Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dipteran assemblages of spring fens closely follow the gradient of groundwater mineral richness

Groundwater chemistry is a major determinant of assemblages of various taxonomic groups in spring fens, but its effect on insect assemblages has not been proved yet. We investigated dipteran assemblages at 17 isolated spring fens, which encompass the whole mineral richness gradient from rich (calcareous) to poor (highly acidic) sites, and analyzed faunal patterns at two contrasting mesohabitats: flowing water and standing water. The effect of water chemistry, substratum features, dis- charge, and temperature on the dipteran assemblages were assessed using PERMANOVA and GAM. Highly diverse dipteran assemblages (156 taxa) were closely related to the mineral richness gradient at both mesohabitats, showing a continual and nearly complete species exchange along the gradient, while their total abundance and taxa density did not change significantly. The assemblages included both habitat generalists and taxa specifically associated with acidic, moderate, or calcareous condi- tions. The mineral richness gradient was also reflected by changes in substratum properties, thus creating a complex environ- mental gradient that we suggest is the main environmental gradient structuring aquatic assemblages in spring fens. Resume : Si la chimie de l'eau souterraine est un des principaux determinants des assemblages de differents groupes taxi- nomiques dans les tourbieres minerotrophes de source, son incidence sur les assemblages d'insectes n'a pas encore ete demon- tree. Nous avons etudie les assemblages de dipteres dans 17 tourbieres minerotrophes de source isolees representatifs de tout le gradient de richesse minerale, allant de sites riches (calcaire) ades sites pauvres (tres acide), et analyse les distributions d'especes dans deux mesohabitats distincts, celui d'eau mouvante et celui d'eau stagnante. Les effets de la chimie de l'eau, des caracteri- stiques du substrat, du debit et de la temperature sur les assemblages de dipteres ont ete evalues al'aide des logiciels PERMANOVA et GAM. Des assemblages de dipteres tres varies (156 taxons) etaient etroitement relies au gradient de richesse minerale dans les deux mesohabitats, indiquant un echange d'especes continu et presque complet le long du gradient, sans changement significatif de leur abondance totale et de la densite de taxons. Les assemblages comprenaient tant des especes generalistes sur le plan de l'habitat que des taxons specifiquement associes ades conditions acides, moderees ou calcaires. Le gradient de richesse minerale se refletait egalement dans les variations des proprietes du substrat, creant ainsi un gradient environnemental complexe, que nous interpretons comme constituant le principal gradient environnemental structurant les assemblages aquatiques dans les tourbieres minerotrophes de source. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Effects of dietary quebracho tannin on nutrient utilisation and tissue metabolism in sheep and rats

The effect of feeding quebracho tannin, a mixture of condensed tannins, on dietary nutrient utilisation and nitrogen (N) retention and its effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was investigated in sheep and rats. Sheep (n = 24) were fed on a pelleted diet of dried grass alone (controls) or containing quebracho tannin at 50 g kg−1 diet dry matter (DM) (tannin-fed animals) at a level sufficient to achieve a daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of 100 g day−1. Complete collections of faeces and urine were made for two seven-day periods after two and six weeks of feeding these diets (n = 6 per group). Apparent digestibilities of dry matter, N and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in tannin-fed animals at both measurement periods. No evidence was obtained to suggest that rumen micro-organisms can adapt to the presence of dietary tannins with prolonged feeding. Tannin-fed animals excreted significantly (P < 0.01) more N in faeces and less in urine than controls suggesting an alteration in N metabolism. Histological examination of samples of the GI tract obtained from pairs of sheep slaughtered after two, five and seven weeks of feeding the diets indicated ulceration and an increase in mucosal histiocytes, particularly in the jejunum and ileum of most tannin-fed animals. In a subsequent experiment, rats were fed ad libitum a ground chow containing either cellulose or quebracho tannin at 40 g kg−1 DM. Tannin-fed rats had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced feed intakes, DLWG, N retention and body fat deposition compared to controls. Protein synthesis rates in the duodenal mucosa were not increased in tannin-fed rats suggesting that enterocyte proliferation was not stimulated in this region of the GI tract. These studies indicate that feeding quebracho tannin to ruminants has both ruminal and post-ruminal effects that, together, result in reduced nutrient utilisation and impaired animal performance. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and Nutritive Value of Florigraze Rhizoma Peanut in a Semiarid Climate

