Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Pro106 to Ala Substitution is Associated with Resistance to Glyphosate in Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

Abstract Glyphosate is used in the transition zone to control annual bluegrass in fully dormant warm-season grasses. A suspected resistant (R) biotype of annual bluegrass was identified on a golf course in South Carolina after at least 10 consecutive years of glyphosate application. Greenhouse bioassays revealed the R biotype was 4.4-fold resistant to glyphosate compared with a standard susceptible (S) biotype. Further studies were conducted to investigate the mechanism conferring glyphosate resistance in the R biotype. Leaf discs of both biotypes accumulated shikimate in response to increasing glyphosate concentration, but the glyphosate concentration resulting in 50% EPSP synthase inhibition as a result of shikimate accumulation (I50) was 4.2-fold higher in the R biotype compared with the S biotype. At the whole plant level, similar levels of shikimate accumulation were observed between biotypes at 6 and 24 h after treatment (HAT) with glyphosate, but greater shikimate accumulation occurred in the S biotype at 72, 120, and 168 HAT. Shikimate levels decreased in the R biotype after 72 HAT. There were no differences in 14C-glyphosate absorption between biotypes. However, more 14C-glyphosate translocated out of the treated leaf in the R biotype and into root tissues over time compared with the S biotype. Partial sequencing of the EPSP synthase gene revealed a point mutation that resulted in an Ala substitution at Pro106. Although other mechanisms may contribute to glyphosate resistance, these results confirm a Pro106 to Ala substitution is associated with resistance to glyphosate in the R annual bluegrass biotype. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; EPSP, 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate; shikimate, (3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxycyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylic acid; annual bluegrass, Poa annua L.
Comparison of Alternative Methods for Bioaccumulation Assessment: Scope and Limitations of In Vitro Depletion Assays with Rainbow Trout and Bioconcentration Tests in the Freshwater Amphipod Hyalella azteca

Bioaccumulation assessment predominantly relies on the bioconcentration factor (BCF) as the sole decisive metric. The test guideline 305 by the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) provides the standard procedure for deriving this in vivo fish BCF, which is not only expensive and labor‐intensive, but also requires many animals. Accordingly, there is a great need for and interest in alternative methods that can help to reduce, replace, and refine vertebrate tests, as described in the 3R principles. Two alternative approaches have been developed: the bioconcentration test with the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca and the OECD test guideline 319 which provides a method to determine experimentally derived in vitro metabolism rates that can then be incorporated into in silico prediction models for rainbow trout BCF calculation. In the present study both alternative methods were applied to 5 substances of different physicochemical characteristics. The results were compared with literature values of fish in vivo BCFs and additional BCFs obtained with the alternative methods, if available. Potential differences between the results of the test methods are discussed utilizing information such as in vivo metabolism rates. The currently available data set suggests that these 2 alternative methods pose promising alternatives to predict bioaccumulation in fish, although defined applicability domains have yet to be determined. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1813–1825. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC
Effects of adaptation to winter stress on biomass production, growth and morphology of three contrasting white clover cultivars

Changes in biomass production and partitioning, together with morphology and growth of three white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivars after exposure to winter stress were recorded in a controlled environment study. The cultivars used were Grasslands Huia (H, New Zealand), AberHerald (AH, bred in UK from material of Swiss origin) and Sandra (S, Sweden), sub-populations of these (survival populations), and a wild ecotype from the Uppsala area. The sub-populations were collected after 2 (with the exception of S) and 4 years of winter stress, respectively, at Uppsala (59°49′ N, 17°39′ E). In the controlled environment study the photoperiod was 12 h and there were two temperature regimes, namely 24/18 and 12/9°C (day/night), respectively. The experimental plants were cloned from eight different plants of each population. There were few interactions between populations and temperature regimes. Biomass production was lowest in the Swedish populations and in the surviving populations of the other cultivars collected after 4 years of exposure to winter stress. However, biomass partitioning, with the exception of allocation to branches, remained unaffected. Morphology differed significantly between cultivars, but, with the exception of internode length, was unaffected by exposure to winter stress. Internode length was significantly reduced in surviving populations of both H and AH after exposure to four winters, when its value was similar to that of the Swedish populations. The reduced internode length was a result of a greater reduction in the stolon extension rate than in the leaf appearance rate of survival populations compared with the original populations. It is hypothesised that reduced internode length would have implications for the carbon economy of the plant.
Stenella clymene, a Rediscovered Tropical Dolphin of the Atlantic

