Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental nutrition in the soft coral Alcyonium digitatum (Cnidaria: Octocorallia): removal rate of phytoplankton and zooplankton

Nutrition experimentale du corail mou Alcyonium digitatum (Cnidaria: Octocorallia): taux de prelevement de phytoplancton et de zooplancton. Le corail mou Alcyonium digitatum, un suspensivore passif, est l'une des trois especes dominantes du peuplement macrobenthique des cailloutis du detroit du Pas de Calais (Manche orientale). Deux series d'experiences sur la nutrition de A. digitatum ont ete realisees dans le cadre de l'etude des echanges entre la colonne d'eau et ce peuplement soumis a des courants de maree intenses. Un taux moyen de prelevement d'organismes issus de cultures phytoplanctoniques (Skeletonema costatum) ou zooplanctoniques (nauplii d'Artemia sp.) a d'abord ete calcule au cours d'experiences realisees en petit volume. Le taux de prelevement (± ecart-type) de zooplancton (0.79 ± 0.48 mg C g -1 h -1 ) etant beaucoup plus eleve que celui de phytoplancton (0.16 ± 0.07 mg C g -1 h -1 ), les nauplii d'Artemia sp. ont ensuite ete utilises dans des experiences realisees sous courant controle en canal hydrodynamique. Trois experiences, realisees sous des conditions moyennes de disponibilite de nourriture et de courant, sont presentees. Un taux moyen de prelevement de 0.64 ± 0.16 mg C g -1 h -1 a ete observe. Ces experiences montrent l'adequation de ce type d'approche pour caracteriser la nutrition de cette espece benthique en fonction du flux de particules nutritives et permettent d'evaluer le transfert de carbone organique de la colonne d'eau vers la population benthique.
The mitochondrial genome of the western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The complete 15,553 bp mitochondrial genome of the western bean cutworm, Stricosta albicosta, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was assembled from paired end Illumina HiSeq2500 read data. Annotation showed 13 predicted protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs have an order and orientation typical of insect mitochondrial genomes, and the derived rearrangement of tRNA-Met, -Ile and -Gln upstream of nad2 as in other Lepidoptera. A 79.3% A + T content resulted in a bias for codons with A or T in the 3rd position, and prevalence of synonymous substitutions suggest the effects of purifying selection on the mitochondrial genome sequence. Two microsatellite repeat motifs, (CA)10(AT)19 and (AT)12, are respectively located in intergenic spaces between tRNA-Glu and -Phe and tRNA-Leu and 16S rRNA. Mitochondrial phylogenomics was able to resolve sub-families within the Noctuidae, and suggest analogous analyses may be applicable across other lepidopteran Families.
Molecular dynamics simulations of wild type and mutant of Pin1 peptidyl-prolyl isomerase

Abstract Pin1 catalyses the intrinsically slow process of cis-trans isomerisation and has been identified as a possible drug target in many diseases. Recently, the wild type (WT) and the Cys113Asp mutant of the Pin1 peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) domain were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. In this article, the WT and Cys113Asp mutant of PPIase domain are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The structural stability analysis shows that the Cys113Asp mutation leads to the higher fluctuation of hydrophobic core in PPIase domain. The intrinsic correlated motions are important for the catalytic function of Pin1, whereas the Cys113Asp mutant system loses pivotal dynamical properties and develops wider conformational states than those in WT system. The intramolecular hydrogen bonds play crucial roles in the structural stability of PPIase domain. The mutated residue Asp113 attracts the side chain of His59 in the Cys113Asp system, which unbalances the internal interactions inside the catalytic tetrad. Meanwhile, the conformational changes of PPIase domain affect the side chain orientations of Lys63 and Arg69, which limit their binding with substrates. The Cys113Asp mutation destabilises the whole binding region of Pin1 PPIase domain, so the catalysis activity is severely reduced. These results are consistent with experimental studies and may help to understand the isomerisation mechanisms of Pin1.
Conversion of xylose to ethanol by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing genes for xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase from Pichia stipitis

A recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae, transformed with the genes encoding xylose reductase (XYL1) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XYL2) originated from Pichia stipitis CBS 5776, was developed to directly convert xylose to ethanol. A fed-batch fermentation with the recombinant yeast produced 8.7 g ethanol/l with a yield of 0.13 g ethanol/g xylose consumed.
The UK Nest Record Scheme: its value for science and conservation

Capsule A review of its methodology, analytical procedures and uses. Aims To provide a comprehensive review of the UK Nest Record Scheme (NRS), its methodology and value to science and conservation. Methods We reviewed the history of the development and current methodology used in the analysis of NRS data in the scientific literature and unpublished documents and from our personal knowledge. Results The British Trust for Ornithology's (BTO's) NRS is the largest, longest running and most highly computerized such scheme in the world. Advanced and efficient techniques of data gathering, data capture and analysis are used. It was founded in 1939 to provide information on the breeding biology of birds, but has since developed into a key component of the overall monitoring strategy for birds in the UK. A range of specialized analytical methods is available for NRS data and potential biases need careful treatment. More than 250 scientific publications have used NRS data to describe aspects of basic breeding biology and performance, to study the population dynamics of bird populations and to investigate the demographic causes of bird population declines in the UK. Conclusions Extensive long-term monitoring schemes, such as the NRS, that collate large historical data sets will become increasingly valuable for monitoring the impact of environmental change. While aspects of the NRS, its recording methods, data capture and analysis can be developed further, the scheme will continue to advance our understanding of both the impacts of new environmental stresses in the UK and the effectiveness of new conservation measures in the wider countryside. This has been amply demonstrated by its use for exploring the impacts of global climate change on the UK's avifauna.
Monitoring Photosynthesis to Measure Translocation of Bentazon in Common Cocklebur

The movement of biologically active levels of bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-(4) 3H-one 2,2-dioxide] was followed by monitoring photosynthetic activity of plant parts after application of the herbicide. Bentazon was applied to roots, stems, petioles, portions of the canopy, and portions of individual leaves of 4- to 24-day-old common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr.) at rates comparable to field application rates. Application of bentazon anywhere on the plant either slowed or stopped photosynthesis in leaves acropetal to the point of application. Contact of bentazon with stems, petioles or roots contributed to the phytotoxicity of the herbicide.
Scanning Snakes to Measure Condition: A Validation of Quantitative Magnetic Resonance

Abstract Body composition is a measure of an animal's energetic state that can inform many research fields, yet the analysis traditionally requires individuals to be killed, and chemical analysis is labor intensive. Quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) measures body composition noninvasively in live and nonanesthetized animals. Our aim was to validate QMR analysis for snakes by comparing it with gravimetric chemical analysis. We collected Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) and Eastern Massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) that were found dead on roads, analyzed their body composition using the QMR scanner, and then by gravimetric chemical analysis. We compared fat mass, wet lean mass, and total water mass between the two methods, and then calculated bias, absolute error (g), and relative error (%) of the QMR analysis. Body composition values from the QMR analyses were highly correlated with the values obtained by gravimetric chemical analysis. Bias and errors were reasonable for wet lean and total water mass values, but the raw QMR data overestimated fat mass. When we calibrated the QMR using the chemical extraction data, it nearly eliminated bias and greatly reduced absolute and relative error. Therefore, following calibration, QMR analysis is an effective method to measure body composition of snakes. QMR very accurately measures wet lean and total water masses and can be used to detect changes in fat mass particularly in longitudinal studies of individuals across seasons.
Reduced brain edema after traumatic brain injury in mice deficient in P‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1

