Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Effects in Sunflower: Nutritional Imbalances in Plants and Calluses

ABSTRACT The effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) nutrient accumulation remain unclear. However, studies concerning crop improvement for Cd tolerance suggest the use of biotechnology techniques such as tissue culture. It is still unknown whether in vitro cells respond to Cd exposure in a way similar to plants. In this paper, the objectives were (1) to characterize the effects of Cd exposure in macronutrient and micronutrient accumulation in different sunflower organs/tissues and (2) to compare the behavior of two culture systems (plants vs. tissue culture) regarding Cd and nutrient accumulation. To achieve these aims, sunflower plants were grown hydroponically in the presence of Cd (at levels of 0, 5, 50, and 500 μ M). For in vitro cultures, seeds were germinated axenically and leaf explants were then grown on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). One-month-old calluses were grown on MS medium containing 0, 5, 50, and 500 μ M Cd. After 21 d of exposure to 500 μ M, all plants were dead. The contents of macro- and micronutrients and of Cd were determined by ICPS in 18 d-exposed plants and calluses and in calluses exposed for six months to 50 μ M Cd. At day 18, Cd content increased in leaves, roots, and calluses. Cadmium exposure also decreased the contents of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in roots and of Mg, Ca, copper (Cu), Fe, and Mn in shoots. Exposed calluses suffered decreases only in Mg, Ca, and Mn contents. The contents of most of these nutrients in six-month-exposed calluses were similar to those of the control calluses, indicating that these long-term exposed in vitro cells developed mechanisms for regulating the effects of Cd on the accumulation of nutrients.
A simple method to assess macrofungal sporocarp biomass for investigating ecological change

The methodologies used for studying macrofungal communities are an eclectic assemblage of many different and unstandardized approaches. In this study we propose a simple, nondestructive but still informative method to assess fungal sporocarp biomass in forested areas. We use the number of fruiting bodies found in the surveyed plot, and data on cap diameter of the species from the literature to calculate a cap area index. We show that this index very strongly corre- lates with the measured total dry mass of the species obtained from the same plot. We point out that the cap area index provides a more accurate estimation of the epigeous fungal sporocarp biomass than do the species sporocarp numbers. This new methodology allows the spatiotemporal distribution of a fungal community in an ecosystem to be followed. Since sporocarp production responds much more sensitively to environmental changes than does the fine-root vegetative ectomycorrhizal community, it may more quickly reflect whether an ecosystem has been perturbed. It will also allow us to collect data on saprotrophic species. A sporocarp survey can be useful for detecting early changes in the habitat and envi- ronment, and give an easily applicable method for conservation biology and ecosystem management.
Breeding Structure of Populations in Relation to Speciation

THE problem of speciation involves both the processes by which populations split into non-interbreedingl roups and those by which single populations change their characteristics in time, thus leading to divergence of previously isolated groups. The first step in applying genetics to the problem is undoubtedly the discovery of the actual nature of the genetic differences aniong allied subspecies, species and genera in a large number of representative cases. Differences which tend to prevent cross-breeding are obviously especially likely to throw light on the process of speciation, but all differences are important. Our information here is still very fragmentary. We know enough, however, to be able to say that there is no one rule either with respect to cross-sterility or to other characters. In some cases the most significant differences seem to be in chromosome number and organization. At the other extrem-ie are groups of species among which gross chromosome differences Iand even major Mendelian differences are lacking, both cross-sterility and character differentiation depending on a multiplicity of minor gene effects. IIn general, there are differences at all levels (cf. Dobzhansky, 1937). But even if we had a complete account of the genetic differences within a group of allied species, we would not necessarily have much understanding of the process by which the situation had been arrived at. A single mutation is not a new species, except perhaps in the case of polyploidy. The symmetry of the Mendelian mechanism
Henneguya intracornea n.sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) parasita do olho do lambari, Astyanax Scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842) (Osteichthyes, Characidae)

