Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Alimentary Systems in Shelled and Non‐shelled Sacoglossa (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia)

The Sacoglossa (= Ascoglossa) comprise a ‘complete’ evolutionary series from species with a large shell into which the animal can withdraw completely, through species with a reduced shell covering only the visceral mass, to shell-less (‘nudibranchiate’) forms some of which have lateral wing-like extensions, parapodia, others bearing leaf-like or cylindrical dorsal appendages, cerata. The Sacoglossa are all specialized suctorial feeders, and almost all are stenophagous herbivores. Hence many anatomical adaptations to a particular food occur in the alimentary system. However, a number of characters seem to reflect phylogenetic relationships as well. Among these are presence/absence, shape, and position of pharyngeal pouches, basic shape of radular teeth, branching pattern of digestive gland, and position of anus. The classificatory significance of these characters is discussed.
PREDICTING DESICCATION STRESS IN MICROSCOPIC ORGANISMS THE USE OF AGAROSE BEADS TO DETERMINE EVAPORATION WITHIN AND BETWEEN INTERTIDAL MICROHABITATS 1

We describe an easy and inexpensive way to determine whether intertidal microhabitats remain wet during tidal emersion. This new technique uses agarose beads (120 üm diameter when fully hydrated) that shrink in a graded fashion as they dry. The agarose beads allow variability in surface wetness to be gauged over distances of less than 1 mm. Describe this parameter of microclimate is important in order to predict the likelihood and spatial pattern of survival of settled larvae, reproductive propagules, and other microscopic stages in the life histories of organisms growing in intertidal and other water‐stressed environments. For the brown seaweed Pelvetia fastigiata (J. Ag.) DeToni (Fucales, Phaeophyta), the use of agarose beads demonstrated that survival of zygotes during tidal emersion was highes at those sites that remain damp. Temperature alone was found to be an unreliable measure of wetness within a single microhabitat (e.g. red algal turf).
Tolerance of Hybrid Poplar (Populus) Trees Irrigated with Varied Levels of Salt, Selenium, and Boron

ABSTRACT Agricultural drainage waters and industrial effluents often consist of waste waters laden with salts, boron (B), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and other contaminants. However, increasing shortages of high-quality water in arid and semiarid regions and increasing demands to maintain the water quality in rivers, lakes, streams, and groundwater have made water reuse an imperative. Trees have been viewed as potential candidates for wastewater reuse because of their capacities for high evapotranspiration, high growth rates, and abilities to accumulate salts and specific ions in a marketable product that is not biologically hazardous. Clones of eight hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) crosses were tested for salt tolerance and ion uptake characteristics in a sand culture study in Riverside, CA. After hardwood cuttings were planted and established under nonsaline conditions, young saplings were treated with artificial waste waters containing different levels of salts, Se, and B. High salt concentrations red.
Bacteroids from soybean root nodules: respiration and N2-fixation in flow-chamber reactions with oxyleghaemoglobin

Suspensions of bacteroids prepared from root nodules of glasshouse-grown soybeans were studied in a stirred chamber supplied with variable flows of solutions containing dissolved air, oxyleghaemoglobin and various energy sources. In experiments of up to 6 h duration, several steady states were established in which frequent measurements were made of the concentration of free, dissolved O2 in the range 5–200 nM and of rates of O2 consumption, CO2 efflux and N2 fixation. The principal findings were: (i) bacteroids were capable of efficient N2 fixation without the supply of exogenous energy sources when respiring at 10–50 nM free O2. This endogenous respiration was enhanced after periods of supply of succinate or malate. (ii) Exogenous energy sources were of three types, those that were poorly utilized (glucose), those that enhanced endogenous respiration and supported efficient N2 fixation (glutamate, 2-oxoglutarate) and succinate and malate, which promoted respiration but supported N2 fixation inefficiently or in some circumstances inhibited it. It is proposed that succinate and malate act primarily to increase endogenous reserves that become the principal source of reducing power for N2 fixation, (iii) Bacteroids have a terminal oxidase system with very high apparent affinity for O2 (s0.5 ≈ 5–8 nM) and complex kinetics (plots of v against s are sigmoidal; napp > 1.8). This system was active with endogenous substrates and when glutamate or 2-oxoglutarate were supplied. With succinate or malate, respiration appeared to be the sum of endogenous activity plus O2 consumption by a system with lower affinity for O2 (Ks = 38 nM) and simple kinetics (napp ≈ 1). (iv) During the first hour of reactions there were changes in O2 demand and oscillations in O2 demand and CO2 efflux followed supply or withdrawal of exogenous substrates. It is proposed that these changes are examples of phenotypic plasticity in these symbiotic bacteria.
Isolation and characterization of a 9-fluorenone-degrading bacterial strain and its role in synergistic degradation of fluorene by a consortium

