Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leaf Traits as Functional Descriptors of the Intensity of Continuous Grazing in Native Grasslands in the South of Brazil

Abstract Plant functional types (PFT) have been used to describe the response of native vegetation to environmental factors (i.e., fertility) and to livestock disturbance, but rarely under conditions of continuous grazing. In this work we investigate whether the long-term response of grassland communities submitted to a gradient of continuous grazing pressure can be described with such an approach. After 15 yr of differentiation of the grazing pressure applied to native grasslands we measured leaf dry-matter content (LDMC) and specific leaf area (SLA) of Poaceae populations of the communities. A grazing pressure gradient was created by levels of daily forage allowance: 4, 8, 12, and 16 kg of dry matter per day per 100 kg of animal live weight, monitored monthly. PFTs were defined by numerical analysis, where an algorithm finds the optimal trait subset based on the agreement between matrices of species × traits, paddocks × grass biomass, and environmental variables (levels of forage allowance and soil characteristics). The results show that it is possible to describe a gradient of grazing pressure by means of LDMC and/or SLA measured only on the Poacea contributing at least 80% of the total Poaceae biomass. Four PFTs were differentiated by these leaf traits. PFTs having low LDMC and high SLA are characteristic of high intensity of use and are made up largely of stoloniferous C4 species typical of rapid resource capture strategies. Conversely, PFTs characterized by high LDMC and low SLA include species that are representative of low grazing pressure. Variations in the aggregate value of traits are due to changes in the species proportions and not to leaf-size adaptation as hypothesized. We conclude than in the absence of a gradient of fertility, plants with strategies of resource capture tend to be more represented under high grazing pressures. This situation results in a loss of functional diversity, but in particular a reduction in forage availability, which is incompatible with high animal production.
Genetic analysis for seed size in three crosses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Sharma, S. , Upadhyaya, H. D. , Gowda, C. L. L. , Kumar, S. and Singh, S. 2013. Genetic analysis for seed size in three crosses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 387-395. Seed size (determined by 100-seed weight) is an important component of trade and yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The present investigation was undertaken to study the possibility of maternal inheritance for seed size and to estimate relative importance of additive and non-additive gene effects on seed size in three chickpea crosses involving two desi (ICC 5002 and ICC 7672) and two kabuli (ICC 11255 and ICC 17109) genotypes. The study included parents, F1, F2, backcross generations, and their reciprocals. Differences in the reciprocal mean 100-seed weight of F1, F2, and backcross generations were not detected in any cross. No definite major gene segregation pattern was observed in the F2 generation, and the continuous variation observed indicated quantitative inheritance. Generation mean analysis indicated the presence of additive gene effects controlling seed size in three crosses. Additive×additive type of non-allelic interactions were found significant in desi×kabuli crosses, ICC 5002×ICC 17109 and ICC 7672×ICC 11255. The selection and breeding procedure may be modified for maximum exploitation of the fixable additive×additive epistasis by delaying selection in later generations and by maintaining large populations prior to selection for maximum recombination of genes to occur.
Thoughts on the diversity of convergent evolution of bioluminescence on earth

Abstract The widespread independent evolution of analogous bioluminescent systems is one of the most impressive and diverse examples of convergent evolution on earth. There are roughly 30 extant bioluminescent systems that have evolved independently on Earth, with each system likely having unique enzymes responsible for catalysing the bioluminescent reaction. Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction involving a luciferin molecule and a luciferase or photoprotein that results in the emission of light. Some independent systems utilize the same luciferin, such as the use of tetrapyrrolic compounds by krill and dinoflagellates, and the wide use of coelenterazine by marine organisms, while the enzymes involved are unique. One common thread among all the different bioluminescent systems is the requirement of molecular oxygen. Bioluminescence is found in most forms of life, especially marine organisms. Bioluminescence in known to benefit the organism by: attraction, repulsion, communication, camouflage, and illumination. The marine ecosystem is significantly affected by bioluminescence, the only light found in the pelagic zone and below is from bioluminescent organisms. Transgenic bioluminescent organisms have revolutionized molecular research, medicine and the biotechnology industry. The use of bioluminescence in studying molecular pathways and disease allows for non-invasive and real-time analysis. Bioluminescence-based assays have been developed for several analytes by coupling luminescence to many enzyme-catalysed reactions.
Factors affecting settling, survival, and viability of black bears reintroduced to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas

Abstract We used radiotelemetry and population modeling techniques to examine factors related to population establishment of black bears (Ursus americanus) reintroduced to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Arkansas. Our objectives were to determine whether settling (i.e., establishment of a home range at or near the release site), survival, recruitment, and population viability were related to age class of reintroduced bears, presence of cubs, time since release, or number of translocated animals. We removed 23 adult female black bears with 56 cubs from their winter dens at White River NWR and transported them 160 km to man-made den structures at Felsenthal NWR during spring 2000–2002. Total movement and average circuity of adult females decreased from 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-emergence (F2, 14 =19.7, P <0.001 and F2, 14 =5.76, P =0.015, respectively). Mean first-year post-release survival of adult female bears was 0.624 (SE=0.110, SEinterannual= 0.144), and the survival rate of their cubs was 0.750 (SE=0.088, SEinterannual=0.109). The homing rate (i.e., the proportion of bears that returned to White River NWR) was 13%. Annual survival for female bears that remained at the release site and survived >1-year post-release increased to 0.909 (SE=0.097, SEinterannual=0.067; Z=3.5, P<0.001). Based on stochastic population growth simulations, the average annual growth rate (λ) was 1.093 (SD=0.053) and the probability of extinction with no additional stockings ranged from 0.56–1.30%. The bear population at Felsenthal NWR is at or above the number after which extinction risk declines dramatically, although additional releases of bears could significantly decrease time to population reestablishment. Poaching accounted for at least 3 of the 8 adult mortalities that we documented; illegal kills could be a significant impediment to population re-establishment at Felsenthal NWR should poaching rates escalate.
Forage-diving behaviour of adult Japanese female loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) inferred from Argos location data

Adult female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in Japan use different feeding habitats as a function of body size. The Argos location data of two females inhabiting either oceanic or neritic habitats were analysed to infer their foraging and diving behaviour. There were no significant differences in the number of transmissions received per satellite pass, the number of locations per day, and the frequency of location-accuracy classes between oceanic and neritic females, implying that there was little difference in the time these two turtles stayed at the sea surface. Two possible forage-diving behaviours are suggested for these turtles: (1) both dive duration and depth were not different between the two feeding habitats; or (2) although dive duration was not different between feeding habitats, dive depth was different.
Feeding Habits of Liolaemus cuyanus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) from the Monte Biogeographic Province of San Juan, Argentina

Abstract We describe the diet of a Liolaemus cuyanus population from the Monte of San Juan Province in Argentina. Diet composition, trophic niche breadth, age, sexual, and seasonal variation were analyzed. In addition, we investigated the relationship between L. cuyanus morphology and size of prey consumed. From the stomach contents of 105 lizards, we found that L. cuyanus is an omnivore, feeding mainly on ants, hemipterans, coleopterans (larvae and adults), and reproductive plant structures (seeds, fruits, and flowers) of the genera Lycium, Atriplex, Larrea, and Portulaca. We observed differences between juvenile and adult diets, probably associated with body- and head-size restrictions. Conversely, sexes did not differ in diet, in spite of head- and body-size sexual dimorphism. Seasonal variation in diet was observed in juveniles, whereas adults did not show substantial seasonal changes in the diet. Our findings show that L. cuyanus is opportunistic in diet and that diet appears to vary depending on age and morphology.
Pterosaur Body Mass Estimates from Three-Dimensional Mathematical Slicing

