Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling root length in rice seedlings grown with low or sufficient supply using backcross recombinant lines derived from a cross between Oryza sativa L. and Oryza glaberrima Steud.

To understand genetic adaptation of rice to environmental nitrogen status, this study mapped and verified the quantitative trait locus/loci for root elongation in response to exogenous concentration. Significant inhibition of root elongation by increasing concentration in hydroponic culture was observed in seedlings of Oryza sativa cv Taichung 65 (japonica variety) but not in O. glaberrima line IRGC 104038. A total of 161 backcross recombinant lines between these species were employed to map the quantitative trait locus/loci controlling root length of seedlings grown hydroponically with a low (5 µM) or sufficient (500 µM) supply. Five quantitative trait locus/loci were detected: two on chromosome 1 and three singles on chromosomes 2, 3, and 6. The quantitative trait locus/loci qRL1.1 was significant under sufficient supply. Progeny analysis using heterogeneous inbred-type family nearly isogenic lines (HIF-NILs) for the candidate region of qRL1.1 revealed that seminal roots of IRGC 104038-fixed genotypes were significantly longer (12.4 or 11.6%) than those of Taichung 65-fixed genotypes when grown with 500 µM , but not without or with 5 µM . qRL1.1 was confirmed and delimited within a 4-Mbp-long region on the long-arm region of chromosome 1. Comparative mapping with genes for uptake and nitrogen metabolism showed the apparent location of the aspartate aminotransferase gene (OsAAT2) within the candidate region of qRL1.1. Together, the results suggest that qRL1.1 is an adaptive quantitative trait locus/loci for rice root elongation in response to sufficient supply of external and OsAAT2 may be a candidate gene responsible for qRL1.1.
A quantitative study of mortality at emergence in the damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Sulzer) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

SUMMARY. 1 Emergence of the damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula was studied over three seasons in two ponds in northern England. 2 Numbers emerging were significantly negatively correlated with temperature and atmospheric pressure. 3 Overall mortality at emergence was 28%. of which predators (largely birds, ants and spiders) accounted for 22% and climatic factors 6%. 4 Daily mortality estimates were significantly positively correlated with precipitation. 5 There was no evidence of density dependent mortality at emergence.
Understanding the Role of Sink Patches in Source‐Sink Metapopulations: Reed Warbler in an Agricultural Landscape

Abstract: Populations in agricultural landscapes often occur in source‐sink situations: small patches of marginal habitat (sinks) are supported by an immigration flux from larger patches of high‐quality habitat (sources). We sought to demonstrate that this situation occurs for Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) in a riverine, mainly agricultural landscape in the Netherlands. We collected data on occurrence and habitat features in a large number of mostly small marshlands. We used a stochastic model to simulate the population dynamics in a metapopulation with sinks and sources. A statistical analysis of the field data, using regression techniques with occupation probability and abundance index as dependent variables, showed that habitat quality was less favourable in small habitat patches (e.g., ditches with reeds) than in larger patches ( large, heterogeneous marshlands). The spatial cohesion of the landscape also played an important role: abundance of breeding Reed Warblers in regions with low spatial cohesion was low. Local extinctions and recolonizations occurred, and their rates depended on the spatial parameters of the patch. This supports the hypothesis that metapopulation theory is applicable here. The results of the modeling study demonstrated that, besides the trivial dependence of sinks on sources, a larger amount of sink area and increased exchange of individuals increased the stability of source patches. This was shown not only by the larger size of the source population but also by increased resilience after a catastrophe. The area of the sink seemed less important than its distance to the source. The simulation indicated an optimal area of a few hectares (compared to a 10‐ha area of the source) and a maximum distance of 2–5 km from the source. In creating sustainable landscapes, for example, by setting up an ecological network consisting of a limited number of high‐quality patches, these small and seemingly insignificant habitat patches could play an important role and should be taken into consideration.
Suppression of Thermal Denaturation of Myosin Subfragment-1 of Alaska Pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) by Sorbitol and Accelerated Inactivation by Pyrophosphate

