate water stress. In the first culture, the MS medium was supplemented with (2, 4-D (4 mg/l) and BA (0.5 mg/l) for callus induction. In all cultures MS medium was supplemented with 0, 10, 20 and 40 g/l polyethylene glycol (PEG) and was solidified with 0.8% agar and 30 g of sucrose. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes, PEG levels. In the first culture highest number of explants initiated callus on medium supplemented with no PEG but had not shown significant difference with 10 g/l PEG. At 10 g/l PEG, the callus induction frequency, callus fresh weight and plantlet regeneration were recorded highest for Suluhna (83.3%, 5.5 g and 63.3%), respectively. At 40 g/l PEG, callus induction frequency, callus fresh weight and plantlet regeneration were produced highest for Suluhna (41.7%, 2.75 g and 45%), respectively but no significant difference with Gerao, Limo and Lemats Beles. However, Shenkor and Keyih Beles were induced callus but became reddish black within 35 days supplemented with 40 g/l PEG. Both shoot and root production decreased with increased PEG level in the medium. At 40 g/l PEG in MS medium, the highest shoot number was in Suluhna genotype (4.33) followed by Gerao (3.67). The highest shoot length was in Suluhna (2.11 cm) with no significant difference with Gerao (2.02 cm). Root number (5.00 and root length (1.41 cm) were in the genotype Suluhna. Survival percentage of in vitro regenerated plantlets was 100% during hardening. By taking into consideration, all the growth parameter tested revealed that Suluhna, Gerao, Limo and Lemats Beles showed better drought stress tolerance at the highest level of PEG while Keyih Beles and Shenkor appeared to be drought sensitive at the highest level of PEG.
Evaluation of the gastrointestinal microbiota in response to dietary and therapeutic factors in cats and dogs using molecular methods

Evaluation of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Response to Dietary and Therapeutic Factors in Cats and Dogs Using Molecular Methods. (December 2011) Jose Francisco Garcia-Mazcorro, M.V. Z, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski The gastrointestinal (GI) tract of cats and dogs is inhabited by many different types of microorganisms, known as the GI microbiota. Mounting evidence suggests that the administration of certain dietary and/or therapeutic agents can alter the composition and activity of the GI microbiota, thus influencing gastrointestinal health and disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastrointestinal microbiota in response to dietary and therapeutic interventions in cats and dogs. A multi-species synbiotic formulation, containing a total of 5x10 colony forming units of a mixture of seven probiotic bacterial strains and a blend of prebiotics, was administered daily for 21 days to healthy cats and dogs. Fecal samples were collected before, during, and up to three weeks after discontinuation of the administration of the synbiotic. The fecal microbiota was analyzed using 454-pyrosequencing, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, quantitative realtime PCR, and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. The results showed that the synbiotic led to increased concentrations of probiotic bacteria in the feces but did not alter the predominant bacterial phyla. Additionally, we investigated the effect of age, body weight, and baseline abundance of probiotic related bacterial genera, as potential
The influence of physical and biological processes on the ichthyoplankton communities in the Gulf of Sirte (Southern Mediterranean Sea)

This paper reports on the first study on the ichthyoplankton community structure in the Gulf of Sirte and its spatial distribution in relation to environmental conditions and zooplankton abundance. The results make an important contribution to the future management of fisheries in this unexplored, but much exploited, area. Biological samples were collected in July 2008 using a Bongo40 net. In total, 1914 larvae were found and 1652 of these were identified. In particular, bathypelagic taxa were the most abundant, followed by demersal, mesopelagic, pelagic and epipelagic taxa. The ichthyoplankton community had a patchwork distribution influenced by oligotrophic conditions, the bottom depth and oceanographical features. The results suggest that environmental forcings were able to transport the ichthyoplankton to productive areas. Indeed, maximum fish egg densities were found in coastal stations in correspondence with the Atlantic Tunisian Current inflow, whereas larvae were mainly concentrated in the east side of the Gulf, probably as a result of advection by the anticyclonic circulation. Additionally, the distribution patterns of the total larvae density and the different assemblages were well matched with the abundance of the zooplankton, probably determining final larval survival, growth and recruitment.
Variation Within Pure Lines of Wild Oats (Avena fatua) in Relation to Temperature of Development

