Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Host-hemiparasite transfer of the C-glucosyl xanthone mangiferin between Mangifera indica and Dendrophthoe falcata

Abstract To test the hypothesis that higher antioxidant potential of hemiparasitic plants is due to sequestration of phenolic compounds from the host plants, samples of Dendrophthoe falcata, a hemiparasite collected from different hosts, were investigated for total phenolics, total flavonoids and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The hosts significantly influenced the phenolic content of the hemiparasite. However, similar influence was not detected on radical scavenging activity and no correlation was found in the phenolics and free radical scavenging activities. Further investigation on transfer of constituents revealed that D. falcata sample obtained from a host, Mangifera indica, contained mangiferin, a C-glucosyl xanthone, and some unidentified flavonoids as confirmed by HPTLC flavonoid patterns. The data indicated that the hosts significantly affected total phenolics and total flavonoids in a hemiparasite. This is the first report of transfer of mangiferin from M. indica to a hemiparasite. The present report points towards the need of further investigations on the possible role of transferred phenolics either as mediators of host defense, host defense compounds utilized as cues of identification of the host by the hemiparasite or compounds taken up by the parasites to support their defense against rejection by the hosts.
A fresh look at weight-estimation models for soil mites (Acari)

Biomass data can be challenging to obtain for studies involving soil microarthropods, whose small body sizes make them difficult to weigh using anything but the most sensitive balances. Researchers can circumvent weighing by using aspects of body size (length, width and volume) to estimate biomass. However, size-based estimates are trustworthy only if they can be shown to correctly predict actual weights. Here, we provide a review of published weight-estimation models for soil mites (Arachnida: Acari) and test them using mites collected from grassland and woodland habitats in Alberta, Canada. Our analyses show that the models we tested mostly result in an underestimation of actual weight, although some show this bias more than others. Oribatida in particular suffer from this underestimation, while Prostigmata show some strong overestimations. However, some Oribatida weight prediction models work surprisingly well on other taxa. Based on these results, we provide suggestions of what models might be best used for different mite taxa.
Pesticide Susceptibility of Two Coccinellids (Stethorus punctum picipes and Harmonia axyridis) Important in Biological Control of Mites and Aphids in Washington Hops

The susceptibility of Stethorus punctum picipes (Casey) and Harmonia axyridis Pallas larvae to pesticides used or with potential for use in Washington hops, was examined in laboratory bioassays. All pesticides tested except the miticide, hexythiazox, the insecticides, chlorpyrifos and pirimicarb, and the fungicide, mycobutanil, produced 100% mortality in S. punctum picipes at concentrations equivalent to field rates. The insecticides, pirimicarb, endosulfan, and thiamethoxam were least toxic to H. axyridis. Bifenthrin, diazinon, dimethoate, methomyl, carbaryl, malathion, phosmet, imidacloprid, and chlorpyrifos were highly toxic. The miticides, abamectin and fenpyroximate were highly toxic, milbemectin was moderately toxic but all other miticides tested were non-toxic. All fungicides had low toxicity. Selection and use of pesticides compatible with natural enemies and conservation biological control in Washington hop production is discussed.
Características produtivas e qualitativas de pastagem de braquiária em monocultivo e consorciada com estilosantes

The objective of this work was to evaluate the forage mass and botanical composition of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf pasture in monoculture and associated with Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw. var. vulgaris cv. Mineirao in various months along the year. The samples from January and May were rumen incubated. Three paddocks (replications) were divided in two plots (monoculture and associated pastures). After the evaluations forage was grazed by dried cows. The forage mass of B. decumbens did not vary with the pasture system; in October it was lower (291 kg/ha) and maintained stable along the other months (1,571 kg/ha). A decrease tendency of legume forage mass was observed during the experimental period. The proportion of S. guianensis in the pasture was higher in October/2001 and lower in January/2002. The total forage mass of associated pasture (2,158 kg/ha) was higher than the monoculture pasture (1,481 kg/ha). The degradation rates and effective degradability of S. guianensis and B. decumbens were respectively 6.8%/h and 61.5% and 5.3%/h and 49.2%. The legume contribute for higher quantity and better quality forage available in associated pasture.
Forage production and stocking rate of Coastcross pastures overseeded with winter grasses