ABSTRACT Body masses for 14 species of pterosaur spanning four orders of magnitude were estimated using three-dimensional, digital models. The modeled taxa comprised seven paraphyletic ‘rhamphorhynchoids’: Anurognathus ammoni, Dimorphodon macronyx, Eudimorphodon ranzii, Jeholopterus ningchengensis, Preondactylus buffarinii, Rhamphorhynchus muensteri, and Sordes pilosus; and seven pterodactyloids: Anhanguera santanae, Dsungaripterus weii, Pteranodon longiceps, Pterodaustro guinazui, Pterodactylus sp. , Quetzalcoatlus northropi, Tupuxuara longicristatus. The reliability of the mass estimation methods were tested with equivalent models of six extant species of bird with masses that spanned three orders of magnitude. The close agreement between model bird mass estimates and those of the living forms provides a level of confidence in the results obtained for the extinct pterosaurs. The masses of the axial body regions (tail, trunk, neck, head), limbs, and patagia of the pterosaurs were individually estimated and distinct differences in relative body proportions were found between species. Allometric relationships between body length and wingspan and body mass were derived for ‘rhamphorhynchoids’ and pterodactyloids to facilitate the estimation of body masses for other pterosaurs known from incomplete material, and these relationships also highlight differences in phyletic shape change between the two groups. The estimated mass for the largest pterosaur known, Quetzalcoatlus northropi, exceeds the previous highest estimates by more than 100%, and it is argued that this extremely large pterosaur is better interpreted as a secondarily flightless form.
General Principles and Special Features of Histological and Immunohistochemical Methods of Bone Tissue Examination

The detailed research and analysis of modern data on the problem of methods of histological and immunohistochemical researches of connective tissue, bone in particular, was conducted by us so as to evaluate the possibility of creating a single method of bone tissue immunohistochemical analysis.The description was given in detail to most widespread methods of preparation of connective, bone in particular, tissues for the research conduction during experiments connected with the study of bone tissue regeneration including implants with bioactive coverage. The present-day medical data reflects a variety of methods of immunohistochemistry, as well as the experience of their use in complex trauma surgery. However, there is no consensus about which method and material are most reliable when conducting this analysis.
Zur Variabilität von Trichophyton verrucosum‐Isolaten aus Impfbeständen mit Rindertrichophytie

Zusammenfassung. 27 Trichophyton verrucosum‐Stämme aus 14 Rinderbeständen in Thüringen und Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern wurden unter Einbeziehung von sechs T. verrucosum‐Referenzstämmen, unter anderem auch die sogenannten album‐, discoides‐ und ochraceum‐Varietäten, kulturmorphologisch und molekularbiologisch (PCR‐Fingerprinting, AFLP‐Analyse sowie Sequenzieung der ITS‐Region der rDNA) geprüft. Trotz großer kulturmorphologischer Variabilität der lsolate und ihrer möglichen Zuordnung zu vier verschiedenen Kolonietypen waren alle geprüften T. verrucosum‐Stämme genotypisch identisch. Auch die zwei mit Gelbpigment wachsenden Feldisolate, die möghcherweise als ochraceum‐Varietät angesehen werden könnten, sowie der ochrceum‐Referenzstamm konnten mittels der drei genannten molekularbiologischen Methoden nicht differenziert werden. Somit ergeben sich weder Hinweise für die eigenständige taxonomische Stellung der drei T. verrucosum‐Varietäten noch konnte die vermutete Infektion mit ochraceum‐Stämmen in Rinderbeständen als Ursache für das Versagen der Impfprophylaxe mit verschiedenen T. verrucosum‐Impfstoffen und für das gehäufte Auftreten sogenannter Impfversager bestätigt werden. Es wird vielmehr vermutet, daß neben der unzureichenden Impfstammpflege vor allem Anwendungsfehler, insbesondere in der lückenlosen, systematischen Immunprophylaxe in der Rinderherde, ursächlich für das gehäufte Auftreten erkrankter Rinder in gegen Trichophytie geimpften Beständen verantwortlich sind.
Probiotic LaVK2 Dahi Improves Lipid Profiles in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Background: There is a growing interest concerning the role of probiotics as natural hypocholesterolemic agents in etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular and related heart diseases. Based on the growing evidence of the importance of probiotics with potential cardiovascular benefits, the efforts to improve the lipid profile using lactic acid bacteria in an optimal direction are gathering momentum. Methods: The effects of probiotic Dahi containing L. acidophilus LaVK2 and Dahi culture on lipid profiles in rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia were studied. Three treatment groups of rats (n=7) were fed experimental diets: LaVK2 Dahi, Dahi or buffalo milk (BM) for 120 days. After the consumption of experimental diets, animals were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet ad libitum. Results: Supplementation with LaVK2 Dahi decreased plasma total cholesterol by 22.6%; however, in BM and Dahi fed groups, the increase was over 70%. The decrease in triacylglycerol level in rats fed LaVK2 Dahi was 64.2%. Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) increased by 72.6% in LaVK2 Dahi fed group, whereas low density lipoprotein (LDL) + very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol decreased by 89%, respectively. As a result, the atherogenic index (AI), the ratio of HDL to LDL+VLDL was decreased by 91.2% on LaVK2 Dahi when compared to only 13.1% decline on BM. Futhermore, the accumulations of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols in liver and aortic tissues were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in rats fed with LaVK2 Dahi. Conclusion: These observations suggest that oral administration of probiotic LaVK2 Dahi attenuated dietinduced hypercholesterolemia leading to cardiac protection by decreasing VLDL+LDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TAGs and increasing HDL-cholesterol. Probiotic LaVK2 Dahi may have a therapeutic potential to improve the lipid profile and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Life in the last few million years

