Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Dual role for an allelochemical: (±)‐catechin from Centaurea maculosa root exudates regulates conspecific seedling establishment

1 Plant allelopathic compounds may have other roles than interspecific interference. We investigated whether (±)‐catechin, a phytotoxin exuded from the roots of the exotic invader Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed), is also one of the factors that regulates C. maculosa recruitment. 2 Adding activated carbon, which adsorbs organic compounds, to soil around C. maculosa adults in the field increased seedling density by 78% 25 days after sowing, and by 34% 32 days after sowing, suggesting that soil‐borne compounds inhibited or delayed recruitment. 3 Analysis of field soils near mature C. maculosa revealed that they can contain exceptionally high (±)‐catechin concentrations (mean = 1.55 mg g−1 dry soil, with 60% of samples containing ≥ 1.0 mg (±)‐catechin g−1). 4 In laboratory experiments, treatment with ≥ 1.0 mg (±)‐catechin mL−1 reduced seedling root elongation by > 50%, indicating that field concentrations are sufficient to inhibit C. maculosa recruitment. Provided that 10% methanol was used to maintain (±)‐catechin in solution for > 1 day, treatment with ≥ 1.0 mg mL−1 also reduced C. maculosa germination by > 70%. 5 (±)‐Catechin maintained in solution with methanol did not significantly reduce C. maculosa seed survival, suggesting that inhibition of germination was due, at least in part, to delayed germination rather than to seed mortality. 6 Depending on the solubility of (±)‐catechin in soil and on the duration of its effects on recruitment, C. maculosa may avoid intraspecific competition or regulate the timing of seedling establishment by reducing seedling growth or postponing germination in response to its own phytotoxin. 7 Chemical regulation of C. maculosa recruitment, as demonstrated here, suggests a dual role of (±)‐catechin as an allelochemical and an autoinhibitor. The potential for a single plant root exudate to influence both inter‐ and intraspecific interactions emphasizes the complex effects that plant secondary metabolites may have on plant population and community structure.
Microflora de la sardina (Sardina pilchardus) fresca y refrigerada de la costa Atlántica marroquí

Sardines (Sardina pilchardus) caught on the Moroccan Atlantic coast (off El Jadida) were examined fresh (February, May and July trials) and after 10 days of storage in ice (July trial). From fresh fish, a total of 193 strains were isolated from the muscle with skin, gills and viscera, whereas from ice-stored fish, 122 strains were isolated from the muscle. Gram-negative bacteria always predominated among the initial flora in all trials. The predominant Gram-negative microflora of the fresh fish consisted of Moraxellaceae (Moraxella sp., Acinetobacter sp., Psychrobacter sp.), Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae (Pseudomonas sp.), and the genera Shewanella and Flavobacterium. The Gram-positive flora was identified as Staphylococcus sp. , Micrococcus sp. and coryneform bacteria. Significant seasonal variation in initial flora was not noted. Ice storage allowed the growth of Gramnegative bacteria, with Pseudomonas as the dominant microflora, followed by Shewanella putrefaciens. The present study indicates that Pseudomonas sp. probably contribute to the spoilage of sardines caught in the Atlantic Ocean.
Structures and Antitumor Activities of the Polysaccharides Isolated from Fruiting Body and the Growing Culture of Mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum

Several β-D-glucans, appertaining to the same molecular species but having different degrees of branching, were isolated from water and alkali extracts of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi). The purified glucans that were mostly water-insoluble had a backbone of (1 →3)-linked D-glucose residues, attached mainly with single D-glucosyl units at 0-6 and also with a few short (l→4)-linked glucosyl units at 0-2 positions. However, their degrees of branching appeared to differ in the range of d.b. 1/3 ~ 1/23, depending on the extracted glucan fractions. In addition to the ^-glucans, the fruiting body contained water-soluble heteropolysaccharides, comprising D-glucose, D-galactose, D-mannose, L-(or D)-arabinose, D-xylose, and L-fucose.A branched (1 →3)-β-D-glucan was also isolated from the culture filtrate of G. lucidum grown in a glucose-yeast extract medium. The extracellular β-D-glucan was less soluble in water after purification, but soluble in dilute alkali. This glucan has essentially the same.
Some Physiological Characteristics of Caucasian and Anatolian Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Races and Their Crossbreeds

