Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Monograph of the Slug Mite—Riccardoella limacum (Schrank.).

Summary. The history of the classification of the mite is set forth and the chief authorities with those of their works which deal with this species are given. The synonymy of Riccardoella limacum (Schrank), R. oudemansi Sig Thor, and R. jenynsi Sig Thor, the first name having priority, is proved. The last name is shown to refer, most probably, to the male, whilst the original description under the first name was given to the appearance of the animal prior to ecdysis or in certain conditions of the environment. The various stages in the life-history are described, some for the first time, and the deutonymph is shown to be the nympha generans stage whilst the fully adult form is in process of disappearing from the life cycle. The processes of the whole life-history are given, as far as is at present known, and the female is shown to be oviparous and viviparous whilst some overwintering larvae are shown to remain in the dry skin of the female. The internal anatomy, as far as it has been possible to make it out, is described and several new variations for acari of this group are recorded, the most important of which is the possibly primitive nature of the respiratory system in the larva which, it is suggested, is possibly representative of the primitive acarine type. The chromosome number is given and compared with what is at present known of this in other species of acari. The general biology of the mite together with a list of its known hosts, geographical distribution, habits, reaction to light, heat and humidity are all described and discussed. The food of the mite about which, hitherto, there has been much vagueness and disagreement, is shown to be the mucus of the host. In this connection the role of intracellular symbiotic Haplosporidia in supplying vitamins of the B group is suggested and the presence of these in the egg is noted. The case recorded by Oldham (1931) of some effects of a mite on Arianta arbustorum is discussed and criticised and it is shown to be highly improbable that the mite was R. limacum. The phylogeny of the Ereynetidae is dealt with briefly and the relationship of the genus Riccardoella to others in this family set forth in a tentative scheme which takes account, too, of the singular likenesses between R. crassipes and the larval form of R. limacum. Some of the methods used in these investigations and observations, both successful and unsuccessful, are described.
Effects of short‐term ozone fumigation on tobacco plants: response of the scavenging system and expression of the glutathione reductase

The role that the constituents of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle play in the mechanism of contrasting ozone sensitivities was examined in mature and old tobacco leaves after acute ozone-fumigation (150 p.p.b., 5 h). Levels of the enzyme activities associated with the detoxifying system were lower in ozone-sensitive Bel W3 control plants than in unfumigated ozone-tolerant Bel B plants. In particular, the endogenous activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR), and the metabolites ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were more abundant in Bel B than Bel W3 control plants. These results suggest that the higher tolerance of Bel B to O 3 is associated with a greater initial content of the antioxidant enzymes or metabolites. Only in the mature leaves of the ozone-tolerant Bel B cv. did fumigation trigger activation of APX and, weakly, of dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR). The activity of these enzymes was significantly lower after ozone treatment in both mature and old leaves of Bel W3 than in control plants. Fumigation had little effect on the ascorbate content. Its main effects on the glutathione pool were that it boosted the oxidized form and lowered the reduced form, particularly in mature Bel W3 leaves. Extractable GR activity remained unchanged in both Bel B and Bel W3 immediately after fumigation, but increased slightly 24 h later, particularly in mature leaves of Bel W3. Exposure to O 3 caused a sharp decline in chloroplastic GR mRNA levels in both cultivars. However, as Western blot analysis failed to detect any major changes in GR protein content at this time, the protein must be highly stable. There is therefore a good correlation between tolerance to O 3 and high endogenous levels of antioxidant metabolites such as AA and GSH in tobacco. In addition, the degree of inducibility of the system discriminates the two cultivars investigated.
Effects of 1925 Summer Drought on Southern Appalachian Hardwoods

A drought of extraordinary severity occurred in the Southern Appalachian region during the summer of 1925. The rainfall, as reported hy the U. S. Weather Bureau Station at Asheville, North Carolina, was as follows: May, 2.I5 inches; June, 1.97; July, 0.77; and August, 0.22. The normal average for the Asheville station, based on 27 years' records, is, for May, 3.49 inches; June, 3.97; July. 4.47; and August, 4.04. For the 4 months considered, the total rainfall in I925 was thus 5.II inches, or
Dephosphorylation of Phytic Acid in Rice Bran