Abstract The excellent fossil record of the past few million years, combined with the overwhelming similarity of the biota to extant species, provides an outstanding opportunity for understanding paleoecological and macroevolutionary patterns and processes within a rigorous biological framework. Unfortunately, this potential has not been fully exploited because of lack of well-sampled time series and adequate statistical analysis. Nevertheless, four basic patterns appear to be of general significance. First, a major pulse of extinction occurred 1–2 m.y. ago in many ocean basins, more or less coincident with the intensification of glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere. Rates of origination also increased greatly but were more variable in magnitude and timing. The fine-scale correlation of these evolutionary events with changes in climate is poorly understood. Similar events probably occurred on land but have not been tested adequately. Second, rates of origination and extinction in the oceans waned after the pulse of extinction, especially during the past 1 m.y. Thus, most marine species originated long before the Pleistocene under very different environmental circumstances, suggesting that they are “exapted” rather than adapted to their present ecological circumstances. The same may be true for many terrestrial groups, but not for the mammals or fresh-water fishes that have continued to undergo speciation throughout the Pleistocene. Third, community membership of late Pleistocene coral reef communities was more stable than expected by chance. These are the only paleoecological data adequate to test hypotheses of community stability, so that we do not know whether community structure involving other taxa or environments typically reflects more than the collective behavior of individual species distributions. Regardless, the strong evidence for nearly universal exaptation of ecological characteristics argues strongly against ideas of coevolution of species in communities. Finally, ecological communities were profoundly altered by human activities long before modern ecological studies began. Holocene paleontological, archeological, and historical data constitute the only ecological baseline for “pristine” ecological communities before significant human disturbance. Holocene records should be much more extensively used as a baseline for Recent ecological studies and for conservation and management.
3D printed deformable sensors

A 3D printer can print a soft sensor on a deformable surface such as a breathing lung for spatiotemporal mapping of deformation. The ability to directly print compliant biomedical devices on live human organs could benefit patient monitoring and wound treatment, which requires the 3D printer to adapt to the various deformations of the biological surface. We developed an in situ 3D printing system that estimates the motion and deformation of the target surface to adapt the toolpath in real time. With this printing system, a hydrogel-based sensor was printed on a porcine lung under respiration-induced deformation. The sensor was compliant to the tissue surface and provided continuous spatial mapping of deformation via electrical impedance tomography. This adaptive 3D printing approach may enhance robot-assisted medical treatments with additive manufacturing capabilities, enabling autonomous and direct printing of wearable electronics and biological materials on and inside the human body.
A Confuciusornithiform (Aves, Pygostylia)-Like Tarsometatarsus from the Early Cretaceous of Siberia and a Discussion of the Evolution of Avian Hind Limb Musculature

