Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manoeuvrability and ecological segregation in the little brown (Myotis lucifugus) and Yuma (M. yumanensis) bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

The abilities of two species of sympatric insectivorous bats, Myotis lucifugus and M. yumanensis, to negotiate a series of obstacle courses were measured. One hundred percent of the tested M. yumanensis were capable of negotiating their way through vertical strings 0.21 m apart, as compared with 30% of the tested M. lucifugus. A significant difference between the two species was found for this flight performance parameter, and this difference was found to be correlated with wing loading and wingspan. Myotis yumanensis has a lower wing loading and a lower wingspan than M. lucifugus, which probably explains the differences in manoeuvrability between the two species. An attempt was made to relate this difference to differences in the foraging behavior of the two species, but this was not possible, probably because of the high degree of morphological and behavioural overlap between the two species.
Phytoplankton and zooplankton response to ultraviolet radiation in a high-altitude Andean lake : short- versus long-term effects

Exclusion experiments on global UV (A and B) radiation and global UVB were performed in 460 1 mesocosms with plankton communities from the oligotrophic Andean lake Laguna Negra (33°35'S-70°04'W; 2700 m a.s.1.). The experiments were run for 30 days during the summers of 1991-1992 and 1992-1993, and for 48 days in 1993-1994. When UVB radiation was allowed to enter into the mesocosms (full sun), the population of Ankyra judayi (Chlorophyta) reached the highest density, suggesting that this species can endure high levels of UV radiation. Concurrently, an increase in chlorophyll a concentration was observed in this treatment. The cladoceran Chydorus sphaericus and the rotifer Lepadella ovalis were strongly inhibited by UVB. Conversely, UVB radiation had no effect on the survival of the different life stages of the calanoid copepod Boeckella graalipes, suggesting a species-specific difference in the sensitivity to solar UVB radiation. Moreover, no reduction in the number of copepod eggs per female and the number of nauplii produced was observed. Apparently, herbivory does not strongly affect phytoplankton abundance. Moreover, the phytoplankton species composition changed in the different treatments over the time. Fragilaria construens and Fragilaria crolonensis were dominant in those mesocosms where UVB was excluded. Populations fluctuated depending on their life cycles and the period of time they were exposed to UVB radiation. It is important to define the time scale of exclusion experiments, because different conclusions about the influence of UVB irradiance result from short-, mediumor long-term exposures.
Additive partitioning of rarefaction curves and species–area relationships: unifying α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity with sample size and habitat area

Additive partitioning of species diversity is widely applicable to different kinds of sampling regimes at multiple spatial and temporal scales. In additive partitioning, the diversity within and among samples (α and β) is expressed in the same units of species richness, thus allowing direct comparison of α and β. Despite its broad applicability, there are few demonstrated linkages between additive partitioning and other approaches to analysing diversity. Here, we establish several connections between diversity partitions and patterns of habitat occupancy, rarefaction, and species–area relationships. We show that observed partitions of species richness are equivalent to sample-based rarefaction curves, and expected partitions from randomization tests are approximately equivalent to individual-based rarefaction. Additive partitions can also be applied to species–area relationships to determine the relative contributions of factors influencing the β-diversity among habitat fragments.
SELF‐POLLEN REDUCES THE NUMBER OF CROSS‐POLLEN TUBES IN THE STYLES OF BRASSICA OLERACEA L.

SUMMARY The number of cross-pollen tubes in the styles of self-incompatible kale plants was reduced by 46–94% when self-pollen was applied to the stigma immediately before the cross-pollen. Similar reductions were found when the cross-pollen was applied at time intervals of 2–16 h after the self-pollen, but little or no reduction occurred when the time interval was 24 h or 32 h. No reductions were found when cross-pollen was applied before self-pollen nor when dead cross-pollen was applied before the live cross-pollen. Application of onion pollen before cross-pollen gave a mean reduction of 69%. The results are discussed in the context of current views on the mechanism of self-incompatibility in Brassica, and their practical implications for the breeding of F1 hybrid brassicas.
Dietary shifts: do grazers become browsers in the Thicket Biome?

The diet of buffalo ( Syncerus coffer ) and Burchell's zebra ( Equus burchelli ) was investigated in the Addo Elephant National Park to test the hypothesis that the shortage of grass associated with thicket vegetation results in grazers increasing the proportion of dicotyledonous plant species in their diet. Diet composition, estimated from faecal analysis, indicated that 19 and 21 plant species were identified in the faeces of zebra and buffalo, respectively. Buffalo proved to have a higher percentage dicotyledonous (28.1 vs. 8.5 ) and lower percentage monocotyledonous (71.9 vs. 91.5 ) species in their diet than zebra. The grass Eragrostis curvula was found to be the dominant food item for both buffalo (18 of diet) and zebra (39 of diet) during the period of study. The present study indicated that a great proportion of the buffalo diet does in fact consist of grass, thereby refuting the perception that the Addo buffalo are primarily browsers. Both buffalo and zebra are specialised grazers and unsuited to a diet of browse. The probability of dietary shift by these grazers in the grass limited thicket vegetation is therefore challenged.
Evaluation of winter vegetables for genetic divergence and characterization of genotypes.

