Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spinosad and spinetoram disrupt the structure and the abundance of ground-dwelling arthropod communities in herbaceous fields

ABSTRACT In the present study, the effects of spinosad, spinetoram and chlorpyrifos on ground-dwelling arthropod diversity and abundance were compared in a herbaceous field in order to evaluate their relative compatibility with conservation of arthropod densities. Ten different treatments of spinosad, spinetoram, and chlorpyrifos, which was used as a toxic reference, were allocated at random to experimental plots. A total of 101,119 individuals of epigeal arthropods belonging to 18 orders and suborders were captured in pitfall traps, with the most abundant taxa Hymenoptera, Collembola, Araneae, Acari, Coleoptera, Isopoda, Julida and Opiliones. The orders Araneae, Coleoptera, Collembola, Hymenoptera and Opiliones were identified to the family or species level. Gnaphosidae, Carabidae, Entomobryidae, Formicidae and Metaplatybunus grandissimus CL Koch (Phalangiidae) were the most abundant taxa of Araneae, Coleoptera, Collembola, Hymenoptera and Opiliones, respectively. Significant density reduction was observed for Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae (Araneae), Carabidae, Entomobryidae, Formicidae and M. grandissimus after chlorpyrifos treatment. Formicidae individuals were significantly reduced after spinosad application, while the Entomobryidae and M. grandissimus individuals were reduced after the application of both spinosad and spinetoram. Our results showed no significant differences in diversity level of orders and suborders as well as of Araneae families between the spinetoram-treated plots at both concentrations tested and the control. In contrast, a significant difference in the diversity of Coleoptera was detected between the spinetoram treatments and the control. Our findings showed that spinosad and spinetoram may disrupt the structure and the abundance of surface-active arthropod fauna causing considerable changes in the ground-dwelling biodiversity of this ecosystem.
Comparison of growth traits between abundant and uncommon forms of a non-native vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae) in Australia

Cat’s claw creeper vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) Lohmann (syn. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry) (Bignoniaceae), is a major environmental weed in Australia. Two distinct forms of this weed (‘long’ and ‘short’ pod), with differences in leaf morphology and fruit size, occur in Australia. The long pod form has only been reported in less than fifteen localities in the whole of south-east Queensland, while the short pod form is widely distributed in Queensland and New South Wales. This study sought to compare growth traits such as specific leaf area, relative growth rate, stem length, shoot/root ratio, tuber biomass and branching architecture between these forms. These traits were monitored under glasshouse conditions over a period of 18 months. Short pod exhibited higher values of relative growth rates, stem length, number of tubers and specific leaf area than long pod, but only after 10 months of plant growth. Prior to this, long and short pod did not differ significantly. Higher values for these traits have been described as characteristics of successful colonizers. Results from this study could partly explain why the short pod form is more widely distributed in Australia while long pod is confined to a few localities.
Phorids associated with nests of Atta cephalotes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in a forest and a plantation

The external portion of Atta cephalotes nests is composed of three areas: openings, trails, and cutting; where cutting and transporting leaves, sharing information, and defending the nest take place. The richness of the fauna of these areas is not only dependent on the interactions among ants, but also the accumulation of plant material and nest waste, which are exploited by flies of the family Phoridae. Traps with two different kinds of bait were used both during the day and at night to exploit common aspects of phorid fly biology and behavior, such as their attraction to live ants and refuse dumps, their use of visual and olfactory signals, and their perching behavior. Nests in both a citrus monoculture and a forest remnant were studied to evaluate whether environmental characteristics of the sites influence the presence of phorids. One parasitoid, Eibesfeldtphora attae, and 13 additional, mostly saprophagous, genera of phorids associated with A. cephalotes were collected in the nests. Specimens from 12 genera were identified in the forest remnant, most frequently Megaselia, Coniceromyia, and Synclinusa. Nine genera were identified in the citrus plantation, most frequently Dohrniphora and Megaselia. Using Analysis of Similarities (Anosim), significant differences (P = 0.002) in faunal composition were found between the forest remnant and the plantation, but no significant effect was detected in faunal composition between areas of the nest (P = 0.206), between baits (P = 0.956), or between periods (P = 0.603).
Canola growth, production, and quality are influenced by seed size and seeding rate

