Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of vertebrate feces on the attraction of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in an Amazonian mangrove

ABSTRACT: Biting midges are of interest to public health because they play an important role as vectors of disease-causing pathogens, as well as being a biting nuisance to humans and domestic animals. Although these insects are common in mangrove areas, they have not yet been studied in this ecosystem in the state of Maranhão (MA), Brazil. The objective of this study was to characterize the Culicoides community structure found in a mangrove swamp and verify if the use of vertebrate feces as bait interferes with their composition, richness, abundance, or seasonality. CDC light traps with vertebrate (chicken, ox, control, donkey, capuchin monkey and pig) feces baits were used to capture biting midges in a mangrove area of the Island of São Luís, MA. A total of 4,087 individuals representing 22 species of Culicoides were captured, the most abundant being C. (Oecacta) furens Poey (23.46%), C. (gr. Fluviatilis) leopoldoi Ortiz (21.58%), C. (Hoffmania) ignacioi Forattini (16.98%), C. (Hoffmania) maruim Lutz (13.85%), C. (Diphaomyia) iriartei Fox (10.57%), C. (Hoffmania) insignis Lutz (7.07%), and C. (gr. Limai) limai Barreto (3.03%). Species richness and abundance were higher when baits of capuchin monkey (15 species; 26.84% of the individuals) and pig (15; 25.3%) feces were used. The least attractive baits were donkey (12 species; 9.3%) and ox (nine species; 11.52%) feces. Biting midges were more abundant in the rainy season (67%), but richness was higher in the dry season (19 species). These results show that vertebrate feces may serve as olfactory cues and increase the attraction of biting midges to traps.
Effects of changes in growth temperature on photosynthesis and carotenoid composition in Zea mays leaves

The effects of changes in growth temperature on photosynthesis and carotenoid composition were examined in Zea mays t.leaves of different age and different developmental history. The plants were first grown at sub-optimal temperature (14°C) until the full development of the third leaf. At that time, the mature third leaf and the immature fourth leaf had a low chlorophyll (Chl) content, a low Chl a/b ratio, a high carotenoid/Chl a+b ratio, a high xanthophyll/β-carotene ratio, and about 80% of the xanthophyll cycle pool (violaxanthin [V] + antheraxanthin [A] + zeaxanthin [Z]) was in the form of zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin. When the temperature was increased from 14°C to 24°C for three days, increased Chl synthesis, accompanied by an increase in the Chl a/b ratio, took place. The ratios of lutein, neoxanthin, and V+A+Z to Chl a+b decreased markedly, whereas no significant changes appeared in the β-carotene/Chl a+b ratio. Furthermore, there was a sharp decrease in the xanthophyll/β-carotene ratio and most of zeaxanthin was converted to violaxanthin in the xanthophyll cycle. The third leaf and the tip segment of the fourth leaf, both expanded at 14°C, showed little difference in their pigment contents. However, the rate of CO2 assimilation of the tip segment of the fourth leaf was nearly twice that of the third leaf on the third day at 24°C, while the photosynthetic activity was similar in both leaves before the transfer to 24°C. During the warm period at 24°C, new leaf tissue (basal segment of the fourth leaf and part of a fifth leaf) was formed. On the third day at 24°C, the pigment content of 24°C-grown leaf tissue did not differ much from that of 14°C-grown leaf tissue with the exception that the total carotenoid content was lower in the former as compared to the latter, mainly because of a lower V+A+Z content. The rate of CO 2 assimilation of 24°C-grown leaf tissue was comparable to that of the tip segment of the fourth leaf. Regardless of which leaf tissue is considered, reducing the temperature from 24°C to 14°C for 5 days slightly affected the pigment content, but violaxanthin was largely converted to zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin in the xanthophyll cycle. The results indicate that compared to old leaf tissue of mature leaves, physiologically younger leaf tissue of immature leaves is much more able to recover from depressions in the photosynthetic activity induced by growth at sub-optimal temperature when the plants experience optimal growth temperatures, but that factors other than the pigment content must determine this capability.
Epixylic biofilm and invertebrate colonization on submerged pine branches in a regulated lowland stream

