Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships of morphological groups in the northern flicker superspecies complex (Colaptes auratus & C. chrysoides)

Many species complexes have diversified rapidly and recently, resulting in morphologically diverse populations; however, the rapid pace of diversification often prevents identification of clear phylogeographic structure. Recently, the use of large genomic and reduced-representation genomic datasets has improved resolution of the evolutionary histories in such species and allowed identification of lineages on distinct evolutionary trajectories. The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and gilded flicker (Colaptes chrysoides) form a polytypic superspecies group with a complex taxonomic history. The superspecies group includes up to 13 described subspecies, which represent slight geographic variation among five main morphological groups: red-shafted flickers of western North America (cafer group), yellow-shafted flickers of eastern North America (auratus group), Cuban flickers of the Caribbean (chrysocaulosus group), gilded flickers of the U.S. south-west and Mexican north-west (chrysoides group), and Guatemalan flickers of Central America (mexicanoides group). These groups are largely differentiable by variation in feather shaft colour, malar colour, throat colour, crown colour, and back barring. Here, using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we characterized the genetic relationships and genomic distinctiveness of the five morphological groups. We found the mexicanoides group to be the most genetically distinct in both mtDNA (∼1.4% sequence divergence) and large SNP panels. The chrysocaulosus group is differentiated by a single basepair mutation in a small mtDNA fragment. In both mtDNA and SNP panels, there is little genetic distinctiveness between auratus, cafer, and chrysoides morphological groups, with evidence of admixture and a lack of fixed differences.
Effect of dietary replacement of fishmeal with Chlorella vulgaris on growth performance, energy utilization and digestive enzymes in Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae

The present study was conducted to assess the growth promoting ability of Chlorella vulgaris on Marobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae. The experimental diets were prepared by fishmeal replacement with C. vulgaris at different levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%). The prepared feeds were offered to the M. rosenbergii postlarvae during 90 days in triplicate. At the end of the feeding experiment, survival rate, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 50% C. vulgaris inclusion diet fed PL group. Similarly, total protein, amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid contents were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in specimens fed 50% C. vulgaris supplemented diet. The feeding rate, absorption rate, conversion rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 50% C. vulgaris supplemented diet fed PL group. At this level of replacement, the activity level of digestive protease, amylase and lipase were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 50% C. vulgaris supplemented group. Among all the experimental groups, the 50% fishmeal replacement with C. vulgaris inclusion diet fed group, showed significant performance. The present results revealed that the partial replacement of fish meal with C. vulgaris is favorable for M. rosenbergii postlarval culture. Key words: C. vulgaris, digestive enzymes, growth performance, M. rosenbergii.
Inoculation of Broiler Chicks with a Continuous-Flow Derived Bacterial Culture Facilitates Early Cecal Bacterial Colonization and Increases Resistance to Salmonella typhimurium.

Experiments were conducted to examine the effect of a continuous-flow (CF) derived bacterial culture and of dietary lactose on colonization level by anaerobic bacteria in the ceca of broiler chicks. Cecal facultative and strictly anaerobic bacteria colony forming units (CFU), total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), lactic and propionic acid concentrations in 3-d-old chicks, and cecal log10 Salmonella typhimurium colonization and propionic acid concentrations in 10-d-old chicks were measured. Treatment groups were control diet, 2% lactose diet, CF culture + control diet, and CF culture + 2% lactose diet. Groups inoculated with CF culture had decreased (P < 0.05) Salmonella in cecal contents at 10 d of age. The level of Salmonella protection was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with increased cecal bacteria CFU, TVFA, and propionic acid concentrations in 3-d-old chicks. Results indicated that inoculating newly hatched chicks with CF culture containing cecal microflora originally obtained from adult chickens, facilitates early cecal colonization by native cecal microflora, and this is associated with protection against Salmonella .
Association between genetic variability and titre of Grapevine Pinot gris virus with disease symptoms

The present work was carried out in order to verify the possible association between a new grapevine disease, characterized by leaf mottling and deformation, and the genetic variability and concentration of Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV), a recently identified virus tentatively associated with the pathology. After vineyard surveys and the establishment of real-time qPCR assays, characterization of GPGV isolates and evaluation of GPGV titre were assessed in more than 100 samples of grapevine Glera, collected from plants regardless of whether or not they showed the symptomatology. Results showed that there was an important association between the GPGV variants and manifestation of the symptoms, and that grapevines with symptoms harboured significantly higher GPGV titre than symptomless vines. Moreover, an interesting relationship among the phylogenetic clustering of the isolates originating from plants with symptoms and some epidemiological characteristics of the disease was found. The current study confirmed the role of GPGV in the emergent disease characterized by grapevine leaf mottling and deformation.
Assessing species endangerment status: progress in research and an example from China

