Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation of the Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) Leucocyte Profiles and Body Condition in Relation to Age, Sex and Moult

Birds of different sex and age are known to differ in morphology and physiology. We investigated leucocyte profiles and body condition of the Savi's warbler (Locustella luscinioides) in relation to sex, age and moulting status. We caught birds during the post-breeding period at the stopover site in northern Poland. Of the leucocyte profiles, we examined the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L), and the number of leucocytes, lymphocytes and heterophils per 10 000 red blood cells (RBC). We found a significant effect of the pentad × age interaction on the H/L ratio. In adults, body condition (BC, size-adjusted body mass) was similar in both sexes. Among adults, females had higher numbers of leucocytes and heterophils per 10 000 RBC and a lower relative number of lymphocytes compared to males. It is possible that subtle sex differences in parental care at the end of the breeding period account for these differences. They may be too subtle to affect BC, but are visible at some leucocyte variables. Moreover, BC of adults decreased with date, indicating the presence of migratory birds using our study area as a stopover site. Moulting adults had higher numbers of all leucocytes and lower H/L values than unmoulted individuals, suggesting a lack of trade-off between the immune system and moulting.
Plant growth promoting activity of nickel tolerant Bacillus cereus TS1

Microorganisms are an important component of the soil and play a key role in plant health and nutrition. Many soil bacteria can trigger plant growth through direct effects such as IAA production and phosphate solubilization. Plant growth promotion by these bacteria also contributes to indirect effects such as the biocontrol of soil borne fungal pathogens through siderophore mediated competition for iron, antibiosis, hydrolytic enzyme production or the induction of systemic resistance in the plant host (Lateef
Sperm and Spermatozeugma Ultrastructure in the Inseminating Catfish, Trachelyopterus lucenai (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae)

Abstract This study presents details of the ultrastructure of the spermatozeugmata and spermatozoa of the South American catfish, Trachelyopterus lucenai, an inseminating species. Spermatozoa are tightly packaged into unencapsulated bundles, spermatozeugmata, with as many as 130 cells comprising a single packet. Within an individual spermatozeugma, cells are aligned side by side such that the anterior region of the bundle is comprised of nuclei, the middle region midpieces, and the posterior region flagella. Integrity of the packet appears to be maintained by specialized junctions between adjacent cells along their entire lengths. Each spermatozoon is characterized by an elongate nucleus containing condensed chromatin and a fossa at the posterior end. The elongate midpiece contains multiple mitochondria, abundant glycogen deposits, and accessory microtubules that run along the length of the midpiece. The ultrastructural modifications of the spermatozoa are discussed as possible adaptations associated with the reproductive mode of insemination.
Preliminary phytochemical screening and ethnomedicinal uses of Teucrium stocksianum from Malakand Division

The extracts of Teucrium stocksianum were screened for secondary metabolites by using methanol, chloroform and n-hexane solvents. The methanolic extracts gave positive results for alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroid, reducing sugar, terpenoid, anthraquinone, phlobatannin and glycoside. In the case of chloroform, alkaloids, tannins, reducing sugar, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoid were present and anthraquinone, glycoside, phlobatannin, steroid were found to be absent, while n- hexane extracts contained tannins, reducing sugar, flavonoids and failed to detect alkaloids, anthraquinone, glycoside, phlobatannin and terpenoid. This paper highlights the significance of plant in traditional medicine and distribution of various chemical constituents with respect to Malakand Division, Pakistan. Key words: Teucrium stocksianum, secondary metabolites, traditional medicine, phytochemical constituents.
The Association of Social Relations and Depression Levels among Dominicans in the United States

This study examined the relationship between perceived levels of social support and non-supportive interactions on the depression levels of 82 low-income, Dominican-born adults living in the United States. It was found that there was a significant and positive correlation between perceived levels of social support and nonsupportive interactions. This relationship suggests that Dominicans who report more supportive interactions are also more involved in nonsupportive relationships. It was also found that individuals who reported more social support experienced lower levels of depression. However, non-supportive interactions were not related with depressive levels.
Three New Species of the Family Neolepetopsidae (Patellogastropoda) from Hydrothermal Vents and Whale Falls in the Northeastern Pacific

