Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Notodectes is the First Endemic Pachycormiform Genus (Osteichthyes, Actinopterygii, Pachycormiformes) in the Southern Hemisphere

ABSTRACT Jurassic fishes from the Southern Hemisphere are poorly known in comparison with those of the Northern Hemisphere. The Tithonian (Late Jurassic) deposits of Argentina have yielded a rich and taxonomically diverse ichthyofauna. However, these fishes have been only partially described and need to be revised or studied. In this paper, the putative ichthyodectiform actinopterygian Notodectes argentinus is redescribed. The holotype comes from the Vaca Muerta Formation, in the southwestern part of Mendoza Province, Argentina. It consists of an incomplete, partially articulated skull in which some of the bones are preserved in three dimensions. The specimen has a unique character combination that allows us not only to diagnose the genus Notodectes but also confirm that it is a member of the actinopterygian order Pachycormiformes. At present, Notodectes represents the first endemic pachycormiform from the Southern Hemisphere and the first specimen found in Mendoza Province (northwestern region of the Neuquén Basin). Also, Notodectes is the first fast-swimming and clearly ichthyophagous pachycormid reported from the Jurassic of South America.
Population Sizes of Taurus Frog, Rana holtzi , in Two Different Localities, Karagöl and Eğrıgöl: New Estimations, Decline, and a Warning for their Conservation

Various estimators of population size have been used for Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) studies although some considered to have limitations and under- or over-estimations. Reliable and accurate monitoring and estimation is necessary for effective management of threatened species in Turkey. We used three different CMR estimators, Petersen, Bailey (triple catch), and MARK to estimate the population size of critically endangered frog species, Rana holtzi in its terra typica, the Karagol Lake vicinities, for 2003 and 2009 data. Of these estimators, Mark and Petersen give reliable and better results than the Bailey. At Karagol, the Taurus frog population declined over a period of six years.We also estimated the population size of Eðrigol locality, which is recently described but its low number was not given a hope for the species conservation.We also discussed the accuracy and limited use of Baileys (triple catch) by using our natural population data.
Experimentally increased turbidity causes behavioural shifts in Lake Malawi cichlids

Abstract – The aquatic environment is being perturbed globally through increases in turbidity, which can have detrimental effects for the maintenance of fish diversity, especially in species dependent on visual cues for reproduction and species recognition. We performed a short-term manipulation of the visual environment in Lake Malawi to test for an immediate behavioural response to increased turbidity in territorial rock-dwelling cichlid fishes that use colourful visual cues to maintain territories near the substrate and attract mates. We found a significant movement of fish away from the substrate, with a concomitant shift from displaying territorial and courting behaviours to foraging behaviours, during the five minutes following the release of a turbidity plume over the area. This study is the first to test for and demonstrate an immediate behavioural response of a natural fish population to a short-term increase in turbidity that might mimic the initial (i.e., immediate) stage of a run-off event after rainfall in a deforested area.
Urinary metabolomics study on an induced-stress rat model using UPLC-QTOF/MS

A urinary metabolomics method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was employed to investigate the pathogenesis and therapeutic effects of a Baixiangdan capsule on rats undergoing electric-induced stress for five days. Multivariate analysis techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were applied to observe the temporal changes in the metabolic state of the electric-stressed rats visually, as well as the recovering tendency of the rats treated with the Baixiangdan capsule. Artificial intelligence technology (artificial neural networks and neurofuzzy logic) was used to identify potential biomarkers, and the results showed a high overlap with the PLS-DA model. A total of 14 potential biomarkers representing the major cause–effect relationships between the variations in the endogenous metabolites and the dynamic pathological processes associated with the stress induced by the electric stimulation were identified, including amino acid metabolites, such as 2-aminoadipic acid, hippuric acid, spermine, 4-hydroxyglutamate and L-phenylalanine, in addition to prostaglandin F3a and melatonin. The results indicated that the pathways corresponding to L-phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, arginine, proline metabolism, pantothenic acid, and coenzyme A synthesis were disturbed in the electric-stressed rats, and that the application of the Baixiangdan capsule may regulate the aforementioned metabolic pathways back to their initial states. The application of artificial intelligence technologies provided powerful and promising tools to model complex metabolomic data and to discover hidden knowledge regarding the potential biomarkers associated with the development of disease, which are also suitable for other complex biological data sets.
Length-weight relationship of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland) and Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland)