It is an important task in biodiversity conservation to assess species endangerment status and determine protection priorities. Although IUCN Redlist Criteria are improving through periodical revision, people are still developing different criteria because information about population census, habitat status and life history of a given species are often lacking. We reviewed the progress of assessing species endangerment status, both internationally and domestically, and propose that future designations combine distribution area, life history, ecological function, anthropogenic interference and special use data to more accurately assess endangerment status. As an example, we assessed the status of terrestrial vertebrates in China using this method. Our results showed that five species were listed in the category of extinct, 30 species were extinct, 343 species were endangered, 459 species were threatened, 439 species were concerned, and 1,032 species
Research progress in microRNA and hepatocellular carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous, short, non-coding RNAs, and play key roles in a broad range of biological processes, including embryogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis as well as carcinogenesis. Recent evidences indicate that microRNAs can pair with 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs resulting in the post-transcriptionally regulation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe disease threatening human life and health. Elucidation of the functions of miRNAs in HCC progression may open a novel avenue to understand the molecule mechanism for HCC.
Expansive Growth of Atherosclerotic Plaques Assessed by VH-IVUS - Association with TNF-α and OX-LDL Levels in Circulation

The identification of a vulnerable plaque through the quantification of soluble biomarkers would improve the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. Inflammation and LDL oxidative modification have been implicated in CAD. Disease severity and plaque vulnerability have recently been associated to expansive plaque growth, rather than constrictive growth which results in vessel stenosis. Forty CAD patients were admitted prospectively. VH-IVUS was performed and TNF-α and ox-LDL were quantified in the serum and plasma, respectively. Expansive plaques characterized by large EEL diameters and preserved luminal measures were associated to STEMI patients. Larger EEL diameter (≥4.6 mm) was significantly associated to increases of TNF-α concentrations whereas larger plaque areas (≥13.0 mm) associated with ox-LDL increases in the circulation. Hence, TNF-α and ox-LDL may be indicators of plaque vulnerability.
Influence of suckling time and calving trimester on postpartum ovary activity retake in Bufalipso crossbreds

Thirty-four crossbred Bufalipso (Bubalus bubalis) cows were studied. They were multiparous, and had weights and ages between 450-600 kg and 8.8-12 years, respectively. Two experimental groups were formed, according to the suckling times after the milking. The first group remained with the calves one hour after the end of the milking (A, n=17), while the second was kept six hours later (B, n=17). The second study consisted in evaluating the effect of the calving trimester on the reproductive performance. The animals that calved in June, July, and August formed the first group (T1, n=18), while the second grouped the calvings occurred in September, October, and November (T2 n= 16). Every 72 h, each ovary was diagnosed through transrectal ultra-sonography. An analysis of variance was performed, using a linear model and with adjustment of covariance for the calving number. The first dominant follicle (days), as well as the first and second corpora lutea (days) for the A and B treatments were: 15.81 and 21.11 (P 0.05), respectively. For T1 and T2, they were of 20.14 and 16.78 (P < 0.05), 45.00 and 32.56 (P < 0.05), and 58.21 and 44.23 (P < 0.05), respectively. It was concluded that the suckling effect affected the appearance of the first dominant follicle and the first corpus luteum, but did not take part in the appearance of the second, or in the reproductive interval under study. The months of September, October, and November showed, significantly, an earlier retake in all the indicators, compared with June, July, and August, respectively. Key word: reproductive intervals, ovary activity, river buffalo cows.
Key Facts on Food Insecurity and Hunger Among Latino Children

Despite strong national nutrition assistance programs to support families in obtaining nutritious foods in times of great need, many Americans still struggle to put food on the table. More than 12.9 million households in the United States are food insecure, meaning that more than one in ten families lacks nutritionally adequate and safe foods and has a limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. Furthermore, more than one in six U.S. children (17.2%) is food insecure; this is an alarming statistic, given that families often take great measures to ensure that their children do not go hungry. Data indicate that limited food resources play a strong role in the prevalence of hunger and food insecurity, negatively affecting Latino children’s development.
Agronomic and genetic diversity in intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium)

Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey] plant introductions (PI) have played a critical role in the development of improved intermediate wheatgrass cultivars. The objective of this study was to characterize a large number of intermediate wheatgrass populations over its native range for dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein (CP), in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and rhizome development and genetic diversity and structure to identify superior populations and possible geographical regions in which to collect. Analysis of molecular variance using 643 AFLP bands partitioned 31% of the total genetic variation among these populations with 69% variance detected within populations. Bayesian cluster analysis identified two large groups designated as Asian and European under K = 2. In general, European accessions had greater DMY than did Asian accessions. Observed trends were towards greater CP values in populations with Asian ancestry. Selection index values above zero were observed in populations with European ancestry, and the exception was the late-maturing (208 days to bloom) populations with Asian ancestry. Plant populations 383 551, 383 561, 401 161, 401 173, 440 021, 578 692 (cv. Tegmar) and 598 740 had rhizome scores greater than 7.0. Despite significant differences detected between populations (ΦST = 0.3136; P < 0.001), there was strong indication of admixed co-ancestry or possible gene flow between K = 2–9 models.
Asian Soybean Rust Resistance: An Overview

Asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, occurs in all soybean production regions of the world. Rust is the most destructive foliar disease of soybean and can cause yield losses of over 80%. To date, six race-specific resistance genes have been identified in plant introductions. However, races of P. pachyrhizi able to overcome the resistance conferred by these genes have evolved. Due to the limited availability of resistant varieties, fungicide application is the only management tool available for farmers, which significantly raises the production cost and the risk of environmental and human contamination. Thus, the transfer of resistance genes through classical breeding followed by marker-assisted selection allows the development of resistant varieties and their use as an efficient and cost-effective method for controlling soybean rust. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the Asian soybean rust resistance, and a useful tool to guide future researches as well.
THE TIME-TEMPERATURE RELATION OF DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

1. Stages in embryo formation among Amphibia between yolk plug and gill circulation have similar time-temperature relations.2. The time-temperature relation of cleavage, although constant from first to fourth cleavages, differs from that of embryo formation.3. It is suggested that the different time-temperature relations of cleavage and of morphogenesis represent different controlling processes; while the similarity of the time-temperature relations among cleavages and among stages of later development is the expression of a common controlling process in each case. These controlling processes are probably parts of the respiratory metabolism and they prevent temperature from disorganizing development.
Notes on the systematics, morphology and biostratigraphy of fossil holoplanktonic Mollusca, 121. On the identity of Hyalea perovalis Von Koenen, 1882 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Euthecosomata) from the Early Miocene of the NorthSea Basin

New specimens of the extremely rare cavoliniid pteropod 'Hyalea perovalis' Von Koenen, 1882, are recorded and illustrated from a boulder of Holsteiner Gestein (Early Miocene) collected at Nehmten, Schleswig-Holstein (Germany). Hyalea perovalis is here considered to be a junior synonym of Diacrolinia aquensis (Grateloup, 1827), which is known from the Early Burdigalian of the Aquitaine Basin, France. The occurrence of this species in the 'Holsteiner Gestein' substantiates previous correlations of the Late Vierlandian of the regional North Sea Basin stages with the Early Burdigalian of the international chronostratigraphic scheme.
Behavioral evidence for feedback gain control by the inhibitory microcircuit of the substantia nigra

We recently demonstrated that the collaterals of substantia nigra (SN) projection neurons can implement divisive feedback inhibition, or gain control (Brown et al., 2014). While in vivo recordings were consistent with divisive feedback inhibition, a causal test was lacking. A gain control model of the nigral microcircuit implies behavioral effects of disrupting intranigral inhibition that are distinct from previous functional models. To test the model predictions experimentally, we develop a chemogenetic approach that can selectively suppress synaptic release within the substantial nigra without affecting the propagation of activity to extranigral targets. We observe behavioral consequences of suppressing intranigral inhibition that are uniquely consistent with a gain control model. Our data further suggest that if endogenous metabotropic signaling can modulate intranigral synapses, this would provide a circuit mechanism for an exploitation/exploration trade-off in which the timing and variability of goal-directed movements are controlled independently of changes in action.
of Memory CD8 T Cells Extent of Stimulation Controls the Formation

Only a small fraction of effector CD8 T cells survives to become long-lived memory cells, whereas the majority of them die after an acute infection. What controls the formation of memory CD8 T cells remains mostly unknown. In this study, we showed CD8 T cells primed earlier during vaccinia viral infection received stronger stimulation, divided more extensively, and survived better than those primed later, leading to generation of a larger memory pool. Despite differentiation into effectors, the late-primed CD8 T cells lacked full cell division, displayed increased apoptosis, and failed to develop into memory cells, suggesting that the extent of stimulation inﬂuences the survival of effector CD8 T cells. We further demonstrated that the extent of stimulation, which included both the duration and the levels of antigenic stimulation/costimulation, during priming determined the formation of memory CD8 T cells via controlling the extent of Akt activation, and functional suppression of Akt led to defective CD8 memory formation in vivo. Collectively, our data suggest that the extent of stimulation controls CD8 memory formation via activation of Akt and may provide important insights into the design of effective vaccines. The Journal of Immunology, 2007, 179: 5768–5777.
THE MULLID SPECIES FROM TUNISIAN WATERS (CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

