Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metal concentrations in the liver and kidney of raptor species from the Calabria region, Italy.

We have focused our study on the concentrations of non essential trace metals Pb, Cd and Cr and essential heavy metals Zn and Cu, in the liver and kidney of raptor species from different areas of the Calabria region in Italy, with the aim of obtaining information concerning the quality and the contamination level of their habitat. No significant differences related to sampling areas and gender were found, while significant differences were found in metal concentrations among species. Mean Cd concentrations in the kidneys were generally 1.5-10 fold higher than hepatic ones, while Pb was mostly concentrated in the liver; a different pattern in tissue Cr concentration was observed between species. Referring to essential metals, Cu levels were higher in the liver, whereas higher Zn concentrations were constantly present in the kidneys. The ratio between kidney and liver metal concentrations (K:Ls) was also evaluated. The measured concentrations in toxic elements can be considered as indicative of chronic exposure to low amounts of pollutants. The essential metal concentrations were in the range of physiological values and did not show the presence of any deficiency or excess of metal. The present study can be considered as a starting point in the study of a possible correlation between levels of pollutants and the appearance of any adverse effects in raptor species in the Calabria area.
EVENTS SURROUNDING THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF EUGLENA CHLOROPLASTS. 12. SPECTROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF THE PROTOCHLOROPHYLL(IDE) PHOTOTRANSFORMATION IN INTACT CELLS *

Abstract— Absorption measurements in the 600–720 nm region of dark‐grown cells of Euglena gracilis Klebs var. bacillaris Cori were made in vivo at room temperature using computer‐assisted spectrophotometry. Dark‐grown wild‐type cells have a prominent absorption maximum at 634 nm due to protochlorophyll(ide) absorption. Upon illumination, the absorption at 634nm decreases and a peak appears at 674nm, representing the phototransformation of protochlorophyll(ide) to chlorophyll(ide). Using difference spectroscopy, the resynthesis in the dark of protochlorophyll(ide) by previously‐illuminated wild‐type dark‐grown cells was found to begin at about 10min after illumination and reached completion by about 25 min, the amount of protochlorophyll(ide) resynthesized being equivalent to that of dark‐grown cells. Resynthesis of protochlorophyll(ide) following a second illumination follows the same kinetics, indicating that protochlorophyll(ide) resynthesis is under tight regulation, possibly via feedback control. Cells of dark‐grown wild‐type and W3BUL, a mutant lacking protochlorophyll(ide) contain a component absorbing at 658 nm which does not undergo phototransformation when examined by difference spectroscopy at room and liquid N2 temperatures.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Analysis For Disease Detection: Proof Of Principle For Field Studies Detecting Paratuberculosis And Brucellosis

A proof of concept investigation was performed to demonstrate that two independent infectious diseases of cattle result in different patterns of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the headspace of serum samples detectable using an electronic nose (e‐nose). A total of 117 sera from cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (paraTB, n = 43 ) or Brucella sp. ( n = 26) and sera from corresponding control animals ( n = 48) were randomly and analysed blind to infection status using a ST214 e‐nose (Scensive Ltd, Leeds, UK). Samples were collected under non‐standardised conditions on different farms from the UK (brucellosis) and Germany (paraTB). The e‐nose could differentiate the sera from brucellosis infected, paraTB infected and healthy animals at the population level, but the technology used was not suitable for determination of the disease status of individual animals. Nevertheless, the data indicate that there are differences in the sensor responses depending on the disease status, and therefore, it shows the potential of VOC analysis from serum headspace samples for disease detection.
Genetic relatedness in winter populations of seasonally gregarious southern flying squirrels, Glaucomys volans

Abstract Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) face a dilemma: winter aggregation is beneficial for thermoregulation but costly due to nest mates pilfering stored food in the home area and the tendency for groups to attract predators. Living with kin in winter aggregations may mitigate these deleterious effects because if an individual dies, its stored food can be beneficial to relatives, thereby increasing inclusive fitness. Southern flying squirrels from 7 populations and a captive colony were genotyped at 6 microsatellite loci. We calculated group mean relatedness and dyad relatedness within groups. In the wild, winter populations were found to be more highly related than expected by chance. Fifty-seven percent of animals were associated with a highly related individual in their winter aggregation. We show that southern flying squirrels have a preference for relatives as winter nest mates.
Age structure of red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) at its northern limit in Quebec

