Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exterior-targeted liquid termiticides: An alternative approach to managing subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in buildings

Data presented herein indicate that subterranean termite infestations can be eliminated by applying non-repellent liquid termiticides solely around the exterior perimeter of buildings. Foraging activity was extensively monitored on the interior and exterior of 12 structures heavily infested with the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Monitoring methods before and after an exterior-only application of either Termidor ® (fipronil) or Premise ® (imidacloprid) were similar to those used to assess the effects of baits on termite populations. Substantial, and often rapid reductions in termite foraging activity were observed, particularly with Termidor. Of the eight structures treated with Termidor, 40 of 43 infested monitoring stations within 0.3 to 4.0 m of the exterior treated trench were inactive within three months. Dead and decaying termites were found in several monitored locations, further suggesting that effects extend inward and well beyond the exterior site of application. Termite activity within monitoring stations was less affected by exterior Premise applications, although visible activity involving structural components eventually ceased. Potential implications and benefits of exterior-targeted liquid applications relative to the future of termite control are discussed.
Community-level trait responses and intra-specific trait variability play important roles in driving community productivity in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau

Aims Human activities have dramatically increased nutrient inputs to ecosystems, impacting plant community diversity, composition and functioning. Extensive research has shown that a decrease in species diversity and an increase in productivity are a common phenomenon following fertilization in grasslands ecosystem. The magnitude of the response of species diversity and above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) to fertilization mainly depends on species traits (mean trait values) and traits variability (plasticity). Our aim of this study was to examine (i) changes of species diversity (species richness and Shannon-Wiener index) and ANPP following fertilization; (ii) which species traits or communityweighted mean (CWM) traits can determine ANPP, as expected from the ‘biomass ratio hypothesis'; and (iii) the relative role of intra-specific and inter-specific trait variability in this process following fertilization. Methods We measured ANPP and four key plant functional traits
Metabolic response of SH-SY5Y cells to gold nanoparticles by NMR-based metabolomics analyses

Among various nanoparticles the gold derivatives (AuNPs) possess many features such as ease of synthesis at a tunable size, chemical stability and flexibility to undergo surface modifications, thus making them good candidates as bio-carrier across central nervous system and target diseased cells. However, a significant gap remains in data regarding their biosafety. We previously showed epigenetic modifications by short-term exposures of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to AuNPs conjugated with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (AuNPs-mmi). Here, we investigated the effects of AuNPs-mmi on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells through nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics, to uncover the occurrence of perturbed pathways and deciphering possible phenotypic alterations. We found that AuNPs-mmi triggers a subtle and complex cellular response, which is initially characterized by cellular stress and toxicological reaction. In particular, we observed changes in catabolism of glucose, acetate and alanine, probably related to the energy-requiring endocytic process and oxidative stress. In addition, following nanoparticles’ removal, alteration of acetate, choline, glutamine, glycine, tyrosine and leucine indicates a cellular reaction to stress and immune response. This effect was further confirmed by the production of metabolic endproducts such as glutamate, glycine and alanine. Moreover, the detected metabolites suggest a protective cellular response to the amounts of endogenous reactive oxygen species.
Anatomical and Gene Expression Analyses of Two Blueberry Genotypes Displaying Differential Fruit Detachment