Stenella clymene has not been recognized as a valid species in recent lists of cetaceans. Examination of new material allows the redescription of this valid species. Externally, it closely resembles S. longirostris ; cranially, it resembles S. coeruleoalba in shape, but is smaller. S. clymene shares many features with these two species and is probably closely related to both of them. S. clymene is now known from New Jersey, Florida (both coasts), Texas, the Caribbean, the mid-Atlantic and West Africa. New records of S. longirostris extend its known range in the western Atlantic north to Cape Hatteras and south to Rio de Janeiro.
Modulation of distinct isoforms of L-type calcium channels by Gq-coupled receptors in Xenopus oocytes

L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channels (L-VDCCs; Cav1.2) are crucial in cardiovascular physiology. In heart and smooth muscle, hormones and transmitters operating via Gq enhance L-VDCC currents via essential protein kinase C (PKC) involvement. Heterologous reconstitution studies in Xenopus oocytes suggested that PKC and Gq-coupled receptors increased L-VDCC currents only in cardiac long N-terminus (NT) isoforms of α1C, whereas known smooth muscle short-NT isoforms were inhibited by PKC and Gq activators. We report a novel regulation of the long-NT α1C isoform by Gβγ. Gβγ inhibited whereas a Gβγ scavenger protein augmented the Gq- but not phorbol ester-mediated enhancement of channel activity, suggesting that Gβγ acts upstream from PKC. In vitro binding experiments reveal binding of both Gβγ and PKC to α1C-NT. However, PKC modulation was not altered by mutations of multiple potential phosphorylation sites in the NT, and was attenuated by a mutation of C-terminally located serine S1928. The insertion of exon 9a in intracellular loop 1 rendered the short-NT α1C sensitive to PKC stimulation and to Gβγ scavenging. Our results suggest a complex antagonistic interplay between Gq-activated PKC and Gβγ in regulation of L-VDCC, in which multiple cytosolic segments of α1C are involved.
Circadian rhythms and individual variability of self‐feeding activity in groups of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

An experiment was conducted to examine whether circadian self-feeding rhythms exist in groups of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) and to investigate individual variability of sell-feeding and its influence on growth. Ten trout of 144.9 +/- 12.0 g (mean +/- SD) were transferred to each of eight 290-L tanks and given free access to feed via a self-feeder. Fish in four of the eight groups were individually tagged, and the individual activating the trigger was identified using video observations. The self-feeding activity of each group was recorded under a light:dark cycle of 16.5:7.5 h and under continuous light (LL) conditions. Although did self-feeding rhythms in the groups of trout were, in general, diurnal, night-feeding activity was observed in the initial LD phase, but there was a progressive reduction and eventual cessation in most groups. Endogenous circadian self-feeding rhythms were detected in the groups of trout under LL conditions. The trout formed dominance hierarchies of self-feeding activity, with one or two individuals accounting for the majority of trigger actuations. However, the dominants did not occupy the area surrounding the trigger. Growth rates did not differ significantly between the dominants and the subordinates within the groups.
A new use for synchrotron X‐ray microtomography: three‐dimensional biomechanical modeling of chelicerate mouthparts and calculation of theoretical bite forces

We present the first report on the use of the non-invasive method of synchrotron X-ray microtomography to model the dynamics and theoretical bite forces of arthropod mouthparts. The nature of the data allowed us to include precise measurements of muscle areas and the spatial geometry of muscle origins and insertions into a biomechanical model of a morphological microstructure. We investigated the functional morphology of the chelicera in the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus (Acari, Oribatida), a model organism for Chelicerata. The chelicera represents a first-class lever; the intrinsic muscular system consists of a feather-shaped depressor with six muscle bundles and a bouquet-shaped levator with 16 bundles. The relative bite forces, as compared with body mass (force/mass2/3), are 390 N kg−1 and lie within those known for vertebrates (≤260 N kg−1) and decapod chelae (≤915 N kg−1). The dynamics of force transmission and bite forces during the movement of the apotele are calculated. The conserved organization of cheliceral musculature allows broad adaptation of the model to other chelicerate taxa.
Epigean and subterranean ichthyofauna from the São Domingos karst area, Upper Tocantins River basin, Central Brazil

In a survey of epigean and cave streams in the Sao Domingos karst area, 38 species were present in the stream reaches, including 10 characiforins, 19 siluriforins, seven gymnotiforms and two pereiforms. One species of Astyanax and the new armoured catfish species Parotocinclus were the most common epigean fishes in Sao Domingos. The most conspicuous non-troglomorphic cave fishes were Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, Astvanax sp. , Brycon sp. and two species of Imparfinis, with I. hollandi being the most common fish in most caves. Sao Domingos karst area has the most diverse and abundant Brazilian cavefish fauna, not only in terms of troglobitic species but also in general fish richness. with 22 non-troglomorphic species recorded in caves in addition to five troglobitic ones. Most fishes examined for stomach contents had at least partially full stomachs. The studied fishes were carnivorous, feeding primarily on aquatic insects. Fishes with developed gonads recorded in caves were I. hollandi, Rhamdia quelen, Pseudocetopsis plumbeus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus and Cichlasoma araguaiensis, indicating a potential for reproduction in the subterranean habitat.
Mate choice decisions by parasitized female upland bullies, Gobiomorphus breviceps