Thermal denaturation of myosin subfragment-1 (S-1), prepared from myofibrils (Mf) of Alaska pollack dorsal muscle by chymotryptic digestion, was well suppressed by sorbitol addition in a concentration dependent relationship. ATP and ADP also suppressed the ATPase inactivation significantly at different degrees. On the contrary, pyrophosphate (PPi) accelerated the inactivation by several-fold; half the maximal acceleration occurred at about 30 μn, M PPi concentration. The accelerated inactivation by PPi addition was remarkable at high-salt medium such as 0.5M KC1.
Diel Habitat Selection by Brown Trout in the Rio Grande River, Colorado, after Placement of Boulder Structures

Abstract Brown trout Salmo trutta distribution and microhabitat use were measured in 10 study sections of the Rio Grande River, Colorado, where three types of structures made from large boulders had previously been placed. On average, 65% of the adult brown trout and 69% of the juvenile brown trout observed were holding positions near structures. Brown trout used primarily wingdams, midchannel boulder clusters, and natural bank cover, and avoided single boulders and areas with no structures. Juvenile and adult brown trout showed a significant preference for wing-dams during the day at both high and low flows, but adults shifted from wingdams to midchannel boulder clusters at night during low flows. Distributions of water depth and mean water velocity at positions used by brown trout differed significantly between age-classes but were generally not significantly different at high versus low flows, between day and night, or between fish using and not using structures. Results suggest that brown trout select.
The fate of adventitious and embryonic articular cartilage in the skull of the common fowl, Gallus domesticus (Aves : Phasianidae)

The fate of adventitious cartilage on the membrane bones of the skull of the common fowl has been studied from hatching to 4.5 months after hatching. Adventitious cartilage is not a permanent feature of the membrane bone on which it develops but is ultimately replaced, partly by bone and partly by the thickening and chondrification of the fibrous articular membrane. This fibrocartilage, formed in the fibrous articular membrane, forms the adult articular cartilage. Several new areas of adventitious cartilage arise in the fowl after hatching and these have been described. The articular cartilage of the pterygoid-parasphenoid articulation is not replaced by a fibrocartilage but is transformed into a fibrocartilage in the hatched fowl.
Salinity Tolerance in Sorghum. II. Cell Culture Response to Sodium Chloride in S. bicolor and S. halepense

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], is reported to be less tolerant to salt than the noxious weed and potential biomass energy crop, johnsongrass [S. halepense (L.) Pers. ]. The objective was to compare callus growth and osmotic responses to salinity of these two sorghum species. Callus was grown for 2 wk in a liquid Murashige and Skoog medium to which NaCl was added to final concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 M (.)
Size‐Biased Predation and Prey Life Histories: A Comparative Study of Freshwater Amphipod Populations

A prior survey of Michigan populations of a freshwater amphipod, Hyalella azteca, indicated that populations occur as one of two morphotypes that differ in body size and life history traits. Population types, which may represent separate species, are associated with distinct habitat types. Generally, lakes with centrarchid fish contain a small-bodied form, and fishless ponds and marshes contain a large-bodied form. In this comparative study of two Hyalella populations, I examine the potential role of size-biased feeding by major predators in maintaining, and perhaps generating, the pattern of association between Hyalella morphotype and habitat type. In Duck Lake (centrarchid fish present), overall mortality generally increased with body size in each of two study years, and adult mortality exceeded juvenile mortality. The opposite pattern was observed in a nearby fishless habitat, Duck Marsh, where mortality generally declined with size, so that juvenile mortality ex- ceeded adult mortality. To determine the degree to which size-biased predation might cause the observed mortality patterns, I used stomach content analysis to assess prey size pref- erences of fish in the lake habitat and laboratory foraging trials to examine size-biased predation by invertebrate predators from the marsh. Fish predators displayed a strong tendency to prey on larger, adult Hyalella. Size preferences exhibited by larval dragonflies, the principal invertebrate predators in the marsh habitat, depended on predator body size, with small larvae preferring juvenile Hyalella and the largest larvae preferring adults. In general, size-selective predation by major predators in each habitat appeared to contribute importantly to overall mortality patterns, the exception being the marsh habitat in a year of low predator density. Observed differences in life history traits between populations are in close agreement with predictions derived from life history models addressing the influence of size-biased mortality on the evolution of reproductive allocation, size at maturity, and egg size. Life history characteristics of Hyalella were measured both on field-collected individuals and on individuals reared for approximately two generations in replicated predator-free artificial ponds. In field samples, the lake Hyalella population exhibited a smaller mean adult body size, smaller size at maturity, smaller egg size, and higher size-specific fecundity and re- productive investment than the marsh population. These life history differences were also observed in the artificial pond experiment, indicating that these traits are genetically based and nonplastic.
Observation of the swarming of Proteus mirabilis with scanning electron microscopy