At the northern limit of red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) fire may be of critical importance in determining the persistence of red pine and its restriction to islands and shores of lakes. The objectives of the study were to document the distribution pattern of red pine populations of the Lake Duparquet area in northwestern Quebec and to analyze the age structure and fire history of the populations. The combined age structure of 22 red pine populations is balanced and uneven aged, with two periods of increased recruitment from 1805 to 1864 and from 1925 to 1974. The analysis of individual populations indicates that they can be separated into three groups associated with specific site conditions: (i) uneven-aged populations with constant recruitment occurring on xeric sites, (ii) even-aged populations without regeneration occurring on mesic sites, and (iii) uneven-aged populations, showing both a constant recruitment and peak periods of regeneration, occurring on sites with xeric and mesic portions. Although a.
On the distribution, ecology and evolution of Gryocotyle urna, G. confusa and G. nybelini (Cercomeromorpha: Gyrocotylidea) and their host Chimaera monstrosa (holocephalida: chimaeridae) in Norwegian waters, with a review of the species question

Abstract Three hundred and eighty Chimaera monstrosa from Norwegian waters from Lofoten to the Skagerrak were examined for Gyrocotyle spp. G. urna was found, evenly dispersed, throughout the area. G. nybelini and G. confusa appeared to have more restricted distributions and to be slightly overdispersed. These rare species overlapped only in the area of Bergen, Norway. Mixed species infections were common. Prevalence of G. urna was from 48 to 100 %. All host size classes were found only in 6 of the 11 areas examined. A new geographic record for G. urna is included for the Faroes. Gyrocotylid speciation and evolution are discussed.
Role of foliar nitrogen in light harvesting and shade tolerance of four temperate deciduous woody species

1. Distribution of leaf chlorophyll (Chl), nitrogen and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC, ethanol-soluble sugars and starch) in leaves along a natural light gradient was studied in saplings of four deciduous woody species: Acer platanoides, Padus avium, Populus tremula and Quercus robur (from most shade tolerant to intolerant). 2. Leaf dry mass per area (LMA) increased linearly with increasing relative irradiance (RI) in all species and therefore it may be considered as a species-specific estimate of long-term light conditions. 3. Decreasing irradiance enhanced chlorophyll synthesis, and consistently resulted in highest Chl per leaf dry mass in low-light environments. Chl content per leaf area was correlated negatively with RI in A. platanoides and was independent of RI in three other species. 4. Leaf nitrogen content per leaf area (Na) increased linearly with LMA in all species, and with RI in all except A. platanoides. 5. The slopes and intercepts of Na vs LMA relationships were negatively correlated. Moreover, it appeared that the slope decreased and the intercept increased with increasing species shade tolerance. Thus, average nitrogen content per mass (Nm) increases and maximum concentrations of leaf nitrogen shift towards more open habitats with decreasing shade tolerance. Distribution of foliar nitrogen in this way is likely to contribute to greater photosynthetic potentials at higher irradiances in shade-intolerant species. Inversely, more tolerant species have greater concentrations of foliar nitrogen at low irradiance — an investment pattern, which provides resources to enhance the capacity of light harvesting in light-limited conditions. 6. NSC per leaf dry mass was positively related to relative irradiance and the slope of this relationship was highest for shade-intolerant species, which have intrinsically higher photosynthetic capacities. Nevertheless, the conclusions were robust and were not significantly biased by using the parameters expressed either on a total or on a NSC-free dry mass. 7. The analysis was further extended by including a number of other species from several independent studies. Examination of both sets of data resulted in identical conclusions. Based on this evidence it may be concluded that the variability in leaf nitrogen concentration in relation to irradiance plays a central role in species shade tolerance.
Expression and function of CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinβ (C/EBPβ) LAP and LIP isoforms in mouse mammary gland, tumors and cultured mammary epithelial cells

