Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LIFE HISTORY AND IMMATURE STAGES OF THE PARASITOID MICROPLITIS MEDIATOR (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE), REARED ON THE BERTHA ARMYWORM MAMESTRA CONFIGURATA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

Abstract Microplitis mediator (Haliday) is being considered for introduction into Saskatchewan to augment the biological control of the bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata Walker. It was reared in the laboratory on larvae of the bertha armyworm. Notes on the life history and descriptions of the egg and three larval stages are given. Résumé On envisage l’introduction en Saskatchewan de Microplitis mediator (Haliday) pour renforcer la lutte biologique contre la légionnaire bertha, Mamestra configurata Walker. Le parasite a été élevé en laboratoire sur des larves de la légionnaire. Les auteurs présentent des observations sur la biologie et la morphologie des oeufs et des trois stades larvaires.
Kinetics of H2 oxidation in respiring and denitrifying Paracoccus denitrificans

Abstract Paracoccus denitrificans: oxidized H 2 with O 2 , nitrate, nitrite or nitrous oxide as electron acceptor. The electron acceptors did not significantly affect threshold, K m or V max of H 2 oxidation which were on the average 0.83 ppmv H 2 (0.5 nM), 1565 ppmv H 2 (1 μM), and 3.63 fmol H 2 h −1 cell −1 , respectively. P. denitrificans was unable to oxidize H 2 at the low mixing ratios present in the ambient atmosphere under both respiring and denitrifying conditions.
Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and ecological requirements of Capparis spinosa L. in Golestan and Semnan provinces (north of Iran).

Natural antioxidants have an important role against damage by ROS. This research had been carried out about ecological characters, phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Capparis spinosa L. in Semnan and Golestan province. So in much field observation, different parts of C.spinosa were collected from two natural habitats in Golestan (200 m) and Semnan province (2100 m) during August to September 2011. Methanolic extracts were obtained by maceration, TP (total phenol) and TF (Total flavonoid) were determined by spectro photometrically method and the antioxidant capacity were obtained by TAC, RP and DPPH methods. Results showed that Capparis spinosa L. (Kabar) is an edible plant which was growing wild in clay loam to sandy clay loam soils. In both regions TF and TP content in buds and flowers extracts were highest, especially in 2100 m. Antioxidant activity of buds and flower extracts (IC50) were the highest (1.27±0.1, 4.66±0.42 μg/ml) in 2100 m, especially in DPPH method and the lowest content belongs to fruit extract in 200m. These data will be confirmed the traditional uses of C. spinosa as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to treat of many current ailments.
Effects of thermocline deepening on lake plankton communities

Theory predicts, and some evidence demonstrates that in lakes, the depth of the thermocline can have a large structural influence on the spatial distribution, and strongly influences the composition of plankton communities. However, experimental assessments of responses of the planktonic food web to thermocline depth have not yet been done at the whole-basin scale. We conducted an experiment wherein we artificially lowered the thermocline in an isolated basin of a three-basin lake, maintaining another isolated basin as a control. The vertical distribution and taxonomic composition of both phytoplankton and zooplankton were monitored throughout the summer months. Greater phytoplankton production, especially in the epilimnion, attributable mainly to increases in the chlorophytes was observed with thermocline deepening, but at the deepest thermoclines, production was limited. Total zooplankton biomass was unaffected by thermocline depth, suggesting top-down control by predators. Zooplankton biomass peaks were less pronounced in the manipulated basin, but tended to follow the thermocline whether at its normal position or as it was deepened. Zooplankton composition was sig- nificantly altered by large increases in densities of predatory cyclopoid copepods and rotifers; taxa commonly found in tur- bulent environments. Overall, both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities demonstrated important shifts in structure and composition in response to thermocline deepening.
Physiological effects of simultaneous, abrupt seawater entry and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestation of wild, sea-run brown trout (Salmo trutta) smolts