Abstract Three new northeastern Pacific species of the deep-sea limpet family Neolepetopsidae are described. One (Paralepetopsis tunnicliffae) is from the hydrothermal vent habitat, and two (Paralepetopsis clementensis and Neolepetopsis nicolasensis) are from whale bone. This is the first record of the genus Paralepetopsis from the eastern Pacific, and the first record of the family from whale bone, in contrast to all previous records from hydrothermal vents and seeps. The family Neolepetopsidae joins the cocculiniform Pyropeltidae in its occurrence in the vent/seep habitat and the whale-fall habitat. Unlike the Pyropeltidae, in which species may occur in both the vent/seep and the whale-fall habitat, the two new neolepetopsid species in the whale-fall habitat are not the same as the species in the nearest vent/seep habitats.
Susceptibility of Maize Grains to Storage Insects

Grains of seven elite maize genotypes were evaluated for their comparative resistance to lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F). and Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) on free choice basis under laboratory conditions (28±2°C and 60±5% RH). Progeny of emerging adults and weight loss of grains were taken as parameters to check resistance. The results indicated that adult progeny of both species and weight loss of grains were significantly low in White Monsanto ex-Cargil and Yellow Pioneer. However, significantly high number of adults were developed in yellow 2303, Waxy and Yellow 6525 Cargil with higher weight loss of grains. The correlation between adult progeny and grain weight loss in maize genotypes was significantly positive. Whereas the correlation between progeny of insect species was non-significant showing their independent development. The results suggested that resistant varieties could be incorporated in maize breeding programme to decrease the postharvest losses of grains.
Influence of Food Deprivation on Foraging Decisions of the Parasitoid Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Abstract As adults, many parasitoid wasps require carbohydrates for reproduction and self-maintenance. Consequently, many adult female parasitoids that require carbohydrate foods located at a distance from host patches face a trade-off between searching for hosts and food. In a series of experiments using a Y-tube olfactometer, we explored how hunger affects the foraging decisions of Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson), a parasitoid of alfalfa weevil larvae. In particular, we tested whether an unfed parasitoid female is more likely to search for food while a fed female is more likely to initiate host-searching by first orienting to odors from the plants on which the host insect feeds. When offered a choice between odors of the weevil’s host plant foliage (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.) and a flower commonly found in the alfalfa field habitat (dandelion, Taraxacum officinale Weber), unfed female wasps preferred the floral odor and fed wasps preferred odors of the host plant. The wasps preferred odors of inflorescences of dandelion over those of phacelia, Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham, a plant not found in alfalfa fields. Both fed and unfed wasps, however, responded positively to phacelia odor when offered against a control. When the wasps were given the choice between phacelia flowers and alfalfa foliage, neither unfed nor fed wasps expressed a preference for either odor. An important consideration in introduction and conservation of parasitoids in biological control is a parasitoid’s varying responsiveness to host-habitat and floral odors as influenced by physiological state.
Tutorial: RNA-seq differential expression & pathway analysis with Sailfish, DESeq2, GAGE, and Pathview

This tutorial1 shows an example of RNA-seq data analysis with DESeq2, followed by KEGG pathway analysis using GAGE. Using data from GSE37704, with processed data available on Figshare DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare. 1601975. This dataset has six samples from GSE37704, where expression was quantified by either: (A) mapping to to GRCh38 using STAR then counting reads mapped to genes with featureCounts under the union-intersection model, or (B) alignment-free quantification using Sailfish, summarized at the gene level using the GRCh38 GTF file. Both datasets are restricted to protein-coding genes only. Here I’ll use the Sailfish gene-level estimated counts.
Glyphosate Systems for Weed Control in Glyphosate-Tolerant Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)1

