Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions Between Two Polyphagous Predators, Orius majusculus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Macrolophus caliginosus (Heteroptera: Miridae)

The mutual predation between two polyphagous predators, Orius majusculus (Reuter) (Hemiptera, Anthocoridae) and Macrolophus caliginosus Wagner (Heteroptera: Miridae), was examined in laboratory experiments with and without presence of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Adults of O. majusculus preyed upon M. caliginosus in the absence and in some circumstances also in the presence of F. occidentalis, whereas neither nymphs nor adults of M. caliginosus preyed upon O. majusculus. Orius majusculus nymphs did not prey upon M. caliginosus. The predation of O. majusculus on F. occidentalis was unaffected by the presence of M. caliginosus suggesting that the presence of this mirid will not hamper biological control of F. occidentalis.
Gut immunopathology in helminth infections - paradigm lost?

Gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infections in humans and domestic animals cause significant morbidity and mortality throughout the developing world, yet the existence and nature of protective mechanisms against these parasites remain unclear. Although a long history of experimental studies in laboratory rodents has provided a detailed knowledge of the immunology of protective responses against GI nematodes, the precise mechanisms that bring about loss of worms from the gut have yet to be defined. The consensus that has arisen frommany experimental studies is that protective responses are dependent upon the pathological changes that infection induces. This idea was first formulated in 1975 by Larsh and Race in their concept of allergic inflammation (Larsh, 1975). It is crucial to know whether or not this hypothesis is correct, for if vaccines against intestinal nematodes are to be developed, it will be important to ensure that they provide protection without inducing unacceptable pathological responses. Nematodes occupy a variety of niches within the intestine – luminal (e.g. Ascaris spp., Nippostrongylus brasiliensis), mucosal surface (e.g. hookworms), intraepithelial (e.g. Trichinella spiralis, Trichuris spp.) or tissuepenetrating (e.g. Heligmosomoides polygyrus, strongyles) – and the pathology associated with them varies according to the particular host–parasite combination. The intestinal pathology (enteropathy) may have several causes, including direct damage from the attachment, migration, burrowing and feeding activities of the worm, or secondary damage resulting from
Seasonal Space use and Territory Size of Resident Sparrows in the Central Monte Desert, Argentina

Summary. Knowledge of space use and territoriality of New World birds largely derives from studies in temperate North America and the tropics, whereas it remains poorly studied in temperate South America, particularly in arid environments. Here we studied the seasonal space use and territory size among resident individuals of three sparrows in a temperate semi-desert of Argentina: the ringed warbling-finch Poospiza torquata, the rufous-collared sparrow Zonotrichia capensis and the manycoloured Chaco-finch Saltatricula multicolor. Both territorial behaviour and use of space of the three species showed seasonal changes. The ringed warbling-finch and the rufous-collared sparrow used larger areas during the non-breeding season than during the breeding season, while the many-coloured Chaco-finch used areas of similar size in the two periods. Defence activities were absent for all three species during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, each species defended territories that were smaller for the rufous-collared sparrow (0.79 ± 0.04 ha) than for the ringed warbling-finch (1.35 ± 0.04 ha) and the many-coloured Chaco-finch (1.21 ± 0.07 ha). Seasonal territoriality and territory size reported for resident individuals were similar to those reported for north-temperate sparrows in xeric environments.
Measuring the Severity of Eyespot Disease Induced by Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton in Wheat Cultivars at Different Growth Stages

From the total soluble protein of Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton, specific proteins were isolated and used as antigens. One antiserum proved to be highly sensitive and was used for quantitative determination of eyespot severity in 16 wheat cultivars. The detection limit in ELISA was calculated as 2.2 μg total fungus protein per ml plant sap. From anthesis, genotypes showed the most characteristic and reliable differentiation for a longer period of time, viz. at growth stages 60 and 75. These quantitative differences could be more successfully demonstrated with ELISA than with eye-spot scoring. There was, however, a close correlation between both traits. The most resistant genotypes carried the gene Pch-1 with the resistance originating from ‘Capelle Desprez’. Some genotypes originating from this cultivar showed rather low levels of susceptibility, which might be explained by additional effects of the genotypic background.
Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield components in promising rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes

Seventy three rice varieties were evaluated for their variability with regards to yield and yield components. Estimates of heritability and genetic advance in per cent of mean were also obtained for the above traits. In addition, studies on character associations and path coefficients were also undertaken. The results revealed high variability, heritability and genetic advance in per cent of mean for grain yield while panicle bearing tillers and 1000 grain weight had recorded high heritability coupled with low genetic advance as per cent of mean. Further, yield was observed to be positively associated with panicle bearing tillers and number of filled grains per panicle and these characters were noticed to exert high direct effects on grain yield per plant. High indirect effects of most of the traits were noticed mostly through panicle bearing tillers per hill indicating importance of the trait as selection criteria in crop yield improvement programmes. SAARC J. Agri. , 13(1): 99-108 (2015)
Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells Expressing α4β1 Integrin Stimulate Osteoclast Formation In Vitro

