Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symmetric and Asymmetric Components of Shape Variation in the Diatom Genus Frustulia (Bacillariophyta)

Irregularities in cell division can produce asymmetry in symmetric structures, such as outlines of diatom cells, which can reflect genetic, environmental, or random variability in developmental processes. This study examined 12 phylogenetic lineages of the diatom genus Frustulia using landmark-based geometric morphometrics to assess the variation between cell segments separated by apical and transapical axes. Although asymmetric variation within cells differed in some lineages, these irregularities most likely did not reflect the evolutionary history of the lineages. The intraclonal phenotypic plasticity of diatom frustules was induced rather by nongenetic factors, i.e., inherited valve abnormalities, constraints of siliceous cell walls, and random developmental instability during morphogenesis. The positive correlations between the symmetric and asymmetric components of shape variation indicated that the morphogenesis of diatom cell walls affected irregularities within cells and variability among the symmetrized cells to a similar extent.
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in bovines of Chhattisgarh, India

Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease causing reproductive problems and abortions in bovines leading to huge economic losses to the dairy industry. Seroepidemiology and risk factors associated with brucellosis were investigated in cattle and buffaloes of Chhattisgarh, India. A total of 374 serum samples from bovines were collected randomly from 94 villages of six districts of Chhattisgarh state with different attributes and were screened by i-ELISA for the detection of antibodies. The overall true seroprevalence for brucellosis was observed to be 14.17%. Brucellosis was significantly more prevalent in animals of organized farms, cross bred, age above 7 years, clinically ailing ones particularly cases of abortion and repeat breeding compared to apparently health animals. The finding represented a major impact on animal health and productivity as well as a high risk to the human population.
Population Diversity of Grape Phylloxera in California and Evidence for Sexual Reproduction

Until recently, the foliar forms of grape phylloxera have been absent or very rare in California, and nodosities have not been common on resistant rootstocks. Foliar phylloxera are now widely spread in the mothervine plantings of grape rootstock nurseries in Yolo and Solano counties. Nodosities on resistant rootstocks have also been frequently observed. To determine the genetic relationships within and among these seemingly new types of phylloxera, collections were made across California from 2009 to 2011. Foliar-feeding phylloxera strains were collected from rootstock mothervines at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Winters, CA; University of California, Davis (UCD), vineyards; and six commercial rootstock nursery plantings in Yolo and Solano counties. Root-feeding samples were collected from a rootstock trial at the UCD Oakville research station vineyard in Napa County, which had previously been sampled in 2006 and 2007. Root-feeding samples were also collected from commercial vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties and UCD vineyards. All samples were tested and genotyped using simple sequence repeat markers, and the genetic structure of the populations was analyzed. The results identified four genetically distinct populations of phylloxera in California, which were named Davis, Foliar, Napa1, and Napa2. Davis, Napa1, and Napa2 were composed of root-feeding samples. Multilocus genotypes with identical DNA-fingerprint profiles were detected in the 2006 to 2007 samples from the Oakville research station. More genetic divergence was observed in the Davis, Napa1, and Napa2 populations, with evidence for sexual reproduction between members of Napa1 and Napa2. The Foliar population consisted of only foliar-feeding samples with multilocus genotypes that were not detected prior to 2009; asexual reproduction was clearly the primary reproductive mode.
Identification of new sources of resistance for pearl millet downy mildew disease under field conditions

Abstract Pearl millet is an important cereal crop for smallholder farmers’ food security in Africa and India. However, its production has stagnated due to several factors such as downy mildew (DM). Thus, a study was conducted to identify new sources of resistance from pearl millet inbred lines derived from a collection of landraces originated from West and Central African countries. A set of 101 lines, including 99 inbred lines from West and Central Africa along with a 7042S and SOSAT C 88 as susceptible and resistant checks, respectively, were evaluated under field conditions with infector rows in Bambey and Nioro research stations during the rainy season of 2016. Data on DM incidence and severity, plant height, flowering time, panicle length and productive tillers were recorded. The results showed highly significant differences among lines for all observed traits. Among the tested lines, 55 including SOSAT C 88 were resistant, 16 moderately resistant and 30 including 7042S were susceptible to the disease. Out of the 55 resistant lines, 20 were disease free. Hierarchical ascendant cluster analysis grouped the lines into three clusters with the DM parameters and plant height as the most discriminant factors. Cluster II contains the susceptible lines, while cluster III comprises the moderately resistant lines. The lines which belongs to cluster I were characterized by their resistance to the disease. Further use of these available new sources of resistance will be very useful for improvement of pearl millet for DM resistance and other agronomic traits.
Effects of Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean cultivation on insect diversity

