Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microassay to measure phytoalexin response in protoplasts of bean leaves

Phytoalexins are secondary metabolites that in legumes are typically isoflavonoid derivatives. Techniques for their measurement very often use determination of the UV absorbance of ethanol extracts to avoid time-consuming extractions and the use of expensive solvents. However, other phenolic compounds also give UV absorbances interfering with quantitative determinations. A microassay is proposed to extract and measure bean phytoalexins from intact, viable, bean leaf protoplasts. Protoplasts as a tool for measuring phytoalexin elicitor stimulation is discussed.
High diversity of centric fusions with monobrachial homology in an area of chromosomal polymorphism of Mus musculus domesticus

One of the simplest models of chromosomal speciation is speciation by monobrachial centric fusion. This model is based on the assumption that a sterility barrier can develop between populations, in which fixed centric fusions show monobrachial homology, i.e. share only one chromosome arm. However, studies aimed at delineating intermediate stages of transition to reproductive isolation are lacking. In this paper, we describe a new area of chromosomal polymorphism in the house mouse, Mus musculus domesticus Schwarz and Schwarx, 1943, in Sicily (Italy). We trapped 79 mice at eighteen localities in an area of approximately 500 Km 2 surrounding the largest active European volcano, Mount Etna. Combining G-banding and chromosome painting we identified twelve different Robertsonian (Rb) metacentrics. Considering the high number of Rb fusions, some of them shared with other documented areas, the presently studied area of chromosomal polymorphism is very likely to represent a mixture of allochthonous and autochthonous Rb fusions. The Rb(9.16) is the most widespread metacentric (overall frequency 0.80). Two Rb metacentrics, Rb(4.10) and Rb(5.6), have similar overall frequency, 0.29 and 0.37, respectively, and are narrowly co-distributed in ten populations. Nine fusions – Rb(2.13), Rb(1.3), Rb(12.17), Rb(8.17), Rb(2.14), Rb(10.14), Rb(11.17), Rb(3.15), and Rb(11.14) – show a low frequency (0.04–0.01) and mostly non-overlapping localization, but each of them shares monobrachial homology with at least one other metacentric. The overall geographical distribution of different Rb fusions seems to match an early stage of race formation. The eventual role of the presently studied hybrid zone in the context of chromosomal speciation by monobrachial centric fusions is discussed. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 103, 722–731. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: chromosomal speciation – chromosome races – Mus musculus domesticus – population cytogenetics – Robertsonian metacentrics – structural heterozygotes.
Karripurcellia, a new pettalid genus (Arachnida : Opiliones : Cyphophthalmi) from Western Australia, with a cladistic analysis of the family Pettalidae

Examination of museum specimens belonging to the cyphophthalmid Gondwanan family Pettalidae has rendered a collection of specimens placed in the new genus Karripurcellia. The genus includes three species, K. peckorum, sp. nov., K. sierwaldae, sp. nov. and K. harveyi, sp. nov., from the Pemberton area in Western Australia. These are the first cyphophthalmid species found outside Queensland in Australia. Karripurcellia, gen. nov. is distinguished from other Australian pettalids by the lack of modifications in the anal plate, as well as the lack of the typical male anal glands of pettalids, sironids and the stylocellid genus Fangensis Rambla, 1994. Two of the species, K. peckorum, sp. nov. and K. sierwaldae, sp. nov., live sympatrically and have been collected in the same litter samples in one locality. The proposition of the new genus is accompanied by a cladistic analysis of all pettalid genera and most species within each genus, with the exception of the species-rich genus Rakaia Hirst, 1925. The cladistic analysis supports the monophyly of the Karripurcellia, gen. nov. species, but their sister-group relationships are unclear. However, the remaining Australian species cluster with the pettalids from New Zealand and South Africa, but not with Karripurcellia, sp. nov.
Foraging by bats in cleared, thinned and unharvested boreal forest

