Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of illumination sequence, CO2 concentration, temperature and acclimation on the convexity of the photosynthetic light response curve

It was shown previously that the convexity (curvature or rate of bending) of the photosynthetic light response curve was strongly correlated with chlorophyll content in shade acclimated conifer needles (Leverenz 1987, Physiol. Plant. 71: 20–29), in agreement with an hypothesis that gradients of light within leaves affect the convexity. In the present study it is shown that the convexity at any given chlorophyll content can be altered when leaves of Pinus sylvestris L. Picea glauca (Muench), Picea mariana (M.II.) BS.P. and Picea abies (L.) Karst pre-treated with less shade. This probably induced a differential acclimation of cells on the top and bottom sides of the leaves to their local light environment. Leaves were illuminated on i) their top surface, ii) their bottom surface, or iii) uniformly in a light integrating sphere during measurements of photosynthesis. After shoots had been transferred from their growth environment to a new measuring environment, the convexity increased from the first to the second day towards a maximum of 0.97. The rate of increase towards this maximum was 55 to 62% per day and probably is the result of re-acclimation of cells within the leaves. The data shown that the act of measuring photosynthesis induces a significant alteration in the experimental material when measurements are made for more than one day. The convexity of the light response curve of photosynthesis, was independent of whether the steady state measurements were made beginning in the dark and sequentially increasing photon flux density or beginning at high light and sequentially lowering photon flux density. Neither variation of CO2 concentration from 35 to 200 Pa, nor of temperature from 5° to 32°C affected the convexity.
Accumulation of cadmium and its effects on growth, development and hemolymph biochemical compositions in Boettcherisca peregrina larvae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract Newly emerged larvae of the fleshfly, Boettcherisca peregrina were exposed to two different CdCI2 concentrations of 100 μg/g and 400 mg/g diet fresh weight (DFW). They were administered in the diets until the end of larval stage. Cd‐exposed larvae accumulated significant amounts of Cd and this accumulation increased with the exposure dose and time. The body weights were lightened and lengths of larvae were shortened considerably after Cd exposure, especially at the higher Cd concentration. The total larval duration was also extremely affected due to Cd exposure. The average duration was prolonged significantly by 14 h at the lower Cd concentration, while it was increased by 33.7 h over controls at the higher Cd concentration. A significant decrease in contents of either soluble proteins, total lipids or caloric values in the hemolymph occurred due to Cd exposure throughout the entire tested period but after 120 h of Cd exposure. In contrast, when exposed to Cd with its higher concentration, total sugar contents in the hemolymph were increased strikingly over the whole tested time, except after 96 h of Cd exposure, while they were not apparently altered except after 24 h of Cd exposure at the lower concentration. Thus, it is suggested that Cd exposure shows significant adverse impact on the growth and development, as well as metabolism, in larvae of this fleshfly, depending on its exposure time and dose.
A murine model for study of anticryptococcal activity mediated by cytotoxic immune cells - role in immunization and human vaccine strategies.

NK and T cells play a pivotal role in host defense to Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) fungus which affects especially hosts with impaired cell mediated immunity. The vaccine against cryptococcosus is not developed yet, thus we established an animal BALB/c mice model to analyze anticryprococcal activity of immune cells. We detected that non-stimulated spleen mononuclear cells (MNC) from non-immunized mice have the capacity to exhibit anticriptococcal activity on the incapsulated C. neoformans strain (ATCC 34873) and this activity can be enhanced by non-adherent cells (NAC). In order to obtained antigen-specific anticryprococcal activity, MNC and NAC were stimulated in vitro with corpuscular (Ag1) or soluble (Ag2) C. neoformans antigen prepared from the acapsular strain Cap67 (ATCC 52817). In vitro stimulation of immune cells with both C. neoformans antigens enhanced the anticryptococcal activity of MNC and NAC. NAC fraction expressed the highest anticryptococcal activity, also in the presence and in the absence of accessory cells (AC). The highest anticryptococcal activity of effector cells was detected after immunization of mice with the same C. neoformans antigens and after additional stimulation of immune cells in vitro with the some antigens. These data demonstrated that growth inhibition of C. neoformans mediated by mice effector cells can be enhanced with corpuscular, as well as soluble antigens. Thus designin an animal model which is simple and reproducible and can be used for further studies and development of immunization strategies against human cryptococcosis.
Endoparasites of Trachurus picturatus (Pisces: Carangidae) from the Madeira and Canary Islands: Selecting parasites for use as tags

