Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in the male reproductive system of pacific coast garter snakes

Knowledge of the details of the reproductive processes of reptiles is gradually accumulating. L41thongh this class had been largely neglected by the early students of vei.tebi*ate reproduction, there are scattered through the literature of the last 50 years many papers dealing with the morphological aspects and the cyclic nature of reptilian reproduction. In spite of these many papers there is still much that is not uiiderstood concerning tlic external and internal factors ITsponsible for the cyclic nature of reproduction in reptiles. Iiivestigations of the seasonal fluctuations in various parts of the reproductive system of several species of lizards, snakes, and turtles have revealed interesting species differences. Fo r a more complete understandiiig of reptilian reproduction it would appear that detailed descriptions of the seasonal changes of many species aye desirable. Comparisoiis of closely I-elated species and subspecies a s well as distantly related forms may reveal significant facts about the nature of the annual rhythms. The common garter make (Thanznopliis) appeared to be an excellent subject for such a study since there are several species and subspecies of this genus which caii be obtained with relative ease during the niajor part of the year
High levels of genetic diversity in populations of Iris aphylla L. (Iridaceae), an endangered species in Poland

We used RAPDs (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs) to investigate genetic diversity and its partition within and between three populations of Iris aphylla in Poland. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) of 84 distinct RAPD multiband genotypes revealed higher variation within populations (77.2%) than genetic differentiation between them (22.8%, P < 0.002). Values of genetic diversity indices (H) were similar in all three sites (0.21–0.24). The differentiation of the populations corresponded to low average gene flow (Nm = 0.81). Our results indicated that genetic diversity was independent of population size. We concluded that although sexual reproduction and gene flow between populations of I. aphylla were very limited, they preserved high levels of genetic diversity. Relatively large number of seeds, which migrated in the past to populations, as well as patterns of reproduction and life history of I. aphylla may explain this situation. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 142, 65–72.
Characterization of Canadian and European Melanconium from some Alnus species by morphological, cultural, and biochemical studies

Melanconium apiocarpum (anamorph of Melanconis alni), Melanconium marginale (anamorph of Melanconis marginalis), and other Melanconium species isolated from healthy and diseased tissues of Alnus species in Canada, England, and Switzerland were compared by means of morphological, cultural, and biochemical techniques, and the results were analyzed by numerical methods. No differences were recorded between symptomless endophytes and disease syndrome associated isolates of M. apiocarpum, although European and Canadian isolates could be consistently and clearly differentiated by protein profiles and cellulose utilization patterns. On the basis of cultural and biochemical characters as well as conidia morphology, M. apiocarpum and M. marginale are distinct species. Two intraspecific groups of M. marginale, particular to separate Alnus species, were identified. Melanconium isolates from Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur are clearly distinct from those on Alnus. Key words: Melanconium, Melanconis, Alnus, numerica.
Modulation of Ovarian Carcinoma Tumor Marker CA-125 by γ-Interferon

Interferons are known to modulate several cellular functions by the induction of different proteins. In our study a γ-interferon-mediated presentation of one of the most important ovarian tumor markers (CA-125) on the cell surface was demonstrated using two ovarian carcinoma cell lines in vitro (HTB-77 and SKOV-3). This induction was found to be dependent on an intact protein biosynthesis. The γ-interferon effect reached a maximum on the third day of treatment. Under such conditions the CA-125 concentration was increased intracellularly, on the cell surface, and in the supernatant culture medium. The surface antigen was shed rapidly with a half-life of 1 day. The addition of dexamethasone to γ-interferon treated HTB-77 cells improved CA-125 expression synergistically. HLA-DR and CA-125 expression was found to be regulated by interferons in different ways. The demonstration of CA-125 expression provides an important insight into the potential regulatory mechanism governing this tumor marker. Since interferons are naturally occurring substances as well as therapeutically administered agents, it seems necessary to pay attention to possible tumor marker modulation.
Diversity analysis of bacterial community in midguts of larvae of the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), with different levels of resistance to insecticides.

