Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding and outbreeding effects on pollen fitness and zygote survival in Silene nutans (Caryophyllaceae)

In plants, selfing and outcrossing may be affected by maternal mate choice and competition among pollen and zygotes. To evaluate this in Silene nutans, we pollinated plants with mixtures of (1) self‐ and outcross pollen and (2) pollen from within a population and from another population. Pollen fitness and zygote survival was estimated from the zygote survival and paternity of seeds. Self pollen had a lower fitness than outcross pollen, and selfed zygotes were less likely, or as likely, to develop into seeds. Hybrid zygotes survived as frequently or more than local zygotes, and pollen from one of the populations fertilized most ovules in both populations. Our results thus indicate strong maternal discrimination against selfing, whereas the success of outbreeding seems mostly affected by divergent pollen performance. The implications for the evolution of maternal mate choice are discussed.
Identification of Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) in potatoes in China

Abstract Potato tubers exhibiting necrotic rings/arcs were found in a winter potato crop ‘Favorita’ in the subtropical area Huidong county, Guangdong province, China, in 2012. When the symptomatic tubers were cut crosswise, light to dark brown necrotic arcs were observed in the tuber flesh. A mini-survey of the crop found 8% symptomatic tubers in an area of 10 meters2. To reveal the causal agent of the disease, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) targeting 9 common potato viruses including those viruses (e.g, Potato mop-top virus (PMTV), Tobacco rattle virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, and Potato virus Y tuber necrosis strain) known to be capable of induction of tuber necrosis, were carried out. Except for PMTV, no other viruses were detected. Sequencing of the 460 bp amplicon revealed that the fragment exhibited a 99-100% sequence identify with most PMTV coat protein sequences deposited in GenBank, which was confirmed by a further phylogenetic analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with PMTV antibody on the symptomatic tubers was also carried out, and a positive reading was observed. Together, these results demonstrate that PMTV was the causal agent for the spraing disease in potatoes in the winter crop in Guangdong. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PMTV in Guangdong province, China, and the first scientific confirmation of PMTV in China.
Arthropod assemblage homogenization in oceanic islands: the role of indigenous and exotic species under landscape disturbance

Human landscape disturbance can drive the degradation of natural environments, thereby contributing to indigenous (endemic and native non‐endemic) species extinctions, facilitating the establishment of exotic species and ultimately resulting in more similar species compositions over time and space. We assessed whether similarities in epigean arthropod assemblages differ between indigenous and exotic species in an oceanic archipelago, and we also examined whether such assemblage similarities depend on the most dominant species, the island, the type of habitat, the degree of landscape disturbance or local environmental variables.
AN UNUSUAL DROPLET IN SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND OF NEW BORN MICE

The fine s tructure of m a m m a l i a n submand ibu la r glands has been repor ted in relatively few papers. Scott and Pease (1) and Kur tz (2) investigated submand ibu la r glands of young adul t rats by electron microscopy; however, the fine s tructure of these glands in mice has not been reported. The purpose of this communica t ion is to show the fine s tructure of unusual droplets observed in electron micrographs of ac inar cells of submand ibu la r glands from newborn mice.
Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) larvae in streams and farm ponds of a montane region in southern Brazil

This study presents an inventory of the genera of Odonata found in streams and artificial farm ponds in a montane region, with temperate climate, in southern Brazil. Differences in richness of lotic and lentic environments were also investigated. The diversity of odonate families and genera in southernmost Brazil is lower than in warmer, either tropical or subtropical, regions of the country. Nine genera are new records for the region and six genera had their geographical ranges extended to regions with temperate climate of the Neotropics. The overall richness and especially the overall abundance recorded in the studied area are possibly determined by the occurrence of numerous farm ponds because natural standing waters are scarce in the region. The presence of macrophytes in these artificial ponds allowed the establishment of a diversified odonatofauna, typical of lentic environments.
Pollen quantity and quality affect fruit abortion in small populations of a rare fleshy-fruited shrub