Proteus mirabilis was examined on an agar surface with scanning electron microscopy after critical-point drying. Groups of swarm cells were covered by a thin cocoon. The cocoon appears identical with the slime found covering the agar surface behind rafts of swarm cells. Swarm cells possessed numerous appendages that resemble peritrichous flagella in number, size, location, and attachment to the cells.
A phylogenetic analysis and new delimitation of Crepidiastrum (Asteraceae, tribe Cichorieae)

The systematic position of Paraixeris humifusa (Asteraceae) is hard to define, because the circumscription of Paraixeris , Youngia and Crepidiastrum , three closely related genera in subtribe Crepidinae (Cichorieae), is not clear. This paper reports on the relationships between 30 species in subtribe Crepidinae, based on an analysis of nucleotides from one nuclear (ITS) and three chloroplast DNA regions ( trnL - F , rps16 and atpB - rbcL ). The phylogenetic analyses used maximum parsimony with maximum likelihood inference. The monophyly of Crepidiastrum in the most recent generic classification of Shih & Kilian (2011) is explored. The results show that 12 species in Crepidiastrum constitute a monophyletic group, and that Paraixeris humifusa should be treated as Youngia humifusa.
Vitamin and fatty acid contents in seeds of some taxa belonging to genus Lathyrus L. growing in Turkey

Abstract In the present study, levels of vitamin and fatty acid composition in mature seeds of some Lathyrus L. taxa [L. roseus Stev. , L. tuberosus L. , L. belinensis Maxted & Goyder, L. annuus L. , L. gorgoni Parl. var. gorgoni, L. cicera L. , L. sativus L. , L. stenophyllus Boiss. & Heldr. , L. hirsutus L. , L. chloranthus Boiss. et L. aphaca L. var. affinis (Guss.) Arcang. ] were determined by using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and VPC (vapour gas chromatography). Palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n-9), linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) were found as major fatty acid components in all studied eleven taxa. In addition, δ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, α-tocopherol acetate and vitamin D3 were found highest level and retinol, retinol acetate, vitamin D2 and vitamin C content (apart from L. belinensis and L. hirsutus) were found lowest ratio in the examined Lathyrus taxa.
Class III beta-tubulin, drug resistance and therapeutic approaches in cancers

Class III beta-tubulin is one of the critical proteins associated with microtubule assembly, important to many cellular functions including mitochondrial respiration and intracellular trafficking. Widely regarded as a specific neuronal marker in developmental neurobiology and stem cell research, it is also highly expressed in a wide range of tumors of both neuronal and non-neuronal origin. The expression of class III beta-tubulin is tightly controlled at multiple levels with tissue-dependent mechanisms of regulation. For instance, class III beta-tubulin expression is under the control of estrogens in breast cancer cells but is influenced by exposure to hypoxia and poor-nutrient supply in ovarian cancer. In some but not all cancers, class III beta-tubulin expression is purely a prognostic biomarker, predicting poor outcome of patients regardless of chemotherapy treatment. Moreover, the expression of class III beta-tubulin does not confer an aggressive phenotype by itself. Instead, class III beta-tubulin functions like a cytoskeletal gateway, which enhances the incorporation of pro-survival kinases into the cytoskeleton and protects them from degradation. The associations of class III beta-tubulin with survival kinase PIM-1, RNA-binding protein HuR, microRNAs are examples highlighting the functional complexity of this protein. The utility of class III beta-tubulin as a prognostic biomarker can also greatly improve if combined with these pro-survival partners. Subsequently, pharmacogenetic approaches, designed to counteract and target these pathways and associated-factors concurrently, might lead to better therapies and prognostic tools for class III beta-tubulin expressing cancers.
Distribution, habitat, and relation to climatic factors of the lichen genus Ramalina in New Zealand

