Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants associates with human sperm Y:X chromosome ratio

BACKGROUND: During the last decades, there has been concern that exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), may contribute to sex ratio changes in offspring of exposed populations. METHODS: To investigate whether exposure to 2,2'4,4'5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE) affect Y:X chromosome proportion, semen of 149 Swedish fishermen, aged 27–67 years, was investigated. The men provided semen and blood for analysis of hormone, CB-153 and p,p'-DDE levels. The proportion of Y- and X-chromosome bearing sperm in semen samples was determined by two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. RESULTS: Log transformed CB-153 as well as log transformed p,p'-DDE variables were both significantly positively associated with Y chromosome fractions (P-values=0.05 and <0.001, respectively). Neither age, smoking nor hormone levels showed any association with Y-chromosome fractions. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to indicate that exposure to POPs may increase the proportion of ejaculated Y-bearing spermatozoa. These data add to the growing body of evidence that exposure to POPs may alter the offspring sex ratio. (Less)
The biogeography of plant reproduction: potential determinants of species’ range sizes

Aim A major biogeographical hypothesis, the ‘niche‐breadth’ hypothesis, explains species range sizes based on the extent of a species’ niche (e.g. diversity of habitats occupied; range of environmental conditions tolerated). An alternative hypothesis explains range sizes using metapopulation theory (e.g. colonization dynamics; dispersal ability). Both niche breadth and colonization ability may be related to plant species’ reproductive characteristics. We evaluate both hypotheses by examining the relationship of plant range size to mating system and genomic structure (ploidy status).
Non‐pathogenic association of L‐form bacteria (pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola) with bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and its potential for biocontrol of halo blight disease

L‐forms of the halo blight pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae phaseolicola, were maintained in a medium which suppressed cell wall synthesis. These L‐forms, unlike revertants (walled forms derived from unstable L‐forms) and cell walled (parent) organisms, did not elicit a hypersensitive response in tobacco leaves. Association of L‐forms with Phaseolus vulgaris was established by seed imbibition in L‐form suspensions compared with appropriate control treatments (5% mannitol or heat‐killed cells). Seedling emergence and plant growth was not affected by L‐form imbibition. The association was detected by agglutination assays using polyclonal antibody. The L‐form association was localized to the lower shoot tissue and was progressively lost with age of plants. Plants with associated L‐forms had vigour and shoot weights equivalent to controls and showed no disease symptoms. The cell walled form could not be isolated from plants showing positive agglutination. On challenge with the pathogen, plants associated with L.
Comparison of capture–recapture estimators of snowshoe hare populations

We used two island populations of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in the Kluane Lake area of the Yukon Territory of Canada to evaluate capture – recapture estimators. These islands were intensively sampled, allowing us to enumerate the actual population size. Population size estimates were calculated using the programs CAPTURE and JOLLY, and estimators were compared for bias characteristics. Results from both islands suggest that the CAPTURE heterogeneity models Mh (jackknife), Mh (Chao), and Mth (time – heterogeneity) and the Jolly – Seber model were approximately unbiased. All other CAPTURE models displayed a negative bias. The CAPTURE model selection routine picked estimation models of different biases for each trapping period, an undesirable result. We conclude that it is best to use one robust estimator such as the Mh (jackknife) with snowshoe hare data.
Influence of fibrolytic enzymes on ruminal disappearance and fermentation in steers fed diets with short and long particle length of forage

The effects of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme mixture on in sacco ruminal disappearance and fermentation of growing (380 kg body weight) and finishing (440 kg body weight) steers fed with diets to short (10 mm) and long (50 mm) particle length (PL) were evaluated. Four Holstein steers fitted with ruminal cannulas were randomly assigned to: (1) diet with short PL forage; (2) diet with short PL forage + enzyme; (3) diet with long PL forage; (4) diet with long PL forage + enzyme. Fibrolytic enzymes did not affect dry matter intake. In growing steers, potentially disappearance fraction and total disappearance of DM, starch, NDF and ADF were increased by enzymes. In finishing steers, enzymes increased potentially disappearance fractions and total disappearance of DM, starch, NDF and ADF. In both growing and finishing steers, enzymes increased ruminal ammonia concentrations. Enzymes increased ruminal disappearance of diets for steers, but it had scarce effects on ruminal fermentation and intake.
DENTITION AND AGEING OF THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

