Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy Budgets and Reproductive Allocation in the Simultaneous Hermaphrodite Pond Snail, Lymnaea stagnalis (L.): A Trade-Off between Male and Female Function

The gap between theory and data on the problem of sex allocation in simultaneous hermaphrodites is large. Whereas there is now a substantial framework of theory that predicts how simultaneous hermaphrodites should allocate reproductive resources to male and female function (see, e.g., Maynard Smith 1978; Charnov 1982; Fischer 1984), few experimental data to test the theory are available. Measurements of allocation are limited to a number of coral reef fishes (Fischer 1980, 1981, 1984; Petersen 1987, 1990a), the polychaete worm Ophryotrocha diadema (Sella 1990), and the barnacle Catomerus polymerus (Raimondi and Martin 1991). One of the basic assumptions of the theory-namely, that there is a trade-off between male and female reproductive function (see, e.g., Charnov et al. 1976; Heath 1977)-is almost without empirical support with respect to animals. (For some reviews on plants, see Ross 1990 and Brunet 1992.) An attempt o demonstrate such a trade-off in the coral reef fish Serranus fasciatus, a temporary simultaneous hermaphrodite, was not successful (Petersen 1990b). As far as we know, the only species in which such a trade-off has been demonstrated is the barnacle C. polymerus. In this species, male and female reproductive investment can be measured (Raimondi and Martin 1991). The aim of this note is to evaluate possible trade-offs between male reproductive function, on the one hand, and growth and female reproductive function, on the other hand, in the simultaneous hermaphrodite pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. A powerful method to evaluate a possible trade-off between male and female function isto experimentally manipulate the hermaphrodite's male or female function and to measure the cost-related response (Reznick 1985; Partridge and Harvey 1988). Van Duivenboden et al. (1985) provided a way to experimentally eliminate male copulatory behavior in L. stagnalis. We used this method to evaluate the effect of male copulatory behavior as a measure of male reproductive expenditure in order to reveal possible trade-offs. In L. stagnalis, we cannot measure male investment directly. However, since we can measure food intake, growth, storage, and female reproduction, we are still able to deduce whether the snails' male investment increases after the experimental e imination of male copulatory behavior.
Use of Nest Trees by the Mountain Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus Caninus) (Phalangeridae: Marsupialia). I. Number of Occupied Trees and Frequency of Tree Use.

A study was made of the use of trees with hollows by 10 adult male and 6 adult female mountain brushtail possums (Trichosurus caninus) at a 35-ha site in central Victoria, south-eastern Australia. Radio-tracking was used to identify which trees were being used as den sites by animals during an 18-month period between September 1990 and March 1992. Analyses of the data showed that, although 113 different trees were used by the 16 animals, most were occupied infrequently. The total number of trees used by a given animal ranged from 5 to 23. However, the majority of individuals spent most of their time denning in 1-3 trees. Of the 113 den trees, 70 were found to have been used by only 1 animal, 54 trees were used exclusively by males, and 28 trees by females only. Twelve trees were used extensively (on >40 occasions) but only 1 was used extensively by both sexes. Most of the T. caninus radio-tracked typically used 2 or more nest trees per week, indicating that animals moved frequently between den sites. Some animals used up to 6 different trees per week. Some possible reasons for this behaviour in T. caninus are discussed.
Evaluation of the terrestrial carbon cycle, future plant geography and climate‐carbon cycle feedbacks using five Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs)