Incubation time and temperature, moisture content, and pH were examined to determine the conditions necessary for the hydrolysis of phytic acid in rice bran. The extent of hydrolysis increased with increase in moisture content, and autoclaving for 1 hr at 121°C destroyed a significant proportion of the phytic acid at high moisture contents. Maximum hydrolysis of phytic acid occurred by heating at pH 4.5. Incubation of rice bran slurry for 24 hr at 55°C, pH 5.1 reduced the phytic acid level by approximately 80%.
Isolation and characterization of 16 microsatellite loci in the Great Tit Parus major

Six dinucleotide, three trinucleotide and seven tetranucleotide microsatellite loci developed for the great tit Parus major are presented. Thirty individual birds were screened at each locus. Loci were polymorphic (four to 19 alleles per locus). These markers provide a system to study paternity, genetic diversity in natural populations, gene flow, dispersal and inbreeding.
Genetic divergence of Cirsium scariosum in eastern and western Canada

Abstract Cirsium scariosum is a native western North American thistle that is disjunct in the Mingan Archipelago of Quebec. The presence of these Mingan individuals is thought to be the result of either an eastern migration during the Pleistocene or of a contemporary anthropogenic introduction. Our molecular analysis of Mingan and western individuals of C. scariosum showed that the Quebec individuals harbour the highest percentage of unique alleles and the lowest percentage of polymorphic loci. They differ from western individuals by a total of 2(-4) base pairs in the ETS/ITS combined region. Western C. scariosum is more similar to C. hookerianum from the same region than it is to Mingan C. scariosum. These data favour a Pleistocene origin hypothesis for the Mingan populations and suggest either that hybridization among western species has had a homogenizing effect or that Mingan C. scariosum originated from C. scariosum populations genetically different from those found in Alberta.
Decline and Potential Recovery of Striped Bass in a Southeastern U.S. Estuary

Abstract Declines in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) populations have been well documented over the past 30 years. During the 1980s, Savannah River striped bass also suffered a population decline, when catch per unit effort (CPUE; #/hr) of large adults declined by 97% and egg production declined by 96%. Loss of freshwater spawning habitat through harbor modifications was identified as the primary cause. Population restoration began in 1990 and included stock enhancement and environmental remediation. Salinity levels in historic spawning and nursery habitats are now similar to those prior to the decline. Recently, egg production and CPUE of large striped bass both seem to be increasing. The increasing abundance of larger fish should result in continued increases in egg production, and eventually recruitment, and recent captures of wild-spawned larvae and juveniles confirm natural reproduction. However, current efforts to deepen the Savannah Harbor may preclude striped bass recovery by once again allowing s.
β‐actin specific monoclonal antibody

Using a synthetic peptide mimicking the NH2-terminus of β-actin we have raised a monoclonal antibody specific for this cytoplasmic actin isoform. Specificity of the antibody was demonstrated by its labelling of the actin polypeptide only in tissues containing the β isoform, by its exclusive recognition of the synthetic β-actin peptide amongst those mimicking all six vertebrate isoactins, and by its selective recognition of the β-actin spot in two-dimensional electrophoresis gels of smooth muscle extracts. The antibody bound to actin filaments in both living and fixed fibroblasts where it labelled the stress fiber bundles and, more predominantly, the peripheral actin rich lamellipodia. The characteristics of the antibody indicate that it should serve as a useful tool for studying isoactin distribution and function. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Restoring Arthropod Communities in Coastal Sage Scrub