Pseudomonas mendocina MC2, able to use 9-fluorenone but not fluorene as its sole source of carbon and energy, was isolated. Identification of metabolites in growth media and washed cell suspensions indicated that strain MC2 metabolizes 9-fluorenone via angular dioxygenation of the ketone, to give 1,1a-dihydroxy-1-hydro-9-fluorenone, followed by the opening of the five-membered ring and further degradation of the resulting biphenyl derivative by reactions akin to those of biphenyl metabolism, which produce phthalate as an intermediate. The aim of this research was to study the biodegradation of fluorene by a co-culture of strain MC2 and Arthrobacter sp.strain F101, which grows on fluorene and simultaneously transforms a fraction of the substrate to 9-fluorenone, which accumulates as a dead-end product. Growing with 0.1 g fluorene/L, Arthrobacter sp. strain F101 caused the total removal of this compound from the cultures, but when this strain was grown with 1g fluorene/L, only 16% of the fluorene was used.
forumThe core–satellite species hypothesis provides a theoretical basis for Grime's classification of dominant, subordinate, and transient species

Grime (1998) recently made a welcome attempt to provide a link between studies of plant diversity and ecosystem function. He suggested that categories of species that he referred to as dominants, subordinates, and transients have diering, but important, roles in ecosystems (referred from here on as the DST classi®cation). Grime suggests that many characteristics of ecosystem function are disproportionately in ̄uenced by traits of the dominant species, but that subordinates and transients also may play critical, although sometimes temporary, roles in determining ecosystem function. We believe that incorporating dynamics into the role that diversity may play in ecosystem processes is an important conceptual advancement. Our goal in this Forum article is to enlarge Grime's DST classi®cation by linking it to an existing model of community dynamics. Our hope is that this will promote the development of a broader, more generalized theory linking vegetation structure, function and dynamics. Grime's (1998) DST classi®cation explicitly invokes temporal dynamics into the relationship between diversity and function. Yet in his essay, Grime (1998) makes no mention of any dynamic models in the development of his DST classi®cation, e.g. island biogeography theory (MacArthur & Wilson 1967), patch dynamics (Pickett & White 1985), carousel model (van der Maarel & Sykes 1993). We believe that one model in particular, the core±satellite species hypothesis (Hanski 1982a, 1991), provides an important theoretical basis for Grime's DST classi®cation. It is our purpose in this Forum article to explore the similarities between the DST classi®cation and the core±satellite species hypothesis (referred to from here on as the CSS hypothesis) and bring out some important dierences. We believe that unifying these ideas has much to oer plant ecology, and that in combination, these models have important rami®cations for the conservation issues raised by Grime.
Immune interferon induces the receptor for monomeric IgG1 on human monocytic and myeloid cells

We report here that FcR for human monomeric IgG1 can be induced on cells of myeloid origin cultured in the presence of IFN gamma for 8 h. Supernatant fluids from cultures of lymphocytes infected with a variety of viruses or cocultured with cell lines have the same FcR enhancing effect as IFN gamma. We identify the factor in the supernatant fluid responsible for the induction as immune interferon. Among the different types of IFN, only the gamma type (both purified and recombinant) specifically induces the appearance of FcR for monomeric IgG1 on normal and leukemic myeloid cells but not on cells of lymphoid origin. This effect is also evident on mature PMN. We show that the specificity and the affinity of the receptor induced on HL-60 promyelocytic cells, peripheral blood monocytes, and PMN are identical to those of the receptor spontaneously present on the same cells, except for PMN, which do not spontaneously express this type of receptor. The results of inhibition experiments performed with mouse IgG of and IgG3. These results suggest that the receptor present on human monocytes different isotypes indicate that the receptor can be inhibited by murine IgG2a or immature myeloid cells, selectively inducible by IFN gamma, has a specificity similar to the FcR1 described on mouse macrophages.
Mecanismo antidiurético en Rhodnius Prolixus (Stal, 1859) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

An antidiuretic mechanism is proposed for Rhodnius prolixus, whose activity is manifested when the diuretic phase has terminated and is maintained until the insect has fed again. Presumably this mechanism acts at the level of the proximal rectal sphincter and is inhibited by ingestion, mechanical distension of the gut and central desinhibition by decapitation. It is suggested that the antidiuretic activity is maintained by the nervous system and is modified when there is distention of the gut or when the nervous signal is interrupted by decapitacion. It is demonstrated that the excretion of urine in R. prolixus is not controlled exclusively by the diuretic hormone, but rather that factors not linked to the haemolvmph maintain the insects in a diuretic or nondiuretic state.
Effect of CK2 Inhibitor in Caerulein Induced Acute Pancreatitis in a Mouse Model

