Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Higher Level Phylogeny of Curculionidae (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) based mainly on Larval Characters, with Special Reference to Broad‐Nosed Weevils

A cladistic analysis of Curculionidae was performed using 49 characters (41 from larvae, three from pupae, and five from adults). Illustrations of characters of immatures are provided. The analysis involved 19 terminal units and a hypothetical ancestor determined by the outgroup comparison method used to root the tree. One most parsimonious cladogram was obtained based on the complete data set and the following phylogenetic hypothesis is proposed: Ithycerinae, Microcerinae, and Brachycrinae sensu stricto are broad‐nosed weevils placed sequentially at the base of the cladogram. The remaining weevil subfamilies form two major natural groups: one constituted by the sister taxa Rhynchophorinae—Platypodinae; the other with Erirhininae at the base, as sister taxon of the “Curculionidae sensu stricto” which show an unresolved trichotomy involving Curculioninae, Cossoninae—Scolytinae, and the clade including the Entiminae and allied subfamilies. This latter clade of broad‐nosed weevils has Thecesterninae at the base; the next branch is Amycterinae, the sister taxon of the clade comprising two groups: one constituted by Aterpinae, Rhytirrhininae, and Gonipterinae; the other is Entiminae whose units form two main clades: one constituted by the sister tribes Pachyrhynchini—Ectemnorhinini, and the other by Alophini, Sitonini, and Entimini. When the analysis was done using only immature characters, results congruent with those based on the complete data set were obtained, except for the placement of Erirhininae. According to the results the hypothesis of monophyly of broad‐nosed weevils is not accepted; the Entiminae are justified as monophyletic and their natural classification into tribes is proposed and the phylogenetic position and relationships of higher taxa of Curculionidae are discussed. This paper shows the importance of immature characters in recognition of natural groups and relationships in Curculionidae.
Erratum : Découverte, dans le sud-ouest du Québec, d'une population de cisco de lac, Coregonus artedii, frayant au printemps

We report the discovery of a spring spawning population of cisco, Coregonus artedii, a first in North America, at lac des Ecorces in southwestern Quebec (Ottawa River basin). Two longer specimens with a higher number of gill rakers were also taken. These were probably autumn spawners. The 1st year's growth of the spring spawning ciscoes is very limited owing to their comparatively short growing period, but some catching up is done afterwards.
Functional analysis of the UDP glucose: Flavonoid-3-Oglucosyltransferase (UFGT) promoter from litchi (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) and transient expression in onions (Allium cepa Linn.)

The expression of the UDP glucose: flavonoid-3-Oglucosyltransferase (UFGT), which encoded the last enzyme of the anthocyanin pathway, was under developmental control as well as affected by external stimuli such as ABA. Three fragments of the 1.38 kb upstream region of the UFGT gene from Litchi (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) were fused to the GUS-coding region, and the expression of these constructs was analyzed in onions. To characterize the cis-regulatory functions of the promoters for enzymes in anthocyanin biosynthesis, we examined onions carrying a series of nested UFGT promoter-β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion for GUS activity by histochemical staining. The AE-box and ELI-box in anthocyanin biosynthesis of angiosperm were found in UFGT promoter. MRE which was MYB binding site involved in light responsiveness, control the transcription of genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis. The region of -910 to -344 in UFGT promoter showed high activities in the three parts. Although the expression characteristics were indistinguishable from those of the full-length promoter, we observed differences in UFGT promoter regulation for the different construct. The results suggested that region of 910 to 344 of UFGT promoter had multiple functions in the expression under the various developmental stages and stress conditions in litchi. Key words: Flavonoid-3-Oglucosyltransferase (UFGT), promoter, litchi, transient expression.
Adult emergence percentage from irradiated fruit flies, Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera cucurbitae pupae

Fruit flies are regarded as one of the most devastating pest of fruits and vegetables on earth planet. Generally chemical control is implemented for their control but it poses lot of eco-environmental concerns so the emphasis is now turning towards eco-friendly management practices. Bio-control is an efficient and environmentally sound approach and augmentation is primarily focus on classical biological control program. In this study, eight sub-sterilizing doses of 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 were tested against Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera cucurbitae pupae. The results showed that radiation prolong the duration of pupal stage and hatching is reduced by applying radiation. This also shows that when the quantity of the radiation increases, the adult emergence decreases. This study could be very useful in exploiting the potential host for longer period of time for culturing their pupal parasitoids. Key words: Sub sterilizing doses, radiation, fruit flies and emergence.
Alternaria epidemic of apple in Kashmir