It is reported that Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with human α4 cDNA (α4CHOs) and expressing functional α4β1 integrin developed bone metasasis in nude mice. To clarify the role of α4β1 integrin in bone metastasis, in terms of tumor‐mediated bone destruction, we examined whether α4CHOs stimulate osteoclast formation in cocultures with mouse bone marrow cells. The number of osteoclast‐like cells identified as tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase positive multinucleated cells (TRAP(+) MNCs) formed from bone marrow cells increased with the increasing number of α4CHOs cocultured. The effects of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on TRAP(+) MNC formation were enhanced in cocultures with α4CHOs. TRAP(+) MNCs induced by α4CHOs possessed calcitonin receptors and resorbed calcified tissues. In cocultures, α4CHOs and bone marrow stromal cells were in contact with each other and bone marrow stromal cells expressed vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), which is one of the ligands for α4β1 integrin. TRAP(+) MNC formation was not stimulated in cocultures where direct contact between α4CHOs and bone marrow cells was inhibited by membrane filters. α4CHOs do not support TRAP(+) MNC formation in cocultures with spleen cells but do support TRAP(+) mononuclear cell and MNC formation from spleen cells in the presence of osteoblastic cells. Cultured media from α4CHOs, bone marrow cells, and cocultures of α4CHOs and bone marrow cells did not stimulate TRAP(+) MNC formation or enhance the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and PGE2 in bone marrow cultures. The concentrations of PGE2 and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in cultured media were not different between the cultures of bone marrow cells and the cocultures of bone marrow cells and α4CHOs. Anti‐human α4 and anti‐mouse VCAM‐1 antibodies inhibited TRAP(+) MNC formation induced by α4CHOs. These results indicate that α4CHOs stimulated TRAP(+) MNC formation through direct cell‐to‐cell interaction between α4β1 and VCAM‐1. It is suggested that in addition to various soluble factors regulating osteoclast formation, cell‐to‐cell interaction between tumor cells and bone marrow cells is important for inducing osteoclasts at the site of bone metastasis and leading to bone destruction.
Responses to desiccation stress by Klebsormidium rivulare (Ulotrichales, Chlorophyta) from a Rhode Island stream

Abstract Epilithic populations of Klebsormidium rivulare (Kutz.) comb. nov. in a Rhode Island stream were subjected to prolonged intervals of desiccation during the summer and early fall. Following periods of exposure, filaments contained markedly thickened walls (> 2 μm) and/or unusual H-shaped wall pieces. The cells of these filaments were also filled with abundant lipid and starch granules and therefore can be termed akinetes. A clone of K. rivulare was isolated and subjected to a controlled drying regime in culture. Changes observed after 4 weeks of desiccation included a four-fold increase in wall thickness, accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid globules, a disruption of thylakoid organization by numerous starch granules, a slight decline in pigments and a disappearance of vacuoles. Continued carbon fixation in the desiccated cells was implied by a 1.5-fold increase in dry weight and total carbon. A doubling of carbohydrates, a tripling of lipids and a 10% decline in proteins demonstrated that the carbon.
A tiny lizard (Lepidosauria, Squamata) from the Lower Cretaceous of Spain

Abstract: The smallest living amniotes are all lizards, but the fossil history of this size trait in Squamata is difficult to follow because small skeletons have low preservation potential and are often hard to detect in the field. A new squamate taxon, Jucaraseps grandipes gen. et sp. nov., is here described on the basis of an articulated skeleton from the Early Cretaceous Spanish lagerstätten of Las Hoyas. It differs from other known Mesozoic lizards in combining very small body size with a short rostrum, low maxillary tooth count, a relatively slender and elongated body, and short limbs with large hind feet. Phylogenetic analysis using TNT places it on the stem of a clade encompassing scincomorphs, gekkotans, snakes, amphisbaenians and anguimorphs. Comparison with modern lizards suggests it was probably a cryptic surface or subsurface ground dweller but not a burrower.
Protective Activity of Polyphenon E Against Liver Protein Oxidation in Rats after Mnu I.P. Administration