Plants of dormant and nondormant wild oat (Avena fatua L. # AVEFA) lines were grown under temperatures of 15, 20, and 25 C. A number of physiological and morphological characters in the plants and seed of both lines were influenced by temperature. Duration of dormancy in the progeny seed increased in both lines that had experienced low temperatures (15 C) during development, and decreased in seed of both lines that had experienced high temperatures (25 C) during development. High, compared to low, temperatures of development decreased plant height, vegetative and seed development time, seed numbers per plant, seed dry weight, and seed water content.
Chemical composition and bioactivity of Boswellia serrata Roxb. essential oil in relation to geographical variation

Abstract Oleo–gum–resin of Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Burseraceae) was collected from Shivpuri forest situated in northwestern district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The commercial samples were purchased from Mandsaur and Neemuch districts (the major herbal markets of Madhya Pradesh) for comparative study of their essential oils. The average essential oil contents in the commercial Neemuch samples (11.1%) were much better as compared to the wild collection from Shivpuri (6.1%) as well as commercial collection from Mandsaur (6.9%). The commercial samples contained higher percentage of monoterpene hydrocarbons (81.9–88.1%) including α-thujene (61.4–69.8%) as the major compound. The wild habitat contained higher percentage of oxygenated monoterpenoids/benzenoids (15.7%) and sesquiterpenes (19.2%) including α-terpineol (7.8%), terpinyl isobutyrate (5.1%), and eudesmol (11.5%). Further, the antimicrobial activities of these collections showed remarkable variation among the essential oils. On the other hand, wild habitat contained improved percentage of semi-polar compounds (34.9%) which might be responsible for enhanced antibacterial activity. Similarly, the winter collection from Neemuch (BS-N2) showed significant antioxidant activity, whereas the wild habitat did not show any antioxidant activity. The higher percentage of monoterpene hydrocarbons in commercial samples, especially δ-3-carene, α-pinene, and α-thujene, might be responsible for enhanced antifungal and antioxidant activities. The Pearson correlation values justify the bioactivity relationship of the major compounds with different microbial strains. It also justified the interaction among the major individual compounds.
Hepatoprotective effect of kasni against aflatoxin B 1 induced hepatic damage in mice

The efficacy of alcoholic extract of Kasni (Cichorium intybus L.) to control hepatic damage induced by aflatoxin was explored in Swiss albino mice. Aflatoxin was administered orally to the mice with a daily dose of body weight till three months. A signifi-cant increased in thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels with concomitant reduction in enzymatic (glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and nonenzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants were shown in aflatoxin treated group of mice. However, there was a significant reduction in increased TBARS levels and elevation in enzymatic. and non enzymatic antioxidant levels in group of mice which received alcoholic extract of kasni (300 mg/kg bw / day) along with aflatoxin. Histopathological analysis of liver samples also confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of kasni extract. These results suggest that kasni shows hepatoprotective effect against aflatoxin induced hepatic damage in mice.
Deux nouveaux indices diatomiques et de qualité chimique des eaux courantes. Comparaison avec différents indices existants

Apres avoir compare differents indices d'estimation des qualites chimique et biologique des eaux courantes, quelques remarques sont formulees: la signification des valeurs est parfois tres differente suivant les methodes utilisees; il est necessaire de determiner toutes les especes; les indices biocenotiques utilisant des niveaux de determination superieurs (ordre, famille, ou genre) sont assez imprecis. En consequence, un nouvel indice chimique et une modification de l'indice saprobique base sur les diatomees ont ete mis au point. Appliques conjointement au bassin du Samson, choisi pour la diversite de ses eaux, ces nouveaux indices fournissent une estimation meilleure que les autres methodes. Grâce a leur reaction directe aux polluants organiques utilises comme nutriments par certaines especes, les diatomees donnent des indications plus precises et plus fiables que les peuplements de macroinvertebres qui sont en outre influences par les conditions de substrat ou de courant
Lifetime reproductive effort is equal between the sexes in seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus): dispelling the myth of the cheap male

In the evolution of sexual reproduction, the development of asymmetrical gametes (anisogamy) often leads to the characterisation that males invest less in reproduction than females. This view is founded on the fact that male investment in individual gametes (sperm) and in gonadal tissue is often less than that of females. While it may be true that within a single mating interaction the relative reproductive investment by males and females differs, over their respective lifetimes an evolutionary view predicts that total lifetime reproductive investment should be the same for both sexes. We tested this prediction by measuring total reproductive investment in reproducing adult male and female seed beetles. Since seed beetle adults are facultatively aphagous, not needing to feed or drink as adults, we could track the daily loss of biomass in the reproducing adults as a proxy for total lifetime investment in maintenance and reproduction. By the end of their lifetime there was not a significant difference in total reproductive effort between males and females. Both sexes invested 70 ± 1% SE of their initial body mass in maintenance and reproduction. Altering sex ratios, creating male-biased or female-biased treatments, significantly influenced total investment between the sexes, but not in the manner predicted. Ours is one of the few studies that have measured total adult lifetime reproductive investment in an organism, and our results support the theoretical expectation of equal total reproductive investment between the sexes.
Distribution of macrophytes in different water-bodies (habitats) influenced by the Gabčíkovo hydropower station (Slovakia): present status

