Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic relationships of the spider family Tetragnathidae (Araneae, Araneoidea) based on morphological and DNA sequence data

The monophyly of Tetragnathidae including the species composition of the family (e.g., Are Nephila and their relatives part of this lineage? ), the phylogenetic relationships of its various lineages, and the exact placement of Tetragnathidae within Araneoidea have been three recalcitrant problems in spider systematics. Most studies on tetragnathid phylogeny have focused on morphological and behavioral data, but little molecular work has been published to date. To address these issues we combine previous morphological and behavioral data with novel molecular data including nuclear ribosomal RNA genes 18S and 28S, mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes 12S and 16S and protein‐coding genes from the mitochondrion [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)] and from the nucleus (histone H3), totaling ca. 6.3 kb of sequence data per taxon. These data were analyzed using direct optimization and static homology using both parsimony and Bayesian methods. Our results indicate monophyly of Tetragnathidae, Tetragnathinae, Leucauginae, the “Nanometa clade” and the subfamily Metainae, which, with the exception of the later subfamily, received high nodal support. Morphological synapomorphies that support these clades are also discussed. The position of tetragnathids with respect to the rest of the araneoid spiders remains largely unresolved but tetragnathids and nephilids were never recovered as sister taxa. The combined dataset suggests that Nephilidae is sister to Araneidae; furthermore, the sister group of Nephila is the clade composed by Herennia plus Nephilengys and this pattern has clear implications for understanding the comparative biology of the group. Tetragnathidae is most likely sister to some members of the “reduced piriform clade” and nephilids constitute the most‐basal lineage of araneids.
Disturbed Cell Arrangement, Increased Cell Membrane Permeability and Apoptotic Cell Death Occur in Adenomyotic Uterine Tissues in Mice

Abstract The relationship of the development of uterine adenomyosis with the changes in the cell arrangement and cell membrane permeability, and incidence of DNA fragmentation was examined in mice. In uterine areas showing the invasion of endometrial tissues into musculature, rhodamine-phalloidin staining for actin fibers revealed that the stromal cells ran parallel to the direction of the infiltration, and the muscle cells lost their regular arrangement, unlike those in the normal uteri of control mice. Inner myometrium showed positive fluorescence with Evans blue, which is known to stain only cells with increased membrane permeability. Outer myometrium also became fluorescence-positive, when the disease was advanced to severe state bearing invasion of endometrial tissues into the outer myometrium. No fluorescence with Evans blue was observed in the normal uterine tissues. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL method)-positive nuclei were exclusively found in some smooth muscle cells near both the blood vessels and tip of the invading endometrial tissue. These findings indicate that in adenomyotic uteri, apoptotic cell death developed in certain cells in myometrium, though disrupted cell arrangement and increased cell membrane permeability occurred in almost all of the inner myometrial cells. The increased membrane permeability in the myometrial cells might participate in the local occurrence of cell death near the blood vessels. Therefore, endometrial tissue would invade the myometrium through the space produced by the cell death along the blood vessels.
Changes in the structure of tree stands on bog habitats in the Bialowieza forest

The analyses of 4 permanent study plots located in the Bialowieza forest (NE Poland, at 52o43 N, 23o50 E) were carried out 4 times, first time in 1973 or 1974 and next in 1985, 1998, 2008. The paper presents the results of a long–term study on natural forest dynamics in two forest communities: raised-bog pine forest of the association Ledo-Sphagnetum magellanici Sukopp 1959 em. Neuhausl 1969 and transitional bogs represented by the boreal spruce forest Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum Polak. 1962. On each measurement date the DBH of all trees were recognized. At the same time, stems of shrub species as well as tree species with the height lower than 1.3 m were counted within the experimental areas. During the study period the structure of stands changed significantly. The major change observed on raised bog sites was an increase in numbers of Betula spp. , Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Quercus robur L. After 34th-year of observations the boreal spruce forest stand partly passed the terminal phase and regenerated. New species occurred in the stands, especially in their lower layer, are typical for oak-lime-hornbeam forest, such as e.g. Carpinus betulus L. , Q. robur, Acer platanoides L. Rapid development of Corylus avellana L. was also observed. During last decades, the decrease in the number of Pinus sylvestris L. trees has been observed. The results of analyses of stand data in four research periods show that the wetland habitat of the Bialowieza forest has been a subject to the processes of succession conditioned by environmental changes such as desiccation through lowering of the water table as well as climatic changes entailing inter alia an increase of the air temperature and a decrease of precipitation.
Herbicide efficacy for control of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) is influenced more by wheat seeding rate than row spacing