For wild, sea-run brown trout (Salmo trutta) smolts, the physiological consequences of abrupt transfer to seawater and simultaneous challenge with copepodid larvae of the sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1837), were investigated in the laboratory. Analysis of osmoregulatory, metabolic, and stress markers allowed the derivation of a sublethal threshold burden of L. salmonis, above which the host suffers major physiological stress. Noticeable lice effects, consistent across all measured markers, were not observed until L. salmonis developed to the mobile preadult and adult stages. Preadult L. salmonis caused significant increases in plasma chloride, osmolality, glucose, lactate, and cortisol and a significant reduction in haematocrit. Piecewise linear statistical approaches allowed the determination of abrupt changes in these physiological markers, attributable to the intensity of L. salmonis infestation on individual fish, and identification of overall threshold lice burdens. Thirteen mobile lic.
Alternative life-history patterns of estuarine fish: barium in otoliths elucidates freshwater residency

Elemental concentrations in fish otoliths (earstones) can reconstruct environmental histories of fish if predictable relationships between the environment and elemental incorporation are established. We assessed whether fresh water occupancy of black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) can be inferred from otolith barium concentrations (Ba was standardized to calcium (Ca) and expressed as a ratio, Ba:Ca). Otolith Ba:Ca of fish was correlated with ambient Ba:Ca. Using the natural relationships of increasing ambient and otolith Ba:Ca with decreasing salinity, fish from fresh- and salt-water environments were distinguishable. Fish caught in fresh water had approximately double the otolith Ba:Ca of those from salt-water estuaries, for both summer and winter collections. Fish with otolith Ba:Ca ≤5 µmol·mol1 were classified as resident in salt water, and those with ≥6 µmol·mol1 as resident in fresh water. Transects of Ba:Ca across fish otoliths classified fish to fresh- or salt-water environments. Fish were identi.
Physiological Responses of Weaner Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of Poultry Litter

A study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of poultry litter on the physiological characteristics of rabbits. The litter was heat treated by deep stacking at a temperature range of 40.10-55°C (104.20-131°F) for 21 days. This was done to ensure pathogenic microbial safety when used as animal feed supplement. A twelve week feeding trial was conducted using 24 (2-3 months-old) Chinchilla rabbits to asses the effect of substituting Poultry Litter (PL) for Soya Bean Meal (SBM) on cortisol, total protein, cholesterol and enzyme serology of the rabbits. Soya bean meal in the diets was replaced with poultry litter at 0% (Diet A-Control), 5% (Diet B), 10% (Diet C) and 15% (Diet D). The rabbits were divided into four groups with each group assigned to one of the four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Each treatment was replicated three times. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from three rabbits from each treatment group for cortisol, total protein, cholesterol and enzymological analysis. Results obtained showed that the inclusion of poultry litter had no significant (p>0.5) effect on cortisol, total protein, cholesterol and enzymes (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). However, the rabbits on Diet A (0% PL) and Diet B (5% PL) gave better values numerically in cortisol and chemical components. This study justifies the practical possibility of having poultry litter as dietary protein source for animals using rabbits as a model and also provides an environmentally and economically friendly way of disposing this pollutant.
Studies on mammalian pre-mRNA splicing : connections to transcription and cancer