The behavioral characteristics of Caucasian and Anatolian honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) races and their reciprocal crossbreeds were examined in this study. The average levels of food consumption in the Caucasian (K), Caucasian x Anatolian (K x A), Anatolian x Caucasian (A x K) and Anatolian (A) genotype groups were determined to be 9.09±0.68, 6.62±0.72, 7.93±0.57 and 7.29±0.97 kg/colony respectively. In addition, the average population decline in the groups mentioned above were 43.45±3.40, 43.53±3.71, 40.71±3.89 and 31.11±5.09%, respectively. The average number of frames covered with bees in genotype groups were 10.88±0.06, 11.36±0.05, 12.13±0.05 and 12.38±0.06 per colony, and the average brood area were found to be 3870.79±75.24, 4569.85±63.66, 4322.90±63.66 and 4091.88±75.24 cm2/colony, respectively. The average weight gains of the colonies in genotypes during nectar flow were found to be 18.36±2.27, 16.69±1.36, 21.39±2.73 and 22.27±2.26 kg/colony. Also, the average numbers of flying bees per minute per colony were 88.71±11.18, 92.86±9.25, 98.00±14.62 and 104.14±16.92, and the average honey yields were determined to be 7.95±2.19, 8.43±1.50, 11.79±1.71 and 11.17±1.45 kg/colony, respectively.
Occurrence, Severity and Initiation of Internal Necrosis in ‘Covington’ Sweetpotato

A series of studies were conducted to better understand the occurrence and causes of internal necrosis (IN) in ‘Covington’ sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas). Assessment of the problem among the industry was done for 2 years and revealed that IN was widespread in commercial storage facilities throughout the state of North Carolina; both incidence and severity were generally low (<10% incidence with minimal severity of symptoms). A few storage rooms had a high percentage of INwith severe storage root symptoms but results were inconsistent across years and among rooms. Preharvest studies with commercially used insecticides did not induce IN, but the harvest aid ethephon consistently induced IN with an incidence higher than 50%. Internal necrosis symptoms were not detectable at harvest, and earliest consistent incidence was observed 6 days after harvest (DAH) during the curing phase. Symptoms becamemore prevalent and severe at 30DAH.However, in commercial storage rooms, no relationship was found between IN incidence and postcuring storage temperature or relative humidity (RH) conditions. Sweetpotato storage roots stored in air-tight barrels and exposed to 100 ppm ethylene after curing showed no relationship between the presence of ethylene gas in storage and incidence of IN.Our results indicate that IN incidence of ‘Covington’ is erratic with no obvious cause among storage rooms and that initiation of IN may occur most frequently during the first week following harvest.
A Role for TGF-β in the Generation and Expansion of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells from Human Peripheral Blood1

An elusive goal in transplanting organs across histocompatibility barriers has been the induction of specific tolerance to avoid graft rejection. A considerable body of evidence exists that the thymus produces regulatory T cells that suppress the response of other T cells to antigenic stimulation. We report that TGF-β can induce certain CD4+ T cells in the naive (CD45RA+RO−) fraction in human peripheral blood to develop powerful, contact-dependent suppressive activity that is not antagonized by anti-TGF-β or anti-IL-10 mAbs. The costimulatory effects of TGF-β on naive CD4+ T cells up-regulated CD25 and CTLA-4 expression, increased their transition to the activated phenotype, but decreased activation-induced apoptosis. Suppressive activity was concentrated in the CD25+ fraction. These CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells prevented CD8+ T cells from proliferating in response to alloantigens and from becoming cytotoxic effector cells. Moreover, these regulatory cells exerted their suppressive activities in remarkably low numbers and maintained these effects even after they are expanded. Once activated, their suppressive properties were Ag nonspecific. Although <1% of naive CD4+ T cells expressed CD25, depletion of this subset before priming with TGF-β markedly decreased the generation of suppressive activity. This finding suggests that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells induced ex vivo are the progeny of thymus-derived regulatory T cells bearing a similar phenotype. The adoptive transfer of these regulatory T cells generated and expanded ex vivo has the potential to prevent rejection of allogeneic organ grafts.
Fibronectin- and Vitronectin-Induced Microglial Activation and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression Is Mediated by Integrins α5β1 and αvβ51

