Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The hard life of Phytophthora infestans: when trade‐offs shape evolution in a biotrophic plant pathogen

The strict dependency of biotrophic pathogens upon living host tissue for multiplication and survival makes them par-ticularly exposed to evolutionary trade-offs. Such trade-offs can occur both between life history traits directly involvedin pathogenicity (e.g. ﬁtness costs due to unnecessary virulence factors), or between traits involved in either pathogenic-ity (within-season ﬁtness) or survival (between-season ﬁtness). Both types of trade-offs should result in the limitation ofmaximum pathogenicity, and shape the invasive potential of pathogen genotypes. While strong theoretical develop-ments have been made on evolutionary consequences, including recent work taking seasonality into account (i.e. peri-odic host absence and/or periodic sexual/asexual reproduction), experimental evidence to conﬁrm theoreticalpredictions is still scarce. This paper will therefore attempt to illustrate the different kinds of trade-offs that can bemeasured, and their likely consequences, taking Phytophthora infestans (the cause of potato and tomato late blight) asa case study.Keywords: adaptation, ﬁtness, late blight, life history traits, potato, survival
Genetic characterization of indigenous anatolian water buffalo breed using microsatellite dna markers

Abstract One indigenous water buffalo population to Anatolia was characterised with 11 cattle autosomal microsatellite loci. A set of 4 cattle microsatellite loci was found to be polymorphic in the Anatolian buffalo genome. Genotyping of these polymorphic microsatellite loci revealed alleles ranging from 3 to 9. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.550 to 0.775 and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.494 to 0.815. The Fis value within each locus, changed from –0.101 to 0.205. Total Fis was 0.043 indicating that Anatolian water buffalo population samples seemed to be in Hardy- Weinberg expectation.
Increased α‐Adrenergic Receptor Affinity in Resistance Vessels from Hypertensive Rats

α-Adrenergic receptor-related properties, specifically, norepinephrine affinity, occupancy and reserve during contraction, were determined in segments of rat resistance arteries. These were obtained from the superior mesenteric bed of spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto strain controls. Receptor affinity for norepinephrine in the spontaneously hypertensive rats was significantly greater than that for the Wistar-Kyoto controls. There were no differences in the estimates of receptor occupancy and reserve. This finding taken together with other studies is consistent with the conclusion that increased α-adrenergic receptor-mediated sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle of the spontaneously hypertensive rat reflects differences in the agonist site on the α-adrenergic receptor.
Stable Isotopes in Plant Ecology

▪ Abstract The use of stable isotope techniques in plant ecological research has grown steadily during the past two decades. This trend will continue as investigators realize that stable isotopes can serve as valuable nonradioactive tracers and nondestructive integrators of how plants today and in the past have interacted with and responded to their abiotic and biotic environments. At the center of nearly all plant ecological research which has made use of stable isotope methods are the notions of interactions and the resources that mediate or influence them. Our review, therefore, highlights recent advances in plant ecology that have embraced these notions, particularly at different spatial and temporal scales. Specifically, we review how isotope measurements associated with the critical plant resources carbon, water, and nitrogen have helped deepen our understanding of plant-resource acquisition, plant interactions with other organisms, and the role of plants in ecosystem studies. Where possible we also.
Biochemical and functional characterisation of eggshell matrix proteins in hens

The eggshell of the hen is a highly ordered, mineralised structure deposited within an acellular milieu – the uterine fluid secreted by the distal oviduct. Spherulitic crystal growth is initiated by deposition of calcium carbonate on aggregates of organic material present on the outer surface of the eggshell membranes. Gel electrophoresis reveals a complex array of proteins in uterine fluid and eggshell extracts. The eggshell matrix proteins can be classified as egg white proteins (lysozyme, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, clusterin), bone protein (osteopontin), or proteins specific to the uterus and eggshell (ovocleidins-17 and –116; ovocalyxins-32 and –36). Eggshell extracts, uterine fluid and purified fractions are able to modify the morphology of calcite crystals in vitro. In young hens the breaking strength of the eggshell is inversely related to the degree of calcite orientation. Conversely, reduced strength in eggshell from aged hens coincides with a high variability in crystallographic texture. In guinea fowl the exceptional mechanical properties of the eggshell are explained by an increase in the amount of eggshell produced and particular features of the crystallographic texture. These observations suggest that the eggshell matrix influences the process of crystal growth by controlling size, shape and orientation of calcite crystals. This structural control probably contributes in a substantial manner to the mechanical properties of eggshell.
Effects of fat replacement and fibre addition on the texture, sensory acceptance and structure of sucrose‐free chocolate

