Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeding and egg production of the planktonic copepod Calanus sinicus in spring and autumn in the Yellow Sea, China

Shipboard incubations were conducted in spring (April) and autumn (October/November) 2006 to measure the feeding and egg production rates (EPR) of Calanus sinicus in the Yellow Sea, China. The ingestion rate (2.08-11.46 and 0.26-3.70 mu g C female(-1) day(-1) in spring and autumn, respectively) was positively correlated with microplankton carbon concentrations. In the northern part of the Yellow Sea, feeding on microplankton easily covers the respiratory and production requirements, whereas in the southern part in spring and in the frontal zone in autumn, C. sinicus must ingest alternative food sources. Low ingestion rates, no egg production and the dominance of the fifth copepodite (CV) stage indicated that C. sinicus was in quiescence inside the Yellow Sea Cold Bottom Water (YSCBW) area in autumn. Calanus sinicus ingested ciliates preferentially over other components of the microplankton. The EPR (0.16-12.6 eggs female(-1) day(-1) in spring and 11.4 eggs female(-1) day(-1) at only one station in autumn) increased with ciliate standing stock. Gross growth efficiency (GGE) was 13.4% (3-39%) in spring, which was correlated with the proportion of ciliates in the diet. These results indicate that ciliates have higher nutrient quality than other food items, but the low GGE indicates that the diet of C. sinicus is nutritionally incomplete.
Why the Bat Did Not Cross the Road?

Roadways are nearly ubiquitous parts of the modern landscape, but their impact on bats remain relatively unknown. We studied the influence of vehicular traffic on the behaviour of commuting bats near the Indianapolis International Airport. A previous study at this site documented that Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) were much more likely to cross roads with low traffic volumes. One potential interpretation of this result is that bats perceive motor vehicles as a threat and exhibit avoidance behaviour whether or not the bats are in immediate danger. To test this hypothesis, we observed 211 cases of bats approaching roads that bisected their commuting routes. Information recorded at the time included the presence or absence of vehicles, the height the bat was flying, whether a bat reversed course prior to crossing the road and if so the distance from the road or vehicle (if present) when it altered its direction, and finally the speed, type and relative level of noise emitted by vehicles. Results revealed that bats were more than twice as likely to reverse course when vehicles were present as opposed to their absence. When automobiles were present 60% of bats exhibited avoidance behaviour, reversing course at an average of 10 m from a vehicle. Conversely, when no automobiles were present, only 32% of bats reversed their course and 68% crossed the road. The height a bat flew, speed of the vehicle, type of vehicle or level of noise emitted by vehicles had no effect on the likelihood of bats reversing course. These data support the hypothesis that bats perceive vehicles as a threat and display anti-predator avoidance behaviour in response to their presence.
Nutritional requirements of digestible threonine for growing meat-type quails

The objective of this study was to estimate the nutrient requirements of digestible threonine for meat-type quails (Coturnix coturnix sp) in the growth phase. A total of 1350 not sexed meat-type quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with six threonine levels (10.80, 11.50, 12.20, 12.90, 13.60 and 14.30 g/kg as fed), five replications and 45 quails per experimental unit, from 1 to 14 days of age. The threonine levels in the diet had a quadratic effect on body weight, feed intake and weight gain. Estimates for highest body weight (79.41 g), feed intake (128.96 g/bird) and weight gain (70.73 g) were observed with diets containing 12.60 g/kg of digestible threonine. According to the LRP model, the threonine intake was estimated at 13.40 g/kg of digestible threonine. Protein deposition rate and energy retained in the carcass showed quadratic effect, with estimated digestible threonine levels of 11.80 and 12.00 g/kg in the diet for maximum protein deposition rate (2.00 g/bird) and retained energy in the carcass (15.88 kcal/g), respectively. There was a linear effect on feed cost per kg of live weight gain as threonine levels were increased. Nutritional requirement of digestible threonine for meat-type quails for maximum growth is 12.60 g/kg, corresponding to a digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio of 67.02.
Variables que afectan el peso de los huevos en la Golondrina Ceja Blanca (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)