Epixylic biofilm and invertebrate assemblages on pine branches (Pinus syl- vestris) experimentally submerged in October 2000 were investigated, after an initial colonization period of 3 months, by two-monthly sampling intervals for 13 months in a nutrient-rich sandy lowland stream subjected to flow disturbances caused by infre- quent impoundment openings. After 12 weeks of exposure an epixylic biofilm with 0.58 ± 0.25 µg/cm 2 chlorophyll-a (mean ± 1 SE) and 0.23 ± 0.04 µg/cm 2 ATP, as well as an abundant invertebrate community (14326 ± 2532 Ind/m 2 ; biomass: 974.6 ± 360.1 mg/m 2 ) became established on the branch surfaces. During the subsequent sam- pling dates invertebrate numbers decreased significantly during periods of high dis- charge and simultaneously chlorophyll-a values of epixylic biofilms increased, likely due to reduced feeding by invertebrate grazers. During periods with low discharge fluctuations and mainly low flow conditions, the epixylic biofilm, especially algal growth, was negatively correlated with invertebrate grazer and shredder numbers. After the initial growth period of 12 weeks, ATP values of the epixylic biofilm showed a strongly negative response to sand deposited on the wood surfaces. The present study displays the influence of seasonal discharge fluctuations and sand deposition on the wood surfaces on epixylic biofilms and invertebrate assembla- ges on experimentally submerged pine branches, but also indicate interactions between food sources (algae and fine particulate organic matter) and invertebrates (grazers and collector/gatherers).
Soybean yield response to reproductive stage soil-applied nitrogen and foliar-applied boron

Research on the effects of N and B applications on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] yield is limited. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of (i) application rate and reproductive stage timing of N or B on soybean seed yield and (ii) cultivar, row spacing, or planting date on the response of soybean to R3-stage N and B applications. Nitrogen was applied to the soil at 0, 14, 28, 56, 84, 112, or 168 kg ha -1 , or B was applied to the foliage at 0, 0.14, 0.28, or 0.56 kg ha -1 to either R3- or R5-stage soybean in the rate and timing experiments. Treatments for the cultivar, row-spacing, and planting-date experiments included 0 + 0, 56 + 0, 0 + 0.28, and 56 + 0.28 kg ha -1 N + B, respectively. In yield environments ranging from 2400 to 5300 kg ha -1 , application of N or B did not increase seed yield at any rate or application stage, nor did cultivar, row spacing, or planting date alter this lack of response. Analysis of leaf tissue taken at the R2 soybean development stage and before nutrient application indicated that N and B concentrations were above the minimum level required by soybean for maximum yields not limited by N or B. Lack of response to supplemental N or B suggested that N supplied via fixation and soil organic matter mineralization and native levels of B in soils are adequate for high yields in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain soybean production region.
Behavioral and physiological responses of rice leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis to selected wild rices

Of four wild rices evaluated, Oryza perennis and O. punctata showed resistance to rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée), whereas O. australiensis and O. nivara were moderately resistant. C. medinalis larvae showed a strong nonpreference for settling and feeding on Oryza australiensis, O. perennis and O. nivara as compared to susceptible IR36 rice variety. Among wild rices tested, however, only O. australiensis, was more preferred for larval settling and feeding than resistant TKM6 plants. The growth index of C. medinalis on all wild rices, except O. punctata was significantly lower than on IR36 and TKM6 plants. First‐instar larvae caged on O. perennis showed significantly lower larval and pupal weights than those on other wild rices. Incorporation of dry leaf powder of O. punctata and O. perennis wild rices in an artificial diet caused high larval mortality. Ovipositing gravid females showed less preference for wild rices than for IR36 and TKM6 plants.
A Comparison of Some Important Chick-Food Insect Groups Found in Organic and Conventionally-Grown Winter Wheat Fields in Southern England