ABSTRACT We describe a new isolated tarsometatarsus from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian—Aptian) Ilek Formation Shestakovo-3 locality in western Siberia. The new specimen represents a new taxon, Evgenavis nobilis, gen. et sp. nov., significantly increasing the Mesozoic avifauna from Russia. The specimen shares morphologies with a number of basal ornithothoracine taxa, but shows most similarity to the basal pygostylian Confuciusornis sanctus, the oldest known beaked bird and most common taxon from the Yixian Formation. Evgenavis may represent the first record of Confuciusornithiformes outside of the Jehol Group and its equivalent deposits. However, this is not supported by cladistic analysis, which weakly resolves the new species and Mystiornis both within the diverse Enantiornithes, indicating that additional material is required to assess the systematic position of Evgenavis nobilis (Aves incertae sedis). The three-dimensional preservation of the specimen allows for a partial reconstruction of the pedal musculature, revealing a primitive stage in the evolution of the neornithine condition.
Establishment of an efficient explant surface sterilization protocol for in vitro micropropagation of salacia chinensis L., an endangered anti-diabetic medicinal plant

This paper describes the most efficient explant surface sterilization protocol for in vitro micropropagation of an endangered medicinal plant, Salacia chinensis. Healthy, undamaged collected explant sources were washed twice with running tap water. The explants then were pre-washed by concd. dishwasher gel (3-4 drops in 100 mL sterile, distd. water) for 5 min followed by rinsing five times in sterile, distd. water. Surface sterilization with 70% ethanol for 1 min followed by 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) (+ 2-3 drops of Tween 20) for 15 min proved most effective for max. survival percentage (99%) in leaf explants while 70% ethanol washing for 2 min, followed by 0.1% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 5 min proved to be more effective for max. survival percentage (96%) in nodal explants. The described method has this potential to be successfully employed for micropropagation and in vitro conservation of S. chinensis.
Highly Multiplexed Detection of Antibodies in Whole Blood during Tuberculosis Infection

8.0 MBio 35 MBio 30 MBio 36 MBio 48 MBio 04 MBio 40 MBio 27 MBio 45 MBio 55 MBio 39 MBio 33 MBio 54 MBio 16 MBio 46 MBio 21 MBio 26 MBio 49 MBio 41 MBio 34 MBio 23 MBio 22 MBio 56 MBio 01 MBio 20 MBio 05 MBio 03 MBio 24 MBio 37 MBio 51 MBio 07 MBio 11 MBio 31 MBio 50 MBio 47 MBio 08 MBio 12 MBio 43 MBio 09 MBio 10 MBio 28 MBio 02 MBio 44 MBio 13 MBio 53 MBio 25 MBio 38 MBio 52 MBio 18 MBio 06 MBio 14 MBio 15 MBio 29 MBio 32 MBio 58 MBio 60 MBio 42 MBio 59 MBio 19 MBio 57 MBio 17 Mean Signal (arb. Units); error bar = +/- 1 stdev Pooled Serum Control Signal Intensities
A Regime Switching Analysis of the Income-Pollution Path with time Varying- Elasticities in a Heterogeneous Panel of Countries

We analyze the threshold effects of income changes on CO2 emissions in a large sample of 95 countries, over the period 1980-2017. Our estimation uses a Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) and controls for urbanization, energy consumption and population. Results of the point estimates show that income-pollution relation is captured by three continuums of regimes, and smooth transitions from one regime to another. In the first transition, the income-pollution elasticity is positive, meaning that a rise in income leads to more pollution. In the second transition, the coefficient tends to zero and is insignificant. This second transition represents an intermediate stage matching with the peak of EKC U-inverted curve, where the rise in income does not necessarily lead to more pollution. The third transition corresponds to the highest living standard and is characterized by a negative parameter. Any additional income leads to lesser pollution. For low-income countries, the turning point occurs at 1017$, for middle income at 1890$ and for high income at 12397$. These suggestive values, estimated inside the model, rather than pre-determined provide evidence that low and middle-income countries will not reach developed countries’ living standards to have their depollution at a sustainable level. Also, there is neither a single income threshold nor income-pollution path through which all countries should go through. Besides, developed countries’ income-pollution path appears to be more stable and resilient to external shocks as opposed to low- and middle-income countries. The major undermining factor for the atmosphere among the control variables is primary energy consumption. The impact of primary energy consumption remains high at all stages, with an average impact rate on CO2 emissions of 0.65% for any additional consumption. Population growth has a more positive impact on CO2, on average, than urbanization.