Many studies demonstrated the direct relation between the reactive oxygen specieis (ROS) accumulation, the oxidative stress, and the cancer development. Also, it has been shown that a large number of naturally occurring compounds from vegetables and fruits are effective as chemopreventive agents. For example, Polyphenon E is a highly purified tea catechin extract with antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antimetastatic properties. In the present experiment we have studied the protective effect of a mixture of green tea catechins, Polyphenon-E (Poly E) on induced oxidative degradation of proteins in rats liver i.p. injected with N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Rats were divided into 4 groups: group 1 controls (n=5); group 2 and 4 rats inoculated with MNU (n=10/group). A freshly prepared green tea solution of 0.5% Poly E in tap water was supplied every days to experimental animals from group 3 and 4 (n=10/group). Liver samples of all rats were collected and protein extracts were analyzed for total protein content and protein oxidation, using a Protein Assay Kit Bio-Rad (based on Bradfordâ€™s method) and derivatisation of the carbonyl group with 2.4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) for carbonylated proteins (results were expressed in g of proteins per 1 g tissue and nmoles DNPH per mg of protein). Total proteins content in the liver did not change significantly by the administration of Poly E (average of 0.129 Â± 0.0094 for the control group, 0.127 Â± 0.027 respectively for the group supplemented with PolyE). Intraperitoneally administration of MNU cause a slight decrease in protein content (0.129 Â± 0.0094 for the control group, respectively 0.112 Â± 0.031 for group 2) and a significant increase in hepatic protein oxidation levels in group 2 compared with the control group 1 (0.745 Â± 0.17 mmole, respectively 0.457 Â± 0.10 mmol). It was also observed protective effects of Poly E (0.745 Â± 0.17 nmol for the group injected with MNU, respectively 0.626 Â± 0.13 nmol for the group injected with MNU and supplemented with PolyE). In the present research work, we demonstrated that polyphenon-E can act as an antioxidant agent and protects liver proteins.
Phylogeny of the Aplousobranchia (Tunicata: Ascidiacea)

The phylogenetic relationships of genera and families of Aplousobranchia Lahille (Tunicata, Ascidiacea) is reconstructed based on morphological characters - the first comprehensive morphology-based phylogenetic analysis for the Aplousobranchia. Monophyly of Aplousobranchia and its families were tested with samples of 14 families. The final character matrix comprised 47 characters and 41 genera as terminal taxa. Nine equally most parsimonious trees (length 161, CI = 0.5031, RI = 0.7922) were found. Characters describing replication, colony system formation, and branchial walls were the more important in phylogenetic reconstruction. These characters were more useful than others more traditionally used in ascidian taxonomy, such as: body division, position of the heart, gonads and epicardium. Characters not frequently used in phylogenetic analysis, such as body wall muscles, muscles associated with transversal blood vessels and arrangement of the larval papillae, also have phylogenetic information. Results supported monophyly of the Aplousobranchia sensu Lahille, 1887 including only Polycitoridae, Polyclinidae, and Didemnidae. On the other hand, Aplousobranchia including also Cionidae and Diazonidae is not monophyletic since Perophora and Ecteinascidia were included as ingroups in the cladogram, Ciona (now closer to Ascidia) was no longer included in Aplousobranchia and the position of Rhopalaea and Diazona is not resolved. We propose a revised classification based on this phylogenetic analysis, in which Aplousobranchia, with three new families and an indeterminate taxon, now has 15 families.
Historical demography and spatial genetic structure of the subterranean rodent Ctenomys magellanicus in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

Ctenomys (tuco-tuco) is the most numerous genus of South American subterranean rodents and one of the most genetically diverse clades of mammals known. In particular, the genus constitutes a very interesting model for evolutionary studies of genetic divergence and conservation. Ctenomys magellanicus is the southernmost species of the group and the only one living in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). This species presents two chromosomal forms (Cm34 and Cm36) fragmented into demes distributed from the north region (steppe) to the south region (ecotone) of the island, respectively; no hybrids or overlapping areas were detected. To study the historical demography and the spatial genetic structure of the C. magellanicus population we used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (D-loop and cytochrome b) and microsatellite loci. Nine mtDNA haplotypes were identified, three of them belonging to the north and the other six to the south. Shared haplotypes between regions were not detected. mtDNA and microsatellite genotypes showed a marked pattern of population structure with low values of genetic flow between regions. The south is made up of small populations or isolated demes making up an endogamic metapopulation with unique alleles and haplotypes. Also, the results suggest a northward expansion process starting from an ancestral haplotype from the south. That population might have lived at a refuge through the adverse Pleistocene environmental conditions that took place at Tierra del Fuego. Results of this study are relevant to the conservation of C. magellanicus, suggesting that each region (north and south) might be considered as an Evolutionarily Significant Unit.
OXYGEN UPTAKE IN SHORT PIECES OF TUBULARIA STEMS

