Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography, Fossils, and Northern Hemisphere Biogeography: The Role of Physiological Uniformitarianism1

Abstract Biogeography is one of the most synthetic of biological undertakings; it requires placing a substantiated phylogenetic model in a geological, climatological, and ecological context, all of which shift through time. In the past two decades, the application of cladistic and molecular techniques has diversified our grasp on phylogeny. This has allowed the formulation of hypotheses of past distribution patterns based on samples from available living material and algorithms for their interpretation. Fossils contribute to these cladistic approaches by adding morphological checkpoints to character associations in time and by providing a basis for estimates of rates of divergence. However, fossils also check these hypotheses by direct occurrence (does a fossil of the taxon occur where predicted? ) and by ecological suitability (is it reasonable that the taxon could occur in the predicted environment? ). The first test is straightforward if difficult, requiring the finding of a specific fossil in a specific place and time. The second is based on the assumption of physiological uniformitarianism—that fossil and modern taxa united by a common morphology possess similar physiologies. If correct, then hypotheses of past distribution must accord with the predicted physiological tolerances of the taxon in question. Application of physiological uniformitarianism to phylogeographic hypotheses, together with new paleontological data, suggest (a) the validity of many established phylogeographic hypotheses; (b) the need to reevaluate others; and (c) the recognition that the North Atlantic land bridge likely functioned as a link between the Old and New Worlds into the Later Tertiary, contrary to this author's earlier papers.
Toxicity of Selected Acaricides in a Glass-vial Bioassay to Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract. Twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, feeds on epidermal cells of foliage, destroys photosynthetic cells, and reduces yield, fiber quality, and seed germination of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. With a short life cycle, prolific fecundity, an arrhenotokous reproduction, and an ability to expeditiously digest and detoxify xenobiotics, twospotted spider mite has the propensity to develop resistance to insecticides. Despite mobility, small size, and difficulties associated with handling of twospotted spider mites, this study demonstrated that the 20-ml glass-vial bioassay is a useful technique to evaluate contact toxicity of acaricides against adult mites in a laboratory. A colony of twospotted spider mites was maintained on pinto beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. in a greenhouse. Abamectin with LC50 (95% CL) of 0.014 (0.01–0.02) µg per vial was 1,006 time more toxic than spiromesifen with a LC50 of 14.086 (7.592–42.371) µg per vial. The LC50 values of spiromesifen and propargite were comparable. Bifenazate was 10 times more toxic than dicofol to twospotted spider mite. The order of toxicity of acaricides tested against twospotted spider mite adults was abamectin > bifenazate > dicofol > propargite = spiromesifen. These data are useful for developing baseline contact toxicity for adult twospotted spider mite and monitoring tolerance to acaricides used on cotton in Central Texas.
Heterologous Expression of L-Amino Acid Oxidase from Calloselasma rhodostoma and Induction of cell death