During the months of July-August 2013, apple orchards of the valley were suddenly struck with Alternaria disease which was so far considered a disease of minor importance as compared to apple scab. The disease spread like wild fire leading to very high severity and often resulted in extensive defoliation and fruit fall in almost all the orchards through the valley, resulting into a widespread epidemic. The various factors which lead to this epidemic were a possible effect of climate change leading to untimely prolonged rains following high temperatures. The situation was worsened due to extensive presence of susceptible delicious cultivars, non adherence of practice of orchard sanitation, use of inappropriate or spurious fungicides and absence of disease forecasting system in the valley. Key words: Alternaria, apple, kashmir, epidemic.
Differential response of early and intermediate flowering strawberry cultivars to nursery late-season nitrogen applications and digging date

The response of ‘Ventana’, an early flowering cultivar, and ‘Camarosa’, an intermediate flowering cultivar, to nursery late-season nitrogen (N) applications and digging date were studied in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch). Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, runner plants dug on September 20 and October 11 from a high-latitude nursery in California, were established in growth chambers set at 25°/15oC day/night temperature, 12-h photoperiod, and grown for 90 days. Compared to the first experiment, in the second experiment plants received extra N (foliar-applied) in the nursery in late summer, and runner plants were not grown in GC but in open field (Irvine, California). In the second experiment, runner plants were dug on Sept 20 and Oct 2. In both experiments, plants dug in September were exposed to ~100 chilling units (CU: hours ≤7.2°C) and plants dug in October were exposed to ~300 CU. As a result, October-dug plants had greater crown and root dry weight, and greater concentration of starch and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in leaves, crowns and roots, compared to September-dug plants. In control plants, from September to October, root TNC concentration increased in ‘Camarosa’ from ~6% to ~11%, and in ‘Ventana’ from ~14% to ~21%, and leaf N concentration ranged from 1.47 to 1.81% in ‘Camarosa’, and from 1.60 to 1.96% in ‘Ventana’. Late-summer N applications increased plant N concentration and early-season yields. Late-summer nursery N applications reduced dead leaf biomass (DLB) and dead leaf area (DLA) in both cultivars, although ‘Ventana’ had lower DLB and DLA than ‘Camarosa’. ‘Ventana’ had a greater leaf number and flowered earlier, and had greater early fruit production than ‘Camarosa’. The genetic earliness of ‘Ventana’ would be correlated with the potential of the plant for accumulation of higher initial levels of leaf N and root TNC, and for having greater leaf longevity, compared to ‘Camarosa’. Key words: Fragaria x ananassa Duch. , foliar urea, carbohydrates, chilling, plant maturity, early flowering cultivars.
Root Architectural Trait Diversity in Aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) and Related Species and Correlations with Plant Biomass

Background: We investigated root architecture and plant biomass traits of 25 aubergine genepool accessions representative of 9 Solanum L. species, including S. melongena L. , grown at two sites in South-East France in order to quantify the diversity of root phenotypes, identify correlations between traits and determine the influence of the environment on trait stability.
A supragranular nexus for the effects of neocortical beta events on human tactile perception

Transient neocortical events with high spectral power in the 15–29Hz beta band are among the most reliable predictors of sensory perception: High prestimulus beta event rates in primary somatosensory lead to sensory suppression, most effective at 100–300ms prestimulus latency. However, the synaptic and neuronal mechanisms inducing beta’s perceptual effects have not been completely localized. We combined human MEG with neural modeling designed to account for these macroscale signals to interpret the cellular and circuit mechanisms that underlie the influence of beta on tactile detection. Extending prior studies, we modeled the hypothesis that higher-order thalamic bursts, sufficient for beta event generation in cortex, recruit supragranular GABAB inhibition acting on a 300ms time scale to suppress sensory information. Consistency between model and MEG data supported this hypothesis and led to a further prediction, validated in our data, that stimuli are perceived when beta events occur simultaneously with tactile stimulation. The post-event suppressive mechanism explains an array of studies that associate beta with decreased processing, while the during-event mechanism may demand a reinterpretation of the role of beta events in the context of coincident timing. Significance statement Somatosensory beta events – transient 15-29Hz oscillations in electromagnetic recordings – are thought to be generated when “top-down” bursts of spikes presumably originating in higher-order thalamus arrive in upper layers of somatosensory cortex. Physiological evidence had shown that the immediate action of these top-down projections should be excitatory; however, after a beta event, sensory perception is noticeably inhibited for approximately 300ms. The source of this post-event sensory suppression, in particular, had been unresolved. Using a detailed computational model of somatosensory cortex, we find evidence for the hypothesis that these bursts couple indirectly to GABAB inhibition in upper layers of cortex, and that beta events first briefly disinhibit sensory relay before a longer period of inhibition.
Acute and chronic effect of sprint interval training combined with postexercise blood‐flow restriction in trained individuals