(.) A field experiment was conducted on an established stand of Florigraze at Beeville, TX on a Parrita sandy clay loam (Clayey, mixed, hyperthermic, shallow Petrocalcia Paleustolls). Dry matter (DM) production, crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) of leaf blades and stem components were determined by sampling biweekly from June through January for each of two years. Treatments were total-seasonal accumulated growth compared to regrowth of peanut defoliated in mid-July or late-August. (.)
Increasing Water Productivity in Rice-Based Systems in Asia – Past Trends, Current Problems, and Future Prospects

Abstract Rice is the largest user of water in Asia, probably accounting for more than half of irrigation water withdrawals. Two key trends in the Asian rice economy that may be affecting water productivity are the rapid spread of pump irrigation and direct seeding. The number of pumps has grown exponentially in Bangladesh and Vietnam, and pump irrigation now dominates gravity irrigation in many countries. Direct seeding accounts for about one-fifth of the rice area in Asia, but this share is increasing. Comparing water productivity values is difficult across space and time; in general, it is more relevant across time. Water productivity has increased over time in several selected systems, primarily due to increased yields of modern varieties and improved management of large-scale water flows. There is less evidence that improved field-level water management has led to increased water productivity, although this may have also contributed. The extent to which agricultural water scarcity will affect poverty in Asia depends crucially on how well societies will be able to create incentives for users to save scarce water, thus facilitating the adoption of new technologies. Because of the rapid spread of pumps, incentives to save water in rice cultivation are growing. Even for gravity-flow surface water, new institutions are developing in China that promise to improve incentives. International trade in agricultural products, or trade in“virtual water,” may also have a role to play and should be encouraged.
TWO MORPHOLOGICAL FORMS OF CYLINDROSPERMOPSIS RACIBORSKII (CYANOBACTERIA) ISOLATED FROM SOLOMON DAM, PALM ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii Woloszynska is a prominent constituent of a number of water bodies in northern Australia. In Solomon Dam, this species occurs as two distinct morphological forms, one with straight trichomes and one with coiled trichomes. Isolates of the two forms have been grown in pure culture and have been shown to maintain their respective characteristic form over successive generations. Both forms were similar with respect to cylindrospermopsin content expressed as a percentage of freeze‐dried culture material, ranging from 0.14% to 0.20%, depending on the N source provided in the medium. A morphological comparison between natural populations of the two forms showed significant differences in vegetative, heterocyst, and akinete cell dimensions. These characteristics are the primary taxonomic criteria at the species level in this genus. In culture, the coiled form grew slightly faster than the straight form over the range of conditions investigated in this study. The coiled form was better suited to growth under low‐light conditions. These clear and consistent morphological and physiological differences contrast with the 99.8% similarity between the two forms in their 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences. It is concluded that although taxonomic separation of the two forms at the species level might not be warranted, the two strains investigated are clearly distinct morphotypes, and it is recommended that they be so recorded in monitoring programs.
The acceptability and effectiveness of pellet baits for poisoning rabbits

Experiments were done in various regions of Victoria to determine the acceptability of various types of pellet baits and to compare their efficiency with carrots and oats when used in the three common baiting methods. Commercial stock feed pellets were used and also pellets specially prepared by wet mix extrusion which contained either pollard and bran only or had one or both of molasses and glycerol added. Commercial stock feed pellets were not acceptable but the specially prepared pellets were highly acceptable. In eight furrow poisoning experiments pellets used with two free feeds and high furrow density gave kills as good as those obtained with carrots. Kills for oats tended to be lower. Low furrow density with no free feeding gave low kills. Pellets used in aerial and ground broadcast poisoning also gave very good kills. After 18 weeks the decrease in rabbits counted on the aerial baited area was still above 99 per cent.
Time is of the essence: direct and indirect effects of plant ontogenetic trajectories on higher trophic levels