CCAAT/Enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) play important roles in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. This study investigated the expression and function of C/EBPβ isoforms in the mouse mammary gland, mammary tumors, and a nontransformed mouse mammary epithelial cell line (HC11). C/EBPβ mRNA levels are 2–5‐fold higher in mouse mammary tumors derived from MMTV/c‐neu transgenic mice compared with lactating and involuting mouse mammary gland. The “full‐length” 38 kd C/EBPβ LAP (“Liver‐enriched Activator Protein”) isoform is the predominant C/EBPβ protein isoform in mammary tumor whole cell lysates, however, the truncated 20 kd C/EBPβ LIP (“Liver‐enriched Inhibitory Protein”) isoform is also present at detectable levels (mean LAP:LIP ratio 5.3:1). The mammary tumor C/EBPβ LAP:LIP ratio decreases 70% (from 5.3:1 to 1.6:1) when lysate preparation is switched from a rapid whole cell lysis protocol to a multistep nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation protocol. In contrast to mammary tumors, only the C/EBPβ LAP isoform is detectable in the mammary gland whole cell and nuclear lysates; the truncated “LIP” isoform is undetectable regardless of isolation protocol. Ectopic over expression of C/EBPβ LIP or C/EBPβ LAP did not alter HC11 growth rates. However, C/EBPβ LIP over expressing HC11 cells (LAP:LIP ratio of ∼1:1) exhibited a consistent 2–4 h delay in G0/S phase transition. C/EBPβ LIP overexpressing HC11 cells did not express β‐casein mRNA (mammary epithelial cell differentiation marker) in response to lactogenic hormones. This defect in β‐casein expression was not corrected by carrying out the differentiation protocol in the presence of an artificial extracellular matrix. These results demonstrate that the “full‐length” C/EBPβ LAP isoform is the predominant C/EBPβ protein isoform expressed in mouse mammary gland in vivo and mouse mammary epithelial cell cultures in vitro. C/EBPβ LIP detected in mammary tumor lysates may result from in vivo production or ex vivo isolation‐induced proteolysis of C/EBPβ LAP. Ectopic overexpression of C/EBPβ LIP (LAP:LIP ratio of ∼1:1) inhibits mammary epithelial cell differentiation (β‐casein expression). J. Cell. Biochem. 82:357–370, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soja em sucessão a adubos verdes no sistema de plantio direto e convencional em solo de Cerrado

The green manures aim to preserve the environment quality without discarding the largest yield of economic crops. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of soybean grown after green manures under no-tillage and conventional tillage (one disk harrow + two leveling harrow) systems. The experiment was carried out in a Distrophic Red Latossol (typic Hapludox), covered by savannah vegetation, in Selviria, MS, Brazil. The green manures utilized were: black velvet bean, pigeon pea, sunn hemp, millet and fallow area (spontaneous vegetation). The green manures previously grown in spring do not affect the soybean yield, in both no-tillage and conventional tillage systems. In year without dry periods, the conventional tillage provided greater grain yield.
A Lipid Peroxidation-derived Aldehyde, 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal and ω6 Fatty Acids Contents in Meats

4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) and ω6 fatty acids contents were analyzed in pork and beef. The HNE contents in beef (n = 4) and pork (n=7) were 14.0-1S0nrnol/g and 1.0–152nmol/g, respectively. Furthermore, a linear correlation between the content of HNE and the content of total ω6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, or arachidonic acid was observed in pork.
Detection and management of myclobutanil-resistant grapevine powdery mildew (Uncinula necator) in Ontario