What is the central question of this study? Does the combination of sprint interval training with postexercise blood‐flow restriction enhance maximal aerobic physiology and performance in trained individuals? What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrate the potency of combining blood‐flow restriction with sprint interval training in increasing maximal oxygen uptake in trained individuals; however, this did not translate to an enhanced exercise performance. We also show that blood‐flow restriction combined with sprint interval training enhanced postexercise hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α mRNA expression, suggesting the possibility for greater hypoxia‐mediated adaptations, such as enhanced capillary growth, with this intervention.
The genetic landscape of Ethiopia: diversity, intermixing and the association with culture

The rich linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity of Ethiopia provides an unprecedented opportunity to understand the level to which cultural factors correlate with -- and shape -- genetic structure in human populations. Using primarily novel genetic variation data covering 1,268 Ethiopians representing 68 different ethnic groups, together with information on individuals’ birthplaces, linguistic/religious practices and 31 cultural practices, we disentangle the effects of geographic distance, elevation, and social factors upon shaping the genetic structure of Ethiopians today. We provide examples of how social behaviours have directly -- and strongly -- increased genetic differences among present-day peoples. We also show the fluidity of intermixing across linguistic and religious groups. We identify correlations between cultural and genetic patterns that likely indicate a degree of social selection involving recent intermixing among individuals that have certain practices in common. In addition to providing insights into the genetic structure and history of Ethiopia, including how they correlate with current linguistic classifications, these results identify the most important cultural and geographic proxies for genetic differentiation and provide a resource for designing sampling protocols for future genetic studies involving Ethiopians.
Autumn Dietary Overlaps among Three Sympatric Mesocarnivores in the Central Part of Stara Planina Mountain, Bulgaria

Abstract. Food habits and dietary overlaps of the three sympatric mesocarnivores (golden jackal Canis aureus, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and stone marten Martes foina) in a mountain-forest region in central Bulgaria were investigated. These species showed high dietary overlaps, commonly consuming rodents and fruits through studied period. Moreover, their dietary overlaps were higher in November that in the earlier months, because rodents were a predominant prey for all carnivore species in this season. Spatiotemporal separations of smaller carnivores from larger competitor may enable their sympatry, when their food habits were similar.
The science behind the ACTN3 polymorphism

A common polymorphism in the alpha-actinin-3 ( ACTN3 ) gene results in the lack of ACTN3 protein expression in fast twitch muscle fibers in ~16% of the human population (1). This genetic change has been linked with muscle performance in humans (2) but does not cause any known muscle disease (1). We have developed a series of laboratory modules that provide an authentic classroom research experience and which address the connection between science and society by examining the implications of ACTN3 genetic testing to improve sports training and performance. This article accompanies the lesson “The ACTN3 Polymorphism: Applications in Genetics and Physiology Teaching Laboratories,” and summarizes background information that an instructor would need to implement the project in class.
Human PUM1 and PUM2 exhibit regulation of divergent mRNA targets in male germ cells

Mammalian Pumilio (PUM) proteins are sequence-specific, RNA-binding proteins with wide-ranging roles, including germ cell development that has functional implications in fertility. Although human PUM1 and PUM2 are closely related to each other and recognize the same RNA binding motif, there is some evidence for functional diversity, particularly related to their roles in fertility. Here, by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) approaches, we identified separate mRNA pools regulated by PUM1 and PUM2 proteins in human male germ cells. Using global mass spectrometry-based profiling, we identified distinct PUM1- and PUM2-bound putative protein cofactors, most of them involved in RNA processing. Combinatorial analysis of RNA-Seq and mass spectrometry findings revealed that PUM1 and PUM2 may form distinct RNA-regulatory networks, with different roles in human reproduction and testicular tumorigenesis. Our findings highlight the functional divergence and versatility of PUM paralogue-based post-transcriptional regulation, offering insight into the mechanisms underlying their diverse biological roles and diseases resulting from their dysfunction.
Zinc Accumulation in Amaranthus caudatus and Corchorus olitorius: Relevance for Phytoextraction