Physiological and morphological constraints during plant ontogeny affect the expression of numerous plant traits relevant to higher trophic levels, such as nutritional content and physical and chemical defenses. Yet we know little about how temporal variation in these traits can directly and/or indirectly mediate tri-trophic interactions, such as those between plants, their herbivores, and herbivore natural enemies. Using four distinct ontogenetic stages of Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae) and the specialist herbivore Junonia coenia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), we evaluated how ontogenetic changes in plant quality can: (1) directly alter plant–herbivore interactions through butterfly oviposition choice and caterpillar performance assays, and (2) indirectly alter herbivores' susceptibility to higher trophic levels through caterpillars' iridoid glycoside sequestration and immune defenses. Results showed that plant defensive traits increased over P. lanceolata development, with leaf tissues becoming tougher and plant allelochemicals (iridoid glycosides) occurring in higher amounts. Conversely, plant nutritional quality (water and nitrogen content) decreased as plants aged. These ontogenetic trajectories strongly altered both direct and indirect interactions between plants and higher trophic levels. Buckeye butterflies showed a stronger oviposition preference for younger developmental stages of P. lanceolata, laying on average 60% more eggs on juvenile than on reproductive plants. Feeding experiments with caterpillars showed that larvae feeding on juvenile plants showed faster relative growth rate and increased digestive efficiency compared with those feeding on plants in the reproductive stage. These individuals, however, acquired lower levels of sequestered chemical defenses than did those feeding on older P. lanceolata plants, potentially rendering them more susceptible to predation. Finally, host plant age altered the ability of a caterpillar to mount an immune response against simulated parasitoid eggs. Specifically, caterpillars reared on older plant life stages, and thus with higher levels of sequestered iridoid glycosides, showed a compromised immune response compared to those feeding on younger plant age classes. This study exemplifies how ontogenetic trajectories in plant traits can scale up to directly or indirectly alter tri-trophic interactions, which may have key implications for understanding temporal shifts in herbivore population and community structure.
Distinct Glycoprotein Ib/V/IX and Integrin αIIbβ3-dependent Calcium Signals Cooperatively Regulate Platelet Adhesion under Flow*

We have investigated the calcium signaling relationship between the two major platelet adhesion receptors, glycoprotein Ib/V/IX (GPIb/V/IX) and integrin αIIbβ3, involved in regulating platelet adhesion on von Willebrand factor (vWf) under flow. Our studies demonstrate that GPIb engagement of immobilized vWf elicits a transient calcium spike that may function to promote reversible arrest of translocating platelets. Subsequent integrin αIIbβ3 engagement of vWf promotes sustained calcium oscillations that are essential for the maintenance of irreversible adhesion. GPIb-induced calcium spikes appear distinct from those initiated by integrin αIIbβ3, in that the former are exclusively mediated through release of intracellular calcium stores via a signaling mechanism independent of PI 3-kinase. In contrast, integrin αIIbβ3-dependent calcium flux involves a PI 3-kinase-dependent signaling mechanism linked to intracellular calcium mobilization and subsequent transmembrane calcium influx. Studies employing the caged calcium chelator (o-nitrophenyl-EGTA) demonstrate that transient calcium spikes initiate a transient phase of platelet arrest that is converted to irreversible adhesion with the development of sustained oscillatory calcium flux. These studies demonstrate the existence of a dual step calcium signaling mechanism utilized by GPIb and integrin αIIbβ3 that serves to regulate the dynamics of platelet adhesion under flow.
A preliminary survey of mitochondrial sequence variation in Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) using polymerase chain reaction-based single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct sequencing

