Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of selfing and maternal effects on life-cycle traits and dispersal ability in the herb Hypochaeris radicata (Asteraceae)

The ecological and evolutionary implications of dispersal are many. Pollination type and maternal effects may affect plant fitness traits, including life-cycle traits as well as dispersal ability. This study investigated the joint influence of pollination type and maternal effects on both life-cycle traits and dispersal ability in the herb Hypochaeris radicata. We conducted experimental crosses to obtain selfed and outcrossed progeny. Individual seeds and their pappuses were measured to determine seed terminal velocity. Seed size was also used to assess maternal effects. Selfing dramatically decreased seed set, indicating that H. radicata is self-incompatible. However, the few selfed seeds produced outperformed outcrossed seeds in seed size and flowering probability, surely as a result of an effective reallocation of resources among selfed seeds. None of the life-cycle traits was affected by seed size, the estimate of maternal effects. Selfed seeds were larger and bore a smaller pappus than outcrossed seeds. As a result, dispersal ability was lower for selfed than outcrossed seeds. Several factors, such as the low proportion of plants that produced selfed seeds, the low number of selfed seeds produced per plant, and the lack of self-fertility mechanisms might act in concert to prevent the evolution of selfing in H. radicata. (C) 2004 The Linnean Society of London.
The development of sustainable earthworm populations at Calvert landfill site, UK

Earthworms Allolobophora chlorotica and Aporrectodea longa were inoculated into Calvert landfill site in spring 1992, in conjunction with the planting of two tree species Alnus glutinosa and Acer pseudoplatanus. Monitoring has taken place over a period of 11 years. Sampling in 2003 revealed that earthworm distribution no longer equated to the inoculation treatments; the worms had spread extensively. The presence of A. glutinosa had a significant effect (p<0ċ01) on earthworm number (mean density 198 m−2) and biomass (34 g m−2) compared to plots where A. pseudoplatanus had been planted and subsequently died (mean density 118 m−2; biomass 21 g m−2). Results suggest that tree presence may be critical to earthworm community development.
Let’s not forget the small fishes – conservation of two threatened species of pygmy perch in south-eastern Australia

Small species without commercial value are often overlooked in conservation management. Pygmy perches are minature percichthyid fishes from temperate southern Australia of significant conservation concern, with five of the seven described species being threatened nationally. The present paper examines the plight of Yarra pygmy perch Nannoperca obscura, and variegated pygmy perch N. variegata, and discusses the progress of national (and State) recovery-plan actions. Threats and risks to these species are considerable; however, overall, few recovery actions have been completed and the status of many populations is unknown following the recent ‘millenium drought’. Habitat restoration, fish rescues, environmental water delivery and research into distribution, ecology and population dynamics are largely driven by individuals within singular local management authorities. Like many small fishes, they receive less attention than do larger ones and a cross-jurisdictional national recovery team is required to prioritise, coordinate and implement conservation efforts before the continued persistence of these species can be assured. These two small fishes are representative of many similar species and the lessons from the present case study may be applied elsewhere throughout the world.
Desenvolvimento e exigências térmicas de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) em ovos de Bonagota cranaodes (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley on eggs of Bonagota cranaodes (Meyrick) under different temperatures. B. cranaodes eggs were maintained under seven constant temperatures (14, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 30oC), 70 ± 10% R.H. and, 14 h L. Forty replicates with 20 parasitized eggs each were kept in glass tubes (8.5 x 2.5 cm) covered with a plastic film. The method of hyperbole was used to calculate the temperature threshold (Tb) and the thermal constant (K). The Tb obtained was 11.9oC and to thermal constant was 153,4 DD. The most favorable temperature range was from 25oC to 30oC, at which the shortest egg-adult development period and the highest survivorship were observed.
Transfer at C. elegans Synapses

