Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular evidence of cycad seed predation by immature Aulacoscelidinae (Coleoptera: Orsodacnidae)

Adult beetles in the small subfamily Aulacoscelidinae (superfamily Chrysomeloidea) are known to feed on the foliage and juices of New World cycads (Order Cycadales; family Zamiaceae), but the habits of larvae have long remained a mystery. We provide the first direct evidence that Aulacoscelidinae larvae feed on and develop within the megagametophyte of the Mesoamerican cycad, Dioon merolae (Zamiaceae). Phylogenetic analyses based on partial DNA sequences from 3 genes recover a cycad seed‐feeding larva proposed to belong to Aulacoscelidinae. These observations reveal a more intimate feeding relationship between Aulacoscelidinae and their New World cycad host plants than was previously recognized. Further, adult Aulacoscelidinae have long been noted to resemble Jurassic fossil chrysomeloids in the extinct subfamily Protoscelidinae. The molecular, morphological, ecological and fossil data reported herein are broadly compatible with an early association between Aulacoscelidinae and their gymnosperm hosts.
Genetic Variability of Polish Population of the Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

Abstract. The Capercaillie is one of the most seriously endangered bird species in Poland. It currently numbers around 650 individuals that live in four isolated populations (Lower Silesian Forest, Janów Lubelski Forest, Carpathians, Augustów Forest). This study investigated genetic variability based on the polymorphism of six microsatellite loci in the surviving Polish populations of the Capercaillie and compares the results with the analogous variability in two large, contiguous populations in Russia. The following parameters were estimated: mean number of alleles per locus, allelic richness, mean effective number of alleles per locus, heterozygosity in each of the populations investigated. Differentiation between pairs of populations was assessed using FST. The results show that despite some inevitable reduction in genetic variability, most of the Polish populations retained a substantial level of microsatellite polymorphism. Only in the population from Janów Lubelski Forest was there a significant reduction in variability, probably due to long isolation and the recent decline. That this population has long been isolated was also confirmed by the pronounced genetic differentiation from the other Polish populations. The Carpathian population of the Capercaillie was found to be genetically structured, and in the Lower Silesian Forest population heterozygosity was low, possibly as a result of the lek mating system and also the dramatic reduction in numbers.
Character association between seed yield and its components in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek].

An experiment to know the nature and magnitude of association among 11 characters and their contribution towards seed yield was carried with sixty genotypes of greengram during kharif – 2012. The seed yield per plant showed positive and significant with plant height, numbers of pods per cluster and number of seeds per pod at genotypic and phonotypical level. Path coefficient analysis revealed that maximum direct positive effects exerted by number of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod, pod length, plant height and 100-seed weight towards seed yield per plant. Based on correlation and path analysis, plant height, numbers of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod, pod length and 100-seed weight were identified as the most important components of seed yield. It was noticeable from the path analysis that maximum direct positive effects were exerted by number of pods per cluster, number of seeds per pod, pod length, plant height and 100-seed weight towards seed yield per plant. This suggested that prominence should be given to these traits in selection programme for improvement of seed yield in green gram.
Some species of Perenniporia Murrill (Poriales, Basidiomycotina) from Southern Brazil

Perenniporia contraria, P. martius, P. medulla-panis, P. ohiensis, P. piperis, P. stipitata and P. tephropora are described in this paper. A key to these species is presented. Five species studied in culture are included, through the respective species code. P. tephropora is a new record from Southern Brazil. A check-list of names Perenniporia species known throughout the world is given.
Mechanisms of isolated hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria in plant growth promotion and effects of hydrogen metabolism on rhizobacterial community structure

M E C H A N ISM S O F ISO L A T E D H Y D R O G E N -O X ID IZ IN G B A C T E R IA IN P L A N T G R O W T H PR O M O T IO N A N D EFFEC TS O F H Y D R O G E N M E T A B O L ISM O N R H IZ O B A C T E R IA L C O M M U N IT Y ST R U C T U R E B y Ye Zhang Previous studies have showed that the hydrogen gas evolved from Hup" legume nodules promotes plant growth and increases the hydrogen uptake rate o f soils adjacent to Hup" nodules. This may be resulted from hydrogen-induced variation o f rhizobacterial community structure. Twenty isolates o f hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria belonging to genera o f Variovorax, Burkhorderia and Flavobacterium showed positive effect on root elongation. This study showed that isolates belonging to Variovorax and Flavobacterium had ACC deaminase activity and isolates belonging to Burkhorderia had the ability to excrete rhizobitoxine or its structural analogue such as AVG, which meant that they have the ability to promote plant growth by lowering o f plant ethylene levels. TRFLP studies showed that hydrogen metabolism resulted in obvious variation o f bacterial community structure in hydrogen treated soils compared to the controls. TRF peaks whose intensity increased obviously in profiles from hydrogen-treated soils were possibly contributed by bacteria utilizing hydrogen gas.
Variations in sperm number in relation to larval crowding and spermatophore size in the armyworm, Pseudaletia separata