In order to evaluate the use of parasites as biological tags to identify populations of the oceanic horse mackerel, Trachurus picturatus , two samples of 100 fish each, caught off the Madeira and Canary Islands from January to June 2009, were examined for the presence of anisakids, trypanorhynchs, acanthocephalans and liver coccidians. In T. picturatus from Madeira, prevalence of the coccidian Goussia cruciata reached 82%, whereas prevalence of the nematode Anisakis sp. , the acanthocephalan Rhadinorhynchus cadenati and the trypanorhynch Nybelinia lingualis were 12.0%, 8.9% and 7.0%, respectively. In samples from the Canary Islands, prevalence of G. cruciata was 8.0%, Anisakis sp. and R. cadenati reached 5.0% and 42.0% respectively, and N. lingualis was not recovered. The absence of N. lingualis and the lower prevalence of Anisakis sp. appear to be related to the smaller size of the oceanic horse mackerels examined from the Canary Islands. Although significant differences in prevalence of two parasites, G. cruciata and R. cadenati , were found between the two regions investigated (χ 2 =125.13, df=1, p=0.000 and χ 2 =40.77, df=1, p=0.000), only G. cruciata was considered useful as a biological tag for the identification of populations of T. picturatus . In order to reach sound conclusions, an expansion of the temporal and spatial sampling strategy is recommended.
Phylogeny of Praestephanos gen. nov. (Thalassiosirales, Bacillariophyceae) based on Stephanodiscus suzukii, and related freshwater thalassiosiroid diatoms

A new genus, Praestephanos, is described with its type species based on Stephanodiscus suzukii. In addi- tion, two new combinations are described: P. triporus and P. carconensis. This genus is similar to the genus Stepha- nodiscus, however, the pattern of the areolae changes at the level of the marginal fultoportulae but not at the level of the rimportulae or spines, and this differs from Stephanodiscus. Five clades, Stephanodiscus, Cyclostephanos, Cyclo- tella ocellata-Handmannia complex, Praestephanos and Discostella were detected by molecular analysis. The Dis- costella clade has the most basal position of these five clades. The Praestephanos clade holds a clearly basal position in relation to the Stephanodiscus and Cyclostephanos clades. However, the relationship between Praestephanos and Cyclotella ocellata-Handmannia was uncertain. Since these four clades separated with short branches in the phylo- genetic tree, these four clades (excluding Discostella) may have evolved during a very short geological period.
Responses of Vegetative Parts of Plants Following Application of Extract of Pollen from Zea mays

1. Extracts from pollen of Zea mays mixed with lanolin were applied to certain vegetative parts of various species of plants, particularly to those of Phaseolus. 2. Application of the extract in the form of a ring around the stems of bean plants resulted in marked internodal elongation, which was associated mainly with an increase in the length of the cells of the various tissues, rather than with an increase in the rate of cell division. Small amounts of indoleacetic acid applied in a similar way also resulted in increased linear growth of internodes, but to a less extent. 3. Greatest increase in linear growth of bean stems resulted when the extract was applied to internodes of plants grown in light of an intensity and quality most favorable for the development of short sturdy stems, and there was little or no difference between internodal elongation of treated and control plants grown under light conditions that favored etiolation. 4. Small tumors generally resulted following application of the pollen extract to the cut surface of decapitated second internodes of bean plants. Histological responses associated with the growth of these tumors were unlike those that resulted following the application of relatively concentrated mixtures of indoleacetic or naphthaleneacetic acids and lanolin, but more closely resemble those recorded for tryptophane.
TREE-RING WIDTH AND STABLE CARBON ISOTOPE COMPOSITION OF JAPANESE CYPRESS IN THE LAKE BIWA AREA, CENTRAL JAPAN, AND THEIR HYDROLOGIC AND CLIMATIC IMPLICATIONS

