Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of a trans‐Wallacean radiation (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gehyra) supports a single early colonization of Australia

Heinicke, M. P., Greenbaum, E. , Jackman, T. R. & Bauer, A. M. Phylogeny of a trans‐Wallacean radiation (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gehyra) supports a single early colonization of Australia. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 584–602.
Genetic Divergence of Oligacanthorhynchus microcephalus (Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae), Parasite of Three Species of Opossum (Mammalia: Didelphidae) across Central and Southeastern Mexico

ABSTRACT: Oligacanthorhynchus (Rudolphi, 1819) Schmidt, 1972 (Oligacanthorhynchidae) is a typical parasite of opossums (Didelphidae). This species of acanthocephalan exhibits a wide distributional range that extends from Brazil to as far north as the United States, but no data on the genetic divergence of this helminth has been provided thus far along its entire geographic range. The facts that O. microcephalus shows a relatively wide geographic range in Mexico and that it has been recorded in 3 species of opossum allowed us to conduct a molecular prospecting study to assess the genetic divergence among individuals and populations as well as to detect potentially exclusive lineages indicative of the presence of a species complex. In total, 81 specimens identified as O. microcephalus were collected from the intestines of 3 species of opossum in 8 localities across central and southeastern Mexico. The DNA sequences of 2 genes were generated; cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1) of the mitochondrial DNA and the domains D2 and D3 from large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU). Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference analyses were performed for each dataset alone and for the combined datasets (LSU + cox 1). All the phylogenetic analyses yielded 3 major clades with high bootstrap and posterior probability support values and with relatively high genetic divergence levels for both markers. However, the morphological study of specimens through both light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as the morphometric data, indicate that those specimens allocated into Clade I are smaller than those contained in Clades II and III. Lower genetic divergence values, as well as no clear-cut morphometric differences, indicate that Clades II and III are likely not independent lineages. Our results show at least 2 genetic lineages that may represent independent species, but we refrain at the moment on describing a new species in the lack of evidence gathered from a wider geographic range.
Role of P73 and P53 in the biology of neural stem cells and in the architecture of the neurogenic niches in mouse brain

En su conjunto el presente trabajo de tesis doctoral demuestra que p73 desempena un papel fundamental en la biologia de las celulas troncales neurales: p73 es un regulador positivo en el mantenimiento de la capacidad de auto-renovacion de las celulas troncales neurales, asi como un regulador esencial en la transformacion de las celulas de glia radial en los diferentes tipos celulares que componen los nichos neurogenicos y en los procesos de organizacion que culminan con la arquitectura tipica de estos nichos
Spawning Habitat and Nest Depth of Female Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma of Different Body Size.

Nest depth is an important factor determining brood mortality in salmonids. Increased depth may afford great er protection from mechanical damage and exposure when gravel is shifted by floods and when nests are superim posed by competing females. Superimposition through re use of a nest site by later-spawning females is considered to be a major factor in progeny mortality,1) and thus is one of the important density-dependent processes regulating population density in salmonid fishes.2,3) Iteroparous charrs (genus Salvelinus) show little evi dence of nest-guarding behavior, unlike semelparous salmons (e.g. coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch guard t heir nests for an average of eight days before dying4). Nest depth should, therefore, be critical for the seasonal reproductive success in female charts. Nest depth may be influenced by female body size, as reported in other s almonids (brown trout Salmo trutta,5) coho salmon6)). There are, however, few published quantitative works on he spawning habitat apart from Blakett,7) or on the nest depth of Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma.
Subproteomics analysis of Ca2+‐binding proteins demonstrates decreased calsequestrin expression in dystrophic mouse skeletal muscle

Duchenne muscular dystrophy represents one of the most common hereditary diseases. Abnormal ion handling is believed to render dystrophin-deficient muscle fibres more susceptible to necrosis. Although a reduced Ca(2+) buffering capacity has been shown to exist in the dystrophic sarcoplasmic reticulum, surprisingly no changes in the abundance of the main luminal Ca(2+) reservoir protein calsequestrin have been observed in microsomal preparations. To address this unexpected finding and eliminate potential technical artefacts of subcellular fractionation protocols, we employed a comparative subproteomics approach with total mouse skeletal muscle extracts. Immunoblotting, mass spectrometry and labelling of the entire muscle protein complement with the cationic carbocyanine dye 'Stains-All' was performed in order to evaluate the fate of major Ca(2+)-binding proteins in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle fibres. In contrast to a relatively comparable expression pattern of the main protein population in normal vs. dystrophic fibres, our analysis showed that the expression of key Ca(2+)-binding proteins of the luminal sarcoplasmic reticulum is drastically reduced. This included the main terminal cisternae constituent, calsequestrin, and the previously implicated Ca(2+)-shuttle element, sarcalumenin. In contrast, the 'Stains-All'-positive protein spot, representing the cytosolic Ca(2+)-binding component, calmodulin, was not changed in dystrophin-deficient fibres. The reduced 2D 'Stains-All' pattern of luminal Ca(2+)-binding proteins in mdx preparations supports the calcium hypothesis of muscular dystrophy. The previously described impaired Ca(2+) buffering capacity of the dystrophic sarcoplasmic reticulum is probably caused by a reduction in luminal Ca(2+)-binding proteins, including calsequestrin.
Understanding medication adherence : a self-report measure and a dual-process framework