Studies on mammalian pre-mRNA splicing: connections to transcription and cancer Charles J. David This thesis presents two separate pieces of work pertaining to pre-mRNA splicing in mammalian cells. The first part examines the regulation of the alternative splicing of the PKM gene in cancer cells, while the second part investigates the physical connections between the transcriptional apparatus and splicing factors. Cancer cells uniformly alter key aspects of their metabolism, including their glucose usage. In contrast to quiescent cells, which use most of their glucose for oxidative phosphorylation when oxygen is present, under the same conditions, most of the glucose consumed by cancer cells is converted to lactate. This phenomenon is known as aerobic glycolysis, and is critical for cancer cell growth. The pyruvate kinase isoform expressed by the cell is a key determinant of glucose usage. Pyruvate kinase in most tissues is produced from the PKM gene, which is alternatively spliced to produce to produce the PKM1 or PKM2 isoforms, which contain exons 9 or 10 respectively. Adult tissues express predominantly the PKM1 isoform, which is universally reverted to the embryonic PKM2 isoform in cancer cells. PKM2 expression promotes aerobic glycolysis. In Chapter 3, I describe a mechanism by which cancer cells promote switching to PKM2. We show that PKM exon 9 is flanked by binding sites for the RNA-binding proteins hnRNP A1/A2 and PTB. These proteins bind to exon 9 and repress its inclusion in the mRNA, resulting in PKM2 production. Additionally, we show that hnRNP A1/A2 and PTB are all overexpressed in cancers in a way that precisely correlates with the expression of PKM2. Finally, we show that the oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc promotes PKM2 expression by transcriptionally upregulating the genes encoding hnRNP A1/A2 and PTB. In the second part of my work, presented in Chapter 5, I examine the coupling of transcription and splicing. The RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD) plays an important role in ensuring that pre-mRNA transcripts are efficiently spliced, most likely through interactions between splicing factors and the CTD. We have established a biochemical complementation system that has facilitated the identification of a splicing factor that binds to the CTD. Surprisingly, purification of the factor revealed it to be a complex containing U2AF65 and the Prp19 complex, two central splicing factors that had not previously been shown to interact. This complex is functional: I present evidence that the two factors can only activate splicing of the IgMA3 pre-mRNA when they are engaged in a complex. I go on to show that U2AF65 binds directly to the CTD, and this interaction stimulates the RNA binding of U2AF65.
Is mating of copepods associated with increased risk of predation

In laboratory experiments, we tested whether the cyclopoid copepod Cyclops vicinus is more vulnerable to predation by juvenile (young-of-the-year) roach (Rutilus rutilus) and/or larvae of the phantom midge Chaoborus flavicans during mating than individual adult copepods of the same species. We also tested whether C.vicinus avoided mating, displayed shorter mating times and/or lower activity when a predator (Chaoborus) was present, or when exposed to water in which predators (Chaoborus) were previously held. Fish ate the same quantity of pairs in copulation and individual egg-bearing females but significantly fewer females without eggs. Chaoborus ate similar quantities of pairs and females but fewer males. Pairs in copulation and egg-bearing females were detected earlier by fish than individual non-ovigerous females or males, and pairs in copulation were captured most easily by fish. Cyclops vicinus mated less often when Chaoborus larvae were present than in water in which Chaoborus was previously held, or in pure tap water. However, predator presence or exposure to predator-treated water had no effect on (i.e. did not reduce) mating duration. Activity of C.vicinus pairs during copulation was significantly lower when a predator was present, or in predator-treated water, than in pure tap water, and activity of pairs decreased with increasing activity of the predator. Although our experiments were carried out under artificial conditions which cannot be transferred to the complex conditions in the field, they suggest that mating in copepods is dangerous and that copepods have evolved particular strategies to reduce the risk of predation during mating.
Room for Improvement? Mentor Teachers and the Evolution of Teacher Preservice Clinical Evaluations

The clinical teaching experience is one of the most important components of teacher preparation. Prior observational research has found that more effective mentors and schools with better professional climates are associated with better preparation for teacher candidates. We test these findings using an experimental assignment of teacher candidates to placement sites in two states. Candidates who were randomly assigned to higher quality placement sites experienced larger improvements in performance over the course of the clinical experience, as evaluated by field instructors (a.k.a university instructors). The findings suggest that improving clinical placement procedures can improve the teaching quality of candidates.
Effects of altered precipitation on insect community composition and structure in a meadow steppe