ABSTRACT Fields of winter wheat on organic and conventional farms were sampled for weeds and insects in June/July in 1990 and 1991. Organic fields were paired with adjoining conventionally-managed ones and the densities of important, beneficial insect groups compared using a D-vac vacuum suction sampler. Weed counts showed greater percentage cover of broad-leaved weeds in organic fields than in conventional ones, with three times as many species present where herbicides were not used. Higher densities of aphids and most aphid predators were found in conventionally-grown fields. Although higher densities of the chick-food insects of farmland birds, namely weevils, leaf beetles, spiders, plant hoppers, plant bugs and sawfly larvae were found in organic fields many of these differences were not significant at the 5% level of probability. Reasons for these differences or the lack of them are discussed.
Reproduction in the cold: Thorson revisited

Summary Although a tendency for high latitude marine invertebrates to avoid pelagic larval stages was first described in the 19th century, the most detailed early study was that of Thorson in Greenland. This work also established other features of the reproduction of polar marine invertebrates that have become regarded as almost axiomatic (e.g., the release of larvae to coincide with the summer bloom) or largely ignored (a latitudinal cline in egg size within species). This short and selective review examines Thorson's conclusions in the light of recent work. It is now clear that although polar prosobranch gastropods reproduce almost entirely by direct development, for many taxa the real distinction between polar and non-polar species is in the proportion of feeding to non-feeding larvae. Some species release feeding larvae in winter and the energy source for these larvae is obscure. Growth is slow and there is little or no evidence for temperature compensation. Many crustacean species have larger eggs at.
The timing of maize leaf senescence and characterisation of senescence-related cDNAs

Leaf senescence was characterised in two Zea mays lines, earlier senescence (ES) and later senescence (LS). Loss of chlorophyll was delayed in LS compared with ES, but the decline in photosynthesis occurred simultaneously in the two lines. Western analysis detected transition points during senescence of both lines when major quantitative and qualitative changes occurred in a number of leaf proteins. Differences in the pattern of translatable mRNAs were apparent earlier than alterations in pigment or protein levels. A cDNA library was constructed using mRNA from ES leaves early in senescence and differential screening was employed to isolate senescence-related clones. Two senescence-enhanced cDNAs showed sequence homology with cDNAs for seed proteins - a cysteine protease and a protein-processing enzyme. These findings suggest that there are similarities between gene expression during seed maturation, germination and leaf senescence. Other senescence-enhanced cDNAs were related to genes implicated in gluconeogenesis and chlorophyll breakdown.
Studies on the Recently Introduced Brown Alga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt. II. Regenerative Ability

Segments of the brown alga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt were excised fiom different rcgions of both young plants and lateral branches of mature plants and their regenerative ability in culture studied. Apical and subapical segments (containing apical and lateral meristems respectively) cut from both young plants and lateral branches of mature plants were able to continue growth and development when placed into culture. Adventitious branches only developed from the cut surfaces of basal and holdfast_region segments derived from young plants. The regeneratcd branches grew at a much faster rate under 15°C/16-8 hr day conditions than under 10°C/8-16 hr day conditions. Basal segment regeneration displayed polarity in that more new apices developed on the upper surfacc.
Prunella vulgaris L protects glucocorticoids-induced osteogenesis inhibition in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through activating the Smad pathway.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate the role of Prunella vulgaris L (PVL) in protecting glucocorticoids (GC)-induced osteogenesis inhibition, thereafter, protecting the deterioration of osteoporosis (OP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was conducted to assess the influence of PVL treatment on MSCs viability. Osteogenesis in MSCs was induced by Dexamethasone (DEX) stimulation. Regulatory effects of PVL on osteogenesis-related gene expressions, ALP activity, and mineralization ability in DEX-induced MSCs were determined. At last, protein levels of p-Smad1/5/9 and total-Smad1/5/9 influenced by DEX and PVL were measured by Western blot. RESULTS PVL treatment did not pose a time- or dose-dependent influence on MSCs viability. DEX induction in MSCs downregulated ALP, RUNX2, Bglap, and Osterix. ALP activity and mineralization in DEX-induced MSCs were suppressed. Downregulated osteogenesis-related genes decreased ALP activity and mineralization in MSCs undergoing DEX stimulation were partially reversed by PVL treatment. Moreover, the downregulated p-Smad1/5/9 level in DEX-induced MSCs was elevated by PVL treatment, while total-Smad1/5/9 was not affected. CONCLUSIONS PVL alleviated GC-induced suppression in MSCs osteogenesis by activating the Smad pathway, thereafter, protecting the deterioration of OP.
The effects of potato pulp and feeding level of supplements on digestibility, in situ forage degradation and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