Summary Little is known about changed rates of fruit abortion due to pollen limitation or inbreeding in small and isolated populations of flowering plants. We report on a pollination experiment with the fleshy-fruited tall-shrub Prunus mahaleb at the margin of its distributional range, where reproduction might be especially limiting. Two small and isolated populations in northern Switzerland were studied for effects of pollen quantity and pollen quality on the timing of fruit abortion. There was evidence that spontaneous self-pollination led to particularly high abortion. Fruit abortion was delayed after hand pollination, which indicates limitation of pollen quantity. Self-pollination led to earlier abortion compared with experimental pollination within or between populations. There was no significant evidence for outbreeding depression in fruit abortion. We conclude that reproduction and dispersal of P. mahaleb in central Europe might be negatively affected by pollen limitation and inbreeding effects, i.e. by both pollen quantity and quality. Die Auswirkungen von Pollenlimitierung und Inzucht auf die Fruchtabortion in kleinen und isolierten Populationen von Blutenpflanzen sind wenig untersucht. Wir berichten uber ein Bestaubungsexperiment mit dem endozoochoren Strauch Prunus mahaleb an der Verbreitungsgrenze der Art, wo sexuelle Fortpflanzung vermutlich in besonderem Mase begrenzend wirkt. Die Fruchtabortion in zwei kleinen Populationen in der Nordschweiz wurden untersucht nach experimentell variierter Pollenquantitat und -qualitat. Spontane Selbstbestaubung fuhrte zu besonders hoher Abortion. Handbestaubung verzogerte die Fruchtabortion und last damit auf Pollenlimitierung des Fruchtansatz schliesen. Selbstbestaubung verursachte fruhere Abortion als Handbestaubung innerhalb oder zwischen den Populationen, wahrend eine mogliche Auszuchtdepression in bezug auf die Fruchtabortion nicht signifikant war. Reproduktion und Ausbreitung in kleinen Populationen von P. mahaleb in Mitteleuropa werden vermutlich negativ beeinflusst von Pollenlimitierung und Inzuchteffekten, das heist sowohl von Pollenquantitat als auch von Pollenqualitat.
Influence of environmental parameters on the distribution of subfossil chironomids in surface sediments of Bosten lake (Xinjiang, China)

The distribution of larval subfossil chironomids in surface sediment samples obtained from Bosten lake was analysed, and ordination methods were used to identify the influences of physical and chemical parameters on the abundance and diversity of chironomids. A total of 18 chironomid taxa was identified across the 32 samples, 15 of which showed minimum abundance of >1% and were present in more than one site. Chironomus plumosus -type, Microchironomus and Tanytarsus glabrescens -type were the most abundant of the 18 chironomid taxa identified. The distribution of the main chironomid species within Bosten Lake exhibited spatial heterogeneity. T. glabrescens- type was found to dominate Huangshuiwan, in the northwest part of Bosten lake, which had higher salinity and organic content. Microchironomus was mainly distributed in the Kaidu river mouth, in the southwest part of Bosten lake, whereas C. plumosu s-type was more abundant in the deep centre, suggesting the importance of water chemistry, water dynamics and water depth on chironomid distribution. The relationship of chironomid distribution with environmental parameters was assessed using redundancy analysis, and the results revealed that water depth, Secchi depth and salinity were the predominant factors influencing chironomid distribution; these factors could explain the chironomid variances of 18.3, 5.3 and 5.0%, respectively. Our surface sediment-derived data provide a baseline for the analysis of future environmental variations of the lakes in the arid regions of northwest China, which are threatened by impacts of global climate change and regional water management.
Development and characterization of an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor compatible with spatial ALD

Dielectric Barrier Discharges (DBD) are widely used for atmospheric pressure plasma generation. The possibility of their adaptation in custom-made configurations makes them potential candidate to assist deposition processes. In fact, the increased need of high-quality thin films forces to improve the deposition techniques. New processes should be able to work in less constrained conditions such as atmospheric pressure rather than vacuum and to have faster deposition rates while respecting the same high quality of the deposited films. In this paper we present the development of a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor to assist an atmospheric spatial atomic layer deposition process. The reactor was fabricated with 3D printing and the plasma was generated by a surface dielectric barrier discharge powered by a microsecond pulsed high voltage power supply. The dissipated power was measured for different configurations, and thanks to the micro discharges imaging, it was observed that the thickness and the shape of the dielectric barrier influenced the micro discharges distribution on the dielectric surface. The plasma reactor exhaust gas was chemically analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and micro gas chromatography. The ozone concentration was determined as function of frequency of the power supply.
Effect of sport practice and warm-up duration on the morning–evening difference in anaerobic exercise performance and perceptual responses to it