Abstract: Canola (Brassica napus L.) is the most widespread profitable cash crop in Canada. In 2014 and 2015, direct-seeded experiments were conducted in 16 western Canada environments. “Small” canola seed (average 3.32–3.44 g 1000-1) was compared to “large” canola seed (average 4.96–5.40 g 1000-1) at five seeding rates (50, 75, 100, 125 or 150 seeds m-2). Large canola seeds increased crop density and crop biomass but decreased plant mortality, days to start of flowering, days to end of flowering, days to maturity, and percent green seed. Seed size did not influence harvested seed weight, seed oil content or seed protein content. Increasing the seeding rate of small seeds improved canola yield, but the same response did not occur for large seeds. Increasing seeding rates also increased crop density, plant mortality, crop biomass, and seed oil content, but decreased days to start of flowering, days to end of flowering, days to maturity, percent green seed, and seed protein content. Seeding rate had no impact on harvested seed weights. Because higher seeding rates often provide some of the same benefits as large seed, canola growers and the seed industry should balance seed size and seeding rate to obtain the best agronomic performance from canola.
Adaptability and phenotypic stability of semi-prostate cowpea genotypes in Mato Grosso do Sul = Adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica de genótipos de feijão-caupi semiprostrado no Mato Grosso do Sul

Currently, cowpea growing covers three Brazilian regions, making essential the investigation of the magnitude of genotype x environment essential for choosing the best selection strategy and recommendation of cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptability and phenotypic stability of semi-prostate cowpea genotypes in sites from State of Mato Grosso do Sul based on different methodologies. We conducted four value of cultivation and use testing with lines and cultivars of cowpea genotypes in the years 2005 and 2006 in the municipalities of Aquidauana, Chapadao do Sul and Dourados. The experimental design was randomized complete block with 20 treatments and four replications. The grain yield data were submitted to individual and joint analysis of variance. Subsequently, data were submitted to adaptability and stability analysis by Eberhart and Russell (1966), Yates and Cochran (1938) (traditional) and Wricke (1965) methodologies. The genotypes BRS Xiquexique, TE97-304G-12, BR 17-Gurgueia and MNC99-541F-15 are the most suitable for growing in Mato Grosso do Sul by combine high yield grain, adaptability and phenotypic stability.
Investigations on the Reptilian Spectacle

The eyes of snakes and most geckos, as well as a number of other disparate squamate taxa, are shielded beneath a layer of transparent integument referred to as the “reptilian spectacle. ” Derived from the embryonic fusion of palpebral tissues, the spectacle contains a number of specializations of the skin to benefit vision while still allowing it to function as the primary barrier to the environment. For example, in nearly all species that possess it, it is markedly thinned compared to the surrounding integument and its keratinized scale is optically transparent. While the spectacle may thus seem ideally adapted to vision in allowing the eyes to be always unoccluded, it does have a few drawbacks. One such drawback is its vascularity, the implications of which are still not fully understood, but are explored herein. As no recent synthesis exists of the body of knowledge on reptilian spectacles, the first chapter of this thesis consists of a review of spectacle anatomy, physiology, adaptive significance and evolution to help put into context the following chapters that present original research. The second chapter describes the dynamics of blood flow through the spectacle vasculature of colubrid snakes, demonstrating three main points: (1) that the spectacle vasculature exhibits cycles of regular dilation and constriction, (2) that the visual perception of a threat induces vasoconstriction of its vessels, and (3) that spectacle vessels remain dilated throughout the renewal phase. The implications of these points are discussed. The third chapter describes the spectral transmittance of the shed spectacle scale, the only keratinized structure in the animal kingdom to contribute to the dioptric apparatus of the eye, as well as its thickness. Spectacle scale transmittance and thickness was found to differ dramatically between snakes and geckos and found in snakes to vary between families. The adaptive significance of the observed variation is discussed. The fourth chapter describes biochemical analyses of the shed spectacle scales of snakes and geckos and compares their composition to other scales in the integument. Spectacle scales were found to differ significantly from other scales in their keratin composition, and gecko spectacle scales in particular were found to lack ß keratin, that hard corneous protein thought to be common to all reptile scales. The concluding chapter will discuss where this research has brought the state of our knowledge on the spectacle and offers thoughts on potentially useful avenues for further research.
PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTITRYPANOSOMAL ACTIVITIES OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACTS OF LORANTHUS MICRANTHUS LINN. (LORANTHACEAE) IN RATS INFECTED WITH TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI BRUCEI

Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei was investigated for 28 days using 72 adult male albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g. The rats were divided into six groups (A – F), replicated thrice with each replicate having four rats. Group A, B and C were given 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the extracts respectively, according to their body weights, while group D, E and F served as the negative, positive and normal control groups, respectively. LD50, phytochemical screening, parasitaemia and body weight were determined using standard methods. It was observed that tannins and flavonoids were highly present, alkaloids, resins, steroids and saponins were moderately present in the plant extract, while terpenes and glycosides were present in trace amounts. LD50 of the crude leaf extract of L. micranthus showed no mortality at dose levels of up to 5,000 mg/kg after 24 hours. The level of parasitaemia in all the tested groups and negative control were significantly high (p<0.05) when compared with the positive and normal control groups throughout the duration of the experiment. Similarly, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the mean values of body weights of the infected and treated animals throughout the duration of the experiment. The results showed that all the tested rats and negative control groups died from the overwhelming parasitaemia unlike the case of those administered the standard drug. The aqueous leaf extract of L. micranthus may not be used as an antitrypanosomal agent.
THE BIOLOGY OF CALANUS FINMARCHICUS IN THE GULF OF MAINE AND BAY OF FUNDY

1. Calanus finmarchicus is the most abundant pelagic animal in the Gulf of Maine, averaging 39.9 per cent of the total zooplankton population during the period April to September, 1932, with a peak of 60.4 per cent in May. In the Bay of Fundy there was a mean of 35.5 per cent for the year 1931-32.2. The adult stock varies markedly in abundance in different areas, the smallest numbers occurring in the Bay of Fundy and westward along the coast of Maine to Penobscot Bay. The population is everywhere at a minimum in late February and early March.3. Calanus passes the winter largely in copepodite stage V, the final moult taking place in February and early March shortly before vernal augmentation.4. An average difference of approximately one month in the time of spawning in the eastern and western parts of the region is reflected in succeeding generations after dispersal. Two breeding stocks can thus be distinguished.5. In the western stock there are two well-defined breeding periods, March-April, and June-July.
Discovery of a new subterranean member of the family Niphargidae from Serbia, Niphargus luka sp. n. (Contribution to our Knowledge of the Amphipoda 267)

A new subterranean species of the family Niphargidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Gammaridea), Niphargus luka sp. n. , which was discovered in Ranney collector wells near Cacak (Serbia), is described and its taxonomic status within the genus Niphargus Schiodte, 1849, is discussed. This species has some characters which are similar to those of the subgenus Orniphargus (elongated extremities, telson, dactylus of pereopods, gnathopods, uropods 1-2, etc.) and subgenus Jovaniphargus (dactylus of pereopods, telson, etc.), but with some different characteristics (elongated uropod 3 with spinose second article, metasomal segments without marginal spines, etc.).
Modularity and cranial integration across ontogenetic stages in Martino’s vole, Dinaromys bogdanovi