Abstract We present maps, based on herbarium records extensively supplemented by our own records, showing the distribution of the 14 species of Ramalina found in New Zealand (excluding the Kermadec, Chatham, and sub‐antarctic islands). Species diversity is highest in two areas, eastern Northland (seven species) and coastal Otago (eight species). Only four species (R. canariensis, R. celastri, R. glaucescens, and R. unilateralis), are common to both main islands. Distribution is related to climate and altitude along a latitudinal gradient on the eastern side of New Zealand, from cooler, drier sites and higher altitudes in the south to warmer, moister sites and lower altitudes in the north. Species of Ramalina tend to be absent from sites with various combinations of high rainfall, high altitude, high water deficits, and extremes of temperature. Species reproducing asexually and sexually show similar relationships of frequency to spread, but with sexually reproducing species showing greater frequency at a given degree of spread.
Preliminary Norms for DRIS to Fertigate Ornamental Shrubs

ABSTRACT Preliminary norms for foliar tissue were developed for laurustine (Viburnum tinus L.), tobir (Pittosporum tobira Thumb.) and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) for its use in the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). These norms were generated from high quality plants grown in hydroponic cultures. The values were those of foliar tissues from two growing assays where the total (N) and (NO3 −/NH4 +) ratio were optimized. These norms were applied to perform DRIS in plants grown in a mix of white peat and vermiculite (75:25 v:v). Nutrient reference levels obtained from hydroponic cultures were appropriate to be used as DRIS norms for these species, because DRIS indexes reflected the nutritive status of these species grown in a fertigated system. These results suggest the need to broaden the range of reference values to include the fertigation reference levels. DRIS detects the nutrient limitations as a consequence of the nutrient imbalance caused by the pH and nutrient concentration in the substrate solution. Therefore, DRIS is an adequate method of diagnosis and can be used to adjust the nutrient solution composition and to improve the nutritional status for these species.
A computer simulation study on the causal relationship between walking and physical malfunctions in older adults

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the causal relationship between walking pattern and physical malfunction using a computer simulation method with a biomechanical walking model. In this computer simulation, the musculoskeletal system was represented by a three-dimensional 14-rigid-link model and 60 muscle models. Muscular forces were controlled by a neuronal system model consisting of 16 pairs of neural oscillators. In the computational experiment, five types of walking models were constructed: an intact model, a delayed response model, a weak muscle model, an inclined posture model, and a joint contracture model. These malfunction factors were hypothesized to have a causal relationship with walking characteristics in older adults. The simulation revealed that the delayed response in the neuronal system was primarily related to walking stability. In addition, the weakening of muscles was strongly related to the reduction of the walking step length. The inclined posture and joint contracture also influenced the walking pattern, but not significantly. The use of such a computer simulation method is essential in order to clarify the causal relationship between body function and walking pattern in older adults.
Pseudobalta, a New Australian Ovoviviparous Cockroach Genus (Dictyoptera: Blattaria: Blattellidae: Pseudophyllodromiinae)

Pseudobalta, a new blattellid genus, is described. It differs from oviparous Balta Tepper in being ovoviviparous and the male having a tergal gland on the first abdominal segment. Pseudobalta comprises two species previously placed in Balta (P. pusilla (Hebard) comb.n. and P. cinctella (Hebard) comb.n. ) and P. queenslandica sp.n. This is the fourth known blattellid, and the second taxon in the Pseudophyllodromiinae, that reproduces by ovoviviparity.
The habitat-survival function for Caribbean spiny lobster: an inverted size effect and non-linearity in mixed algal and seagrass habitats