The Tunisian ichthyofauna comprises at present, four mullid species: two are autochthonous, both regularly and abundantly captured in Tunisian marine waters, the red mullet, Mullus barbatus and the surmullet (striped red mullet), Mullus surmuletus while the two other was alien species: Por's goatfish, Upeneus pori and a West African goatfish, Pseudupeneus prayensis.
Notes on behaviour and morphology of some species of Odonata in the Maltese Islands

The Maltese Islands have limited availability of freshwater, so the local species of Odonata may adopt behavioural strategies which they may not use elsewhere where water is readily available. Moreover, since local species of Odonata tend to be the more common, hardy and adaptable species found in neighbouring countries, their behavioural strategies and morphological features may be relatively less studied than species which are rarer and perhaps more vulnerable. Between September 2012 and September 2013, behavioural strategies and morphological features of Odonata were observed along four valleys (Wied Qlejgħa, Fiddien, Wied ta’ Għajn Riħana, and Wied Ħesri) and a saltmarsh (Is-Simar) in Malta. These observations are reported hereunder.
Paclobutrazol application enhances antioxidant enzyme activities in pomegranate plants affected by cold stress

ABSTRACT Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a member of the triazole plant growth inhibitor group that is responsible for inducing tolerance to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses. An experiment was, therefore, conducted to test whether PBZ application at various concentrations (0, 25, 50, or 75 mg L−1) through foliar spray or soil drench would protect pomegranate (Punica granatum) seedlings cv. Robab, subjected to freezing at −3°C for 7 hours. PBZ improved the growth rate of pomegranate seedlings subjected to freezing stress and increased relative leaf chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence ratio, relative water content, soluble carbohydrate content, and enzyme activity of ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase compared with the control at the end of experiment. PBZ ameliorated the injury caused by freezing stress by inhibiting increases in proline content and leaf electrolyte leakage, which suggested that PBZ ameliorated the negative effect of freezing stress. The best protection was obtained from plants treated with PBZ at 50 or 75 mg L−1. The most evaluated parameters were not affected by PBZ application method.
GENETICS OF SEX DETERMINATION IN BEES. IX. FREQUENCIES OF QUEENS AND WORKERS FROM LARVAE UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS1 (HYMENOPTERA: APOIDEA)

One-day-old larvae were taken from brood combs of 4 species of Melipona bees, namely, M. quadrifasciata, M. rufiventris, M. marginata and M. scutellaris, and raised in individual wax cups, under controlled conditions of food, temperature and humidity. It was found that with less than, respectively, 155 mg, 137 mg, 40.5 mg and 222 mg of food, no queen was produced (50 workers in total). With amounts that varied from 1 to 1.75 times the normal quantity of food naturally found in a given day in the alveoli, a 3:1 segregation was obtained (152 workers to 48 queens). This demonstrates the hypothesis of Kerr, that is, that there is an interaction between food and genetics, queens of Melipona being well fed double heterozygotes (xa^/xa2; xbx/xb2) and workers being the homozygotes for any of these four alleles or badly fed heterozygotes. The importance of this finding to the problem of sex and caste determination in Apis, Bombus and Trigona is discussed. The efficiency of the mechanisms of caste determination among social insects is decisive in maintaining the social structure. Michener (1974) points out that with evolution of social behavior, switch mechanisms should arise which assure that nearly every female de velops either as a typical worker or as a typical queen, since inter castes will be less useful. The female castes may be determined in several ways, the simplest one being behavioral, through which one or more females dominate the others (or vice-versa), there being no morphological differences among them. Trophogenic determination results in anatomophysio ^his research received support from the Fundagao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de S. Paulo (FAPESP), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Coordenagao do Aperfeigoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) and Department of Scientific Affairs, OAS. The data on Melipona quadrifasciata and M. rufiventris are part of the M.Sc thesis of the first author and the ones on M. scutellaris constitute a chapter of the M.Sc. thesis
Specific aromatic amines as occupational bladder carcinogens.

: The effect of specific aromatic amines in inducing bladder cancer among industrial workers exposed to these chemicals is documented. Most occupational bladder tumors are recognized to be due to 4 chemicals: 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, benzidine, and commercial 1-naphthylamine that is contaminated with the 2-isomer. The consequences of this exposure are discussed.