Bacterial community in midguts of larvae of four populations of the striped stem borer,Chilo suppressalis,with different levels of resistance to insecticides was detected and analyzed using PCR-DGGE and 16S rDNA libraries.The bioassay showed that compared to the susceptible strain,the Heilongjiang population(HLJ population),the Lianyungang population(LYG population) had low to middle resistance level to monosultap,chlorpyrifos and triazophos,the Rui' an population(RA population) and Zhuji population(ZJ population) had middle to very high resistance level to the above three insecticides, and the latter three populations all were susceptible to avermectins.DNA sequence analysis indicated that the PCR-amplified 16S rDNA genes represented 21 bacteria phylotypes,and most of them belonged to the genus Streptococcus.Bacterial community in larval midgut of four different resistant populations was mainly the genus Enterococcus,except that the dominant bacteria in ZJ population were Lactococcus garvieae,L.lactissubsplactis and Ochrobactrum anthropic.The DGGE profiles demonstrated that the bands of HLJ population were simple,those of LYG population were the most abundant,and the band richness of ZJ population was similar to that of RA population.The common bacteria in the four populations were Enterococcus faecium,E.hirae and Arthrobacter sp. ,and the main bacteria were the genus Enterococcus.The results suggest that there is difference in bacterial abundance in larval midgut of C.suppressalis with different levels of resistance to insecticides,which may be related to the difference of resistance to insecticides among different populations of C.suppressalis.
Managing open habitats by wild ungulate browsing and grazing: A case-study in North-Eastern Germany

Question: Can wild ungulates efficiently maintain and restore open habitats? Location: Brandenburg, NE Germany. Methods: The effect of wild ungulate grazing and browsing was studied in three successional stages: (1) Corynephorus canescens-dominated grassland; (2) ruderal tall forb vegetation dominated by Tanacetum vulgare; and (3) Pinus sylvestris-pioneer forest. The study was conducted over 3 yr. In each successional stage, six paired 4 m2-monitoring plots of permanently grazed versus ungrazed plots were arranged in three random blocks. Removal of grazing was introduced de novo for the study. In each plot, percentage cover of each plant and lichen species and total cover of woody plants was recorded. Results: Wild ungulates considerably affected successional pathways and species composition in open habitats but this influence became evident in alteration of abundances of only a few species. Grazing effects differed considerably between successional stages: species richness was higher in grazed versus ungrazed ruderal and pioneer forest plots, but not in the Corynephorus sites. Herbivory affected woody plant cover only in the Pioneer forest sites. Although the study period was too short to observe drastic changes in species richness and woody plant cover, notable changes in species composition were still detected in all successional stages. Conclusion: Wild ungulate browsing is a useful tool to inhibit encroachment of woody vegetation and to conserve a species-rich, open landscape.
Water mites (Hydrachnidia) from the Neman River (Belarus), some of its tributaries and riverine reservoirs

137 species of water mites were collected in the middle flow region of the Neman River. The most numerous species were: Lebertiainsignis, Hygrobatescalliger, Limnesiaundulata, Hydrodromadespiciensand Sperchonclupeifer. The most frequently occurring species, both in samples and in sites, was Hydrachnaglobosa. 34 species were found in the Neman River, 36 in small tributaries, 68 in large tributaries, 77 in oxbow lakes and 15 in temporary reservoirs. It is believed that the abundance and species diversity of water mites in the Neman River is low because of the low pH value of the water. The water mites are concentrated in the Neman tributaries and oxbow lakes.
Diversity and ecology of algae in the Algeti National Park as a part of the Georgian system of protected areas

