Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The utilization of monoclonal antibodies in immunocapture RT-PCR and dot blotting immunobinding assays for the detection of Cucumber mosaic virus

Reliable plant diagnostic techniques are necessary for good crop management. Occasionally, ELISA may not give a definitive result, requiring c onfirmation using different diagnostic methods. Immunocapture reverse transcription PCR (IC-RT-PCR) requires the direct confirmation of an ELISA result in a simple, cost-effective manner. We found that the use of captured antigens as a template in IC-RT-PCR can eliminate the need for tr aditional extraction methods and reduce the number of steps involved, costs incurred, and sampl ing variations. Experiments showed that a reliability of pathogens can be detected using ELIS A in the IC-RT-PCR process. To date, a rapid assay for diagnosis of CMV has not been developed, and there is a critical need for a method that can be employed in both laboratory and field. Dot immunobinding assays (DIBA) are useful alternatives to microtitre plate enzyme-linked immu nosorbent assay (ELISA). It has the additional advantages of simplicity, and is completed quickly in the field or the laboratory on large numbers of samples, in a short time. The method proposed provi des a sensitive quantitative technique for dotimmunobinding assay.
The first fossil Dufoureillini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae: Lyctocorinae) from the Eocene Baltic amber

The paper presents description of new anthocorid taxa from the inclusions in the Upper Eocene Baltic amber: Xyloesteles parvulus gen.nov and sp. nov. and Xyloesteles kerneggeriorum sp. nov. They are described and illustrated here. These fossil flower bugs of the family Anthocoridae (s.l.) belong to the tribe Dufouriellini Van Duzee (Lyctocorinae) are reported for the first time.
Habitat associations and assemblages of small mammals in natural plant communities of Wisconsin

Abstract Determining habitat associations of small mammal species and environmental characteristics important for site occupancy are central to understanding species biology and community organization. Most studies of small mammal communities are done at a local scale and in 1 habitat, overlooking patterns manifest over a heterogeneous landscape. During the summers of 2009 and 2010 we trapped small mammals throughout Wisconsin at 180 sites among 13 natural habitats, capturing 3,261 individuals of 23 taxa. We modeled site occupancy using habitat characteristics for 16 taxa while incorporating imperfect detection and compared small mammal community similarity among habitats. Site variation in tree density, soil moisture regimes, and winter temperatures were the most important variables in describing occupancy of species. With the exception of Zapus hudsonius and Sorex hoyi, occupancy rates of species were not the same across habitats. Species-specific responses to habitat characteristics created distinct natural habitat associations leading to unique and predictable small mammal assemblages. This study demonstrates the importance of sampling across a wide range of environmental gradients and habitats when determining the distribution of species and how communities are organized at a landscape level.
Troglotrema acutum (Digenea) from carnivores in the Czech Republic

A collection of 5 282 skulls of 14 carnivore species was examined and characteristic changes of the visceral part of cranial skeleton caused by trematode Troglotrema acutum were found in 6 of the studied species: Mustela putorius (the typical host; prevalence 7.1%), Martes martes (1.6%), Martes foina (0.6%), Meles meles (1.1%), Lutra lutra (0.9%) and Vulpes vulpes (0.8%). Fresh material (225 carnivores of 7 species) was examined for accurate identification of cranial skeleton changes and determination of parasite species. Nine adult trematodes from 3 infected M. putorius were obtained. Trematode T. acutum has been found on 8.1% of the territory of the Czech Republic so far, 55,3% was detected at localities with altitudes from 201 to 300 m a.s. l. Its distribution in the Czech Republic is of focal character. It was found out that neither spatial nor vertical distributions of T. acutum correspond to the present distribution of the first intermediate hosts determined so far (small prosobranchiate snails of Bythinella genus). A hypothesis has been formulated that the first intermediate hosts of this trematode species may be with high probability also other species of prosobranchiate snails, whose distribution is not limited by altitude.
General patterns in the seasonal development of chlorophyll a for temperate lakes