The nematode C.elegans, with its 302 neurons and abundance of genetic, laser ablation, electrophysiological and imaging tools, is a compact and attractive system for neural circuit analysis. An understanding of the functional dynamics of neural computation requires physiological analyses. We undertook the ﬁrst characterization of transfer at central synapses in C.elegans. To achieve this we employed optical stimulation techniques using channelrhodopsin-2, and combined this with whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological recording techniques. We show that the synapse between AFD and AIY, the ﬁrst stage in the thermotactic circuit, exhibits excitatory, tonic and graded release. The gain at the synapse was low (<0.1), and release was frequency independent, showing no signs of facilitation or depression. The AFD-AIY synapse thus seems designed for robust and reliable transmission of a scaled-down temperature signal from AFD to AIY, enabling AIY to continuously monitor temperature information and integrate it with other incoming sensory information. We also investigated the synapse between ASER, a chemosensory neuron, and AIY, and found that the synaptic response was small and inconsistent. The combination of optical stimulation tools with neural recording techniques is a powerful way to analyze neural circuitry, and will be a signiﬁcant aid in achieving the goal of understanding how information is processed in the compact yet densely interconnected nervous system of the worm.
Mechanisms of tumour suppression and control of genomic integrity by BARD1

BARD1 est un suppresseur de tumeur qui interagit avec BRCA1 dans le maintien de l'integrite du genome. D'autre part, il peut agir, independamment de BRCA1, dans une signalisation apoptotique en cas de stress genotoxique. Dans un premier volet, les mecanismes de suppression tumorale controlee par BARD1 ont ete etudies. Les regions de BARD1 necessaires a l'induction de l'apoptose ont ete identifiees ainsi que la necessite d'une interaction entre BARD1 et p53. BARD1 est localise dans le noyau ou il forme des agregats moleculaires avec BRCA1 et Rad51 pendant la reparation de l'ADN. En revanche, pendant l'apoptose, une translocation de BARD1 dans le cytoplasme a ete observee. Dans un deuxieme volet, certains facteurs determinants de la stabilite chromosomique lors de la mitose ont ete identifies. En effet, lors de l'anaphase, BARD1 est localise sur les microtubules, puis, lors de la cytokinese, il interagit avec BRCA2, AuroraB et TACC1. Ces observations suggerent un role supplementaire de BARD1 dans la segregation des chromosomes pendant la mitose.
Mapping dry matter and sugars in potato tubers for prediction of whole tuber process quality

Processing quality parameters within different sections of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers grown in Manitoba were measured to determine variability within tubers and to determine if whole tuber quality could be predicted from a specific section. The section that provided the best prediction of overall tuber quality parameters was determined. Changes in specific gravity (SG) and sugars in the outside and the inside of tubers during several months of storage were also measured. Dry matter (DM) of potato cvs. Russet Burbank and Shepody was generally higher at the apical and stem ends than in the middle section and was significantly higher in the outside than in the inside of the tuber. Sucrose concentration generally decreased from the stem end to the apical end of the tuber in Russet Burbank but increased from the stem end to the apical end in Shepody. Sucrose, glucose, and fructose were generally greater, though not always significantly, in the inside of the tuber compared with the outside with the ex.
The influence of variation and of developmental constraints on the rate of multivariate phenotypic evolution

A model of multivariate phenotypic evolution is analysed under the assumption that all characters have the same variance or at least constant ratios of variance. The rate of evolution is examined as a function of the amount of phenotypic variance in a variety of adaptive landscapes (fitness functions). It is demonstrated that the effect of variation depends on the type of adaptive landscape. In “well behaved” adaptive landscapes the rate of evolution can theoretically increase without limits, depending on the amount of heritable phenotypic variation. However, in other adaptive landscapes there are upper limits to the rate of evolution which cannot be exceeded if phenotypic variation is developmentally unconstrained, i. e. if it is the same for all characters. Further it is shown that the maximal rate of evolution becomes small if the number of characters becomes large. Fitness functions of this type are called malignant. It is argued that malignant fitness functions are more adequate models for the evolution of typical organismic systems, because they are models of functionally interdependent characters. It is concluded that there are upper limits to the rate of phenotypic evolution if the variation of functionally interdependent characters is developmentally unconstrained. The possible role of developmental constraints in adaptive phenotypic evolution is discussed.
Multilocus structure in the Pinus contorta – Pinus banksiana complex

