Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial memory consolidation and the synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis

Everyday memories are retained automatically in the hippocampus and then decay very rapidly. Memory retention can be boosted when novel experiences occur shortly before or shortly after the time of memory encoding via a memory stabilization process called "initial memory consolidation. " The dopamine release and new protein synthesis in the hippocampus during a novel experience are crucial for this novelty‐induced memory boost. The mechanisms underlying initial memory consolidation are not well‐understood, but the synaptic tagging and capture (STC) hypothesis provides a conceptual basis of synaptic plasticity events occurring during initial memory consolidation. In this review, we provide an overview of the STC hypothesis and its relevance to dopaminergic signalling, in order to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying initial memory consolidation in the hippocampus. We summarize electrophysiological STC processes based on the evidence from two‐pathway experiments and a behavioural tagging hypothesis, which translates the STC hypothesis into a related behavioural hypothesis. We also discuss the function of two types of molecules, "synaptic tags" and "plasticity‐related proteins," which have a crucial role in the STC process and initial memory consolidation. We describe candidate molecules for the roles of synaptic tag and plasticity‐related proteins and interpret their candidacy based on evidence from two‐pathway experiments ex vivo, behavioural tagging experiments in vivo and recent cutting‐edge optical imaging experiments. Lastly, we discuss the direction of future studies to advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the STC process, which are critical for initial memory consolidation in the hippocampus.
Potential Future Use, Costs, and Value of Poliovirus Vaccines

Countries face different poliovirus risks, which imply different benefits associated with continued and future use of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and/or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). With the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) continuing to extend its timeline for ending the transmission of all wild polioviruses and to introduce new poliovirus vaccines, the polio vaccine supply chain continues to expand in complexity. The increased complexity leads to significant uncertainty about supply and costs. Notably, the strategy of phased OPV cessation of all three serotypes to stop all future incidence of poliomyelitis depends on successfully stopping the transmission of all wild polioviruses. Countries also face challenges associated with responding to any outbreaks that occur after OPV cessation, because stopping transmission of such outbreaks requires reintroducing the use of the stopped OPV in most countries. National immunization program leaders will likely consider differences in their risks and willingness‐to‐pay for risk reduction as they evaluate their investments in current and future polio vaccination. Information about the costs and benefits of future poliovirus vaccines, and discussion of the complex situation that currently exists, should prove useful to national, regional, and global decisionmakers and support health economic modeling. Delays in achieving polio eradication combined with increasing costs of poliovirus vaccines continue to increase financial risks for the GPEI.
Identity and Health-Risk Behaviour in Adolescence

The impact of group identity on adolescent tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use was examined through a postal survey. The study included adolescents who identified with 1 subgroup (n = 1425) as well as adolescents who identified with 2 (n = 895) or 3 (n = 339) subgroups. The results showed that identification with the pop, skate/hip-hop, techno, and hippie subgroups was associated with higher risks of substance use, while identification with the sporty, quiet, computer nerd, and religious subgroups was associated with lower risks. Perceived group norm mediated the group identity-substance use relationship. Furthermore, identification with multiple groups with corresponding norm increased norm-consistent substance use, while identification with multiple groups with opposing norms reduced normative behaviour. Implications for health promotion are discussed. 1 This chapter has been accepted for publication in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors as Verkooijen, K.T. de Vries, N.K. , & Nielsen, G.A. Youth crowds and substance use: the role of perceived group norm and multiple group identification. Parts of this chapter have also been presented at the 17 conference of the European Health Psychology Society in Kos, August 2004, at the 8 International Conference on Behavioural Medicine in Mainz, August 2004, and at the Nordic Alcohol and Drugs Conference in Kalmar, April 2004.
Landscape Analysis of Tiger Distribution and Habitat Quality in Nepal