This study was designed to assess the effect of sport practice and warm-up duration on the morning–evening differences in muscle power and fatigue during performance of anaerobic exercise and perceptual responses to it. Twenty-two male physical education students – twelve trained (TG) (21.51 ± 1.25 years, 182.17 ± 4.37 cm and 82.88 ± 11.23 kg) and ten untrained (NTG) (23.89 ± 3.17 years, 176.8 ± 2.2 cm and 82.24 ± 8.43 kg) – participated in a crossover randomized study. They were asked to perform a 30-s Wingate test during six experimental sessions (three at 08:00 and three at 18:00 h) after different active warm-up (AWU) durations (5 min, 15 min, or 20 min). The AWU consisted of pedaling at a constant pace of 60 rpm against 50% of maximal aerobic power. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after the AWU and again immediately after the Wingate test. Heart rate and temperature (T) were recorded during each session at rest, after AWU and immediately at the end of the Wingate test. During the Wingate test, peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and the fatigue index were recorded. While the RPE estimations were higher in NTG, no time-of-day effect was recorded in either experimental group (morning or evening). T, PP, and MP were higher in the afternoon than in the morning (p < 0.001 for PP and MP; p < 0.05 for T). Similarly, PP and MP during the Wingate test were significantly higher in the TG than in the NTG (p < 0.001). The morning–evening difference of PP and MP was affected by AWU duration; AWU15 was best in the morning for improving lower limb power for both the TG and NTG, whereas reducing this period to 5 min in the evening was appropriate for TG only.
Phytoplankton communities in rock pools on the Åland Islands, SW Finland – environmental variables, functional groups and strategies

Studies of rock pools tend to focus on the surrounding emergent habitat. Moreover, research on phytoplankton in small, nutrient-rich water bodies is limited. Summer phytoplankton species, functional groups and life strategies, as well as physicochemical variables potentially influencing the phytoplankton, were surveyed in 34 brackish rock pools. Except from total nitrogen and total phosphorus, the pools were chemically quite similar. Phytoplankton abundance and biovolume consisted mainly of charophytes (Zygnematales), unidentified small flagellates, cyanobacteria, chlorophytes and dinoflagellates. Many of the phytoplankton functional groups were representative of shallow, nutrient-rich and light-abundant environments. The majority of the common and abundant species were classified as C-strategists (invasive opportunists). Total nitrogen, total phosphorus and phytoplankton biomass varied greatly between the rock pools, and were positively related. The rock pool depth and macrovegetation presence–absence played a central role in shaping the phytoplankton species distribution. Frequently occurring species, present in the majority of the rock pools, seldom dominated the phytoplankton. Species dominating the phytoplankton rock pool assemblages were not common components of the phytoplankton flora.
Vegetation and soil seed bank of successional stages in tropical lowland deciduous forest

We studied vegetation structure and soil seed bank composition in different successional stages of secondary lowland tropical deciduous forest in Yucatan, Mexico. The series of study sites includes: slashed (S), slashed-and-burned (SB), and regenerating for 1, 6, 10, 15, 30, 40 and 100 yr. Species richness (S = 42 - 65), evenness (E = 0.32 - 0.38), and diversity (H' = 1.2 - 1.6) do not vary much as the forest grows older. 20 species of shrubs and trees were present in at least six of the seven regrowth years studied; 10 of these account for more than 50% of the total density values per regrowth year. These species dominate the vegetation due to their capacity to withstand repeated fire and felling. One third of the individuals sampled had regenerated from coppiced shoots. Species composition little resembles that in earlier accounts. The area is now largely covered by young regrowth stages (1 - 20 yr). Species constituting the original woody structure of the mature forest are rare or absent due to the lack of seed sources and failure of dispersal (which is due to limited dispersal capacities), lack of dispersal agents, or long distances. Herbs were the most important life form in the soil seed banks; only one tree species was found. The number of viable seeds varied between sampled areas: 70/m2 in the 40 yr-old, to 1 815/m2 in the slashed-and-burned (SB). The vegetation of S- and SB-areas was the same, but the number of viable seeds germinating in SB was twice the number in S; the number of species in the seed bank is the same for both areas. We speculate that fire modifies species dominance early in succession, allowing seeds of some species to germinate in great numbers.
Microvascular blood flow changes of the abductor pollicis brevi muscle during sustained static exercise

