Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of genital asymmetry, exaggerated eye stalks, and extreme palpal elongation in Panjange spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae)

We describe several new species of the previously monotypic Panjange lanthana species group from the Philippines and document their extraordinary morphology. Some species show strong male genital asymmetry, a phenomenon that seems to be exceedingly rare in spiders. Males of most species have eye stalks, and in two species these eye stalks are among the longest ever recorded in spiders. Some species show a tendency for male genital (pedipalp) elongation, and one species has the longest and thinnest palps ever recorded in Pholcidae. A cladistic analysis is performed including all described and several undescribed species of Panjange (except for one “problem species”), supporting the lanthana group and its close relationship with members of the possibly paraphyletic cavicola group. The following eight new species are described: Panjange malagos Huber sp. nov.; Pa. casaroro Huber sp. nov.; Pa. camiguin Huber sp. nov.; Pa. hamiguitan Huber sp. nov.; Pa. isarog Huber sp. nov.; Pa. dinagat Huber sp. nov.; Pa. marilog Huber sp. nov.; Pa. bukidnon Huber sp. nov.
A New Perspective on The Evolutionary History of Darwin's Finches

The 13 species of finches found on the Galapagos Islands, and the one species from Cocos Island, together collectively known as Darwin's finches, are one of the better-studied groups of birds. Much has been learned about their ecology, behavior, and the short-term effects of natural selection (Lack 1947, Bowman 1961, Grant 1999). The four species of tree finch (Camarhynchus), six species of ground finch (Geospiza), the tool-using Woodpecker Finch (Cactospiza pallida), the Vegetarian Finch (Platyspiza crassirostris), the Warbler Finch (Certhidea olivacea), and the finch on Cocos Island (Pinaroloxias inornata) appear to fill different ecological roles via differentiation of bill size and shape (Grant and Grant 2002). In fact, most authors consider Darwin's finches to be a classic example of an adaptive radiation, owing to the great diversity in bill form and ecological habit that presumably evolved in a relatively short time. For example, Petren et al. (1999:321) noted, "Species in this group show adaptive variation in beak size, beak shape and body size that is more typical of differences among [taxonomic] families of birds. (boldface added). Taxonomic History. -Darwin originally collected the finches from the Galapagos, not realizing what an evolutionary gold mine they would become (Sulloway 1982). In fact, he was not careful about labeling specimens as to the island from which a specimen was obtained, thus obscuring taxonomic boundaries. Subsequent work with better-labeled specimens revealed taxonomically significant patterns of variation. Gould (1837) recognized that different species existed in the collections from the Darwin expedition. However, Gould was unable to produce a stable classification. Since Gould's time, many of the major figures in avian taxonomy have published differing classifications. The succession of revisionary efforts attests to the difficult nature of classifying phenotypic variation among the finches. Although the species show considerable morphological diversity, many in fact are notoriously difficult to identify in the field (especially females and immatures). Populations from different species and islands overlap in morphometric space (Grant 1981).
Facilitating an importance index

1. An unresolved question in plant ecology is how the balance between positive and negative interactions changes with environmental conditions. Recently, the debate has been expanded by Brooker & Kikvidze (2008) , reintroducing the importance, rather than the intensity, of interactions as the appropriate concept for empirical studies. Importance is the difference in performance with interactions relative to all affecting factors.
Sequence analysis and homology modeling of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of an antarctic psychrophilic Pseudomonas sp.

