Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of the rust fungus Peridermium pini (Pers.) Lev.

Peridermium pini growing in the green, parenchymatous cortex of a young tree of pine (Pinus sylvestris) has been studied by electron microscopy. The extensively branched septate hyphae are spread in the intercellular spaces and in the middle part of walls separating contiguous host cells. The hyphal cells are uninucleate. The septa are simple and perforate. The septal pore is occluded by a Woronin body. This organization of the septum is similar to that of some Ascomycetes, as is the occurrence of a centriolar plaque on the nucleaer envelope. P. pini has in addition a structural configuration characteristic for rust fungi, namely an approximately hemispherical pore apparatus bordered by a layer of microbodies. The sac-like haustorium is separated from its extracellular mother cell by a cross-wall, situated in the short neck region. At the place of penetration, the host wall forms a papilla-shaped collar. Almost one third of the haustoria observed becomes encased by an extensively proliferating collar. A few per cent of the haustoria become necrotic after having entered host cells. The attacked parenchyma cells, which may each contain several haustoria, have generally an affected plasmalemma and more or less degenerated chloroplasts.
In vitro production of methane with increasing levels of corn- or wheat-based dried distillers' grains with solubles in a barley silage-based diet

Abstract Methane production from wheat- or corn-based dried distillers' grains with solubles (CDDGS, WDDGS) was compared in vitro. Wheat DDGS (49 g fat/kg dry matter [DM]) or CDDGS (115 g fat/kg DM) partially or completely replaced whole-crop barley silage at 200, 400, 600, 800 or 1000 g/kg DM. Production of CH4 increased linearly and quadraticly (p<0.01) with increasing levels of CDDGS. Cumulative CH4 production at 24 h was higher (p<0.05) for WDDGS (12.0±0.5 mg/g DM) than CDDGS up to 800 g/kg DM. Molar proportions of propionate in incubation fluid were higher (p<0.05) for CDDG than for WDDGS at 200, 400 and 600 g/kg DM, respectively. In vitro CH4 production (mg CH4/g DM; mg CH4/g digested DM [DMD]) was lower for CDDGS than WDDGS up to 800 g/kg substrate DM. The higher residual oil content in CDDGS compared to WDDGS likely elicited this response.
Evidence of extensive mitochondrial introgression with nearly complete substitution of the typical Squalius pyrenaicus‐like mtDNA of the Squalius alburnoides complex (Cyprinidae) in an independent Iberian drainage

The first occurrence of massive mitochondrial introgression of Squalius aradensis genes in Squalius alburnoides, a hybridogenetic complex that usually carries mtDNA of its maternal ancestor (Squalius pyrenaicus) is reported. Possible implications of such introgressions for the history of the complex are discussed.
Nuttalliella namaqua, a New Genus and Species of Tick

The following description is based upon a single fully engorged female collected under a stone at Kamieskroon, Little Namaqualand, by Dr R. F. Lawrence in October 1930. Dr Lawrence informs me that rock-rabbits were probably the commonest animals about the hill where he found it, but the host of the tick may be a bird.
Reproductive skew is highly variable and correlated with genetic relatedness in a social apoid wasp

Our knowledge of primitively eusocial societies is focused particularly on cooperatively breeding vertebrates and vespid wasps, whereas numerous taxa representing independent origins of social behavior have been largely overlooked. The lineage of apoid wasps including the genus Microstigmus represents a relatively neglected independent origin of eusociality. We present the first use of modern hypervariable genetic markers, in combination with behavioral observations, to investigate reproductive division of labor and cooperative brood care in an apoid wasp, the Brazilian M. nigrophthalmus. Microstigmus nigrophthalmus is unusual because, although there is cooperative brood care, reproductively dominant females carry out at least as much risky foraging as their subordinate nest mates. Empirical studies of reproductive skew are often hampered by a lack of variation in skew. We find that reproductive skew is highly variable between nests in M. nigrophthalmus. There was no correlation between skew and either body size or group size. The absence of an effect of body size is typical of studies of skew in insects and may indicate that body size is a poor measure of an individual's ability to control a group. However, skew was positively correlated with genetic relatedness. This provides rare support for concession models based on "social contracts" between dominant individuals and their subordinates. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
REPLY FROM R. D. O'NEILL