We explored modularity and morphological integration of the ventral cranium during postnatal ontogeny in Martino’s vole (Dinaromys bogdanovi). Two closely related phylogenetic groups, originating from the Central and Southeastern part of the species range in the western Balkans, were considered. As expected, both phylogroups had similar patterns of ontogenetic changes in cranial size and shape variation, modularity and integration. At the level of within individual variation, the hypothesis that the viscerocranial and neurocranial regions are separate modules was rejected, indicating that the hypothesized modules are not developmental, but rather functional. At the level of among individual variation, the viscerocranium and the neurocranium could not be recognized as separate modules at the juvenile stage. The strength of association between the hypothesized modules becomes lower with age which finally results in a clear 2-module organization of the ventral cranium at the adult stage. On the other hand, patterns of morphological integration for the cranium as a whole, the viscerocranium and the neurocranium stay consistent across ontogenetic stages. The developmental mechanism producing integration of the cranium as a whole, as well as integration of the neurocranium, varies throughout postnatal ontogeny. In contrast, we detected the ontogenetic stability of the mechanism responsible for covariation of viscerocranial traits which could provide ongoing flexibility of the viscerocranial covariance structure for high functional demands during lifetime. Findings from our study most likely support the idea of the ‘palimpsest-like’ model of covariance structure. Moreover, similarity or dissimilarity in the patterns of within and among individual variation in different sets of analyzed traits and comparisons across ontogenetic stages demonstrate how studies on small mammals other than mice can give new insights into postnatal cranial development.
Vitagenes in poultry production: Part 3. Vitagene concept development

Commercial poultry production is associated with four major types of stresses, including environmental, technological, nutritional and internal stresses, affecting productive and reproductive performance of birds and their health status. It has been suggested that at the molecular level most stresses are associated with overproduction of free radicals and oxidative stress. Therefore, the development of the effective antioxidant solutions to decrease negative consequences of commercially-relevant stresses is an important task for poultry scientists. One approach is based on possibilities of modulation of vitagenes, a family of genes responsible for animal/poultry adaptation to stress. In fact, the vitagene network includes heat shock proteins (HSPs), thioredoxin system, sirtuins and superoxide dismutases (SOD) and plays a regulatory role in most important cellular processes in stress conditions. Indeed, HSPs, including haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and HSP70, are responsible for protein homeostasis in stress conditions, while the thioredoxin system is the major player in maintaining redox status of the cell involved in protein and DNA synthesis and repair as well as in regulation of expression of many important genes. Furthermore, sirtuins regulate the biological functions of various molecules post-translationally by removing acetyl groups from protein substrates ranging from histones to transcription factors and orchestrate cellular stress response by maintenance of genome integrity and protein stability. Finally, SOD belong to the first level of antioxidant defence preventing lipid and protein oxidation at the very early stages. All vitagenes operate in concert building a reliable system of stress detection and adequate response and are considered to be key elements in stress adaptation. Indeed, further work is required to understand molecular mechanisms of the interactions of vitagenes with various signalling pathways and transcription factors in the cell to build an effective adaptive response to minimise the detrimental consequences of commercially-relevant stresses in poultry production.
Irrigation Scheduling for Young Highbush Blueberry Plants in Arkansas

A moisture accounting method was used to schedule trickle irrigation on 3-year-old highbush blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) ‘Bluecrop’ planted in 140-liter barrels. Crop coefficients (K) of 1.00, 0.75, and 0.50 were used to relate Class “A” Weather Bureau pan evaporation to consumptive water use during three growth stages. No significant differences were found in yield, total berry number, average berry size, berry pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), TSS : acids ratio, and vegetative growth among the irrigation treatments. Significant differences in initiated flower buds were seen, but no trends were noted. An average water savings over the entire season of 57.0%, 67.7%, and 78.5% of the currently recommended irrigation rate of 3.8 liter·day−1 was observed when irrigation was scheduled using K values of 1.00, 0.75, and 0.50, respectively. A K value of 0.75 was considered to be the optimum crop coefficient for young highbush blueberries growing under Arkansas conditions.
Decrease in Sperm Quality due to Infection of Human Papilloma Virus and Chlamydia trachomatis