Summary 1 Modern silvicultural methods employ various styles of selective harvesting in addition to traditional clear-cutting. This can create a mosaic of patches with different tree densities that may influence habitat use by foraging bats. Use of forest patches may also vary among bat species due to variation in their manoeuvrability. Apart from studies investigating use of clear-cuts, few have tested for differences in use of forest patches by bats, or for differences among bat species. 2 We investigated the influence of various harvesting regimes, which created forest patches of different tree densities, on habitat selection by foraging bats in the boreal mixed-wood forest of Alberta, Canada. We also tested for variation in habitat selection among species related to differences in body size and wing morphology. 3 Over two summers we assessed habitat use by bats using ultrasonic detectors to count the echolocation passes of foraging bats. We measured activity in three forest types and four tree densities, ranging from intact (unharvested) forests to clear-cuts. 4 Smaller, more manoeuvrable, species (Myotis spp.) were less affected by tree density than the larger, less manoeuvrable, Lasionycteris noctivagans. Two Myotis spp. differed in their habitat use. Myotis lucifugus, an aerial insectivore, preferred to forage along the edge of clear-cuts, while M. septentrionalis, a species that gleans prey from surfaces, did not forage in clear-cuts but preferred intact forest. 5 The largest species in our study, L. noctivagans, preferred clear-cuts and avoided intact patches. There were therefore differences in habitat selection by foraging bats among the species in our study area, and these were correlated with size and wing morphology. 6 Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that, in the short term, thinning has minimal effect on habitat use by bats. They also indicate that silvicultural methods have different immediate effects on different species of bats that may be obscured if the community is studied as a single entity. Management for forest-dwelling bats must take such species-specific effects into consideration. Harvesting that creates a mosaic of patches with different tree densities is likely to satisfy the requirements of more species than a system with less diverse harvesting styles.
Simulação e análise econômica da produção in vivo e in vitro de embriões em bovinos

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the variables number of recipients, synchronization protocol, reproductive efficiency indicators and pregnancy cost, in the economic effectiveness of in vivo and in vitro bovine embryo production. A simulation application was elaborated to allow the user to insert the input variable parameters. A basic scenario, from the efficiency traditional rates of in vivo (ET) and in vitro production (IVP) techniques of bovine embryos, was introduced in the software as a criterion to compare the results. This software was able to reproduce both ET and IVP scenarios. The embryo production was simulated through stochastic simulation. The optimal number of recipients using sensitivity analysis was determined. The net present value and cost per pregnancy were used as a decision parameter. The synchronization for fixed‑time embryo transfer decreased the recipient idleness and, consequently, the final cost of pregnancy, in comparison to the traditional methodology. Foetal sexing must be associated to IVP of bovine embryos. In addition, the optimal recipient number per donor is variable and depends on data inserted in the system.
Feeding habits of juvenile fishes belonging to three medusivorous species (Centrolophidae and Nomeidae) from the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract The feeding habits of juvenile fishes belonging to three medusivorous species (Centrolophidae and Nomeidae) from the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) during 2009–2010 and 2012 are reported. Individuals were collected after stranding along the shore and their diets were investigated by stomach content analysis. Young Schedophilus medusophagus showed a specialist predation on Scyphozoa, based on a strict trophic relationship with Pelagia noctiluca. This jellyfish was also found in the stomach contents of juvenile Centrolophus niger, but in this case was not the dominant prey, as juveniles of this predator fed mainly on chaetognaths and crustaceans (primarily amphipods). Young Cubiceps gracilis primarily fed on chaethognaths, with occasional foraging on copepods and annelids, while no traces of medusae were recorded. The competition among C. gracilis and C. niger for chaetognath food resources was likely mitigated by timing differences in occurrences of these species, probably reflecting seasonal variations in reproductive period and recruitment. The high trophic specialization of S. medusophagus as jellyfish feeders make this predator one of the most efficient key species involved in the control of jellyfish populations.
Effects of Zinc and Copper Supplementation to the Ration on Some Blood Metabolites in Merino Lambs