Precipitation can be a key driver of ecosystem functioning in semi‐arid and arid grasslands. Altered precipitation patterns had significant impacts on plant community dynamics, which in turn influenced the community composition and structure of higher trophic levels, especially insects, in grasslands. A field experiment was conducted by manipulating the amount of natural precipitation (control, +30% rainfall, and −30% rainfall) to examine the effects of altered precipitation patterns on insect diversity, abundance, and trophic structure in a meadow steppe over 3 years (2007–2009). The results showed that the increased precipitation treatment significantly enhanced above‐ground biomass of the entire plant community and particularly grasses, whereas the decreased precipitation treatment significantly reduced them. There were year‐to‐year changes in species richness, Shannon–Wiener index, and abundance of the whole insect community. Both increased and decreased precipitation caused declines in insect species richness and abundance owing to potentially complex vegetation‐mediated effects and direct habitat effects. The abundance of each trophic guild in the insect community responded differently to altered precipitation patterns, with lower herbivore abundance and unchanged abundance of predators and parasitoids. Thus changes in precipitation may generate an insect community that is increasingly dominated by secondary consumers. The present results suggest that altered precipitation causes a declines in insect diversity and shifts in trophic structure, potentially influencing ecosystem functioning in grasslands. Additionally, the inter‐annual variation in the insect community under altered precipitation highlights the importance of long‐term experiments for drawing correct conclusions about the impacts of climate change on grassland ecosystems.
Phylogenetic Placement of an Endophytic Fungus Fusarium oxysporum Isolated from Acorus calamus Rhizomes with Antimicrobial Activity

An endophytic fungus was isolated from Acorus calamus rhizomes, which is an important medicinal plant. Colonial morphological trait and microscopic observation revealed Fusarium sp. in taxonomy. Based on 18S rRNA gene sequence the fungus was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. The crude metabolite of the fungus displayed considerable antimicrobial activity against some clinically significant microorganisms. The metabolite was highly effective against both Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms and moderately effective against fungal pathogens. The fungus was placed phylogenetically which revealed that it has evolved from saprophytic ancestor and co-exists with a pathogenic strain. Phylogenetic tree was generated using maximum parsimony method to establish relationship of the fungus with other F. oxysporum isolates those existing in different forms. The generated tree showed four clades and two independent lineages. The possible phylogenetic relationships of pathogenic, saprophytic and endophytic F. oxysporum are discussed in each clade.
Kinetics of amino acid uptake by ectomycorrhizal roots

It is well established that ectomycorrhizal fungi can use amino acids as nitrogen and carbon sources, but data on the kinetic properties of amino acid uptake systems of ectomycorrhizal systems are scarce. Using 14C-labelled compounds we have determined the kinetics of uptake of amino acids by excised ectomycorrhizal roots for a range of distinct mycorrhizal types from three tree species, beech, spruce, and pine. All mycorrhizal types examined took up amino acids via high-affinity transport systems (KM values ranging from 19 to 233 mmol m–3). A comparative analysis of kinetic parameters for uptake of amino acids and the ammonium analogue methylammonium showed that ectomycorrhizal roots have similar or even higher affinities (lower KM values) for the amino acids, indicating that absorption of these organic forms of nitrogen (N) can contribute significantly to total N uptake by ectomycorrhizal plants. Analysis of amino acid uptake by ectomycorrhizal roots collected along a European north/south gradient of increasing mineral N pollution from northern Sweden to south Germany revealed no obvious trend in the uptake capabilities for amino acids by ectomycorrhizal roots in relation to the location of the sampling site on this gradient. Rather, the fungal species forming a particular morphotype was the factor determining uptake kinetics. It can therefore be deduced that the species composition of the fungal community will contribute significantly to the functional diversity of a population of mycorrhizal roots.
Differences in Space Use by Common Ravens in Relation to Sex, Breeding Status, and Kinship