Background: The pathogenesis of caerulein induced acute pancreatitis involves reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and necrosis of the exocrine pancreas. Protein kinase CK2 is formally known as casein kinase2. It is a phosphorylating enzyme of serine/threonine containing proteins. This enzyme plays an important role in the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. While the importance of CK2 in the cancer biology, cell cycle regulation is undisputed, in pancreatic inflammation particularly acute pancreatitis remains elusive. Here, we anticipated the hypothesis to clarify the role of CK2 in acute pancreatitis by using its inhibitor (TBBt, Tetra bromo benzotriazole). Results: In this study, acute pancreatitis in male swiss albino mice was induced by eight hourly intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of caerulein (50μg/kg/hr). TBBt administered after 60min of last caerulein injection at three different doses (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg/hr, i.p.) for 3 hrs. Dose dependent effect of TBBt was observed against acute pancreatitis. At the dose of 20mg/kg/hr, it has shown protective effect by altering oxidative stress, physical, and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, it altered inflammatory (p-p65 NF-кB, p-Iкβα, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α), apoptotic and antiapoptotic mediators (p53, caspase3, PARP, Bcl2, and Sir2), and p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase. However, when dose shifted to 30mg/kg/hr, it upholds acute pancreatitis by altering above parameters and mediators. Conclusions: These results indicate that at the dose of 20mg/kg/hr, TBBt gives protection against pancreatitis by altering oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In contrast, at the dose of 30mg/kg/hr, it aggravates acute pancreatitis by increasing oxidative stress.
Are the early holocene cattle in the eastern sahara domestic or wild?

Questions relating to the antiquity of domestic cattle in the Sahara are among the most controversial in North African prehistory. It is generally believed that cattle were first domesticated in southwest Asia, particularly Anatolia, or in southeast Europe, where their remains have been found in several sites dated between 9,000 and 8,000 years ago.1 The discovery, in several small sites in the Western Desert of Egypt, of large bovid bones identified as domestic cattle and having radiocarbon dates ranging between 9,500 and 8,000 B.P. has raised the possibility that there was a separate, independent center for cattle domestication in northeast Africa (Fig. 1). 2–4 However, it has not been universally accepted that these bones are from cattle or, if so, that the cattle were domestic.
Acacia plantations in Vietnam: research and knowledge application to secure a sustainable future

Vietnam has established 1.1 million ha of acacia plantations for wood production, managed on 5- to 10-year rotation cycles. Nearly 50% of the resource is managed by small growers holding 1–5 ha woodlots. Acacia plantations have emerged as an important resource for supporting the rural economy and national export revenue. Given the range of climate, terrain, soils, management inputs and skills, plantation productivity varies from 10 to 25 m3 ha−1 y−1. Future growth of this sector will depend on improving and sustaining production from the current land base, much of which is already in its second or third rotation. Although studies on sustainable production are limited, available information suggests good prospects for increasing production and improving soils. Breeding has produced genotypes with potential for increasing growth, but this has not generally been matched by sustainable soil and stand management practices. Several current practices warrant immediate change, based on sustainability principles. Internationally, research has established the need for conserving site resources and other judicious management practices. Vietnam should adopt these principles and develop locally appropriate practices to implement them. Greater efforts are required on surveillance of major diseases and tree breeding to improve disease resistance. Because acacia plantations deliver high economic benefits and there are opportunities for improving productivity, an R&D strategy focused on underpinning sustainable management and application would serve the nation well. Key elements include commitments to adaptive research for achieving impacts, effective partnerships between public and private organisations, fostering an integrated approach to management, and special attention to the needs of smallholder growers.
Non‐equilibrium gene frequency divergence: persistent founder effects in natural populations

The estimation of gene flow using gene frequency divergence information has become increasingly popular because of the difficulty involved in the direct determination of gene flow among populations. The present study examined allozyme gene frequencies in populations of eighteen aquatic invertebrate taxa at two sites in northern Canada. Gene frequencies at polymorpic loci were significantly different among 8–31 localized populations of all species at Igloolik and among 10–36 populations at Churchill confirming the generality of gene pool fragmentation in pond‐dwelling organisms. Measures of gene flow estimated from gene frequency divergence, which assume that gene frequency distributions are at equilibrium, were inconsistent with the probable dispersal capacities of taxa. This provoked an examination of historical events as alternative explanations. Both theory and computer simulations demonstrated that when populations grow rapidly in size after founding from few individuals, the gene frequency divergence established during colonization is resistant to decay by gene exchange. Our work suggests that gene frequency distributions are often not in equilibrium and that caution should be employed in attempts to infer gene flow from them in natural populations.
Reduction of Cladophora biomass and tissue phosphorus in Lake Ontario, 1972-83