The objective of this research was to evaluate the forage production and stocking rate (SR) of four Coastcross (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) pastures overseeded with ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Common); ryegrass plus white clover (Trifolium repens L., cv. Yi) over bermudagrass; ryegrass plus white clover and ryegrass. The experiment was carried out from May 15 to October 24, 2006, in five grazing periods. Holstein cows receiving 3.5 kg/daily complementary concentrate feed were used in the evaluation. In the pre and post grazing periods, the forage mass, botanical and structural pasture composition and the stocking rate were assessed. A randomized complete design was used, with four treatments (pastures) and two replications (paddocks), in five grazing cycles. No differences in herbage mass and stocking rate averages were detected among pastures. The ryegrass pastures had larger ryegrass leaf blade herbage mass production. The overseeded pastures had larger forage production. Overseeding with ryegrass and white clover on Coastcross extend the use period of annual grass and increase forage production.
DIMENSIONS OF SURFACE AREA OF ALIMENTARY CANAL OF PREGNANT AND LACTATING FEMALE COMMON SHREWS

Abstract Gestation and lactation are times when females mammals have high energy expenditures. There is a strong relationship between a female's physiological state and her food requirements and absorption of nutrients and energy needs. The aim of these morphometric studies on the alimentary canal in control (nonpregnant and nonlactating) and pregnant and lactating females of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) was a comparative analysis of changes in the mucosa of subsequent regions of the digestive tract. The physiological state of the female (during gestation and lactation) was reflected by the anatomic structure of some sections of the alimentary canal. The length of the esophagus increased by 24.3% in females in late gestation relative to the control group, but its length in lactating females was close to that of females in the early stage of gestation. The duodenum of females in late gestation or during lactation was 39.8% longer than in control females. Length of the mesenteric intestine in pregnant and lactating females also increased 12.1% on average compared with the control group. The greatest changes in the alimentary canal occurred in the mucous membrane of the small intestine in pregnant and lactating females. The longest villi were found in the duodenum and the proximal part of the mesenteric intestine in these groups. The effect of these changes is an increase of digestive and absorptive area of the duodenum and proximal and intermediate regions of the mesenteric intestine. The entire area of the mucous membrane of the small intestine was 49.1% greater in lactating females than in control females and those at the early stage of gestation, and 20.5% higher in comparison with females in late gestation.
EGG PRODUCTION IN HETEROCARPUS REEDI FROM NORTHERN CHILE, WITH A COMPARISON BETWEEN ICED AND LIVING FEMALES (DECAPODA: CARIDEA: PANDALIDAE)

Abstract The deepwater pandalid shrimp Heterocarpus reedi supports one of the principal Chilean crustacean fisheries. Although the northern population accounts for approximately 45% of the total landings of Chile, the reproductive biology of H. reedi from northern Chile is largely unknown. The present study is based upon ovigerous H. reedi females obtained from commercial catches carried out between March and July 1995 in the area of Coquimbo, northern Chile. We compared data from iced specimens with those from living females. H. reedi produced up to 27237 eggs, the greatest number so far reported for a pandalid species, and substantially higher than values published for H. reedi from central Chile; living females, especially larger ones, carried more embryos than iced specimens. With regard to living females, egg loss increased as a power function with maternal size; egg mass volume declined by 16.9% during development. Embryos obtained from iced individuals were consistently larger than those from livin.
The Physiological Response Of Mungbean (Vigna Radiata) To Water Deficit Stress And Meloidogyne Javanica Infection