The seasonal cycle of phytoplankton biomass in temperate lakes is often represented as spring and fall blooms with intervening biomass minima, but the generality of this pattern has never been critically evaluated. Chlorophyll a time series from 56 north-temperate lakes and reservoirs were collected and general patterns in the seasonal distribution of Chl a determined for oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes separately. The magnitude of temporal variation is greater in eutrophic lakes (mean [Chl a] > 12 mg m-j) and is partitioned into discrete spring and fall blooms. Chlorophyll a concentrations in oligotrophic lakes (mean [Chl a] < 7 mg m-3) are low for the first 4 months of the year, then increase through April and May. Synchronous summer depressions and fall blooms are not evident for oligotrophic lakes overall. Mean [Chl a] and mean annual air temperature were negatively correlated with the date of spring bloom. The date of spring bloom was not correlated with mean depth.
Benefits of mixing timothy with alfalfa for forage yield, nutritive value, and weed suppression in northern environments

Belanger, G. , Castonguay, Y. and Lajeunesse, J. 2014. Benefits of mixing timothy with alfalfa for forage yield, nutritive value, and weed suppression in northern environments. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 51–60. Alfalfa can be grown alone or with a grass, but little information exists on the benefits of mixing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with a grass in northern environments. Our objectives were (1) to determine the benefits in terms of forage yield, nutritive value, and weed suppression of mixing timothy (Phleum pratense L.) with alfalfa and (2) to evaluate the persistence of alfalfa cultivars of varied adaptation to cold and of alfalfa populations selectively improved for superior freezing tolerance in a grass–legume mixture and in monoculture. This study was conducted in a region with 1700 degree-days (5°C basis) with one harvest in the seeding year (2008), three harvests in each of two post-seeding years, and one harvest in the third post-seeding year. Adding timothy to alfalfa increased the seasonal total.
In vitro Study, Conservation and Utilization of Medicinal Plant

Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata, named Jewel Orchids by its attractive foliage, is an important medicinal herb in Taiwan. A. formosanus has been widely used in Taiwan for treating many diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and tumors. Because of the high value of this medicinal herb, a great shortage in supply was due to over-harvest of the naturally-grown plants. Instead of taking from wild plants, commercial cultivation of A. formosanus has been established for fulfilling the great market demand. A review of serial development of A. formosanus production in Taiwan will be presented in (1) synchronous flowering to resolve the optimum period for cross-pollination and fruit set; and in vitro germination test of capsules at various stages of maturity; developing an asymbiotic germination condition for seeds (2) In vitro micropropagation of A. formosanus by shoot tip and/or nodal explants (3) commercial cultivation of A. formosanus and (4) the recent developments on chemical and pharmacological studies of A. formosanus.
Dietary lysine requirement of freshwater catfish (Mystus nemurus Cuv. & Val.)

Production of freshwater catfish (Mystus numerus Cuv. & Val.) has soared to meet consumer demand, but little is known about the nutritional requirements of the species. This study was conducted to determine the dietary lysine requirement of juvenile Mystus numerus fed semipurified diets containing graded levels of lysine. The control diet contained fish meal, gelatin and crystalline amino acids simulating the amino acid profile of Mystus nemurus muscle protein except for lysine. Seven experimental diets were formulated to contain lysine as 0.7% (2.00%), 1.1% (3.14%), 1.5% (4.29%), 1.9% (5.43%), 2.3% (6.57%), 2.7% (7.71%) and 3.1% (8.86%) of the diet (% of protein). Triplicate groups of fish were fed to satiation for 90 days. Specific growth rate, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, productive protein value and daily net protein retention of fish fed diets containing lysine at 2.00% of protein were significantly lower than fish fed diets containing lysine at higher levels. Plasma ammonia concentrations were similar in all groups of fish. A digestibility trial between fish fed the experimental diet with 7.71% of lysine and a diet with fish meal as the sole source of protein showed that protein digestibility of the experimental diet was significantly higher than that of the fish meal based diet. Non-linear regression analysis of specific growth rate against dietary lysine levels indicated a lysine requirement of 3.47% of protein for this species.
Identification of three coated vesicle components as alpha- and beta- tubulin linked to a phosphorylated 50,000-dalton polypeptide