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
An analysis of factors influencing the teaching of evolution and creation by Arizona high school biology teachers

This study examined the amount of emphasis given by Arizona high school biology teachers to the topics of evolutionary theory and special creation, as explanations for the origin and diversity of life on earth. A questionnaire was mailed to all Arizona public high school biology teachers in March of 2000, to gather data on teachers' classroom practices and attitudes towards evolution and creation, information on teachers' educational and professional backgrounds, their religious preferences, and any perceptions of pressure regarding the teaching of evolution or creation from outside sources. Sixty-five percent (final n = 419) of the questionnaires were returned. Analysis confirmed that, while a strong majority (96%) of Arizona teachers gave some coverage to evolutionary theory, a significant proportion (33%) reported fewer than three class periods per semester in which evolution was a major topic; 10% left it out entirely. Fourteen percent of the teachers reported that they gave moderate-to-strong emphasis to religious explanations of the origins and diversity of life. It was unclear whether this was presented as an alternative scientific theory, or as religion or philosophy. Between ten and thirty percent also rejected the scientific validity of evolutionary theory, rejected the evolution of humans from ape-like ancestors, thought that religious explanations should be taught as part of high school biology classes, or agreed that creationism has a valid scientific foundation. The amount of emphasis given evolution by a teacher correlated positively with teaching experience, number of college classes in evolutionary biology taken by the teacher, the amount of in-service training a teacher had had on teaching evolutionary theory, and age. It correlated negatively with membership in Conservative Christian religious denominations and with degree of religious fervor. Interestingly, the possession of a degree in biological sciences (e.g., versus a degree in education) had no effect. When teacher attitudes (as measured by a series of opinion questions) were taken into account in multiple regression models, all variables except specific evolutionary biology coursework became non-significant. The only variables that correlated with teacher emphasis on creationism were Conservative Christian church membership and religious fervor – both positive correlations. Again, education had no effect.
Tillage, cover cropping, and nitrogen fertilization influence tomato yield and nitrogen uptake.

Management practices can influence tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield and N uptake. The effects of tillage (no-till, chisel plowing, and moldboard plowing), cover crop [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) vs. none], and N fertilization (0, 90, and 180 kg.ha -1 N) on transplanted tomato yield and N uptake were studied in the field from May to August in 1996 and 1997 on a Norfolk sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Kandiudults) in central Georgia. Plowing increased fresh and dry fruit yield and N uptake in 1996 and N fertilization increased yield and N uptake in 1996 and 1997. Plowing also increased stem and leaf dry weights and N uptake from 40 to 118 days after transplanting (DAT) in 1996. Fertilization increased stem weight and N uptake with or without hairy vetch from 54 to 68 DAT in 1996 and stem and leaf weights and N uptake at 68 DAT in 1997. Both hairy vetch and N fertilization increased leaf N concentration in 1997. Recovery of N by the plants was lower with hairy vetch than with N fertilization, but was similar to or greater with 90 than with 180 kg.ha -1 N. We conclude that reduced tillage, such as chisel plowing, with 90 kg.ha -1 N can sustain tomato yield and N uptake, with reduced potentials of sediments and/or NO 3 contamination in surface and groundwater.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Chilean isolates of Botrytis cinerea with different levels of sensitivity to fenhexamid

Forty three Chilean Botrytis cinerea isolates of different fenhexamid sensitivities, obtained from table grapes, were phenotypically analyzed and sequenced for the erg27 gene that encodes the 3-ketoreductaseenzyme. Fifteen isolates were highly resistant to fenhexamid (HydR3+) with conidial germination EC50values >5 μg·mL-1 and colony growth EC50 values >2 μg·mL-1. Five isolates had slight to moderate resistance levels (HydR3-) with conidial germination EC50 values between 0.7 and 2.6 μg·mL-1 and colony growth EC50 values between 0.4 and 3 μg·mL-1. Twenty-three isolates were fenhexamid sensitive (HydS) (conidial germination and colony growth EC50 values <0.1 μg·mL-1). Resistance to anilinopyrimidine (phenotype AniR1), benzimidazole (phenotype BenR1) and dicarboximide fungicides (phenotype ImiR1) was common among isolate stested. When HydR3- and HydR3+ sequences were compared with fenhexamid-resistant French isolates, it was verified that all the HydR3+ had a modification in the C-terminal at position 412 of the protein, close tothe putative transmembrane domain responsible for fenhexamid resistance. The HydR3- isolates showed sixspecific amino acid changes in the sequenced region of the erg27 gene, between positions 199 and 408 of the protein, with three of these described for the first time.
On the importance of g(0) for estimating bird population densities with standard distance-sampling: implications from a telemetry study and a literature review: Importance of g(0) in standard distance-sampling

