Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Road age and its importance in earthworm invasion of northern boreal forests

Summary 1 Roads are an important conduit for the spread of invasive species. Road age is a key factor that could influence the susceptibility of roads to invasion as older roads are typically subject to higher cumulative levels of human disturbance and propagule pressure than younger roads. We investigated the effects of road age on the spread of non-native earthworms, which act as ecosystem engineers. 2 We sampled earthworms and habitat variables at 98 roads in the boreal forest of Alberta, Canada, to determine the influence of road age on non-native earthworm occurrence at the landscape level. The extent and rate of local spread were also assessed at seven sites adjacent to old and young roads. Generalized estimating equations and zero-inflated negative binomial regression were used to analyze landscape- and local-level results, respectively. We used our models to create maps that predict the current and potential future extent of earthworms in north-eastern Alberta. 3 Probability of earthworm occurrence and extent of spread increased as road age increased. Areas closer to agriculture and towards the south and west of our study area were also significantly more likely to be invaded by earthworms. 4 Our spread model indicated that approximately 9% of the boreal forest of north-eastern Alberta is likely invaded by earthworms currently. This is projected to increase to 49% of suitable forest habitat over the next 50 years as human development intensifies in this region. 5 Synthesis and applications. Although the effects of roads and linear features are commonly investigated in relation to native species, our results emphasize the importance of considering the impacts of linear feature creation on the spread of invasive species. We demonstrate that road age in particular can be an important factor affecting the spread of invasive species. In the boreal forest, reducing the number of roads being constructed, restricting traffic, and reclaiming temporary roads will be critical to reduce the future extent of earthworm invasions.
When mating disruption does not disrupt mating: fitness consequences of delayed mating in moths

The goals of pheromone‐mediated mating disruption are to interfere with mate finding, suppress insect population growth, and prevent crop damage. In addition to prevention of mating, pheromone treatment can also result in a delay of mating so that the fitness and subsequent population dynamics of the target insect pest are impacted. Females have a limited time to mate, mature eggs, and find suitable oviposition hosts, and a delay in mating can have large consequences on female fitness. As a result, delayed mating could be considered an indirect method by which mating disruption works to control pest populations. We perform a meta‐analysis on 24 experimental studies to assess the consequences of delayed mating on female moth fecundity, egg fertility, adult longevity, and pre‐oviposition period. Our goal is to determine whether the effect of delayed mating on female moth fitness is influenced by the following explanatory variables: moth family, voltinism, larval diet breadth, adult dispersal capacity, female mating strategy, and egg development strategy. Across species, the effect of delayed mating on female moths significantly decreases fecundity, fertility, and pre‐oviposition period and increases female longevity. The effect of delayed mating on female fitness is only marginally affected by the explanatory variables tested. We discuss the observed patterns and argue that delayed mating can be an important method by which population regulation is achieved through pheromone‐mediated mating disruption. Finally, we highlight areas where future research could add to the growing body of knowledge on mating disruption‐imposed delayed mating of female moths.
Effects of Day-length Treatment and Harvesting Time on the Flowering of Erianthus arundinaceus on Ishigaki Island, Japan

To improve the efficiency of intergeneric hybridization between sugarcane and Erianthus arundinaceus, we examined their responses to day-length and harvesting time on Ishigaki Island, Japan, in 2008 and 2009. To suppress floral initiation, the daylength was extended to 14 h by providing light to three E. arundinaceus clones, JW4, JW630, and IJ76-349 before sunrise. Then, to induce flowering, the day-length was reduced by 20 min/week until a day-length of 11.5 h was attained. The day-length treatment effectively delayed flowering in the JW4 and JW630 clones, whereas the light-treated IJ76-349 did not flower at all. Delays of 12 to 22 days and 14 to 25 days were confirmed in the JW4 and JW630 clones, respectively. Regarding the effects of harvesting time, April-harvested JW630 showed a 5-day delay compared to the February-harvested plants, while there was no significant difference in JW4. However, when we combined late harvesting and day-length treatment, significant delays of 15 days in JW4 and 33 days in JW630 were confirmed. Since the pollen of JW4 and JW630 successfully germinated after the day-length treatment, these treatments are considered to be useful for overlapping the flowering dates of sugarcane and Erianthus on Ishigaki Island.
Sperm competition and the evolution of alternative reproductive tactics in the swordtail Xiphophorus nigrensis (Poeciliidae)