The physiological response of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) to drought stress and root-knot nematode infection was studied under greenhouse conditions at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. A randomized complete block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement having three replications was used. Treatments included three water deficit (80%, 40% and 20% of field capacity), two mungbean genotypes (Kawmay-1 and VC2010) and two root-knot nematodem, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood, infection levels (noninfected and infected @ 15000 egg/pot). Results showed that water deficit stress and M. javanica infection significantly hampered most of the studied parameters, except shoot water content (SWC). There were highly significant differences in stomatal conductance, shoot dry weight and leaf area among the tested mungbean genotypes. A significant positive correlation among chlorophyll (a and b) contents, stomatal conductance (SC), leaf area (LA) and shoot dry weight (SDW) was recorded. The outcome of the study also revealed that maximum water deficit stress has adversely affected all parameters except SWC, regardless of the genotype or nematode infection status. Similarly M. javanica infection adversely affected the growth and physiological processes of mungbean plants. Moreover, drought and M. javanica infection had synergistic adverse effects on the growth and physiology of mungbean plants. Results also showed that VC 2010 genotype surpassed kawmay-1 in most of the studied characteristics which WIT Transactions on Ecology and The Environment, Vol 185, www.witpress. com, ISSN 1743-3541 (on-line) © 2014 WIT Press doi:10.2495/SI140091 Sustainable Irrigation and Drainage V 89
Anatomical Study of Somatic Embryogenesis in Glycine max (L.) Merrill

A comparative anatomical analysis of somatic embryogenesis in two soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) genotypes was carried out. The somatic embryos were originated from cotyledonary explants obtained from immature zygotic embryos. The medium used for somatic embryogenesis induction was Murashige and Skoog, 1962, salts and Gamborg et al., 1968, vitamins (MSB) supplemented with 0.8 mg.L-1 of 2,4-D for genotype PI 123439 and 40 mg.L-1 of 2,4-D for Williams 82. Globular structures, constituted by meristematic cells, originated from subepidermal cell divisions of the cotyledonary mesophyll. In PI 123439, the globular structures presented tracheary differentiation among meristematic cells and they could follow distinct morphogenetic process depending on their location along the explant. For Williams 82 it was observed globular structures along the cotyledonary explant surface. They gave rise to somatic embryos. These embryos showed different morphologies and they were classified based on their shape and number of cotyledons. The ability of these morphological types to convert to plantlets was discussed.
Modulation of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐membrane associated, rapid response steroid binding protein expression in mouse odontoblasts by 1α,25‐(OH)2D3

The rapid, nongenomic effects of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25‐(OH)2D3) have been related to a 1,25D3‐membrane associated, rapid response steroid binding protein or 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp, with a molecular weight of 65 kDa, in several tissues and species. Currently, no information is available concerning the nongenomic responses to 1α,25‐(OH)2D3 in dental tissues. In order to investigate the expression of 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp in dental cells, in the presence or absence of 1α,25‐(OH)2D3, we have used rabbit polyclonal antibodies directed against the N‐terminus of the 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp (Ab099) that recognizes the 1α,25‐(OH)2D3 binding protein in chick intestinal basolateral membranes and a mouse odontoblast‐like cell line (MO6‐G3). Western blotting and flow cytometric analyses with Ab099 specifically detected 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp in MO6‐G3 cells. Moreover, 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp was up‐regulated, in vivo, in differentiated dental cells. Electron microscopic analysis confirmed the plasma membrane localization of this binding protein and also showed its intracellular presence. Incubation of MO6‐G3 cells with different doses of 1α,25‐(OH)2D3 for 36 h resulted in an inhibition of 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp expression with a maximal effect at 50 nM steroid. In addition, the culture media of MO6‐G3 cells contains immunoreactive 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp. Immunogold positive membrane vesicle‐like structures are present in the extracellular matrix of MO6‐G3 cells. Altogether, these results indicate that the 1,25D3‐[MARRS]bp expression in MO6‐G3 cells is modulated by 1α,25‐(OH)2D3. In conclusion, this 1α,25‐(OH)2D3 binding protein could play an important role in the rapid, nongenomic responses to 1α,25‐(OH)2D3 in dental cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of resource distribution and abundance on home-range characteristics of southern flying squirrels