Algal communities from the Algeti National Park in eastern Georgia were studied between 2005 and 2008. The algal species diversity comes from 77 algological samples and includes 315 species and infraspecies, which belong to 7 taxonomical divisions. Of these findings, 295 species are reported for the first time in the Algeti National Park and 9 of them are new for Georgia. The most abundant are diatoms, with 220 species. Communities were dominated by Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kutz. (Chlorophyta), Spirogyra sp. (Charophyta), Ulnaria ulna (Nitzsch) Compere (diatom), and Phormidium autumnale (C.Agardh) R.Trevis. ex Gomont (Cyanobacteria). The index of species diversity per area in the Algeti is 6.89. The comparative floristic and statistical analysis of algal communities from Algeti and 13 other Georgian Natural Reserves, altogether 1063 species, divides the communities into groups of less than or more than 200 species, with diatom or nondiatom domination that correlates with climatic variables. The species diversity in the natural reserves increases from the Black Sea coast to the east, a movement that corresponds to a similar increase in altitude. In this study, 3 floristic groups are recognized: mountainous areas, lowlands, and piedmonts. The most species-rich communities are found in extreme environments. A correlation of algal diversity with environmental conditions shows that the altitude-dependent regional climatic variables and the lowest winter air temperature in particular, are the major factors. The index of infraspecies variation in each reserve is a small range (1.01-1.15) and shown to be a result of constant altitude combined with seasonal climatic fluctuations. The diversity indices and bioindication analysis reflect a moderate level of anthropogenic disturbance for the protected areas.
A stable Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli GFP‐tagged strain reveals a new colonization niche in sugarcane tissues

Ratoon stunting disease (RSD), caused by the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), is one of the most economically important diseases of sugarcane worldwide. Because knowledge on the interaction of Lxx with its host at the microscopic level is limited, the development of tools to monitor Lxx during the colonization process could shed new light on the processes that control disease development. In this investigation, a transformation protocol was optimized and a mutant Lxx strain engineered that stably expressed the gfp gene in sugarcane tissues. In vitro, the growth of the mutant did not differ from that of the wild type. Also, plants inoculated with both strains showed comparable growth and development when analysed 180 days after inoculation (dai). Fluorescence microscopy of roots, stalks, meristems and leaf tissues of Lxx-GFP-inoculated plants was performed at 180 dai. In the leaves, Lxx-tagged cells were observed within the xylem vessels as has been described before but, in addition, they were found in a new niche within the host tissues, in the mesophyll and in the bundle sheath cells surrounding the vascular system. This finding indicates that Lxx is able to move from the xylem to the parenchyma of the leaf cells. This first report of an Lxx mutant expressing a heterologous gene revealed that colonization of sugarcane by this pathogen is not limited to the xylem vessels as commonly reported.
A mtDNA phylogeny of bustards (family Otididae) based on nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome b-gene

Phylogenetic relationships of the bustard generaOtis, Ardeotis, Afrotis, Chlamydotis, Eupodotis, Lophotis, andTetrax were inferred from nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochromeb gene (1143 bp). Otis/Chlamydotis, Ardeotis/Eupodotis meppellii, andLophotis/Tetrax cluster as sibling taxa both in MP and ML reconstructions. The genusEupodotis appears to be polyphyletic. In the genusChlamydotis two distinct groups are apparent,C. u. undulata/C. u. fuertaventurae andC. u. macqueenii. In the case of Cm.macqueenii birds from Sinai show a distinct haplotype. Because of substantial genetic, morphological and behavioural differences, it is suggested attributing species rank toC. undulata undC. macqueenii.
Cryopreservation of Mouse Spermatozoa

To examine the effect of seeding to induce ice formation during cryopreservation on their survival, spermatozoa from B6D2F1 mice were cooled to and held at −4°C for 30 min in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone, in egg yolk-supplemented PBS, or in PBS with raffinose + glycerol as cryoprotective additives (CPAs). Seeding and holding spermatozoa at −4°C did not affect their viability as judged by vital staining. Egg yolk protected spermatozoa against chilling injury, as cooling them to −4°C in the presence of egg yolk yielded higher survivals than those cooled without egg yolk (34.4 ± 3.4 v 9.0 ± 1.3% in three replicates of >400 spermatozoa/replicate). To study effects of seeding on their fertilizing ability, spermatozoa in the raffinose–glycerol–egg yolk solution were frozen to −196°C either without seeding or after seeding at −4°C. Development of 222 oocytes into two-cell embryos afterin vitrofertilization (IVF) with spermatozoa frozen without seeding was 43%; development rates of 186, 186, and 207 oocytes after IVF with spermatozoa frozen after seeding and being held at −4°C for 5, 10, or 30 min were 46, 44, and 9%, respectively. In a direct comparison, after IVF with seeded or unseeded spermatozoa the respective cleavage rates into two-cell embryos were 83% of 275 oocytes and 69% of 304 oocytes, a difference that was small but significant by χ2analysis. An additional 925 oocytes were fertilized with spermatozoa after being seeded and frozen to −196°C in four separate batches of CPA solutions. Overall, after IVF with frozen sperm, 68% of those oocytes cleaved into two-cell embryos and 59% developed into 544 blastocysts. Based on these results, we concluded that embryo production by IVF seemed to be improved using spermatozoa frozen after being seeded. Mouse spermatozoa cryopreserved by the method described here are capable of fertilizing oocytes at a rather high rate.
Post-Mortem Softening of Fish Muscle during Chilled Storage as Affected by Bleeding