I. Summary The present paper is based on the examination of lower jaws from some 3000 individuals of Hippopotamus amphibius L. which were collected in the course of cropping operations in the Queen Elizabeth Park, Uganda between 1961 and 1966. It extends an earlier study by W. M. Longhurst, who described 20 relative age groups based on tooth replacement and wear. The age groups, slightly modified, are described and illustrated here and should serve as a useful field guide. Mean chronological ages from 0–43 years have been allocated to the groups. Checks which confirm the validity of the ages allotted are presented and discussed. These include correlation with the mandibular age group of six known-age animals; findings on the age-related incidence of rinderpest-neutralising antibodies; the orderly progress of fusion of the mandibular symphysis and rate of loss of the first premolar. Growth layers present in the teeth are discussed. The growth of the eye lens is also described. After an initial phase of rapid growth the lens continues to grow throughout life and follows a rectilinear pattern from an estimated age of eight years onwards. This is expected from the findings of similar studies on other species for which known-age specimens are available. Variability of lens dry weight at age is relatively small and indicates that the estimated ages are reasonably precise. Growth of the mandible is analysed and is not inconsistent with the ages allotted. A marked sex difference in mandible weight at age allows the sex of found jaws to be determined at ages above eight years. The growth of the teeth is described. Both canines and incisors show well-marked sex differences in growth rate and size. The post-canine teeth do not show sex differences. Cycles of growth, wear and resorption of these teeth are discussed and it is concluded that mechanical senescence of the teeth is a major factor in mortality at ages above 30 years. Growth in body length is briefly discussed and provides further confirmation of the validity and precision of the age criteria. Growth equations are presented. Finally a survivorship curve derived from the ageing of 207 jaws assumed to represent natural deaths is presented. Population models are constructed from the survivorship curves by calculation of estimated natality rates (obtained by applying data on age at first breeding and annual pregnancy rate to the survivorship data) and life tables are constructed. The shape of the survivorship curve and the percentage recruitment agree with expectation and provide further evidence of the consistency of the age criteria.
Synthesis of (20S)-2α,3α-Dihydroxy-6-oxo-7-oxa-7a-homo-5α-pregnane-20-carboxylic Acid as a Brassinosteroid Part of Ligands for Binding to Affinity Chromatography Carriers

(20 S )-2α,3α-Dihydroxy-6-oxo-7-oxa-7a-homo-5α-pregnane-20-carboxylic acid ( 12 ) as a brassinosteroid ligand for affinity chromatography carriers was synthesized from bisnorcholenic acid. The brassinolide activity in the bean second internode bioassay of the synthesized (20 S )-5α-pregnane-20-carboxylic acid derivatives is also described.
Callus Cell Proliferation and Explants Regeneration Using Broccoli Shoot Tip in vitro Culture: Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties

Significance of the Study: Nowadays cell or tissue culture has been successfully performed using different types of species like fruit, vegetable, ornamental and forest plant. Millions of explants can be produced by tissue or cell culture per year in any plant production industry. Combination of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and other plant growth regulators like 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was used in the most of the research in tissue culture. Aims: The study was carried out to investigate the root, callus, shoot and leaf proliferation from the shoot tip in vitro culture using different IBA and BAP concentration. Methodology: Shoot tip slice was used to culture in the MS (Murashige and Skoog) media. Different IBA and BAP (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 1.50, 2.0 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mg/l) concentrations in combination with MS media were used. Results: The highest number (7.4) of shoot proliferation was observed in the concentration of IBA 0.25+BAP 2.5 mg/l combination. The maximum root proliferation was found in the concentration of IBA 0.25+ BAP 1.5. However, callus formation was observed better at the concentration of BAP 1-3.5 and IBA 1-3.5 mg/l combination than other combination of concentrations. The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydarzyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging potential was higher (70.1%) in leaves extract than in callus extracts (46.3%) at the concentration of 10 mg/ml. Besides, both extracts had lower DPPH free radical scavenging activity compared to the positive control, vitamin C and BHT. Conclusion: The present results conclude that it is better to use the combination of the IBA and BAP concentration to produce root, shoot, leaf and callus cell proliferation in broccoli.
Floral Phenology of a Stand of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.) In Gippsland, Victoria