Parasites can affect mate choice, and may have driven the evolution of secondary sexual characteristics. However, all attention thus far has been focused on how parasites of males make their host less attractive to females; how parasites of females affect the mate choice decisions of their host is unknown. Parasitized females, because of depleted energy reserves and poorer physical condition, may invest less time and energy in discriminating among mates than unparasitized females. I examined mate choice decisions of female upland bullies (Gobiomorphus breviceps) harbouring trematode cysts known to affect physical condition and risk of predation. In standard mate choice tests, heavily parasitized female bullies made fewer mate inspections and were more likely to choose lower-quality mates than lightly parasitized females. Fecundity, however, had no detectable effect on mate choice decisions of female bullies. The potential of parasites as a driving force in sexual selection and the evolution of male secondary sexual traits may therefore be reduced by their negative effects on female choosiness.
Therapeutic Activities for Elderly People based on Tangible Interaction

: The use of natural user interfaces in rehabilitation can contribute to increase the motivation of patients during the rehabilitation process. Among them, Tangible User Interfaces (TUI) which couple digital information to everyday physical objects, are considered to be intuitive and especially suitable for elderly people. The physical interaction with real objects can improve the quality of training for patients who need cognitive and/or motor rehabilitation. To explore the use of tangible interfaces with the elderly, a tangible tabletop designed by the AffectiveLab was settled in a nursing home. First of all, the general user experience of their clients when working with the tabletop was assessed. From this initial evaluation tips for the creation of tangible tabletop activities for elderly were obtained and applied to the design of new cognitive and physical stimulation activities for them. From this experience, guidelines for the design of tangible activities for this kind of users have been extracted and presented in the paper.
A system dynamics approach to the expansion of liqu efaction capacity in the LNG industry

Capacity and price cycles in capital-intensive indu stries affect firms’ performance and profitability, and there is a need for understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of investment in capacity expansion. We report the main results of t he analysis of investment decisions in the LNG industry, specifically in the liquefaction segment. We propose a model in which investors estimate the capacity needed from their expectations for future demand. This estimation changes as market sentiment encourages or discourages investments. Ma rket sentiment is increased by profitability and is decreased by projects under construction as investo rs would find stronger competition for allocating their supply According to the results, liquefaction capacity increases until 2030 as a result of incre asing forecast of demand and high prices. In the 2010s ca p city even overpasses demand expectations due to decisions prior 2011. When investors are driven onl y by profits of the market, cycles of capacity appear, which agrees with other markets such as ele ctric ones. This result suggests that investors indeed are aware of the likely saturation of the ma rket in the near term. Under low and high prices, industry is still profitable, being those results very similar although model seems to be more sensiti ve to low prices.
CHEMICAL AND STRUCTURAL STUDY OF ANIONIC AND CATIONIC SITES IN TRIOCTAHEDRAL MICAS AT RT AND HT TEMPERATURES

Micas are a group of minerals with a complex crystal chemistry, characterized by substitutional disorder that may involve tetrahedral (Si, Al, Fe, Ti), octahedral (Mg, Mn, Fe, Fe, Ti, Ti, Al, Cr, Li, ), interlayer (K, Ba, Ca, Na, NH4, , H2O) sites, as well as the anion (OH, O, Cl, F) site. Many of the mutually substituting atoms may enter more than one site of the mica structure and involve more than one substitution mechanism (Waters & Charnley, 2002; Righter et al., 2002). In addition, some elements may be characterised by variable valence state (Fe, Ti, etc.). The geological importance of these minerals depends on their occurrence in many geological environments and on their potentiality as petrogenetic indicators. More specifically micas from volcanic rocks could allow to infer pre-eruptive magmatic conditions and discriminate between processes that occurred during the igneous phase of mica crystallization and those due to post-crystallization events, provided that complete chemical analyses and detailed knowledge of the substitution mechanisms, are available (Laurora et al., 2007; Scordari et al., 2008). In addition, the knowledge of the biotite behaviour at high temperature has implications for the characterizations of petrologic and geological systems. In this work, the crystal chemistry of Mt. Vulture trioctahedral micas has been extensively investigated at room and high temperature using a combination of several independent analytical techniques. In particular, Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction, (SCXRD), Mössbauer Spectroscopy (MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses have been used, in order to: 1) investigate the crystal chemistry of trioctahedral micas with particular attention to substitution mechanisms and anionic site chemical composition that form the basis from which reliable activitycomposition models may be developed; 2) examine in detail how the structure of trioctahedral micas of complex composition responds to heating; 3) use the crystal chemical data of micas to get an insight into the geological processes the host rock underwent. The mica crystals considered here have been separated from deposits belonging mainly to the oldest (~ 740 ka) and to the intermediate (~ 720÷570 ka) volcanic episodes of Mt. Vulture activity. Detailed stratigraphic classification of these deposits is reported in Giannandrea et al. (2006). In the present work, mica samples (labelled Vut215, IgnA, IgnB, LCR, and Pg5) used for the room temperature analyses were collected from the oldest volcanic deposits belonging to the Foggianello Synthem. Specifically, Vut215 micas, selected from lava fragment of the Molara Ignimbrite, belong to the Campanile Subsynthem, whereas IgnA, IgnB, LCR, Pg5 samples belong to the Fara d’Olivo Subsynthem. For high temperature investigations, one sample labelled SA, from intermediate deposits (Barile Synthem, Rionero Subsynthems) has been considered.
Plant survival and root and bud composition of alfalfa populations selected for contrasting fall dormancy

