Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overarching Principles and Dimensions of the Functional Organization in the Inferior Parietal Cortex

Abstract The parietal cortex (PC) is implicated in a confusing myriad of different cognitive processes/tasks. Consequently, understanding the nature and organization of the core underlying neurocomputations is challenging. According to the Parietal Unified Connectivity-biased Computation model, two properties underpin PC function and organization. Firstly, PC is a multidomain, context-dependent buffer of time- and space-varying input, the function of which, over time, becomes sensitive to the statistical temporal/spatial structure of events. Secondly, over and above this core buffering computation, differences in long-range connectivity will generate graded variations in task engagement across subregions. The current study tested these hypotheses using a group independent component analysis technique with two independent functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets (task and resting state data). Three functional organizational principles were revealed: Factor 1, inferior PC was sensitive to the statistical structure of sequences for all stimulus types (pictures, sentences, numbers); Factor 2, a dorsal–ventral variation in generally task-positive versus task-negative (variable) engagement; and Factor 3, an anterior–posterior dimension in inferior PC reflecting different engagement in verbal versus visual tasks, respectively. Together, the data suggest that the core neurocomputation implemented by PC is common across domains, with graded task engagement across regions reflecting variations in the connectivity of task-specific networks that interact with PC.
Three new Xanthoria and Rusavskia species (Teloschistaceae, Ascomycota) from Europe

Two new Xanthoria s. str. species, Xanthoria polessica and X. juniperina, the members of the Xanthoria parietina-group (from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia), and Rusavskia dasanensis (from Norway) are described, as well as compared with closely related taxa. Current position of 47 species of xanthorioid lichens described during the last two decades in 15 different genera of the subfamily Xanthorioideae of the family Teloschistaceae is discussed. Caloplaca herbidella (Arnold) H. Magn. and Telogalla olivieri (Vouaux) Nik. Hoff. et Hafellner are for the first time recorded for Belarus.
Channels modestly impact compartment‐specific ATP levels during Bacillus subtilis sporulation and a rise in the mother cell ATP level is not necessary for Pro‐σK cleavage

Starvation of Bacillus subtilis initiates endosporulation involving formation of mother cell (MC) and forespore (FS) compartments. During engulfment, the MC membrane migrates around the FS and protein channels connect the two compartments. The channels are necessary for postengulfment FS gene expression, which relieves inhibition of SpoIVFB, an intramembrane protease that cleaves Pro‐σK, releasing σK into the MC. SpoIVFB has an ATP‐binding domain exposed to the MC cytoplasm, but the role of ATP in regulating Pro‐σK cleavage has been unclear, as has the impact of the channels on MC and FS ATP levels. Using luciferase produced separately in each compartment to measure relative ATP concentrations during sporulation, we found that the MC ATP concentration rises about twofold coincident with increasing cleavage of Pro‐σK, and the FS ATP concentration does not decline. Mutants lacking a channel protein or defective in channel protein turnover exhibited modest and varied effects on ATP levels, which suggested that low ATP concentration does not explain the lack of postengulfment FS gene expression in channel mutants. Furthermore, a rise in the MC ATP level was not necessary for Pro‐σK cleavage by SpoIVFB, based on analysis of mutants that bypass the need for relief of SpoIVFB inhibition.
Synlophe of Nematodirus odocoilei (Trichostrongyloidea) from deer and caribou in North America with comments on the evolution of Nematodirus spp. among the Cervidae (Artiodactyla)

The synlophe for specimens of Nematodirus odocoilei from deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is characterized. In the cervical region, at the level of the cervical papillae, there are 36–42 and 38–47 ridges of variable height in males and females, respectively. Sixteen ridges extend to the cephalic expansion. In males, 34–40 ridges occur at midbody, and the synlophe extends posteriad to within 50 μm of the prebursal papillae. In females, 36–42 ridges occur at midbody; the maximum number of ridges occurs posterior to the vulva (50) with a decrease again posteriad. The synlophe is continuous and extends to the caudal extremity of females. Based on concepts of parasite–host biogeography, both host switching and coevolution appear as determinants in the relationships of Nematodirus spp. and cervids. An evaluation of parasite morphology and host–parasite biogeography suggests that in the plesiomorphic condition the synlophe is composed of a high number of ridges as exemp.
Determinants of reproductive success in the Hoopoe Upupa epops, a hole-nesting non-passerine bird with asynchronous hatching