Abstract. Conservation cropping systems with no-till and stubble retention improve soil condition and water conservation. However, tillage is replaced by herbicides for weed control in these systems, increasing the threat of herbicide resistance. In the medium to high rainfall zones of the southern wheatbelt of Australia and under irrigation, wider row spacing is used to enable seeding into heavy stubble loads and to avoid stubble burning. Some evidence suggests that wider rows lead to reduced crop competitive ability and crop yields, greater herbicide dependence, and increased spread of resistance. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that increasing seeding rate compensated for reduced competitive ability at wider row spacings, especially when herbicide performance was suboptimal. We examined the impact of two wheat row spacings (18 and 36 cm) and five seeding rates (resulting in a range of densities of ∼80–700 plants/m2) on control of Lolium rigidum with five rates of post-emergence application of diclofop-methyl (Hoegrass®), ranging from label rate to lower rates, over two growing seasons. In the presence of L. rigidum, wheat grain yield was unaffected by row spacing but was significantly reduced at low seeding rates, especially at lower herbicide rates. Lolium rigidum was suppressed at higher crop densities but was also unaffected by row spacing. Grain yield was maximised when post-emergence herbicide was applied at 60–100% of the recommended dose at wheat densities >∼300 plants/m2. Significant levels of the weed remained in the crop at anthesis in all treatments. Weed dry matter ranged from 525 g/m2 at low crop densities and with no herbicide to 150 g/m2 with the recommended rate of herbicide and high wheat densities. The implications of manipulating crop competitive ability to improve weed control are discussed, especially in conditions where herbicide performance is unreliable due to weeds developing herbicide resistance or adverse environmental conditions.
THE DEPENDENCE OF GERMINATION ON PHOTOPERIOD, LIGHT QUALITY, AND TEMPERATURE, IN CHENOPODIUM SPP.

In Chenopodium botrys, darkness was suboptimal for germination at all temperatures. At low to intermediate temperatures (10 to 20 °C) short photoperiods were optimal while longer ones were supraoptimal. At high temperatures (25° to 35 °C) extremely long photoperiods were optimal and all shorter ones were suboptimal. There was less germination in light of low than high red to far-red (R/FR) spectral energy ratios, particularly in long photoperiods. Decreasing the R/FR ratio for the terminal 30 minutes of daily photoperiods restricted germination considerably in short but not in extreme long photoperiods (18 and 20 hours). It is postulated that sub- and supra-optimal amounts of phytochrome-Pfr were produced, respectively, in the sub- and supra-optimal photoperiods, which resulted in less germination; further, that the temperature-induced responses may be due to a lower optimum requirement for Pfr at low than at higher temperatures and, or, a faster rate of dark reversion of Pfr to Pr may occur with increase.
Controle biológico de tricostrongilídeos (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) gastrintestinais de bovinos pelo fungo Monacrosporium sinense

This study aimed to evaluate the viability of the predatory fungi Monacrosporium sinense (SF 470 isolate) to prey infective trichostrongylids larvae of cattle after the test of passage through the gastrointestinal tract. One hundred grams of pellets with the isolate of M. sinense were orally administered to two six-month-old holstein×zebu crossbred calves. Two similar animals that orally received 100g of pellets without the fungal isolate were used as control. Fecal samples collected at 12, 18, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the treatments were allocated in Petri dishes and in fecal cultures and incubated for 15 days at 25oC. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) of the average number of infective larvae of Cooperia spp. and Haemonchus spp. in the animals treated with the fungus when compared to the control calves. At the end of the experiment, the differences were 69.9% in the Petri dishes and 61.3% in the fecal cultures. The fungi M. sinense was effective in the control of infective gastrointestinal trichostrongylids larvae of cattle in laboratory conditions.
Macro- and Microscopic Methods of Detecting Fertility in Unincubated Hen’s Eggs

Abstract ABILITY to distinguish between “fertile” and “infertile” blastoderms (or blastodiscs, as the case may be) of dissected but unincubated hen’s eggs has certain obvious applications both from the practical and the fundamental standpoint. Romanoff and Cottrell (1939) have approached the problem from the point of view of bio-physics. It was felt, however, that a simpler and, perhaps, a more reliable way may exist of differentiating between the two groups of ova based on the morphology of the germ disc. Such a method has been found and is outlined in this report. It is a well known fact that the hen’s ovum proceeds to segment soon after fertilization. Because of the nature of the ovum, the process is not as dramatic as that found in the moderately telolecithal eggs of amphibians. The process is none-the-less continuous, so that by the time the hen’s egg is laid, the blastoderm contains several thousands .
Consequences of adult size for survival and reproductive performance in a herbivorous ladybird beetle