Platelet (P‐) selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) mediate accumulation of neutrophils in brain. However, the mechanisms regulating neutrophil accumulation and damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are poorly defined. We hypothesized that mice deficient in both P‐selectin and ICAM‐1 (‐/–) would have decreased brain neutrophil accumulation and edema, and improved functional and histopathological outcome after TBI compared with wild‐type (+/+). In Protocol I, neutrophils and brain water content were quantified at 24 h after TBI. No difference in brain neutrophil accumulation was observed between groups; however, brain edema was decreased in dual P‐selectin and ICAM‐1 –/– (P < 0.05 vs. +/+ mice). In Protocol II, after TBI, tests of motor and memory function and histopathology were assessed over 21 days. No difference in motor or memory function or histopathological damage was observed between +/+ and –/– mice. A role for adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of brain edema independent of leukocyte accumulation in brain is suggested. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 160–168; 2000.
Magnetic alignment in warthogs Phacochoerus africanus and wild boars Sus scrofa

Magnetic alignment (MA) results from the preference of animals to align themselves along the field lines of the geomagnetic field, a behavioural expression of a magnetic sense. MA is well documented for ruminants and might demonstrate a general magnetic sensory ability among artiodactyls. We measured body-axis alignment in 1614 foraging or resting wild boars Sus scrofa, 1849 wild boar beds, and 1347 warthogs Phacochoerus africanus, and found a highly significant north–south preference. The magnetic field was the only common denominator of all observations. Thus, we provide the first data suggesting a magnetic sense in the Suidae.
Surveying Indiana Soybean for Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) and Analysis of SVNV on Life History Traits and Host Preference of Thrips Vectors

Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) is a new viral disease infecting soybean crops in the United States. Since its discovery in 2008, it has since spread to infect many states in the US and has also been detected in Ontario, Canada. SVNV has been identified as being a new virus in the genus Tospovirus , which are typically transmitted or vectored by thrips. Thrips species make up a large proportion of arthropods found in soybean fields, sometimes accounting for up to half of the arthropods collected. So far, only soybean thrips have been confirmed to transmit SVNV. However, eight other species of thrips are found in soybean fields, including eastern flower thrips and tobacco thrips. The goal of my thesis project is to improve our understanding of the plant pathogen, SVNV, and the thrips vectors of SVNV. There were two main objectives of the project. The first objective was to determine SVNV incidence and seasonal patterns of thrips abundance in soybean fields, and to determine the effects of weather on these two factors. SVNV was quite widespread during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons in Indiana. Virus incidence as well as thrips abundance showed seasonal patterns, with SVNV symptoms being detected in August, coinciding with the highest incidence of thrips. Weather parameters, such as degree day and rainfall index varied in their ability to predict the abundance of different species in the field. Cumulative degree day was the most useful parameter in predicting soybean, eastern flower, and tobacco thrips abundance using short term weather data. However, the rainfall index became more important in determining thrips abundance over the long term for soybean thrips. The second objective was to determine the life history traits of infected and uninfected soybean thrips as well as the life history traits of different species of thrips on soybean. Total fecundity was the only life history trait studied that showed a significant difference between SVNV-infected and –uninfected soybean thrips. However, this is the first report that shows that SVNV infection has a direct negative impact on soybean thrips vectors. Soybean thrips also showed the highest fecundity on soybean out of the three species studied. Outcomes of this study will increase the known information and understanding of population dynamics of SVNV and thrips vectors in the field, as well as the life history traits of known and potential vectors of SVNV, all of which will be beneficial in implementing management strategies to control the spread of SVNV.
Ground wētā in vines of the Awatere Valley, Marlborough: biology, density and distribution

ABSTRACT The endemic New Zealand ground wētā (Hemiandrus sp. ‘promontorius’) has a Naturally Uncommon conservation status. This is because of the paucity of information on its density and distribution. Here, the biology, density and distribution of a population of this wētā found in and around vineyards in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough was studied. Wētā density was assessed in vineyards, paddocks and shrublands in this valley. Soil moisture, penetration resistance, pH and organic matter were recorded at locations with and without wētā. Wētā density in vineyards was significantly higher than in either paddocks or shrub habitats. In vineyards, the density of this insect was significantly higher under-vines than in the inter-rows. Higher numbers of this wētā were found in moist soils that required lower force to burrow. Females laid an average of 55 eggs between March and April, which hatched in September. These findings highlight the intersection between agriculture and conservation.
Comparison of Visual Survey and Mark–Recapture Population Estimates of a Benthic Fish in Hawaii

