Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migratory preferences of humpback whales between feeding and breeding grounds in the eastern South Pacific

Latitudinal preferences within the breeding range have been suggested for Breeding Stock G humpback whales that summer in different feeding areas of the eastern South Pacific. To address this hypothesis, humpback whales photo-identified from the Antarctic Peninsula and the Fueguian Archipelago (southern Chile) were compared with whales photo-identified from lower latitudes extending from northern Peru to Costa Rica. This comparison was performed over a time span that includes 18 austral seasons. A total of 238 whales identified from the Antarctic Peninsula and 25 whales from the Fueguian Archipelago were among those photo-identified at the breeding grounds. Our findings showed that humpback whales from each feeding area were resighted unevenly across the breeding grounds, which suggests a degree of spatial structuring in the migratory pathway. Humpback whales that feed at the Antarctic Peninsula were more likely to migrate to the southern breeding range between northern Peru and Colombia, whereas whales that feed at the Fueguian Archipelago were more likely to be found in the northern range of the breeding ground off Panama. Further photo-identification efforts and genetic sampling from poorly sampled or unsampled areas are recommended to confirm these reported connectivity patterns.
Effect of carbohydrate source on in vitro propagation and rooting of two cultivars of petunia (Petunia x atkinsiana D. Don)

The effects of carbohydrate type and concentration on shoot multiplication of two cultivars of Petunia × atkinsiana D. Don ‘Prism White’ and ‘Prism Rose’ and on the root formation in in vitro culture were investigated. Sucrose, fructose, glucose, and maltose were tested at concentration ranging from 0 to 50 g · dm. Glucose and maltose did not stimulate proliferation of petunia shoots. Either the lack of carbon source or its high concentration (50 g · dm) was completely ineffective in rooting induction for both cvs. ‘Prism White’ and ‘Prism Rose’. In ‘Prism White’ the highest mean values for microshoot number together with the highest number of new shoots per one explant was obtained on the medium containing 30 g · dm of fructose. Considering ‘Prism Rose’, the more favorable sugar source and concentration for shoot length was obtained on medium with 30 g · dm of sucrose. The highest number of adventitious roots produced per shoot of petunia ‘Prism White’ was obtained on medium supplemented with 40 g · dm of glucose and for petunia ‘Prism Rose’ – 30 g · dm sucrose and maltose. The results presented in this study indicate that sucrose could be replaced by other carbon source in micropropagation of petunia.
Water Quality of Freshwater Ecosystems in a Temperate Climate

Water is the substance that made life on Earth possible. It plays a key role in both the individual and population development of all species. Water is also a critical resource for humans as populations continue to grow and climate change affects global and local water cycles. Water is a factor limiting economic development in many regions of the world. Under these conditions, good water quality becomes an extremely important factor that determines its economic utility, including water supply, recreation, and agriculture. Proper water quality maintenance of freshwater ecosystems is also very important for preserving biodiversity. The quality of water depends on many factors, the most important of which are related to human impact on water ecosystems, especially the impact of various pollutants from municipal economy, industry and agriculture. Hydrotechnical changes, such as river damming, drainage processes and water transport between catchments also have a significant impact. Water quality is also dependent on the impact of natural conditions connected, e.g., with climate, catchment, water organisms and their interactions within the food-webs, etc. This Special Issue consists of fourteen original scientific papers concerning different problems associated with the water quality of freshwater ecosystems in a temperate climate. Most of the articles deal with the relations between water quality and the structure of ecosystem biocenoses. The conclusion of these articles confirms the fact that the deterioration of water quality has a direct impact on the quantitative and qualitative structure of biocenoses. This is accompanied by a decline in biodiversity and the disappearance of rare plant and animal species. They also draw attention to the particular importance of internal physical and chemical differentiation within the aquatic ecosystem, both in horizontal and vertical dimensions. The problem of ensuring proper ecological conditions and good quality of water in freshwater aquatic ecosystems is also raised, and methods for the restoration of water bodies are presented. The majority of the research presented in this Special Issue was carried out in Central Europe, and one of the papers concerns the area of West Africa—the edge of temperate climate zone.
Fixed Intelligence Mindset Moderates the Impact of Adverse Academic Experiences on Students’ Self-Esteem