Los recursos que asignan las hembras a sus huevos pueden tener importantes consecuencias en la vida de los pichones. La condición física de las hembras, la abundancia de alimento, las condiciones ambientales, la cantidad de huevos por puesta y la fecha de puesta son variables que suelen afectar el tamaño de los huevos en aves Passeriformes. En este trabajo se estudió el efecto de estas variables sobre el peso de los huevos de la Golondrina Ceja Blanca (Tachycineta leucorrhoa). La abundancia de insectos aéreos se estimó usando trampas cono y trampas de acrílico. El peso de los huevos fue mayor para las hembras de mejor condición física y cuanto mayor fue la temperatura promedio durante los días previos a la puesta. Estos resultados concuerdan con los obtenidos para la Golondrina Bicolor (Tachycineta bicolor), un congénere del Hemisferio Norte.
Variation among 41 Genotypes of Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) for Crossability to L. peruvianum (L.) Mill.

Abstract Even with the aid of tissue culture, crosses between Lycopersicon esculentum (E) and L. peruvianum (P) typically yield few progeny. To determine whether some E genotypes produce more progeny per fruit that others when crossed with P, 41 E genotypes were crossed with pollen bulked from five P accessions. This first experiment (expt 1) was replicated over 2 years. In a second experiment (expt 2), differences among three genotypes each of E and P, and among individual plants within E genotypes were investigated. The E genotypes for expt 2 were chosen for relatively high and low crossability based on results of expt 1. The P genotypes for expt 2 were from different accessions than those used in expt 1. For both experiments, the 15 largest ovules from each ripe fruit were cultured aseptically for 1 month. Out of 1228 fruit, 753 hybrids were obtained. For expt 1, significant genotype by year interactions were observed. Within each year, there were significant differences among E genotypes for crossability. In expt 2, significant effects were found for E genotypes, but not for interactions between E and P genotypes, P genotypes, nor plants within E genotypes. Moreover, general crossability for E genotypes using bulked pollen (expt 1) was indicative of general crossability with three P accessions not present in the bulk (expt 2). Thus, selecting E genotypes of high crossability to P is the key to obtaining progeny for gene introgression. Rare production of E×P seed which was large and had brown seed coats typical of E seed indicated strong selection pressure to maintain separate species, but gene exchange in nature may be possible albeit at a low rate over long periods of time.
Shared Pathways of IκB Kinase-Induced SCFβTrCP-Mediated Ubiquitination and Degradation for the NF-κB Precursor p105 and IκBα

ABSTRACT p105 (NFKB1) acts in a dual way as a cytoplasmic IκB molecule and as the source of the NF-κB p50 subunit upon processing. p105 can form various heterodimers with other NF-κB subunits, including its own processing product, p50, and these complexes are signal responsive. Signaling through the IκB kinase (IKK) complex invokes p105 degradation and p50 homodimer formation, involving p105 phosphorylation at a C-terminal destruction box. We show here that IKKβ phosphorylation of p105 is direct and does not require kinases downstream of IKK. p105 contains an IKK docking site located in a death domain, which is separate from the substrate site. The substrate residues were identified as serines 923 and 927, the latter of which was previously assumed to be a threonine. S927 is part of a conserved DSGΨ motif and is functionally most critical. The region containing both serines is homologous to the N-terminal destruction box of IκBα, -β, and -ɛ. Upon phosphorylation by IKK, p105 attracts the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate recognition molecules βTrCP1 and βTrCP2, resulting in polyubiquitination and complete degradation by the proteasome. However, processing of p105 is independent of IKK signaling. In line with this and as a physiologically relevant model, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced degradation of endogenous p105 and p50 homodimer formation, but not processing in pre-B cells. In mutant pre-B cells lacking IKKγ, processing was unaffected, but LPS-induced p105 degradation was abolished. Thus, a functional endogenous IKK complex is required for signal-induced p105 degradation but not for processing.
ADHESIVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE TUBE FEET OF A STARFISH, LEPTASTERIAS HEXACTIS, AND SUBSTRATA