Fall dormancy is correlated with improved winter survival in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), but the physiological basis for this association is not understood. Our objectives were to determine how selection for contrasting fall dormancy influenced (i) fall height and winter survival, (ii) crown bud development, and (iii) sugar, starch, and protein concentration and composition of roots and crown buds. Three cycles of selection for contrasting fall dormancy were conducted in Davis, CA using 'Norseman', 'Lahontan', 'CUF 101', and 'Wadi Qurayat' as parental sources. Seed of parental cultivars and seed of progeny from the third cycle of selection were planted in rows in the field (Starks-Fincastle, fine-silty, mixed, mesic Aeric Ochraqualf) in West Lafayette, IN, in May 1993 and 1994, and roots and crown buds were sampled at approximately monthly intervals between September and December. Plant survival was determined in March of the year following seeding. Parental cultivar differences in fall dormancy and winter survival were associated with changes in crown bud development, elevated total nonstructural carbohydrate and sugar concentrations in buds, and sugar and protein accumulation in roots. Cultivar differences in fall dormancy also influenced polypeptide composition of green buds and roots. Selection for greater fall dormancy reduced the height of CUF 101 and markedly improved its winter survival. Concentrations of sugars and proteins in buds and roots of the dormant selection of CUF 101 increased to values similar to those observed for the fall-dormant, winter-hardy Norseman. Selection solely for contrasting fall dormancy can alter cold acclimation in buds and roots and winter survival of alfalfa.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan Nanoparticles Containing Lysozyme

Abstract Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with lysozyme were prepared by means of an ionic gelation process of chitosan (CS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) on mild condition. Observations by TEM showed that the spherical chitosan nanoparticles were 50–280 nm in diameter. This work focuses on the effects of molecular weight (Mv) of CS, content of CS, TPP, and initial lysozyme on encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), release rate and activity of lysozyme in chitosan nanoparticles. Increasing Mv of chitosan, TPP content, or decreasing initial lysozyme content, EE was enhanced whereas when increasing chitosan content, EE first increased then decreased. LC increased as Mv of chitosan, content of TPP, or initial lysozyme increased or chitosan content decreased. The EE could be up to 47.3% and the LC could be 11.4%. The lysozyme release rate increased with decreasing the initial amount of lysozyme, Mv, or content of chitosan and increasing the amount of TPP. The relative activity of lysozyme in all the samples was maintained above 85%.
Distribution and activity of virioplankton in the Toliara Large Reef (Madagascar)

Until then, the study of aquatic viruses concerned almost exclusively temperate and polar environments while the tropics were rarely explored. In this study, we examined the spatial and temporal variability of viral and bacterial communities in two different tide periods (spring/ neap tide), on 22 stations covering the Toliara Large Reef (TLR) located in Madagascar. The coupling of these two communities was also analyzed in several contrasted stations of the reef by physiological and ecological descriptors means. The epifluorescence microscopy technique allowed to achieve the bacterial and viral count support of this work. The results obtained show that the bacterial and viral concentrations for the whole TLR were significantly higher during spring than neap tide, probably because of the hydrodynamics very marked in this area. In addition, the Mitomycin C used permitted to establish that the cells fraction in phase of lysogenic infection was very low (< 3%) despite the oligotrophic status of TLR waters. This suggests that the lysogeny was the viral reproduction dominant strategy, which was diverted spontaneously and in a continuous way towards the lytic pathway, under the solar conditions’ influence. Finally, we show that the viruses form a dynamic and ubiquitous component of reef ecosystems, whose activity appears once again, closely related to the physico-chemical and biological environment nature. Keywords: Virus, lysogeny, lysis, tropical latitude