1. Number of sperm and its relationship with larval rearing density were investigated in the armyworm Pseudaletia separata. Males that emerged from crowded larvae produced significantly more apyrene sperm than those from solitary larvae (375 700 ± 116 600 and 290 300 ± 99 600 at a mating with a 3‐day old virgin, respectively), with no significant difference in number of eupyrene sperm between the two types being observed.
Predation risk for herbivorous insects on tropical vegetation: A search for enemy‐free space and time

Spatial and temporal variability in predation risk for herbivores on 13 rainforest species of Ficus (Moraceae) in Papua New Guinea was studied in order to assess whether predator-free refuges exist on their foliage and if so, whether herbivorous insects concentrate their activity in such refugia. Predation risk from invertebrate predators was measured as the disappearance rate of live termites set up as baits on the foliage. By far the most important predators were ants, accounting for 77% of attacks. No consistent differences in predation rate between Ficus species were found so that tree identity could not be used as an indicator of enemy-free space. Predation risk was highly variable among conspecific trees and also changed rapidly in time, over periods as short as 10 days. Such short-term and unpredictable predator-free refuges may be difficult for herbivores to find and exploit. Predation risk during the day was three times higher than during the night, but abundance of herbivores on the foliage was also higher during the day. Thus, night was confirmed as a relatively enemy-free time which, however, was not exploited by herbivores.
Exploration, collection and characterization of cassava landraces (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) grown in Western Ghats region.

Fifty six land races of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) from Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu exhibited significant variability for root morphological and biochemical traits studied. Amylose and starch contents varied from 14.4 to 30.4% and 10.0 to 39.7% respectively. Among the collections, 50% landraces had yellow colour pulp, indicated the possibility for selection and gene manipulation to improve the carotenoid content of cassava tuberous roots and thereby enhance its nutritive value. The cluster analysis revealed two major clusters and three minor clusters based on outer skin, cortex and pulp colours, texture and taste. The wide genetic diversity suggests that the evaluated germplasm can be used to identifying superior genotypes towards high yield with improved nutritive value.
Verrucaria Elaeina, A Misunderstood European Lichen

Abstract Verrucaria elaeina Borrer is a misunderstood species of shaded which is widespread in the British Isles. It resembles the freshwater species V. praetermissa, but differs in the more prominent perithecia, the lack of a layer, the slightly smaller ascospores, and the lack of a perispore.
Combining ability studies for seed yield its component characters and oil content in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and coss).

Twenty diverse genotypes (lines) were crossed with three varieties (testers) namely, Varuna, Basanti and RK 9501 in line X tester mating design resulting in sixty hybrids. These twenty three parents and sixty crosses were used to estimate the combining ability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and coss) for ten quantitative traits viz. days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number ofsiliquae on matn raceme, number of seeds per siliquae, 1000-seed weight (g), seed yield per plant and oil content (%). Both general combining abality and specific combining ability effects were highly significant for all the traits. The gooo general combiners identified for seed yield were Basanti and Varuna Based on specific combining ability effects, crosses RC 376 x Varuna, RC 1148 X Basanti and RC 280 x RK 9501 were found best for oil content and RC 875 X Varuna, RC 280 x Basanti and RC 393 X RK 9501 were found best for seed yield.
A FGF-Hh feedback loop controls stem cell proliferation in the developing larval brain of Drosophila melanogaster

A FGF-Hh Feedback Loop Controls Stem Cell Proliferation in the Developing Larval Brain of Drosophila melanogaster. (December 2007) Andrea Lynn Barrett, B.S., Sam Houston State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Sumana Datta The adult Drosophila central nervous system is produced by two phases of neurogenesis: the first phase occurs during embryonic development where the larval brain is formed and the second occurs during larval development to form the adult brain. Neurogenesis in both phases is caused by the activation of neural stem cell division and subsequent progenitor cell division and terminal differentiation. Proper activation of neural stem cell division in the larval brain is essential for proper patterning and functionality of the adult central nervous system. Initiation of neural stem cell proliferation requires signaling from the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) homolog Branchless (Bnl) and by the Hedgehog (Hh) growth factor. I have focused on the interactions between both of these signaling pathways with respect to post-embryonic neural stem cell proliferation using the Drosophila larval brain. Using proliferation assays and quantitative real-time PCR, I have shown that Bnl and Hh signaling is inter-dependent in the 1 instar larval brain and activates neural
Aggressive Eviction of the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica (Linnaeus)) from its Nest by the Giant Resin Bee (Megachile sculpturalis Smith)