Six ruminally cannulated Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers (average initial bodyweight (BW) 387 ± 29 kg) were used in a split-plot design experiment, comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole plot) and a randomized block design (subplot). The whole plot treatments were three different feeding levels of supplemental diet, fed at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% of BW, on a dry matter (DM) basis. Subplot treatments were two different supplemental diets: a potato pulp silage-based diet (PPS) and a grain-based diet (GRAIN). Chopped, medium-quality cool-season grass hay (predominately Timothy, Phleum pratense L) was fed daily at 0.7% BW (on a DM basis) as the basal diet. Each period consisted of 21 d, which included 11 d of adaptation to the diets and 10 d of the collection period. Chromium oxide was used as an indigestible marker. In situ forage degradation was measured using the nylon bag technique. The dry matter intake increased (linear; P < 0.01) as the feeding level increased and was not affected by the diet. Digestibility was not affected by any treatments. The GRAIN diet tended to decrease the rate of in situ forage degradation as the feeding level increased, but this trend was not found in the steers fed the PPS diet. Steers fed the GRAIN diet had a lower (P < 0.1) ruminal pH compared with steers fed the PPS diet. Ruminal pH was not significantly affected by feeding level; however, it was numerically higher for steers supplemented at 0.2% per BW than that for the steers supplemented above 0.4% per BW due probably to the higher starch intake. The total volatile fatty acids concentration numerically increased as the feeding level increased and was not affected by the diet. Increasing the feeding level decreased (linear, P < 0.01) the proportion of acetate. Neither diet nor the feeding level had any effects on the proportion of ruminal propionate. The results suggested that, for steers fed the PPS diet, there are not adverse effects on forage digestion in the rumen that occur as the feeding level is increased.
Chemical Characterization and Bioactive Properties of Different Extracts from Fibigia clypeata, an Unexplored Plant Food

Fibigia clypeata (L.) Medik. is a poorly studied plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, and usually used as cress in the salads. The current investigation aimed at assessing the antioxidant potential and inhibitory activity of ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts of F. clypeata against key enzymes targeted in the management of type II diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), Alzheimer’s disease (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase), and skin hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase). Cytotoxicity of the extracts was also determined using normal VERO and cancer FaDu and SCC-25 cell lines. Besides, LC-MS was employed to investigate the detailed phytochemical profiles of the extracts. The methanol extract showed potent enzyme inhibitory activity (4.87 mg galantamine equivalent/g, 3.52 mg galantamine equivalent/g, 126.80 mg kojic acid equivalent/g, and 24.68 mg acarbose equivalent/g, for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase, respectively) and antioxidant potential (96.52, 109.10, 154.02, and 104.85 mg trolox equivalent/g, for DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays, respectively). Interestingly, caffeic acid-O-hexoside derivative, caffeyl alcohol O-glucopyranoside, and ferulic acid derivative were identified in all extracts. F. clypeata extracts showed no cytotoxicity towards VERO cell line and a weak cytotoxic potential against FaDu and SCC-25 cell lines. Interesting scientific evidence gathered from the present study support further investigation on F. clypeata in the view of designing and developing a novel therapeutic agent for the management of Alzheimer’s disease, type II diabetes, skin hyperpigmentation problems, as well as cancer.
Dynamics of a fish ectoparasite population: opportunistic parasitism in Argulus japonicus (Branchiura)