Bleeding caused the delay of muscle softening in yellowtail, horse mackerel, and striped jack, which are pelagic fish. Conversely, bleeding had no influence on the muscle firmness of red sea bream, flatfish, and rudder-fish, which are demersal fish. Transmission electron microscopy showed delay of degradation of pericellular collagen fibrils in bled yellowtail and horse mackerel. Striped jack showed slower weakening of the pericellular connective tissue in a compression test. However, the demersal fish had no structural difference due to bleeding. These results indicate that removal of blood could delay collagen fibril degradation and muscle softening of pelagic fish.
Maximum handling size, prey size and type selection by snakehead (Channa argus) feeding on juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Laboratory predation trials were conducted to investigate maximum handling size, prey size and type selection by small (35-37cm in total length, L-T), medium (43-46cm L-T) and larger (58-60cm L-T) snakehead (Channa argus) when feeding on a wide size (9-34mm in carapace width, C-W) range of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). The maximum handling size of predator feeding on crabs monotonically increased with predator L-T and mouth gape width, G(W). Snakehead with at least 16.0cm L-T or 27.7mm G(W) would be capability to consume the smallest size group of crabs, whereas the predator with 72.6cm L-T or 63.4mm G(W) would be capability to consume all size groups of crabs in these trails. Prey-size selection trials showed that snakehead has a high preference to the small-sized crabs, and lower preference to the medium or large size crabs. The preference index was significantly affected by prey size and prey size x predator size interaction, however, was not affected by predator size. In prey type experiments, snakehead consumed lower proportions of juvenile crabs when fed on the crab and crucian carp than when fed on only the crab, which suggests alternative fish prey may reduce predation risk of the crab by snakehead in nature. These results could be useful for improving the fishery management and release strategies for the crab.
Analysis of the hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, distribution in a Mediterranean fragmented woodland

Abstract The hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, distribution was investigated in a fragmented woodland of central Italy. In order to understand the effects of habitat fragmentation and forest structure on this species its presence‐absence was analysed in 38 forest fragments, in relation to several parameters, i.e., the wood‐lot area and isolation, floristic diversity, tree diameter and height, number of vegetation strata, and vegetation density. The human activities practised in the various forest fragments, such as forest management and grazing by domestic cattle, were also recorded. The surveys were conducted by using two different methods, i.e., the hair‐tubing technique, and the searching for hazel dormouse nests. Hair‐tubing confirmed hazel dormouse presence in all woodlots positively checked by nest searching, while this technique failed to detect the species in nine woodlots positively surveyed by using hair‐tubes. Our results indicated that in grazed woodlots M. avellanarius was likely to be absent, while no evidence was found about its preference for a given type of forest management, although its incidence was higher in coppices than in high forests. However, in the four more intensively managed woodlots, the hazel dormouse was always absent, while it was present in the three remaining high forests. Woodlots with more diversified undergrowth were more favourable to the species, while in forest fragments with conspicuous mean tree diameter and height it was likely to be absent. Woodlots well connected with hedgerows were associated with higher probabilities in finding the hazel dormouse, while no evident correlation between its presence and woodlot area was found.
A new classification of the genus Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtaceae)