Chronologies of tree-ring width and stable carbon isotope composition of Japanese cypress were developed to help reconstruct a 300-year record of past hydrologic and climatic environments in the Lake Biwa area, central Japan. Site chronologies were built with 37 trees for ring width and four trees for carbon isotope composition, respectively. Correlation analysis with monthly climatic data revealed that radial growth of the trees is related to temperature in early spring, precipitation (or number of precipitation days) in early summer and precipitation in previous-year summer to autumn. Tree-ring cellulose carbon isotopic composition is correlated most significantly with the number of precipitation days in early summer months. Consequently, a chronology of the number of precipitation days in May was reconstructed by multiple regression analysis with ring-width and carbon-isotope predictors and was validated by comparison with the recent observed record.
Molecules are more than markers: new directions in molecular microbial ecology

Macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins are widely used to quantify diversity in natural communities, to monitor the dispersal of organisms and their genes, and to trace phylogenetic relationships among organisms. With such widespread use of molecules as markers, it is easy to forget that they perform functions that are integral to the survival of organisms. The structural and functional properties of macromolecules have been intensively studied in genetics, biochemistry, and physiology. These fields, however, have not generally focused on the ecological significance of molecular variation, but instead have used defective variants as tools for identifying structure and function. Understanding the significance of molecular variation for organismal success or failure is a central problem in ecology, one whose solution will require the integration of diverse approaches and perspectives from ecology, molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and evolutionary biology. I review several studies of bacterial populations evolving in simple environments that have begun to integrate these approaches and perspectives in order to examine the consequences of molecular variation for ecological performance.
Turkish and American preschoolers’ play, aggression and victimization behaviours in play context

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine cultural difference in Turkish and American preschoolers’ play, aggression and victimization behaviours. The research has been performed in a nursery school affiliated to a university in one of the big cities of Turkey and in two nursery schools affiliated to a university in one of the Northern states of the United States of America. It was composed of 55 Turkish children, 36–72 months old, (29 girls, 26 boys) and 50 American children, 36–72 months old, (32 boys, 18 girls), totally 105 children (61 boys, 44 girls). Observations and teacher report were used in this study. According to the results; Turkish children showed more physical and relational aggression and victimized more than American children. American children showed parallel play more than Turkish children, and Turkish children engaged in pretend play more than American children. Surprisingly, the most interesting result; social pretend play is predicted observed and teacher reported relational aggression in both cultures.
Predictors of Quality and Commitment in Family Child Care: Provider Education, Personal Resources, and Support

This study examined the personal characteristics and resources in 65 licensed family child care providers' lives that influence developmentally enhancing caregiving and professional commitment to child care. Several self-report instruments were utilized to assess providers' personal characteristics and resources. The Family Day Care Rating Scale (FDCRS: Harms & Clifford, 1989) was used to assess quality of care during morning observations at providers' homes, while the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ: Mowday, Steers, & Porter, 1979) was adapted to assess professional commitment to family child care. Factors in providers' lives that uniquely contributed to higher levels of quality care were higher levels of formal education and training, college coursework in ECE, higher levels of psychological well-being, and higher family incomes. Common factors in providers' lives that predicted higher levels of professional commitment to child care were helpful and supportive resources for child care and higher levels of psychological well-being.
Home Ranges of the Nilgai Antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Texas