The giant resin bee, Megachile sculpturalis Smith, is native to eastern Asia and has been known to occupy vacated nests of the eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica (Linnaeus)) since its first report in North America (Mangum and Brooks, 1997). While its quick colonization of eastern North America, west to Kansas, has been well documented (Mangum and Sumner, 2003; Hinojosa-Diaz, 2008; Maier, 2009), its interactions with native bees have not yet been studied. We report here a dramatic eviction of carpenter bees from a nest by a single female giant resin bee. On 25 July 2012, at Blandy Experimental Farm (Boyce, Virginia, USA), a male carpenter bee was observed moving slowly on the ground, covered in a very sticky substance, directly below a nest that had been recently active with carpenter bees. A couple of minutes later, a female giant resin bee flew aggressively at the nest entrance, retreated, flew toward it from a different angle, retreated, and then flew at the nest a couple more times. A female carpenter bee that had apparently been guarding the nest entrance came out of the nest and was attacked immediately by the giant resin bee, which grabbed it with its legs, bit it near the head, and made repeated attempts to sting it. The two bees tumbled out of the nest, still clutching each other, and fell to the ground. The female carpenter bee remained on the ground moving slowly, covered in a very sticky substance (like the male carpenter bee), and the giant resin bee then returned to the carpenter bee nest, entered it, and remained inside past nightfall (an hour later). The carpenter bees wandered slowly on the ground and their eventual fate is unknown. We were unable to open up the nest because of its position in the framework of the building. From 1–2 August 2012 (a week after the incident), a video camera recorded activity at the nest during a total period of six daylight hours (scattered between 9:15 and 17:30). A total of 59 entrances and exits were recorded at the nest during that time, and the only species recorded was the giant resin bee. Most trips outside the nest were between one and six minutes long, and on five of the return trips a large amount of material, presumed to be plant resin, could be seen carried in the bee’s mandibles. No pollen loads were observed in the scopae. Following the video-recording, the giant resin bee was caught before entering the nest. Her mandibles held a large drop of viscous and sticky resin, which may have been the source of stickiness on the fallen carpenter bees. The giant resin bee appears to have successfully usurped this carpenter bee nest and begun preparations for its own nesting activity. While we do not know how commonly this occurs, it indicates that the use of carpenter bee nests by giant resin bees does not only occur after carpenter bees have willingly vacated the nest. If this commonly occurs, the giant resin bee may have the potential to negatively impact eastern carpenter bee populations.
Afforestation of Marginal Agricultural Land in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, U.S.A.

Afforestation of marginal agricultural land in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) relies on native species, planted mostly in single-species plantations. Hard mast species such as oak and pecan are favored for their value to wildlife, especially on public land. Successful afforestation requires an understanding of site variation within floodplains and matching species preferences and tolerances to site characteristics, in particular to inundation regimes. Soil physical conditions, root aeration, nutrient availability, and moisture availability during the growing season also must be considered in matching species to site. Afforestation methods include planting seedlings or cuttings, and direct-seeding. Both methods can be done by hand or by machine. If good quality seedlings are planted properly and well cared for before planting, the chances for successful establishment are high but complete failures do occur. Mortality and poor growth are caused by many factors: extended post-planting drought or flooding; poor planting or seeding practices; poor quality seed or seedlings; animal depredation; or herbicide drift from aerial application to nearby cropland. More species can be planted, even on continuously flooded sites. Direct-seeding, while limited to heavy-seeded species (oaks and hickories), costs less than 50 % of planting seedlings. Growth varies considerably by soil type; most bottomland hardwoods grow best on silt loam and less well on clay soils. Up to 200 000 ha of land in the LMAV subject to spring and early summer backwater flooding could be afforested over the next decade.
Track analysis of the North and Central American species of the Pantomorus-Naupactus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