We compared the distribution and abundance of a major food resource (mast-producing trees) and potential den sites (snags) with the composition and size of summer home ranges of eight (four male, four female) southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans). Large hickories (Carya ovata) (> 16 cm diameter at breast height) and beeches (Fagus grandifolia) were more abundant in intensively used portions of squirrel home ranges than in random sites. Home ranges of male squirrels also contained greater densities of large red oaks (Quercus borealis) and large white oaks (Quercus alba) than did home ranges of females. Female flying squirrels occupied home ranges with a greater abundance of snags than did males. We suggest that females moved into areas with an abundance of potential dens and relatively low food resources while rearing young in response to competition for maternal dens, or to avoid contact with other squirrels. Home ranges of males were larger than those of females. Estimated home ranges in our study.
DA3D: Fast and data adaptive dual domain denoising

This paper presents DA3D (Data Adaptive Dual Domain De-noising), a “last step denoising” method that takes as input a noisy image and as a guide the result of any state-of-the-art denoising algorithm. The method performs frequency domain shrinkage on shape and data-adaptive patches. Unlike other dual denoising methods, DA3D doesn't process all the image samples, which allows it to use large patches (64 × 64 pixels). The shape and data-adaptive patches are dynamically selected, effectively concentrating the computations on areas with more details, thus accelerating the process considerably. DA3D also reduces the staircasing artifacts sometimes present in smooth parts of the guide images. The effectiveness of DA3D is confirmed by extensive experimentation. DA3D improves the result of almost all state-of-the-art methods, and this improvement requires little additional computation time.
Análise faunística de Calliphoridae (Diptera) da Reserva Biológica do Tinguá, Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro

The present study investigates the calliphorid fauna in the Biological Reserve of Tingua using faunistic indices. Monthly samplings were carried out using traps containing sardines that were exposed for 48 hours at the sites: A, at the border of the forest; B, 1,000 m towards the interior of the forest; and C, 500 m towards the interior of the forest. The objective was to study the Calliphoridae fauna in forest environments using faunal indices. During the course of the experiment, 26 calliphorid species were collected. The species Singletons, Doubletons, Uniques, Duplicates, intermediate and common were defined. Richness and richness estimation (estimators Chao 1 and 2, Jackknife 1 and 2, Ace, Ice and Bootstrap), diversity (Shannon-Wiener index), evenness (Pielou's index), and similarity of the sites (using the Sorensen coefficient and the Southwood percent similarity) were calculated. Sites A and B had the same number of species of Calliphoridae (23), representing a greater richness than site C (16). The sites differed only in their rare, intermediate and common species composition. The greatest number of intermediate species was found at A. At B, the numbers of rare, intermediate and common species were similar. At C, there were fewer rare species than intermediate and common ones. Jackknife 2 at site B produced a higher value, however, indicating that it was possible to collect five other species in the reserve and three more species at A and C. Diversity was greatest at B, but evenness was similar at the sites. B and C showed a greater level of similarity in species composition (dendogram); L. nigripes and Mesembrinella bellardiana, which are the most important species at these two sites, appeared grouped together. Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala and Hemilucilia semidiaphana, the main species at Site A, also appear together.
Mosquito Flight Paths in Relation to the Environment. 1. Illumination Levels, Orientation, and Resting Areas

Suction traps were operated within and adjacent to a wooded swamp and in a field with various patterns of potted shrubs. Vehicle aspirator collections were made of mosquitoes in the daytime resting habitats. Aedes mitchellae (Dyar), A. sollicitans (Walker), Psorophora ciliata (F.), and P. confinnis (Lynch Arribalzaga) were field species, i.e., greatest numbers were taken, both day and night, in open grassy areas, and avoided woodland and the vicinity of shrubs. Many species preferred woodland for daytime resting but moved out nightly to forage in the field. At night this behavior resulted in a buildup of mosquitoes along the outside margin of the swamp or in a trap placed in a gap in a hedge row. The largest numbers of Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and Culex nigripalpus Theobald remained in woodland throughout the diel. When these species were taken out in the field, the greatest numbers were found in the vicinity of shrubs. It is concluded that in the absence of other attractants or adverse meteorological conditions, physical objects guide mosquito flight paths in 3 ways: (1) by reducing the level of illumination, as beneath a forest canopy or adjacent to a forest edge; (2) by forming a visual image, to which each species responds according to its inherent behavior pattern; and (3) by serving as a physical barrier.
Degenerative Changes in the Serotonergic Fibers in the Spinal Cord of Zitter Mutant Rat