In this study, the effects of supplementation of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) to the ration on some blood metabolites of merino lambs were investigated. For this purpose, 24 male lambs, which were about 3.5 months old and 26 kg in body weight, were used. The animals were equally divided into four groups. Over five months, while one of the groups was fed the control ration, the others were fed rations supplemented with Zn (250mg/kg in DM), Cu (25 mg/kg in DM) and the same amounts of Zn plus Cu ad libitum. Blood samples were taken from the vena jugularis at one month intervals over five months and their plasma levels were obtained. Plasma Zn levels of the lambs fed the ration supplemented with Zn and Zn plus Cu were higher than those of the animals in the other groups. When compared with the control lambs and the ones fed the ration with Zn added, the plasma Cu levels, except during the first month, generally increased in the animals fed the ration with Cu added. It was found that the plasma Cu levels of the animals fed the Zn plus Cu supplemented ration were also higher than those of the lambs fed the Zn supplemented ration in the second and third months. On the other hand, it was determined that the group with Zn added to the ration in the third month had higher plasma total protein levels than the other groups. In addition, when compared to the value of the control group in the fifth month, a similar increase was seen in the plasma albumin level in the group supplemented with Zn in the same month. The determined total cholesterol levels of the lambs fed the diet supplemented with Zn in the second, fourth and fifth months were lower than those of the control animals. Consequently, it was determined that Zn supplementation to the ration caused differences in the plasma total protein, albumin and total cholesterol levels of the lambs. Cu and Zn in combination with Cu supplementation had no significant influence.
Climate change increases the risk of malaria in birds

Malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites is one of the worst scourges of mankind and threatens wild animal populations. Therefore, identifying mechanisms that mediate the spread of the disease is crucial for both human health and conservation. Human‐induced climate change has been hypothesized to alter the geographic distribution of malaria pathogens. As the earth warms, arthropod vectors may display a general range expansion or may enjoy longer breeding season, both of which can enhance parasite transmission. Moreover, Plasmodium species may directly benefit for elevating temperatures, which provide stimulating conditions for parasite reproduction. To test for the link between climate change and malaria prevalence on a global scale for the first time, I used long‐term records on avian malaria, which is a key model for studying the dynamics of naturally occurring malarial infections. Following the variation in parasite prevalence in more than 3000 bird species over seven decades, I show that the infection rate by Plasmodium is strongly associated with temperature anomalies and has been augmented with accelerating tendency during the last 20 years. The impact of climate change on malaria prevalence varies across continents, with the strongest effects found for Europe and Africa. Migration habit did not predict susceptibility to the escalating parasite pressure by Plasmodium. Consequently, wild birds are at an increasing risk of malaria infection due to recent climate change, which can endanger both naïve bird populations and domesticated animals. The prevailing avian example may provide useful lessons for understanding the effect of climate change on malaria in humans.
Further observations on Zosterophyllum llanoveranum from the Lower Devonian of South Wales

Zosterophyllum llanoveranum was first described by Croft and Lang in 1942. This account presents the anatomy of the axes. Details of the sporangium wall in the vicinity of the dehiscence line are reported and the spores are described. The plant is compared with other members of the genus Zosterophyllum and also with those Devonian plants possessing exarch protosteles andlateral sporangia, which Banks has placed in the subdivision Zosterophyllophytina.
Identification of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) polymorphism as a mutation in prostate cancer that prevents normoxia‐induced degradation

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) regulates cellular responses to hypoxia and is rapidly degraded under normoxia through von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) mediated ubiquitination. Although HIF‐1α stabilization appears to be the molecular basis for VHL‐associated cancers, stabilizing mutations in HIF‐1α have not been reported.
Geographic Variation in Morphology of Alaska-Breeding Bar-Tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) is Not Maintained on their Nonbreeding Grounds in New Zealand