Summary Dietary fibre has been employed as a sucrose and fat replacement in chocolates and can influence the physical and sensory characteristics of the resulting product. Formulations of sucrose-free chocolates were developed with the addition of inulin and β-glucan concentrate as partial substitutes for cocoa butter using a mixture design. The effects of the combinations of the three ingredients provided for the design on the texture, microstructure and sensory acceptance of the chocolates were investigated. The substitution of cocoa butter for inulin or β-glucan concentrate decreased the hardness of the chocolates. It was possible to replace 10 g of cocoa butter in a 100-g control formulation with inulin and still maintain good acceptance, while this same substitution with β-glucan resulted in less acceptable chocolate, with a mean score of 6.4 on a scale from 0 to 10. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the effects of fibre addition by observing the developed microstructure.
The Lygus bugs (genus Lygus Hahn) of North America (Heteroptera: Miridae).

The genus Lygus Hahn is revised for North America. The new synonyms (to the left of the equal sign) are: ceanothi var. deliticus Knight = humeralis Knight; convexicollis var. coloratus Knight and dolichorhynchus Stanger = convexicollis Reuter; nigritus Knight = ravus Stanger; brindleyi and fultoni Knight = robustus (Uhler); superiorensis Knight = columbiensis Knight; frisoni Knight = rubroclarus Knight; nigrosignatus Knight = elisus Van Duzee; ultranubilus Knight and epelys Hussey = nubilus Van Duzee; and nubilosus Knight and usingeri Stanger = nubilatus Knight. The 34 species known to occur in North America are: abroniae Van Duzee, aeratus Knight, atriflavus Knight, atritibialis Knight, borealis (Kelton), bradleyi Knight, ceanothi Knight, columbiensis Knight, convexicollis Reuter, desertinus Knight, elisus Van Duzee, hesperus Knight, humeralis Knight, lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), mexicanus Kelton, nigropallidus Knight, nubilatus Knight, nubilus Van Duzee, oregonae Knight, perplexus Stanger, plagiatus (Uhler), potentillae Kelton, ravus Stanger, robustus (Uhler), rolfsi Knight, rubroclarus Knight, rubrosignatus Knight, rufidorsus (Kelton), shulli Knight, solidaginis (Kelton), striatus Knight, unctuosus (Kelton), vanduzeei Knight, and varius Knight.Species are redescribed, seasonal variations in size and colour are discussed, and distribution maps and host plants are included. The adult males are illustrated and a key for their identification is given.
Investigation into biofilms in a local drinking water distribution system

Biofilm growth within a water distribution system could lead to operational problems such as pipe corrosion, water quality deterioration and other undesirable impacts in water distribution systems. With the high ambient temperatures experienced in Singapore, the operating environment in water distribution systems is expected to be more conducive to biofilm development. We have recently conducted a survey on biofilms potentially present in a local water distribution system. The survey results indicated that residual chlorine (+− standard deviation) decreased from 1.49 +− 0.61 mg/l (water plant outlets) to 0.82 +− 0.21 mg/l (block pipes) or 0.18 +− 0.06 mg/l (unit pipes), respectively. Consumed chlorine, instead of residual chlorine, was found to be correlated with biofilm bacterial population. Assimilable organic carbon (AOC) level was 160 +− 66 μg acetate C/l, and AOC : PO4-P : NO3-N was about 8 : 13 : 1. Carbon source seemed to be the limiting nutrient for bacterial growth. The concentration of iron increased from <0.04 mg/l (water plant outlets) to 0.22 +− 0.10 mg/l (all sites). All samples showed negative results in a coliform test. The average heterotrophic plate count (HPC) for the suspended bacteria was 20 colony-forming units (c.f.u.)/ml (2 days, 35 ◦C) or 290 c.f. u. /ml (8 days, 35 ◦C). The average HPC for the biofilm bacteria was 6500 c.f. u. /cm (2 days, 35 ◦C) or 29 000 c.f. u. /cm (8 days, 35 ◦C). High HPC values in samples B2a, B2b and B3a (representing biofilm samples at site 2 from block/unit pipes and biofilm samples at site 3 from block pipes, respectively) illustrated that the relevant sample sites had a higher probaboility of biofilm growth. * Corresponding author: Dr J. Y. Hu Center for Water Research Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering National University of Singapore 10 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119260 T 65 6874 4540 F 65 6779 1635 E cvehujy@nus.edu. sg 1 Center for Water Research, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260 2 Water Department, Public Utility Board, 111 Somerset Road, #15-01, Singapore 238164
Intestinal trefoil factor controls the expression of the adenomatous polyposis coli-catenin and the E-cadherin-catenin complexes in human colon carcinoma cells

