Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of genetic characterization and conservation of plant genetic resources: The breeding system and genetic diversity of wild soybean (Glycine soja)

Abstract Plant genetic resources play an important role in the improvement of cultivated plants. To characterize and evaluate the ecological and reproductive features of wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.), which is the most probable ancestor of cultivated soybean (G. max (L) Merr. ), the breeding system and genetic diversity of G. soja were investigated. The extent of natural cross-pollination of G. soja was estimated in four populations along the Omono River in Akita Prefecture, Japan by examining allozyme variation. Although it has been previously believed that G. soja is autogamous, as is cultivated soybean, the mean multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) estimate was 13%. These values are much higher than the outcrossing rate previously reported for both G. soja and G. max. Frequent visits by honeybees and carpenter bees to flowers were also observed, which supported this conjecture. Furthermore, to evaluate the genetic variation of G. soja as a genetic resource, the genetic structure of 447 populations over Japan were analyzed. Wild soybean populations had a higher degree of variation of isozyme loci. The GST coefficient of gene differentian values among the sites within the district were particularly high, revealing that the isozyme genotype was greatly different among site populations and homogeneous within the sites. The genetic differentiation among nine districts was observed in the allele frequencies of a few loci, indicating that geographic isolation in the wild soybean population was effectively created through the distance between the districts. The difference in the allele frequency among the districts may be produced under genetic drift. Finally, the importance of the preservation of natural plant populations and the habitats of wild progenitors (i.e. the in situ conservation of plant genetic resources) was emphasized.
Responses of Plant Cells to Gibberellin

1. Gibberellin (GB), in the concentrations 0.01-10 mg/l, markedly accelerated the coleoptile growth of Allium fistulosum. 2. With a concentration of 100 mg/l GB, pseudochiasmata formation and induction of mitosis were noticed in the more differentiated cells of A. cepa roots. In concentrations of 10 mg/l or less, which stimulated coleoptile growth, no visible cytological effects were detected. 3. GB markedly accelerated pollen germination and pollen-tube growth of Lilium longiflorum. 4. The effects of GB upon the growth of fern protonemata and rhizoids were dependent upon the nature of the culture medium-tap water versus Knop's solution. The acceleration of spore germination and protonemal growth by GB treatment seems to be a consequence of cell elongation rather than of cell division. 5. From anatomical studies of stems of seedlings of Vigna sesquipedalis treated with lanolin containing 0.01% GB, it is concluded that growth resulting from the treatment is stimulated in the longitudinal rather than in the transverse direction and that the elongation is a consequence of accelerated cell elongation rather than of cell multiplication. 6. The physiological effects of GB are quite different from those of indole-3-acetic acid.
Effect of protected organic acid blends on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal micro flora in growing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of protected organic acid blends on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal micro flora in growing pigs. A total of 100 crossed [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial body weight (BW) of 23.4 ± 1.27 kg were used in a six-week trial. Pigs were randomly allocated into one of four treatments (five replications with five pigs per pen) in a randomly complete block design based on their BW. Treatments consisted of CON, basal diet; MC1, basal diet + protected organic acid 0.1%; MC2, basal diet + protected organic acid 0.2%; MC3, basal diet + protected organic acid 0.4%. BW and feed intake were measured initially and at the end of six weeks to determine average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain/feed. The digestibility of nutrients and faecal micro flora was also assessed at the end of the experiment. The pigs fed MC2 diet showed greater ADG and G:F than pigs fed the control diet. Linear effects for ADG (linear, P = 0.04) as well as G: F (linear, P = 0.03) were observed. Dietary supplementation with 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% protected organic acid did not affect dry matter, N and energy digestibility. Supplementation of 0.2% protected organic acid increased (P < 0.05) faecal Lactobacillus population counts (linear, P = 0.01). Our result suggests that protected organic acid has the potential to enhance growth performance and improve microbial population in growing pigs.
Changes in spring arrival of Nearctic‐Neotropical migrants attributed to multiscalar climate

Climate‐related changes associated with the California marine ecosystem have been documented; however, there are no studies assessing changes in terrestrial vertebrate phenology on the Pacific coast of western North America. We analyze the spring phenology of 21 Nearctic‐Neotropical migratory songbird species in central and northern CA. Using observational and banding data at multiple sites, we evaluate evidence for a change in arrival timing being linked to either nonclimatic or multiscalar climatic explanations. Using correlation analysis, of the 13 species with a significant (P<0.10) change in arrival, the arrival timing of 10 species (77%) is associated with both temperature and a large‐scale climate oscillation index (El Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO; North Atlantic Oscillation, NAO; and/or Pacific Decadal Oscillation, PDO) at least at one location. Eight of the 13 species (62%) are advancing their migratory timing. All species for which spring arrival is associated with climate at multiple locations are exhibiting changes (n=5) and all species lacking evidence for association between migration phenology and climate (n=3) exhibit no change. Migrants tend to arrive earlier in association with warmer temperatures, positive NAO indices, and stronger ENSO indices. Twelve species negatively correlate (P≤0.05) with local or regional temperature at least at one location; five species negatively correlate with ENSO. Eleven species' arrival is correlated (P≤0.05) with NAO; 10 are negatively associated. After an exhaustive literature search, this is apparently the first documentation of an association between NAO and migratory phenology in western North America.
Resistant accessions of wild Psidium spp. to Meloidogyne enterolobii and histological characterization of resistance