A practical assessment of the health of the palm muscle, abductor pollicis brevis (APB), is important for diagnosis of different conditions. Here we have developed a protocol and a probe to utilize diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) to characterize microvascular blood flow changes in the APB during and after sustained isometric exercise, during and after thumb abduction at at 55% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Blood flow in the APB decreased during exercise in the subjects (n=13) with high MVC (n=7) and stayed constant in the ones with low MVC (n=6) suggesting that the mechanical occlusion due to increased intramuscular pressure exceeded the vasodilation elicited by the higher demand. Blood flow changes during exercise negatively correlated with the absolute force applied by each subject. Muscular blood flow increased after exercise compared to the values reached during exercise. In conclusion, DCS allows the study of the response of a small muscle to static exercise.
Biogeographical effects on body mass of native Australian and introduced mice, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis and Mus domesticus: an inquiry into Bergmann's Rule

We investigated interactions of body mass with geographical location, and five climatic measures for two Australian rodents, the native Australian sandy inland mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) and the introduced house mouse (Mus domesticus). Correlation and regression analyses identified interactions of body mass with latitude, longitude, average highest maximum and lowest minimum temperatures, average annual rainfall, rainfall variability, and aridity. There was a significant correlation of body mass with latitude and longitude for Mus domesticus and P. hermannsburgensis. House mice were heavier in the south and east, and sandy inland mice were heavier in the north and east. M. domesticus conforms to Bergmann’s Rule, while P. hermannsburgensis does not. Maximum temperature, aridity and rainfall variability significantly influenced body mass of M. domesticus, which was heavier at cooler maxima, in less arid areas, and in areas of greater rainfall variability. Only aridity significantly influenced body mass of P. hermannsburgensis, which was heavier in more arid areas. Temperature did not interact significantly with body mass. After accounting for climatic variables, there was still a significant relationship between the residuals of body mass with locality for both species, with a negative influence of latitude and a positive influence of longitude in both; the latitudinal interaction for both species was converse to Bergmann’s Rule. We suggest that latitude, ambient temperature and other selection pressures (such as aridity or productivity) can act in opposing directions, and speculate that the influence of other factors, such as food availability or sociality, may be more important than latitude or ambient temperature.
Turkish kefir and kefir grains: microbial enumeration and electron microscobic observation†

Microbial populations in kefir and kefir grains were enumerated by plating. Total lactic acid bacteria, lactoccocci, lactobacilli and yeast populations increased during fermentation and increased slightly during cold storage. Kefir grains had a lactic acid bacteria : yeast ratio of 10 9 : 10 6 . In further studies, kefir grains were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods, which indicated yeast colonization on the surface and middle part of the kefir grain. Three types of lactobacilli (short, long and curved) were noted throughout the grain. Lactococci were not observed under SEM; preparation of kefir grains for SEM may have caused removal oflactococci from the grains.
The taxonomic status of the controversial genera and species of parrotfishes with a descriptive list (family Scardiae)