Natural hybridization between lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in western Canada provides a distinct opportunity to infer evolutionary and demographic determinants of nonrandom associations of the alleles at different loci occurring in this Pinus contorta – Pinus banksiana complex (PCBC). Here, we investigated multilocus associations among and within 40 PCBC populations sampled from central and northwestern Alberta, using 39 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. For each of the 40 PCBC populations, we examined distributions of 741 pairs of linkage (gametic) disequilibria (LD) between the 39 RAPDs and measured the “average” multilocus associations using the summary statistics that allow for packaging of individual LD in each population. We then partitioned the variance of LD in the total population to assess the causes of multilocus population structure. The results showed that (i) LD were more prominent in hybrid populations than in parental .
A Novel Partial Agonist of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- (cid:1) (PPAR (cid:1) ) Recruits PPAR (cid:1) -Coactivator-1 (cid:2) , Prevents Triglyceride Accumulation, and Potentiates Insulin Signaling in Vitro

Partial agonists of peroxisome proliferator-acti-vated receptor- (cid:1) (PPAR (cid:1) ), also termed selective PPAR (cid:1) modulators, are expected to uncouple insulin sensitization from triglyceride (TG) storage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These agents shall thus avoid adverse effects, such as body weight gain, exerted by full agonists such as thiazolidinediones. In this context, we describe the identification and characterization of the isoquinoline derivative PA-082, a prototype of a novel class of non-thiazolidinedione partial PPAR (cid:1) ligands. In a cocrystal with PPAR (cid:1) it was bound within the ligand-binding pocket without direct contact to helix 12. The compound displayed partial agonism in biochemical and cell-based transactivation assays and caused preferential recruitment of PPAR (cid:1) -co-activator-1 microplates (Costar, Milian, Genf) for 1 h at 37 C with ligands, biotinylated peptide (5–300 n M ), europium (Eu) chelate-labeled anti-GST antibody (1 n M ), and allophycocy-anine streptavidin conjugate (30 n M ) (both from PerkinElmer) in assay buffer (50 m M HEPES, pH 7.4; 25 m M NaCl, 0.1 mg/ml fatty acid-free BSA; 1 m M DTT). FRET signals were measured using a fluorescence counter (Discovery v2.11 HTRF; Packard). The data were calculated as the ratio of the emission intensity of the acceptor (allophycocyanine: (cid:10) (cid:2) 665 nm) divided by the emission intensity of the donor (Eu: (cid:10) (cid:2) 620 nm). The ratio was multiplied by 10 4 to give a whole number.
HOST PLANT PREFERENCE OF THE SOYBEAN POD BORER, GRAPHOLITHA GLICINIVORELLA MATSUMURA (LEP., EUCOSMIDAE)

The host plant preference of the soybean pod borer, an important factor in the resistance of the soybean plant, was studied in the field, using four varieties, two hairy and two glabrous. It was found that there was a considerable difference in the number of eggs laid on the hairy and glabrous varieties, and also in the place where eggs were laid. These differences were observed when the hairy varieties were planted alternately with the glabrous ones. However, the difference in the number of eggs laid was not found when all pods of the soybean plants were removed. This treatment of the hairy varieties caused a great decrease in the number of eggs laid, while on the glabrous varieties this was not the case. These observations suggest that two factors operate (a) varietal preference (b) site preference within plants, e.g. the hairy pod is the most attractive oviposition site.
Identification and Characterization of the Precursors Committed to Osteoclasts Induced by TNF-Related Activation-Induced Cytokine/Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand1