Oxygen uptake measurements were made in cartesian divers on 43 pieces of Tubularia stems between 1 mm. and 6 mm. in length with the following findings:1. The 1-mm. stems had the highest, 3-mm. stems the next highest and 6-mm. stems had the lowest uptake when calculated per millimeter of length of stem.2. By comparing uptake of 3-mm. and 6-mm. stems it was found that the middle 3 mm. of the 6-mm. stems used O2 at less than half the rate of the two ends. This is in disagreement with the conclusions of Barth and Sze that regeneration does not involve any appreciable increase in oxygen requirements.3. When two or more pieces were placed in the same diver their oxygen uptakes were depressed. Calculations showed that neither hypoxia nor hypercapnia could have caused this depression. It was suggested from other studies that acid metabolites liberated through the cut surface may have caused the observed effects.
Impact of water stress on growth reserves and re-growth of Themeda triandra (Forssk) following defoliation

The influence of water stress and defoliation on the concentration of total non-structural carbohydrates (TNCC) and water-soluble protein (WSPC) as growth reserves after defoliation were determined in the indigenous C4 semi-arid grass species Themeda triandra during three growth stages (vegetative, piping and reproductive) and in three plant parts (roots, stubble and leaves). Four water stress treatments (T1 = 0-25%, T2 = 25-50%, T3 = 50-75% and T4 = 75-100% depletion of plant available water) were applied to the plants in pots in a glasshouse. The TNCC declined drastically after severe defoliation over all the water treatments (P < 0.05), in all the plant parts (P < 0.05) and for all the growth stages (P < 0.05), while the TNCC did not recover (P < 0.05) (to the TNCC values as before defoliation) within 6 days after defoliation. The WSPC in the leaves increased from after defoliation, up to day 6 over all the water treatments (P < 0.05) and for all the growth stages (P < 0.05). Non-structural carbohydrates serve as the most important growth reserve and are utilised for re-growth after severe defoliation. Water-soluble protein can also be utilised as growth reserve, but only as an emergency measure for up to two days after defoliation. These results could make a meaningful contribution to ensure sustainable utilisation of the grassland ecosystem in semi-arid areas.
Habitat association and coexistence of endemic and introduced ant species in the Galápagos Islands

1. We investigated ant communities in all main vegetation zones of the model island of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos archipelago (155 collection points, spread over 21 sites; 28 ant species collected), and evaluated the distribution, coexistence, and effect of environmental factors in a community composed of endemic, probably endemic, and introduced ants of the New World and exotic origin.
Adoption, Usage, and Pedagogy of E-Learning Tools in University Teaching (19)

The increasing role of information technology changes the way university lecturers teach and adopt electronic learning tools in the preparation, execution, and reworking phase of lectures in higher education. This paper investigates which learning tools lecturers use, why these learning tools are chosen, and which learning tasks they are used for. In particular, promotors and inhibitors for the tool selection as well as infrastructural and organisational limitations are discussed. To this end, the paper presents an exploratory mixed-method approach.
Control of phytoplankton-bacteria interactions by stoichiometric constraints

In aquatic ecosystems, phytoplanktonic organisms are the major primary producers and bacteria the major decomposers. The interactions between phytoplankton and bacteria may be dependent on nutrient resources. Anthropogenic inputs, by modifying nutrient status and stoichiometry of lakes, might induce changes in these interactions, and thus, could have many consequences on some ecological processes such as primary production or importance of microbial recycling activity. To test this hypothesis, we grew an axenic strain of a green alga, Scenedesmus obliquus, in a range of stoichiometric situations, in absence and in presence of a natural bacterial community. Here, we show that different phytoplankton limiting factors can generate between algae and bacteria either competition for nutrients in phosphorus-limited conditions, commensalism in nitrogen-limited conditions, or mutualism in eutrophic nutrient-unlimited conditions. Causes of these different interaction types are discussed, in particular the hypothesis that in very eutrophic systems with high primary production, mutualism between algae and bacteria could be due to CO2 supply by heterotrophic respiration to inorganic carbon limited algae. Some probable consequences for aquatic ecosystems functioning are proposed.
Biophilic design triggers fascination and enhances psychological restoration in the urban environment.

This brief communication wants to draw greater attention to the role of physical environment in the psychological restoration process. Given the benefits deriving from contact with Nature, urban designers should also attend the human need for psychological restoration. According to the Attention Restoration Theory, performance, mood and wellbeing benefit from exposure to environments attracting effortless involuntary attention and demanding little voluntary attention; this process called fascination, mostly occurs in natural environments though our exploratory studies showed that also urban settings/buildings can be high on fascination. Using knowledge of our affinity for Nature, experiences of wellbeing can also be generated through the environments we create (biophilic architecture). Fascination with Nature is derived not only from natural elements, but also from the qualities and attributes of Nature people find appealing and aesthetically pleasing when reproduced in the built environment as well. “Cognitive comfort” resides primarily in the relationship among natural and built landscape elements rather than intrinsically in the elements themselves. To know that also urban settings may be highly fascinating can be of great help to city planners to promote psychological wellbeing as one aspect of public health. Urban environments should not compromise people’s need for psychological restoration whereas contribute to providing an opportunity for physical, cognitive and emotional restoration from environmental stress.