Abstract: Coastal sage scrub in California and northern Baja California has been severely affected by urban expansion and is, in places, badly in need of restoration. We measured arthropod abundance and diversity on one of its primary components, the native shrub Artemisia californica ( Asteraceae; California sage ), to evaluate whether arthropod communities had become reestablished after a restoration attempt. Arthropods were collected from shrubs on planted and undisturbed sites 6 years after a restoration attempt. Fifty‐seven families and 146 adult morphospecies were found. Family and species richness were greater on planted shrubs, but arthropod diversity, once differences in species' abundances were corrected for, was greater on naturally established plants. Common arthropods occurred at similar densities regardless of planting history. The proportion of single occurrences of a species, in contrast, was significantly greater on naturally established shrubs. Planted shrubs supported more predators relative to herbivores than did naturally established shrubs. Planted shrubs were still distinguishable from naturally established ones in that they were both more isolated from neighboring shrubs and surrounded by more invasive weeds. We suggest that small‐scale restoration attempts can be successful at restoring basic elements of surrounding biodiversity. They do create a different community, however, both taxonomically and functionally, and are at least initially less able to support rare species.
Características de frutos de genótipos de aceroleira cultivados sob elevada altitude

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the physical, physical-chemical and chemical characteristics of fruits from nine genotypes of acerola (Malpighia sp.) growing in Anapolis, GO, Brazil, located at 1,000 m above sea level. Data showed that the production of fruits with high content of vitamin C (above 1,000 mg/100 mL of juice) is viable in that region. However, it was found a considerable variability among the genotypes studied, in which genotypes numbered 2, 6, 3, 1 and 7 stood out, fulfilling the main industrial requirements.
Fragmentation of Landscape as a Cause for Genetic Subdivision in Bank Voles

Abstract: We studied the barrier effects of various roadways on the genetic subdivision of bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) populations. Allele frequencies, genetic variability, and genetic distances of natural populations were calculated based on polymorphism of seven microsatellite markers. We compared bank vole populations in control areas without such barriers with animals from both sides of a country road, a railway, and a highway. Using F and R statistics, we demonstrated significant population subdivision in bank vole populations separated by the highway, but not in populations on either side of the other roadways or in the control area. Correlations between geographic and genetic distances were revealed by an extended method based on a Mantel analysis. This allowed us to measure genetic barrier effects and express them as additional geographic distances. For instance, statistically significant differences in allele frequencies in all seven loci examined existed among populations in southern Germany and Switzerland, which are separated by the Rhine River and Lake Constance. The real geographic distance between bank vole populations in Konstanz and those in Lengwil, Switzerland, was 6 km. According to this analysis the genetic barrier effect of the Rhine could be defined as an additional distance of 7.7 km. This study shows for the first time that not only old geographic barriers but also more recent fragmentation of landscape by, for example, highways has an important effect on gene flow and the genetic substructuring of populations, which should be considered in future environmental impact assessments.
Intravitreal Sustained Release of VEGF Causes Retinal Neovascularization in Rabbits and Breakdown of the Blood– Retinal Barrier in Rabbits and Primates

Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a possible mediator of retinal neovascularization (NV), but it is not certain if VEGF alone is sufficient to cause retinal NV. We sought to investigate this issue by implanting ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer pellets that slowly release VEGF into the vitreous cavity of rabbits and primates. Eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography and then animals were killed at various time points and immunocytochemical and ultrastructural evaluations were carried out. Seven days after implantation of a pellet containing 30 μg of human recombinant VEGF into the vitreous cavity of rabbits, retinal blood vessels became dilated and tortuous, and between days 14 and 21, retinal NV was noted in all eyes. Fluorescein angiography showed profuse leakage of dye from the anomalous vessels. Immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) showed positively staining nuclei in many of the endothelial cells of new blood vessels on the surface of the retina. Six eyes implanted with control pellets containing vehicle and two eyes implanted with pellets containing 30 μg of human serum albumin alone showed no retinal vascular abnormalities. Implantation of pellets containing 100 μg of VEGF into the vitreous cavity of primates resulted in iris NV and retinal vascular dilation and tortuosity very much like that seen in humans with ischemic retinopathies. Immunohistochemical staining for serum albumin showed widespread severe breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier (BRB). Histology showed dilated thin-walled retinal vessels, but unequivocal retinal NV could not be identified and staining for PCNA was negative. These findings indicate that sustained intravitreal release of VEGF causes widespread retinal vascular dilation and breakdown of the BRB. Retinal NV seems to require persistent high levels of VEGF at the retinal surface and can be achieved in rabbits providing a potentially useful model of retinal NV, but is difficult to achieve in primates. The extensive VEGF-induced disruption of the blood-retinal barrier suggests that VEGF antagonists may provide a new therapy for patients with ischemic retinopathies and macular edema.
Doubled Haploid Production by Anther Culture for Australian Barley Breeding