ii Dedicated to my parents and teachers… iii i. Acknowledgements First of all, thanks to Prof. Sandro Ghisla, for providing me the opportunity to work in his lab. I am lucky indeed to have had such a friendly and lively person as my PhD supervisor. Prof. Peter Macheroux for his constructive criticisms and suggestions during this Ph.D. work and for critical reading of the manuscripts. Prof. Elisa May for her kindly advices and coordination in completing the publication work on LAAO induced cell death. Prof. Martin Scheffner for the lively discussions, suggestions and for providing the mammalian expression vectors and for the access to the cell culture facility. Herr Dr. Thomas Kapitza for patiently teaching me the techniques in baculovirus mediated expression system. Special thanks to Rajesh Kumar Singh and Michael Desilva for their help in cell culture experiments. Frau Susanne Feindler-Boeckh for her day-today assistance in the lab, without whose help this work would have been difficult to finish. Family members for their support and love. iv ii. Abbreviations α-anti-(used for antibodies) °C degree celcius aa(s) amino acid(s) Ab, mAb antibody, monoclonal antibody AIP apoptosis inducing protein AOX alcohol oxidase bp base pairs cDNA complementary DNA CIP calf intestinal phosphatase CV column volume Da, kDa dalton, kilodalton (molecular weight) DAAO D-amino acid oxidase DAPI 4´-6-Diamidino-2-phenylidole DMEM Dulbeccó s modified eagle medium DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide DNA deoxy ribonucleic acid e.g. for example EDTA ethylenediamine-tetra acetic acid ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ER Endoplasmic Reticulum EtBr ethidium bromide FACS fluoresence activated cell sorting FAD flavin adenine dinucleotide FBS fetal bovine serum FCS fetal calf serum mA milli ampere MeOH methanol Min minute (s) Mut s , Mut + methanol utilization slow MWCO molecular weight cut off NAN N-acetyl neuraminic acid NP-40 nonidet P-40 O.D. optical density PBS phosphate buffered saline v PCR polymerase chain reaction POD Peroxidase RNA ribonucleic acid RPM/rpm rounds per minute RT room temperature S, sec Second SDS sodium dodocyl sulfate SDS-PAGE SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis Siglecs sialic acid binding Ig superfamily lectins Sp.activity specific activity TBE tris borate EDTA buffer TBS tris buffered saline TCA trichloroacetic acid UV-VIS ultraviolet-visible V volume V volt W weight x-gal
IRRIGATION, SPACING AND NITROGEN EFFECTS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF PICKLING CUCUMBERS GROWN FOR MECHANICAL HARVESTING

The effects of plant spacing and irrigation at two rates of N in 1977 and 1978 and one rate of N in 1979 on yield and quality of pickling cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) harvested once-over was investigated. Plant populations significantly affected yield, with highest yields produced at the highest population of 64 plants/m2 each year. Irrigation and N rate had no significant effect on yield. Lack of soil moisture was not a limiting factor on yield during the critical growth stage of early fruit set in any year. Plant population also significantly affected fruit quality. In general, fruit quality decreased as plant population increased. Irrigation affected fruit quality only in 1977 while N rate affected quality in 1977 and 1978. Fruit color was affected by irrigation and N, but not by plant populations. Planting arrangement had no significant effect on yield or quality. Tissue N decreased with increasing population and irrigation in 1977 and indicated an increased demand for N when cucumbers are produced .
Drinking with an Unsealed Tube: Fluid Uptake Along the Butterfly Proboscis

ABSTRACT Most adult Lepidoptera depend on a proboscis for fluid uptake. Although the proboscis has been regarded as a sealed tube with fluid uptake restricted to the distal end, recent evidence indicates that it is permeable along its entire length in at least some species. We, therefore, tested the effectiveness of the seal during feeding in four species of butterflies. Feeding rates in monarchs (Danaus plexippus L.), painted ladies (Vanessa cardui L.), and tiger swallowtails (Papilio glaucus L.) did not differ significantly when the proboscises were straightened and fully, versus partially, submersed in 1 or 15% sucrose solutions. To explore these results, we tested fluid uptake along the nearly transparent proboscises of buckeye butterflies (Junonia coenia Hübner) by applying colored droplets of water to the legular seam between the paired galeae. Colored fluid appeared in the food canal of straightened and naturally flexed proboscises within 10 s, regardless of whether the chemosensilla were stimulated with sugar. Statistically significant entry of fluid, however, occurred ≈30 s after droplets were applied and only if the proboscis was naturally flexed and stimulated with sucrose. The results suggest that fluid uptake along the length of the proboscis is influenced by changes in legular spacing when the butterfly naturally bends the proboscis and on activation of the cibarial pump when chemosensilla are stimulated with sugar.
A New Species of Amphisbaena Linnaeus, 1758 from a Cerrado Region in Bahia, Northeastern Brazil (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae)