ABSTRACT. Among scolopacid shorebirds, Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) have unusually high intra- and intersexual differences in size and breeding plumage. Despite historical evidence for population structure among Alaska-breeding Bar-tailed Godwits (L. l. baueri), no thorough analysis, or comparison with the population's nonbreeding distribution, has been undertaken. We used live captures, field photography, museum specimens, and individuals tracked from New Zealand to describe geographic variation in size and plumage within the Alaska breeding range. We found a north-south cline in body size in Alaska, in which the smallest individuals of each sex occurred at the highest latitudes. Extent of male breeding plumage (proportion of nonbreeding contour feathers replaced) also increased with latitude, but female breeding plumage was most extensive at mid-latitudes. This population structure was not maintained in the nonbreeding season: morphometrics of captured birds and timing of migratory departures indicated that individuals from a wide range of breeding latitudes occur in each region and site in New Zealand. Links among morphology, phenology, and breeding location suggest the possibility of distinct Alaska breeding populations that mix freely in the nonbreeding season, and also imply that the strongest selection for size occurs in the breeding season.
HERENCIA DE LA RESISTENCIA AL DAÑO MECANICO CAUSADO POR Tagosodes orizicolus ( Muir) ( Homoptera-Delphacidae ) EN ARROZ Oryza sativa.

In Colombia all rice varieties developed are reported as resistant to Tagosodes orizicolus. Given the narrow genetic base of the resistant sources, this study was undertaken to identify the resistant parents or donors more oftenly used in Latin America. The materials were characterized as resistant (Mudgo, Amistad 82, IRAT 120, IRAT 124, Makalioka) or susceptible based on the free chosen test and non chosen test and on the survival and oviposition of the insect (Chianan 8, Colombia 1, Bluebonnet 50, IR 8 (lCA), IR 8 (IRRI), Tetep and Cica 8). The damage was associated with insect survival, oviposition and eggs eclotion. To determine heritability two parents (Makalioka and Mudgo), were crossed with IR 8 F 1 and F 3 populations were also evaluated based on the free chosen test.
Review of the biology and control of Oxyuris equi

Summary Oxyuris equi is a well-known equine parasite that has evolved over time from an easily controlled, minor nuisance into an increasingly prevalent pest that may frustrate even the most intensive management efforts. This paper reviews essential features of the biology, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and control of Oxyuris infections, and describes the current status of recent biological adaptations.
Evaluation of Glucosinolates in Nordic Horseradish (Armoracia Rusticana)

Abstract Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., C.A. Mey & Scherb.) has a long history as food and medicinal plant. Glucosinolates (GLS) or their breakdown products are responsible for the pungent taste and claimed medicinal effects. The dominate GLS in horseradish is sinigrin (> 80%) followed by gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin. A total of 168 Nordic accessions of horseradish were screened for the content of intact glucosinolates. Sinigrin levels varied between 10 and 45, gluconasturtiin between 1.3 and 7.4 and glucobrassicin between 0.1 and 2.6 μmol/g DM. Accessions with high levels of both sinigrin and gluconasturtiin were found. Horseradish accessions are kept as living plants in clonal archives in their respective countries. The task for plant gene banks is not only to conserve genetic resources for the future, but also to stimulate use of the collections for various products and breeding programmes. After further analyses to certify the screening results, selected accessions will form a base for breeding and increased use of horseradish as a condiment to food, natural preservative or in medical treatments Santrauka Valgomieji krienai (Armoracia rusticana) seniai naudojami augalai, pasižymintys maistinėmis ir vaistinėmis savybėmis. Aštrų krienų skonį ir gydomąsias savybes lemia gliukozinolatai (GLS), kurių tarpe dominuoja sinigrinas, sudarantis daugiau nei 80% viso GLS kiekio, toliau seka gliukonasturtinas ir gliukobracisinas. Gliukozinolatai buvo tirti 168 skandinaviškuose kolekciniuose pavyzdžiuose. Sinigrino kiekis skirtinguose augaluose įvairavo nuo 10 iki 45 μmol/g, gliukonasturtino - 1,3-7,4 μmol/g, gliukobrasicino - 0,1-2,6 μmol/g orasausės jų masės. Buvo rasti pavyzdžiai, kaupiantys didelius sinigrino ir gliukonasturtino kiekius. Augalų genų banko tikslas yra ne tik išsaugoti genetinius šių augalų išteklius, bet kartu skatinti jų panaudojimą ir selekciją, todėl atrinkti kolekciniai pavyzdžiai pasitarnaus tolesnei krienų selekcijai bei skatins jų vartojimą maisto priedų ir natūralių konservantų gamybai bei gydymo tikslams
Estimation of heterosis and combining ability in petunia (Petunia hybrida Hort.).