Cladophora biomass and tissue phosphorus concentrations at seven sites in Lake Ontario have decreased from 1972 to 1983 in response to phosphorus control programs introduced in the early 1970's. Biomass and tissue phosphorus were significantly different between 1972 and 1982–83 (ANOVA, P < 0.001) but not significantly different between 1982 and 1983. The lakewide average tissue phosphorus was 0.49% in 1972 but by 1982 and 1983 had dropped to 0.26 and 0.20%, respectively, on an ash-free dry weight basis. Tissue phosphorus concentrations did not limit growth in 1972 but in 1983 had begun to limit growth. Model-predicted net production for a 6-wk sampling period in 1983 was 1.7 times greater in the western end of the lake than at a remote site in eastern Lake Ontario due to higher soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations.
INCIDENCE OF HETEROZYGOTES AND HOMOZYGOTES OF MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX IN JAPANESE COMPARED TO NON-JAPANESE

To confirm that the genes of the Japanese are more homozygous in terms of MHC than those of people in other countries, we evaluated the data concerning HLA antigens from the 11th HLA Conference and those from our own study. This study consisted of 4,166 Japanese and 7,717 non-Japanese who were examined for HLA antigens. The incidence of heterozygotes at all HLA class I and II loci in Japanese and in non-Japanese was 103% and 24.0%, respectively, whereas that of homozygotes was 40.5% and 27.5%, respectively. Our results led to the conclusion that Japanese individuals are more homozygous than foreigners, resulting in different incidences of both benign and malignant diseases, different responses to both medical and surgical therapy, and different immune responses to viral and bacterial infection. For that reason, social prevention and individualized therapy is important in Japanese medical care. Introduction Human leukocyte antigens (HLA), glycoproteins present on the surface membranes of nearly every cell in the body, are located on chromosome number six. They are found in high concentrations on the surfaces of white blood cells (i. e., leukocytes) and are the major histocompatibility antigens for tissue recognition. HLA antigens are very polymorphic. Their main function is to help the immune system defend against invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and also cancers. The phenomenon of MHC restriction was first recognized by Doherty and Zinkernagel, who hypothesized that the great diversity of HLA class I and class II genes is maintained throughout infectious diseases (Doherty and Zinkernagel, 1975a; Correspondence to: Kyoji Ogoshi, MD, Ph. D. Professor, Department of Surgery, Tokai University, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193 Japan
Optimal Foraging and the Form of the Predator Isocline

I explore the relation between optimal foraging and the geometrical character of the predator isocline. Two basic models are discussed. The first is a multispecies generalization of Holling's "disc" equation. If a predator can rapidly discriminate among prey types, it is argued that its isoclines should not have positive slopes. Isoclines with positive slopes may occur if the predator must invest time discriminating between prey of unequal value, and there is a high absolute abundance of the better quality prey species. For a food-limited predator, however, selection should moderate the degree of rightward slope. In the second model, encounter and capture rates vary directly with relative prey abundance because of switching behavior. A number of published switching models are shown to produce isoclines with partially positive slopes. If the attack rates on each of two prey species are functionally related, it is argued that an optimally foraging predator will either have rectangular isoclines or isoclines with negative slope. This suggests that existing switching models are not completely satisfactory representations of switching behavior. A few examples of predators with isoclines of positive slope have been observed. Some possible mechanisms for generating such isoclines are discussed briefly. Several central ideas in community theory would founder were predators often to have isoclines with positive slopes.
Combining Ability for Resistance to Maize Weevil among 14 Southern African Maize Inbred Lines

Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, is an important pest of stored maize (Zea mays L.) in the tropics. We used 14 southern African maize inbred lines to assess (i) combining ability for resistance to maize weevil in F 2 and F 2 -Syn 1 grain, (ii) the importance of maternal effects for resistance of F 2 and F 2 -Syn 1 grain to maize weevil, and (iii) combining ability for grain yield of F 1 hybrids. Maize weevil resistance of F 2 grain was evaluated in 2000 for a 14-parent diallel, and in 2002 for F 2 and F 2 -Syn 1 grain of a 10-parent subset diallel. Fifty-gram grain samples of each hybrid were infested with 32 weevils for a 10-d oviposition period, after which the samples were incubated in a laboratory. Grain yield was evaluated for the 14-parent diallel during the summer of 1999-2000 at four locations in Zimbabwe. General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and reciprocal effects were highly significant (P < 0.01) for number of F 1 weevils emerged from F 2 grain samples for the combined 2000 and 2002 analysis for the 10-parent subset diallel. For weevil resistance of F 2 -Syn 1 grain, GCA and SCA effects were significant (P < 0.01), while reciprocal effects were not important. The GCA was more important than SCA for grain yield, indicating that yield was controlled mainly by additive gene action among these lines. There was no significant relationship between grain yield and weevil resistance. Although inheritance of weevil resistance was complex, our results suggest using inbred lines with good GCA for weevil resistance as female parents for hybrids or as components of synthetic (open-pollinated) cultivars for regions where farmers often store maize grain without chemical protection against weevils.