The length-weight relationship of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland) and Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland), collected from Jatinga river in Assam, have been studied. Based on 50 specimens of N.hexagonolepis (70-270 mm) and 72 specimens of G.lissorhynchus (47-94mm), the regression equation was calculated to be Log W=-2.882 + 1.922 Log L and Log W=-5.171 + 3.152 Log L respectively for the two species of fishes. The computed ‘t’ values indicated that ‘n’ value of N.hexagonolepis is significantly different from the expected value of ‘3’. The relative condition factor (Kn) remained greater than 1 for N.hexagonolepis and G.lissorhynchus indicating their good well being.
Genetics of the peripheral populations of the alpine bullhead, Cottus poecilopus (Scorpaeniformes, Cottidae) in Poland

The alpine bullhead (Cottus poecilopus) in Poland is highly polymorphic (P for examined populations in the range of 0.0–0.45, mean P = 0.11, P for species 0.64) in seven out of 11 loci studied (Pgd-1, Mdh-1, Ck-1, Gpd-1, Gpd-2, Gpi-1, Gpi-2). However, they reveal very low heterozygosity (mean Ho = 0.007, mean He = 0.019), which may result from population subdivisions, small genetically effective size (Ne) of some populations and frequent inbreeding, the latter being probably mediated through polygyny. The index of genetic differentiation (GST) for the Polish metapopulation equals 0.48, which is relatively high. By far, the strongest are genetic differences between the Sudeten-Carpathian group and the Hancza population. Gene flow between the Sudeten-Carpathian group and the Hancza population is very limited and their divergence may have started as early as the last (Eemian) interglacial period. Zusammenfassung Die genetische Struktur und Verwandtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen sieben, auf der Arealgrenze in Polen vorkommenden Populationen der Buntflossenkoppe (Cottus poecilopus Heckel, 1836) wurden mit Hilfe der Protein-Elektrophorese (PAGE) untersucht. Die Buntflossenkoppen-Populationen Polens sind durch durchschnittlich hohen Polymorphismus (Grenzwerte 0.00–0.45, Mittelwert 0.11) von sieben (64%) unter den elf untersuchten Loci (Pgd-1, Mdh-1, Ck-1, Gpd-1, sGpd-2, Gpi-1, Gpi-2) aber niedrige Heterozygotie (Ho = 0.007, He = 0.019) gekennzeichnet. Diese Kombination ergibt sich aus der Zusammenwirkung von stark gepragter Populationsaufteilung, geringer genetisch wirksamer Populationsgrose (Ne) und durch Polygynie aufgezwungener Inzucht. Innerhalb der polnischen Metapopulation zeichnen sich grose genetische Unterschiede zwischen der Sudeten-Karpaten Gruppe und der Hancza-Population sehr deutlich ab, womit auch ein hoher Wert von GST = 0.48 bedingt ist. Genflus zwischen der Hancza-Population und Sudeten-Karpaten Gruppe ist auserst beschrankt. Ihre Divergenz kann noch im letzten (Eem-) Interglazial angefangen haben.
Species Revision and Generic Systematics of World Rileyinae (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

The subfamily Rileyinae (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is redefined to contain 6 genera and 69 species for which keys are provided. Two morphological data sets, analyzed via maximum parsimony with PAUP*, yield hypotheses on the placement of Rileyinae within Eurytomidae and internal relationships of Rileyinae. Tables detailing host utilization for Eurytomidae (genera), Rileyinae (species), and confirmed/suspected plant associations for Rileyinae are included.
Detection, incidence and diversity of banana streak viruses, Banana mild mosaic virus and banana virus X in Guadeloupe.