Species with alternative reproductive strategies are characterized by discrete differences among males in suites of traits related to competition for fertilizations. Models predict sneaker males should allocate more resources to their ejaculates because they experience sperm competition more frequently and often occupy a disfavored “role” due to subordinance in intramale competition and female preferences for larger males. We examined whether sperm number and quality differed between male strategies in the internally fertilized fish Xiphophorus nigrensis and the explored the relationship between sperm morphology and performance. We found sneaker males had similar testes sizes compared to courting males but ejaculates with both more viable and longer lived sperm. Sneaker sperm also had longer midpieces, which was positively correlated with both velocity and longevity. Our study suggests that the evolution of sperm quantity and quality can be decoupled and that sperm morphology is likely to play an important role in mediating sperm competition through its effects on sperm performance. This chapter was published 1 with my supervisor, Michael Ryan, as a coauthor. I was responsible for all phases of the project, including the formulation of the question, execution of the study, analysis and interpretation of the data, and manuscript preparation. 1 Smith C.C. , Ryan . M.J. 2010. Evolution of sperm quality but not quantity in the internally fertilized fish Xiphophorus nigrensis. Journal of Evoluationary Biology 17, 1759-1771.
Origins of Hosta Cultivars Based on Sequence Variations in Chloroplast DNA

We analyzed the sequence variations in chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) for 31 Hosta cultivars, which may have been derived from Hosta sieboldiana and H. albomarginata in Japan, in order to elucidate the population origins of Hosta cultivars in their native habitats. In a previous study, we identified 39 haplotypes of cpDNA with specific regional features in the native habitats (16 and 23 in H. sieboldiana and H. albomarginata , respectively). These regional features of cpDNA variations were used to explore the maternal population origins of Hosta cultivars. We found that multiple Hosta cultivars may have originated from H. sieboldiana and H. albomarginata . We also observed some additional haplotypes that had not been detected previously. It is possible that these haplotypes originated from populations that were not investigated in previous studies, or that mutations occurred in the cultivar sequences after breeding.
Studies of soil seedbanks in native and sown pastures in northern New South Wales

Total and germinable soil seedbanks (litter and soil) were studied for a native pasture and three sown pastures (dominated by Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa) in northern New South Wales from 1993 to 1996. Soil core samples were taken from continuously grazed plots for both pasture types and two oversown treatments in the native pasture and from a spring-autumn rest treatment at the sown pasture sites. At each site above ground herbage mass was also estimated regularly as part of the Temperate Pasture Sustainability Key Program. For all sites and treatments, the proportion of germinable seeds as a percentage of the total (dormant and germinable) seedbank ranged from 1–26% for the native pasture and 1–39% for the sown pastures. Germinable seed numbers ranged from 280 to 26,110 seeds per m2, while total seedbank numbers were from 6700 to 178,360 seeds per m2. Native pasture herbage mass was dominated by native perennial grasses, but seeds of these species were less than 20% of the total seed bank in all treatments in 1994 and 1995. At the sown pasture sites, most of the germinable (51–92%) and total (65–97%) seedbanks were either barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) or wireweed (Polygonum aviculare L.). Since seeds of annuals and other forbs generally dominated both the total and germinable seedbanks of these perennial grass-based pastures, these species were likely to increase over time. Seeds of the sown perennial grass Phalaris aquatica L, cv. Sirosa were less than 1% of the total seedbanks in pastures sown in 1990 and less than 3% of those sown in 1979. With above average summer rainfall at the native pasture site in 1996 and prolific growth of redgrass, seeds of this species were 38–63% of the total and 11–29% of the germinable seedbank in May 1996. Except at this site and time, the species composition of the total and germinable seedbanks did not generally reflect the dominance of the above ground herbage mass of these pastures by perennial grasses.
DC Maturation: A Brief Comparison between Three Different Processes

Dendritic cell (DC) maturation approved to be a pivotal process for initiating immunity. Many protocols were established in order the isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors to mature into dendritic cells (DCs). The purpose of this study was to present an effective and reliable DC maturation procedure by comparing three different protocols (Interleukin-4/Tumor Necrosis Factor-appha (IL-4/TNFa) DC protocol, Interferon alpha (IFNa) DC protocol and FAST DC protocol). Whole blood was collected from six healthy donors and PBMCs were isolated by Ficoll gradient centrifugation. The counted cells were incubated with the addition of three different cocktails of supplements for appropriate time period. The final mature DC population was examined either by its phenotypic characteristics under light microscope or by measuring the expression of antigen presenting molecules such as CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometry. It was found that the mature DCs, generated from the IL-4/TNFa DC protocol, expressed higher levels of CD80 and CD86. Furthermore, they sharply exhibited their phenotypic hallmarks.
Effect of predation by the invasive crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus on recruiting barnacles Semibalanus balanoides in western Long Island Sound, USA