Flowering phenology was observed in a stand of Eucalyptus regnans F.Muell. at Narracan, Gippsland, Vic. during 1977 and again in 1979. The first tree flowered on 15 February in 1977 and on 30 January in 1979. Flowering of all trees was completed after 90 and 100 days respectively, and in both seasons the modal value for the number of trees concurrently in flower occurred 40 days after commencement. There was a highly significant association, between years, for the relative time and duration of flowering of individual trees. Tree size was not an important determinant of flowering attributes. Trees were not randomly distributed with respect to peak flowering time: thus flowering of adjacent trees tended to be synchronous. Detailed observation of flowering within the crowns of three trees showed that within inflorescences the mean period between anthesis of the earliest and latest flowers was 6 days, and within branches 14 days. The degree to which flowering was synchronous within the crown varied consistently between trees at each structural level assessed, which suggested genetic control of this trait. Implications of the floral phenology for the breeding system and gene flow of the species are discussed.
Theoretical analyses of the impact of change in the composition of the pollinator fauna on a pollination system

An exotic species can appear in a community unexpectedly. It may therefore be necessary to decide quickly whether measures are required to mitigate the impact of the newly arrived exotic species on the native community. Here, I develop a collection of theoretical models that are intended to provide insight into the effects of newly arrived exotic pollinators on pollination systems. The models address the effects of the presence of an exotic pollinator on plant reproduction, including the both the degree to which seed set is pollen-limited and the level of outcrossing, and on numerical responses by native pollinator species, including switching of flower preferences by economically motivated flower visitors. The models are simplistic, but the majority have the virtue that their solution is feasible by using data that is easy to collect. The models provide first approximations that could be useful to ecologists and conservationists when they must guess the potential impacts of exotic pollinators. The results from the models should be interpreted under appropriate caveats by those who must make do with them until better information becomes available.
Mimicry and the Monte Carlo predator: the palatability spectrum, and the origins of mimicry

With a view to clarifying some recent controversies, the behaviour of a predator confronted with a mixture of models and mimics has been simulated by a simple Monte Carlo computer program. When learning and forgetting are described by a stochastic model in which learning depends on experience, and forgetting on the passage of time, then the ‘spectrum of palatability’ (that is, the continuous variation in the desirability of prey to a predator, from the delectable, through the neutral, to the downright revolting), is converted into a spectrum of protection, in which palatable prey are heavily consumed and distasteful prey are largely avoided. In such a system, a palatable (Batesian) mimic is protected, but causes an increase in the rate of predation on its model (compared with an identical but un-mimicked control); but when both model and mimic are distasteful (Muellerian mimics), both species gain in protection. The mimic in a Muellerian system can be regarded as the species which would be the less protected, and which therefore gains the more from the mimicry. When mimicry evolves by a single large mutation, it is this species which will change: the model will not alter in pattern at this stage. It is useful to recognize a further category, effectively neutral mimicry, in which the mimic, because it is rare or nearly neutral in palatability, has virtually no effect on the model. The fitness of mimics is density-dependent: positively for Muellerian mimics (more protection when common) and negatively for Batesian mimics (more protection when rare). The computer model thus gives results which conform with some of the traditionally accepted differences between Batesian and Muellerian mimicry. It is suggested that warning colour will usually evolve in the form of Muellerian mimicry, or perhaps as Batesian mimicry in species whose behaviour makes them conspicuous, and that distastefulness will usually evolve in cryptically-coloured species. The usual evolutionary pathway to full aposematism is predicted to be distastefulness first and warning colour second.
Provisioning Vocalizations in Cooperative Bell Miners (Manorina Melanophrys): More than a Simple Stimulus for Nestling Begging