Myclobutanil-resistant Uncinula necator (Schwein.) Burrill was present in western New York State in 1995. In a vineyard in neighboring Ontario, myclobutanil gave poor control of powdery mildew during 1999. In 2000, mildew prevention was assessed with four management programs on three cultivars using small plot, randomized complete block designs. Programs received six fungicide applications between immediate prebloom and early ripening. On vines of cv. Riesling, the cluster areas mildewed in the control and four management programs were: unsprayed, 96%; myclobutanil, 65%; sulfur, 0.2%; myclobutanil alternated with sulfur, 27%; and a rotational program (kresoxim-methyl, sulfur, myclobutanil, and mineral oil), 8%. Severe infections on vines of cvs. Vidal and Seyval confirmed the failure of myclobutanil at a rate of 80 g/ha per application. Using aseptic techniques, the sensitivities of single conidial chain isolates of U. necator to myclobutanil were assessed from their growth on myclobutanil-impregnated grape leaf disks. Thirty isolates from unsprayed control plots in June 2000 had a mean EC50 (effective concentration that gave 50% inhibition) of 0.24 µg myclobutanil/mL. Thirty isolates from myclobutanil-sprayed 'Seyval' secondary clusters in September 2000, had a significantly higher EC50 (0.54 µg myclobutanil/mL). Using a discriminating concentration of 0.18 µg myclobutanil/mL, the proportion of resistant isolates increased from 53% in control plots in June to 97% in myclobutanil-treated plots in September.
Secondary Production Within a Seagrass Bed (Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima) in

Monthly sampling of a 140-ha seagrass bed in the lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, revealed that 13 numerically and trophically important species, representing about 20% of the total community densities over the year-long study period, accounted for the production of -42 g dry wt m-2 yr-1. This estimate is likely conservative due to our assumptions on voltinism and fixed size at maturity regardless of season for the species studied. The isopod Erichsonella attenuata accounted for 17.6 g dry wt m-2 yr-1 or 42% of the calculated total production, while the portunid decapod Callinectes sapidus and the amphipod Gammarus mucronatus each accounted for 7.7 g dry wt m-2 yr-1. The 10 remaining species (4 peracarids, 4 molluscs, and 2 decapods) each produced less than 2 g dry wt m-2 yr-1. Total seagrass-associated secondary production was estimated to equal or exceed 200 g dry wt m-2 yr-1. By applying this estimate to the entire 140-ha grassbed, we projected that, on average, 4.8 metric tons dry wt of invertebrate standing stock and 55.9 metric tons of invertebrate production occur over the year.
Rice gene expression profiles responding to larval feeding of the striped stem borer at the 1st to 2nd instar stage

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify rice genes that are in response to the striped stem borer (SSB) (Chilo suppressalis Walker) feeding at the first to second larval stage. Using combined suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and dot blot approaches, we analyzed the induced defense genes that took place during the first 72 h of infesting intact rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants in sheath tissues with SSB larvae. By sequencing the whole SSH library, 39 expressed sequence tags involved in disease stress, insect stress or other stress responses were identified to be up‐regulated by SSB larvae feeding. Among these genes, rice allene oxide cyclase (AOC), terpene synthase (TPS) and four proteinase inhibitor (PI) genes were up‐regulated by SSB larvae feeding. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that four rice PI genes were already up‐regulated at 6 h, and reached peaks between 6 h to 12 h. In addition, the transcription of gene involving in jasmonate signaling pathway such as allene oxide cyclase (AOC) concerning rice early defense response to SSB feeding was activated after rice feeding by SSB for 2 h. Although the expression of rice terpene synthase (TPS) gene, involved in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes or diterpenes, was already up‐regulated at 7 h, a significant increase in the expression was delayed until 12 h and reached its peak at 24 h. The present study identified six SSB‐response genes and their expression patterns, which provides evidence and information to understand insect stress‐response in plants.
THE EFFECT OF THIOLS ON THE DINITROSALICYLIC ACID TEST FOR REDUCING SUGARS

A study of the reaction between alkaline dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) and reducing sugars has shown that the addition of thiols to the reaction mixture increases the amount of DNS reduced. The extent of increase in DNS reduction depends in a complex fashion on the amounts of thiol and sugar present. Dinitrosalicylic acid does not react with thiols in the absence of reducing sugars. It is also shown that cysteine does not activate β-amylase in extracts of barley, wheat, or rye.
Description de Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) Riouxi n. sp. (Diptera-Psychodidae) d'Afrique du Nord