AbstractVisual surveys are conducted to rapidly estimate population densities of stream fishes, often without calibration against more established or more widely used methods to determine precision and accuracy or to correct for potential biases. We compared population density estimates from a visual survey (VS) point quadrat method widely used in Hawaii with estimates from “in hand” individual and batch mark–recapture (BMR) methods. Visual survey sampling and individual mark–recapture (IMR) sampling were conducted in three watersheds that represent gradients of land use and prevalence of nonnative poeciliid fishes on the Island of Hawaii. Focusing on adult O‘opu Nākea Awaous stamineus, VSs were conducted prior to IMR events to allow direct comparisons of results independent of location and time. Density estimates of O‘opu Nākea from VS and IMR samplings were strongly correlated, although VS estimates were generally higher and underrepresented exceptionally large fish. Batch mark–recapture estimates of O‘.
Upregulated GIRK2 counteracts ethanol-induced changes in excitability & respiration in human neurons

Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of electroencephalographic endophenotypes for alcohol use disorder (AUD) has identified non-coding polymorphisms within the KCNJ6 gene. KCNJ6 encodes GIRK2, a subunit of a G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channel that regulates neuronal excitability. How changes in GIRK2 affect human neuronal excitability and the response to repeated ethanol exposure is poorly understood. Here, we studied the effect of upregulating KCNJ6 using an isogenic approach with human glutamatergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (male and female donors). Using multi-electrode-arrays, population calcium imaging, single-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, and mitochondrial stress tests, we find that elevated GIRK2 acts in concert with 7-21 days of ethanol exposure to inhibit neuronal activity, to counteract ethanol-induced increases in glutamate response, and to promote an increase intrinsic excitability. Furthermore, elevated GIRK2 prevented ethanol-dependent changes in basal and activity-dependent mitochondrial respiration. These data support a role for GIRK2 in mitigating the effects of ethanol and a previously unknown connection to mitochondrial function in human glutamatergic neurons. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major health problem that has worsened since COVID, affecting over 100 million people worldwide. While it is known that heritability contributes to AUD, specific genes and their role in neuronal function remain poorly understood, especially in humans. In the current manuscript, we focused on the inwardly-rectifying potassium channel GIRK2, which has been identified in an AUD-endophenotype genome-wide association study. We used human excitatory neurons derived from healthy donors to study the impact of GIRK2 expression. Our results reveal that elevated GIRK2 counteracts ethanol-induced increases in glutamate response and intracellular calcium, as well as deficits in activity-dependent mitochondrial respiration. The role of GIRK2 in mitigating ethanol-induced hyper-glutamatergic and mitochondrial offers therapeutic promise for treating AUD.
Genetic evaluation of seed traits from intraspecific crossing of genetically distinct watermelon varieties

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsumura and Nakai (Cucurbitaceae) is an important cucurbit crop worldwide. Global production of watermelon is about 90 million metric tonnes per annum, making it among the top five most consumed fresh fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate seed variability in different segregating populations, and determine heritability of traits of watermelon. Interspecific crosses were made between two cultivars of C. lanatus (Bebu and Wlewle Small Seeds (WSS) were performed at Research Station of Nangui Abrogoua University in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. There was wide variability between parental, F 1 , BC 1 (first generation of back-crossing) and F 2 seeds. Seeds of all hybrid populations were intermediate versus those of the parents. Also, crossing did not affect F 1 and F 2 seed characters, but affected those of BC1 because of maternal effects. Thus, back-crossing on Bebu cultivar produced seeds which looked like those of Bebu; while backcrossing on WSS cultivar produced seeds similar to those of WSS. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and individuals repartitioning revealed that Bebu and WSS cultivars were genetically distinct and showed three main groups: two groups from each parental line and one from a recombinant line (hybrids). F 2 population had a wide individual’s dispersion, and contained seeds of all other populations. High heritability was observed for all evaluated characters. Key Words : Citrullus lanatus , Cote d’Ivoire, heritability, hybrids
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Organic Acids and Enzymes on Productive and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chicks -