Combining ability and heterosis were estimated for ornamental and vegetative traits of four petunia (Petunia hybrida Hort.) inbred lines viz. L5 (P1), L8 (P2), L11 (P3) and L17 (P4) and their diallel hybrids in horticultural research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran in 2011. The measured traits were plant height at first flower, number of leaf to first flower, flower diameter, flower tube length, internode length, stem diameter, plant height at flowering stage, plant spreading, number of branches per plant, leaf length and width. The results of combining ability for all studied traits revealed that both additive and non-additive gene effects contributed to the inheritance of the traits. Estimates of general combining ability effects showed that parent P3 was a good general combiner for most of the studied traits. For flower diameter, hybrid combination P1 × P2 had the highest significant positive specific combining ability effects. Reciprocal effects were significant for all traits and hybrid combination P1 × P2 had the highest significant positive reciprocal effects for flower tube length and plant height. Heterosis was found significant relative to both the mid parent and batter parent for all traits. For flower diameter, the highest positive values of heterotic effects were recorded in hybrid combination P2 × P3 both relative to the parental mean (37.3%) and relative to the better parent (33.9%). It is obvious that heterotic effects represent an important resource in hybrid breeding of petunia.
A rapid PCR protocol for marker assisted detection of heterozygotes in segregating generations involving 1BL/1RS translocation and normal wheat lines

A rapid and reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based protocol was developed for detecting zygosity of the 1BL/1RS translocation in hexaploid wheat. The protocol involved a multiplex PCR with 2 pairs of oligonucleotide primers, rye-specific Ris-1 primers, and consensus 5S intergenic spacer (IGS) primers, and digestion of the PCR products with the restriction enzyme, MseI. A small piece of alkali-treated intact leaf tissue is used as a template for the PCR, thereby eliminating the necessity for DNA extraction. The test is simple, highly sensitive, and rapid compared with the other detection systems of 1BS1RS heterozygotes in hexaploid wheat. PCR results were confirmed with AFLP analyses. Diagnostic tests for 1BL/1RS translocation based on Sec-1-specific ELISA, screening for chromosome arm 1RS controlled rust resistance locus Yr9, and the PCR test differed in their ability to detect heterozygotes. The PCR test and rust test detected more heterozygotes than the ELISA test. The PCR test is being used to facilitate S1 family recurrent selection in the Germplasm Enhancement Program of the Australian Northern Wheat Improvement Program. A combination of the PCR zygosity test with other markers currently being implemented in the breeding program makes this test economical for 1BL/1RS characterisation of S1 families.
Grazing trials on the Wallum of south-eastern Queensland. 3. A nursery grazed by sheep

A nursery of single species and simple mixtures of 12 grasses and 9 legumes at Beerwah on the coastal lowlands of southern Queensland was grazed by sheep for over 16 years. For the last eight years 25.8 wethers a hectare (10.5/acre) were carried and thrived, heavy grazing pressure being maintained. Changes in botanical composition were recorded. The final mixture was dominated by Trifolium repens and Paspalm notatum. Other species to survive were Digitaria decumbens, Pennisetum clandestinum, Paspalum wettsteinii, and Brachiaria mutica. The majority of species failed to survive the close intense grazing by sheep. Annual replacements of phosphorus, sulphur, calcium, and potassium were made but nitrogen was never applied, and the highly productive pasture was maintained by legume nitrogen, mainly from white clover. Soil fertility improved under the pasture.