Intestinal trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a member of the trefoil family of peptides, small molecules constitutively expressed in epithelial tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. TFF3 has been shown to promote migration of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and to enhance mucosal healing and epithelial restitution in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the effect of recombinant TFF3 (rTFF3) stimulation on the expression and cellular localization of the epithelial (E)-cadherin–catenin complex, a prime mediator of Ca2+ dependent cell–cell adhesion, and the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)–catenin complex in HT29, HCT116, and SW480 colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Stimulation by rTFF3 (10−9 M and 10−8 M) for 20–24 hr led to cell detachment and to a reduction in intercellular adhesion in HT29 and HCT116 cells. In both cell lines, E-cadherin expression was down-regulated. The expression of APC, α-catenin and β-catenin also was decreased in HT29 cells, with a translocation of APC into the nucleus. No change in either cell adhesion or in the expression of E-cadherin, the catenins, and APC was detected in SW480 cells. In addition, TFF3 induced DNA fragmentation and morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis in HT29. Tyrphostin, a competitive inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, inhibited the effects of TFF3. Our results indicate that by perturbing the complexes between E-cadherin, β-catenin, and associated proteins, TFF3 may modulate epithelial cell adhesion, migration, and survival.
Simultaneous identification of two MspI polymorphisms of the porcine myogenin gene in Hungarian breeds

Summary Simultaneous analysis of two myogenin (MYOG) loci has been carried out using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) tests in DNA isolated from blood samples collected from four different pig breeds (Hungarian Large White, Duroc, Mangalica and Hungarian Landrace). The following MYOGA frequency values have been obtained: Hungarian Large White 0.2416; Duroc 0.0900; Mangalica 0.6617; Hungarian Landrace 0.2361. The MYOG2 allele was found in Duroc and Mangalica breeds only. This test allows the analysis of two loci of the MYOG gene in parallel, which might be used in marker assisted selection programmes in the near future. Ongoing studies on the possible effects of the MYOG types on carcass and growth traits are outlined.
Screening for resistance to blackleg Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr.) Desm. within Brassicaceae.

Ninety-six accessions within the Brassicaceae were inoculated with a wide range of isolates of Phoma lingam and screened for resistance. Initially, seedlings were sprayed with a spore suspension. The material with the highest level of resistance according to the seedling test was further inoculated with pycnospores in cotyledons, adult leaves and stem bases. All representatives with resistance at the cotyledon stage were found to be resistant at the adult, too. A large variability invirulence was found among the different isolates of the pathogen demostrating the importance of using a broad spectrum when screening for resistance. An evaluation based on the response to 17 different P. lingam isolates revealed that five accessions of B. juncea, two of B. nigra and two of B. carinata could be classified as resistant. Although all these representatives contain the B genome of Brassica, there were other accessions with the B genome that were sensitive. Zusammenfassung Resistenzscreening gegen Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr.) Desm. innerhalb der Brassicaceae 96 Brassicaceae-Nachkommen wurden mit einem breiten Spektrum von Phoma lingam-lsolaten inokuliert und ihre Resistenz bewertet. In erster Linie wurden Samlinge mit Sporensuspensionen bespruht. Die Arten, die sich im Samlingstadium als resisient gezeigt hatten, wurden weiter gepruft und Kotyledonen, ausgewachsene Blatter und die Stengelbasis wurden mit Pyknidiosporen inokuliert. Es stellte sich heraus, das alle Arten, die eine Resistenz im Kotyledonenstadiuin gezeigt hatten, sich auch dementsprechend im reifen Stadium verhielten. Die P. lingam-Isolate wurden mit grosen Virulenzunterschieden gekennzeichnet; ein Zeichen dafur, das bei solchen Untersuchungen mehrere Isolate in die Prufung einbezogen werden sollten. Eine Beurteilung, die auf 17 P. lingam-Isolaten basierte, zeigte, das 5 B. juncea-, 2. B. nigra- und 2 B. carinata-Nachkommen als resistent bezeichnet werden konnen. Obwohl sie alle das Brassica-B-Genom enthalen, gab es andere Nachkommen, die auch das B-Genom enthaken, aber als anfallig zu bezeichnen sind.
Acclimation potential of Acipenser persicus post‐larvae to abrupt or gradual increase in salinity