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different feed additives (Probiotics, Prebiotic, Synbiotic, Organic acids and Enzymes) on productive and economic efficiency of Cobb and Ross broiler breeds. The results showed that the highest body weight at 42 days of age was found for synbiotic and organic acid groups for Cobb breed (2050 and 2105.70 gm, respectively). Cobb breed showed higher body weight than Ross breed from the first day of age till the end of experiment. The value of total return was the highest for organic acid groups of both Cobb and Ross breed (L.E 27.72 and 27.41, respectively) and for Synbiotic groups (L.E 27.0 and 27.26 respectively), while the lowest value was found for the enzyme group of Cobb breed (L.E 25.16). The value of net profit was the highest for synbiotic group of Ross breed and organic acid group of Cobb breed (L.E 5.35 and 4.95 /chicken, respectively). On the basis of our results, it would be concluded that organic acids and synbiotic feed additives were better than other used feed additives, and they had an important role in improving productive and economic efficiency of broiler chicks.
PRODUÇÃO PESQUEIRA EM PORTO VELHO, RONDÔNIA (1984-89) - ALGUNS ASPECTOS ECOLÓGICOS DAS ESPÉCIES COMERCIALMENTE RELEVANTES.

This survey is a study of fish commercialized in Forto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil from 1934 until 1989. The area studied is the Madeira river in a region of extensive gold extraction activity and therefore subjected to mercury contamination. The results showed that from the total fish yield, the fruiteating species ranged from 39.3% (in 1984) to 49.5% (in 1989). Among them, tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is the most captured mass. 22.9% (in 1939) to 32.5 (in 1936) of the species are detritivore and Curimata (Prochilodus nigricans) is the most important. Only 10.7% (in 1935) to 15.1%. (in 1934) are carnivore (Tucunare-Cichla spp and Pourada-Brachyplatystoma flavicans). The paper also deals with some of the ecological factors which can interfere with mercury accumulation in the food chain.
Phylogenetic position and notes on the natural history of Pimelabditus moli Parisi & Lundberg, 2009 (Teleostei: Siluriformes), a recently discovered pimelodid catfish from the Maroni River basin

La description recente d'un poisson-chat pimelodide nouveau et particulier, Pimelabditus moli Parisi & Lundberg, 2009, des versants surinamais et guyanais du fleuve Maroni, a mis en evidence un taxon dont la position phylogenetique n'est pas resolue. Nous incluons ici P. moli au sein d'une etude phylogenetique moleculaire et morphologique des Pimelodidae actuellement en cours. Nous avons sequence et aligne plus de 7500 bases issues des genes nucleaires rag1 et rag2 et des genes mitochondriaux mt-rnr1, mt-rnr2 et mt-cyb. Les resultats soutiennent fortement la position de P. moli en tant que groupe frere de Pimelodus ornatus Kner, 1858. Nous decrivons egalement une fosse pterotique-epioccipitale de structure complexe commune a P. moli et P. ornatus, qui fournit sans ambiguite une synapomorphie indiquant leur proche parente. De plus, les donnees moleculaires et morphologiques retrouvent le clade P. moli -P. ornatus en tant que groupe frere du clade Calophysus-Pimelodus. Pimelabditus moli est une espece rare uniquement connue de cinq specimens. Des informations concernant la provenance, la capture et l'habitat de P. moli sont fournies.
New species of flightless Trogidae from South African relict forest fragments

The Trogidae represent an ancient, monophyletic lineage of keratin-feeding Scarabaeoidea, the only group in the superfamily to do so and one of few insect groups capable of digesting keratin (Scholtz & Chown 1995). Trogids are a relatively small (300 species) cosmopolitan family comprising three genera, Trox Fabricius, 1775, Omorgus Erichson, 1847, and Polynoncus Burmeister, 1876.