Early in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, the blood-brain barrier is compromised, which leads to deposition of the plasma proteins fibronectin and vitronectin in cerebral parenchyma. In light of our previous finding that microglial activation in vitro is strongly promoted by fibronectin and vitronectin, we set out to examine the possibility that modulation of microglial activation by fibronectin or vitronectin is an important regulatory mechanism in vivo. In an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of demyelination, total brain levels of fibronectin and vitronectin were strongly increased and there was a close relationship between fibronectin and vitronectin deposition, microglial activation, and microglial expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9. In murine cell culture, flow cytometry for MHC class I and gelatin zymography revealed that microglial activation and expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly increased by fibronectin and vitronectin. Function-blocking studies showed that the influence of fibronectin and vitronectin was mediated by the α5β1 and αvβ5 integrins, respectively. Taken together, this work suggests that fibronectin and vitronectin deposition during demyelinating disease is an important influence on microglial activation state. Furthermore, it provides the first evidence that the α5β1 and αvβ5 integrins are important mediators of microglial activation.
Genetic modelling of daily milk yield using orthogonal polynomials and parametric curves

Random regression models have been advocated for the analysis of test day records in dairy cattle. The effectiveness of a random regression analysis depends on the function used to model the data. To investigate functions suitable for the analysis of daily milk yield, test day milk yields of 7860 first lactation Holstein Friesian cows were analysed using random regression models involving three types of curves. Each analysis fitted the same curve to model overall trends through a fixed regression and random deviations due to animals. Curves included orthogonal polynomials, fitted to order 3 (quadratic), 4 (cubic) and 5 (quartic), respectively, a three-parameter parametric curve and a five-parameter parametric curve. Sets of random regression coefficients were fitted to model both animals’ genetic effects and permanent environmental effects. Temporary measurement errors were assumed independently but heterogeneously distributed, and assigned to one of 12 classes. Results showed that the measurement error variances were generally lowest around peak lactation, and higher at the beginning and end of lactation. Parametric curves yielded the highest likelihoods, but produced negative genetic associations between yield in early lactation and later lactation yields, while positive genetic correlations across the entire lactation were estimated with all models involving orthogonal polynomials. The fit of models using orthogonal polynomials to model test day yield was improved by including higher order fixed regressions.
Study on Leptoconchus species (Gastropoda, Coralliophilidae) infesting Fungiidae (Anthozoa : Scleractinia). 1. Presence of nine Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) based on anatomical and ecological characters

This paper deals with the Leptoconchus infesting Fungiidae. A dichotomous key based on five characters, and sustained by a multivariate analysis (canonical discriminant analysis) based on I I characters allows clear separation into nine Leptoconchus Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The nine OTUs are provisionally labelled OTU1, OTU2,. , OTU9. A single Leptoconchus OTU infests several fungiid species whereas a single fungiid species is never infested by different Leptoconchus OTUs. Some Leptoconchus OTUs infest closely related coral species, whereas other infest distantly related species.
EFFECTS OF MATE AVAILABILITY ON FEMALE LONGEVITY, FECUNDITY AND EGG DEVELOPMENT OF HOMICHLODA BARKERI (JACOBY) (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

This study examined the effect of the number of maternal matings on egg production, embryonic development and female longevity in Homichloda barkeri (Jacoby) (Cole optera: Chrysomelidae). Single-mated females lived longer than multiple-mated and unmated females. The number of eggs produced per day and the proportion of eggs that developed between single- and multiple-mated females was not affected by mating frequency.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CULTURE IN GERMANY