The present research, by using cross-sectional (Study 1, N = 413) and daily diary methods (Study 2, N = 95) aimed to investigate the way intelligence mindset influences students’ self-esteem and emotional experiences when they are confronting academic adversities (i.e., failures and difficulties). Although fixed intelligence mindset showed no association with students’ daily positive or negative emotions, results consistently indicated that fixed intelligence mindset moderated the effect of academic failures (Study 1) and daily difficulties (Study 2) on their self-esteem. Academic adversities reduced students’ self-esteem, and fixed intelligence mindset amplified this effect.
Cognitive, Behavioral, and Functional Impairments among Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors: Impact on Caregiver Burden

Abstract Background The burden of cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still not highlighted much, but its impact on caregivers is socio-economically relevant. The objectives of the study were to assess cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments in patients of TBI and its impact on caregiver burden. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a total enumeration sampling technique. Mini-mental status examination, neuropsychiatric inventory and Rappaport’s disability rating scale were used to assess patients’ cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments, respectively. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale was executed to quantify the caregiver burden. Results Fifty patients of TBI and their caregivers were enrolled. Among these, 24% had moderate cognitive impairments. Among behavioral symptoms, 40% had agitation, 24% had depression, 18% had anxiety, and 16% had irritability. Moderate functional disability was reported by 18% of the patients, while 2% reported severe functional disability. Moderate to severe caregiver burden was reported by 8% of caregivers. Patients’ behavioral (r = 0.507, p < 0.001), functional (r = 0.473, p = 0.001), and cognitive (r = –0.438, p = 0.001) impairments had significant correlations with caregiver burden. Conclusion Patients develop cognitive, behavioral, and functional disability after TBI. The caregiver burden increases significantly with cognitive dysfunction, behavioral symptoms, and impaired functional status of patients. Therefore, appropriate support is to be provided to caregivers as well as patients.
Comparison of hybridization and induced mutation as sources of creating genetic variability for various traits in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.).

Three distinct sets comprising of 8 variable populations developed through different sources of creating genetic variability, viz; hybridization, induced mutation and mutation of hybrids were evaluated in nested design. The results showed the phenotypic superiority of individual plants over parents and standard varieties for studied traits. Sufficient amount of variability was present for days to mature, plant height, pods per plant and 100-seed weight in F3M2 (ABHM) and can be used for the genetic improvement of these traits. However, greatest variability within F3 (ABH) population in Set-3 may be due to both environmental and genetic factors. Mutated populations in all sets had more variability among plants as compared to recombinant and recombinant mutant generations. However, F3M2 (ABHM) population had maximum economic worth in Set-3. The estimates of genotypic variance and heritability for the traits under study in all segregating populations of all sets were found to be significant which indicated the presence of heritable genetic variability for all these traits. The recombinant populations, viz; F3 (ABH) and F3M2 (ABHM) included large number of genetic variants. The selection of such genetic variants exhibiting desirable features may be helpful for breeders to identify best performing true breeding lines in succeeding generations.
Phylogenetic analysis of the family Telothelepodidae Nogueira, Fitzhugh & Hutchings, 2013 (Annelida: Terebelliformia)