Abstract. Group differences in avian space use relate to group differences in resource use and demographic parameters. However, studies that consider year-round, intraspecific variation in the space use of noncooperatively breeding species are relatively rare. A greater understanding of factors relating to intraspecific variation in space use is especially important for managing human-subsidized predators, such as the Common Raven (Corvus corax). We hypothesized that sex, sociality, and the distribution of bonanzas of food should influence year-round space use by breeding and nonbreeding Common Ravens on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. We detected differences in space use between breeders and nonbreeders but not between the sexes. Breeders shared little space with their neighbors and displayed strong site fidelity, except in the fall and winter or after the death of a mate, when some breeding ravens moved extensively. Nonbreeders moved widely, were more gregarious, and their home ranges intersected a greater proportion of communal food resources than did those of breeders. Breeders shared little space with their adult neighbors, but they shared more space with nonbreeders when communal food resources fell within their territories. Pair bonds were broken only by the death of a partner, which in some cases was followed by extensive movements by the surviving adult prior to pairing with a new mate or settling in a new breeding territory. This study is the first to consider the space use of both nonbreeding and breeding Common Ravens in the same population simultaneously.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors: A Guide for Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Professionals

1 Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA; 2 Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, USA; 3 American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies, St. Paul, MN, USA; 4 Mitten Law, Redvers, SK, Canada; 5 University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; 6 Department of Social and Health Services, Special Commitment Center, Steilacoom, WA; 7 University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; 8 Direct Care & Treatment Forensic Services, St. Peter, MN, USA; 9 Washington State Department of Corrections, Monroe, WA, USA; 10 Project Pathfinders, St. Paul, MN, USA; 11 Treehouse Psychology, PLLC, Hugo, MN, USA; 12 UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA; 13 Minnesota Department of Corrections, MN, USA: 14 Headway Emotional Health Services, MN, USA: 15 Russell Family Fetal Alcohol Disorders Association (rffada), Australia; 16 Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings, MN, USA i This article and included views and findings are the author’s own and are in no way affiliated with the Department of Social and Health Services, Special Commitment Center.
Tactical Conflicts Over NAFTA

The authors introduce the study of material-organizational dependencies into research on political differences in the environmental movement. Presently, the study of disparities in the environmental movement focuses on the ideological differences among major environmental groups to the exclusion of some very glaring discrepancies in the material-organizational context of these groups. The authors present a conceptual model of organizational differences among several U.S. environmental movement organizations to explain variation in their political behavior in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) fight (1991-1993). The case of NAFTA offers a useful context given the volatility of environmental movement politics at the time, the range of issues forced to the surface in major groups, and the ultimate movement split that the politics over NAFTA engendered. It is evident that the split between pro-NAFTA and anti-NAFTA environmental groups stems in large part from substantial differences in both the ideological frames and material-organizational alliances formed among these groups.
Notes on the Rostral Organ of Anchovies (Family Engraulidae)

Fishes of the family Engraulidae,numbering about 150 species,are distinctive in having a prominent snout and inferior mouth.In most but not all species the gape of the jaws extends posteriorly to beyond the eye,and the suspensorium is posteriorly inclined.This combination of characters produces a gestalt that renders specimens of most species recognizable at a glance as anchovies,even though identification to species may prove difficult. In particular,the snout of anchovies has long been recognized as distinctive,and in identification keys has been described as"pig-like" (e.g.,Whitehead,1972). The distinctiveness of the snout is directly related to the occurrence of a structure termed a "rostral organ"(of Tretyakov,1938,whose preliminary description of the rostral organ of Engraulis encrasicolus is extended by the details presented below). The organ is a modification of the sensorycanal system of the head,and incorporates neuromasts of the supraorbital and,apparently, ethmoidal canals.The organ is paired,and the left and right sides interconnect by a commissure.The number and arrangement of neuromasts within the organ is constant in the few species so far examined.Because these species represent all major groups of anchovies,the neuromast pattern will probably be found fairly constant within other species of the family(Fig. 1). The eight neuromasts of each rostral organ