A new myxosporidian, Henneguya intracornea n.sp. , parasitizing the ocular cornea of a freshwater characidian fish Astyanax scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842), is described. The parasitized hosts have been collected from water reservoirs. These aquatic environments were constructed at small natural branches of Atibaia and Jaguari rivers, near Campinas, SP, Brazil. The different developmental stages of H. intracornea n.sp. , as well as their morphological and biological characteristics are studied. In all cases examined it was observed that the myxosporidian only occurred in the cornea. The most important morphological characteristics of this new species are its bottle-shaped polar capsules and their unequal caudal processes.
Age, sex and beauty: methodological dependence of age- and sex-dichromatism in the great tit Parus major

Carotenoid-based colour expression is frequently involved in sexual dichromatism, particularly in bird plumage, suggesting a role in sexual selection. Despite much work on expression of the carotenoid-based ventral plumage coloration of the great tit (Parus major), which represents a popular model in evolution and ecology, a consensus on even the most basic demographic patterns of variation (e.g. age and sex differences) is lacking. This may reflect the use of variable methods for analysing colour variation, although what is not clear, either in this case or in general, is the extent to which these alternative methods are equally effective at describing age- and sex-related dichromatism. Using data obtained over 4 years from a large sample of free-ranging great tits, we examined how colour-scoring methodology influences estimates of age- and sex-related dichromatism. We compare: (1) principal components analysis-derived scores; (2) tristimulus colour variables; (3) a visual model-independent, carotenoid-focussed colour score; and (4) two colour scoring methods based on avian visual models, examining how they assess colour variation with respect to age and sex to determine how methodology may influence results. We demonstrate clear age- and sex-dependent expression of this colour trait, both in our own data and in meta-analyses of results from great tit populations across Europe, and discuss the merits of the various colour scores, which yield very different estimates of the extent of age- and sex-dependent dichromatism. We show variation is likely to be visible to conspecifics and propose a novel, visual model-derived scoring system for describing variation in carotenoid-based colour patches, where the perceived signal is divided into independent chromatic and achromatic components, in line with current understanding of visual perception. The present study highlights the impact of colour-scoring methodology and shows that, as novel measures continue to be developed, researchers should consider carefully how they quantify colour expression. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 101, 777–796.
Effects of Temperature and the Combination of Liquid Lime Sulfur and Fish Oil on Pollen Germination, Pollen Tube Growth, and Fruit Set in Apples

Effects of temperature and the combination of liquid lime sulfur (LLS) and fish oil (FO) applied during bloom on pollen germination and pollen tube growth in flowers and fruit set were examined in apples (Malus xdomestica Borkh.). Percent germination of pollen of ‘Manchurian’ crabapples and 'Golden Delicious' apple flowers on the stigmatic surface of 'Golden Delicious' pistils increased with increasing temperature from 13 to 29 °C in the first 24 and 48 h after pollination, respectively, but not thereafter. Pollen tube growth rate in the style increased quadratically with increasing temperature from 13 to 29 °C. 'Manchurian' was a more effective pollenizer of 'Golden Delicious' than was 'Golden Delicious' pollen. For example, at 24 or 29 °C, some 'Manchurian' pollen tubes grew to the base of 'Golden Delicious' styles by 24 h after pollination. On the other hand, no 'Golden Delicious' pollen tube grew to the base of a 'Golden Delicious' style regardless of temperature and time. Pollen tube growth rate in the style increased with increasing day/night temperature from 7/0 to 24/7 °C. The time required for pollen tubes to grow to the base of styles decreased with increasing day/night temperature from 13/2 to 24/7 °C. Only ≈36 h was required for pollen tubes to grow to the base of style at 24/7 °C, whereas pollen tubes grew very slowly and no pollen tubes grew to the base of style at 7/0 °C regardless of pollen source. LLS + FO, applied 4 or 24 h after pollination, inhibited pollen germination, pollen tube growth in the style, fertilization, and fruit set, but it had no effect when applied 48 h after pollination. These results suggest that LLS + FO applied at this bloom stage causes flower or fruit abscission most likely by inhibiting pollen germination, pollen tube growth in the style, and fertilization.
Disentangling the relative importance of climate, size and competition on tree growth in Iberian forests: implications for forest management under global change