In the course of a study of mega building construction projects in Germany, the need arose to identify and analyze the characteristics of the local construction culture, particularly upon realization that these characteristics may constitute significant contextual factors in equipment and site logistics planning. The study of the German building construction culture was based on (1) a focused literature review; (2) case studies of multicrane construction sites; and (3) structured interviews with experts of various professions from the German construction industry. The findings highlight the role of the following factors: (1) the typical German professional character; (2) various systems of contractual relationships; (3) state and city regulations; (4) technology and industrialization; (5) workforce sources; (6) rooted safety culture; (7) protection of the environment; (8) the crane market; (9) relationships between planning, engineering, and construction; (10) logistics concepts; and (11) additional unique features of Berlin as a major construction hub. Some of the German culture characteristics detected were further supported by a comparison with other advanced European construction cultures.
Eunicidae (Polychaeta) species in and around İskenderun Bay (Levantine Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) with a new alien species for the Mediterranean Sea and a re-description of Lysidice collaris

This study comprises the Eunicidae (Polychaeta) species from Iskenderun Bay and surrounding waters (Levantine Sea, Eastern Mediterranean). Benthic material was obtained from 25 stations from 0 to 100 m depths in September 2005. Ten species and 639 individuals belonging to 5 genera were found. Most of the individuals (65%) were determined among rocks and algae. Palola valida for the Mediterranean Sea, Eunice antennata and Lysidice margaritacea for the Levantine Sea, and E. vittata, Marphysa bellii, and M. sanguinea for the Levantine coast of Turkey are new records. Eunice antennata and P. valida were introduced from the Red Sea and appear to have been well established in the area, constituting 57% of eunicids inhabiting crevices of rocks. Lysidice collaris is re-described on the basis of type material, and E. antennata, L. margaritacea, and P. valida are fully described.
Estimating potential stylet penetration of southern green stink bug – a mathematical modeling approach

Southern green stink bugs, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and related species are significant pests of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae), in the USA Cotton Belt. Using their stylets, adults introduce pathogens of cotton into cotton bolls, and preliminary data indicate nymphs can also ingest these pathogens. However, data are lacking regarding stylet penetration potential of N. viridula nymphs, and records of stylet penetration by adults are typically determined after damage has occurred. In this study, rostral segments of all developmental stages of N. viridula were measured to estimate potential stylet penetration depth using a novel mathematical model. Overall mean stylet penetration estimates for all stages ranged from 135.3 μm for first instars to 2 389.3 μm for adult females. Potential stylet penetration significantly increased as the insect progressed through nymphal stages. Penetration was also significantly affected by insect posture while feeding. Overall minimum and maximum observed lengths of rostrum ranged from 835.3 μm (first instars) to 7 088.2 μm (adult females), and mean rostral lengths were significantly different between all stages. This report establishes conservative baselines of potential stylet penetration depths by all nymphal stages and both adult sexes of N. viridula. Additionally, the model presented here can be used to estimate potential stylet penetration for other Hemiptera and closely related insects with similar modes of feeding. In conjunction with crop phenology data, accurate estimates of potential stylet penetration will allow more proactive approaches to pest management in a wide range of high‐value cash crops affected worldwide by N. viridula.
Retention of the bait marker Rhodamine B in wild house mice

We investigated the retention of the systemic bait marker Rhodamine B (RB) in house mice (Mus domesticus) that were fed RB in pellet bait (0.5% RB) and in water solutions (1.6%). Wild mice fed RB baits (3 mg RB) or provided with treated water (0.3 mg RB) were screened for traces of RB in whiskers, blood, urine, faeces, and the digestive tract. The dye was detectable in all tissues and excretions tested 12 h after its uptake in pellet bait or solution. RB was detectable under ambient light in urine and the digestive tract for up to four days and in faeces for up to two days. RB was detectable in blood sera for up to 84 h using a fluorometer. RB-bands were found in whiskers for up to seven weeks after ingestion of RB. There was no difference between males and females regarding the presence of RB in blood and whiskers. A second dose of RB (1.8 mg) one week after the first dose resulted in two bands in mouse whiskers. Fewer mice were scored RB positive when uptake of RB was low. In contrast to whiskers, analysis of blood sera provided quantitative results and allowed rapid screening of animals. We conclude that RB is an appropriate marker for short- and medium-term studies on bait uptake in house mice.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Campanula rotundifolia