Agarose-solidified media containing maltose and glutamine were used to produce double-haploid lines, by anther culture, from Australian spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes. Three sets of F1 and two sets of F2 breeder's hybrids were used. Genotype differences were significant for the proportion of anthers responding, and the number of green and albino regenerants per 100 anthers plated. It was confirmed that the environmental conditions experienced by the donor plants (time of year, and field or glasshouse) had a large impact upon explant performance in culture. A minimum level of anther culture efficiency was achieved to allow a breeding program to produce all its inbred lines by this method. The procedure has the potential to save research costs, and deliver improved genotypes to the grower up to four years earlier than conventional methods.
Bioflavonoids as Poisons of Human Topoisomerase IIα and IIβ

Bioflavonoids are human dietary components that have been linked to the prevention of cancer in adults and the generation of specific types of leukemia in infants. While these compounds have a broad range of cellular activities, many of their genotoxic effects have been attributed to their actions as topoisomerase II poisons. However, the activities of bioflavonoids against the individual isoforms of human topoisomerase II have not been analyzed. Therefore, we characterized the activity and mechanism of action of three major classes of bioflavonoids, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones, against human topoisomerase IIα and IIβ. Genistein was the most active bioflavonoid tested and stimulated enzyme-mediated DNA cleavage ∼10-fold. Generally, compounds were more active against topoisomerase IIβ. DNA cleavage with both enzyme isoforms required a 5-OH and a 4‘-OH and was enhanced by the presence of additional hydroxyl groups on the pendant ring. Competition DNA cleavage and topoisomerase II binding studies in.
Structural and physical effects of aroma compound binding to native starch granules

The interaction and physical/structural effects of aroma compounds, at high concentrations on dry native starch granules were studied using eight selected model compounds: acetaldehyde, dimethyl sulphide, diacetyl, allyl isothiocyanate, ethyl butyrate, citral, octanol and butyric acid. The maize, potato and pea starches used represent different typical structural and chemical starch characteristics. Retention of the different aroma compounds varied from a few to one hundred percent and starch was found to induce as well as reduce aroma evaporation depending on the aroma compound and the starch type. As deduced from DSC, powder XRD and SEM analyses, citral, butyric acid and octanol exerted specific effects on the starch granules manifested in local melting of crystalline layers and partial disruption of the granular meso structure. The most prominent effect was obtained with citral that generated surface wrinkles on B- and C-type polymorphic granules and aggregation of A-type polymorphic granules, decreased the melting temperature and suppressed the crystallinity of the starch.
Advances in methodology for random regression analyses

Random regression analyses have become standard methodology for the analysis of traits with repeated records that are thought of as representing points on a trajectory. Modelling curves as a regression on functions of a continuous covariable, such as time, for each individual, random regression models are readily implemented in standard, linear mixed model analyses. Early applications have made extensive use of regressions on orthogonal polynomials. Recently, spline functions have been considered as an alternative. The use of a particular type of spline function, the so-called B-splines, as basis functions for random regression analyses is outlined, emphasising the local influence of individual observations and low degree of polynomials employed. While such analyses are likely to involve more regression coefficients than polynomial models, it is demonstrated that reduced rank estimation via the leading principal components is feasible and likely to yield more parsimonious models and more stable estimates than full rank analyses. The combined application of B-spline basis function and reduced rank estimation is illustrated for a small set of data for beef cattle.
Culture Medium Composition for Optimal Thallus Regeneration in the Red Alga Asparagopsis armata Harvey (Rhodophyta, Bonnemaisoniaceae)