Factors affecting success of individual clutches and reproduction in the Hoopoe Upupa epops were studied over five years in a colour-ringed population in Granada, southern Spain. Pairs initiated between one and three breeding attempts per season (including replacement clutches), but only 19% laid a second clutch after raising one successful brood. Seasonal productivity ranged from none to eight fledglings. The pairs that laid a second clutch obtained slightly greater productivity than those that did not, although the differences were not significant, and productivity was not correlated with the number of attempts initiated. Apparently, the reason that these differences were not greater, was the higher predation rate suffered by second and replacement clutches. Predation accounted for 55% of nest losses, although two other major causes were nest desertion and death of females in the nest (17% each). The modal laying date of first clutches in the population was close to the date when the productivity of fir.
Seed morphology and ultrastructure in Citrus garrawayi (Rutaceae) in relation to germinability.

Combinational traits of seed size and seed-coat hardness in Citrus garrawayi (F.M.Bailey) (syn. of Microcitrus garrowayi) were investigated as markers for estimation of seed morphological and physiological maturity. Seed size (length) and coat hardness correlated well with changes in seed coat and embryo morphological development, dry-weight accumulation, decreases in moisture content and a significant increase in germinability. Seed moisture content decreased from 82 ± 1% in immature seeds to 40 ± 1% at seed maturation. The outer integument of immature seeds consisted of thin-walled epidermal fibres from which outgrowths of emerging protrusions were observed. In comparison, mature seed coats were characterised by the thickening of the cell walls of the epidermal fibres from which arose numerous protrusions covered by an extensive mucilage layer. Immature seeds, with incomplete embryo and seed-coat histodiffereniation, had a low mean germination percentage of 4 ± 4%. Premature seeds, with a differentiated embryonic axis, were capable of much higher levels of germination (51 ± 10%) before the attainment of mass maturity. Mature seeds, with the most well differentiated embryonic axis and maximum mean dry weight, had the significantly highest level of germination (88 ± 3%).
Il Mulino-Rivisteweb

This contribution has two main goals. First, we review the most relevant empirical literature that has focused on the relationship between tracking and inequality in Italy. We address the issue of inequality in access to the different school branches. We pay particular attention to the role played by social background, but we also consider migration background and gender. Second, we consider policy solutions that might reduce the effects of ascriptive factors on individuals’ school choices in Italy. We examine the empirical literature about two possible interventions: (a) de-tracking reforms such as postponement of age at first tracking and reduction of curricula differences between tracks; (b) interventions aimed at reducing students’ misallocation across schools through guidance initiatives and teacher recommendations.
Effects of Interspecific Interactions between Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlorella pyrenoidosa on Their Growth and Physiology

Interactions between Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlorella pyrenoidosa were analyzed by flow cytometry and by phytoplankton pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorimetry (Phyto-PAM) in joint cultures as well as in cultures separated by dialysis membranes. Results showed that the growth of C. pyrenoidosa was greater than that of M. aeruginosa, and that the growth of M. aeruginosa but not the growth of C. pyrenoidosa was significantly inhibited by the interactions between M. aeruginosa and C. pyrenoidosa. Culture filtrates of these two algae showed no apparent effects on the growth of the competing species. For M. aeruginosa, decreases in esterase activity, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and maximum quantum yield were observed in joint cultures, indicating that the metabolic activity and photosynthetic capacity of M. aeruginosa were suppressed. Light limitation from the shading effect of C. pyrenoidosa may be the main reason for such inhibition. For C. pyrenoidosa, esterase activity was suppressed in membrane-separated and joint cultures, suggesting that C. pyrenoidosa was probably affected by allelopathic substances secreted by M. aeruginosa. However, no significant difference was observed in the chlorophyll a fluorescence and maximum quantum yield of C. pyrenoidosa in the two cultures. In addition, interspecific interactions induced a reduction in size in both M. aeruginosa and C. pyrenoidosa, which may contribute to the development of C. pyrenoidosa dominance in the present study.
Evolution and ecology of lizard body sizes