Coated vesicles are involved in the intracellular transport of membrane proteins between a variety of membrane compartments. The coats of bovine brain coated vesicles contain at least six polypeptides in addition to an 180,000-dalton polypeptide called clathrin. In this report we show that the 54,000- and 56,000-dalton coated vesicle polypeptides are alpha- and beta-tubulin, determined by immunoblotting and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. An affinity-purified tubulin antiserum can precipitate coated vesicles. The tubulin polypeptides are tightly associated with a 50,000-dalton coated vesicle polypeptide, which is phosphorylated. The phosphorylated 50,000-dalton polypeptide appears to be related to brain microtubule-associated tau proteins since it can be specifically immunoprecipitated by an affinity-purified antiserum directed against these proteins. In addition, gel filtration experiments indicate that at least a fraction of the 50,000-dalton polypeptide may associate with the 100,000-dalton coated vesicle polypeptide. Since brain is a tissue rich in tubulins, liver coated vesicles were analyzed for the presence of alpha- and beta-tubulin. Like brain coated vesicles, liver coated vesicles also contain an endogenous kinase activity, which phosphorylates polypeptides of the same molecular weights and isoelectric points as the brain coated vesicle 50,000-dalton, tau-like polypeptide, and alpha- and beta- tubulin. The phosphorylated 50,000-dalton polypeptide may link the membrane and contents of coated vesicles with components of the cytoskeleton.
Autalia villosa , a new species from Korea, and an annotated catalog of the genus Autalia Leach (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

A new species, Autalia villosa Park & Ahn (type locality: Mt. Seoraksan, Gangwon Prov., Korea), is described from Korea. An illustration of the habitus and line drawings of diagnostic characters are presented. An annotated world catalog of the genus Autalia Leach is provided.
Step-by-step morpho-physiological responses of Arachis hypogaea L. cv. NC 2 to iron deficiency

Well-aerated and alkaline soils are proven to lack plant-available iron. Fe-efficient plants, however, induce morpho-physiological and biochemical mechanisms of adaptation. These changes in morphology and physiology of the shoot-root systems of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. cv. NC 2) plants were studied by cultivating them hydroponically in the nutrient solution containing different levels of Fe 3+ EDDHA (0.00, 0.125, 0.25, 0.50, 1 and 2 ppm). Three types of chlorosis and regreening (I, II, III) on the shoot system appeared simultaneously with three types of rooting (I, II, III) in different stages of plant growth under Fe-free media. The difference in the regreening processes of plants grown in Fe-free and Fe-treated media indicated that their signaling pathways for Fe localization might be different. The morphological responses were found to correlate to three types of regular and rhythmic pH changes in the nutrient solutions. The sites of pH responses and Fe 3+ reducing activities in the roots showed dependence on
Brittle stars from the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago: morphological and molecular data

Morphological and molecular data on brittle stars from the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, a very small isolated group of islets situated between South America and Africa, are hereby presented. We found no endemic ophiuroids. Instead, the five species, Amphipholis squamata , Ophiactis lymani, Ophiactis savignyi, Ophiocomella ophiactoides and Ophiothrix ( Ophiothrix ) angulata , are either cosmopolitan or derived from the equatorial western Atlantic region. Results indicated a western Atlantic colonization and highlighted the existence of cryptic species in the genus Ophiactis .
LOCALIZATION AND EXPRESSION PROFILES OF BOMBYX MORI ECDYSONE RECEPTOR-B1 IN THE FAT BODY CELLS UNDERGOING PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH

BmEcR-B1 isoform localization, distribution patterns, and expression profile are important for understanding the molecular pathways of the PCD in the fat body cells of Bombyx mori. Different Immuno-histochemical and biochemical localization techniques of BmEcR-B1 show that this protein is clearly indicated and is restricted in the cell nuclei and not translocated to cytosol or cell membrane during the prepupal period. The specific emerging timing of BmEcR-B1 in fat body cells of G1 of the prepupal period demarkates the initiation of degeneration of the fat body cells. The expression analyses revealed that changes in BmEcR-B1 RNA levels coincides on that of its protein in the fat body cells during the prepupal period. The obtained data are discussed, and another evidence for the dual functions of ecdysteroids to act through membrane receptor in addition to the conventional nuclear receptor during prepupal period in the fat body cells of B. mori are suggested.
Morphological differentiation and resource polymorphism in three sympatric whitefish Coregonus lavaretus(L.) forms in a subarctic lake

Three field-identified whitefish Coregonus lavaretus forms in Lake Muddusjarvi, Finland, were compared in morphology, diet and prey size. First, these forms were studied with univariate and multivariate analysis to assess morphological divergence at a higher resolution level than in the field. Second, stomach contents were analysed to estimate diet-overlap among forms. Finally, the relationship between prey size and morphology was examined. The whitefish were assigned to the initial field-classification with 99·2% and 98·8% accuracy for morphologic and meristic traits, respectively. The small sparsely-rakered form (SSR) had the shortest rakers and largest gillraker space, followed by the large sparsely-rakered form (LSR) with intermediate gillraker length and gillraker space, while densely-rakered whitefish (DR) had the longest rakers and smallest gillraker space. The two sparsely-rakered whitefish forms (LSR and SSR), consumed mainly benthic macroinvertebrates, while densely-rakered whitefish (DR), utilized pelagic food items. Average diet-overlaps between whitefish forms were low in June-September (Schoener's α = 0·02 − 0·23). Gillraker number and length were negatively correlated to prey length in the diet (r = −0·73, and r = −0·60), while gillraker space was positively correlated with prey length (r = 0·81). The fact that these whitefish forms were morphologically and ecologically segregated, and that gillraker traits probably have a functional value in food selection, further suggests that natural selection has been important in structuring life-history trajectories into divergent niche use.
Akt1/protein kinase Bα is critical for ischemic and VEGF-mediated angiogenesis

Akt, or protein kinase B, is a multifunctional serine-threonine protein kinase implicated in a diverse range of cellular functions including cell metabolism, survival, migration, and gene expression. However, the in vivo roles and effectors of individual Akt isoforms in signaling are not explicitly clear. Here we show that the genetic loss of Akt1, but not Akt2, in mice results in defective ischemia and VEGF-induced angiogenesis as well as severe peripheral vascular disease. Akt1 knockout (Akt1-/-) mice also have reduced endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization in response to ischemia, and reintroduction of WT EPCs, but not EPCs isolated from Akt1-/- mice, into WT mice improves limb blood flow after ischemia. Mechanistically, the loss of Akt1 reduces the basal phosphorylation of several Akt substrates, the migration of fibroblasts and ECs, and NO release. Reconstitution of Akt1-/- ECs with Akt1 rescues the defects in substrate phosphorylation, cell migration, and NO release. Thus, the Akt1 isoform exerts an essential role in blood flow control, cellular migration, and NO synthesis during postnatal angiogenesis.
Association between juvenile reef fish and the Caribbean reef squid Sepioteuthis sepioidea on north-eastern Brazilian coastal reefs

This article reports on four different juvenile reef fish species, Polydactylus virginicus, Haemulon aurolineatum, H. steindachneri and Carangoides bartholomaei swimming along with schools of the caribbean reef squid Sepioteuthis sepioidea. Three different behaviours were observed. This is the first record of this squid species on Brazilian reef habitats. We suggest that this behaviour is mainly related to protection for juvenile fish against potential pelagic predators.
Forest Response to Cumulative Disturbance and Stress: Two Decades of Change in Whitebark Pine Ecosystems of West-Central British Columbia