Since its introduction fewer than 20 yr ago, the spread of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus along the east coast of the US has been remarkable. By many accounts it is now the numerically dominant brachyuran in rocky intertidal sites in Long Island Sound. Evidence from several laboratory studies has suggested that H. sanguineus could have significant consequences for barnacle abundance and distribution. In this study we used field caging experiments to determine the effect of this invader on recruitment (sampled at weekly intervals) of the indigenous barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. We found that although H. sanguineus readily consumed settling cypris larvae and early post-settlement juveniles, crab predation did not have a negative impact on barnacle recruitment when predator density was low (15 crabs 0.25 m–2). We also found a measurable decrease in barnacle density at medium (45 crabs 0.25 m–2) and high (90 crabs 0.25 m–2) predator densities after the larval settlement period had ended, but this effect was short-lived. Based on available estimates of Asian shore crab abundance in Long Island Sound, we conclude that crab predation will not have a significant impact on the recruitment success of S. balanoides populations.
Japanese Beetle Defoliation Reduces Primary Bud Cold Hardiness during Vineyard Establishment

Insect defoliation could reduce winter hardiness of young grapevines, but such effects have not previously been quantified for field-grown vines. The impact of Japanese beetle (JB) defoliation on midwinter primary bud cold hardiness of Norton, Chambourcin, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines was measured during the first two years of vineyard establishment. Effect on shoot length and periderm browning by late autumn was also evaluated for first-year vines. Three treatments were used to manipulate levels of defoliation: carbaryl applied either every 7 or every 14 days during the JB flight period (mid-June to mid-August) or no insecticide spray. Cuttings from dormant canes were subjected to a controlled freezing stress each February, and the temperature causing 50% lethal injury (LT 50 ) to primary buds was compared among cultivars and treatments. All three cultivars sustained similar levels of JB defoliation, which ranged from light (3 to 8%), to moderate (13 to 26%), to severe (38 to 48%) under the 7-day, 14-day, and no-spray regimes, respectively. Norton and Chambourcin primary buds were more cold tolerant (i.e., had lower LT 50 ) than Cabernet Sauvignon in both years. Japanese beetle defoliation of nonsprayed vines significantly reduced cold hardiness of all cultivars in one or both winters. Notably, biweekly cover sprays were as effective as weekly sprays in mitigating the adverse impact of JB defoliation on vine cold hardiness. Defoliation also reduced shoot length of first-year vines, and may be associated with earlier termination of late-season vine growth. The previously undocumented potential for JB injury to reduce winter hardiness of young grapevines exacerbates its impact as a serious vineyard pest.
Synchrony induced by double phosphate starvation in a suspension culture of Catharanthus roseus

A synchronous cell division system was established using the double phosphate starvation method, based on the observation that one of the limiting factors in the growth of a suspension culture of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don cells in the medium of Murashige and Skoog was phosphate. In the system, an increase in cell number took place in a short period of only 4 h, while the cell number remained almost constant during other periods of the cell cycle. The synchrony of the culture was confirmed by changes in mitotic index, which increased sharply prior to the increase in cell number. The S phase was determined by measuring incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into the DNA fraction during the cell cycle and synchrony of DNA synthesis was verified likewise. Synchronization by phosphate starvation is discussed in relation to the function of phosphate as a nutrient. The synchronous system thus established will be useful in biochemical studies of the cell cycle in higher plants.
Biochemical and physiological responses of two grapevine rootstock genotypes to drought and salt treatments

Background and Aims: In the light of possible climate change, a crucial aspect for future Mediterranean Europe viticulture is the selection of new rootstocks exhibiting adaptability to drought and salt stress. In this context and considering recent literature, it is fundamental to increase our knowledge of the biochemical and physiological events that characterise stress responses in grapevine roots. In this study, leaf and root responses induced by water stress (WS) and sodium chloride (NaCl) exposure in a new selected genotype, named M4 (Vitis vinifera × V. berlandieri) × V. berlandieri cv. Resseguier n. 1), were compared with those of the commercial rootstock 101.14. Methods and Results: The effect of progressive WS and NaCl exposure was studied under controlled environmental conditions on ungrafted plants grown in pots. Shoot growth, plant water status and leaf photosynthetic parameters were measured. The concentration of sugars, amino acids and total proteins, as well as the concentration of the more abundant ions, was determined in both leaf and root organs. The M4 genotype showed greater capacity to maintain photosynthetic activity, to accumulate osmotic compounds as well as to counteract Na and Cl accumulation. Conclusion: The M4 genotype exhibited a greater capacity to tolerate both WS and exposure to an increasing concentration of Na and Cl, maintaining photosynthetic activity also under severe stress conditions. The root system appeared to play a central role in sustaining biochemical and physiological responses experienced under these adverse conditions. Significance of the Study: This study showed that the tolerance to abiotic stress conditions, such as WS and NaCl exposure, depends on root integrity/functionality, confirming that these aspects must be considered in further selection programs.
Larval Development of Halocaridina Rubra Holthuis (Decapoda, Atyidae)