This study was carried out to develop of environmental risk assessments and the biosafety guide for Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean at LMO (Living Modified Organism) isolation field. In LMO quarantine area of National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, insect species diversities and population densities on vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean and non-GM soybeans (Willams 82 and Seoritae) were investigated. A total of 17,717 individuals of 77 species from 8 orders were collected in LMO isolation field. In three type soybeans field, total of 5,250 individuals in Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean, 5,510 individuals in Willams 82, and 6,957 individuals in Seoritae were collected, respectively. There was no difference between the population densities of insect pests, natural enemies and other insects on Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean and Willams 82, while natural enemies density on Seoritae was higher than on Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean, but insect pests density on Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean was higher. These results provided the insects diversity for risk assessment survey of Vitamin E enhanced transgenic soybean and suggested that the guideline could be useful to detect LMO crops.
Dietary lysine-to-energy ratios for managing growth and pubertal development in replacement gilts

ABSTRACT Objective Our objectives were to determine growth rates, body composition, and pubertal development in replacement gilts fed diets with different ratios of standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine to ME. Materials and Methods Diets with low, medium, and high ratios of SID lysine to ME (grower: 2.3, 2.6, and 2.8; finisher; 1.7, 1.9, and 2.1 g/Mcal) were fed from 100 to 200 d of age, after which gilts were moved from the gilt development unit to sow farms. Boar exposure and estrus detection began at 160 d of age and continued until first detected estrus. Estimates of BW and body composition were determined at 100, 142, 160, and 200 d of age and at puberty. Results and Discussion Body weights and growth rates were reduced (P Implications and Applications Reducing SID lysine–to–ME ratios in gilt diets can increase the number of gilts within optimal BW range at first estrus, but overall pubertal development is delayed if ratios are reduced below 2.8 and 2.1 g of SID lysine to megacalorie of ME in grower and finisher diets, respectively.
First record of infection by Trypanosoma sp. of Colossoma macropomum (Serrasalmidae), a neotropical fish cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT Fish farming has grown rapidly in Brazil over the last two decades, due in part to the availability of water and species with potential for cultivation, such as Colossoma macropomum. This farmed fish, however, can be affected by parasitic infections with high mortality rates (>35%). The main objective of the present study was to describe the first occurrence of the Trypanosoma species in Colossoma macropomum, which occurred in fish cultured in the Brazilian Amazon region, as well as to morphologically characterize the trypomastigotes and the impact of these hemoparasites on the body condition of the hosts. The trypanosomes found in the blood of Colossoma macropomum were morphologically characterized by the size of the trypomastigote form, indicating the presence of only one morphotype. Of the 39 hosts examined from one fish farming, 41.0% were infected by Trypanosoma sp. , with low levels of infection (mean blood density of 3.7/μL). The condition factor of the asymptomatic hosts was not affected by hemoparasitism. There was no correlation between the abundance of Trypanosoma sp. and the condition factor and size of the hosts. Finally, our understanding of host-parasite interactions and the detection of emerging diseases are fundamental for aquaculture.
Is there more than meets the eye? Seed bank analysis of a typical novel ecosystem, the extensive green roof

QUESTIONS: (a) Will seed banks develop on extensive green roofs (EGRs) – prime examples of novel ecosystems – as in (semi‐)natural systems? If so, which type of seed bank (transient or persistent) can be expected? (b) Do EGR characteristics, such as roof age and substrate depth, influence seed bank seed density and species richness? (c) Can differences in successional stages be noticed in the seed bank and vegetation on EGRs? LOCATION: Flanders and Brussels regions of Belgium. METHODS: We conducted a field sampling campaign in which the vegetation and seed bank of 109 EGRs were sampled. Information on roof characteristics (e.g. age, substrate depth) was also collected. Seedling emergence was monitored under standardized greenhouse conditions. Species traits were collected from several existing databases. Data analysis consisted of (generalized) linear mixed modelling. RESULTS: A total of 18,466 seedlings from 139 different species emerged in the seed bank analysis. Average similarity between vegetation and the seed bank was low, and the majority of species could be considered spontaneous colonizers. Most species were classified as having a transient seed bank. Life forms were shown to be significantly different between vegetation and seed bank. Older EGRs had higher seed bank species richness and seed density, both of which were also positively influenced by sampling date and the vegetation species richness. A discrepancy between seed bank and vegetation successional state, characterized by functional signatures, was present for EGRs. CONCLUSIONS: EGRs do develop seed banks and show parallels with seed banks in other novel ecosystems. Seed bank species richness and seed density are influenced by temporal and vegetation related factors. We can also confirm EGR seed bank succession and the discrepancy between seed bank and vegetation successional state, as often observed in natural and novel systems. Furthermore, we argue that seed banks can function as biodiversity reservoirs, which can be considered in EGR vegetation restoration if a set of several conditions is fulfilled. Overall, this study explores seed bank analysis on EGR as a novel ecosystem model. It thereby provides multiple insights in processes impacting EGR plant species diversity, both on and in the soil.
Application of a Premelting Model to the Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere Boundary