Schultz, Leonard P. The Taxonomic Status of the Controversial Genera and Species of Parrotfishes with a Descriptive List (Family Scaridae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, 17:1-49, 2 figures, 8 color plates. 1969. —This, the second major paper on scarid fishes by the author, discusses several difficult-to-identify species and brings together under one taxon certain males and females, previously thought to represent two or more species. Taxonomically controversial genera and species in the late Dr. J. L. B. Smith's two major papers (1956, 1958) on parrotfishes are correlated with conclusions reached in this report. Included is a current descriptive list (with 38 color illustrations) of 11 genera, 5 subgenera, 68 species, and 5 subspecies. Important taxonomic changes: Scarus fehlmanni, new species from the Red Sea, is placed in the subgenus Xenoscarops Schultz along with Scarus perrico (Jordan and Gilbert). The genus Scarus Forskal is divided into three subgenera: Scarus Forskal, Xenoscarops Schultz, and Callyodon Scopoli. Sparisoma Swainson is divided into two subgenera: Callyodontichthys Bleeker and Sparisoma Swainson. Scarops Schultz is monotypic. Pseudoscarus jordani Jenkins, Callyodon africanus Smith, and Scarus paluca Gosline and Brock are synonyms of Scarops rubroviolaceous (Bleeker). Bolbometopon Smith, with Cetoscarus Smith as a synonym, has two species: JB. muricatus Cuvier and Valenciennes and B. bicolor (Rtippell). Scarus pulchellus Riippell is the adult female of B. bicolor. Ypsiscarus Schultz has two species, Y. ovifrons (Temminck and Schlegel) and Y. oedema Snyder. Scarus harid Forskal has three subspecies: hand Forskal, longiceps Cuvier and Valenciennes, and vexillus (Smith). Hipposcarus schultzi Smith is a synonym of S. h. longiceps. Scarus microrhinos Bleeker and S. strongylocephalus Bleeker are synonyms of S. gibbus Ruppell. Neotypes were established for Scarus psittacus Forskal, Scarus forsteri Cuvier and Valenciennes, and S. sordidus Forskal. A lectotype was selected for Scarus quoyi Cuvier and Valenciennes. Also lectotypes were selected for Scarus baliensis Bleeker, S. bataviensis Bleeker, S. quoyi Cuvier and Valenciennes. Official publication date is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON : 1969 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 Price $1.25 (paper cover)
Comparison between local and commercial royal jelly—use of antioxidant activity and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid as quality parameter

Summary Royal jelly (RJ) is secreted by worker bees of Apis mellifera to feed the queen larvae. Believed to be the longevity factor of queen honey bees and due to its variety of health promoting ingredients, RJ is used worldwide as dietary supplement, health product and in cosmetics. To reach best possible effects, application of high quality RJ is absolutely required. Here we show, based on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity, a comparison between fresh, local RJ samples obtained directly from beekeepers and commercial ones. Analyses revealed a higher content of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, a quality parameter of RJ, for local compared to commercial RJ. Furthermore, determined ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) correlated with radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and total polyphenols was significantly higher in local RJ samples. Therefore, our results indicate a higher quality for local RJ compared to commercial.
PKC‐ζ expression is lower in osteoblasts from arthritic patients: IL1‐β and TNF‐α induce a similar decrease in non‐arthritic human osteoblasts

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of enzymes detected in a diverse range of cell types where they regulate various cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, cytoskeletal remodelling, cytokine production, and receptor‐mediated signal transduction. In this study we have analyzed the expression of 11 PKC isoforms (‐α, ‐βI, ‐βII, ‐γ, ‐δ, ‐η, ‐θ, ‐ε, ‐ζ, ‐ι/λ, and ‐µ) in osteoblasts from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in comparison with osteoblasts from post‐traumatic (PT) patients. By Western blotting analysis, nine isoforms, ‐α, ‐βI, ‐βII, ‐δ, ‐θ, ‐ ε, ‐ζ, ‐ ι/λ, and ‐µ, were detected in osteoblasts. In RA and OA patients, PKC ‐θ and ‐µ were greater expressed whereas PKC‐ε and ‐ζ decreased when compared with normal cells. The subcellular distribution and quantitative differences were confirmed by immuno‐electron microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that treatment with the proinflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β and TNF‐α, significantly decreased PKC‐ζ expression in PT osteoblasts. This suggests that proinflammatory cytokines can modulate the expression of this PKC isoform in osteoblasts in a way which is similar to changes detected in arthritic patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 547–555, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.