Banana streak viruses (BSVs) infect banana worldwide. BSV sequences present in the genome of Musa balbisiana hamper the detection of cognate episomal viruses by PCR, since PCR results in the amplification of both episomal viral DNA and integrated viral sequences, leading to false positives. A simple single-step multiplex immunocapture PCR (M-IC-PCR) assay was developed for the detection of only episomal BSV. This technique was applied in a study of the occurrence of BSV in Guadeloupe. Leaf samples from the main banana genotypes were indexed for the presence of major BSV species. Although no symptoms could be observed, BSV was found to be common in plantain (AAB), probably as a result of the widespread use of contaminated suckers. In contrast, BSV was uncommon on dessert banana cultivars (AAA), showing that the use of virus-free certified in vitro plants is an efficient strategy for controlling the spread of BSV, and that vector-borne transmission of BSV from plantain to dessert banana is very low in Guadeloupe. Our study also showed that Banana streak GF virus is the most prevalent species in Guadeloupe, with species Banana streak OL virus and Banana streak Mysore virus present at much lower levels. Using the same leaf samples, a study on the occurrence and diversity of Banana virus X (BVX), a member of the Flexiviridae family, which has been recently described and characterised in Guadeloupe, was undertaken. Indexing by direct-binding reverse transcription PCR showed that BVX is very uncommon in Guadeloupe and has a low level of molecular diversity. This is in contrast to Banana mild mosaic virus, which is a closely related member of the Flexiviridae family, and for which an immunocapture reverse transcription nested PCR detection method was established. (Resume d'auteur)
Changes in Phenols, Color, and Sensory Characteristics of Muscadine Wines by Pre- and Post-Fermentation Additions of PVPP, Casein, and Gelatin

White muscadine wine (Vitis rotundifolia, cv. Welder) was treated before or after fermentation with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP, 0.5 and 1 g/L), casein (Kolorfine, 0.5 and 1 g/L), and gelatin (0.3 and 0.6 g/L) and compared to a control (non-treated). Red muscadine wine (cv. Noble) was treated with the same fining agents after fermentation. PVPP and casein added pre- or post-fermentation reduced total and flavonoid phenols, lightened the color, and improved resistance to browning in the white wine. PVPP was more effective than casein, and there was little difference between the pre- and post-fermentation additions of fining agents on color or phenols in the white wine. Gelatin had little effect on the color, but reduced phenols in the white wine, and both pre- and post-fermentation additions of gelatin changed the sensory characteristics of the white wine as compared to a control in triangle tests. Post-fermentation additions of PVPP also altered the sensory characteristics of the white wine, but casein did not. Post-fermentation addition of casein and especially PVPP reduced total and polymeric phenols, and lightened the color of the red wine. PVPP also reduced the brown color in the red wine. Gelatin had little effect on the phenols, color or sensory characteristics of the red wine. Only PVPP significantly altered the sensory characteristics of the red wine.
Differential Regulation of Chemokine Gene Expression by 15-Deoxy-Δ12,1412,14 Prostaglandin J21 2

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), such as 15-deoxy-Δ12,14PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) have been proposed as a new class of antiinflammatory compounds with possible clinical applications. As there is some controversy over the inhibitory effects of 15d-PGJ2 on chemokine gene expression, we investigated whether 15d-PGJ2 itself affected chemokine gene expression in human monocytes/macrophages and two monocytic cell lines. Here we demonstrate that the 15d-PGJ2 can induce IL-8 gene expression. In contrast, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene expression was suppressed by 15d-PGJ2, while the expression of RANTES was unaltered. Furthermore, concomitant treatment of monocytes/macrophages with 15d-PGJ2 (2.5 × 10−6 M) potentiated LPS-induced gene expression of IL-8 mRNA, but suppressed PMA-induction of IL-8 mRNA. In addition, treatment of U937 and THP-1 cells with 15d-PGJ2 also resulted in induction of IL-8 gene expression. Further studies demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 regulated IL-8 gene expression via a ligand-specific and PPARγ-dependent pathway. Our observations revealed a previous unappreciated function and mechanism of 15d-PGJ2-mediated regulation of cytokine gene expression in monocytes/macrophages.
Solution Structure of an Active Mini-Proinsulin, M2PI: Inter-chain Flexibility is Crucial for Insulin Activity