Aim: In a pot experiment the accumulation of zinc in Amaranthus caudatus and Corchorus olitorius from contaminated soil and its relevance for phytoextraction were studied. Study Design: Plants were exposed to three levels of zinc concentration as zinc sulphate heptahydrate (0,150, 300, 450 ppm), laid in completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: The study lasted for a total of 37 days in a housing facility used for phytoplankton culture at National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Technology New-Bussa Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Seeds were raised in a nursery for 16 days, and transplanted to pots containing each 2 kg of air-dried and sieved soil. Zinc was artificially applied to soil for each vegetable. They were watered at 60-70 % field capacity and growth parameters measured every 7 days. Plants were carefully uprooted after 3 weeks of transplanting, washed, and weighed before and after oven drying. They were analyzed for zinc concentration. Results: Results of this study showed decreases in growth and yield at 300 and 450 ppm zinc concentrations. Plant height for both vegetables increased at 150 ppm however these increases were significantly different (P≤0.05) with control for Corchorus only. There were also significant differences (P≤0.05) between treatments in zinc accumulation. Results further showed that zinc was accumulated in the leaves more than the roots. Concentrations of zinc in plant tissues of both vegetables followed a similar order of leaves > roots > stem indicating their efficiency in zinc translocation from roots to leaves. Translocation factors were generally greater than unity. Conclusion: Despite their lack of hyperaccumulation properties, both vegetables exhibited good potential for phytoextraction. The higher translocation factor of C. olitorius indicated better phytoextraction potential.
Apoptotic and DNA-damaging effects of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles on human skin epithelial cells

Background Yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y2O3/ZrO2) nanoparticles are one of the important nanoparticles extensively used in manufacturing of plastics, textiles, catalyst, etc. Still, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles have not been well identified on human skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Therefore, in this study, we have designed to examine the cytotoxic potential of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles in HaCaT cells. Methods Prior to treatment, the yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles were characterized by using different advanced instruments viz. dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cell viability of HaCaT cells was measured by using MTS and NRU assays and viability of cells was reduced in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results Reduction in the viability of cells was correlated with the rise of reactive oxygen species generation, increased caspase-3, mitochondria membrane potential and evidence of DNA strand breakage. These were consistent with the possibility that mitochondria damage can play a significant role in the cytotoxic response. Moreover, the activity of oxidative enzymes such as lipid peroxide (LPO) was increased and glutathione was reduced in HaCaT cells exposed with yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles. It is also important to indicate that HaCaT cells appear to be more susceptible to yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles exposure after 24 hrs. Conclusion This result provides a dose- and time-dependent apoptosis and genotoxicity of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles in HaCaT cells.
Economic valuation of the Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Authors. 2019. Economic valuation of the Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1983-1989. The Danau Sentarum ecosystem in West Kalimantan, Indonesia is officially protected by its status as an Indonesian national park. Nevertheless, it remains under severe threat of deforestation. Rainforest destruction has already caused a decline in ecosystem functions and services. In addition, it is affecting numerous economic activities in and around the Danau Sentarum National Park. The objectives of this study are to determine the total economic value (TEV) of the Danau Sentarum National Park and look for appropriate mechanisms to realize such values. Survey methods were used in this research. 180 respondents were selected by random sampling method from three Management Section National Park (MSNP). TEV in this research was restricted on direct use value, indirect use value and option value. Estimation of DSNP ecosystem benefits was approached by market price, travel cost method, contingent valuation method, and opportunity cost adjusted for the benefits calculated. The direct use value of Danau Sentarum National Park is IDR 18.5 billion/year while the indirect use value of Danau Sentarum National Park is IDR 34.2 billion/year. The option value of Danau Sentarum National park is IDR 86.2 billion/year. The total economic value resulted in Danau Sentarum National Park is IDR 139,1 billion/year, equivalent to an average of IDR 1.1 million/year for the total park area (132,000 ha). When compared to the TEV of the DSNP, such costs amounted to only 4.87 percent compared to the value of the benefits Based on monetary values of ecosystem services that are provided by this park we could assess the mechanisms to finance the park’s conservation and sustainable use. This will help the self-management of national parks.