Genetic variation within triatomine bugs was investigated by amplification of a 400 bp portion of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using evolutionarily conserved primers, from a selection of species representative of the genera Rhodnius, Triatoma and Panstrongylus . Amplification products were subsequently screened for sequence variation using single strand conformational polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and also subjected to direct sequencing. Single strand conformational polymorphism analysis could detect variation within and between genera; intraspecific variation was also detected and SSCP profiles appear to be useful for identification purposes at the inter- and intraspecific levels. A 290 bp multiple alignment of 15 sequences obtained from nine species was generated, phylogenetic inference subsequently used three methods; a distance estimate, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. This 16S region exhibited considerable variation which ranged from intergeneric to intraspecific levels. Phylogenies from these three methods of inference were in broad agreement. Triatoma and Panstrongylus were more closely related to each other than either was to Rhodnius , in keeping with the current taxonomic appraisal.
Application of microsatellite markers to evaluate the heterozygosity from the popcorn composite CMS‐43 (Zea mays L.) during eight cycles of selection

With 5 tables Abstract Maize breeders in Brazil developed the popcorn cultivar BRS Angela after eight cycles of recurrent selection using the composite CMS-43. We extracted the genomic DNA from the leaves of the BRS Angela, and we used 20 microsatellite markers to assess both the genetic distance and variability of this variety along the eight cycles (C0, CI, CII, CIII, CIV, CV, CVIA and CVIB) of the composite CMS-43. Sixty-nine alleles were detected in the popcorn cultivar BRS Angela with an average of 3.45 alleles per polymorphic locus. There was significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) only for D allele at the Umc 2343 locus and for the alleles A and B at the Umc 2226 locus. There was no tendency in the changes in the allele frequencies, presumably, because of selection for grain yield and popping expansion. The observed heterozygosity along these cycles ranged from 38.67% (CIII) to 26.67% (CVIB). These values indicate the presence of heterozygosity in the breeding cycles, and therefore, the ‘BRS Angela’ can participate in new cycles of recurrent selection.
Phylogeny of the holly grevilleas (Proteaceae) based on nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA

Abstract. The holly grevilleas are an informal grouping of 15 species (19 taxa) of woody shrubs from south-eastern Australia, with a centre of distribution in central to western Victoria. Many of the species are narrowly endemic. The present study is the first molecular-phylogenetic analysis of the group, with the aim of providing an evolutionary framework for assessing species-level taxonomy and conservation priorities. Analyses using the nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were complicated by the presence of divergent paralogues, including inferred pseudogenes; analyses restricted to presumed orthologous, functional ITS sequences were uninformative. Combined analyses of three chloroplast intergenic spacers (trnQ–5′rps16, trnL–trnF and rpoB–trnC) strongly support the monophyly of a core group of 16 taxa (the ‘southern holly grevilleas’) from Victoria and South Australia. However, nodes outside this group are poorly resolved and poorly supported, and the relationships of taxa from New South Wales and eastern Victoria (the ‘northern holly grevilleas’) are unclear. Among the southern holly grevilleas, the following four distinct and partly sympatric cpDNA clades are identified: the ‘Grevillea ilicifolia’, ‘G. aquifolium’, ‘G. dryophylla’ and ‘G. repens’ clades, among which the earliest and most strongly supported divergence is that of the western-most ‘G. ilicifolia’ clade. Variation in cpDNA is incongruent with current species-level taxonomy, especially for G. aquifolium (polyphyletic), G. montis-cole (polyphyletic, but the two subspecies each monophyletic) and G. microstegia (nested in G. aquifolium). The effects of incomplete chloroplast lineage sorting, gene flow through hybridisation or introgression, and inappropriate taxonomy are possible explanations for this incongruence. The formal conservation listing for some species within the holly grevillea group requires re-evaluation.
Dyrk1A Phosphorylates α-Synuclein and Enhances Intracellular Inclusion Formation*