Osteoclasts are terminally differentiated from cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage by stimulation with TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin ligand/osteoclast differentiation factor/TNFSF11/CD254). In the present study, we attempted to determine when and how the cell fate of precursors becomes committed to osteoclasts following TRANCE stimulation. Although mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were able to differentiate into either osteoclasts or dendritic cells, the cells no longer differentiated into dendritic cells after treatment with TRANCE for 24 h, indicating that their cell fate was committed to osteoclasts. Committed cells as well as BMMs were still quite weak in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity, an osteoclast marker, and incorporated zymosan particles by phagocytosis. Interestingly, committed cells, but not BMMs, could still differentiate into osteoclasts even after incorporation of the zymosan particles. Furthermore, IL-4 and IFN-γ, potent inhibitors of osteoclast differentiation, failed to inhibit osteoclast differentiation from committed cells, and blocking of TRANCE stimulation by osteoprotegerin resulted in cell death. Adhesion to culture plates was believed to be essential for osteoclast differentiation; however, committed cells, but not BMMs, differentiated into multinucleated osteoclasts without adhesion to culture plates. Although LPS activated the NF-κB-mediated pathway in BMMs as well as in committed cells, the mRNA expression level of TNF-α in the committed cells was significantly lower than that in BMMs. These results suggest that characteristics of the committed cells induced by TRANCE are distinctively different from that of BMMs and osteoclasts.
An enigmatic gnathostome vertebrate skull from the Middle Devonian of Bolivia.

Pradel, A. , Maisey, J. G. , Tafforeau, P. and Janvier, P. 2009. An enigmatic gnathostome vertebrate skull from the Middle Devonian of Bolivia. — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm), 90 (Suppl. 1): 123‐133 A new taxon, Ramirosuarezia boliviana n. gen., n. sp. is erected for a single, articulated jawed fish (gnathostome) skull from the Middle Devonian (Eifelian) Icla Formation of Bolivia. The specimen displays an elasmobranchlike braincase, but lacks unambiguous elasmobranch and even chondrichthyan characters, although its peculiar tooth-bearing ‘labial’ elements evoke certain stem-holocephalans. Its endoskeletal elements seem lined with either perichondral bone or non-prismatic calcified cartilage, but show no evidence of endochondral bone. Although devoid of large dermal bones and scales, R. boliviana shares with certain ‘ostracoderms’, placoderms and holocephalans the lack of an otico-occipital fissure, but lacks a hypophysial fenestra. Certain features (elongated braincase, ‘labial elements’, sharp denticles and teeth) are also suggestive of the equally enigmatic coeval stensioellids, once regarded as either primitive placoderms or stem holocephalans. The jaws are armed with platelets that bear blunt to pointed and sharp teeth, in which synchrotron radiation microtomography yields evidence of a large pulp cavity, a possibly osteichthyanlike character. No character clearly supports affinities of R. boliviana to any of the currently known major gnathostome groups. Tenuous hints suggest a relationship to the enigmatic fossil Zamponiopteron , from the Eifelian of Bolivia, known by peculiar calcified ‘fin plates’ and isolated shoulder girdles.
Impact of elevated carbon dioxide on the rhizosphere communities of Carex arenaria and Festuca rubra

The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels is predicted to stimulate plant carbon (C) fixation, potentially influencing the size, structure and function of micro‐ and mesofaunal communities inhabiting the rhizosphere. To assess the effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on bacterial, fungal and nematode communities in the rhizosphere, Carex arenaria (a nonmycorrhizal plant species) and Festuca rubra (a mycorrhizal plant species) were grown in three dune soils under controlled soil temperature and moisture conditions, while subjecting the aboveground compartment to defined atmospheric conditions differing in CO2 concentrations (350 and 700 μL L−1). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis methods were used to examine effects on the size and structure of rhizosphere communities. Multivariate analysis of community profiles showed that bacteria were most affected by elevated CO2, and fungi and nematodes to a lesser extent. The influence of elevated CO2 was plant dependent, with the mycorrhizal plant (F. rubra) exerting a greater influence on bacterial and fungal communities. Biomarker data indicated that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may play an important role in the observed soil community responses. Effects of elevated CO2 were also soil dependent, with greater influence observed in the more organic‐rich soils, which also supported higher levels of AMF colonization. These results indicate that responses of soil‐borne communities to elevated CO2 are different for bacteria, fungi and nematodes and dependent on the plant type and soil nutrient availability.
RPB2 gene reveals a phylodemographic signal in wild and domesticated grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