This study tests the ability of five Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs), forced with observed climatology and atmospheric CO2, to model the contemporary global carbon cycle. The DGVMs are also coupled to a fast ‘climate analogue model’, based on the Hadley Centre General Circulation Model (GCM), and run into the future for four Special Report Emission Scenarios (SRES): A1FI, A2, B1, B2. Results show that all DGVMs are consistent with the contemporary global land carbon budget. Under the more extreme projections of future environmental change, the responses of the DGVMs diverge markedly. In particular, large uncertainties are associated with the response of tropical vegetation to drought and boreal ecosystems to elevated temperatures and changing soil moisture status. The DGVMs show more divergence in their response to regional changes in climate than to increases in atmospheric CO2 content. All models simulate a release of land carbon in response to climate, when physiological effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on plant production are not considered, implying a positive terrestrial climate‐carbon cycle feedback. All DGVMs simulate a reduction in global net primary production (NPP) and a decrease in soil residence time in the tropics and extra‐tropics in response to future climate. When both counteracting effects of climate and atmospheric CO2 on ecosystem function are considered, all the DGVMs simulate cumulative net land carbon uptake over the 21st century for the four SRES emission scenarios. However, for the most extreme A1FI emissions scenario, three out of five DGVMs simulate an annual net source of CO2 from the land to the atmosphere in the final decades of the 21st century. For this scenario, cumulative land uptake differs by 494 Pg C among DGVMs over the 21st century. This uncertainty is equivalent to over 50 years of anthropogenic emissions at current levels.
Wetland vegetation near Old Crow, northern Yukon

Wetland vegetation on lowlands of northern Yukon was related to gradients of pH, peat depth, and active-layer depth using detrended correspondence analysis. Seven vegetation types were distinguished by two-way indicator species analysis: Arctophila shoreline marsh, Carex aquatilis – Sphagnum – Chamaedaphne wet meadow, Scorpidium–sedge carpet, Carex rotundata – Andromeda – Sphagnum orientale lawn, Sphagnum–heath on firm peat, thickets and tussock tundra, and Calamagrostis canadensis meadow. The Arctophila marshes and tussocky shrublands resemble other sites in the subarctic and low arctic wetland regions of North America, while Sphagnum–heath on firm peat is typical of high boreal and subarctic wetlands. The wet meadow, carpet, and lawn types of sedge–moss vegetation cannot be characterized as arctic or boreal because the geographic patterns of sedge–moss wetlands in northwestern North America remain unclear.
Testudo trade in Turkey

The export trade of tortoises of the genus Testudo from Turkey between 1976 and 2004 is reviewed using compiled import data from the CITES (the Convention International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) data base. A total of 468,006 live animals was exported from Turkey to nine countries. The source of the exported tortoises was largely unknown (95%). Of those from known sources, most of them (66%) were specimens taken from the wild, 8% were captive bred animals, 22% were unknown and 4% were seized by the importing country. The authors' personal observations during an ongoing project (2002-2005) on Testudo have been included.
Antibacterial Effect of Various Essential Oils against Pathogens and Spoilage Microorganisms in Fresh Produce

This study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial effect of various essential oils (EOs) against pathogens and fresh produce spoilage bacteria using the agar disc diffusion method and 96-well dilution method. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of EOs to reduce the level of total mesophilic microorganisms in fresh leaf lettuce and radish sprouts was determined by dipping method. Furthermore, membrane damage of two pathogens before and after treatment with effective EOs was determined using the fluorescent dye propidium iodide (PI) staining method. The results showed that thyme-1, thyme-2 and tea tree-2 oils demonstrated the strongest antibacterial effect against 18 strains of pathogens, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the agar disc diffusion method. Thyme-1 oil showed the strongest antibacterial effect against spoilage bacteria. The dipping treatment results showed that oregano-2 oil was the most effective at maintaining reduced levels of total mesophilic microorganisms in fresh produce compared with control, although it affected the quality of both vegetables after treatment. The results showed that treatment with clove bud, cinnamon-2 and oregano-2 oils led to PI values significantly greater than that of untreated cell. Practical Applications Natural essential oil solutions can be used for the disinfection of fresh produce as an alternative to chlorine, and oregano oil could be used as an alternative to synthetic sanitizers, classically applied in fresh produce.
LIFE HISTORY ESTIVATIVES IN TWO GEOGRAPHIC STRAINS OF Zaprionus indianus GUPTA, 1970 (DIPTERA: DROSOPHILIDAE)