A detachment in blueberry ( Vaccinium sp.) may occur through the physiological process of abscission or through physical separation by breakage. Natural and induced fruit detachment through abscission occurs at the peduncle–pedicel junction (PPJ), while detachment through breakage typically occurs at the fruit–pedicel junction (FPJ). The ease of fruit detachment varies across blueberry genotypes, and a better understanding of suchvariation may allow for the development of genotypes better suited for hand and mechanical harvesting. TH-729 and ‘Suziblue’ are sibling southern highbush blueberry (hybrids composed largely of Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium darrowi ) genotypes derived from the same cross (‘Star’ · TH-474) and differ in their fruit detachment characteristics. Anatomical and molecular basis of the difference in fruit detachment between these genotypes was investigated in this study. Greater than 85% of the mature fruit of TH-729 detached at the PPJ in response to mechanical shaking in contrast to that observed in ‘Suziblue’, where greater than 90% of the fruit detached at the FPJ. The anatomy of the abscission zones (AZs) at the PPJ was similar between the two genotypes indicating that they did not differ in the establishment of the AZ. The fracture plane at the PPJ of manually detached fruit was more even in TH-729 compared with that in ‘Suziblue’, where many ruptured cells were evident. These data suggest advanced progression of abscission at the PPJ in TH-729 compared with that in ‘Suziblue’. The expression of 28 genes related to cell wall and membrane metabolism, phytohormone metabolism and signaling, and transcriptional regulation was compared between the two genotypes. Of these, two genes, ILL1 ( iaa-leu resistant 1 like 3 ) and BIM1 ( bes-interacting myc like1 ), associated with auxin metabolism and brassinosteroid signaling displayed over 3-fold and 1.5-fold higher transcript accumulation, respectively, in TH-729. Also, OPR1 ( 12-oxophytodienoate reductase ), a gene associated with jasmonate (JA) bio- synthesis, displayed 33% lower transcript levels in TH-729. As phytohormone signaling regulates the acquisition of competence for abscission, these data suggest that this phase of abscission progression at the PPJ differed between the two genotypes. Together, data from this study suggest inherent differences in the progression of abscission at the PPJ in blueberry. Such variation can be exploited to develop genotypes with desired harvesting characteristics.
Breeding behavior of american kestrels raising manipulated brood sizes in years of varying prey abundance

AssTRAcr. - Behavioral responses of American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) to manipulated broods of two, five, and seven young were studied in southwestern Quebec during 1986 and 1987. Average territory size was inversely correlated with small mammal abundance which differed significantly between years, but was not influenced by brood size in either year. Parents of all three brood sizes devoted less time to searching for food, and more time to resting and maintenance behavior in 1987 than 1986. Interannual differences in hunting behavior were attributable to variations in the percent time spent perch-hunting. Hover
A NEW BASAL BEAKED ORNITHURINE BIRD FROM THE LOWER CRETACEOUS OF WESTERN LIAONING,CHINA

We report a new species of basal ornithurine bird,Schizooura lii gen.et sp.nov.,based on a well-preserved specimen from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in Jianchang,western Liao-ning,China.Phylogenetic analysis indicates that it is more derived than Jianchangornis and Archaeorhynchus,but more basal than all other known Jehol ornithurines.The new specimen preserves a unique suite of characters that differentiate it from other known taxa,including several features previously unreported in Early Cretaceous ornithurines,including a V-shaped furcula with a short hypocleidium,a rostrocaudally elongate unperforated sternum with deep caudal notches absent,and a deltopectoral crest that extends for half the length of the humerus.The specimen preserves a nearly perfectly articulated skull that indicates the species was beaked and preserves details of the skull anatomy such as the premaxilla-frontal articulation.The most notable feature of this new specimen is the preservation of a feathered tail morphology previously unknown among Mesozoic birds.It is the second tail morphology known among early ornithurines,which have until now only preserved fan-shaped tails.The new specimen preserves a forked tail composed of elongate rectrices medially separated by a deep notch.This tail feather morphology in modern birds decreases aerodynamic efficiency relative to the fan-shaped tail,but increases chance of sexual reproduction.This discovery suggests that this tradeoff convergently evolved in basal members of Ornithurae,and is consistent with the wooded environment inferred for the Jehol.
The Properties of Glycosidases ofVitis viniferaand a Comparison of Their β-Glucosidase Activity with that of Exogenous Enzymes. An Assessment of Possible Applications in Enology