Abstract: Forests dominated by the endangered tree species whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) are threatened by multiple stresses (fire suppression, climate change) and disturbances (white pine blister rust [Cronartium ribicola], mountain pine beetle [Dendroctonus ponderosae]). To gain insight into how these ecosystems respond, we quantified vegetation change over 2 decades (21–29 y) in xeric and submesic P. albicaulis ecosystems near the northern edge of the species' range on the leeward side of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. We compared changes in overstory and understory vegetation composition of these stands to changes in mesic, non-whitebark pine ecosystems in the same region. Multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP) analysis showed that the overstory of xeric whitebark pine ecosystems became compositionally similar to mesic ecosystems, i.e., there was increased dominance by Abies lasiocarpa or Tsuga mertensiana. Yet understory composition in xeric whitebark pine stands changed little and there was continued regeneration of P. albicaulis. Submesic whitebark pine stands developed a dense canopy dominated by T. mertensiana, and although their understories did not become compositionally similar to mesic ecosystems, there was minimal P. albicaulis regeneration. Understory stability in xeric and submesic whitebark pine ecosystems over 21–29 y suggests compositional resilience in these ecosystems to multiple stresses and disturbances. However, ongoing disturbance affecting both overstory and understory P. albicaulis might still result in the loss of this keystone species.
Climate-growth relationships of relict Pinus tabulaeformis at the northern limit of its natural distribution in northern China

Abstract Questions: Sand storms from east Inner Mongolia are a major threat to the ecological safety of North China and actions are desirable to control further desertification. Small patches of relict Pinus tabulaeformis could play a major role in this. The climate signal recorded in the tree-ring widths and the dates of past regeneration episodes of these trees growing at the northern border of their natural distribution are considered here. Location: Ortindag Sand Land in North China. Methods: We collected increment cores from relict P. tabulaeformis trees at five sites, built a standard tree-ring chronology for each site and a regional tree-ring chronology from the three longest site chronologies, analysed the tree growth/climate relationships and determined the germination years of the trees to recognize past regeneration dynamics. Results: Monthly precipitation and relative air humidity in the previous and current growing seasons are the major limiting factors for the radial growth of P. tabulaeformis. Years with a high frequency of absent tree rings are characterized by particularly extreme dry conditions. These results are supported by negative correlations between radial growth and monthly maximum temperature and evaporation during the growing season. In a 163-year time series of precipitation from previous July to current June reconstructed from the tree rings, cycles with wave lengths of 2-3, 17.4 and 20.5 years are significant. Conclusion: P. tabulaeformis trees are reliable recorders of high and low frequency variations of dry/wet environmental conditions in the Ortindag Sand Land. Their age structures within the forest patches prove that they regenerate preferen-tially in less dry periods.
Identification of genes induced in emerging tillers of wild oat (Avena fatua) using Arabidopsis microarrays

Abstract Arabidopsis complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays were hybridized with labeled cDNA from mature leaves and emerging tillers of wild oat to determine if they could identify gene expression profiles in distantly related species. More than 23% of the > 11,000 cDNAs on the array hybridized to the wild oat probe. Transcription patterns detected by hybridization to the arrays are indicators for physiological processes in the tissues tested. Coordinated expression patterns for these genes in Arabidopsis indicate common signals involved in their regulation. The results demonstrate that probing cDNA-based arrays from well-characterized species can provide valuable insight into the signal transduction processes regulating growth and development of poorly characterized species. Nomenclature: Gibberellic acid; N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid; wild oat, Avena fatua L. AVEFA.
An external taxonomic character suitable for separating live Myotis ikonnikovi and M. mystacinus

ABSTRACT It is particularly difficult to distinguish between M. ikonnikovi and M. mystacinus based on external taxonomic characters because of their extreme similarities in morphology. Although they may be distinguished easily based on their skulls, it is not permitted to take specimens for identification because M. ikonnikovi is classified as threatened and endangered and M. mystacinus is classified as threatened and vulnerable, by Japan's Ministry of the Environment. The authors describe an entirely new method of identifying live individuals based on an external character, in particular the pattern of the blood vessels visible in the tail membrane: in M. ikonnikovi the main blood vessel forms a ‘Dog-leg type’, whereas in M. mystacinus it forms a ‘Straight type’.