M2PI is an active single chain mini-proinsulin with a 9-residue linker containing the turn-forming sequence 'YPGDV' between the B- and A-chains, but which retains about 50% of native insulin receptor binding activity. The refolding efficiency of M2PI is higher than proinsulin by 20-40% at alkaline pH, and native insulin is generated by the enzymatic conversion of M2PI. The solution structure of M2PI was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The global structure of M2PI is similar to that of native insulin, but the flexible linker between the B- and A-chains perturbed the N-terminal A-chain and C-terminal B-chain. The helix in the N-terminal A-chain is partly perturbed and the -turn in the B-chain is disrupted in M2PI. However, the linker between the two chains was completely disordered indicating that the designed turn was not formed under the experimental conditions (20% acetic acid). Considering the fact that an insulin analogue, directly cross-linked between the C-terminus of the B-chain and the N-terminus of the A-chain, has negligible binding activity, a flexible linker between the two chains is sufficient to keep binding activity of M2PI, but the perturbed secondary structures are detrimental to receptor binding.
The effect of environmental conditions on the seasonal dormancy pattern and germination of weed seeds

Weeds cause considerable losses in horticultural and agricultural crops. Weeds are still predominantly controlled with herbicides. To reduce the use of chemicals, a better understanding of the biology of weeds is required. In this thesis the effect of environmental conditions on dormancy and germination of Chenopodium album L. , Polygonum persicaria L. , P. lapathifolium L. subsp. lapathifolium, Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. and Spergula arvensis L. was investigated. It was shown that changes in dormancy of these species were regulated by temperature. Soil moisture and nitrate content did not affect these changes. The dormancy status of the seeds was visualized by the range of temperatures over which germination of exhumed seeds was possible. During relief of dormancy, seeds could germinate over a progressively wider range of temperatures. During induction of dormancy, this range became narrower. Germination of C. album, S. officinale and S. arvensis was stimulated by light, nitrate and desiccation. These factors all increased the width of the range of temperatures over which germination could proceed and therefore affected the expression of dormancy. That is, seeds seemed less dormant and they could germinate during a longer period of the year. Endogenous nitrate, that entered the seeds via the mother plant during seed development, only temporarily stimulated germination. After burial the effect disappeared because of equalization of the nitrate content. The effect of desiccation was stronger, the more seeds were desiccated. With descriptive models the changes in the range of germination temperatures of the investigated species and the effect of nitrate upon these changes were simulated for a period of three years as a function of soil temperature during burial. When the field temperature after exhumation and the germination-temperature range overlapped, germination was possible. Accordingly, temperature had a dual effect. Germination depended on the one hand on the actual field temperature after exhumation , on the other hand on the width of the germination-temperature range, which was determined by the dormancy status of the seeds and was regulated by soil temperature during burial . When nitrate was added during the test, the germinationtemperature range became wider and germination could occur during a longer period of the year.
Evaluación participativa de pastos con criterios de pequeños y medianos productores ganaderos

La incorporacion del conocimiento local ha demostrado ser importante y crucial en la implementacion de proyectos de investigacion y desarrollo. Este trabajo presenta un enfoque participativo que utiliza el conocimiento de los campesinos en la evaluacion de pastos mejorados en El Chal, Peten, Guatemala. Se realizaron experimentos en las tierras de los campesinos con cinco pastos mejorados seleccionados por los productores, con el objetivo de obtener criterios locales para la evaluacion de pastos. Se efectuaron dos evaluaciones basadas en los cambios estacionales para apreciar si variaban los indicadores de los campesinos. Las evaluaciones de los productores fueron tabuladas y comparadas utilizando variables economicas, particularmente la tenencia de tierra: propietario privado y arrendatario. Los resultados mostraron que ambos grupos de campesinos emplean criterios para evaluar los pastos mejorados que van mas alla del habito de crecimiento. Estos incluyen: preferencia animal, resistencia al periodo seco y a las plagas, y su capacidad para competir con las malezas, entre otros. Tambien se demostro que aunque los indicadores de los campesinos se mantienen igual en las dos estaciones, su clasificacion de las categorias cambio. En la primera evaluacion los campesinos hicieron enfasis en indicadores que pueden observarse (color, vigor); mientras que en la segunda se concentraron mas en el comportamiento general de los pastos (resistencia a factores limitantes). Ademas, los componentes biofisicos del sistema de produccion y las condiciones socioeconomicas del campesino, afectan su evaluacion. Los productores cuyas fincas se localizan en areas onduladas asignaron una mayor importancia a la tolerancia a la sequia y a la capacidad de crecer en areas con pendientes; sin embargo, los que tienen sus fincas en zonas llanas resaltaron la resistencia a las plagas y las inundaciones, y la tolerancia a la sombra. Los pequenos productores tienden a concentrarse en la capacidad del pasto para competir con las malezas; mientras que ello no era tan importante para los productores medianos. Tener en consideracion los factores culturalmente significativos, puede ayudar a la implementacion de proyectos y a la transferencia de tecnologias con las que las personas se identifiquen y utilicen dentro de su ambiente limitado.
Multiple stressors and stream ecosystem functioning: climate warming and agricultural stressors interact to affect processing of organic matter