References Joseph M. H. and Hodges H. ( 1990) Lever pressing for food reward and changes in dopamine turnover and uric acid in rat caudate and n. accumbens studied chronically by in vivo voltammetry. J. Neurosci. Methods 34, 143-149. Joseph M. H. and Young A. M. J. (1989) Pharmacological evidence, using in vivo dialysis, for the composition of peaks l and 2 obtained from carbon paste electrodes in vivo using computer controlled linear sweep voltammetry. (Abstr.) J. Neurosci. Methods 29, 30 I. Joseph M. H. and Young A. M. J. (1991) Pharmacological evidence, using in vivo dialysis, that substances additional to ascorbic acid, uric acid and homovanillic acid contribute to the voltammetric signals obtained in unrestrained rats from chronically implanted carbon paste electrodes. J. Neurosci. Methods 36,209-2 18. Joseph M. H. , Hodges H. , and Gray J. A. (1989) Lever pressing for food reward and in vivo voltammetry: evidence for increases in extracellular homovanillic acid, the dopamine metabolite, and uric acid in the rat caudate nucleus. Neuroscience32,195-20 1. Kennett G. A. and Joseph M. H. (1982) Does in vivo voltammetry in the hippocampus measure 5HT release? Bruin Res. 236,
The pathogenicity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the role of the thermostable direct haemolysin and related haemolysins

SummaryVibrio parahaemolyticus, one of the most prevalent causes of acute gastroenteritis world-wide, is known to produce various virulence factors, among which thermostable direct haemolysin (Vp-TDH), the toxin responsible for the Kanagawa phenomenon, has been demonstrated to be the most important.
FORAGE OFFER AND INTAKE AND MILK PRODUCTION IN DUAL PURPOSE CATTLE MANAGED UNDER SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEMS IN TEPALCATEPEC, MICHOACAN

The study was carried out during the dry season (March to May) in three dual-purpose cattle farms located in Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico, in order to evaluate the forage offer and intake, and milk production in Brown Swiss cows. Two farms had silvopastoral systems with Leucaena leucocephala cv. Cunningham associated with Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania, and one of them also included mango trees (Mangifera indica); the third farm had a traditional system with Cynodon plectostachyus in monoculture. In the traditional system, cows were offered 8 kg animal-1 day-1 of concentrate feed during the milking period, and only 1.5 kg animal-1 day-1 in the silvopastoral systems. Edible forage offer in the silvopastoral farms was 2470 and 2693 kg DM ha-1 grazing-1, and in the traditional system it was 948 kg DM ha-1 grazing-1. Forage intake in the silvopastoral systems was 8.25 and 11.81 kg DM animal-1 day-1, whereas in the traditional system it was 3.63 kg DM animal-1 day-1. Milk production in the silvopastoral system was 9.0 and 9.2 kg animal-1 day-1, while in the traditional system it was 10.4 kg animal-1 day-1. The silvopastoral systems with L. leucocephala cv. Cunningham associated with P. maximum cv. Tanzania produced high edible forage offer and allowed to obtain milk yield similar to that of the traditional system with C. plectostachyus in monoculture, but on a lower concentrate feed intake.
Field inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza on maize (Zea mays L.) under low inputs: preliminary study on quantitative and qualitative aspects