The tube feet of Leptasterias hexactis adhere to and release from substrata by chemical interactions. In our laboratory these podia adhered to substrata coated with the ubiquetous anionic saccharide films produced by marine bacteria. Podia also attached to moderately anionic glass, but not to uncharged surfaces. The adhesive epithelia of tube feet labeled heavily with ruthenium red, indicating they were anionic. Tube feet secreted footprint films that bound crystal violet, a cationic dye. Trypsin removed the films. Adhesion to marine surfaces was prevented by 300 units/ml of heparin, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that may have competitively inhibited the glue from binding exosaccharide marine films. Lectins that bind bacterial exosaccharides did not inhibit attachment. We propose that tube-foot attachments are nonspecific ionic interactions established by secreted proteinaceous films and released when secreted GAG's compete with the tube-foot epithelium for sites on the film. This system agrees with the duo-g.
An improved micropropagation protocol for maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) isolated cotyledons

Summary In this work an improved micropropagation protocol for Pinus pinaster Ait. using isolated cotyledons is presented. The variables studied during bud induction were embryo preculture, type and concentration of cytokinin and infl uence of illumination culture conditions. Shoot development and proliferation was obtained by transfer to hormone-free medium with activated charcoal. This protocol also describes a procedure for successful continuous multiplication using axillary shoots and brachyblasts formed during shoot development. Based on 86 per cent rooting success rate, at least 70 plantlets can be expected per seed after 16 weeks.
Knockdown of Rab25 expression by RNAi inhibits growth of human epithelial ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Aims: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among gynaecological malignancies. Elevated expression of Rab25 has been seen in this malignancy. To better understand its role in maintaining the malignant phenotype, we used RNA interference (RNAi) directed against Rab25 in our study. RNAi provides a new, reliable method to investigate gene function and has the potential for gene therapy. The aim of the study was to examine the anti‐tumour effects elicited by a decrease in the level of Rab25 by RNAi and its possible mechanism of action. Methods: According to the Rab25 mRNA sequence in Genbank, a pair of 64 nt oligonucleotides were designed and synthesised, each containing the sites of restriction endonuclease at both ends. Oligonucleotides were annealed and ligated with linearised pSUPER by ligase. The recombinants (named pSUPER/Rab25 siRNA) were finally sequenced and identified by enzyme cutting and sequencing. The human ovarian cell line A2780 was grown without transfection, transfection with empty vector and with pSUPER/Rab25 siRNA with electroporation. The inhibitory effect was examined by RT‐ PCR, MTT, FCM and tumour growth of athymic nude mice. Results: Rab25 siRNA expression vector was successfully constructed and identified by double endonuclease digestion. Sequence analysis of inserted fragment revealed the same sequence as synthesised siRNA oligonucleotides. Cells transfected with Rab25 siRNA can specifically knock down the transcription of Rab25, exhibiting cells with slower proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased tumour growth. Conclusions: Rab25 siRNA expression vector has been successfully constructed, and it could inhibit the tumour growth both in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that the Rab25 signalling pathway plays a role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, which indicates that the Rab25 gene plays a definite role in the development and aggressiveness of human ovarian cancer and should be further elucidated as a possible therapeutic target of ovarian cancer.
Testicular biometry and its relationship with body weight and semen output of black Bengal bucks in Bangladesh