Summary Measures of organic matter processing have been proposed as indices of stream ecosystem function to complement structural measures (water quality, taxonomic composition) in stream health monitoring. However, to be meaningful for ecosystem management, functional responses must be informed by knowledge of multiple stressors in the face of global change. We manipulated nutrient concentrations (two levels), fine sediment (two levels) and water temperature (eight levels, 0–6 °C above ambient) in 128 streamside mesocosms to determine the individual and combined effects of these stressors on decomposition rates of fresh and pre-dried leaf packs and cotton strips. Raised temperature affected all seven studied decomposition measures. Leaf biomass loss rates were linearly positively affected, while strength loss rates of leaves and cotton strips showed nonlinear, weakly unimodal responses. Respiration of fresh leaves was positively affected by warming, but respiration of dried leaves showed the opposite pattern. Nutrient enrichment enhanced dried leaf biomass loss and respiration, and cotton tensile strength loss. Sediment addition increased loss of fresh leaf strength and biomass, but decreased dried leaf respiration. Interactions among stressors occurred in three cases. The positive effect of raised temperature on biomass loss of dried leaves was weaker in mesocosms with added sediment, the negative effect of sediment on dried leaf respiration annulled the positive effect of nutrients, and cotton strength loss increased strongly under enriched nutrients but less so when sediment was added. Synthesis and applications. Sediment greatly increased decay rates of fresh (living) leaves, but not of dried leaves or cotton strips. Leaf condition can strongly affect decomposition processes, with important consequences for streams that naturally receive freshly fallen leaves and have high sediment loads. Nonlinear responses of decomposition to rising temperature highlight how a warming climate may alter organic matter processing in complex ways. Our finding that dried leaf biomass loss responded positively to nutrient enrichment but not sediment addition, while fresh leaf biomass loss responded positively to sediment addition but not nutrient enrichment, suggests the two measures may offer complementary information in the functional assessment of multiple stressors in streams.
DNA sequences and austral taxa indicate generic synonymy of Paratrichocladius Santos‐Abreu with Cricotopus Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae)

In the century since the description of the orthoclad genus Paratrichocladius Santos‐Abreu (Diptera: Chironomidae), separation in any life stage from the cosmopolitan, diverse Cricotopus Wulp has been problematic. Molecular analysis reveals the presence of two species in Australia that conform in morphology to Paratrichocladius and which form a well‐supported clade including Paratrichocladius micans (Kieffer) from Africa and a distinct southern African larva. This clade clusters with taxa allied with Cricotopus albitibia (Walker), in turn nested within all other sampled Australian Cricotopus. Relevant nodes strongly support Cricotopus as nonmonophyletic without inclusion of Paratrichocladius. We synonymize Paratrichocladius with Cricotopus syn.n, treating Paratrichocladius as a subgenus. Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) australiensis Cranston sp.n. is described for Trichocladius pluriserialis Freeman from Australia, which is not the same species under that name in New Zealand. Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) bifenestrus Cranston sp.n. from Australia is described, also in all life stages. The many new combinations, listed in an Appendix, include three replacement names for new secondary homonyms, namely: Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) sinobicinctus Cranston & Krosch nom.n. for Paratrichocladius bicinctus Fu, Sæther & Wang, Cricotopus draysoni Cranston & Krosch nom.n. for Cricotopus brevicornis Drayson, Krosch & Cranston, and Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) sikhotealinus Makarchenko & Makarchenko nom.n. for Cricotopus orientalis Kieffer. We conclude with comments on wider issues in the taxonomy of Paratrichocladius, especially concerning New Zealand species.