Halocaridina rubra Holthuis est une crevette caridienne endemique des iles Hawaii. Sa distribution est habituellement restreinte aux mares littorales, dans les laves recentes. Le developpement larvaire est abrege. Une femelle ovigere porte generalement une douzaine de gros oeufs dont eclosent des zoes lecithotrophiques, nageant librement, avec trois paires de maxillipedes natatoires et cinq paires de bourgeons de pattes. Le developpement passe par quatre stades zoe et un stade mysis avant d'arriver au premier stade juvenile. Des observations dans la nature permettent de supposer que H. rubra a des moeurs souterraines et que l'obscurite est sans doute une condition necessaire a sa reproduction.
Determination of Glutathione and Glutathione Disulphide in Lichens: a Comparison of Frequently Used Methods

The determination of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) is subject to substantial problems when analysing plants containing high amounts of phenolic compounds, since the phenolics may react with the GSH present during the extraction. Three frequently used methods for the analysis of GSH and GSSG in the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea have been compared. Glutathione seemed to be underestimated by the enzymatic recycling assay. Determination by high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatization of glutathione with 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB) or labelling with monobromobimane (mBBr), respectively, gave similar results. Derivatization with DNFB gave the lowest values for GSSG expressed as a percentage of total glutathione. Cyst(e)ine and γ-glutamyl-cyst(e)ine were only detected with the mBBr assay. In order to improve the yield of GSH, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVP), which should serve to bind phenolics, was added during the extraction. The use of PVP improved the yield of glutathione dramatically in lichens harvested in June but not in October. However, addition of PVP led to oxidation of a portion of the GSH. This was demonstrated for each method and seemed to be independent of the thiol blocking agents used for the determination of GSSG, namely 2-vinylpyridine, iodoacetic acid or N-ethylmaleimide. For extensive studies on glutathione metabolism in Pseudevernia furfuracea we recommend that the use of PVP be avoided, by investigating thalli collected in autumn, that probably contain less phenolics than those harvested in summer.
QUATERNARY REFUGIA OF NORTH EUROPEAN TREES

An attempt is made to investigate the nature of cold-stage distributions for those forest trees which today extend to northem Europe. Evidence is taken from the pollen record of the present and earlier interglacials, a model of past climate, modem tree distributions, and physi- ography of southem Europe. The trees occupied mid- altitude sites in the mountains of southem Europe, espe- cially in the westem Balkans and Italy during the last cold stage. These areas would have had a suitable climate, and it is argued that the trees could easily have survived there at densities low enough to escape detection in the pollen record. Most taxa which spread north at the beginning of an interglacial become extinct in the northern part of their ranges, and do not retreat south at the end of the interglacial. The survival of these trees in southern Europe through a warm stage may be at least as important for long-term Qua- ternary survival in Europe as survival during a cold stage.
Response of two citrus genotypes to six boron concentrations: concentration and distribution of nutrients, total absorption, and nutrient use efficiency

A greenhouse experiment was performed to study the effects of boron (B) on growth, nutrient concentration and distribution, nutrient use efficiency, and total nutrient absorption of 2 citrus genotypes. The experimental layout was a 6 × 2 factorial, with 6 B concentrations (0.05, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, and 5.00 mg/L) on 2 genotypes: the sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and the Swingle citrumelo (C. paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata L.). The plants were grown for 3 months in a B-free sand : perlite (1 : 1) medium that was irrigated with 6 half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solutions. Increasing B supply in the nutrient solution increased the B concentration linearly in all parts of the plant in the following order: basal leaves > top leaves > bark > root > stems > wood. There was no consistent effect of B supply on the concentration of other fundamental elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe). Furthermore, none of the tested B concentrations significantly affected the total plant content and consequently the absorption of any other element. A concentration of 1.00 mg B/L or higher resulted in less B absorption by the Swingle citrumelo than by the sour orange. Furthermore, the Swingle citrumelo has the ability to retain more B in its stems and roots than the sour orange, thus preventing B transport to leaves. Finally, B and Mn use efficiency in both genotypes correlated significantly and negatively with the B supply.
Identification of inhibition of protein disulphide isomerase expression related to classical swine fever virus infection by using real-time PCR analysis

Although protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is a well-known multifunctional protein, the precise mechanism of its response to viral infections has not been fully elucidated, especially in veterinary research. Therefore, in this study we developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the simultaneous detection of PDI expression in porcine cell lines and tissues. Several primers were designed to amplify a specific nucleotide sequence of PDI and to develop a PCR-based biotechnology platform in macrophages. The sensitivity of the assay for detecting PDI was determined to be in the range of 108–101 genomic units. Our results demonstrated that this method could be used to accurately quantify PDI expression and to examine its effects on infection responses to classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in porcine tissue. PDI expression was found to be inhibited in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and mesenteric lymph node tissue from a CSFV-positive pig. These data contribute to an improved understanding of the mechanism of CSFV pathogenesis.