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis contributes to the sustainability of soil-plant system. A field experiment was conducted to examine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) on quantitative and qualitative performance in forage maize (Zea mays L.). Within the project S viluppo di modelli zootecnici ai fini della sostenibilita (SOS-ZOOT) a trial was conducted at the experimental farm of the Agricultural Research Council in Bella (PZ), located in Basilicata region (Southern Italy) at 360 m asl, characterised by an annual rainfall of approximately 650 mm. For spring sowing, two plots of 2500 m 2 were used, one sown with seeds inoculated with AM (M), 1.0 kg/ha, and the other one with non-inoculated seeds (NM). After 120 days after sowing, when plants showed 30% dry matter, five replicates of 1 m2 per plot were used to estimate dry matter yield (DMY), while half plot was dedicated to the assessment of grain production. For each replicate, three representative plants were considered; each plant was measured for height and was divided into leaves, stem and ear. For each plot, the following constituents were determined: crude protein, ash, ether extract, crude fibre (CF), fractions of fibre [neutral detergent (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and sulphuric acid lignin] and phosphorus (P). Throughout the period of plants’ growth, no herbicides, organic or inorganic fertilisation, and irrigation water were distributed. The preliminary results revealed a significant effect of AM inoculation on forage maize DMY, P content in the whole plant, into the leaves and on the quality of steam. The M thesis showed a significant increase in terms of DMY in comparison with the NM thesis: 21.2 vs 17.9 t/ha (P<0.05). The mycorrhized whole plants [0.22 vs 0.17% dry matter (DM), P<0.05] and leaves (0.14 vs 0.09% DM, P<0.05) showed an increased P content. The stems of M plants showed a content of CF, NDF, ADF and Ash significantly lower compared with NM plants. No significant differences were observed for the other parameters. The preliminary study revealed a significant effect of AM seed inoculation on DMY and quality of forage maize cultivated within a low input system.
Molecular studies on Tomato aspermy virus isolates infecting chrysanthemums

Abstract Tomato aspermy virus (TAV), an important viral pathogen of chrysanthemums, was detected by double antibody sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) from chrysanthemums exhibiting mottling and deformed inflorescence grown in various states of India. Out of 15 cultivars (cvs.) tested, 11 (73.3%) were found to be positive for TAV. On sap inoculation the virus produced local lesions on Chenopodium spp. and Cucumis sativus. Nicotiana clevelandii, N. glutinosa, N. megalosiphon and N. tabacum reacted systemically to the virus producing severe mosaic, leaf deformation and characteristic leaf enations. Tomato plants produced malformed fruits (2-3/plant) with a few seeds. Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii transmitted the virus non-persistently. Electron microscopy of partially purified viral preparations revealed polyhedral virions (ca. 29 nm dia). Cytopathology of infected leaves of N. clevelandii showed crystalline inclusions containing virions in the central vacuole of infected cells. The virions showed very good clumping with antiserum to TAV in liquid phase immuno-electron microscopy. Slot blot hybridization was performed to detect the virus in various chrysanthemum cultivars. The virus positivity was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing of coat protein gene (CP). The amplified 657 bp fragment was about 97% identical with respect to CP sequences of other TAV isolates available in the database. In terms of derived amino acid sequence similarity, the homology value was 99%. In order to amplify RNA 1, RNA 2 and RNA 3, multiplex RT-PCR was performed. High genetic similarities of CP gene of TAV Indian isolates with that of other isolates of TAV indicate their probable common ancestry.
Can Coral Cover be Restored in the Absence of Natural Recruitment and Reef Recovery?

With many coral reef areas being degraded whether by anthropogenic or natural causes, a search is on for resilient species of corals that can restore coral cover where needed, if coral reefs are to continue to provide adequate ecosystem services. A series of experiments were undertaken in two sites with different environmental attributes and substrates in a lagoonal area in the northwestern Philippines to test the potentials of a local species, Porites cylindrica, for reef rehabilitation. With the use of asexual fragmentation of donor colonies, different treatments were tested, particularly to determine if the species would survive on different substrates, that is, solid, massive versus digitate/anastomosing, dead colonies. The results after nearly 2 years of the experiment were extraordinarily successful, with survival of transplants ranging from a high of 98% to a low of 80% of colonies, resulting in extensive coral cover on both original and new or different substrate from the original. A subsequent observation after another 16 months showed the coral cover to have been complete or nearly complete in the experimental plots, with the transplanted colonies fusing, and with evident reef fish communities where there were none before. Had there been no intervention, it is highly likely that the reefs would have remained in a degraded state.
IMPROVEMENTS IN A FAST POTENTIOMETRIC SEAWATER ALKALINITY DETERMINATION DETERMINACIÓN POTENCIOMÉTRICA RÁPIDA DE LA ALKALINIDAD EN AGUA DE MAR: PERFECCIONAMIENTO DEL MÉTODO