Abstract Provisioning calls given by nest attendants immediately before or while they feed nestlings have been recorded in many avian species. Although the adaptive significance of these vocalizations has rarely been examined, their most obvious function seems to be to stimulate begging in blind altricial nestlings. Bell Miners (Manorina melanophrys), cooperative Australian honeyeaters, give provisioning "mew" vocalizations that are relatively unusual in being individually distinctive and given during both feeding events and as attendants leave the nest. We show that mew calls stimulated begging during playbacks and that more calls were given if the brood initially did not beg, if the prey was of a type that was difficult to transfer, or both. This is consistent with mew calls being aimed at the nestlings to stimulate begging and, thereby, improve the efficacy of food transfer. However, mew calls were given in 52% of visits as attendants left the nest area, and the probability of calling in this context increased if another group member was nearby. Furthermore, mew call rate per visit increased throughout the nestling period as provisioning rates increased, despite nestlings being increasingly able to attend to other (e.g., visual) cues of impending food delivery. Together, these results suggest that mew vocalizations also have a role in communication between nest attendants. By improving the coordination and social cohesion of helpers and parents around a nest, mew calls may facilitate cooperative activities by the same group of birds away from the nest, such as during dangerous predator-mobbing events.
Detection of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. aurantifolii and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citrumelo by Triplex PCR

Citrus bacterial canker is an economically important disease affecting citrus production in many citrusgrowing areas and several pathotypes have been recognized within the Xanthomonas pathogens causing canker. In view of the containment of the disease, accurate identification of the causal bacterium is important. In this study, triplex PCR method was developed by using the previously reported primers. Two groups of primer combination, such as, one group including primers 2/3, J-pth1/J-pth2 and XACF/XACR, and another group 2/3, J-pth1/J-pth2 and Xac01/Xac02, were suitable for the detection and differentiation of X. a. pv. citri , X. a. pv. aurantifolii B and C, and X. a. pv. citrumelo E strains. Moreover, the primer combination of Xac01 and J-pth2 promised us to use as a specific primer set to detect X. a. pv. citrumelo E strain. The PCR methods developed in this study could be used for the rapid differentiation of Xanthomonas pathotypes of citrus.
Role of Direct Effects of IFN-γ on T Cells in the Regulation of CD8 T Cell Homeostasis1

It is well recognized that IFN-γ plays a critical role in the control of CD8 T cell expansion and contraction during immune responses to several intracellular pathogens. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of T cell fate by IFN-γ is sorely incomplete. Specifically, it is unclear whether regulation of CD8 T cell homeostasis occurs by a T cell intrinsic IFN-γ pathway. In this study, we have determined the role of the direct effects of IFN-γ on T cells in regulating the expansion, contraction, and memory phases of the polyclonal CD8 T cell response to an acute viral infection. Using two complementary approaches we demonstrate that the direct effects of IFN-γ suppress IL-7R expression on Ag-specific effector CD8 T cells, but clonal expansion or deletion of activated CD8 T cells in vivo can occur in the apparent absence of IFN-γR signaling in T cells. These findings have clarified fundamental features of control of T cell homeostasis by IFN-γ in the context of CD8 T cell memory and protective immunity.
Gymnodinium linucheae sp. nov.: The dinoflagellate symbiont of the jellyfish Linuche unguiculata