Psychrophiles are organisms that thrive in cold environments and one of the cold adaptation strategies is the ability to synthesize cold-adapted enzymes. In this work, we analyzed and compared the amino acid sequence of glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) of an Antarctic bacterium,
Cluster Analysis for Evaluation of Genetic Diversity inEnset (Enset ventricosum(Welw.) Cheesman) Clones at Areka Condition

279accessions of Enset ventricosum were tested at ArekaAgriculturalResearchCenterin a non-replicated field. The objectives of the study were to assess the diversity of these accessions based on key morphological descriptors and evaluate the accessions based on yield and yield related traits. Data on six qualitative and 22 quantitative traits were collected and subjected to various statistical analyses. Cluster analysis based on qualitative characters indicated the formation of six clusters and existence of variability, based on their leaf, midrib and petiole traits. The result of Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H`) showed thatlowlevels of diversity existed among the 279 Enset ventricosumaccessions based on the frequency of the phenotypic charactersconsidered. Analysis of variance for quantitative characters indicated significant variation among the accessions in all the 22 yield and yield components of an enset plant. Cluster analysis based on quantitative characters indicated the formation of six clusters and showing cluster five with the highest values for yield and yield components for the majority of the characters followed by cluster IV. The cluster and distance analysis of quantitative characters pointed out the distance between most of the clusters were highly significant (P < 0.01) suggesting diversity among accessions in different clusters. The maximum inter-clusters distance (D2 = 256.45) was noticed between cluster III and V followed by I and V (D2 = 228.59) and II and V (D2 = 206.10) suggesting diversity between these groups. Correlation study between various quantitative characters showed highly significant association among characters. Maturity time has a negative correlation with yield and yield components of an enset plant.
Use of an Open-Frame Hinged Surgical Table to Restore Segmental Lumbar Lordosis After Posterior Column Osteotomy

Maintaining lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance is an important consideration for patients undergoing lumbar fusion. [1][1]–[3][2] The use of interbody grafts and posterior column osteotomies (PCOs) can increase segmental lumbar lordosis from a posterior approach. Compression to close the PCO
Impact of added sand on the recovery of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and coliforms from prechill and postchill commercial broiler carcass halves

Abstract Salmonella and Campylobacter are often associated with raw poultry products and continue to be leading causes of food-borne gastroenteritis in the United States. As a result, the presence of these organisms on broiler carcasses is monitored on a routine basis. Abrasive rinsing methods (e.g., adding glass beads) have been shown to increase the level of bacteria recovered from carcasses or carcass parts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of sand to the rinse on bacterial enumeration and the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter recovered from broiler carcasses. During each of 4 replications, 6 prechill and 6 postchill broiler carcasses were collected from a commercial processing plant. All carcasses were split along the dorso-ventral midline. Carcass halves were rinsed in buffered peptone water, whereas the companion half was rinsed in buffered peptone water with sterile sand added. All carcass halves were rinsed for 1 min and the rinsate was collected. Salmonella, coliforms, and Escherichia coli were enumerated and the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter was determined. Salmonella and Campylobacter were isolated from 17 and 50% of the carcass halves, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in Salmonella or Campylobacter prevalence from carcass halves rinsed with or without sand. The addition of sand to the rinse had no effect on the number of Salmonella, coliforms, or E. coli recovered from prechill or postchill carcass halves. These results show that adding sand to the rinse liquid did not improve the recovery of bacteria present on the carcass in either moderate (2.6 log10 cfu/mL rinsate) or low numbers (
New sources of resistance to Myrothecium roridum and Podosphaeria xanthii in yellow melon

The aim of this study was to identify sources of resistance toMyrothecium roridumand Podosphaeria xanthii.Initially, 86 inbred lines of the crossing AM-04 x Goldex, 91 inbred lines of the crossing AM-12 x Rochedo, and 75 inbred lines of the crossing ACP x AF-646 were evaluated. The trials were carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with five replications. Seventeen inbred lines were identified as resistant to M. roridum.These inbred lines, as well as the parents and seven differential cultivars (checks) were evaluated for the reaction to P. xanthii.Ten inbred lines were selected as moderately resistant to M. roridumand resistant to P. xanthii.
TOTAL ANTIOXIDATIVE STATUS AND THE ACTIVITY OF PEROXIDASE AND SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE IN THE HAEMOLYMPH OF LYMNAEA STAGNALIS (L.) NATURALLY INFECTED WITH DIGENEAN TREMATODES