A new formal classification of the genus Eucalyptus is presented. It divides the genus into seven polytypic subgenera: E. subg. Angophora, E. subg. Corymbia, E. subg. Blakella, E. subg. Eudesmia, E . subg. Symphyomyrtus, E. subg. Minutifructa and E. subg. Eucalyptus, and six monotypic subgenera: E. subg. Acerosa, E. subg. Cruciformes, E. subg. Alveolata, E. subg. Cuboidea, E. subg. Idiogenes and E. subg. Primitiva. The system is intentionally phylogenetic, proceeding from the generally assumed primitive ‘apples’ (E. subg. Angophora) and bloodwoods (E. subg. Corymbia) to the most advanced and modified group, the monocalypts (E. subg. Eucalyptus). The genus Corymbia Hill & Johnson is subsumed under Eucalyptus and is represented by E. subg. Corymbia (the bloodwoods) and E. subg. Blakella (the ghostgums). New infrageneric taxa are diagnosed and their names typified, while brief digests in English are given for established taxa. Three species of the former genus Angophora have names with epithets preoccupied by names of other Eucalyptus species and new names are presented for them. The study is introduced by a brief historical summary of previous work in Eucalyptus, an apologia for the inclusion of Angophora, the reason for requirement of a new classification and notes on the nomenclature used. A new infrageneric rank, ‘supraspecies’, is introduced and is intentionally divorced in application (as a rank) from the similar sounding ‘superspecies’. All species recognised by the author are named and assigned in this system.
The Reproductive Biology of Forkbeard, Phycis phycis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Phycidae) in the Adriatic Sea (Croatia)

The forkbeard, Phycis phycis (Linnaeus, 1766), is a species widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea and although it is of great importance for fishing industry, little is known about its reproductive characteristics. This study provides first data on reproductive characteristics of this species in the Mediterranean, important for management and stock assessment. For this purpose a total of 550 individuals ranging from 19.9 to 45.8 cm in total length were collected monthly in a period of one year using trammel nets. Sex ratio of males to females was 0.62:1. The estimated length where 50% of analysed individuals were sexually mature was 30.98 cm for females and 32.98 cm males. The peak value of gonadosomatic index was recorded in November and continued throughout the December, indicating the highest spawning activity. This period is characterized by presence of oocytes with migrated nucleus and yolk coalesces in ovary and spermatozoa in testes.
The reproductive biology of Common frog (Rana temporaria) populations from different altitudes in northern England

The study investigated the ecophysiological differences between populations of the Common frog(Rana temporaria L.) from different altitudes in northern England. Frog embryos in upland northern ponds experience very low temperatures during the period of embryonic development. These embryos were found to have a lower lethal limit for 50% normal development of2–8 °C, compared with3–8 °C for lowland embryos. These values are below most of the lower limiting temperature estimates previously obtained for R. temporaria. Embryos from upland ponds developed faster at low temperatures than embryos from lowland ponds. This may be an adaptation to the shorter growing season and lower temperatures at higher altitudes. Upland female frogs were found to be shorter and produced fewer eggs than lowland females. The differences found between lowland and upland frogs are discussed in terms of their potential adaptive significance.
Dental Morbid Condition of Hunter-Gatherers on Okinawa Island during the Middle Period of the Prehistoric Shell Midden Culture and of Agriculturalists in Northern Kyushu during the Yayoi Period

Based on morphological data from bones and teeth, Yayoi people in northern Kyushu are thought to have been immigrants or their descendants. They or their ascendants are thought to have introduced agriculture, especially rice growing to Japan. During the middle period of the prehistoric shell midden culture on Okinawa island, equivalent to the latest Jomon and early Yayoi period, the subsistence of Okinawa islander is thought to have been hunting and gathering. In the present study, the dental morbid condition of the hunter-gatherers and the agriculturalists is compared. As reported in previous studies, the carious teeth ratio of the agriculturalists was found to be higher than that of the hunter-gatherers. Moreover, the missing teeth and tooth root caries, those are thought to have been caused by peripheral periodontal disease, abruptly increased in the elder agriculturalists in the samples studied. Therefore, peripheral periodontal disease is thought to have spread to agriculturalists in northern Kyushu during the Yayoi period.