Abstract The formation and the growth of regenerated fronds from cultivated barbs of Asparagopsis armata were investigated according to an experimental design methodology. A maximal ratio of 3.3 mm regeneration/mm barb was reached for two media constituted of seawater complemented with iron sulfate, EDTA and potassium bromide. The first optimal medium was composed of [FeSO47H2O] = 0.20 mg L−1, [Na2EDTA2H2O] = 2.9 mg L−1, [KBr] = 12.0 mg L−1 and the second one of [FeSO47H2O] = 0.2 mg L−1, [Na2EDTA2H2O] = 4.6 mg L−1, [KBr] = 28.7 mg L−1. Barbs excised from adult thalli were placed for 4 weeks in seawater enriched with several chemical substances at different concentrations. The experimental procedure involved: 1) the screening of the influencing compounds with an Hadamard design and 2) the investigation of their optimal concentrations according to a Doehlert design of response surface methodology.
Embryonic Thermosensitivity of the Ascidian, Ciona savignyi

Abstract Embryonic temperature sensitivity of the solitary ascidian, Ciona savignyi, was examined with special reference to acclimatization to seasonal change in seawater temperature. This ascidian spawns throughout the year; its life span is completed within six months and depends on the cumulative environmental temperature. The optimal temperature range for development from early cleavage stage to metamorphosis in embryos produced by individuals raised in warmer seasons differed significantly from that of individuals raised in colder seasons. Within the common optimal temperature range, developmental times at any given temperature were the same for both groups of embryos. The thermal acclimation of ascidian embryos is discussed and compared with that of echinoid embryos.
Making a Case for Calcium Supplementation for Prevention of Pregnancy Hypertension in Ethiopia

Objectives: Calcium supplementation significantly reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, a major cause of maternal death and pre-term birth. The World Health Organization recommends preventive elemental calcium supplementation for all pregnant women living in areas with low calcium intake. Currently, no intake data is available in Ethiopia to inform the policy decision to include calcium supplementation in the existing antenatal care program. We used data from the 2011 Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey (ENFCS) to identify regions with low dietary calcium intake and to determine factors associated with calcium intake. Methods: Nationally and regionally representative ENFCS data from 7549 women of 15-45 y, weighted for relative population sizes,) were analyzed. ANOVA was used to determine which regions were consuming low calcium levels (defined as <900 mg). Univariate general linear model was used to identify determinants of calcium intake. Results: All regions were found to consume below 900 mg of calcium per day, with women in the Afar region consuming the highest levels (416.87±1.002 mg; p<0.05). Women with a higher educational status, socio-economic status, and those living in rural areas were associated with higher calcium consumption (p<0.05). The mean intake of women below the age of 30 y (276.06 ±1.00 mg) was significantly higher than women between 30-40 y (251.77±1.00 mg) and above 40y (262.42±1.002 mg) (p<0.05).
Two genes and linked RAPD markers involved in resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Ciceris race 0 in chickpea

The inheritance of resistance to fusarium wilt race 0 of chickpea and linked random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were studied in two F 6:7 recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. These RILs were developed from the crosses CA215A × JG62 (susceptible x resistant) and CA2139 × JG62 (resistant x resistant), and were sown in a field infected with fusarium wilt race in Beja (Tunisia) over 2 years. A 1:1 resistant to susceptible ratio was found in the RIL population from the CA2156 × JG62 cross indicating that a single gene with two alleles controlled resistance. In the second RIL population (CA2139 × JG62) a 3:1 resistant to susceptible ratio indicated that two genes were present and that either gene was sufficient to confer resistance. Linkage analysis showed a RAPD marker, OPJ20 600 linked to resistance in both RIL populations, which is present in the resistant parent JG62.