Meloidogyne enterolobii has been reported in some states of Brazil and other countries causing severe damage on commercial guava (Psidium guajava). The use of resistant varieties is the most effective way to manage nematode parasitism. This study screened 51 accessions of Psidium spp. selected from the Psidium Germplasm Collection (Embrapa) to look for resistance against M. enterolobii. Six months after inoculation, nematode reproduction factor (RF) was used to assess resistance. The following species were resistant to M. enterolobii: P. cattleianum (yellow guava), P. friedrichsthalianum (Costa Rican guava), Acca sellowiana (feijoa) and P. rufum (purple guava). All 43 wild accessions of P. guajava were susceptible, as well as three accessions of P. guineense (Brazilian guava), one of P. acutangulum (pear guava) and the susceptible control P. guajava cv. Paluma. When used as rootstocks under greenhouse conditions, P. cattleianum and P. friedrichsthalianum were compatible with cv. Paluma; however, in greenhouse and field conditions only 50% of both scions survived. No apparent hypersensitive response (HR) was seen in the resistant guava P. cattleianum and P. friedrichsthalianum. Juveniles were able to develop normal feeding sites similar to those in susceptible roots 6–13 days after inoculation (dai). From 27 to 32 dai, giant cell deterioration was observed and nematodes showed arrested development. The majority of nematodes failed to reach maturity and did not begin laying eggs in resistant roots. These results suggested that the induction of resistance is relatively late in this pathosystem.
Pharyngeal biting mechanics in centrarchild and cichlid fishes: insights into a key evolutionary innovation

This study compares the pharyngeal biting mechanism of the Cichlidae, a family of perciform fishes that is characterized by many anatomical specializations, with that of the Centrarchidae, a family that possesses the generalized perciform anatomy. Our objective was to trace the key structural and functional changes in the pharyngeal jaw apparatus that have arisen in the evolution from the generalized to derived (cichlid) perciform condition.
Effects of sublethal cold stress on the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi.

An anholocyclic clone of the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi was reared on leaves of barley seedlings at 20 °C in a 16:8 LD photoperiod. First instar nymphs and newly moulted, pre-reproductive adults were cooled at 1°C min −1 to − 5 and − 7.5 °C, respectively, for 1 and 6 h to represent increasing levels of sublethal cold stress. Surviving aphids were returned to 20 °C and a 16:8 LD photoperiod, after which observations were made on the rate of nymphal development, adult reproduction and longevity, and survival of progeny. Mean development time from birth to adult increased with increasing cold stress, ranging from 6.6 ± 0.14 days in the control to 10.3 ± 0.14 days in nymphs exposed to − 7.5 °C for 6 h (.)
Impact of gamma radiation on the developmental characteristics of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) preparatory to their use as supplemental hosts/prey for natural enemy enhancement

Abstract The developmental characteristics of irradiated and non-irradiated gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. eggs and larvae were compared. Gypsy moth eggs were irradiated a few days before hatching at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, or 110 Gray (Gy) and first instar larvae at 50, 80, or 110 Gy of gamma radiation and tested for differences in their development by comparison with non-irradiated controls. Untreated larvae developed to the adult stage more rapidly than irradiated larvae treated either as eggs or as larvae and this was dose-dependent. Larval mortality and pupal developmental anomalies were dose-dependent. Pupal morphological abnormalities occurred in only 1.6% of controls, but in the 110 Gy group, they occurred in 93.2 and 95.1% of individuals treated as eggs or larvae, respectively. The tests showed that 50 Gy was optimal for irradiating gypsy moth eggs and larvae to achieve F1 sterility and extend larval development without excessive mortality. This may facilitate use of these sterile larvae as supplemental hosts in augmentative biological control programmes.
Insect infestations and their effects on the growth and yield of field crops: a review