Abstract Information related to home ranges of the nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) was needed to estimate spread of cattle-fever ticks (Riphicephalus microplus and R. annulatus) and to develop management protocols. We captured, placed telemetry collars on, and monitored 10 male and 12 female nilgai antelopes during February 2006–May 2008. We detected no difference between size of home ranges of males and females and determined maximum axes of home ranges of 16.3 and 13.8 km, respectively. The combination of large home ranges and large axes of home range indicates that if cattle-fever ticks are being maintained on nilgai antelopes, then the area in which these antelopes may spread ticks is great.
Phylogenetic Position of the South American Dioecious Genus Hamadryas and Related Ranunculeae (Ranunculaceae)

The endemic southern South American genus Hamadryas (Ranunculaceae), consisting of five species, has been regarded as closely related to or part of Ranunculus s.l. (tribe Ranunculeae) based on morphological observations. However, it differs from most other Ranunculus in its dioecious breeding system. Its phylogenetic placement within Ranunculaceae has never been rigorously examined. Here we report the results of two DNA sequence analyses: one using the chloroplast genes atpB and rbcL to broadly place Hamadryas within the family; the second using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions to further pinpoint Hamadryas's position within Ranunculeae. The chloroplast data confirm a monophyletic Ranunculoideae consisting of Ranunculeae and Anemoneae, with a well‐supported rooting for Ranunculeae between a clade consisting of Hamadrayas, Halerpestes, and Trautvetteria (also including Ranunculus ficaria, but with weak support) and a core Raununculus clade. With the ITS data for Ranunculeae, Hamadryas is within a moderately supported clade consisting of Oxygraphis (Asia, Alaska), Peltocalathos (South Africa), and Callianthemoides (Chile, Argentina), with Callianthemoides weakly supported as sister to Hamadryas. Based on this and other data, we recommend that Hamadryas (along with many other segregate genera within Ranunculeae) be subsumed within the genus Ranunculus. We characterize the morphology and other attributes that occur in Hamadryas and sister genera and discuss possible causes for the development of dioecy in Hamadryas.
Biological control of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, with baculoviruses in greenhouses : development of a comprehensive process-based model

Abstract We describe the development of a comprehensive process-based model simulating the epizootiology and agronomic efficacy of baculoviruses used for biological control of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, in greenhouse chrysanthemum. The model is built to help understand, evaluate, and predict the effects of genetic modification, formulation, and application strategy of a baculovirus on its epizootiology and agronomic efficacy in a greenhouse cropping system. The model was constructed such that the impact of detailed aspects of the virus–host relationship, cropping system, spraying regime, and insect ecology on control could be evaluated. The resulting model is highly detailed, covers four spatial scales, from the leaf to the greenhouse, and addresses spatially explicit processes at the individual level and spatially averaged population processes. Submodels describe the crop production system and plant growth, the distribution and dispersal of insects within the crop canopy, spray deposition, uptake of virus, the probability of death and survival time of infected insects, and vertical and horizontal transmission. This paper describes the conceptual basis of the model and its parameterization by quantitative descriptions of model components. Model components are tested by comparison with dependent and independent experimental data.
Biodiversity pattern of subtidal sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) in the Penghu Archipelago (Pescadores), Taiwan

Sponge-related research in Taiwan has primarily focused on natural product exploration. This research has, however, been hampered by a lack of fundamental work on sponge taxonomy and ecology. In the present study, subtidal sponges were photo-recorded in situ and collected by scuba diving at a depth range of 2–20 m from 2009 to 2012 in 16 different sites surrounding the Penghu Archipelago, Taiwan. Sponge samples were identified to the lowest taxonomic level based on skeletal morphology and spicules. A total of 53 species belonging to 24 families and 10 orders were identified in this study. The number of sponge species per site ranged from 0 to 24. The most widely distributed sponge species was Callyspongia (Euplacella) cf. communis (Carter, 1881) followed by Haliclona (Gellius) cymaeformis (Esper, 1794), and Aaptos suberitoides (Brøndsted, 1934). At one location, Chipeiyu, no sponges were observed. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination revealed relatively low similarity among most sampling sites. Large- and small-scale hydrological and habitat features are probably responsible for compositional variation of sponge assemblages among groups of sampling sites. Our richness analyses suggest that many more sponge species remain to be discovered in the Penghu Archipelago.
Adoption of mobile money and financial inclusion: a macroeconomic approach through cluster analysis