A seismic discontinuity known as the G‐discontinuity, which has been prevailingly detected in the oceanic mantle, is considered to provide evidence of a sharp lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB). We investigate whether this sharp LAB is explained by grain boundary premelting, which causes a solid‐state weakening of rock from just below the solidus temperature. We use an experimentally derived mechanical model describing the effect of premelting and calculate vertical profiles of VS and QS−1 for various sets of oceanic geotherm and solidus values. Based on the realistic volatile distribution and solidus profile obtained from a model of fractional decompression melting, we show that even when the oceanic upper mantle is melt free, geotherm sufficiently approaches the solidus at various plate ages, resulting in a steep reduction in VS due to the anelastic effect of premelting. A small amount of volatile adsorbed to grain boundary plays an important role in this result. The predicted seismic discontinuity sharpness (mostly ∼ 15 km) is consistent with seismological observations (≤15 km), predicted discontinuity depth (along ∼ 1300°C isotherm) is deeper than observations (along 1100°C isotherm), and predicted velocity reduction amplitude ( ∼ 1%–2%) is considerably smaller than observations (≥5%). Because the predicted velocity reduction amplitude is subject to uncertainty resulted from the limited experimental data, further study is needed for the mechanical effect of premelting. We further discuss a discrepancy of seismological results from receiver function and SS precursor studies and from surface wave studies, making it difficult to explain both data consistently.
Does migrative and proliferative capability of epithelial cells reflect cellular developmental competence?

Abstract Mammalian epithelial and epithelial-like cells are significantly involved in various processes associated with tissue development, differentiation and oncogenesis. Because of that, high number of research is focused on identifying cells that express stem-like or progenitor characteristics. Identifying such cells and recognizing their specific markers, would open new clinical opportunities in transplantology and oncology. There are several epithelia characterized by their ability to rapidly proliferate and/or differentiate. Due to their function or location they are subject to cyclic changes involving processes of apoptosis and regeneration. Literature presenting well-structured studies of these types of epithelia was analyzed in order to compare various results and establish if epithelial cells’ migrative and proliferative ability indicates their stemness potential. Endometrial, ovarian, oviductal and oral mucosal epithelia were analyzed with most of the publications delivering relatively unified results. The ability to rapidly proliferate/differentiate usually indicated the presence of some kind of stem/stem-like/progenitor cells. Most of the papers focused on pinpointing the exact location of these kind of cells, or analyzing specific markers that would be used for their future identification. There have also been substantial proportion of research that focused on discovering growth factors or intercellular signals that induced proliferation/differentiation in analyzed epithelia. Most of the research provided valuable insights into the modes of function and characteristics of the analyzed tissue, outlining the importance of such study for the possible clinical application of in vitro derived cell cultures.
Deep Video Prediction Through Sparse Motion Regularization

This paper introduces data-dependent sparse motion regularization for dense flow-based video prediction. To achieve video prediction (a form of extrapolation from past frames), the dense flow-based model estimates a motion vector for every pixel in a target frame for backward warping. Due to the sheer amount of motion vectors to be estimated, the model tends to be complex, thereby calling for proper regularization to avoid over-fitting. Most flowbased models adopt smoothness regularization. However, the smoothness requirement is detrimental to preserving the discontinuity of the motion field, which often appears in videos with distinct object motion. To address this issue, our sparse motion regularization discovers distinct sparse motion via weighted K-means clustering and regularizes the model based on minimizing clustering errors in the predicted motion field. When incorporated in an end-to-end trainable deep video prediction model, our scheme outperforms smoothness regularization, achieving superiority over direct generation-based video prediction on UCF-101 and Common Intermediate Format (CIF) datasets.
Metal-free heterojunction of black phosphorus/oxygen-enriched porous g-C3N4 as an efficient photocatalyst for Fenton-like cascade water purification

It is significant to directly use solar energy for selective H2O2 production and subsequent water purification through a Fenton reaction that converts H2O2 into highly active free radicals. Nevertheless, the efficiency of such a promising route is still unsatisfactory due to the low sunlight utilization, poor selectivity towards H2O2 production, and the requirement of additional Fe-based co-catalysts in the Fenton reaction. Here we present a fascinating design to synthesize a metal-free photocatalyst for highly selective H2O2 production and efficient water purification via a Fenton-like cascade reaction. A BP/OPCN heterojunction is constructed for the first time by assembling 2D oxygen-enriched porous g-C3N4 (OPCN) with 2D black phosphorus (BP), which can effectively promote the visible light response and charge separation. Further investigation reveals that the surface oxygen groups and nanopores of the OPCN are critical both in increasing the active sites and in enhancing the selectivity of H2O2 production. The highest H2O2 production rate of BP/OPCN reaches a remarkable value of 3463 μmol h−1 g−1, which is much higher than that of reported g-C3N4-related materials. The large amount of H2O2 produced in situ over BP/OPCN can subsequently undergo a Fenton-like cascade reaction to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater in only one step. This work demonstrates an efficient photocatalytic approach to produce H2O2 and purify wastewater, while discovering the fundamental roles of the surface chemistry and physical structure of the photocatalyst.
Jurassic to Cenozoic Magmatic and Geodynamic Evolution of the Eastern Pontides and Caucasus Belts, and Their Relationship With the Eastern Black Sea Basin Opening