The habitat-survival function (HSF) defines changes in survival relative to habitat structure; forms include linear, hyperbolic and sigmoid (threshold) curves, whose consequences on predator–prey dynamics are illustrated by their first derivatives. Survival of two juvenile size classes of Caribbean spiny lobster was evaluated as a function of plant biomass in tethering experiments in mixed algal and seagrass patches adjacent to Bahia de la Ascension, Mexico, which serves as nursery habitat. The HSF was hyperbolic for algal biomass; even modest increases of algal biomass significantly enhanced lobster survival. The rate of change in survival as a function of algal biomass (i.e. an approximation of the first derivative) was greatest at low-to-moderate levels of habitat structure. Hence, survival in these microhabitats is either low or rapidly changing with alterations in habitat structure, and they should be avoided by juveniles. Seagrass biomass did not significantly influence survival, although its levels were relatively low. Smaller juveniles had significantly higher survival rates than larger juveniles, probably because of the limited availability of appropriately scaled refugia for larger juveniles; large juveniles may display an ontogenetic shift from these habitats to coral reefs because of elevated predation risk as they grow.
Importance of spruce swamp‐forests for epiphyte diversity and flora on Picea abies in southern and middle boreal Finland

The epiphyte (lichens and bryophytes) species richness, diversity and composition on basal trunks of Picea abies in spruce swamp-forests were compared to adjacent mesic forests on mineral soil in two southern and two middle boreal sites in old-growth forest patches in Finland. The sampling was carried out along four line transects parallel to swamp-forest margin: 1) in the spruce swamp-forest, 2) at the swamp-forest margin, 3) on mineral soil c. 10-20 m off the swamp-forest margin and 4) on mineral soil at least 50 m off the swamp-forest margin. In the two southern boreal sites there was a decreasing trend in the average species number per tree from the trees in swamp-forests (21-25 species) to the trees on mineral soil (17-18 species), whereas in the two more humid and virgin middle boreal sites a similar trend was not detected (25-28 species on all trees). There were no major differences in the epiphyte flora between the locations or study sites; the dominant species occurred on nearly all sample trees. The crustose lichens Cliostomum leprosum, Arthonia leucopellaea and Lecanactis abietina were the most common species that were mainly confined to the swamp-forests in the southern boreal sites, C. leprosum also in the middle boreal sites. In addition, several rare species occurred exclusively on the swamp-forest trees. Lecanactis abietina extended significantly higher on the swamp-forest trees than on the trees on mineral soil in the southern boreal sites. The spruce swamp-forests proved to be one of the most important habitats for maintaining the epiphyte diversity in the boreal forest landscape.
Studies in Gentianaceae. Embryology of Swertia minor (Gentianinae)

The embryology of Swertia minor Knobl. (Gentianinae Gentianaceae) was studied. Features of its development are tetrasporangiate anthers, dicotyledonous type sporangial wall formation, glandular anther tapetum and its dual origin, simultaneous cytokinesis in microsporocytes, tricolporate two-celled pollen, unilocular ovary, forked parietal placentae, tenuinucellar unitegmic anatropous ovules, Polygonum-type megagametogenesis, persistent multiple multinucleate highly enlarged haustorial antipodal cells, nuclear endosperm, Solanad type embryo development, and multiseriate suspensor. Embryological features of taxonomic significance in the Gentianinae are compiled in a review of the pertinent data on the subtribe.
Thread Cells from the Slime Glands of Hagfish (Myxinidae)

Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy demonstrate that the mature thread cells in Eptatretus deani and Myxine glutinosa consist of a single, coiled thread up to 10 cm long. Mature thread cells apparently loose the cell membrane within the slime gland before expulsion. Thus the old idea that rupture of the cell membrane causes the uncoiling in sea water is no longer tenable. If the thread cells are transferred without additional fluid to a microscope slide, no uncoiling occurs until sea water or distilled water is added when the process occurs rapidly; however, in double strength sea water uncoiling is slowed down. In tetrahydrofuran or glycerin there is no uncoiling in 100 % or 50 % solutions; however in 5 % solutions uncoiling occurs slowly. Thus the availability of adequate amounts of water seems to be necessary for uncoiling. Presumably, water acts directly on the thread, causing the organelle to straighten and thus uncoil. The defensive value of the slime production is discussed.