A knowledge of the often complex relationship between insect populations and their effects on the yield-forming processes of crops is useful for assessing pest status and for devising methods of minimising the effects of infestation on yield. After a preliminary section on definition of terms, consideration is given to ways in which insects injure plants and crops, particularly annual crops. Investigations into the yield-forming processes of unattacked crops can often provide useful insights into the likely effect of insect injuries on yield. The differences between the characteristics of individuals and populations are discussed, both of insects attacking plants, and plants responding to the attacks of insects. The distribution of insects on plants and on crops and the effect that this has on damage is considered, as is the time and duration of the attack in relation to the growth cycle of the crop. The components of plant resistance to insect attack are then discussed, especially tolerance and the various ways in which plants and crops compensate for injury. The review concludes with an examination of the quantitative relationships between numbers of insects or injuries and their effects on yield. The generalised response is a sigmoid curve relating an upper and lower plateau of yield where changes in the numbers of insects or injuries have little effect. Most relationships conform to some part of this curve, though few show all its features.
Elicitor induced defence responses in medicago sativa.

• The effects are reported here of an elicitor prepared from liquid cultures of an isolate of Verticillium albo-atrum, which is nonpathogenic to Medicago sativa, on accumulation of H2 O2 , medicarpin, deposition of phenolic polymer and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity in cultured cells of Medicago sativa L. cv. Kabul (lucerne). • PAL activity and phytoalexins were assayed spectrophotometically and by HPLC, respectively. The scopoletin fluorescence-quenching and thioglycolic acid methods were used to measure H2 O2 and phenolic polymer deposition, respectively. • Studies with inhibitors suggested that an NAD(P)H oxidase and a peroxidase were involved in the elicitor stimulated accumulation of H2 O2 and that an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ , but not H2 O2 , was part of a signalling pathway leading to the induction of defence responses. • Both the influx of Ca2+ and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores forms part of the signalling pathway leading from perception of elicitor to induction of defence responses. Although H2 O2 is not part of the pathway, evidence is presented that O2 - is part of the signal transduction chain.
Altered mating behaviour in a Cry1Ac‐resistant strain of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Randomness of mating between susceptible and resistant individuals is a major factor that closely relates to the refuge strategy of resistance management for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) to Bacillus thuringiensis cotton. The mating behaviour of Cry1Ac‐susceptible and Cry1Ac‐resistant strains of H. armigera was compared to investigate the randomness of their mating. The percentage of mating was lower for Cry1Ac‐resistant H. armigera compared with that of the susceptible strain under both no‐choice and multiple‐choice conditions. The low percentage of mating in the resistant strain indicates a reduced incidence of successful mating. The percentage of spermatophore‐containing mated female H. armigera in the crossing of susceptible females × resistant males was significantly lower than in the crossing of resistant females × susceptible males, but the observed mating frequencies of these two types of cross were similar to each other. This indicates that resistant males reduce the incidence of mating paternity more than they do their mating frequency. The percentages of heterogametic matings (susceptible females × resistant males, resistant females × susceptible males) in the multiple‐choice experiment were lower than those of homogametic matings (susceptible × susceptible, resistant × resistant) on peak mating nights. However, the difference between heterogametic and homogametic mating was not significant, indicating that there was a random mating between susceptible and resistant strains. The results presented here do not reflect reality in mating associated with Cry1Ac resistance but can provide insight into variable expression.
The timing of chromosome elimination in hexaploid wheat × maize crosses

Early seed development in crosses between the hexaploid wheat genotype 'Chinese Spring' and the maize genotype 'Seneca 60' was studied to determine the timing of elimination of the maize chromosomes. Elimination of one or more maize chromosomes occurred in about 70% of zygotic mitoses. Metaphase nuclei from two-celled embryos had 5 to 10 maize chromosomes, most of which were lost during the second cell division. About half the metaphase nuclei from four-celled embryos had no maize chromosomes, and the remainder had one to five. Anaphase or telophase nuclei from four-celled embryos showed no maize chromosomes in about half the cells and one or more pairs of lagging maize daughter chromosomes in the remainder. No maize chromosomes were seen in metaphase preparations from embryos with eight or more cells. These data strongly suggest that all maize chromosomes were lost during the first three cell-division cycles in most embryos. All embryos with four or more cells had micronuclei, showing that embryo develop.
Patterns of daily torpor and day-roost selection by male and female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus)

Daily torpor can provide significant energy savings, but in bats may reduce rates of fetal and juvenile development and spermatogenesis. We examined the use of torpor during the day by male and female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in the field during the female gestation, lactation, and postlactation periods. While both sexes used torpor, males used it significantly more often and used deeper torpor than did reproductive females, indicating that the costs of torpor are higher for reproductive females. We suggest that by using shallow torpor, females may gain some of the benefits of torpor while minimizing the fitness costs. The different patterns of torpor may be responsible for observed differences in day-roost location amongst males, reproductive females, and nonreproductive females. Males should choose roosts with lower ambient temperatures than do females in order to increase the energy savings of torpor. Males and nonreproductive females roosted away from the maternity colonies more often than di.
Global change and predator-prey interactions on a woody perennial