Most large‐scale multispecies studies of tree growth have been conducted in tropical and cool temperate forests, whereas Mediterranean water‐limited ecosystems have received much less attention. This limits our understanding of how growth of coexisting tree species varies along environmental gradients in these forests, and the implications for species interactions and community assembly under current and future climatic conditions. Here, we quantify the absolute effect and relative importance of climate, tree size and competition as determinants of tree growth patterns in Iberian forests, and explore interspecific differences in the two components of competitive ability (competitive response and effect) along climatic and size gradients. Spatially explicit neighborhood models were developed to predict tree growth for the 15 most abundant Iberian tree species using permanent‐plot data from the Spanish Second and Third National Forest Inventory (IFN). Our neighborhood analyses showed a climatic and size effect on tree growth, but also revealed that competition from neighbors has a comparatively much larger impact on growth in Iberian forests. Moreover, the sensitivity to competition (i.e. competitive response) of target trees varied markedly along climatic gradients causing significant rank reversals in species performance, particularly under xeric conditions. We also found compelling evidence for strong species‐specific competitive effects in these forests. Altogether, these results constitute critical new information which not only furthers our understanding of important theoretical questions about the assembly of Mediterranean forests, but will also be of help in developing new guidelines for adapting forests in this climatic boundary to global change. If we consider the climatic gradients of this study as a surrogate for future climatic conditions, then we should expect absolute growth rates to decrease and sensitivity to competition to increase in most forests of the Iberian Peninsula (in all but the northern Atlantic forests), making these management considerations even more important in the future.
Avaliação de extratos das espécies Helianthus annuus, Brachiariabrizanthae Sorghum bicolor com potencial alelopático para uso como herbicida natural

This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of Brachiaria, sunflower, sorghum germination and early growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), in the attempt of employing these extracts as a natural herbicide. The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology of the Universidade Federal do Reconcavo da Bahia. A trial was arranged in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 6 replications. The treatments were extracts of Brachiaria, sunflower, sorghum, and, as a control, distilled water. The extracts were obtained by using 200 g of plant material in 1000 mL of distilled water. First, the lettuce seeds were distributed in a seedling box containing two sheets of germitest moistened paper with treatments, and then were taken to a germination chamber. The germination was daily monitored. The average germination time and the initial growth were evaluated after ten days, through the measuring of the aerial part length (APL) and the root system length (RSL). The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test. Based on the results, the extracts of Brachiaria, sunflower and sorghum did not affect the germination of lettuce, but, on the other hand, the Brachiaria and sorghum increased the germination time. The extracts caused an increase in the aerial part and reduced the root system growth and the formation of normal seedlings. Since they caused inhibition on the growth of the lettuce root system, have also potential to be used as natural herbicides.
Pelagic prey and benthic predators: impact of odonate predation on Daphnia