Two geographic strains of Zaprionus indianus collected from two distinct Brazilian Southeast regions of different environmental conditions were compared in relation to their life history estimatives. The Jaboticabal strain laid almost double the amount of eggs than the Valinhos strain. However, the Valinhos strain showed a higher viability rate. The number of eggs distributed during the female life span allowed for the characterization of three oviposition periods. The flies from Jaboticabal laid 32% of their eggs in the initial and terminal periods, while the Valinhos strain laid only 11% during these periods. The remainder of the eggs was distributed during the middle production period. The Jaboticabal strain tended to show larger longevity and fertility (egg productivity) values, whereas the adult productivity for the Valinhos eggs was greater. Based on the analyzed facts, the success of the colonization by South American invader Z. indianus seems to be closely related to the capacity and velocity of changes in the time length of total longevity (TL) or in the life span of the species, in regards to the different favorable and unfavorable conditions found in the invaded habitats. These potential variabilities, allied with different selective pressures such as competition, may have provided this species success in adapting to the new environments found in the colonization of the Americas.
Selected properties of I-Z-I band proteins of sonicated beef.

The objective of the reported study was to determine the effect of meat sonication within up to 2 h after slaughter with low-frequency ultrasounds (25 kHz) and at medium vibration intensity (2 W/cm 2 ) on selected properties of myofibrilar proteins of the I-Z-I band isolated from ageing beef. Proteins were isolated directly after sonication as well as after 24, 48 and 72 h of storage at a temperature of +4°C. The isolated protein fraction was determined for: myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), content of reactive sulphydryl groups, redox potential, surface hydrophobicity, and proteins capability for fat emulsification. Based on the results of analyses of the isolated proteins of the I-Z-I band, no significant effect of post-slaughter sonication immediately after the slaughter was noted on the content of reactive sulphydryl groups, area of hydrophobic surface, myofibrillar fragmentation index nor redox potential. The results obtained point to a significant decrease in the capability of I-Z-I band proteins isolated from sonicated meat for fat emulsification. The research needs to be continued and extended at a molecular level in order to determine which of the myofibrillar proteins are the most susceptible to the action of ultrasounds, and to identify the mechanism of their action on biologically-complex protein systems in meat.
Cellular host factors involved in the translation of the HIV-1 genomic RNA

Human Immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a positive strand RNA virus belonging to the lentivirus genus of the retroviridae family and it is the etiological agent of the pandemic AIDS, which is a major health concern worldwide. Throughout HIV-1 replication cycle, the production of viral proteins depends exclusively on the cellular translational machinery. This is the reason why we have explored the role of some cellular factors that could control HIV-1 translation at different stages. We have focused our studies on the translation of the full length genomic RNA (gRNA), which serves both as genome for viral encapsidation and as a messenger for translation of Gag and Gag-Pol viral polyproteins.1) The role of the RNA helicase DDX3 in HIV-1 translation Initiation The fact that HIV-1 possesses a highly structured 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR) prompted us to speculate that DDX3 may be involved in HIV-1 translation. We used a combination of in vitro and ex-vivo approaches to show that DDX3 was able to bind and form complexes with the 5’-UTR of HIV-1 to assist translation initiation. We also demonstrated that DDX3 can form a complex with initiation factors such as PABP, eIF4G and eIF4E. 2) Programmed Ribosomal Frameshift (PRF) in the genomic RNA of HIV-1Translation of HIV-1 Gag-Pol polyprotein requires a -1 PRF. This mechanism allows the synthesis of Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins, using the same mRNA template, at ratios of 95 and 5% respectively. Keeping the -1PRF ratio is important as any change leads to reduction in virus infectivity.By means of a dual reporter construct and full provirus replication system we were able to demonstrate that the stress granules associated protein TIAR, controls HIV-1 infectious progeny by regulating the ratio of the HIV-1 PRF.
A CDC2‐Related Kinase is Associated with Macronuclear DNA Synthesis in Paramecium tetraurelia