The magmatic arcs of the Eastern Pontides and Lesser Caucasus lie in continuation from one another. A comparison of the subduction‐related magmatic rocks outcropping throughout this segment of the Northern Tethyan belt exhibits chronological disparities, questioning the common subduction history of the Eastern Pontides and the Lesser Caucasus regions. New data and observations including geochronological and geochemical data, relative to subduction‐ to collision‐related magmatic rocks, argue a novel paleogeographic reconstruction illustrating Mesozoic and Cenozoic evolution of this region. Jurassic to Early Cretaceous arc magmatism runs mainly from the Sochi‐Ritsa/Bechasyn regions (Greater Caucasus) toward the southeast to the Alaverdi region and further into the Lesser Caucasus. Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic arc magmatism is evidenced throughout the Eastern Pontides extending through the Bolnisi region to the Lesser Caucasus arc. East to west, Jurassic to Early Cretaceous and Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic portions of arc split to the north and south of the Eastern Black Sea, respectively. Throughout Cretaceous subduction, this segment of the magmatic arc of the Southern Eurasian margin was torn in two due to the oblique opening of the Eastern Black Sea as a back‐arc to intra‐arc basin, from west to east. This reconstitution implies that the Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous subduction‐related magmatic rocks of the Greater Caucasus are remnant portions of the Eastern Pontides and Lesser Caucasus arcs. This infers the emplacement of subduction‐ to collision‐related magmatic rocks throughout the Mesozoic and Cenozoic along the entire Southern Eurasian margin is solely due to a single long‐lasting north dipping subduction.
Dynamics of rodent abundance and ground-nest predation risks in forest habitats of Central Europe: no evidence for the alternative prey hypothesis

Abstract. Birds' nesting success may vary significantly between years. Ample evidence exists that this variation is caused by temporal fluctuations in rodent populations, as rodents are important components in the diets of nest predators. The alternative prey hypothesis supposes that generalist predators switch to alternative prey (bird nests) when their main prey (rodents) is lacking, thus causing increased nest predation. According to the shared predation hypothesis, by contrast, predator density is enhanced at rodent population peaks and results in simultaneous increase in main and alternative prey predation. To evaluate these hypotheses, nest predation rate dynamics were examined using artificial nests (n = 560) and rodent abundance (2240 traps) during four breeding seasons in Central European (the Czech Republic) secondary forests. Although rodent abundance increased at the population peak by almost seven times compared to the baseline and nest predation rate also showed significant inter-year variation, the data support neither the alternative prey nor shared predation hypotheses. In rich ecosystems with complex trophic levels, predators can use many resources as alternative prey. Therefore, bird nest predation risk does not increase or decrease in periods of low rodent abundance.
The Social Behaviour of Brown Bears on an Alaskan Salmon Stream

Adult brown bears Ursus arctos a r e typically soli tary. Subject to few, if any, of the evolutionary p ressures (e.g. interspecific predation, food procurement) that favour formation of social groups (Eisenberg 1966; Kummer 1971; Estes 1974), brown bears retain a simple social system that i s probably little advanced over that of primitive carnivores (Eisenberg 1966). Social affiliations between brown bears a r e restricted to family groups of a female and offspring and sibling l i t ter mates that remain together for 1 to 3 years after separation f rom the female (Stonorov & Stokes 1972). Brief male-female cons o r t relationships occur during the breeding season (Murie 1944; Hornocker 1962; Stonorov 1972).
Discipline, motivation, and achievement in mathematics learning: An exploration in Shanghai

Utilizing the Programme for International Student Assessment 2012 Shanghai dataset ( N = 5 , 177 ), this study examined the relationship between school disciplinary climate aggregated from mathematics classrooms and student mathematics learning outcomes, including mathematics achievement and intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn mathematics, from the perspective of the self-determination theory of academic motivation. The results of the analyses demonstrated challenges supporting students in Shanghai schools to simultaneously perform well in the three mathematics learning outcomes. Meanwhile, an orderly school disciplinary climate might hurt students’ instrumental motivation, although it is beneficial to students’ mathematics achievement.