Glycosidases of Muscat of Alexandria were isolated and further purified. Two β-glucosidases, a β-galactosidase, and two weak α-glucosidases were found. The β-glucosidases, which were located mainly in the juice of the grape, had increased activity with berry maturity. They both had optimal activity at pH 5.0 and were relatively tolerant to 10% ethanol, but they were inhibited by glucose. Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Muscat Hamburg, and Thompson Seedless grape varieties had β-glucosidase enzymes with similar properties to those of Muscat of Alexandria. The properties of the β-glucosidases of a commercial pectolytic enzyme, Rohapect C, and of almond emulsin (β-glucosidase, EC 3.2.1.21) were compared with the grape enzymes. The β-glucosidase of Rohapect C was strongly inhibited by glucose. Studies with a mixture of natural monoterpene glycosides from grape showed all the plant-derived enzymes to have an aglycone specificity discriminating against glycosides of tertiary alcohols. The properties of the endogenous and exogenous glycosidases examined limit their usefulness for the release of glycosidically bound flavorants in juice processing or winemaking.
Age-dependent changes in the pituitary-gonadal relationship. IV. Sex difference in rat pituitary FSH content.

Pituitary glands from male and female rats, ranging in age from 25 to 90 days, were assayed by the hcg augmentation method of Steelman & Pohley (1953) to determine the sex difference in fsh content. The male gland contained significantly more fsh than that of the female ofcomparable age throughout the period studied with no evidence for sex reversal during prepubertal to postpubertal development.
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the FABP4 Gene with Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Holstein Bulls

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the bovine fatty acid binding protein (FABP4) gene 3691G>A and 2834C>G polymorphisms and to evaluate interaction effects on the live weight, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Holstein bulls in the South Marmara region of Turkey. A total of 400 Holstein bulls grown on a private farm and slaughtered at 14-21 months of age, were randomly selected for use in this study. Initially, genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP method and statistical analysis was carried out using least square methods of the GLM procedure. A SNP located in intron 1 (2834C>G) was associated with desirable increases in live weight, hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight, and a SNP located in exon 3 (3691G>A) was associated with significant increases in marbling scores and first compressive stress point of the longissimus dorsi muscle (P<0.05). The interaction analysis of the 3691G>A and the 2834C>G polymorphisms revealed significant effects for hot carcass weight, chilled carcass weight and backfat thickness (P<0.05). There were no significant associations between the SNPs and carcass measurements. Results indicated that the FABP4 3691G>A and 2834C>G polymorphisms and the 3691G>A and 2834C>G interactions can be used as selection parameters in breeding programmes to improve meat yield and carcass characteristics.
Artificial Mixed Nests Of Ants

Mixed nests of ants are rarely found in nature, and the ants associated in such nests are always of the same subfamily if not of the same genus.1 There are two ways of causing ants of different genera, or even of different subfamilies, to live peacefully together. One way is that of destroying the sense of smell in the ants by depriving them of a portion of the antennae. Forel discovered, in the seventies, that the funicles were the organs of smell. I have had representatives of three subfamilies of ants, all without funicles, living amicably together through several consecutive weeks, although the members of the group varied in size, from the huge Camponotus pennsylvanicus to the small Stenanmma fuhlvun , in form, from the shark-like Stigmatomma pallipes to the chubby Lasius zumbratus; in color, from the jet-black Cremastogaster lineolata to the amber-yellow Lasius latipes; and in character, from the truculent Miyrmzca rubra to the patient Formnica subsericca. In 1901, using Stenammafulzvim for the experiments, I located 2 the appreciation of the nest-aura in the distal segment of the funicle, the eleventh; that of the colony, in the tenth segment; that of the individual track, in the ninth segment; that of the inert young, in the eighth and seventh segments. I have lately located the appreciation of the odor of enemies in the sixth and fifth segments. I cut off the five distal segments of the antennae from seven queens3 of Stenamma fulvinu, seven queens of Cremastogaster lineolata, five queens of J/yrmnica rubra, five queens of Lasius
Maturidade fisiológica de sementes e colorimetria dos frutos de Allophylus edulis [(A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. & Cambess.) Hieron. ex Niederl.]