Indicators in the antioxidative system of snails naturally infected with three species of trematodes (Plagiorchis elegans, Paryphostomum radiatum and Echinoparyphium aconiatum) were compared. The total antioxidative status (TAS) and activities of peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the haemolymph of sexually mature individuals of wild-caught Lymnaea stagnalis, maintained at 19 8 Ci n the laboratory, were tested. No significant differences were detected in TAS between P. radiatum snails uninfected and infected, with the exception of the 20th day. In the case of snails infected with P. elegans TAS was higher than in controls only at the beginning of the experiment, while in those infected with E. aconiatum it was always lower than in the control group. In all infected snails the activ- ity of POX was higher than in uninfected snails. The changes in activity of SOD in the infected snails differed depending on the species of trematodes. Among the tested host -parasite systems, the survival rate of snails infected with E. aconiatum was the lowest. We suggest that the TAS of snails can be used as an indicator of trematode virulence.
Effects of the mixture of avermectin and imidacloprid on mortality and developmental stability of Copera annulata (Odonata: Zygoptera) larvae

The present study explored the effects of mixture of avermectin and imidacloprid on the level of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and mortality of Copera annulata larvae. The results showed that the mortality of larval damselflies treated with different concentrations of insecticide did not differ significantly. However, we found that the levels of FA of two traits were significantly different with different treatments but the others did not show any differences. Explicitly, FA of two traits increased with increasing pesticide concentration. There was a significantly negative relationship between first femur length and the absolute difference between its right and left sides. There was no relationship with respect to the absolute difference between the right and left sides of all traits and their body size. FA was not associated with mortality. Our results emphasized that insecticide had potential effects on bilaterally symmetrical traits of damselfly larvae, although they were no longer treated with insecticide during the last rearing. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 44‐50.
Zoning Marine Protected Areas through Spatial Multiple‐Criteria Analysis: the Case of the Asinara Island National Marine Reserve of Italy

Abstract: As the role of marine protected areas as conservation tools becomes better understood and more sophisticated, their planning becomes more complicated. Systematic, objective approaches to site selection and design can help reconcile conflicting interests, represent stakeholders' viewpoints fairly and evenly, and extend the scope of planning studies from single reserves to networks. We illustrate the use of spatial multiple‐criteria analysis for determining the suitability of marine areas for different uses and levels of protection. This technique couples geographic information systems (GIS) for land assessment and evaluation with a formal statement of the design priorities as seen from the different viewpoints of all involved stakeholders. The planning process, while staying focused on the main purposes of conservation and feasibility, involves all the main interest groups in the definition of priorities so that conflicts and tensions are kept under control. We used multiple‐criteria analysis to integrate objective data with the contrasting priorities of different stakeholders in the planning of a marine protected area. The results of the analysis can be used to define an optimal spatial arrangement of different protection levels. As a case study, we developed a zoning plan for one of the first marine protected areas in Italy, the Asinara Island National Marine Reserve.
Social Influences on Tundra Swan Activities During Migration

Abstract Diurnal activities and foraging methods of juvenile, parent (adults with young), and non-parent (adults without young) Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) were measured during autumn and spring migration at Long Point, Ontario, to evaluate: 1) age-related differences in activities and feeding methods of family members, 2) potential short-term behavioral costs and benefits of prolonged parent-offspring association, and 3) several predictions based on predation risk and swan social structure. Vigilance of inactive parents and juveniles declined as flock size increased at observation sites. However, other evaluations of vigilance in active (and inactive parent/non-parent) swans and use of risk-prone foraging methods did not support the hypothesis that swans respond to reduced risk of predation resulting from membership in larger flocks. These results may be due to their use of inaccessible aquatic habitats and their large relative size, both of which relate to their lack of natural predators, at staging areas. Both parents and young used sub-surface feeding methods to the same amount, but parents “treadled” more than did juveniles and juveniles “dabbled” more on the surface than did parents. These findings suggest that some degree of resource partitioning exists between parents and young or possibly parents indirectly facilitate feeding activities of their young. Parents were more vigilant and interacted with other social groups more than did juveniles, but their feeding activity was unaffected as both parents and juveniles spent similar time foraging. Time spent vigilant, in intraspecific interactions, and feeding was similar between parents and non-parents. Based on this evidence, parents did not appear to incur short-term behavioral or energetic costs of prolonged association with young. However, both parents and juveniles likely benefited from higher social standing associated with family status or larger family size.
NMR Investigation of Tyr105 Mutants in TEM-1 β-Lactamase