Interactions between benthic predators and pelagic prey, such as larval odonates and Daphnia, are often used to describe classic predator–prey relationships in laboratory studies. However, few field studies explore the potential impact of benthic predators on pelagic prey. Recent studies of cladocerans document diel horizontal migration (DHM), where large-bodied zooplankton (i.e., Daphnia) decrease their exposure to pelagic predators by seeking refuge among macrophytes. However, daphnids undergoing DHM may simultaneously increase their likelihood of encountering benthic predators that commonly occur in littoral zones. In laboratory experiments, we showed that dragonfly nymphs (Epitheca cynosura) effectively eliminated all Daphnia within 24 h, regardless of macrophyte presence or architecture. We also tested whether additions of larval damselflies (Ischnura elegans, Coenagrion puella, C. pulchellum) and dragonflies (Somatochlora flavomaculata) (total odonate density of 35–55/m2) significantly reduced total zooplankton or benthic invertebrate abundance in field enclosures with different macrophyte densities (20, 40, 80% volume infested [PVI]). Odonates significantly reduced Daphnia abundance at 20 PVI. However, the magnitude of the influence of odonates on daphnids, as well as Ceriodaphnia and Polyphemus, decreased with increasing macrophyte density. Odonate predation did not significantly affect benthic taxa abundance. Thus, daphnids undergoing DHM may lower predation from pelagic predators, but our results suggest that mortality from littoral predators may be significant. The net benefit of DHM may, therefore, differ among lakes as a function of the relative threats posed by pelagic and littoral predators.
Lack of genetic differentiation among subpopulations of the black‐footed albatross on the Bonin Islands

The endangered black-footed albatross Phoebastria nigripes exhibits strong nest fidelity and natal philopatry. These biological features can strongly affect population dynamics and population genetic structure. Therefore, for its long-term conservation, it is important to estimate genetic diversity and population genetic structure. We performed genetic analyses, using 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers of 77 black-footed albatrosses from six breeding colonies on the Bonin Islands, an important breeding area in the western North Pacific. In the population-based analysis, AMOVA results showed that almost all genetic variations existed among individuals in each subpopulation. Most FST and RST values among the subpopulations were 0.000 and the migration rates were 3.0–5.3%. In the individual-based analysis, the results of structure analysis suggested that all the individuals were clustered into the same genetic group. In the principal coordinates analysis based on kinship among individuals, most of the individuals were distributed as a single group. Although albatross species are strongly philopatric, the present results indicate a lack of population genetic differentiation among six subpopulations and the presence of sufficient gene flow to maintain the genetic homogeneity. In the principal coordinates analysis, a few individuals were genetically different from most of the other individuals, indicating a probability of immigration. The black-footed albatrosses on the Bonin Islands are in a good condition to maintain genetic diversity and can be treated as a single genetic management unit.
Age in relation to Breeding to Status of the Male Southern Elephant Seal, Mirounga leonina (L.), at Macquarie Island

Records of the breeding status of known-age male southern elephant seals at Macquarie I. were kept during five breeding seasons between 1969 and 1976. The seven status categories used were: beachmaster, secure assistant, medium harem owner, insecure assistant, small harem owner, attending bachelor, avoiding bachelor. There was a progressive increase in breeding status with age; none younger than 10-y-old bred: 16% of 10-y-olds, 30% of 11-y-olds and 55% of 12-y-olds did so; none younger than 12-y-old attained secure assistant status. At the earliest, beachmaster status may be attained at 14 y old, but no beachmasters of known age were recorded. Due to mortality and competition, most males do not breed and few breed for more than two seasons. Problems associated with the precise definition of status categories are discussed.
Physiological, chemical, serological, and pathogenic analyses of a worldwide collection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria strains.

Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria strains from a worldwide collection were assigned to the A or B group by testing for amylolytic activity and the presence of the α or β protein band. Cluster analyses of serological, carbon substrate utilization, and fatty acid composition data resulted in dendrograms with interspersed clusters of A and B strains, suggesting that the strain populations within each group are heterogeneous. However, further analysis of the data identified features unique to members of each group. Two monoclonal antibodies reacted only with group A strains, and two reacted only with group B strains. Reactivity patterns further subdivided each group into three serovars [. ]
The Theory of Island Biogeography Revisited

952 BioScience • December 2010 / Vol. 60 No. 11 www.biosciencemag. org novel model involving APETALA2 was proposed but not explained in enough detail for me to completely grasp it. For this reason, I think the book may be most useful for the thousands of scientists coming from the molecular genetic side of the evolutionary development (evo-devo) divide. The many botanical tidbits and morphological oddities are certain to open the eyes of biologists whose experience with plants begins and ends with Arabidopsis and perhaps rice or maize. For those from the botanical and evolutionary side of evo-devo, The Molecular Organography of Plants represents a useful starting place and will help point them in the right direction with its extensive references. I can certainly recommend it for both types of scientists, particularly at the graduate level.
Decrease and Recovery of Ejaculated Sperm Concentration after Acute Testicular Gamma-Ray Irradiation in Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