Biometrical study of testes were done in twelve black Bengal bucks (Capra hircus) of three different age groups, 0.5 to 1.0 years (group A), 1.5 to 2.0 years (group B) and 2.5 to 3.0 years (group C) to find out the age depended changes in the biometry of testes and their relationship with semen quality. Before slaughtering the bucks, the semen quality of the bucks of three different age groups was evaluated in terms of volume (ml), live sperm (%) and sperm concentration (billion/ml) for a period of 45 days. The semen volume and sperm concentration of age group C (0.68±0.04 ml and 3.04±0.10 billion/ml respectively) were significantly (p 0.05). Testicular measurements were increased with the advancement of age and body weight. The size and weight of left testis were higher than those of right testis at same age. Semen volume and sperm concentration were highly significant (p< 0.01) and positively correlated with almost all testicular measurements.
Calculating Organic Carbon Stock from Forest Soils

The organic carbon stock (SOC) (t/ha) was calculated in different approaches in order to enhance the differences among methods and their utility regarding specific studies. Using data obtained in Romania (2000-2012) from 4,500 profiles and 9,523 soil horizons, the organic carbon stock was calculated for the main forest soils (18 types) using three different methods: 1) on pedogenetical horizons, by soil bulk density and depth class/horizon thickness; 2) by soil type and standard depths; 3) using regression equations between the quantity of organic C and harvesting depths. Even though the same data were used, the differences between the values of C stock obtained from the three methods were relatively high. The first method led to an overvaluation of the C stock. The differences between methods 1 and 2 were high (and reached 33% for andosol), while the differences between methods 2 and 3 were smaller (a maximum of 23% for rendzic leptosol). The differences between methods 2 and 3 were significantly lower especially for andosol, arenosol and vertisol. A thorough analysis of all three methods concluded that the best method to evaluate the organic C stock was to distribute the obtained values on the following standard depths: 0 - 10 cm; 10 - 20 cm; 20 - 40 cm; > 40 cm. For each soil type, a correlation between the quantity of organic C and the sample harvesting depth was also established. These correlations were significant for all types of soil; however, lower correlation coefficients were registered for rendzic leptosol, haplic podzol and fluvisol.
Body measurements on 40 species of mammals from French Guiana

More than 3000 mammals were captured and translocated during a rescue operation conducted in French Guiana during the filling of a hydroelectric dam, a unique opportunity to gather biological data on many aspects of the Guianan fauna. All animals were identified, anaesthetized, measured, and biological samples (blood, skin biopsies) were collected and preserved. This study presents morphological data on all captured mammals belonging to 40 species of Marsupialia, Xenarthra, Primates, Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Rodentia and Sirenia. Data reported here include weight, shoulder height, head and body, tail, hind foot, head, and ear lengths, and some additional measurements for particular species. Some species were found to be larger than previously reported, which may be attributed to the large sample size, circumstances of data collection or to geographic variations. Such basic data appear to be hardly available on neotropical mammals, and thus provide useful comparative material for further studies.
Cultivation of Agaricus bisporus on wheat straw and waste tea leaves based composts and locally available casing materials Part III: Dry matter, protein, and carbohydrate contents of Agaricus bisporus

This study was performed to determine the effects of composts and casing materials on dry matter, protein, and carbohydrate contents of the fruit bodies of Agaricus bisporus. Results showed that Agaricus bisporus cultivated on group I and group II casing soil groups showed remarkably higher dry matter and carbohydrate contents compared to other casing groups. No significant differences were found among casing soil groups in terms of protein content of Agaricus bisporus cultivated on wheat straw. But, there were significant differences between casing soil groups in terms of protein content of Agaricus bisporus cultivated on waste tea leaves.
Involvement of abscisic acid and ethylene in the responses of citrus seedlings to salt shock