Abstract: A new species of Amphisbaena is described from a Cerrado area in the southwestern region of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguishable from all other congeners by having a rounded snout; slender body with visible lateral and dorsal sulci; two rounded precloacal pores medially located; 230–241 body annuli; 19–22 caudal annuli; 12–14 dorsal and 14 ventral segments to a midbody annulus; tail with a marked autotomic constriction at caudal annuli 6–8; tail tip laterally compressed; three supralabials followed by one postsupralabial, and three infralabials followed by one postinfralabial on each side of the head. Resumo: Uma nova espécie de Amphisbaena é descrita de uma região de Cerrado no sudoeste do estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil. A nova espécie se distingue dos demais congêneres por possuir o focinho arredondado; corpo delgado, com sulcos laterais e dorsal bem visíveis; dois poros pré-cloacais arredondados localizados medialmente; 230–241 anéis corporais; 19–22 anéis caudais; 12–14 segmentos dorsais e 14 segmentos ventrais contados em um anel no meio do corpo; plano de autotomia caudal bem marcado entre o anel caudal 6–8; extremidade da cauda comprimida lateralmente; três supralabiais seguidas por uma pós-supralabial e três infralabiais seguidas por uma pós-infralabial em cada lado da cabeça.
The effect of flytrap site on catches in Lucitrap(R) flytraps in a cool temperate climate.

Flies were trapped on six Tasmanian sheep properties using Lucitraps®. Traps were emptied every 4-6 weeks for 6 months, the trapped population then being sorted and counted. Features contributing to variation in Lucilia cuprina catches between traps were analysed by multiple linear regression. Traps located near shelter ( 50m). Traps near water (<50m) trapped significantly more flies than those away from water. Traps fixed to posts caught a significantly higher number of L. cuprina than those which were attached to another structure (usually gum trees). This may be due to a repellent effect of Eucalyptus spp. or to increased predation of the trapped flies.
Influence of prey size on predation success by Zelus longipes L. (Het., Reduviidae)

The effects of prey size on the predatory responses of the reduviid Zelus longipes were studied through laboratory tests using larvae of the noctuid moth Spodoptera frugiperda as preys. In tests with one caterpillar, larvae of three different weight classes were offered individually to the predator. The prey weight was positively correlated with relative weight gain by the predator, mean feeding time and discarded biomass, but not with the relative extraction rate (defined as the relative weight gain by the predator by feeding time). The different sizes of caterpillars were attacked with the same frequency, but the successful attacks were more frequent in small larvae. The median mass of successfully attacked larvae was also less than that of unsuccessfully attacked. In tests with three caterpillars, larvae of three weight classes were offered at the same time; small caterpillars were more often attacked and killed than the medium and large ones. The results showed that even if larger preys resulted in more energy intake, when the choice is possible, smaller caterpillars were more likely to be attacked than medium and large. This is probably related to the fact that successful attacks were more frequent in small larvae, and also reduced the risk of injury to the predator.
Predation of Bird Nests by Introduced Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi on an Island

Abstract We investigated bird nest predation on Miyake Island where the Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi has been introduced. From observations of Japanese Bush Warbler nests, we estimated survival rates of 0.498 and 0.848 in incubation and nestling stages, respectively. Artificial nests coupled to an automatic image recording system showed that weasels were bird nest predators on three occasions. No other potential predators visited the nests; before the weasel introduction, nest predation was rarely reported on the island. The incidence of predation on artificial nests increased as a function of the density of predated artificial nests in the neighborhood. Other nest-site characteristics were not related to nest predation, except for height above the ground. Lower nests had slightly higher risks of predation. Hence, the fate of a nest appears to depend on whether it is located within home ranges of the Japanese Weasel. Weasels may easily find nests located within their activity ranges irrespective of their site characteristics. Japanese Weasels must be regarded as a major threat to breeding birds on Miyake Island.
FURTHER STUDIES OF ANTIGENIC COMPETITION