Abstract. 1 A univoltine herbivorous ladybird beetle Epilachna niponica (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) shows a large variation in adult size within a population. 2 Large adults had higher survival from emergence to the reproductive season, and the size‐dependent adult survival was most apparent during hibernation. On the other hand, adult survival during pre‐hibernation contributed little to size‐dependent overall survival. 3 Neither reproductive lifespan nor lifetime fecundity were a function of adult size, though large females produced larger size of egg batches. 4 Size of adult beetles was significantly reduced by leaf damage to plants on which they grew up on larval stage. Since leaf herbivory increases through the season, late emerged adults that were subjected to food deterioration during the larval period were smaller than early‐emerged individuals.
IL-1α and TNF-α Expression in Rat Periapical Lesions and Dental Pulp after Unilateral Sympathectomy

Objectives: Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by bone resorption, and sympathetic nerves are known to modulate bone resorption and bone remodeling. Higher numbers of osteoclasts and larger periapical lesions have been observed after sympathectomy in rats, but the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of sympathetic nerves on osteoclasts are unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that sympathetic nerves inhibit the production of the bone-resorbing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α in rat periapical lesions. Methods: Rats were unilaterally sympathectomized and apical lesions were induced by exposing the dental pulp of molar teeth to the oral microflora. We quantified the cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemical analysis was done for qualitative localization. Pulp from intact incisor teeth was tested as a control. Results: We showed that IL-1α was increased, but not TNF-α, in the periapical lesions on the sympathectomized side. Both IL-1α and TNF-α were expressed in unexposed pulp. TNF-α was significantly decreased in the denervated incisor pulp, whereas the level of IL-1α remained unchanged. Conclusions: This study suggests that sympathetic nerves have an inhibitory effect on IL-1α in periapical lesions and a stimulatory effect on TNF-α in the intact rat pulp.
The effect of temperature on Aeromonas hydrophila infection in goldfish, Carassius auratus

The effect of temperature on Aeromonas hydrophila infection in goldfish, Carassius auratus, was studied using A. hydrophila strain A-3500. After comparison of four different infection methods, subcutaneous injection was selected. Different test temperatures were also tested and higher mortality was observed at 17 and 25°C during a 15-day period. SDS-PAGE analysis of outer membrane proteins prepared from A. hydrophila cultured at 10, 17, 25 and 32°C in formulated salt water showed different protein profiles. For example, a 40-kDa band was found only at 17 and 25°C. Phagocytic rates of A. hydrophila by goldfish macrophages at 10, 17, 25 and 32°C were 20.46 ± 2.07, 16.15 ± 1.39, 15.94 ± 1.85 and 22.22 ± 2.49%, respectively. The results indicated that temperature affects both the cell membrane structure of A. hydrophila and phagocytic activity of goldfish macrophages, resulting in varying fish mortality when infected at different temperatures.
Distribution and population dynamics of the introduced seaweed Grateloupia turuturu (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) along the Portuguese coast

Araújo R. , Violante J., Pereira R. , Abreu H. , Arenas F. and Sousa-Pinto I. 2011. Distribution and population dynamics of the introduced seaweed Grateloupia turuturu (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) along the Portuguese coast. Phycologia 50: 392–402. DOI: 10.2216/10-65.1 Despite the increasing number of coastal areas invaded over the last years by the introduced seaweed Grateloupia turuturu, studies on this species are scarce worldwide, and its invasive capability and future impacts remain unexplored. In the present study, we describe the geographical distribution of the species after a few years of colonization of the Portuguese continental coastline. Additionally, we examine the structure and dynamics of one of the first population of Grateloupia in our shores. Seasonal dynamics of standing biomass, density, size structure and inequality (size variability), together with the presence of fertile fronds were investigated during one year. Grateloupia was recorded in midintertidal pools at 11 of the 36 localities sampled, two of which presenting an elevated abundance of fronds. Fronds were present during the entire year, but their size (length and biomass), density and size inequality varied seasonally reaching highest values at the beginning of the summer. The annual cycle of the population studied included a slow-growth phase in winter, a fast-growth phase during spring-early summer when some density-dependent regulation appeared to occur, as well as a dieback phase at the end of summer. In terms of fertility, abundance of fronds bearing reproductive structures were seasonally variable although carposporophytic and tetrasporophytic fronds were recorded throughout the year. The results of this work highlight some of the biological characteristics of Grateloupia turuturu that may determine its invasive nature and its possible impact on native ecosystems.
Forage Quality Variations among Some Sudan Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) Collection