Summary Besides commercial aquaculture another major aim of sturgeon culture is in support of restocking programmes. Identifying the appropriate size, age and location for release of post-larvae or fingerlings is very important to achieve success. We investigated the potential acclimation ability of Acipenser persicus post larvae (245 ± 21.53 mg) to abrupt changes of salinity. Reared post-larvae (salinity 0.5) were exposed, either abruptly or gradually to brackish water (salinities: 2, 4, 6, 8, and approximately 12.5) for 5 days (120 h). Daily survival rate, gill chloride cell counts, and variation in glomeruli size were measured during exposure periods in both trails. These parameters were compared at the start and end of each trial. No mortality was observed during gradual adaptation to brackish water while chloride cell counts differed significantly (P < 0.05) at 6 ppt vs 12 ppt. In the gradual exposure trial, glomeruli sizes displayed a reduction with salinity increase from 8 to 12, this result was observed again between 96 and 120 h exposure to (12.5) in the abrupt exposure trial. In addition, post-larvae exposed to a gradual salinity increase had significantly higher final weights than those exposed to an abrupt salinity increase. Based on our result, it seems that A. persicus post-larvae exhibit some acclimation ability to gradual salinity change.
The phloem, a miracle of ingenuity

This review deals with aspects of the cellular and molecular biology of the sieve element/companion cell complex, the functional unit of sieve tubes in angiosperms. It includes the following issues: (a) evolution of the sieve elements; (b) the specific structural outfit of sieve elements and its functional significance; (c) modes of cellular and molecular interaction between sieve element and companion cell; (d) plasmodesmal trafficking between sieve element and companion cell as the basis for macromolecular long-distance signalling in the phloem; (e) diversity of sieve element/ companion cell complexes in the respective phloem zones (collection phloem, transport phloem, release phloem); (f) deployment of carriers, pumps and channels on the plasma membrane of sieve element/companion cell complexes in various phloem zones; and (g) implications of the molecular-cellular equipment of sieve element/companion cells complexes for mass flow of water and solutes in a wholeplant frame.
Are unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) the future of wildlife monitoring? A review of accomplishments and challenges

Regular monitoring of animal populations must be established to ensure wildlife protection, especially when pressure on animals is high. The recent development of drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) opens new opportunities. UASs have several advantages, including providing data at high spatial and temporal resolution, providing systematic, permanent data, having low operational costs and being low-risk for the operators. However, UASs have some constraints, such as short flight endurance. We reviewed studies in which wildlife populations were monitored by using drones, described accomplishments to date and evaluated the range of possibilities UASs offer to provide new perspectives in future research. We focused on four main topics: 1) the available systems and sensors; 2) the types of survey plan and detection possibilities; 3) contributions towards anti-poaching surveillance; and 4) legislation and ethics. We found that small fixed-wing UASs are most commonly used because these aircraft provide a viable compromise between price, logistics and flight endurance. The sensors are typically electro-optic or infrared cameras, but there is the potential to develop and test new sensors. Despite various flight plan possibilities, mostly classical line transects have been employed, and it would be of great interest to test new methods to adapt to the limitations of UASs. Detection of many species is possible, but statistical approaches are unavailable if valid inventories of large mammals are the purpose. Contributions of UASs to anti-poaching surveillance are not yet well documented in the scientific literature, but initial studies indicate that this approach could make important contributions to conservation in the next few years. Finally, we conclude that one of the main factors impeding the use of UASs is legislation. Restrictions in the use of airspace prevent researchers from testing all possibilities, and adaptations to the relevant legislation will be necessary in future.
A theoretical analysis of the morph frequency variation in the peppered moth over England and Wales