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the patterns of adoption of mobile money in emerging and developing countries. Mobile money is a mobile-based service, which provides access to low-cost financial services for people excluded from the banking system. It is designed to overcome the difficulties related to entering the banking system and the unavailability of banking infrastructure. Drawing on macroeconomic comparative and case study analysis conducted by practitioner experts, this study takes a wide macroeconomic approach to the adoption of mobile money adoption in 2011 and 2014, based on the alternative strategy of cluster analysis. We exploit the new technology diffusion frameworks to evaluate dissimilarity among groups of countries with similar levels of adoption of mobile money. We investigate whether adoption of mobile money services are highest in countries where access to formal banking services is lowest. Our analytical results support the predictions in the technology diffusion literature and nuance the potential of mobile money as a tool to counter banking exclusion.
The genus Pseudocyclopina Lang in Antarctic waters: Redescription of the type-species, P. Belgicae (Giesbrecht, 1902) and the description of four new species (Copepoda: Cyclopinidae)

Abstract Three new species of the genus Pseudocyclopina Lang, 1946, viz. P. eddatreyae sp. n. , P. berndtreyi sp. n. , and P. veitkoehlerae sp. n. , are described from the coastal planktic community and hyperbenthic water layers of Potter Cove, King George Island (Antarctica). A fourth new species, P. guentheri sp. n. , was discovered in the underice planktic community off the German Neumayer-Station in the Weddell Sea. In order to establish a revised generic diagnosis, the type-species, P. belgicae (Giesbrecht, 1902) is also redescribed in detail. The three species from Potter Cove are more closely related to each other than to the sister-pair of species: P. belgicae and P. guentheri sp. n. The first group differs from the two sister-species in several aspects: 2 setae represent the antennary exopodite; a row of long spinules is found on the lateral margins of the fifth legs tergite, the shape of the maxillipedal endopodite is compact; and modified setae are present on antenna and maxilliped. The male of P. eddatreyae sp. n. differs from P. belgicae in having an inner coxal seta on fifth leg. The genus Pseudocydopina presently is regarded as endemic to Antarctic waters. Phylogenetically, the genus appears to be the sister-group of a taxon comprising Cyclopinopsis Srnirnov, 1935 and Parapseudocyclopinodes Lindberg, The sister-group of all three genera together is the genus Cyclopinodes Wilson, 1932.
Molecular characterization, virulence and horizontal transmission of Beauveria pseudobassiana from Dendroctonus micans (Kug.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has been a potential threat for Turkey and the entire Eurasian spruce forests for many years. Control strategies which have been applied so far are still insufficient to prevent its damage. A previous study has shown that a Beauveria isolate (ARSEF 9271) proved to be an efficient microbial control agent against the great spruce bark beetle. In this study, this isolate was identified as B. pseudobassiana based on the partial sequence of EF1‐α and ITS sequence. A conidial suspension (1 × 108/ml) of this fungus caused 100% mortality on both larvae and adults of D. micans within 5 and 6 days, respectively. Also, it caused 100% mycosis value on both larvae and adults. Mortality values of horizontal transmission experiments between larvae and adults which were contaminated with 1 × 106/ml spore suspension at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% rates were determined as 100% after 15 days at 20°C under the laboratory conditions. We also determined the decrease of the damage in spruce wood block (15 × 25 cm) when the contamination rate of the larvae was increased. Our results indicate that B. pseudobassiana ARSEF 9271 seems to be a very promising biocontrol agent against D. micans.