Field studies were conducted at three locations in North Carolina to evaluate clomazone preemergence (PRE) in glyphosate-tolerant cotton. Cotton was injured by fluometuron PRE at one location. Clomazone PRE controlled common ragweed, goosegrass, large crabgrass, and prickly sida better than trifluralin preplant incorporated (PPI). Trifluralin controlled Palmer amaranth better than clomazone. The addition of a late post-directed (LAYBY) treatment of cyanazine plus MSMA improved the control of goosegrass. Glyphosate at 0.8 kg ai/ha, used postemergence as needed, controlled tall morningglory and entireleaf morningglory at least 84%. Common ragweed was controlled with all herbicides, except trifluralin PPI. Prickly sida was controlled 94% or greater in glyphosate-containing systems. Cotton yields and net returns were similar for all glyphosate systems, regardless of soil-applied herbicides and LAYBY treatment options. Nomenclature: Clomazone; cyanazine; fluometuron; glyphosate; MSMA; trifluralin; common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. #3 AMBEL; entireleaf morningglory, Ipomoea hederacea var. integriuscula Gray # IPOHG; goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. # ELEIN; large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. # DIGSA; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S.Wats # AMAPA; prickly sida, Sida spinosa L. # SIDSP; tall morningglory, Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth # PHBPU; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Paymaster 1330RR’, ‘DP5415RR’. Additional index words: Economic analysis, herbicide-resistant crops. Abbreviations: ANS, as needed spray; DAP, days after planting; EPOST, early postemergence; fb, followed by; LAYBY, late post directed; POST, postemergence; POT, postemergence over-the-top; PPI, preplant incorporated; PRE, preemergence.
Distribution patterns of boreal marshland birds: modelling the relationships to land cover and climate

Aim The aims of this work were (1) to study how well land‐cover and climatic data are capable of explaining distribution patterns of ten bird species breeding and/or feeding primarily on marshes and other wetlands and (2) to compare the differences between red‐listed and common marshland species in explanatory variables, and to study the predictability of their distribution patterns.
Inbreeding, herbivory, and the transcriptome of Solanum carolinense

Both inbreeding and herbivory are common in flowering plants, and both are known to reduce fitness. Although inbreeding might also be expected to impact inducible and constitutive plant defenses against herbivores in a variety of ways, investigators have only recently begun to examine the effects of inbreeding on resistance to herbivores. Here, we examined the effects of inbreeding in horsenettle, Solanum carolinense L. (Solanaceae), on herbivore damage and reproductive output under field conditions. In addition, we employed the commercially available Affymetrix tomato (Solanum esculentum L.) microarray to explore changes in S. carolinense gene expression associated with feeding by Manduca sexta) (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) caterpillars on inbred and outbred horsenettle plants. We found that the inbred horsenettle plants experienced significantly greater herbivore damage in the field and exhibited only 11% of the seed production of outbred plants. Flea beetles and false potato beetles were the most abundant herbivores observed on the experimental plants, and both were observed significantly more often on inbred plants. The microarray‐generated transcriptomes of horsenettle revealed that the commercially available microarray chips can be reliably used with this important weed, that damage significantly up‐regulates many defense‐related genes, and that inbreeding depresses the expression of many genes especially those located in the jasmonic acid, ethylene, abscisic acid, and systemin‐mediated pathways that regulate the induction of defensive compounds and organic volatiles. Findings of the field study and the gene‐expression analysis are thus complementary, as the former demonstrates that inbreeding impacts plant resistance to herbivores, whereas the latter provides initial insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying these effects and their relationship to fitness.
Effect of planting time and spacing on growth and flower yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. African Yellow