The existence of coupled residue motions on various time scales in enzymes is now well accepted, and their detailed characterization has become an essential element in understanding the role of dynamics in catalysis. To this day, a handful of enzyme systems has been shown to rely on essential residue motions for catalysis, but the generality of such phenomena remains to be elucidated. Using NMR spectroscopy, we investigated the electronic and dynamic effects of several mutations at position 105 in TEM-1 β-lactamase, an enzyme responsible for antibiotic resistance. Even in absence of substrate, our results show that the number and magnitude of short and long range effects on 1H-15N chemical shifts are correlated with the catalytic efficiencies of the various Y105X mutants investigated. In addition, 15N relaxation experiments on mutant Y105D show that several active-site residues of TEM-1 display significantly altered motions on both picosecond-nanosecond and microsecond-millisecond time scales despite many being far away from the site of mutation. The altered motions among various active-site residues in mutant Y105D may account for the observed decrease in catalytic efficiency, therefore suggesting that short and long range residue motions could play an important catalytic role in TEM-1 β-lactamase. These results support previous observations suggesting that internal motions play a role in promoting protein function.
Investigating indices to explain the impacts of ozone on the biomass of white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv. Regal) at inland and coastal sites in Spain

Summary • Ozone (O 3 ) phytotoxicity is driven by the concentrations the plants are exposed to, and also by meteorological and physiological variables. Thus, O 3 uptake might be a better indicator of the phytotoxicity of this pollutant than O 3 exposure. • An ozone biomonitoring system based on the biomass ratio between an ozone-resistant (NC-R) and an ozone-sensitive (NC-S) biotype of white clover ( Trifolium repens cv. Regal) has been tested for 4 yr at four Spanish sites experiencing wide differences in their climatic and ozone exposure profiles. A complementary experiment was also carried out in open-top chambers exposing plants of both biotypes to three O 3 treatments. Ozone exposure, air temperature, relative humidity and leaf stomatal conductance to water vapour were measured during the life span of both clover clones. These measurements enabled the total O 3 accumulated dose (CUMFO 3 ) for each biotype to be calculated. • The biomass ratio of both clones was best correlated with indices based on O 3 uptake, rather than with indices related to O 3 exposure. In fact, the best performance of the system was achieved when O 3 uptake > 40 nl l −l (CUMFO 3 40) was considered. • The results support the need to relate O 3 phytotoxicity to actual plant O 3 uptake.
Response to water deficit of Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet

Green spaces require frequent watering, increasing the pressure on water resources. The use of native plants in landscaping reduces the risks of biological contamination, contributing to preservation of Brazilian biodiversity and provides the value of sustainability in urban green areas. Of these native plants, a restricted number are native lianas which are adapted to Brazilian climate and available on the market. In this regard, the selection and recommending of native plants which are efficient in use of water for planting in urban areas constitute an effective strategy for conservation of water resources. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of I. cairica plants submitted to water deficit. For a period of 100 days after transplanting, plants of this species were grown with watered at pot capacity except for 30 days (from the 30th to the 60th day) when four water deficits (25, 50, 75 and 100% pot capacity) were applied. During all regimes of water deficiency applied, there was a 100% survival rate. After reestablishment of water regime the species recovered its growth, even that was submitted to the 25% of pot capacity. It testify that I. cairica is resistant to low water availability.
A new species of the genus Sagitta (Phylum Chaetognatha) from the Agatti lagoon (Laccadive Archipelago, Indian Ocean) with comments on endemism