This study aimed to determine the physiological maturity of A. edulis seeds, check if this is achieved in the same maturation stage, regardless of the collection region and, colorimetry of the fruit can be indicative of the time of harvest. Fruits were harvested in three counties of the western region of Parana and visually classified into five ripening stages according to the color of the pericarp with the help of a digital colorimeter. Analyzed seed variables included morphological characteristics, germination and vigor. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications. The maximum dry matter accumulation of seeds was reached when the fruits reached the color orange. With the advance of the ripening process, red color fruits had seeds with lesser moisture content, coinciding with the maximum germination percentage and speed, besides generating seedlings with larger size and biomass accumulation. The green spectrum allowed to discriminate maturity from different places of harvest. A. edulis seeds with physiological maturity should be harvested when fruits present the red color, independent of the harvesting region or, with reflectance values between 28.0 and 49.2 nm in the green range of the color spectrum.
IN VITRO POLLEN VIABILITY AND GERMINATION OF BISEXUAL AND FUNCTIONAL MALE FLOWERS OF SOME TURKISH POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS

The evaluation of pollen viability and germination are two essential criteria for characterization of pollinating cultivars in pomegranate which is an andromonoecious species. With this point of view, pollens were collected from both bisexual and functional male flowers of ‘Aşınar’ and ‘Caner II’ cultivars to determine the pollen viability and germination. Colorimetric test of 2,3,5triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) was used to estimate the pollen viability. Pollen germination was tested in vitro on a medium containing 1% agar and 20% sucrose. Results showed that pollen viability was not dependent on the type of the flowers. The highest pollen viability ratio (78%) was obtained in the pollen collected from functional male flowers of ‘Aşınar’. Pollen germination ratio, however, varied with regard to the flower type in the same cultivar. Bisexual and male flowers in ‘Aşınar’, respectively, had 43.5% vs 22.3% pollen grains germinated. Pollens from two sexual morphs of pomegranates show different germination and viability ratios. Investigation on viability and germination capability of pollen grains coming from both bisexual and functional male flowers in pomegranate can enable growers and breeders to better select best crossing pollinators.
THE LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF CALLINECTES SAPIDUS RATHBUN REARED IN THE LABORATORY

The crabs which comprise the family Portunidae include several commercially important species and studies on their life history have been in progress for the last 100 years. Of the British species only Portunus puber (L.) has been successfully reared in the laboratory through all larval stages to the first crab (Lebour, 1928). Larvae of Carcinus maenas Penn. have been described by a variety of workers but the complete development is not known from laboratory rearing. Of the American species Callinectes sapidus Rathbun is the most important commercial crab in the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Churchill (1942) described the larval development of C. sapidus by reconstructing the sequence of stages from planktonic material. Hopkins (1943, 1944), rearing the larvae through the third zoeal stage, found that not all of the stages fit the description given by Churchill (1942) and was of the opinion that the larvae described by Churchill (1942) represented several different species. The complete larval development of C. sapidus, from hatching to the first crab stage and beyond, was first reported from laboratory rearing by Costlow, Rees and Bookhout (1959). While a brief account is given of the number of stages, the duration of the intermolt periods, and the time required for complete development, the larval stages are not described nor is detailed information given on the various environmental factors under which complete development occurred. The present study has had two major objectives: one, to provide a detailed description of all the larval stages of Callinectes sapidus Rathbun reared in the laboratory; and two, to determine the effects of salinity and temperature on larval development. METHODS
Computer-assisted Video Image Analysis of Spatial Variations in Membrane-associated Ca2+ and Calmodulin during Pollen Hydration, Germination and Tip Growth in Nicotiana tabacum L.