Aims: This experiment aimed at identification of some forage-quality attributes of Sudan pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) collection for possible future utilization. Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The analysis was carried out at the feed analysis laboratory, Elobeid Research Station of Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), Elobeid, Sudan. Methodology: The selected accessions (42 rainy sown and 38 winter sown) for proximate chemical entities were from 100 pearl millet accessions evaluated for dry matter yield in two field trials. Prior to the proximate quality analysis, the dried samples were ground and oven dried once again. The dried samples were used in 3 replicates for the proximate analysis to determine crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF) and Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE). Results: Among the studied accessions, nine (in both rainy and winter seasons) had Crude protein (CP%) more than 9%. Nineteen accessions (in rainy) and 36 (in winter) had Crude fiber (CF%) less than 40%, whereas 25 (in rainy) and 32 (in winter) had Nitrogen free extract (NFE%) more than
Habitat type shapes long‐term plant biodiversity budgets in two densely populated regions in north‐western Europe

At a global scale, biodiversity changes are mainly driven by extinction, resulting in an overall decrease in species richness. At regional and local scales, although immigration often (over)compensates for local extinction, biodiversity changes have no clear trends. We tested the hypotheses that (1) at both regional and local scales, biodiversity changes result from the differential dynamics of local extinction and immigration, ultimately leading to increases in biodiversity following periods of transient surplus or deficit and (2) habitats are differentially affected by human activities, resulting in contrasting trends and dynamics that together shape the regional biodiversity budget.
Can an Agenda for Economic Development Be Premised on an Aggressive Program Built around Microfinance?

This study provides formal theoretical evidence that an agenda for economic development of a `Village' that is built around an aggressive foray into provision of Microfinance is more likely to fail, than to succeed. The Microfinance strategy fails, because any businesses formed by `Villagers' have character of gambles on future consumption. In presence of this outcome, there is little to no chance that Villagers transform into professional entrepreneurs. In equilibrium, there is not any supply-side or income multiplier effect from Microfinance, and there is not arrival at any beneficial transformation to structure of economic activities. In absence of the two stated effects, with exclusion of infrastructural development, which does not reside in purview of Microfinance, there is not arrival at any meaningful economic development. The study proffers some theoretically motivated metrics, estimates for which can be focus of empirical studies. In presence of such metrics, `impacts' of Microfinance programs around the world are more directly comparable.
Regeneration patterns of northern white cedar, an old-growth forest dominant

Regeneration of Thuja occidentalis L. was examined in an old-growth dune forest on South Manitou Island, Michigan. To estimate the current status of cedar regeneration, we determined size structure of seedlings and stems and analyzed present patterns of establishment and persistence relative to substrate type. There has been a shift in the pattern of cedar establishment from soil to log substrates. While 97 % of all stems 2 15 cm dbh are associated with a soil substrate, 81 % of stems ? 2.5cm 25 cm tall. There was no significant relationship between the state of log decay and the density of seedlings >25 cm in height, indicating that long-term survival is not dependent on the degree of log decomposition. However, survival on logs is associated with canopy openings. Seedlings >25 cm tall were associated with gaps, and 78% of cedar stems (? 2.5 cm dbh) on logs were associated with a single windthrow gap. Thus, current cedar regeneration in this old-growth forest depends on logs and the canopy openings associated with them.
Effects of previous crop, sowing date, and winter and spring applications of nitrogen on the growth, nitrogen uptake and yield of winter wheat

SUMMARY Multifactorial experiments at Rothamsted Experimental Station in two contrasting seasons, 1985/86 and 1986/87, tested the effects of treatment combinations that varied the supply of nitrogen at important stages of crop development in autumn and spring on the grain yield and nitrogen content of September- and October-sown winter wheat. Treatments that altered the nitrogen supply in autumn were an application of winter fertilizer N and sowing the wheat after rape or oats, which left different amounts of residual N. These were combined with treatments which tested the effects of 200 kg N/ha in spring applied as early or late dressings and as single or divided dressings. The effect of applying an additional 50 kg N/ha in summer was also tested in 1985/86. In both experiments, larger yields were obtained from sowing in September than in October. The September-sown wheat grew better over winter in 1986/87 than in 1985/86 but the early advantage in size and N uptake resulted in enhanced production of straw rather than grain. Residues of N from previous crops were smaller after oats than rape in both years. This difference in soil N did not affect the over-winter growth and N uptake of the October-sown wheats. Neither this difference in residual N nor an application of fertilizer N in winter affected the yield of the following September-sown wheat in 1985/86 because autumn growth and N uptake were restricted by adverse weather. In 1986/87, however, wheat that followed oats yielded 0·42 t/ha less grain than wheat that followed rape, and the deficit in yield was removed by an application of fertilizer N equivalent to the deficit in soil N. Yields were decreased when the spring N was applied as a delayed, single dressing in April especially if the wheat was sown in September after oats, or was not given winter N. Yields were not affected by any of the other combinations of single v. divided dressings or early v. late applications of spring N, despite these being given at very different stages of apical development. The percentage of N in the harvested grain was greatly increased by winter applications of fertilizer N, especially to wheat grown after oats, by applying the spring N as a late, single dressing and, in 1986, by applying N in summer.