1. This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Campanula rotundifolia L. that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivory and disease, history, and conservation.
Suitability of valued eucalypt species for the larval development of the gum leaf skeletoniser, Uraba lugens.

Gum leaf skeletoniser Uraba lugens is native to Australia and is a common defoliator of Eucalyptus Uraba lugens was first recorded in New Zealand in 1992 and is now well established in the Auckland region As U lugens has the potential to damage Eucalyptus in New Zealand nochoice larval development trials were used to assess the ability of U lugens larvae to develop on 18 Eucalyptus species that are highly valued in New Zealand Eucalyptus nitens and E nicholii were the most suitable larval hosts as larval mortality was low and development time was brief Larvae reared on E fastigata had a rapid development time and high growth rates resulting in heavy female pupae although larval mortality was in the intermediate range Species that were least suitable for U lugens development included Corymbia maculata E microcorys the juvenile foliage of E globulus globulus and E globulus maidenii
Sources of resistance against powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi) of pea and its pathogen reaction in natural and artificial conditions

It is clear from the study that screening of obligate pathogen like powdery mildew of pea can be more successfully carried out in epiphytotic conditions under natural field rather than artificial conditions. It is also difficult to create artificial epiphytotics in pots under net house conditions. Hence, the lines which were found highly resistant or resistant on the basis of field screening are showing real pathogen reaction and can be used further in breeding programme for devoloping resistant variety against powdery mildew in garden pea.
Life Table Parameters of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Different Bean Varieties

The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a cosmopolitan pest of many greenhouse and field crops worldwide. Host plant quality affects the development, survival and fecundity of T. urticae. The life table parameters of T. urticae on three country bean varieties (Lablab purpureus L.), namely IPSA Seam 1, BARI Seam 1 and Kartica, were maintained at 25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5 % relative humidity (RH) and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) in a growth chamber. The mean immature development time of T. urticae from egg to adult was significantly longer on IPSA Seam 1 than on the other two varieties. There were significant variations in fecundity and longevity which resulted in large differences on population growth parameters like the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), net reproductive rate (Ro), finite rate of increase (&lgr;) and doubling time (tD). Kartica and BARI Seam 1 were the most suitable host for T. urticae with rm = 0.230 and 0.223 (offspring/female/day), respectively. The slowest population growth was observed on IPSA Seam 1 with rm = 0.197. The findings of the current study indicated that IPSA Seam 1 is a less suitable variety to two-spotted spider mite compared to the other two varieties. Furthermore, these results may lead to finding and screening process of comparatively resistant country bean varieties to be used in the management of T. urticae.
The use and abuse of fish otoliths in studies of feeding habits of marine piscivores

Abstract The form and structure of fish otoliths are species specific, allowing them to be used as an aid in identification of prey species consumed by piscivores. Otholith length-fish length relationships can have application in the estimation of the size of fish prey consumed by squid, but, because otoliths are relatively rapidly attacked by acidic solutions, these relationships can not be used routinely for the estimation of the size of fish taken by marine mammals, birds and predatory fishes. Evidence from recent physiological studies of gastrointestinal motility suggests that indigestible material (skeletal fragments and otoliths) would not accumulate in the stomachs of marine mammals and birds, and any otoliths found amongst stomach contents probably represent the remains of a single feeding bout. Thus, the identification and counting of otoliths could provide a quantitative estimate of consumption of numbers of fish within different species. Results of anal)(ses of faecal material may not give accu.