Indigenous germplasm of winter vegetables (radish, turnip, coriander and fenugreek) were evaluated for genetic divergence and characterization under field conditions during 2003. High variance observed for most of the characters indicated the worth of local landraces. Medium to high genetic diversity was observed for radish, turnip and coriander, whereas in the case of fenugreek, the level of genetic diversity was low. Among all the vegetables desirable agronomic traits were identified which could be exploited for vegetable improvement. It was observed that areas with greater environmental stresses represented high biodiversity even in the same vicinity as the case of Attock and TT Singh (radish), Sahiwal (turnip) and DG Khan (coriander), whereas in some areas low diversity might be associated with vegetable growing culture in the area.
Contributions of CD27 and relatives to the specific immune response

CD27, like CD28, acts in concert with the T cell receptor to support T cell expansion. Using CD27 ~ mice, we have shown earlier that CD27 determines the magnitude of primary and memory T cell responses to influenza virus. Here, we have examined the relative contributions of CD27 and CD28 to generation of the virus-specific effector T cell pool and its establishment at the site of infection (the lung), using CD27" ' , CD28 _ / *, and CD27/CD28"mice. We find that primary and memory CD8 T cell responses to influenza virus are dependent on the collective contribution of both receptors, in the primary response, CD27 and CD28 impact to a similar extent on expansion of virus-specific T cells in draining lymph nodes. CD27 is the principle determinant for accumulation of virus-specific T cells in the lung because it can sustain this response in CD28 _ / " mice. Unlike CD28, CD27 does not affect cell cycle activity, but promotes survival of activated T cells throughout successive rounds of division at the site of priming and may do so at the site of infection as well. CD27 was found to rescue CD28 / " T cells from death at the onset of division, explaining its capacity to support a T cell response in absence of CD28.
Origin and evolution of the Desmoscolecida, an aberrant group of nematodes

Summary The order Desmoscolecida shows some affinity with the order Araeolaimida with Manunema as a possible link. Considering the relations within the order, the desmoscolecids are supposed to be derived from a basic form having a cuticle with homonomous annulation withourbrnamentation and a tricomoid setal pattern. Two major taxonomic divisions are proposed. a first division is based upon the type of setal pattern (tricomoid or desmoscolecoid) and upon the male reproductive system (with 2 testes or 1 testis). In a second division each of these branches is splitted into a plesiomorph branch comprising genera without desmen and an apomorph branch comprising the genera with desmen. Further taxonomic division is based upon the shape of the main rings and the oesophageal structure (cf. Quadricomoides). Zusammenfassung Der Ursprung und die Evolution der Desmoscolecida, eine abweichende N ematodengruppe Die Nematodenordnung Desmoscolecida zeigt eine gewisse Affinitat mit der Ordnung Araeolaimida; eine mogliche Verbindung zwischen diesen beiden Taxa durfte von der Gattung Manunema vertreten sein. Wenn man die Beziehungen innerhalb der Ordnung betrachtet, dann kann man einen Ur-sprung der Desmoscolecida aus einer Urform voraussetzen mit homonomen ornamentierungs-loser Kutikula und mit einem trikomoiden Schema somatiscfaer Borsten. Es werden 2 vor-nehme taxonomische Abteilungen vorgestellt. Eine davon wird auf dem Typus des Borsten-sdiemas (trikomoid oder desmoscolezid) und auf dem Fortpflanzungssystem des ♂ begrundet. Die andere der beiden Abteilungen wird eingeteilt in einen plesiomorphen Zweig mit Gat-tungen, welche keine Desmen zeigen, und einen apomorphen Zweig mit Desmen. Weitere taxonomische Einteilungen werden auf die Form der Hauptringe und auf die Struktur der Speiserohren gestiitzt (cf. Quadricomoid. es). Resume Origine et evolution des Desmoscolecida, un groupe aberrant de nematodes ordre Desmoscolecida montre une certaine affinitye avec ordre Araeolaimida avec Manu-nema comme liaison possible. En considerant les relations dans ordre, les desmoscolecidcs sont supposees etre derives une forme de base possedant une cuticule avec annulation homonome sans ornamentation et un schema tricomoide de setes somatiques. Deux divisions taxonomiques principales sont proposees. Une premiere division est basee sur le type du schema des setes (tricomoide ou desmoscolecoide) et sur le systeme reproductif du mâle (avec 1 ou 2 testicules). Dans une seconde division chacune de ces brandies est divisee en une branche plesiomorphe contenant les genres sans “desmen” et une branche apomorphe contenant les genres avec “desmen”. Les divisions taxonomiques ulterieures sont basees sur la forme des anneaux principaux et la structure oesophagienne (cf. Quadricomoides).
Mutational specificity: An efficient laboratory protocol for the sequencing of large numbers of lacl mutants recovered from Big Blue® transgenic animals