A new chaetognath Sagitta madhupratapi from the Agatti atoll, Laccadive Archipelago is described.The species belongs to the hispida group.Though collections were made from other atolls the species was found restricted to the Agatti suggesting that the species is endernic to this lagoon.It that isolated waters of lagoons promote speciation as this as well as another species dwelling in the area were found to be new to science. Isolation from surrounding neritic populations of chaetognaths is probably one of the reasons for endemism.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE PRODUCTION, PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES FROM OYSTER MUSHROOMS, PLEUROTUS FLORIDA AND HYPSIZYGUS ULMARIUS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Mushroom polysaccharides have attracted great deal of attention due to many health benefits such as immunomodulation, anticancer activity, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, antiviral and antimicrobial effects. The present work involved the production and purification of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from two oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus florida (PF) and Hypsizygus ulmarius (HU) and investigation of their effect in relation to antioxidant and anticancer activities. Several parameters such as pH, temperature and media for the growth of mycelial culture and for the production of EPS were optimized to be 4.5, 27 °C and GPKM media, respectively. Purification of exopolysaccharides was carried out by DEAE Sephacel (anion exchange chromatography) and high yield of exopolysaccharides were obtained as 0.726 mg/ml, and 0.665 mg/ml for PF-EPS and HU-EPS, respectively. The samples were further subjected to characterization, antioxidant and anticancer studies. Characterization by NMR showed relative peaks corresponding to polysaccharides. The results of antioxidant assay for the two polysaccharide samples (PF-EPS and HU-EPS) by phosphomolybdenum method was found to be 20.57 and 21.93 iM AAE/g of tissue, respectively. Anticancer potential of purified polysaccharides were assessed by MTT assay on MCF breast cancer cell lines and two samples, PF-EPS and HU-EPS exhibited percentage of cell viability at 66.48% and 47.63%, respectively. On the whole comparatively, HU-EPS demonstrated encouraging results in terms of anticancer potential.
NEONATAL MULE DEER FAWN SURVIVAL IN WEST-CENTRAL COLORADO

Abstract Declining mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations resulting from apparent low recruitment brought management and political focus on neonatal fawn survival. We captured mule deer fawns on the Uncompahgre Plateau (5,957 km2) in west-central Colorado, USA, at a mean age of 3 days (range = newborn to 6 days), and we radiomarked them with mortality-sensing, drop-off radiocollars. We radiomarked 230 fawns with samples of 50 in 1999, 88 in 2000, and 92 in 2001. Designated neonate survival period was from capture to 14 December. Survival was different among years (χ22 = 6.160, P = 0.046) with 3-year mean survival of 0.501. Cause-specific mortality ordered from highest to lowest was sick/starve, coyote, unknown, trauma, bear, and feline. Neither all predation combined (coyote, bear, feline; P = 0.379) nor coyote predation alone (P > 0.989) differed among years. By 31 July, 74% of the sick/starve mortality and 75% of the predation mortality had taken place, with 76% of mortality from all sources occurring by this date. Mean fawn weights at capture were different among years (P = 0.044). We also found a difference in hind-foot length among years (P = 0.002). Weight and hind-foot means were different between 2000 and 2001 (P > 0.017), with 1999 not different from either 2000 or 2001 (P < 0.017). Mean capture date was 19 June (SD = 4.83 days) and median capture date was 19 June (range = 9 Jun–6 Jul), with 94.8% of all captures occurring between 13 and 30 June. This implies that most does were bred during their first estrus cycle. Neonatal survival through 14 December did not completely account for observed low fawn:doe (f:d) ratios. We hypothesized that fetus mortality during late pregnancy or mortality of fawns at birth (before they could be detected for capture) as potential causes of poor recruitment.