The impacts of global change on ecosystems from climate change and invasive species are likely to be complex. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations, the associated climate forcing and greater frequency of extreme weather are serious challenges to natural ecosystems. In tandem with climate change, globalisation has led to the spread of invasive alien species around the globe that threaten to interrupt food web dynamics. Advancing understanding of the effects of global change on trophic interactions therefore requires study of interspecific and multi-trophic interactions. The aim of this thesis was to examine how host-plant heterogeneity, native–invasive species interactions and climate change effects (elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) or drought) influence trophic interactions. An experimental approach was used which centred on a study system comprising the European raspberry (Rubus idaeus), the herbivorous large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora idaei) and coccinellid beetle predators (native species: Adalia bipunctata, Coccinella septempunctata; invasive alien species Harmonia axyridis). Under eCO2, R. idaeus resistance to A. idaei was unchanged for two cultivars (Glen Clova, Glen Ample) partially susceptible to A. idaei, but significantly reduced for another (Octavia) with complete resistance in ambient climatic conditions. The inclusion of a coccinellid predator, however, mitigated the reduction in the resistance of Octavia by reducing aphid abundance. Behavioural responses to predation by A. idaei were also impaired under eCO2 after feeding on Glen Ample. The role of natural enemies in controlling herbivore abundance in future climates is therefore crucial. Native coccinellid species are currently declining in much of Europe, attributed to the occurrence of the invasive species, H. axyridis. Despite the declines in native coccinellid species, it was found that behavioural modification to feeding by both native and invasive coccinellid species can, theoretically, result in coexistence. Plant resistance in a future climate is likely to be modified significantly. Reduced resistance to aphid herbivory demonstrated here mirrors previous studies, highlighting the future importance of natural enemies to control aphid abundance. Changes to the abundance and behaviour of aphid prey and intraguild predators will modify the effectiveness of native and invasive natural enemies. Further mechanistic research is required to understand multi-trophic interactions in dynamic environments.
Characterization of interactions between Lactobacillus hilgardii and Saccharomyces florentinus isolated from sugary kefir grains

Stimulation of the growth of Lactobacillus hilgardii and production of lactic acid in the presence of Saccharomyces florentinus have already been observed in a poor glucose medium. In this study we showed that CO2, pyruvate, propionate, acetate and succinate excreted by the yeast were responsible for this phenomenon, whereas ethanol, fumarate and a cocktail of vitamins had no effect. Fermentation by the yeast did not enrich the total nitrogen or free amino acid content of the medium. The use of proteases confirmed that it was improbable that any nitrogenous compound could be responsible for the bacterial activation. Between values of 0.1 and 5%, the initial yeast: bacteria ratio had no effect on the stimulation of Lact. hilgardii, even though yeast fermentation was drastically affected by a low initial value. The interactions differed greatly according to the sugar source. With monosaccharides, stimulation began after 48 h of culture, and was higher on glucose than on fructose. With sucrose, stimulation appeared at the beginning of fermentation. Different mechanisms seemed to be involved.
Influence of clindamycin, administered together with or without lactobacilli, upon intestinal ecology in rats

Abstract In order to evaluate whether lactobacilli could reduce antibiotic-related ecological disturbances of the normal intestinal microflora, rats were treated daily with either lactobacilli (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophilus, 108 cfu per animal for 6 days), clindamycin (4 mg/kg for 5 days) or a combination of both. The effects upon the following microflora-associated characteristics were evaluated: mucin degradation, conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol, inactivation of tryptic activity, presence of short-chain fatty acids and absence of beta-aspartylglycine. Clindamycin markedly influenced all characteristics except beta-aspartylglycine, resulting in a pattern very much alike what is found in germ-free animals. No significant differences were seen between the group receiving clindamycin + lactobacilli compared to the group receiving clindamycin only, even though the lactobacilli count increased in all animals receiving lactobacilli. We conclude that clindamycin markedly influences and disturbs normal intestinal microflora-related functions and that administration of lactobacilli of the type used in this study has no positive effect on diminishing these disturbances.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers in the Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai

We developed 17 new microsatellite markers in Haliotis discus hannai. All loci were found to be polymorphic with an average of 13.1 alleles per locus (range 3–28). The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.77 (range 0.17–1.00) and 0.79 (range 0.42–0.96), respectively. Six loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg proportions, and thus should be used with caution. The high variabilities revealed in this study suggest that these microsatellite loci should provide useful markers for studies of trait mapping, kinship and population genetics.