Mutational spectra provide a powerful approach to investigate both the mutagenic potential and the mechanism of action of suspected mutagens and carcinogens. Recently, transgenic techniques have made it possible to generate mutational spectra in animals. Such a spectrum may consist of 50 to 200 mutants depending on the nature of the mutations, and many spectra can be generated depending on the design of the experiment. This report describes a practical approach for the processing and sequencing of large numbers of lacl mutants recovered from Big Blue® animals. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Family of People with Multiple Sclerosis: The Process of Family Stress Adaptation

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects everyday functioning of individuals with MS, and their family dynamics. Furthermore, MS is a chronic disease with unpredictable course imposing a stressful experience on the entire family. Changes in family functioning patterns are necessary so that they can appropriately respond to complex demands imposed by the disease. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate predictive values of family resources in the encounter with stressful life events and family adaptation. These data are required to provide adequate family support systems. Methods: The sample consisted of 62 people with MS. The following instruments were used: Family Adaptation Scale, Family Social Support Index, Financial Well-Being Scale, and Family Problem Solving Communication Scale. Results: The results of this research indicate that subjective assessment of the quality of family relationships, measures of the quality of family communication (β = 0.353, P < 0.001), and measures of perceived family social support (β = 0.272, P < 0.05) are the only predictors of successful family adaptation. Conclusions: The results infer that the processes essential for successful adaptation of people with MS occurs within their nuclear family. Therefore, adaptation to accidental crisis created by MS onset can be promoted by strengthening support and communication within the nuclear family.
Multiscale Habitat Use by Wolverines in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract Wolverine (Gulo gulo) distribution in British Columbia, Canada, includes multiple-use lands where human use and resource extraction may influence habitat selection. We evaluated seasonal habitat use by resident adult wolverines using radiotelemetry locations from 2 multiple-use landscapes in British Columbia. Food, predation risk, and human disturbance hypotheses were considered in logistic regression analyses of used and random landscapes. Male wolverine habitat associations were most supported by the food hypothesis in both summer and winter. Moose (Alces alces) winter ranges, valley bottom forests, and avalanche terrain were positively associated with winter male wolverine use. Habitat use by male wolverines in winter was also negatively associated with helicopter skiing areas in the Columbia Mountains. Habitat associations of females were more complex; combinations of variables supporting food, predation risk, or human disturbance hypotheses were included in most supported models from both summer and winter in both study areas. Females were associated with alpine and avalanche environments where hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) and Columbia ground squirrel (Spermophilus columbianus) prey are found in summer. Roaded and recently logged areas were negatively associated with female wolverines in summer. In the Columbia Mountains, where winter recreation was widespread, females were negatively associated with helicopter and backcountry skiing. Moose winter ranges within rugged landscapes were positively associated with females during winter. Our analysis suggests wolverines were negatively responding to human disturbance within occupied habitat. The population consequences of these functional habitat relationships will require additional focused research. Our spatially explicit models can be used to support conservation planning for resource extraction and tourism industries operating in landscapes occupied by wolverines.
Variability in the onset of hatching of Maja brachydactyla Balss, 1922 (Brachyura: Majidae) in the English Channel in relation to sea temperature

Summary Long-term monitoring of zooplankton and temperature has been carried out at the nuclear power station of Flamanville (west coast of Cotentin, English Channel, France) since 1977. Zooplankton sampling and temperature measurements took place at fortnightly intervals, particularly during the spring and summer. In addition, daily records of water temperature were recorded since 1986. The seasonal appearance of Maja brachydactyla Balss, 1922 first stage zoeae in the plankton outside the thermal plume near to the power station can greatly vary from year-to-year. Earliest observations have occurred in early June whilst latest observations were made at the end of July. During the period of study, temperature records display a warming trend whilst hatching is gradually recorded earlier in the season. An analysis of year-to-year variability in temperature and hatching date reveals that early hatching is related to higher winter-spring sea temperature. Cumulated temperature (degree-days) has been calculated for different periods (during winter and spring) to detect the time at which temperature may influence the date of initial occurrence of first zoeal stage. There is no relationship with January temperatures whilst a strong correlation is observed for the period ranging from early February to the end of May. Based on regression analysis, a predictive model of timing of zoeae appearance in the plankton is constructed. The model can predict timing of zoeae appearance from mean temperature recorded from February 1st to March10th.
Segmentation of Femurs in X-ray Image with Generative Adversarial Networks