Aim Body size is instrumental in influencing animal physiology, morphology, ecology and evolution, as well as extinction risk. I examine several hypotheses regarding the influence of body size on lizard evolution and extinction risk, assessing whether body size influences, or is influenced by, species richness, herbivory, island dwelling and extinction risk. Location World-wide. Methods I used literature data and measurements of museum and live specimens to estimate lizard body size distributions. Results I obtained body size data for 99% of the world’s lizard species. The body size‐frequency distribution is highly modal and right skewed and similar distributions characterize most lizard families and lizard assemblages across biogeographical realms. There is a strong negative correlation between mean body size within families and species richness. Herbivorous lizards are larger than omnivorous and carnivorous ones, and aquatic lizards are larger than non-aquatic species. Diurnal activity is associated with small body size. Insular lizards tend towards both extremes of the size spectrum. Extinction risk increases with body size of species for which risk has been assessed. Main conclusions Small size seems to promote fast diversification of disparate body plans. The absence of mammalian predators allows insular lizards to attain larger body sizes by means of release from predation and allows them to evolve into the top predator niche. Island living also promotes a high frequency of herbivory, which is also associated with large size. Aquatic and nocturnal lizards probably evolve large size because of thermal constraints. The association between large size and high extinction risk, however, probably reflects a bias in the species in which risk has been studied.
Effects of Sediment Fertility and Initial Plant Density on Growth of Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle and Potamogeton nodosus Poiret

ABSTRACT In a six-week greenhouse investigation, variations in the growth of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle and Potamogeton nodosus Poiret (- P. americanus) were examined separately under high and low levels of sediment fertility and plant density. For both species, diminished biomass production and shoot lengths accompanied increased root-to-shoot ratios on infertile sediment. In corresponding density/fertility treatments, Potamogeton consistently produced greater total biomass and root-to-shoot ratios than Hydrilla. Shoot production was similar between species on infertile sediment, but on fertile sediment, Potamogeton produced nearly twice as many shoots as Hydrilla. High plant density, combined with high sediment fertility, resulted in a significant reduction in aboveground biomass of individual Hydrilla plants. However, at neither level of sediment fertility did the biomass of individual Potamogeton plants show significant density effects. Growth responses under nutrient-poor sediment conditions.
Efeito das formas de apresentação do milho e do uso de pedrisco na ração, sobre o desempenho de frango de corte

Para avaliar a influencia das formas de apresentacao do milho e a presenca de pedrisco granitico sobre o desempenho em frangos de corte, utilizaram-se 720 frangos com 22 dias de idade, de ambos os sexos, submetidos aos tratamentos: forma de apresentacao do milho (inteiro, moido grosso e moido fino), pedrisco (ausencia e presenca) e sexo (macho e femea). O experimento foi conduzido em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em esquema fatorial 3 x 2 x 2 (formas de apresentacao do milho, sem e com pedrisco e sexo), com quatro repeticoes de quinze aves em cada uma. Para avaliar o desempenho das aves em 3 periodos consecutivos (22 a 28, 29 a 35 e 36 a 42 dias), esses periodos foram considerados como subparcelas. No periodo de 22 a 42 dias, os frangos que receberam pedrisco aumentaram (P 0,05) com relacao as demais variaveis do desempenho. Aparentemente, o fornecimento do pedrisco nao apresenta vantagens, ja que nao beneficia o desempenho. O ganho de peso e a conversao alimentar apresentaram as melhores (P<0,05) medias em aves que se alimentaram com dietas de milho moido (grosso ou fino). Conclui-se que e viavel o uso do milho moido grosso na alimentacao de frangos de corte a partir de 21 dias de idade. O milho inteiro piora o desempenho.
Food and feeding habits of Triturus vulgaris (L.) and T. cristatus (LAURENTI) (Amphibia) in two bog tarns in central Norway