ABSTRACT Members of the 12 known species of the family Telothelepodidae, plus individuals of three additional undescribed species, were examined to infer phylogenetic relationships within the family and evaluate the status of genera. The outgroups include members of three species of Polycirridae and three of Thelepodidae. Members of 21 species, including both in- and outgroups, were coded for 47 subjects (‘characters’) and 109 characters sensu stricto (subject-predicate relations or ‘states’). The results, based on 15 minimum-length trees, each 103 steps long, suggest that telothelepodids should be divided into four genera, according to the morphology of the lower lip, presence or absence of eyespots, and visibility of segment 1. By necessity two of these genera are monotypic and plesiomorphic to two monophyletic genera; the latter two genera with five and eight species, respectively. Telothelepus, Parathelepus and Rhinothelepus are redefined, and the new genus Mesopothelepus gen. nov. is erected, all to accommodate the phylogenetic hypotheses presented. The problem of properly defining monotypic supraspecific taxon names as representative of phylogenetic hypotheses is discussed in relation to the inherent limitations of Article 13.1. 1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8C05DBD2-8226-4738-BF4A-E623A97ACB75
Tissue biomarkers of thyroid status as correlates of neurodevelopmental impairment following gestational and lactational exposure to thyroid disruptor propylthiouracil

From its influence on mitochondrial activity and basal metabolic rate to its complex interplay with other endocrine organs, the thyroid gland is vital for proper development and operation of the mammalian body. Neurological development is a special concern due to the relative sensitivity of gestating females and neonates to thyroid disruption. The studies described within investigate the effects of developmental exposure to antithyroid compounds on the neurodevelopment of rats. As peripheral tissues including the brain are capable of partial compensation in response to declining availability of thyroid hormones from serum, we hypothesized that measuring thyroid-responsive parameters such as tissue 5’-deiodinase enzyme activity thyroid hormone concentrations, and mRNA expression would provide data which would more closely correlate to neurological endpoints than serum thyroid hormone or thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations. We further hypothesized that younger animals would be more sensitive to thyroid disruption than older animals, due to diminished reserve of the compensatory mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. We used two antithyroid compounds to test these hypotheses. Propylthiouracil (PTU) at 0, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 ppm in drinking water, and perchlorate at 150ppm in drinking water were administered from gestational day 2 until weaning. Serum and cerebrocortical thyroid hormone concentrations were measured at postnatal days 4, 14, and 21-32, as well as in dams and pups allowed to recover for 60 days post-weaning. Hippocampal in vitro electrophysiological measurements were performed on pups and adults. Open field behavioral testing was performed on adults. Overall, we found that the chosen thyroid-responsive biomarkers were insufficient to consistently predict the presence of electrophysiological alterations. A severe reduction in serum total T4 concentration in developing pups was found to be a necessary condition for neurological impairment. Reductions in cortical T3 concentrations were not found to perfectly correlate with neurological outcomes. INDEX WORDS: Rat, propylthiouracil, thyroid, hippocampus, perchlorate, neurodevelopment, electrophysiology, deiodinase, triiodothyronine, thyroxine TISSUE BIOMARKERS OF THYROID STATUS AS CORRELATES OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL IMPAIRMENT FOLLOWING GESTATIONAL AND LACTATIONAL EXPOSURE TO THYROID DISRUPTOR PROPYLTHIOURACIL
Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Wood-Decay Fungi in Major Parks of Hong Kong

Wood-decay fungi are one of the major threats to the old and valuable trees in Hong Kong and constitute a main conservation and management challenge because they inhabit dead wood as well as living trees. The diversity, abundance, and distribution of wood-decay fungi associated with standing trees and stumps in four different parks of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden, Kowloon Park, and Hong Kong Observatory Grounds, were investigated. Around 4430 trees were examined, and 52 fungal samples were obtained from 44 trees. Twenty-eight species were identified from the samples and grouped into twelve families and eight orders. Phellinus noxius, Ganoderma gibbosum, and Auricularia polytricha were the most abundant species and occurred in three of the four parks. Most of the species were detected on old trees, indicating that older trees were more susceptible to wood-decay fungi than younger ones. More wood-decay fungal species were observed on Ficus microcarpa trees than on other tree species. These findings expanded the knowledge of wood-decay fungi in urban environments in Hong Kong and provided useful information for the conservation of old trees and the protection of human life and property from the danger of falling trees.
Evaluation of Corncob as Bedding for Rodents