To standardise the time of planting and sppcing of African Yellow marigold a field trial was conducted with five dates of planting viz. first date of May (D1), July (D2), September (D3), November (D4) and January (D5), and four levels of spacing viz. 30 cm × 20 cm (S1), 40 cm × 20 cm (S2), 30 cm × 30 cm (S3) and 40 cm × 30 cm (S4). Among different planting dates, May planting was not found beneficial, as the plants continued vegetative growth for a longer period and the flower yield was very low. On the contrary, September planting was the best for maximising the yield, closely followed by July planting. January and November plantings hastened the appearance of flower bud. Besides, the flower yield under the two planting dates was also much better than under May planting. This investigation also revealed that with the increase in spacing, the fresh weight of individual flower and the flower yield per plant were increased. The ma×imum yield of flowers/plant was obtained with September planting at a spacing of 40 cm × 30 cm.
Education, Earnings, and Inequality in Brazil, 1982-1998: Implications for Education Policy

The average Brazilian worker in 1998 had received more years of schooling than comparable workers in 1982. During the same period, Brazil went through a series of economic structural adjustment policies. This article investigates how these 2 simultaneous advances altered the relationship between labor market earnings and education. We find that the economic reward for staying in school for 1 more year fundamentally changed from 1982 to 1998. Returns to tertiary education increased sharply, whereas returns to primary and lower secondary education dropped, 26% and 35%, respectively. In the same time period, wage inequality was reduced. We argue that this reduction was linked to a reduction in returns to schooling and was only secondarily linked to a more equitable distribution of schooling. Moreover, our findings suggest that the available supply of highly skilled labor inadequately meets demand. Therefore, policy action aiming at increasing access and completion of tertiary education is desirable. An increased supply would improve prospects for both economic growth and reductions in wage inequality.
Response of Tomato Root Systems to Environmental Stress under Soilless Culture

We investigated the effects of root-zone environment, humidity around the roots and nutrient solution on the activity and morphology of tomato roots grown in wet-sheet culture (exposed to air) or deep flow technique (submerged in solution). Differences in root external and internal structure between treatment groups could be interpreted as adaptive responses to the root environment. The exposed roots could adapt more readily to extremes of temperature than those in the solution. Those adaptations occurred through short-term physiological responses and long-term additive morphological responses. We also evaluated the facilitating effects of the flow of nutrient solution on root respiration and nutrient uptake rate. Where the root system was split between humid air and nutrient solution, roots in the solution absorbed and supplied nitrogen more efficiently per dry weight than did roots in air. Split root systems between humid air and nutrient solution showed stable growth of tomato plants. Our observations of root plasticity will help the establishment of growing systems that support high yield and stable production.
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria: an alternate way to improve yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum).

In this research 198 isolates were collected from native soils of Pakistan and in vitro testing was done for Zn mobilizing activity. Three promising Zn solubilizers namely FA-2, FA-3, FA-4 and their consortium were tested under field conditions with four commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars viz. Inqlab 91, Chakwal-50, Lasani-08 and SH-2002. A significant increase of 54, 68, 57 and 46% in wheat Zn content over chemical Zn fertilizer was observed under all PGPR treatments. Low increase in grain Zn concentration of 6.5, 7.0, 15.2 and 12.5% was noticed over control by Zn fertilizer treatment with all four wheat genotypes. Various wheat genotypes showed different response with PGPR applications. Similarly, all three strains and their consortium increased wheat grain yield by 2.4, 0.7, 2.2 and 8.6% over chemical Zn fertilizer, respectively. The strains identified by 16S rRNA, gyrB and gyrA gene analysis were Serratia liquefaciens, S. marcescens and Bacillus thuringiensis. The present findings show that enhanced rate of PGPR colonization can improve grain yield and Zn content of wheat as compared to chemical Zn fertilizer. Co-inoculation of PGPR proved to have more potential of Zn mobilization towards grain. Maintaining suitable density of Zn mobilizers in the soil through field inoculation might be a promising strategy to enhance grain yield and Zn content of wheat. Commercial field application of this approach among farmers is recommended. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers
Evaluation of the quality of Dahi available in Sylhet Metropolitan City