The symbiotic alga from the ‘thimble jellyfish’ Linuche unguiculata was isolated and brought into unialgal, axenic culture. Comparison of the morphology of the coccoid (non-motile) stage of the life cycle in hospite and in culture by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy established that the cells in culture are identical to those in the host. Features of the mastigote (motile) stage in culture indicated that the alga is gymnodinioid, but is different from Symbiodinium and closely resembles Gymnodinium beii, the symbiont of the foraminiferan Orbulina universa. A description of the alga Gymnodinium linucheae sp. nov. is provided. This represents the first member of this genus to be recognised as a symbiont of a coelenterate (cnidarian).
Immunological analysis of chromosome replication in barley, rye, and durum wheat by using an anti‐BrdU antibody

Replication patterns of DNA in the chromosomes of barley, rye, and durum wheat were examined by an immunological method with an anti-5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) antibody. In barley metaphase cells, basically five types of chromosome replication were observed. They were characterized by replication signals in (i) proximal regions, (ii) proximal and interstitial regions, (iii) whole chromosomes, (iv) interstitial and distal regions, and (v) distal regions. These replication patterns appeared to change from type (i) to type (v) as the incubation duration after BrdU treatment increased. This suggests that in barley, chromosome replication generally starts in the distal regions and proceeds to the proximal regions. In rye and durum wheat chromosomes, however, it was suggested from similar observations that the replication commenced in the interstitial regions and, through replication in the proximal regions, ended up in the distal regions. C-bands tended to replicate late in the chromosomes of barley and rye, but this was not the case in durum wheat. These results suggest that in each species the timing of replication may be controlled simultaneously over a rather wide chromosomal area in each chromosome.
Larval development of the cockle Chione stutchburyi (Bivalvia: Veneridae) reared in the laboratory

Abstract Larvae of the New Zealand cockle Chione stutchburyi (Wood, 1828) reared to settlement in the laboratory are described. They are characterised by dissimilar shoulders with a large, broadly rounded anterior shoulder and end, and broadly rounded umbo, typical of the Veneridae. Setting occurred after 20 days at a minimum length of 180/µm. Shell dimensions increased linearly during larval development but hinge length did not. The L:H ratio decreased from 1.27 at L = 100 to 1.1 at L = 200 and the L:D ratio from 1.95 at L = 100 to 1.59 at L = 200. An SEM study revealed that the larval hinge is characterised by a toothed provinculum forming a broad medial projection on the right valve, opposing two projections on the left valve. Conspicuous flanges on the anterior and posterior shoulders of the left valve fit into corresponding grooves of the right valve.
Palaeotropical origins, boreotropical distribution and increased rates of diversification in a clade of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms (Amanita section Caesareae)

The geographical distributions of most fungal species are still poorly known; consequently, their origins and historical distributions remain largely understudied. High levels of cryptic diversity, scarce fossil records and poorly sampled regions can explain some of these shortcomings. We extensively sampled an iconic group of edible ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi, Amanita caesarea and its allies, in order to infer evolutionary patterns on a global scale.
Analysis of cis-elements upstream of the pressure-regulated operon in the deep-sea barophilic bacterium Shewanella violacea strain DSS12

Potential regulatory elements were identified upstream of the pressure-regulated operon in the deep-sea barophilic bacterium Shewanella violacea strain DSS12 and binding of cellular proteins to this region was studied under different pressure conditions. Sequence analysis revealed the existence of a region, designated region A, showing similarity to the consensus sequence for σ54 binding, when the region upstream of the operon was compared with several consensus sequences for σ factors. A palindromic sequence AGTTAAAGATTAAACT, designated region B, was found further upstream beyond region A. In a region designated region C, just upstream of region B, a unique octamer motif AAGGTAAG, tandemly repeated 13 times, was found. By means of an electrophoretic mobility shift assay it was demonstrated that a σ54-like factor recognized region A while other unknown factors recognized the sequences in regions B and C. Different shift patterns of protein-DNA complexes were observed when extracts of cells cultured at 0.1 MPa and 50 MPa were incubated with 32P-labeled DNA probes corresponding to region B or C. These results indicate that barophilic strain DSS12 expresses different DNA-binding factors capable of recognizing these elements upstream of the pressure-regulated operon under different pressure conditions.