A striking correlation between the capacity of an antigen to nonspecifically suppress humoral immune responses of subsequently administered antigens which are non-cross-reacting, i.e. to manifest antigenic competition and produce enlargement of spleen size through cell proliferation, was found. Increase in spleen size was always accompanied by a drop in the normal proportion of thymus-derived cells to non-thymus-derived cells. Various means of altering the immune response to the initial antigen, and hence, the capacity of that antigen to suppress in a model of antigenic competition were performed and correlated with changes in spleen size and in the proportion of θ-positive cells in the spleen. In all instances, when the experimental condition reduced or abolished antigenic competition, the increase in spleen size and reduction in the proportion of θ-positive cells in the spleen was reduced or abolished. Furthermore, under conditions in which the suppressive capacity of the initial antigen was unaltered, the increase in spleen size and reduction in θ-proportion occurred normally. Finally, the better the suppression in a model of antigenic competition, the greater the increase in spleen size and reduction in the proportion of θ-positive cells. On the basis of these observations, it appears that there is a relationship between spleen enlargement through clonally restricted cell proliferation and the expression of antigenic competition; one cannot have the latter without the former. It is postulated that the immunological lesion associated with antigenic competition resides at the level of interference with cell interaction between thymus-derived antigen-reactive cells and marrow-derived antibody-forming cells. This occurs as a result of a relative "diluting out" of cells of both populations carrying antigenic specificity differing from the one(s) which induced the dilution effect in the first place. The net effect of this is to decrease the chance of a "hit" or interaction between a marrow-derived and thymus-derived cell of the same specificities. This mechanism, which is compatible with theories of clonal selection, and which in fact is dependent upon them, supports the view that the term "antigenic competition" is a misnomer; there is no competition by the antigens for anything. The term "antigen-induced suppression" is suggested as a more suitable alternative.
Current status and influencing factors of knowledge-attitude-practice about patients' early ambulation among intensive care unit nurses in tertiary hospitals

Objective To explore the current status and influencing factors of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) about patients' early ambulation, so as to provide guidance for formulating appropriate early ambulation intervention strategies. Methods From March to April of 2018, 220 ICU nurses from 4 ClassⅢ Grade A general hospitals were selected as participants in this study by convenience sampling. General Information Questionnaire and Investigation Questionnaire for KAP on Patients' Early Ambulation were used and the multivariate stepwise regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors. Results A total of 211 valid questionnaires were collected. The ICU nurses achieved (7.60±1.35) points from the knowledge on patients' early ambulation and (19.13±2.25) points from the attitude and (15.02±4.13) points from the practice; regression analysis indicated that working length in ICU, and whether there was any early ambulation plan were the influencing factors of the ICU nurses' knowledge on patients' early ambulation; job title, whether had related training experience and whether there was any early ambulation plan were the influencing factors of the ICU nurses' attitude on patients' early ambulation; whether specialized in ICU and whether there was any early ambulation plan were the influencing factors of the ICU nurses' practice on patients' early ambulation (P<0.05) . Conclusions ICU nurses' knowledge and attitude on patients' early ambulation are good, however the practice is not satisfying. ICU managers should face up to the current status of patients' early ambulation, work out patients' early ambulation plans for this medical institution, strengthen the training for the ICU medical staff, and promote ICU patients' standard early ambulation. Key words: Intensive Care Unit; Nurses; Early ambulation; Knowledge-attitude-practice
Effect of Sulphur Fertilization on Grain Quality and Protein Composition of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

The reduction of atmosphere emission of SO2 and the massive use of fertilizers high in nitrogen and phosphorus resulted in a decrease of the sulphur content in the soil. In durum wheat cultivation, sulphur supply plays a key role not only for plant growth, but also for grain quality. Sulphur is an essential macronutrient primarily used to synthesize methionine and cysteine and it is also involved in establishing protein structures by disulphide bonds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sulphur nutrition on grain quality and protein composition of durum wheat cultivars grown under water deficit conditions, typical of Mediterranean areas. To this purpose, in the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 crop seasons a field trial was carried out by comparing two water regimes (irrigated and rainfed), two sulphur fertilizer levels and two durum wheat cultivars. Under our experimental conditions, an increase in protein and gluten content in the rainfed treatment and a positive effect of sulphur fertilization on quality parameters were observed. Few changes were observed in protein composition in response to sulphur fertilization.
Grazing effects of the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii in two contrasting rocky reef habitats: effects of urchin density and its implications for the fishery

The sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii plays an important role in determining the abundance and composition of benthic macroalgae in New South Wales. Centrostephanus rodgersii is commonly found in areas devoid of foliose algae (termed 'barrens habitat'), which abruptly change into areas rich in foliose algae (termed 'fringe habitat'). Complementary experiments were used to investigate the impact of C. rodgersii grazing on algal assemblages at a range of densities in the barrens and fringe habitats. Although 33% of the natural density of C. rodgersii maintained barrens areas relatively free of foliose algae, only densities exceeding natural densities within barrens habitat cleared areas dominated by macroalgae. The impact of grazing was not linearly related to density in either habitat, which suggests that both the barrens and fringe habitats are stable and will persist unless there is a dramatic decrease in urchin densities in barrens areas or a large influx into fringe areas. These findings have significant implications for the commercial harvesting of C. rodgersii. They imply that reducing urchin densities in barrens habitats, or translocating urchins from barrens to fringe habitats in order to improve roe quality, will not significantly alter the algal assemblage of either habitat in the short term (less than 3 months).
Environmental predictors of benthic consumers and autotrophic communities along a recovery gradient

Ecological theory predicts that biological factors replace abiotic regulation of community structure during re- covery from ecosystem stress. We examined relationships between benthic autotroph (epilithic periphyton) and con- sumer communities, and environmental variables, along a gradient of six recovering acidified lakes to identify the best explanatory variables of community structure. Dissolved organic carbon, pH, and total dissolved phosphorus were im- portant predictors of autotrophic biomass, while total dissolved phosphorus was the only significant factor explaining variation in consumer biomass. Abiotic factors (e.g., dissolved organic carbon, pH) were also significant predictors of autotrophic and consumer community composition. Autotrophic biomass was significantly greater in recovering lakes owing to an increased abundance of attached filamentous green algae. However, consumer biomass did not differ sig- nificantly between severely stressed and recovering lakes because of a compensatory shift from numerous small tolerant omnivores to fewer large-bodied sensitive grazers. Lack of a significant relationship between autotrophic and consumer biomass along with stable isotopic evidence of few primary consumers suggested that grazing pressure was weak, espe- cially in the stressed lakes. The persistent importance of abiotic factors to autotrophic and consumer communities sug- gested that ecosystem recovery remained incomplete in these lakes.
Implementing a science-based system for preventing overfishing and guiding sustainable fisheries in the United States

Methot, R. D. , Tromble, G. R. , Lambert, D. M. , and Greene, K. E. 2014. Implementing a science-based system for preventing overfishing and guiding sustainable fisheries in the United States. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 183–194.Fisheries management in the United States is primarily governed by the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, first enacted in 1976. Overarching principles are that fishing mortality rates should not jeopardize the capacity of a stock to produce maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and that overfished stocks (i.e. biomass is too low) should be rebuilt to the level that will support MSY. The science-based system for achieving sustainable fisheries is implemented, in part, through setting annual catch limits (ACLs) that cannot exceed the acceptable biological catch that is recommended by Scientific and Statistical Committees using methods that account for scientific uncertainty. Accountability measures (AMs) are management measures to prevent ACLs from being exceeded or correct any overages that occur. Implementation in 2012 of ACLs and AMs in all Federal fisheries was a historical achievement in the United States; one that will help rebuild stocks and ensure sustainable fisheries into the future. Some remaining challenges include: determining appropriate catch levels and management approaches for stocks with incomplete data; assessing more stocks, more frequently; addressing differences between managing stocks as a complex vs. managing individual stocks in a multistock fishery; and incorporating social and economic factors in determining the appropriate response to uncertainty.