Lewy bodies (LBs) are pathological hallmarks of Parkinson disease (PD) but also occur in Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia of LBs. α-Synuclein, the major component of LBs, is observed in the brain of Down syndrome (DS) patients with AD. Dyrk1A, a dual specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (Dyrk) family member, is the mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila minibrain (Mnb) gene, essential for normal postembryonic neurogenesis. The Dyrk1A gene resides in the human chromosome 21q22.2 region, which is associated with DS anomalies, including mental retardation. In this study, we examined whether Dyrk1A interacts with α-synuclein and subsequently affects intracellular α-synuclein inclusion formation in immortalized hippocampal neuronal (H19-7) cells. Dyrk1A selectively binds to α-synuclein in transformed and primary neuronal cells. α-Synuclein overexpression, followed by basic fibroblast growth factor-induced neuronal differentiation, resulted in cell death. We observed that accompanying cell death was increased α-synuclein phosphorylation and intracytoplasmic aggregation. In addition, the transfection of kinase-inactive Dyrk1A or Dyrk1A small interfering RNA blocked α-synuclein phosphorylation and aggregate formation. In vitro kinase assay of anti-Dyrk1A immunocomplexes demonstrated that Dyrk1A could phosphorylate α-synuclein at Ser-87. Furthermore, aggregates formed by phosphorylated α-synuclein have a distinct morphology and are more neurotoxic compared with aggregates composed of unmodified wild type α-synuclein. These findings suggest α-synuclein inclusion formation regulated by Dyrk1A, potentially affecting neuronal cell viability.
AIRFLOW SENSORS IN THE AVIAN WING

Mechanoreceptors on or near feather follicles in the wings of birds may provide information about airflow over the wing. We studied discharge characteristics of rapidly and slowly adapting mechanoreceptors associated with propatagial covert feathers, slowly adapting receptors within the alular joint and vibration-sensitive receptors of filoplume follicles attached to the follicles of secondary flight feathers during manual feather movements and during airflow over the wing. Dorsal elevation of covert feathers produced an increase in discharge frequency related to the angle of elevation. Extension of the alula produced an increase in discharge frequency related to the angle of extension. Stimulation of receptors located on the distal half of the follicles of secondary flight feathers by airflow over the wing produced a continuous discharge whose frequency correlated with airflow velocity. There is thus abundant sensory input from the wing to the central nervous system. We conclude that birds have the necessary sensor-feather mechanisms in the wing (1) to detect an imminent stall and the location of the separation point of the airflow from the wing9s surface, and (2) to measure airspeed by detecting the frequency of vibration of the secondary flight feathers.
Use of RAPD and microsatellite (SSR) variation to assess genetic relationships among populations of tetraploid alfalfa, Medicago sativa

The level of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite variation present in four ecotypes and two varieties of alfalfa (lucerne) from Italian and Egyptian germplasm sources was evaluated. A sample of 100 plants from 10 populations was analysed by means of 41 RAPD markers and 37 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Both molecular approaches revealed a high degree of genetic diversity within each of the cultivated populations and enabled each of the plants considered to be uniquely fingerprinted. The genetic relationships among plants and populations were analysed by computing AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) and F ST analyses. RAPDs were able to separate the Italian populations from the Egyptian variety. SSRs allowed strong separation of the lour Italian alfalfa ecotypes. It was concluded that RAPD and microsatellites could be useful and powerful tools for assessing genetic variation and genetic relationships in tetraploid alfalfa.
EFFECTS OF MECHANICAL FORAGE TREATMENT AND SURFACTANTS ON FERMENTATION OF GRASS SILAGE

Three silage experiments were conducted in Uppsala, Sweden, with the objective of determining the physical impact of different harvesting machines on the forage and on silage fermentation. Experiments were also conducted to investigate whether the application of water or a solution of surfactants to cut or long grass could compensate for the lack of released cell contents and lead to a fermentation pattern comparable to that of precision-chopped (PC) forage. Forage chopped by different machines to almost equal median particle length (23-29 mm) produced silage of very different quality, probably because of different degrees of tissue disruption. Forage chopped in a cutter head (CUT) or by a forage wagon (FW) resulted in silage with high clostridial activity and low lactic acid formation in contrast to PC forage, which produced high quality silage without butyric acid. An increase in silage density from 107 to 182 kgDM m-3