As an alternative to aspen bedding, corncob may be used for rodents. Previous studies have shown thatÂ the ammonia level in cages using corncob bedding is reduced compared to cages with aspen bedding. TheÂ reduced level of ammonia prolongs the interval between cage changing, and it may therefore be beneficialÂ for the facility to use corncob. Â The aim of the present study was to measure and evaluate the animal preferences for corncob compared toÂ aspen bedding and also analyse the properties of corncob compared to aspen bedding. Â When analysing the beddingâ€™s ability to absorb water, corncob showed lower water absorption compared toÂ aspen bedding; the more corncob in the mixture, the less water is absorbed. Â Both mice and rats rejected cages with pure corncob during the day (sleeping time), and none of the animalsÂ preferred corncob mixed with aspen, only equally accepted it. Â In conclusion, neither rats nor mice prefer corncob, even not in mixtures with aspen bedding and enrichment. Â In the light of the common standard for bedding being wood chips, and the lack of preference for corncobÂ mixture, corncob seems to be a poor alternative to wood based bedding. Â
Creamy White Material Ejected by Male Habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis (Viperidae)

Ten percent of male habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, larger than 75cm in snout-vent length (SVL), eject a creamy white material from the vent during the measurement of SVL. The frequencies of ejection were high in April and May and low from July to September, and might be used as indicators of the maturity of male snakes and of the mating season.
Proliferation and Potential of Neural and Retinal Stem Cells

ii Acknowledgements iv List of Figures and Tables viii List of Abbreviations xi Chapter 1: General introduction Stem cells: a definition 2 Stem versus progenitor cells 4 No place like home: the stem cell niche 5 Pluripotent stem cell populations 7 Specification of neural tissue from pluripotent cells 12 Building the mammalian brain 15 Development of the hippocampus 18 The discovery of adult neurogenesis 22 Adult forebrain neurogenesis 26 Neural stem and progenitor cell self-renewal 30 Neural stem and progenitor cell differentiation 32 Specifying the eye within the brain 35 Neural retinal differentiation 38 How to make a photoreceptor 40 Regeneration in the retina 43 Adult retinal stem cells 47 Retinal transplantation 49 Transplantation of retinal cells derived from pluripotent cells 52 Aims and hypotheses 55 Chapter 2: Low oxygen enhances primitive and definitive neural stem cell colony formation by inhibiting distinct cell death pathways Abstract 59 Introduction 60 Materials and Methods 61 Results 64 Discussion 77 Chapter 3: The adult mouse dentate gyrus contains populations of committed progenitor cells that are distinct from subependymal zone neural stem cells Abstract 85 Introduction 86
Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb ages of the Neoproterozoic Shimian plutons on the western margin of the Yangtze Block, Sichuan Province

The Shimian Neoproterozoic plutons are located on the western margin of the Yangtze Block and are important for reconstructing the tectonic environment of this region. We present in situ zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb geochronological and Hf isotopic analyses for the plutons, as well as whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element compositions. The monzogranite and syenogranite yield concordant ages of 773.6 ± 5.6 Ma and 812.2 ± 1.8 Ma, respectively, which indicates that they formed during the Tonian of the Neoproterozoic. The samples have very similar geochemistry, with high SiO2 (71.45–75.46 wt%) and Al2O3 (12.38–14.36 wt%) contents. The samples have a geochemical characteristics typical of peraluminous A‐type granites, including high Ga/Al and Rb/Sr ratios and elevated contents of high‐field‐strength elements. The samples also display high Rb/Sr (13.9–23.0) and Rb/Nb (12.5–19.2) ratios. The monzogranite and syenogranite yield positive εHf(t) values (+1.6 to +9.4 and + 5.2 to +9.8, respectively) and T2DM ages of 1.54–1.22 Ga and 1.51–1.21 Ga, respectively, which indicates that they were derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crust or contamination with upper mantle. We propose that the syenogranite and monzogranite formed in a syn‐orogenic extensional setting during the Tonian period and that continuous subduction was responsible for the Neoproterozoic magmatic activities.
TIMELINE OF BRAIN ALTERATIONS IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ACROSS THE ENTIRE LIFESPAN