The distribution of macrophytes in the Slovak reach of the Danube is presented in three types of water bodies with different environments and management regimes: i) The Old Danube River (1839-1811 km), ii) the anabranch system, iii) the seepage canal. The succession and content of aquatic plants changed depending on the hydrological regime. The succession of macrophytes started in the Old Danube. Zannichellia palustris is the first hydrophyte that overgrows the river bed, which is covered by a thin layer of fine sediment. Temporary denuded pools on flat littoral zone provided favourable conditions for succession. The semi-natural anabranch system supported high biodiversity, where 24 species in three backwaters were recorded. Also the new artificial habitat of the seepage canal is species-rich. Some of the rare and endangered species, such as Groenlandia densa, Hippuris vulgaris, Apium repens and Characeae found suitable habitats here. The distribution of the neophyte Elodea nuttallii increased rapidly in the Slovak part of the Danube flood plain.
DIV-1/PolA2 Promotes GLP-1/Notch-Mediated Cellular Events in Caenorhabditis elegans

Notch signaling is a highly conserved cell signaling system in most multicellular organisms and plays a critical role in animal development. In various tumor cells, Notch signaling is elevated and has been considered as an important target in cancer treatments. In C. elegans, GLP-1 (one of two C. elegans Notch receptors) activity is required for cell fate specification in germline and somatic tissues. In this study, we have identified div-1 gene as a positive regulator for GLP-1/Notch-mediated cellular events. C. elegans div-1 encodes the B subunit of the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex and is highly expressed in proliferative germ cells. Functional analyses demonstrated that i) DIV-1 is required for the robust proliferation typical of the germline, ii) loss of DIV-1 enhances and suppresses specific phenotypes that are associated with reduced and elevated GLP-1/Notch activity in germline and somatic tissues, and iii) DIV-1 works together with FBF/PUF proteins, downstream regulators of GLP-1/Notch signaling, to promote germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance and germline proliferation. To maintain GSCs and proliferative cell fate, GLP-1/Notch activity must remain above a threshold for proliferation/differentiation decision. Our results propose that DIV-1 may control the level of threshold for GLP-1/Notch-mediated germline proliferation. PolA2, a mammalian homolog of the C. elegans DIV-1, has been emerged as a therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Notably, Notch signaling is altered in approximately one third of NSCLCs. Therefore, the discovery of the DIV-1 effect on GLP-1/Notch-mediated cellular events has implications for our understanding of vertebrate PolA2 protein and its influence on stem cell maintenance and tumorigenesis.
Formation of Succinic Acid by Klebsiella pneumoniae MCM B-325 Under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

The present study describes the formation of succinic acid by a nonvirulent, highly osmotolerant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SAP (succinic acid producer), its profile of metabolites, and enzymes of the succinate production pathway. The strain produced succinate along with other metabolites such as lactate, acetate, and ethanol under aerobic as well as anaerobic growth conditions. The yield of succinate was higher in the presence of MgCO 3 under N 2 atmosphere as compared with that under CO 2 atmosphere. Analysis of intracellular metabolites showed the presence of a smaller PEP pool than that of pyruvate. Oxaloacetate, citrate, and α-ketoglutarate pools were considerably larger than those of isocitrate and fumarate. In order to understand the synthesis of succinate, the enzymes involved in end-product formation were studied. Levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fumarate reductase, pyruvate kinase, and acetate kinase were higher under anaerobic growth conditions. Based on the profiles of the metabolites and enzymes, it was concluded that the synthesis of succinate took place via oxaloacetate, malate, and fumarate in the strain under anaerobic growth conditions. The strain SAP showed potential for the bioconversion of fumarate to succinate under N 2 atmosphere in the presence of MgCO 3 . At an initial fumarate concentration of 10 g/l, 7.1 g/l fumarate was converted to 7 g/l succinate with a molar conversion efficiency of 97.3%. The conversion efficiency and succinate yield were increased in the presence of glucose. Cells grown on fumarate contained an 18-fold higher fumarate reductase activity as compared with the activity obtained when grown on glucose.