We undertook a panbiogeographic analysis of the broad-nosed weevils of the genera Naupactus Dejean, 1821, Pantomorus Schonherr, 1840 and Phacepholis Horn, 1876 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from North and Central America to propose a biogeographic scenario to explain their biotic diversification. Based on individual tracks of 30 species, we obtained six generalized tracks: Mesoamerican, Chiapas, Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexican Pacific Coast, Southern Great Plains and Northern Great Plains tracks. The Sierra Madre del Sur generalized track is the best supported, based on 10 species of the three genera. We found two nodes, one at the intersection of the Mesoamerican and Chiapas tracks, and another at the intersection of the Chiapas and Sierra Madre del Sur tracks. Species of Naupactus are primarily distributed in lowlands, associated mostly with dry forests and xeric environments. Species of Pantomorus and Phacepholis would have diversified from South American Naupactus- like ancestors, mainly in montane habitats and lowlands of North and Central America, between sea level to about 2500 m of altitude.
ABNORMAL PROTEIN PHOSPHORYLATION IN HUMAN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of neurons in cortex, brain stem and spinal cord. Currently, ALS is believed to be triggered by a number of distinct factors including glutamate excitotoxicity and mutations in the sod1 gene (mSOD). To explore the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- mediated cytotoxicity, cell death assays were performed in NR 1 AINR2A-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. NMDA-mediated cell death was potentiated by the activation of ca2+- and lipid-dependent isoforms of PKC, specifically PKCP 1. A discrete segment of the C-terminus of NR2A subunit contributed to this potentiation by PKC. These data demonstrate that the elevation of PKC activity increases cell death induced by NMDA receptor activation. To examine the involvement of abnormal protein phosphorylation in ALS, the expression of over 130 proteins were evaluated in postmortem spinal cord tissues from patients having sporadic ALS and controls. There was increased expression of protein kinases and phosphoproteins in ALS tissue such as PKCaIP, protein kinase B a (PKBa) and phospho-PKCalP. This suggests that both pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways are up-regulated in ALS. It is possible that the final outcome for each individual cell is determined by which pathway dominates over the other. Transgenic mice over-expressing mSOD have been used extensively as a model of familial ALS. Comparative studies have revealed a striking similarity in pathology between mSOD mouse and human ALS. The morphological analogy between these two was investigated and we found that in G93A mSOD mice, the spinal nucleus of bulbocavernosus (SNB) is spared from degeneration, paralleling the survival of its functional and anatomical homologue, Onuf s nucleus. This provides evidence that mSOD mice may suitably models ALS. However, a distinct profile of changes in protein expression were observed in the CNS tissues of G93A mSOD mice compared with their control littermates, which was dissimilar to that between ALS patients and controls. This observation indicates that the activation of protein kinases is different with neuron loss in mSOD mouse compared with that seen in patients with sporadic ALS. These findings suggest an important role for abnormal protein phosphorylation in ALS.
Field Evaluation of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. at Two Sites in Indo-gangetic Plains of India

Abstract Results from clonal trials of Populus deltoides conducted in two distinct agroclimatic regions of Punjab in northwestern India are reported and discussed. Sixteen clones were evaluated at Hambran and Bathinda where commonly grown clone ‘G-48’ was considered as control. Significant differences among clones (P < 0.001) were observed for diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height and volume at the age of four and six years under both the site conditions. Clone ‘L-48’ ranked first for volume at six year age at both sites and was followed by clone ‘Ranikhet’. The respective superiority for volume of these clones over control was 44.8 and 23.2 per cent at Hambran and 72.5 and 30.7 per cent at Bathinda. All growth traits registered significantly higher values at Hambran in comparison to those at Bathinda. Clone x site interaction was also significant (P < 0.001). The clones ‘L-168’, ‘154/86’, ‘Solan-z’ and ‘170/88’ experienced huge fluctuation in ranking between sites for volume at 6-year age. The DBH and height showed significant and positive correlation with each other and with tree volume at all the age combinations. The clonal mean heritability was quite high both at Hambran (0.73-0.86) and Bathinda (0.80-0.95). The genetic advance were the highest for volume (33.34-64.26%) and the lowest (10.65-22.79%) in case of height.
Signal residuals during shell fighting in hermit crabs: can costly signals be used deceptively?

Animals advertise aspects of individual quality in a range of situations including during agonistic contests over access to resources. The advertisement can be produced by different types of signal, which can be broadly classified into "conventional signals" and "costly signals. " In both cases, the signals are thought to be honest such that any benefits to cheating are very limited due to prohibitive costs of advertising an inaccurately high level of quality. However, some individuals may benefit by low-level cheating in systems that are otherwise honest. Here, I test this possibility for a costly signal by analyzing residuals from relationships between a key parameter of signal magnitude and two measures of fighting ability from "shell fights" in hermit crabs. Contrary to the expectations for significant use of bluffing, individuals that performed at a greater magnitude than expected for their ability were more likely to win the encounter but used fewer repetitions than those that performed below the level expected for their ability. This indicates that the level of performance is primarily driven by the cost and that the functional significance of signal residuals in this case is that they provide information on several measures of fighting ability. Copyright 2006.
Cell Population Studies on the Intestine of Continuously Irradiated Rats

Rats were exposed for 5 days to doses of 84, 176, and 415 rads/day gamma radiation. Intestinal injury was determined by examination of whole-crypt squashes for total cell population, the number of cells in mitoses, and the number of cells labeled with H/sup 3/-thymidine after a single injection. An increase in the incorporation of H/sup 3/-thymidine into the nuclei of the intestinal epithelium was observed after exposure to 415 rads/day. (C.H.)