Male infertility can have different causes, one of which may be the presence of etiologic agents that cause sexually transmitted infections. Among the most important sexually transmitted infections are human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis, which are as‐ sociated with infertility in females – whether they cause infertility in men is controversial. The purpose of the chapter is to review the effect of these two pathogens on male fertility, the evidence suggests that the most important infertility effect is linked to the condition of the sperm. However, it is noteworthy that there are few studies with respect to infertil‐ ity in regard to both pathogens, so it is important to further research this to elucidate the mechanisms by which these pathogens act on male infertility.
Computational Analyses of mRNA Ribosome Loading in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Circadian control of gene expression is well-characterized at the transcriptional level, but little is known about diel or circadian control of translation. Genome-wide translation state profiling of mRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings grown in long day was performed to estimate ribosome loading per mRNA. The experiments revealed extensive translational regulation of key biological processes. Notably, translation of mRNAs for ribosomal proteins and mitochondrial respiration peaked at night. Central clock mRNAs are among those subject to fluctuations in ribosome loading. There was no consistent phase relationship between peak translation states and peak transcript levels. The overlay of distinct transcriptional and translational cycles can be expected to alter the waveform of the protein synthesis rate. Plants that constitutively overexpress the clock gene CCA1 showed phase shifts in peak translation, with a six hour delay from midnight to dawn or from noon to evening being particularly common. Moreover, cycles of ribosome loading that were detected under continuous light in the wild type collapsed in the CCA1 overexpressor. Finally, at the transcript level, the CCA1-ox strain adopted a global pattern of transcript abundance that was broadly correlated with the light50 dark environment. Altogether, these data demonstrate that gene-specific, diel cycles of ribosome loading are controlled in part by the circadian clock.
The importance of C, N and P as driver for bacterial community structure in German beech dominated forest soils

Among several environmental factors shaping soil microbial communities the impact of soil nutrients is of special interest. While continuous application mainly of N and P dramatically shifts community composition during fertilization, it remains unclear whether this effect is consistent in generic, unfertilized beech forest ecosystems of Germany, where differences in nutrient contents are mostly a result of the parental material and climatic conditions. We postulate that in such ecosystems nutrient effects are less pronounced due to the possibility of the soil microbiome to adapt to the corresponding conditions over decades and the vegetation acts as the major driver. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the bacterial community composition in five different German beech dominated forest soils, representing a natural gradient of total- and easily available mineral-P. A community fingerprinting approach was performed using terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, while abundance of bacteria was measured applying quantitative real-time PCR. Bacterial communities at the five forest sites were distinctly separated, with strongest differences between the end-members of the P-gradient. However the majority of identified microbial groups (43%) were present at all sites, forming a core microbiome independent from the differences in soil chemical properties. Especially in the P-deficient soil the abundance of unique bacterial groups was highly increased, indicating a special adaption of the community to P limitation at this site. In this regard Correspondence Analysis elucidated that exclusively soil pH significantly affected community composition at the investigated sites. In contrast soil C, N and P contents did mainly affect the overall abundance of bacteria.
Prolonged Storage of Grape Nodal Culture Using a Low Concentration of Ammonium Nitrate

A convenient method of conserving grape (Vitis labrusca L. cv. Delaware; F. thunbergii; V. vinifera L. cv. Rizamat) was developed by culturing nodal segments in Murashige and Skoog’s medium, but at a lower than normal concentration of ammonium nitrate under standard tissue culture conditions consisting of a 16-hr photo-period at 28C. The cultures had a higher rate of survival after 262 to 290 days of storage under low ammonium nitrate condition than under low temperature (5 or 10C).