Polymorphism at the single copy RPB2 locus was investigated to define the relationship between wild and domesticated grapevines. Two different forms still coexist in Eurasia, the cultivated (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. vinifera) and the wild (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris (Gmelin) Hegi), referred to as separate subspecies. Using the observed number of mutations at the RPB2 locus, as well as archaeological data, to define an approximate age of domestication, we have estimated a high nucleotide substitution rate (4.25 × 10−7) in the domesticated group. Moreover, the dynamics of population size in the RPB2 gene were estimated using Bayesian coalescent inference. The Bayesian skyline plot offered interesting information on the past dynamics of RPB2 for both wild and domesticated groups. The signal of exponential growth observed in grapevine accessions can be viewed as a consequence of human breeding activity during the domestication of the species. However, a recent and drastic decline of population size has been observed in the Mediterranean wild lineages. This event mirrors the demographic decline of wild grape, probably explained by anthropogenic pressure on its natural habitats and by the introduction of pathogens from North America in recent centuries.
AC Pathfinder durum wheat.

AC Pathfinder durum wheat is adapted to the Brown and Dark Brown soil zones of the Canadian prairies. It combines high yield with strong gluten properties. It has shorter, stronger straw than Kyle. Key words: Triticum turgidum L. var. durum, durum wheat, cultivar description, yield, protein, disease resistance
Effects of sugars on the longevity of adult females of Eretmocerus eremicus and Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), parasitoids of Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Alyerodidae), as related to their honeydew feeding and host feeding

Adult females of Eretmocerus eremicus and Encarsia formosa, aphelinid parasitoids of Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum, are known to feed on honeydew and hemolymph of both whitefly hosts. Because these easily accessible food sources contain different sugars, we selected glucose, sucrose and fructose as host-honeydew sugars and trehalose and glucose as host-hemolymph sugars and determined the effects of these four sugars on parasitoid longevity in the laboratory. Each of the four sugars increased the female longevity of both parasitoids, and for Er. eremicus, there was no significant difference in longevity among the four sugars, but for En. formosa, trehalose had a significantly smaller positive impact on longevity than the other three sugars. We conclude that glucose, fructose and sucrose in the host honeydew and glucose in the host hemolymph greatly increase the female longevity of both parasitoids. We also conclude that Er. eremicus can also utilize trehalose fully in extending female longevity, while En. formosa can not. This suggests that host hemolymph containing trehalose is more important as a carbohydrate source for Er. eremicus than for En. formosa.
vCLAP, a Caspase-recruitment Domain-containing Protein of Equine Herpesvirus-2, Persistently Activates the IκB Kinases through Oligomerization of IKKγ*

vCLAP, the E10 gene product of equine herpesvirus-2, is a caspase-recruitment domain (CARD)-containing protein that has been shown to induce both apoptosis and NF-κB activation in mammalian cells. vCLAP has a cellular counterpart, Bcl10/cCLAP, which is also an activator of apoptosis and NF-κB. Recent studies demonstrated that vCLAP activates NF-κB through an IκB kinase (IKK)-dependent pathway, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that vCLAP associates stably with the IKK complex through direct binding to the C-terminal region of IKKγ. Consistent with this finding, IKKγ was found to be essential for vCLAP-induced NF-κB activation, and the association between vCLAP and the IKK complex induced persistent activation of the IKKs. Moreover, enforced oligomerization of the isolated C-terminal region of vCLAP, which interacts with IKKγ, can trigger NF-κB activation. Finally, substitution of the C-terminal region of IKKγ, which interacts with vCLAP, with the CARD of vCLAP or Bcl10 produced a molecule that was able to activate NF-κB when ectopically expressed in IKKγ-deficient cells. These data suggest that vCLAP-induced oligomerization of IKKγ, which is mediated by the CARD of vCLAP, could be the mechanism by which vCLAP induces activation of NF-κB.