ABSTRACT. Cell division in higher eukaryotes is mainly controlled by CDK (serine/threonine) protein kinases and by other components of these kinase complexes. Previously, we showed homologous kinases also occur in the ciate Paramecium tetraurelia. In this report, a polyclonal antibody was produced against a GST fusion protein which contained the N‐terminal third of the previously isolated CDC2FTA protein. It recognized a 36 kDa polypeptide on western blots and did not cross‐react with the related 34 kDa polypeptide. This 36 kDa polypeptide showed no affinity for yeast P13suc1 protein. The CDC2PTA level was invariant throughout the cell cycle and decreased slightly when cells entered stationary phase. Indirect immunofluorescence showed CDC2PTA localized in the macronucleus, but not in micronuclei. Native CDC2FTA was immunoprecipitated and the kinase activity was assayed using histone HI as substrate in elutriation synchronized samples. The kinase activity was high during the early stages of the cell cycle and reached a peak at 2.5 h after elutriation, which corresponds to the time of initiation of macronuclear DNA synthesis. This suggests CDC2PTA kinase may be associated with the regulation of macronuclear DNA synthesis. These results allow us to draw concrete comarisons for the first time between the role of CDK in ciliates and higher eukaryotes.
Morphological characterisation of five brazilian species of Fidicinoides (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

The objective of this study was to describe and illustrate the morphological characteristics of some species of Brazilian Fidicinoides to aid in their identification. Descriptions and illustrations are given of the head, thorax, abdomen, right forewing and the last urosternite of the male of the Fidicinoides besti, Fidicinoides brunnea, Fidicinoides duckensis, Fidicinoides pseudethelae and Fidicinoides sucinalae species. The main diagnostic characteristics of these species are markings on pronotum and/or mesonotum and male sternite VIII characteristics.
A FAMILY BURDEN PERCEPTION OF MENTAL RETARDATION CHILD AND ITS CORRELATION WITH ANXIETY

Introduction:Families who have children with mental retardation are at risk of experiencing the problems related to the psychic. Psychosocial problems are most often found in families with a child who hasmental retardation is the anxiety and the perception of burden. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between anxiety and the familiesperception of the perceived burden in caring for children with mental retardation. Method :The design of this study using cross-sectional design, the population in this study are nuclear families caring for children with mental retardation in Extra Ordinary of State Elementary School Jombatan 7 Jombang. The number of samples are24 care giver using purposive sampling. The instrument used ZRAS and The Burden Scale. Result:The results of bivariate data by using Spearman Rank Correlation test showed results 0.469 p value (α = 0.05), which means that there is no relationship between anxietyand the burden perception. Discussion :Based on the above results it can be concluded that there is no relationship between anxiety and perceived burden of the family incare of children with mental retardation. Mental health nurse must be able to identify an appropriate nursing intervention to address psychosocial issues that may appear on the different families who have children withmental retardation. Key words : mental retardation, anxiety, burden perception
Zoneamento agroclimático da cultura do açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) para o estado do Espírito Santo

Os produtos do acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) apresentam grande importância economica e cultural no Brasil com um crescente mercado consumidor. Com intuito de fornecer bases para ampliacao desse cultivo em outros estados, buscou-se elaborar o zoneamento agroclimatico para essa cultura no estado do Espirito Santo. Para tanto, utilizou-se de dados meteorologicos de 110 estacoes de orgaos governamentais e da ferramenta geotecnologica ArcGIS 10.1 para espacializar os dados de temperatura, precipitacao e deficit hidrico e depois reclassifica-las para a geracao do zoneamento. Os resultados demonstraram que 20,74% da area total do Espirito Santo possui zonas aptas a essa cultura, localizadas nas regioes Nordeste, Serrana e Sul, sendo Linhares o municipio com maior aptidao. Embora a maior parte do estado tenha algum tipo de restricao que limita o cultivo, seja da variavel deficit hidrico, seja da precipitacao, algumas tecnicas podem minimizar tais restricoes. Logo, torna-se viavel a implantacao da cultura do acai no estado do Espirito Santo de acordo com as variaveis temperatura, precipitacao e deficit hidrico.
Ensacamento de frutos de abiu visando à proteção contra o ataque da mosca-das-frutas