The migration-selection model for the spatial and temporal variation of morph frequencies of Biston betularia over England and Wales (Cook & Mani, 1980) has been extended to include effects due to non-visual selection. The parameters for non-visual selection were chosen from the recent determination by Mani (1980) and by Creed et al. (1980). The morph frequencies over England and Wales were obtained through computer simulation and the results were compared with data along the Manchester-Yorkshire, Central Wales-East Anglia and South Wales-London transects. Best fits to the data were obtained by using the non-visual selective values of Mani for carbonaria and modified values of Creed et al. for insularia. It is concluded that the observed polymorphism could be well explained through a balance of migration and visual and non-visual selections.
Social learning in fishes : a review

Animals acquire skills and knowledge from other animals, and fish are no exception. There is now strong experimental evidence that many species of fish exhibit social learning and traditional behaviours. Here, we review the literature pertaining to social learning in fish, focusing on (i) antipredator behaviour, (ii) migration and orientation, (iii) foraging, (iv) mate choice and (v) eavesdropping.
PLANT RESPONSE TO TEMPERATURE IN NORTHERN ALASKA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREDICTING VEGETATION CHANGE

The response of plants to temperature has gained renewed interest as researchers speculate on the biotic response to climate change. It is of particular interest in the Arctic, due to recent warming trends and anticipated continued warming for the region. This long-term, multispecies study confirms that changes in temperature affect the functioning of plants in their natural environment. It also demonstrates that the influence of temperature should be considered in the context of natural variability within a given location. The study examined natural temperature gradients, interannual climate variation, and experimental warming at sites near Barrow (71°18′ N, 156°40′ W) and Atqasuk (70°29′ N, 157°25′ W) in northern Alaska, USA. At each of the four sites, 24 plots were experimentally warmed for 5–7 years with small, open-top chambers, and plant growth and phenology were monitored; an equal number of unmanipulated control plots were monitored. The response of seven traits from 32 plant species occurring in .
Fumonisin elimination and prospects for detoxification by enzymatic transformation

A technology to efficiently reduce the concentration of carcinogenic and toxic fumonisins in food and feed would be desirable. This class of mycotoxins is produced by the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides and other fungi. Fumonisins are frequently found in maize from the warm growing regions of the world, sometimes in considerable concentrations. Their molecular similarity with sphingolipids enables their binding to mammalian ceramide synthase, and the resulting interference with sphingolipid metabolism. Recently, we reported on a cluster of genes of Sphingopyxis sp. MTA144 which enables this alphaproteobacterium to degrade fumonisins. These and the previously known fumonisin catabolism genes and enzymes from the black yeast Exophiala spinifera and from bacterium ATCC 55552 allow the consideration of prospects for enzymatic detoxification of fumonisins in food and feed. All the known fumonisin catabolism pathways start by hydrolytic release of the two tricarballylic acid side chains, followed by removal of the 2-amino group from the core chain by different enzymatic mechanisms. The potential for application of feed enzymes for fumonisin detoxification in the gastrointestinal tract of animals is discussed, and possible applications in processing of maize for feed or food are also considered. To be able to evaluate the requirement for, and potential of, a new, enzyme-based fumonisin detoxification technology, an overview of the state of the art of fumonisin elimination and the known chemical reactions of fumonisins in processing or decontamination is also given. There is a special focus on the toxicity of hydrolysed fumonisins, because they can be generated from fumonisins both by an established, traditional method of maize processing, nixtamalisation, and by enzymatic biotransformation. As a complement to other approaches, enzymatic degradation of fumonisins to ameliorate the health risk of contaminated maize for animals, and possibly also for humans, seems feasible.