Brain imaging studies have shown that progressive cerebral atrophy characterized the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The key question is how long before the diagnosis of AD the neurodegenerative process started leading to these structural alterations. To answer this question, we proposed an innovative way by inferring brain structure volume trajectories across the entire lifespan using massive number of MRI (N=4714). Our study provides evidences of early divergence of the AD model from the control model for the hippocampus before 40 years, followed by the lateral ventricles and the amygdala around 40 years for the AD model. Moreover, our lifespan investigation reveals the dynamic of the evolution of these biomarkers and suggest close abnormality trajectories for the hippocampus and the amygdala. Finally, our results highlight that the temporal lobe atrophy, a key biomarker in AD, is a very early pathophysiological event potentially associated to early life exposures to risk factors.
Human prostate luminal cell differentiation requires NOTCH3 induction by p38-MAPK and MYC

SUMMARY STATEMENT p38-MAPK-mediated induction of NOTCH3 is required for prostate epithelial differentiation; mediated in part via MYC and enhancer-driven transcription as well as enhanced mRNA stability. ABSTRACT Many pathways dysregulated in prostate cancer are also involved in epithelial differentiation. To better understand prostate tumor initiation, we sought to investigate specific genes and mechanisms required for normal basal to luminal cell differentiation. Utilizing human prostate basal epithelial cells and an in vitro differentiation model, we tested the hypothesis that p38-MAPK regulation of NOTCH3, via MYC, is required for luminal differentiation. Inhibition (SB202190, BIRB796) or knockdown of p38α and/or p38δ prevented proper differentiation. Additionally, treatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor (RO4929097) or knockdown of NOTCH1 and/or NOTCH3 greatly impaired differentiation and caused luminal cell death. Constitutive p38-MAPK activation by MKK6(CA) increased NOTCH3 (but not NOTCH1) mRNA/protein levels and was diminished upon MYC inhibition (10058-F4, JQ1) or knockdown. Furthermore, we validated two NOTCH3 enhancer elements by a combination of eRNA detection (BruUV-seq) and luciferase reporter assays. Lastly, we found that NOTCH3 mRNA half-life increased during differentiation or upon acute p38-MAPK activation. These results reveal a new connection between p38-MAPK, MYC, and NOTCH signaling, demonstrate two mechanisms of NOTCH3 regulation, and provide evidence for NOTCH3 involvement in prostate luminal cell differentiation.
Space- and resource-related decomposition of growth for understanding mechanisms of competitive success

This work analyzed the competitive growth strategies of beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) and spruce ( Picea abies [L.]Karst) saplings due to competition, +CO 2 and/or +O 3 . Results showed that different responses to climate change and/or resource availability have to be expected for different species growing in isolation, mono and mixed culture. Thus, interactions between these factors have to be considered when assessing tree performance especially at the juvenile phase.
In Vivo Observations of Resident Microglia and Blood Derived Macrophages in the Brain and Spinal Cord

by TERESA ANN EVANS Microglia and macrophages are two phagocytic cell types that found in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Microglia are present in the normal CNS and play a role in both homeostasis and disease while macrophages are not present in large numbers in the healthy CNS. After an insult, microglia become activated and macrophages infiltrate into the tissue from the circulation. Both of these cell types express many of the same markers and display similar morphology, making them so difficult to distinguish that they are often lumped into one group. Here, we observed microglia and macrophages in the healthy CNS and in several different injury models. First, we describe interactions of both microglia and macrophages with damaged axons in traumatic spinal cord injury. Previously, it has been shown that damaged axons die back from the center of a spinal cord lesion over the first few days after injury by an immune mediated process. We have shown that this dieback occurs by loss of axonal material from the damaged end of the axon after contact with CX3CR1 GFP expressing, bone marrow derived, macrophages but not after contact with resident microglia independent of the CCR2 chemokine receptor. Second, we investigated a possible role for microglia in the presentation of antigen across the blood brain barrier. Current thought maintains that antigen presentation from within the CNS is completed without direct interaction between