Segmentation of Femur bone from X-ray images is an indispensable step in computer aided analysis of medical images and orthopaedic examinations. It is more complex than segmentation from CT and MR images, because some of the less dense related tissues are difficult to distinguish from the femur in X-ray images. We present a method based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to automatically extract the femurs from hip X-ray images. Specifically, we propose a Generative Adversarial Networks for Femur Segmentation to map hip image to femur image with nonlinear relationship and produce accurate segmentation results. In Generative Adversarial Networks for Femur Segmentation, we use the adaptive contours estimation algorithm and absolute deviations loss function to optimize neural networks. Experimental results show that our method is accurate, robust, and achieves an average dice similarity coefficient of 0.995.
Maximum Outcrossing Rate and Genetic Compatibility between Red Rice (Oryza sativa) Biotypes and Clearfield™ Rice

Abstract The transfer of the imazethapyr-resistant gene from Clearfield™ (CL) rice to red rice is an ecological risk. Flowering synchronization and genetic compatibility between cultivated rice and red rice could influence gene transfer. We examined the (1) variability in maximum outcrossing rate between 12 red rice biotypes and ‘CL161’ rice during their peak flowering overlap in the field and (2) genetic compatibility of red rice biotypes with CL161 rice. Experiments were conducted at Stuttgart, AR, and Fayetteville, AR, from 2005 to 2007. To evaluate the flowering synchrony of red rice and CL161 rice as well as its impact on outcrossing rate, field experiments were conducted at four planting times from early April to late May. The red rice biotypes were planted in the middle row of nine-row CL161 plots and flowering was monitored. Outcrosses were evaluated in subsequent years by herbicide response and simple-sequence-repeat marker assays. To determine compatibility, manual crosses were performed between 12 red rice biotypes and CL161 rice in the greenhouse. The flowering duration of all red rice types ranged from 5 to 16 d after the onset of flowering in contrast to 6 d in CL161 rice. Ten of the twelve types of red rice had ≥ 70% overlap in flowering time with CL161 rice in at least one planting date. The maximum field outcrossing rate between red rice biotypes and CL161 ranged from 0.03 to 0.25%. The field outcrossing rate between red rice biotypes differed (P < 0.01), but flowering synchronization was not directly related to outcrossing rate. Manual crosses resulted in seed sets of 49 to 94%. The majority of red rice biotypes had similar compatibility with CL161 rice. Thus, other factors must contribute to hybridization rates in the field. Follow-up experiments should investigate other plant factors and environmental influence on hybridization rate. Nomenclature: Imazethapyr; red rice, Oryza sativa L. ORYSA; rice Oryza sativa ‘CL161’.
A numerical analysis of karyotypes and DNA amounts in lettuce cultivars and species (Lactuca subsect. Lactuca, Compositae)

SUMMARY Karyotype and relative DNA content were used to characterize Lactuca sativa, L. serriola, L. saligna and L. virosa and to determine their evolutionary relationships. In these species karyotype analyses requiring the identification of the homologues are unreliable, because not all chromosomes can be distinguished by their length and centromere position, and no useful additional cytological markers are available. Therefore the karyotypes were established using numerical parameters describing the whole metaphase complement rather than the individual chromosomes, namely: intra- and interchromosomal asymmetry index, total chromosome length and area, and number of discernible satellites. The karyotype data were supplemented with data on relative DNA content. No significant differences were found between L. sativa and L. serriola, whereas L. saligna differed significantly from L. sativa/serriola only in its relative DNA amount. L. virosa differed from L. saligna and L. sativa/serriola for all parameters. The largest differences were found between L. saligna and L. virosa, although both have asymmetric karyotypes compared to L. sativa/serriola. Since asymmetric karyotypes in Compositae tribe Cichorieae (including Lactuca) are considered to be derived it follows that L. saligna and L. virosa are advanced species that evolved in different directions.
Comparative study of osmoticum accumulation in wheat under osmotic and ionic stress

Salt-tolerant wheat cultivar ‘Dekang 961’ (Dk 961) and salt-sensitive wheat cultivar ‘Lumai No.15’ (Lu 15) were used as experimental materials. Na + ionic and osmotic stress could lead to accumulation of free proline and soluble sugar in wheat cultivars with different salt-tolerance. However, the accumulation of free proline and soluble sugar under ionic stress was much more than that under osmotic stress. These results indicated that ionic effect played an important role in increasing the osmoticum content of wheat. Free proline and soluble sugar content of salt-tolerant cultivar ‘Dk 961’ increased less and had a low variation rate. Salt-tolerance of wheat cultivars was negatively correlated with the accumulative quantity of osmoticum. Abundant accumulation of osmoticum in salt-sensitive cultivar ‘Lu 15’ might be caused by metabolism disorder under salt stress of high concentration and should be a representation of salt damage.