The diets oftwo sympatric species of newts, Triturus vulgaris(L.) and T. cristatus(LAURENTI), from two localities in central Norway, have been compared. Adult T. vulgaris ate mainly those Cladocera which can be classified as planktonic, and to a lesser degree those which are predominantly benthic. The food of T. cristatus was predominantly benthic invertebrates and Cladocera associated with the bottom. T. vulgaris larvae ate planktonic - and predominantly benthic Cladocera, and to a certain degree also larger benthic invertebrates, while T. cristatus larvae (July-August) had taken almost exclusively Cladocera, 75% of which can be classified as planktonic. Large T. cristatus larvae (in September) had eaten relatively more benthic prey. These data would fit the hypothesis that the modes of feeding of the species are different: Adult T. vulgaris swim about in the water much of the time, while T. cristatus stay on the bottom. Among the young, T. vulgaris larvae are mainly associated with the bottom, while T. cristatus larvae are definitely more nektonic during most of the summer; large T. cristatus larvae, however, when nearing the time for metamorphosis, become benthic.
A synthesized mating pheromone component increases adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) trap capture in management scenarios

Application of chemical cues to manipulate adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) behavior is among the options considered for new sea lamprey control techniques in the Laurentian Great Lakes. A male mating pheromone component, 7,12,24-trihydroxy-3-one-5-cholan-24-sulfate (3kPZS), lures ovulated female sea lamprey upstream into baited traps in exper- imental contexts with no odorant competition. A critical knowledge gap is whether this single pheromone component influ- ences adult sea lamprey behavior in management contexts containing free-ranging sea lampreys. A solution of 3kPZS to reach a final in-stream concentration of 10−12 mol·L−1 was applied to eight Michigan streams at existing sea lamprey traps over 3 years, and catch rates were compared between paired 3kPZS-baited and unbaited traps. 3kPZS-baited traps captured significantly more sexually immature and mature sea lampreys, and overall yearly trapping efficiency within a stream averaged 10% higher during years when 3kPZS was applied. Video analysis of a trap funnel showed that the likelihood of sea lamprey trap entry after trap encounter was higher when the trap was 3kPZS baited. Our approach serves as a model for the development of similar control tools for sea lamprey and other aquatic invaders. Resume : L'utilisation de signaux chimiques pour manipuler le comportement de lamproies marines (Petromyzon marinus) adultes est une des options examinees parmi les nouvelles techniques de controle des lamproies dans les Grands Lacs lauren- tiens. Un compose pheromonal d'accouplement mâle, le 7,12,24-trihydroxy-3-one-5-cholan-24-sulfate (3kPZS), attire les lamproies femelles ovulees vers l'amont dans des cages appâtees en contexte experimental sans concurrence olfactive. Une lacune critique sur le plan des connaissances consiste asavoir si ce seul compose pheromonal influence le comportement des lamproies marines adultes dans des contextes de gestion contenant des lamproies marines en liberte. Une solution de 10−12 mol·L −1 3kPZS a ete appliquee ahuit cours d'eau du Michigan en des endroits ou sont disposees de cages alamproies sur une periode de trois ans, et une comparaison des taux de prises de cages appâtees au 3kPZS et non appâtees jumelees a ete effectuee. Des nombres significativement plus grands de lamproies sexuellement immatures et matures ont ete capturees dans les cages appâtees, et l'efficacite annuelle globale des cages dans un cours d'eau donne etait en moyenne 10 % plus elevee durant les annees ou du 3kPZS avait ete applique. L'analyse video de la goulotte d'une cage a demontre que la probabilite qu'une lamproie entre dans une cage apres avoir decele sa presence etait plus elevee quand la cage etait appâtee avec du 3kPZS. Notre approche constitue un modele pour la mise au point d'outils de controle semblables des lamproies marines et autres especes aquatiques envahissantes. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Effects of landscape and desertification on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of rivers in Andean Patagonia