The responses of salt-sensitive citrus rootstocks to 200 mM NaCl were periodically determined on seedlings of citrange Carrizo (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck x Poncirus trifoliata [L.] Raf) during 30 days. The stressed seedlings adjusted osmotically, reduced stomatal conductance, increased proline content and ethylene production, and showed massive leaf abscission (92%). The salt shock also increased abscisic acid (ABA) and aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid (ACC) in roots, xylem fluid and leaves, and in addition promoted Cl - accumulation. The pattern of change of ABA, ACC and proline followed a two-phase response: an initial transient increase (10-12 days) overlapping with a gradual and continuous accumulation. This biphasic response appears to be compatible with the proposal that the transitory hormonal rises are induced by the osmotic component of salinity, whereas the Cl- increase determines the subsequent accumulations. During the second phase, Cl- levels correlated with abscission in leaves. Production of leaf ethylene was also concomitant with the increase in the abscission rate. Salt-induced abscission was either reduced with CoCl 2 (52%) or inhibited with silver thiosulphate (14%). The results suggest that in salt-stressed citrus, leaf abscission is induced by the chloride build-up through a mechanism that stimulates leaf ACC synthesis and further conversion to ethylene.
Systematics, phylogenetic relationships and conservation of the taxa of Anchusa (Boraginaceae) endemic to Sardinia (Italy)

Abstract Sardinia is a major centre of diversity of Anchusa, but the systematics, phylogenetic relationships and conservation status of the taxa endemic to the island are still poorly known mainly because of their remarkable rarity. We present a study on these endemics based on the results of field research focusing on the distribution, the number and size of the populations, the characteristics of the habitat and the factors of threat. Combined with observations on aspects of reproductive biology, on wild populations and cultivated plants, we evaluate the conservation status of the taxa and propose Red List IUCN categories of vulnerability. Original descriptions, nomenclatural types and karyological data are added. The following Anchusa taxa are endemic to Sardinia: A. capellii, A. crispa ssp. crispa, A. crispa ssp. maritima, A. formosa, A. littorea, A. sardoa and A. montelinasana sp. nov. The latter is described, based on the discovery of a morphologically distinct entity on a mountain in southwest Sardinia. Anchusa littorea was found at a single site after c. 25 years from the last record and 7 years of unsuccessful field research; this species is at the brink of extinction due to the extremely reduced size of the only remaining population. Our complete collection of taxa allowed an analysis of phylogenetic relationships based on DNA sequences from the ITS1 ribosomal genome. In spite of the low variation, this marker produced Maximum Parsimony and Neighbour‐Joining phylograms suggesting that the group is monophyletic and that the split between the two clades of the mountain and coastal endemics has been a key evolutionary event. We assume the three mountain species to be relict schizoendemics ancestral to the coastal taxa, and the Paleozoic siliceous massifs of central and south Sardinia as the centre of origin of the group.
Salt induced changes in leaf phenology of wheat plants are regulated by accumulation and distribution pattern of Na+ ion.

- ions increased during periods of intense leaf growth, while proline accumulation was quite low in the salt sensitive genotype. In contrast, tolerant genotypes had lower Na + and Cl - concentration in leaves along with higher proline contents throughout salt stress. An increase in proline content was also observed in the older and more injured leaves which occurred at later stages of leaf growth. No direct relationship was found between leaf injury and inorganic ions (Na + and Cl - ) concentrations. However, intensity of injury was related to the duration of salt stress as the size of injured zones on leaves increased while inhibition of leaf elongation and toxic ions content decreased with leaf age. This suggests that salt tolerance could also be associated with plant's capacity to regulate the rate of ion transport or accumulation in leaf tissues and it is concluded that whole-plant response system should not be overlooked
Qualitative geographical variation in interspecific interactions

We explore geographical variation in the density relationship between potential competitor forest bird groups, resident Parus spp. and migrant Fringilla spp. , across Europe using published bird census results. In addition, we summarized results from three experimental studies from northern Europe on their density associations. Based on anticipated changes in the relative intensity of positive and competitive interactions we predicted a unimodal density association between Parus and Fringilla: at low and intermediate densities the two groups are positively associated (positive interaction), whereas high densities promote interspecific competition. In central Europe where densities are high, densities were unimodally related to each other. In northern and southern Europe linear and positive associations appeared. Experimental studies provided consistent support for positive interspecific interactions in the north. The results suggest that species interactions may indeed vary in relation to the density of potential competitor and switch from positive to negative along environmental gradients.