The study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of Dahi available in Sylhet Metropolitan City. Dahi samples from five different Sweetmeat Shops namely Fulkoli, Banaful, Mohanlal, Modhuban and Shad were collected and analyzed. Significant difference in chemical (protein, fat, total solids, ash, acidity and pH) and microbiological status was found among different Dahi samples. Of the five Dahi Brands examined, Fulkoli Brand Dhai had the highest protein content (4.58 ± 0.24) and Shad Brand Dahi had the lowest protein content (4.01 ± 0.17). Fat content was highest in Fulkoli Brand (4.02 ± 0.13) and lowest in Shad Brand (2.10 ± 0.21). The highest total solids content was found in Dahi of Shad Brand (38.00 ± 2.23) and lowest total solids content was found in Banaful Brand Dahi (32.02 ±1.50). Highest Total Viable Count (log cfu/ml.) was recorded in the Dahi of Shad Brand (5.92±0.09) and lowest Total Viable Count was recorded in Mohanlal Brand Dahi (5.84±0.06). Coliform bacteria , Yeast and Mould were present in all the samples. From this experiment, it was found that Fulkoli Brand Dahi was the best in quality . Dahi of Banaful and Mohanlal were in 2nd and 3rd position in quality
Effect of hypoosmotic and thermal stress on gene expression and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the cinnamon clownfish, Amphiprion melanopus

We studied oxidative stress in cinnamon clownfish exposed to hypoosmotic (35 psu → 17.5 psu and 17.5 psu with prolactin (PRL)) and low temperature (28°C → 24°C and 20°C) conditions by measuring the expression and activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The expression and activity of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly higher after the fish were exposed to 24°C, 20°C, and 17.5 psu, and expression was repressed by PRL treatment. Furthermore, we measured H2O2 and lipid peroxidation levels and found that they were significantly higher after exposure to the hypoosmotic and low-temperature environments. Additionally, we investigated changes in plasma AST and ALT levels after exposure to low temperature and hypoosmotic stress. These levels increased upon exposure of the clownfish to 24°C, 20°C, and 17.5 psu, but the levels of these parameters decreased in the 17.5 psu with PRL treatment during a salinity change. The results indicate that hypoosmotic and low-temperature conditions induce oxidative stress in cinnamon clownfish and that the parameters tested in this study may be indices of oxidative stress in the cinnamon clownfish.
Spatial Relationships of Male Green Frogs (Rana clamitans) throughout the Activity Season

Abstract The spatial relationships exhibited by individuals in a population may indicate their social organization. In territorial species interactions between individuals should lead to maximal spacing in a uniform pattern. Using nearest neighbor distances (NND), I tested for territoriality in the green frog (Rana clamitans) by determining if males were uniformly dispersed within breeding choruses. Observed dispersion patterns were not consistent with territoriality. Males were randomly dispersed on all seven nights during the breeding period, four of five nights during the nonbreeding period and uniformly dispersed on one night during the nonbreeding period. Dispersion did not differ between periods although density was higher and NND was smaller during the breeding period. There was also no correlation between male size and NND. The disparity of my results might be explained by differences in male density and resource distribution and its effect on habitat quality since these factors influence behavior and spacing. Alternatively, uniform spacing may not be a reliable characteristic of territoriality.
Does Disappointing European Productivity Growth Reflect a Slowing Trend? Weighing the Evidence and Assessing the Future

In the years since the Great Recession, many observers have highlighted the slow pace of labor and total factor productivity (TFP) growth in advanced economies. This paper focuses on the European experience, where we highlight that trend TFP growth was already low in the runup to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). This suggests that it is important to consider factors other than just the deep crisis itself or policy changes since the crisis. After the mid-1990s, European economies stopped converging, or even began diverging, from the U.S. level of TFP. That said, in contrast to the United States, there is some macroeconomic evidence for some northern European countries that the GFC had a further adverse impact on TFP growth. Still, the challenges for economic policy look surprisingly similar to the ones discussed prior to the Great Recession, even if the policy implications seem less clear.