In the present paper, we introduce some methodological improvements in a potentiometric technique for determining seawater alkalinity. This fast method (about two minutes per sample) uses open flasks and an ordinary titration system without thermostatic bath. A new potassium hydrogen phthalate-borax 4.4 buffer is proposed to calibrate the electrode near the end point of the titration. The pH values of this new buffer at different pH-scales and temperatures were determined using spectrophotometry. The combined use of this easy and improved two end-point method for alkalinity determination and certified reference material enables the alkalinity to be determined with an accuracy lower than 1µmolkg –1 (0.05%).
Skull shape differentiation of black and white olms (Proteus anguinus anguinus and Proteus a. parkelj): an exploratory analysis with micro-CT scanning

We performed an exploratory analysis of the morphology of the cranium in the white olm (Proteus anguinus anguinus) and the black olm (P. a. parkelj) with micro-CT scanning and geometric morphometrics. The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) was used as an outgroup. The black olm falls outside the white olm morphospace by a markedly wider skull, shorter vomers which are positioned further apart and by laterally positioned squamosals and quadrates relative to the palate (the shape of the buccal cavity). On account of its robust skull with more developed premaxillae a shorter otico-occipital region, the black olm is positioned closer to Necturus than are the studied specimens of the white olm. The elongated skull of the white olm, with an anteriorly positioned jaw articulation point, could be regarded as an adaptation for improved feeding success, possibly compensating for lack of vision. As yet, the alternative explanations on the evolution of troglomorphism in Proteus are an extensive convergence in white olms versus the reverse evolution towards less troglomorphic character states in the black olm. To further understand the evolutionary trajectories within Proteus we highlight the following hypotheses for future testing: i) morphological differentiation is smaller within than between genetically differentiated white olm lineages, and ii) ontogenetic shape changes are congruent with the shape changes between lineages. We anticipate that the morphological detail and analytical power that come with the techniques we here employed will assist us in this task.
Process-based modelling to understand the impact of ryegrass diversity on production and leaching from grazed grass-clover dairy pastures

Abstract. Ecological studies often suggest that natural grasslands with high species diversity will grow more biomass and leach less nitrogen (N). If this diversity effect also applies to fertilised and irrigated pastures with controlled removal of herbage, it might be exploited to design pastures that can assist the dairy industry to maintain production while reducing N leaching losses. The purpose of this study was to test whether pasture mixtures with a high functional diversity in ryegrass traits will confer on the system higher water- and N-use efficiency. The hypothesis was tested using a process-based model in which pasture mixtures were created with varying levels of diversity in ryegrass traits likely to affect pasture growth. Those traits were: the winter- or summer-dominance of growth, the ability of the plant to intercept radiation at low pasture mass, and rooting depth. Pasture production, leaching and water- and N-use efficiency were simulated for management typical of a dairy pasture. We found that the performance of the diverse ryegrass–clover mixtures was more strongly associated with the performance of the individual components than with the diversity across the components. Diverse pasture mixtures may confer other benefits, e.g. pest or disease resistance and pasture persistence. The testing here was within a selection of ryegrasses, and the greater possible diversity across species may produce different effects. However, these results suggest that highly performing pastures under fertilised and irrigated grazed conditions are best constructed by selecting components that perform well individually than by deliberately introducing diversity between components.
Savings, Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of savings and investment on the economic growth of Nigeria. To achieve the objectives of this study, secondary data were obtained from the central bank of Nigerian statistical bulletin providing record of Nigerian saving, investment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the period 1980-2014. The data gathered were analyzed using the ordinary least square method of analysis, the augmented Dickey Fuller Test, Granger Causality Test, Error Correction Model and the cointegration test were equally carried out to check the stationarity and the Granger causes directions of the variables and also to check the longrun relationship between the variables of study. The result of the statistical/econometrics analysis revealed that there is a relationship between saving, investment and economic growth in Nigeria. Consequent on the above, the researcher recommended that; measures must be put in place to encourage savings from the public; effort should be made to increase the consumption of made in Nigeria goods, which includes the usage of raw material that can be sourced locally by Nigerian industries in order to increase foreign exchange earnings. Keywords: Savings, Investment, Export, Foreign Exchange Earnings, Economic Growth.
9-Acridone Insect Antifeedant Alkaloids from Teclea Trichocarpa Bark