Raw count data are often used to estimate bird population densities. However, such data do not consider detection probability. As an alternative, methods that model detection probability such as distance-sampling have been proposed. However, standard distance-sampling provides reliable estimates for absolute density only when the underlying assumptions are met. One of the most critical of these assumptions is that animals on a transect line or at an observation point have to be detected with certainty (the g(0) = 1 assumption). We radiotagged nine Orphean Warblers Sylvia hortensis and estimated their short-distance detection probability. Birds were radio-located in 264 cases in single bushes or trees. Their visual detection probability after a 5-min search was only 0.58 (sd = ±0.14, range = 0.38-0.80), although the observer knew the bird's location. Furthermore, we carried out a literature review to assess how the g(0) = 1 assumption is handled in practice. None of the 28 standard distance-sampling papers reviewed contained an estimation of g(0). In 57% of the papers, the g(0) = 1 assumption was not even mentioned. Nevertheless, none of the authors declared their estimates as being relative. Our empirical data show that the g(0) = 1 assumption would be severely violated for a foliage-gleaning bird species at a desert stopover site outside the breeding season. The literature review revealed that the testing of the g(0) = 1 assumption is largely ignored in practice. We strongly suggest that more attention should be paid to the testing of this key assumption, because results may not be reliable when it is violated. If it is not possible to test the g(0) = 1 assumption or g(0) is less than 1, alternative methods should be used. Another possibility is to estimate detection probability by the means of radiotagged individuals.
The effect of the spatial distribution of winter seed food resources on their use by farmland birds

Summary 1 Agri-environment measures providing winter seed are central to current management activities aiming to reverse granivorous farmland bird declines. Previous research has considered the effectiveness of particular agri-environment options, but the influence of their distribution in the landscape, an important factor in determining cost-effectiveness, has received less attention. We used a large-scale field experiment in eastern England, featuring 10 replicates of a spatial arrangement of seven artificial feeding stations separated by different distances, to investigate bird movements between discrete winter food resources. 2 Feeding sites were established and bird use monitored at least weekly over two winters (November–March). Habitat type in the areas surrounding the feeding sites was also recorded. Two measures of feeding site use were analysed as functions of the distance from the nearest alternative feeding site, controlling for ambient resource availability, for 11 passerines (including chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella and non-granivores such as blue tit Parus caeruleus). 3 Feeding site use varied significantly with separation distance for nine species. For most, both maximum counts and bird minutes were higher at more isolated sites, but the opposite was true for yellowhammer and reed bunting. Most relationships incorporated significant thresholds at separations of around 500 m, with low site use below the threshold and high above it (or vice versa). 4 The results suggested that species such as chaffinch and blue tit made disproportionately more use of food at isolated sites than at clumped ones, but that reed buntings and yellowhammers used food in proportion to its availability, moving freely between more clumped patches. In both cases, birds tended to share resources separated by 500 m or less. At greater separations, resources tended to be used by discrete groups of birds. Radio-tracking and colour-ringing work produced corroborative evidence. 5 Synthesis and applications. The response of birds to the experimental food resource distribution implies that creating resource patches more than 1 km apart should be most cost-effective, a recommendation that can inform agri-environment scheme planning directly. This distance may represent a minimum, however, because birds might locate standing crops more readily than inconspicuous artificial food patches.
Toxic effects of acrylic acid on Clostridium propionicum and isolation of acrylic acid‐tolerant mutants for production of acrylic acid

This work presents a systematic investigation of the toxic effects of acrylic acid on the growth of Clostridium propionicum and the isolation of acrylic acid‐tolerant mutants. The results suggest that addition of acrylic acid prolonged the lag phase of the fermentation and reduced the initial‐specific growth rate, as well as the final cell concentration. Moreover, the toxic effect of acrylic acid was sensitive to the pH value. The minimal inhibition concentration of acrylic acid increased from 1.11 to 31.25 mM when the pH value rose from 5.8 to 7.4. In addition, the molar concentration ratio of products (acetic acid:propionic acid) was enhanced with the supplementation of acrylic acid. The highest ratio was 0.7:1 when acrylic acid was 20.83 mM at pH 7.4. Two acrylic acid‐tolerant mutants were isolated, which could still grow at a high concentration (43.06 mM) of acrylic acid. These strains could be instrumental for improved bioproduction of acrylic acid.
Predicting Nitrogen Availability in Irrigated Potato Systems