Description d'une espece nouvelle de phlebotome palearctique : Phlebotomus ( Paraphlebotomus ) riouxi du Maroc, de Tunisie et d'Espagne, etroitement apparentee a P. chabaudi . Chez le mâle, l'edeage est droit et pointu, ce qui differencie P. riouxi de toutes les especes dont l'edeage est crochu. Cette espece se distingue de P. chabaudi , etroitement apparentee, par la plus grande taille du lobe basal du coxite et par le plus grand nombre de soies qu'il porte. Les femelles possedent la meme spermatheque avec un anneau terminal campanule et le seul caractere utilisable pour la diagnose differentielle avec P. chabaudi est l'aspect de l'armature de l'atrium genital.
Tuna Purse-Seine Fishing with Fish-Aggregating Devices (FAD): Models of Tuna FAD Interactions

A model is proposed for the analysis of fishing tuna from fish-aggregating devices (FAD), and parameters for the model are estimated. Methods are described for determining the optimum number of FAD's to be deployed and the optimum number of vessels in a fishery. Field measurement of recruitment and loss of fish associated with FAD's is needed for adequate biological or economic analysis of FAD fishing. Results show that if recruitment to FAD's is proportional to the biomass not associated with FAD's, then increasing the number of FAD's beyond some limit will actually decrease total catch. Similar models could be used in any trap fishery, particularly for crabs or lobsters.
Seasonal Variation in Corticosterone in Free-Living and Captive Eastern Red-spotted Newts Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens

Abstract Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA, or HPI —interrenal in amphibians) function and the typical stress response system can be altered in many ways. Glucocorticoids (GC) are modulated seasonally in a variety of vertebrate taxa, and long-term captivity also modifies the HPA/I axis. Our experiment investigated the functioning of the HPI axis in free-living and long-term captive Eastern Red-spotted Newts. Free-living newts were collected and blood sampled throughout and after the breeding season in 2006–2007, and 2010. Captive newts arrived in the laboratory in December 2006 and their blood was also sampled in pre-, late-, and postbreeding season in 2007. Contrary to most other amphibians exhibiting seasonality in plasma corticosterone (CORT, the predominant GC in amphibians) levels, the peak in CORT in free-living newts was not related to the breeding season. As expected, captive newts had higher baseline levels of plasma CORT than free-living newts. However, whereas stress-induced CORT levels were equivalent in free-living and captive newts in July (postbreeding), stress-induced concentrations were significantly lower in free-living newts in both January (prebreeding) and April (late breeding). These data suggest that HPI function is altered by captivity in newts.
Checklist of Kheper Janssens and description of a new species from northern Tanzania (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae).

All species-group names of the genus Kheper Janssens (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) are presented in a checklist and Kheper rolciki sp. n. from northern Tanzania is described. The new species belongs to the cupreus group, whose species are illustrated and a key to them is provided.
Loss of density‐dependent growth inhibition and dissociation of α‐catenin from E‐cadherin

Normal human breast epithelial (HBE) cells at early (9th) passage ceased growth and formed a monolayer when they reached confluence. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed that α‐ and β‐catenins colocalized and coprecipitated with E‐cadherin, suggesting a complex formation of E‐cadherin with α‐ and β‐catenins in early passage cells. In contrast, HBE cells at late (12–13th) passage did not cease growth after confluence but stratified. The late passage cells exhibited enhanced colony forming ability in soft agar compared with early passage cells, however, they had a definite proliferating lifespan and were primarily diploid. In late passage cells grown as multilayers, α‐catenin was expressed but did not colocalize or coprecipitate with E‐cadherin, suggesting its dissociation from E‐cadherin. Coimmunoprecipitation of α‐actinin with α‐catenin suggested an indirect link between the E‐cadherin‐β‐catenin complex and α‐actinin via α‐catenin in early, but not in late passage cells. β‐Catenin in late passage cells was tyrosine phosphorylated and was not dephosphorylated following the addition of inhibitors of tyrosine kinases. Inhibition of dephosphorylation of β‐catenin in early passage cells by vanadate, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases, caused overgrowth of cells beyond the saturation density and loss of α‐catenin from the E‐cadherin‐β‐catenin complex. The results suggest that E‐cadherin requires its association with α‐actinin‐associated α‐catenin to maintain epithelial monolayers and accomplish the density‐dependent inhibition of growth. In addition, association between E‐cadherin and α‐catenin is suggested to be prevented by the presence of tyrosine phosphorylated β‐catenin which associates with E‐cadherin. J. Cell. Physiol. 173:54–63, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.