Video images of the distributional pattern of membrane-associated calcium (Ca2+) and calmodulin (CaM) have been documented and analysed during pollen hydration, germination and tip growth in Nicotiana tabacum. Digitization of fluorescence microscope images of chlorotetracycline (CTC) and fluphenazine (FPZ)-fluorescence emissions reveal that there is a maximum concentration of membrane-associated Ca2+ and also CaM in the vicinity of germination apertures of hydrated pollen. With the onset of germination relatively higher amounts of Ca2+ and CaM were found to regionalize towards the aperture through which the pollen tube would emerge. Both short and long growing pollen tubes manifest tip-to-base Ca2+ and CaM gradients which are disturbed in non-growing tubes. Tube growth and the Ca2+-gradient were significantly affected by vanadate and verapamil suggesting that both a vanadate-sensitive Ca2+-transport system and verapamil-sensitive Ca2+ channels are involved in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis during pollen germination and tube growth. The possible interactions of Ca2+ and CaM with different cytoskeletal proteins modulating organelle movement are also briefly discussed.
Treatment of functional dyspepsia with enteroplant: a multi-center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot phase II clinical trial

Objective To evaluate efficacy and safety of enteroplant in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods From July 2011 to November 2013, 228 patients met Rome Ⅲ criteria were enrolled and divided into high dose, low dose and placebo groups. The assessment of symptoms score, life quality and safety of subjects was conducted at baseline period (one to two weeks), week two of treatment, week four of treatmeat and week two of follow-up. Single factor analysis of variance, Wilcoxon test and χ2 test were used for comparing the differences among three groups. Results The efficacy evaluation was conducted in 198 patients conformed to the protocol, 67 patients in high dose group, 66 patients in low dose group, and 65 patients in placebo group. All the 228 patients received safety evaluation. At week two, four of treatment and week two of follow-up, the total symptom scores of high dose group, low dose group were lower than those of placebo group (week two of treatment 14.57±6.12, 13.68±6.57 vs 18.92±9.54, F=9.051, P 0.05). At week two, four of treatment and week two of follow-up, the efficacy of postprandial fullness discomfort (F=5.139, 14.309, 19.111), early satiation (F=5.480, 13.709, 26.287), upper abdominal pain (F=1.169, 9.224, 24.142) and buring (F=0.156, 4.225, 15.770) was higher in low dose group and high dose group than those of placebo group (all P 0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of life among the three groups before treatment and week four of treatment (all P>0.05). The adverse reactions primarily included abnormal liver function and dyslipidemia. There was no significant difference in adverse events rate (14.5%, 7.9%, 14.5%, respectively) among the three groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Enteroplant is safe and effective in the treatment of FD, and the efficacy lasts for two weeks after discontinuation. Low dose (260 mg) enteroplant is recommended for FD treatment. Key words: Enteroplant; Functional dyspepsia; Postprandial distress syndrome; Epigastric pain syndrome
First assessment of biomass and abundance of cephalopods Rossia palpebrosa and Gonatus fabricii in the Barents Sea

Studies on the quantitative distribution of cephalopods in the Arctic are limited, and almost completely absent for the Barents Sea. It is known that the most abundant cephalopods in the Arctic are Rossia palpebrosa and Gonatus fabricii. Their biomass and abundance have been assessed for the first time in the Barents Sea and adjacent waters. The maximum biomass of R. palpebrosa in the Barents Sea was 6.216–6.454 thousand tonnes with an abundance of 521.5 million specimens. Increased densities of biomass were annually registered in the north-eastern parts of the Barents Sea. The maximum biomass of G. fabricii in the Barents Sea was 24.797 thousand tonnes with an abundance of 1.705 billion specimens. The areas with increased density of biomass (higher than 100 kg km−2) and abundance (more than 10,000 specimens km−2) were concentrated in deep-water troughs in the marginal parts of the Barents Sea and in adjacent deep-water areas. The biomass and abundance of R. palpebrosa and G. fabricii in the Barents Sea were much lower than those of major taxa of invertebrates and fish and than those of cephalopods in other parts of the World Ocean. It has been suggested that the importance of cephalopods in the Arctic ecosystems, at least in terms of quantitative distribution, could be somewhat lower than in the Antarctic or the tropics. Despite the impact of ongoing warming of the Arctic on the distribution of cephalopods being described repeatedly already, no impact of the current year's climate on the studied species was found. The only exception was the abundance of R. palpebrosa, which correlated with the current year's climate conditions.