Growers lack practical decision aides that accurately predict nitrogen (N) credits for organic sources to adjust fertilizer rates. The simulation model, DSSAT, was used to predict N supply in relationship to N demand in irrigated potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). Tuber yield and soil inorganic N levels were substantially higher in the simulations than in fi eld experiment observations, indicating the need for model improvement. DSSAT was successful at predicting relative mineralization rates and potato N uptake for different organic and inorganic N source combinations. Interestingly, both simulation and fi eld experiment observations indicated that combining a high quality organic manure at 5000 lb/acre (5604.2 kg·ha–1), total applied N 250 lb/acre (280.2 kg·ha–1), and a fertilizer source of N 160 lb/acre (179.3 kg·ha–1) markedly increased yields and lowered leaching potential. Simulated tuber yield for the combined treatment was 660 cwt/acre (74.0 t·ha–1) with 48 lb/acre (53.8 kg·ha–1) inorganic-N in the profi le at harvest, whereas the highest simulated N fertilizer response was to 235 lb/acre (263.4 kg.·ha–1), which produced 610 cwt/acre (68.4 t·ha–1) with 77 lb/acre (86.3 kg·ha–1) inorganic-N in the profi le at harvest. The synchrony of N release and uptake for combined manure and fertilizer treatments may explain the effi cient N uptake observed. Common soil types and weather scenarios in Michigan were simulated and indigenous soil N mineralization was predicted to be 6 lb/acre (6.7 kg·ha–1) inorganic-N in the topsoil at planting, similar to observed levels. The increasing aeration associated with a sandy versus a sandy loam soil only slightly increased the predicted rate of mineralization from organic inputs. Simulated soil inorganic N levels with different organic inputs was modestly increased in a warm spring [4.5 °F (2.50 °C) over normal temperatures] compared to a cool spring (–4.5 °F less than normal temperatures). For Michigan irrigated potato systems, DSSAT simulations indicate that the most important factor determining inorganic N supply will be the quality and quantity of organic inputs, not environmental conditions.
Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties of SrC4H4O6•4H2O Single Crystals

Single crystals of strontium tartrate tetrahydrate, SrC4H4O6·4H2O, were grown at 308 K by a gel method using silica gel as the medium of growth. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on the single crystals. The space group symmetry (orthorhombic P212121) and the structural parameters were determined at room temperature. The O–H–O hydrogen-bonded network formed between adjacent C4H4O6 molecules was found to extend along the a-axis. Weight losses due to thermal decomposition of SrC4H4O6·4H2O occurred in the temperature range of 350– 1200 K. The weight losses during decomposition were suggested to be caused by the evaporation of bound water molecules and the evolution of H2CO, 1/2O2, and 2CO gases. The chalky white substance remaining in the open vessel after decomposition was strontium oxide, SrO.
Factors affecting the catch rates and relative abundance of sea snakes in the by-catch of trawlers targeting tiger and endeavour prawns on the northern Australian continental shelf

A total of 4378 sea snakes (14 species; 5 unidentified specimens) were collected from 21 082 h of sampling effort by trawlers of the Northern Prawn Fishery. Most species (12) were collected from the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. Hydrophis elegans and Disteira major were caught frequently in all areas. The catch rates of H. elegans and Lapemis hardwickii were highest in the eastern gulf and in depths of 31–40 and 27% of specimens from most areas. Other species that represented ≥20% of specimens from one or more areas were: L. hardwickii, H. ornatus, D. major and Aipysurus eydouxii. Catch rates of all species of snakes combined did not differ significantly between 1984–86 and 1989–90, and were moderately high around Groote Eylandt where the fishery is centred. Most by-catch species occur in areas that are not subjected to extensive trawling, and there are no data to suggest that this fishery seriously threatens any population of sea snake. However, sea snakes may be more vulnerable to trawler-induced effects than most other by-catch species, and formal assessment of the status of populations is needed.
Activation of Toll‐like receptor 9 inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐ B ligand expression in rat B lymphocytes

B lymphocytes express multiple TLRs that regulate their cytokine production. We investigated the effect of TLR4 and TLR9 activation on receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) expression by rat spleen B cells. Splenocytes or purified spleen B cells from Rowett rats were cultured with TLR4 ligand Escherichia coli LPS and/or TLR9 ligand CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG‐ODN) for 2 days. RANKL mRNA expression and the percentage of RANKL‐positive B cells were increased in rat splenocytes challenged by E. coli LPS alone. The increases were less pronounced when cells were treated with both CpG‐ODN and E. coli LPS. Microarray analysis showed that expressions of multiple cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) pathway‐related genes were up‐regulated only in cells treated with both E. coli LPS and CpG‐ODN. This study suggests that CpG‐ODN inhibits LPS‐induced RANKL expression in rat B cells via regulation of the CDK pathway.