The Pouteria caimito tree, is a known fruit in the tropics and consumed fresh. Among the main issues affecting the fruit quality, are the damage caused by the attack of the larvae of fruit fly. The objective of this study was to determine the diameter of the fruit P. caimito to effect the practice of bagging in order to protect against the attack of the fly. For this, six classes of diameter were set: a) fruit with a diameter less than 1 cm, b) fruit with a diameter of 1-2 cm, c) fruits with a diameter of 2-3 cm d) fruits with a diameter of 3 to 4 cm, e) fruit with a diameter of 4-5 cm, f) fruit with a diameter larger than 5 cm, and the control treatment, which consisted of fruit without protection. Bags to cover the fruits were made of white TNT. After harvest, fruits were measured and weighed and then broken in longitudinal and transversal directions and evaluated by visual observation of the presence or the absence of fruit fly larvae. The efficiency of treatments was evaluated by the percentage of fruit dropped on the ground, and the fruits harvested with absence and presence of larvae. It was observed 96.7%, 88.3% and 40.0% of dropping in bagged fruit with a diameter smaller than 1 cm, 1-2 cm and 2-3 cm respectively. The bagging of fruits P. caimito with diameters between 1 and 2 cm is not feasible due to the high percentage of fallen fruit (96.7%). The highest percentage of fruits without larvae of fruit fly (83.3%) is observed when the fruits were bagged with a diameter of between three and five centimeters.
High precision microcomputer based measuring system for ecological research

A semiautomated measuring system is described which allows precise multiple measurements on organisms of biological interest. It consists of a microscope with drawing tube positioned next to a digitizing tablet which is interfaced to a personal computer; a TV camera and monitor are optional additions. Light from an LED fitted cursor on the digitizing pad is focused through the drawing tube and combined with the microscope image. Measurement signals are sent to the computer when the cursor button is depressed. Data storage, calculation, and display can be performed on-line as data are entered. Maximum precision of repeated measurements is ±0.04%; in routine use an accuracy of < ±0.25% is achieved. An example of its precision compared with a conventional eyepiece micrometer is given. The system has been used for measurement of a diversity of aquatic particles including phytoplankton, Zooplankton, fecal pellets, and stream benthic invertebrates at magnifications from 10 to 1250 power.
Evaluation of Factors Restricting Distribution of the Endangered Key Largo Woodrat

Abstract We examined a suite of models in an information theoretic framework to identify factors restricting presence of the endangered Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) throughout its remaining habitat. Models containing variables related to availability of nest sites and mammalian predator abundances were supported by our data. Abundance of natural (large overstory trees) and artificial (rock and debris piles) nest substrate were the most important predictor variables, followed by indices of feral cat and raccoon (Procyon lotor) abundance. We recommend increasing abundance of nest substrate in the short term through addition of artificial nest substrate and in the long term through continued protection of remaining forest habitat.
Description of coccoid cyanoprokaryote Nisada stipitata morphogen . et sp . nov . from the supralittoral zone in the tropical Mexican Pacific

A distinctive morphotype consisting of an epilithic, one-layered colony of polarized, 1–3-celled pseudofilaments was recognized in the rocky shores of the state of Oaxaca in the Mexican tropical Pacific. Morphologically, it was not identifiable as any species of a previously described genus. It is similar to species from the former order Chroococcales, recently modified by Komarek et al . (2014), in its sessile heteropolar pseudofilaments. Specifically, it is most similar to the colonial species of the genus Chamaesiphon ; and of Chamaecalyx , but the cells of the Mexican populations divide symmetrically in one or two planes, differentiating them from Chamaesiphon which divides asymmetrically and only in one plane, and from Chamaecalyx , which has multiple fission. The other defining feature is that all cells of the pseudofilament have differentiated mucilaginous structures (pad and/or stipe and cup). It has not been possible to obtain cultures of our material for further studies to complete the polyphasic approach. Nevertheless, its morphological characteristics and life cycle, plus its distinctive extreme biotope, form a unique combination of features that derive in our proposal of the morphogenus Nisada gen . nov . , with the type species, Nisada stipitata , sp . nov . We describe the proposed taxa and the problems and current inconveniences regarding its assignment to higher taxonomic levels. We also discuss the different degrees of complexity of heteropolarity in Nisada and other taxa.