The morphological features and distribution of serotonergic fibers in the spinal cord of 7-and 12-month-old zitter mutant rats which are characterized by abnormal metabolism of superoxides were examined immunohistochemically. In the zitter rat spinal cord, several aberrant serotonergic fibers characterized by swollen varicosities were intermingled with normal serotonergic fibers. These aberrant fibers increased in number by aging. Serotonergic neuron system seem to be vulnerable to superoxide radicals. Thus, these aberrant serotonergic fibers may reflect the degeneration by superoxide radicals. These aberrant fibers were never found in young adult or 12-month-old SD rats. The appearance of these fibers has been reported in the aged (30 months) rat spinal cord. Based on the morphological similarity, the present study indicates the early onset of age-related change in serotonergic fibers in the spinal cord of zitter rats.
Muscle Membrane Phospholipid Class Composition in White-Throated Sparrows in Relation to Migration

Abstract We document seasonal changes in the ratio of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in pectoralis muscles of captive and wild White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). We manipulated day length in captive sparrows to induce ‘winter’ or ‘migratory’ condition. The PC/PE ratio in these sparrows was 1.87 ± 0.11 (mean ± SE), and did not vary significantly between treatments. However, the PC/PE ratio was higher in wild adult sparrows in winter (1.90 ± 0.19) than those caught in migration (1.20 ± 0.13 in spring; 1.37 ± 0.14 in fall). No effect of migratory state on PC/PE ratio was found among wild juveniles (1.32 ± 0.09 in fall, 1.18 ± 0.14 in winter). Seasonal changes to PC/PE ratios may be a result of migratory exercise, rather than migratory condition per se.
Osmotic and matric potential effects on growth, sclerotia and partitioning of polyols and sugars in colonies and spores of Aspergillus ochraceus

Growth of A. ochraceus at 30°C was significantly influenced by changes in both solute (NaCl, glycerol) and matric potential (PEG 8000). Optimum growth rates were at approx. – 10.0 MPa with the non-ionic solute, and between – 3.5 (= 0.975 aw) and 14.0 MPa (= 0.90 aw) with the ionic solute in a sucrose-based minimal salts medium. The optimum matric potential for growth was at – 7.0 MPa (= 0.95 aw). Growth rates were influenced by whether colonies were grown directly on the agar medium or on cellophane overlays. Sclerotia were profusely formed on media > – 1.5 MPa (= 0.99 aw), only initials at – 3.5 MPa, and none under optimum conditions for growth (- 7.70 to – 10.0 MPa). The contents of low and high mol. wt polyols (glycerol, erythritol, arabitol and mannitol) and sugars (glucose and trehalose) were quantified in whole colonies and conidia grown under different osmotic and matric potential conditions for the first time. There was a higher total amount of polyols (μg mg−1 D.W.) in conidia than in whole colonies. In glycerol-amended osmotic media maximum total polyols were present at – 4.5 (= 0.965 aw) and – 17.0 MPa (= 0.88 aw) in mycelial colonies and conidia respectively, with glycerol and mannitol being predominant in both, with small amounts of erythritol also present in conidia. By contrast, in matrically-modified media, the high mol. wt mannitol was the major component (> 75% of the total) with small amounts of arabitol and the low mol. wt erythritol and glycerol, regardless of matric potential. For sugars, trehalose was predominant in conidia (> 90%) from osmotically-modified media with low levels of glucose present in both conidia and mycelial colonies at all potentials tested. By contrast, in matric media trehalose was the predominant sugar in both conidia and whole colonies. This study suggests that xerophilic fungi may use different mechanisms for overcoming osmotic and matric stress.