Abstract—Three 9-acridone alkaloids, melicopicine, tecleanthine and 6-methoxy tecleanthine were isolated from the bark of Teclea trichocarpa. Melicopicine and tecleanthine exhibited mild antifeedant activity against the African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta. All the three alkaloids showed antimicrobial activity against the fungus, Cladosporium cucumerinum and the bacterium, Bacillus subtilis.
CD4+ T Cell-Specific Deletion of IL-4 Receptor α Prevents Ovalbumin-Induced Anaphylaxis by an IFN-γ-Dependent Mechanism1

IL-4Rα-mediated STAT6 activation serves an essential role in various animal models of allergy and asthma at both the sensitization and effector phases. IL-4 and IL-13 signaling via the IL-4Rα chain exacerbates murine anaphylaxis, but the cell-specific requirements for IL-4Rα expression are unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of systemic anaphylaxis to OVA in gene-targeted mice with a deletion of the IL-4Rα chain in the macrophage/neutrophil or CD4+ T lymphocyte population. Results demonstrated that anaphylaxis in this model was entirely dependent upon the FcγRII/III and was associated with mast cell degranulation. Expression of the IL-4Rα on CD4+ T cells, but not macrophages or neutrophils, was critical for severe anaphylaxis, characterized by diarrhea, hypothermia, and death. Ab depletion experiments demonstrated that IFN-γ protected against mortality and severe intestinal pathology despite the presence of Ag and specific Ab. This protection was associated with reduced levels of mast cell protease, a marker of mast cell degranulation, suggesting that IFN-γ may inhibit mast cell degranulation in vivo. These data suggest that it may be possible to limit the severity of anaphylaxis using rational therapies designed to increase numbers of IFN-γ-producing cells by targeting IL-4Rα signaling in CD4+ T lymphocytes.
The oldest fossil species of the rove beetle subfamily Oxyporinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from the Early Cretaceous (Yixian Formation, China) and its phylogenetic significance

Oxyporus yixianus Solodovnikov & Yue sp. nov., a new Early Cretaceous fossil rove beetle species, is described from the Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province, China. It is clearly placed in Oxyporus Fabricius, 1775, the extant and only genus of the subfamily Oxyporinae. In addition to the hitherto-known, much younger fossils of Oxyporinae, the significantly older age of this newly discovered species makes the currently accepted phylogenetic hypothesis that Oxyporinae is a basal lineage of the Staphylininae group more plausible. The remarkably modern and specialization-rich morphology of Oxyporus yixianus leads to the assumption that this species exemplifies a rather derived stage of divergence of Oxyporinae from the stem of the Staphylininae group. Divergence of Oxyporinae from the rest of the Staphylininae group lineage may have begun significantly earlier than the Early Cretaceous, and the fungus-associated biology of Oxyporinae is also apparently older than documented by Oxyporus yixianus.
Negative effects of exotic pine invasion on macroinvertebrate communities in southern Brazil coastal ponds.

Exotic pine invasion influences native wetland assemblages by changing environmental conditions such as hydrological regime and physicochemical characteristics. The expansion of cultivated pine has been a concern in southern Brazil and its impacts on aquatic biodiversity are poorly known. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) pine invasion decreases aquatic macroinvertebrate richness and abundance, modifying composition and macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups in ponds; and (2) β-diversity between natural and pine ponds is determined mainly by species nestedness. Five ponds in native grassland and five in a pine-planted matrix were sampled seven times from 2007 to 2009. The pine ponds had reduced macroinvertebrate richness and abundance, and different taxa and functional feeding groups. Comparing ponds in natural and cultivated pine areas, β-diversity as determined by nestedness did not differ from the value resulting from the turnover. Reduction of surface in ponds in pine areas may be one of the main causes for the lower macroinvertebrate richness and abundance because many taxa do not have adaptations to tolerate or escape the dry phase. Our results suggest that pine invasion has a negative impact on macroinvertebrate structure in southern Brazil coastal ponds.