Spatial patterns in macroinvertebrate assemblage structure were examined in rivers from 6 main basins in the mountains and the Patagonian plateau, Argentina. Surber samples were taken during the low water period from 36 sites and environmental variables were also assessed. Five site groups were identified using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), one in the mountains, one in the piedmont, and three on the plateau (north, central and south). DCA axis 1 separated sites along a physical gradient of water velocity and stream order, whereas axis 2 separated sites according to geographic location, latitude and substratum size. Piedmont sites had greater species richness than the mountains, north plateau and south plateau sites. Invertebrate density was significantly greater on the north plateau and piedmont than in the mountains and south plateau, whereas diversity (H') was significantly higher in the mountains and on the piedmont. From a landscape perspective, higher categories in biogeographical classifications (phytogeography, biozones) appear to be most useful for predicting macroinvertebrate assemblages in Patagonian rivers. Amounts of benthic organic matter and the density and biomass of functional feeding groups (FFG) were also examined in a subset of 25 rivers. During base discharge, wood, leaves and total benthic organic matter decreased significantly from the mountains to the plains, but no significant relationship was found between quantity of fine particular organic matter and distance from the source. Shredder biomass decreased significantly from the headwaters downstream, and collector biomass increased. Predator biomass was relatively similar at all sites. A strong association was found between FFGs and their food resources. The EPT index and H' decreased as desertification status increased suggesting that land degradation influences macroinvertebrate assemblages. Loss of riparian cover as a consequence of overgrazing and other land use practices has negative effects on aquatic environments in Patagonia.
Tracheid Ultrastructure of Hsüa deflexa from the Lower Devonian Xujiachong Formation of Yunnan, China

We describe the tracheid ultrastructure of Hsüa deflexa from the Lower Devonian (upper Pragian–lower Emsian) Xujiachong Formation, Qujing District, Yunnan Province, China. Scanning electron microscopy study of fusainized and permineralized tracheids shows that they are of G‐type, bearing many irregularly distributed perforations. The cell wall consists of a decay‐resistant inner part lining the cell lumen and a nonresistant outer part. The resistant inner part, i.e., the assumed heavily lignified secondary wall, is continuous over the poorly lignified outer part that comprises the primary wall and discontinuous secondary wall. It forms the annular thickening over the discontinuous secondary wall. The heavily lignified secondary wall may be divided into three layers. Minute perforations occur on the entire heavily lignified secondary wall, i.e., between and on the thickenings. Concerning the distribution, density, and diameter of perforations, G‐type tracheids of H. deflexa share some characters of S‐type tracheids. Based on observations of casts, cell wall perforation is cylindrical, with a smooth enclosing wall and two slightly enlarged ends. Lumen casts of tracheids have been formed in several stages. The tracheid ultrastructure of H. deflexa supports the theory of two depositional processes for the secondary cell wall. It indicates that at the genus level of Devonian plants, G‐type tracheids differentiate in wall perforation characters; the chemical diversification of the secondary cell wall might have occurred by the Early Devonian. Moreover, this work adds to our knowledge about the evolution of tracheids and early land vascular plants.
Letter to the Editor

In the article by Patrick et al. [1], their control value (370) is lower than that found by our group (1,114) [2], and far lower than reported by other investigators. For example, Ehrlich et al. [3] report a BDNF serum control of around 5,000 pg/ml, Patanella et al. [4] found 2,318 pg/ml in controls from PBMC’s (very similar approach to what we did, without stimulation), and Patas et al. [5] found 9,200 pg/ml in serum. These three articles are consistent with other literature supporting higher control values. In addition, the BDNF value reported for their patient population (351) [1] is actually lower than that which we found for our CFS sample (405) [2]. Also, our study examined a cell’s ability to produce over 48 hours versus the cross sectional approach of serum. The evaluations of cytokines and other proteins can vary across sampling techniques and assay procedures. Our results particularly with controls are more in line with other studies, but we certainly hope that this exchange will stimulate further research in this area.