After acute testicular irradiation in adult male cynomolgus monkey semen was periodically collected, and sperm concentration was examined as an index of radiation damage to the seminiferous epithelium. Sperm concentrations decreased after irradiation with 1, 2, or 3 Gy. Concentrations fell below the minimum normal level for unirradiated monkeys, (107 sperm /ml of semen [13]) at 16.0, 8.5, and 8.0 weeks after irradiation, respectively. The lowest sperm concentra-tion was observed 17.0, 12.5, and 14.0 weeks after irradiation, and the percentages of the lowest sperm concentration relative to the pre-irradiation concentration were 1.20, 1.37, and 0.20%, respectively. The sperm concentration recovered to pre-irradiation levels after 35.5, 36.5 and 41.0 weeks at doses of 1, 2 and 3 Gy, respectively. These results indicate that spermatogenesis decreases markedly after irradiation with 1-3 Gy but resumes after a definite period that depends on the radiation dose. Sperm concentration can be utilized as an effective index of radiation damage to the seminiferous epithelium and as an index of recovery.
Use of MAIA microperimetry in routine tertiary retinal practice

Background: Microperimetry is well established as a psychophysical outcome measure in clinical trials and is increasingly used in routine retinal practice for patients with visual symptoms. However, there is sparse evidence indicating the value of microperimetry in the clinical setting as distinct from the research setting. The aim of this study was to describe the usefulness of the MAIA microperimeter in tertiary retinal practice. Method: A total of 80 eyes of 48 patients presenting to a private tertiary medical and surgical retina practice were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-two eyes had retinal or macular pathology and nine had no retinal or macular pathology clinically present. Diagnosis classification information was missing for nine eyes. Visual acuity, clinical examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA) microperimetry were performed, and presenting symptoms recorded. Primary outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; LogMAR letters), macular integrity index (MII), average threshold sensitivity (ATS; dB) and test duration (minutes). Secondary outcome measures were pattern of visual field loss and fixation stability. Results: MII was strongly related to BCVA and ATS (Spearman's rho = -0.305, p = 0.006; r = -0.767, p Conclusions: MAIA MII is strongly related to ATS and BCVA. Different patterns of visual field loss are described, but no single microperimetry parameter distinguished normal from abnormal patients. It is crucial to interpret microperimetry results appropriately in the clinical context.
Decomposition of coarse woody debris in an old-growth Indiana forest

Decay rates of Quercus sp. , Carya sp. , Fagusgrandifolia, and Acer sp. coarse woody debris in an old-growth southern Indiana forest were 0.018, 0.035, 0.019, and 0.045 per year, respectively, based .
Variability of dental morphology and the relationships of the earliest arctocyonid species

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the variability of dental morphology and the relationships of the earliest arctocyonid species. Analysis of arctocyonid premolars and molars from the Bug Creek Anthills local fauna (Hell Creek Fm., Puercan, Montana) shows far wider ranges of variation of many dental characters than were previously recognized. Based on morphological and morphometrical differences, two additional species, Oxyprimus erikseni and Mimatuta morgoth, are distinguished from Protungulatum donnae within the arctocyonid sample from the Bug Creek Anthills local fauna. Cladistic analysis of 18 dental characters of O. erikseni, P. donnae, M. morgoth and the Late Cretaceous eutherian outgroup taxa suggests that P. donnae and M. morgoth form a monophyletic group to the exclusion of O. erikseni. New data suggest that it is necessary to modify the stratigraphic ranges of these arctocyonid species. In order to ensure the reliability of the biochronological sequence of the Bug Creek channel deposits based on th.