A Bloemhof Dam, Transvaal, et pendant une periode de 16 mois, l'ectoparasite Argulus japonicus Thiele a manifeste une nature opportuniste dans sa strategie reproductive et une mobilite diverse. Des oeufs ont ete pondus tout au long de l'annee et les femelles ont ete gravides de facon continue jusqu'a ce qu'elles atteignent 3 mm de longueur du corps. A. japonicus a infeste toutes les especes de poissons presentes a Bloemhof Dam, mais suivant un ordre de preference bien marques dans l'infestation. Labeo capensis Smith a ete l'hote prefere, bien qu'il ne fut pas le poisson le plus commun dans le systeme. Il est suggere que les modalites d'infestation observees ont ete determinees par des facteurs tels que la reponse immunitaire specifique du poisson, l'accessibilite a l'alimentation et les mouvements journaliers et saisonniers des hotes dans le systeme. La population a montre de la stabilite dans sa structure et la distribution des âges. De nouvelles cohortes ont ete detectees chaque mois pendant le printemps et l'ete, alors qu'aucune ne l'a ete en automne et en hiver. Ceci est du au fait que, si la reproduction est continue, les oeufs pondus et fecondes pendant l'hiver ne se developpent pas aux temperatures alors regnantes (eau a 9-11,5°C), jusqu'au printemps. Les mâles etaient habituellement plus nombreux que les femelles, souvent dans une proportion superieure a 3 : 1. Un rapport de 1 : 1 a ete detecte dans les populations quand 88-100% des femelles etaient gravides. Ceci coincidait avec le temps de developpement des oeufs, et conduisait a un accroissement marque de la population, culminant avec l'apport d'une nouvelle cohorte chaque mois, tout au long de l'ete. La croissance etait rapide (0,42 mm/mois-1) et etait affectee par les changements saisonniers de la temperature de l'eau.
Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on bone healing is still uncertain and it has not been established as a standardized treatment. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to evaluate the effect of PEMF on bone healing in patients with fracture. We searched CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, EMbase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Open Grey websites for randomized controlled trials (published before July 2019 in English or Chinese) comparing any form of PEMF to sham. Reference lists were also searched. Related data were extracted by two investigators independently. The bias risk of the articles and the evidence strength of the outcomes were evaluated. Twenty‐two studies were eligible and included in our analysis (n = 1,468 participants). The pooled results of 14 studies (n = 1,131 participants) demonstrated that healing rate in PEMF group was 79.7% (443/556), and that in the control group was 64.3% (370/575). PEMF increased healing rate (RR = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.35; I2 = 48%) by the Mantel–Haenszel analysis, relieved pain (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.49; 95% CI = −0.88 to −0.10; I2 = 60%) by the inverse variance analysis, and accelerated healing time (SMD = −1.01; 95% CI = −2.01 to −0.00; I2 = 90%) by the inverse variance analysis. Moderate quality evidence suggested that PEMF increased healing rate and relieved pain of fracture, and very low‐quality evidence showed that PEMF accelerated healing time. Larger and higher quality randomized controlled trials and pre‐clinical studies of optimal frequency, amplitude, and duration parameters are needed. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Energy Transfer Study on Tb3+/Eu3+ Co-Activated Sol-Gel Glass-Ceramic Materials Containing MF3 (M = Y, La) Nanocrystals for NUV Optoelectronic Devices

In the present work, the Tb3+/Eu3+ co-activated sol-gel glass-ceramic materials (GCs) containing MF3 (M = Y, La) nanocrystals were fabricated during controlled heat-treatment of silicate xerogels at 350 °C. The studies of Tb3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer process (ET) were performed by excitation and emission spectra along with luminescence decay analysis. The co-activated xerogels and GCs exhibit multicolor emission originated from 4fn–4fn optical transitions of Tb3+ (5D4 → 7FJ, J = 6–3) as well as Eu3+ ions (5D0 → 7FJ, J = 0–4). Based on recorded decay curves, it was found that there is a significant prolongation in luminescence lifetimes of the 5D4 (Tb3+) and the 5D0 (Eu3+) levels after the controlled heat-treatment of xerogels. Moreover, for both types of prepared GCs, an increase in ET efficiency was also observed (from ηET ≈ 16% for xerogels up to ηET = 37.3% for SiO2-YF3 GCs and ηET = 60.8% for SiO2-LaF3 GCs). The changes in photoluminescence behavior of rare-earth (RE3+) dopants clearly evidenced their partial segregation inside low-phonon energy fluoride environment. The obtained results suggest that prepared SiO2-MF3:Tb3+, Eu3+ GC materials could be considered for use as optical elements in RGB-lighting optoelectronic devices operating under near-ultraviolet (NUV) excitation.