Despite more than two decades of conservation efforts, only limited information is available on the metapopulation structure of the tiger (Panthera tigris). We report on the geographic distribution of tigers in Nepal in relation to habitat quality and describe an inventory and monitoring system that can be applied across the entire range of the species. Using information from previous studies, interviews with local people, and digital thematic mapper satellite data, we identified four populations of tigers; three occur primarily within the borders of Nepal, and a fourth is across the border in India. We estimate that there are 153 breeding tigers in these four populations. In the Chitwan population, 77% of breeding tigers live in three protected areas; the rest occupy national forests. Tigers in all four populations survive in isolated forest remnants of what was once a continuous subtropical forest zone lying south of the Himalayas. Within central Nepal the ratio of good‐ to poor‐quality tiger habitat ranged from 16% to 86% across seven forest districts. The four areas with the highest ratio of good‐quality habitat (>54%) supported breeding populations, one area with a marginal ratio of good‐quality habitat (46%) was used only occasionally, and the two areas with the lowest ratio of good‐quality habitat (<26%) were not used by tigers. We suggest that when the ratio of good to poor habitat drops below approximately 50%, tigers no longer breed; when it drops below 30%, tigers no longer occur in an area. Estimates of potential tiger habitat and data on habitat used by tigers demonstrate the need to expand current management beyond parks to encompass the entire land base supporting these fragmented populations so that small tiger populations can be managed as ecosystem or tiger management units rather than as portions of populations within protected areas.
Algal motility in variable turbulence

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Diet and microhabitat use by two Hylodinae species (Anura, Cycloramphidae) living in sympatry and syntopy in a Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest area

We analyzed the diet and microhabitat use for two Hylodinae anurans (Cycloramphidae), Hylodes phyllodes Heyer & Cocroft, 1986 and Crossodactylus gaudichaudii Dumeril & Bibron, 1841, living in sympatry at an Atlantic Rainforest area of Ilha Grande, in southeastern Brazil. The two species live syntopically at some rocky streams. The two species differed strongly in microhabitat use. Hylodes phyllodes occurred mainly on rocks, whereas C. gaudichaudii was observed mostly on the water. Regarding diet, coleopterans, hymenopterans (ants), and larvae were the most important prey item consumed by both species. Data suggest that microhabitat use appears to be an important parameter differentiating these frogs with respect to general resource utilization.
XRN2 Links RNA:DNA Hybrid Resolution to Double Strand Break Repair Pathway Choice

It was recently shown that the 5’ to 3’ exoribonuclease XRN2 is involved in the DNA damage response. Importantly, loss of XRN2 abrogates DNA double stranded break repair via the non-homologous end-joining pathway. However, the mechanistic details of how XRN2 functions in the non-homologous end-joining repair process are unknown. In this study, we elucidated that XRN2-mediated RNA:DNA hybrid resolution is required to allow Ku70 binding to DNA ends. These data suggest that XRN2 is required for the initiation of non-homologous end-joining repair. Interestingly, we uncovered a role for XRN2 in the homologous recombination repair pathway. Loss of XRN2 lead to a decrease in the repair of double strand breaks by homologous recombination. Strikingly, when we removed RNA:DNA hybrids by RNaseH1 over-expression, homologous recombination was not restored. We found RNA:DNA hybrid formation at and downstream of the DSB site, suggesting that unregulated transcription inhibits homologous recombination repair. In summary, our results indicate a relation between RNA:DNA hybrid resolution and double strand break repair pathway choice.
Comparative Lure Response, Dispersal, and Survival of Male Melon Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Wild and Genetic Sexing Strains in Hawaii

Abstract The Sterile Insect Technique is an important component of area-wide programs to control invading or established populations of pestiferous tephritids. The sterile insect technique involves the release of large numbers of mass-reared, sterilized males to achieve sterile male × wild female matings, which yield infertile eggs and thus suppress the pest population. The development of male-only strains (also termed genetic sexing strains) has resulted in more effective control of wild populations than standard bisexual releases. A genetic sexing strain based on sex-linked pupal color exists for Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), an important agricultural pest worldwide, but how this strain might perform in a sterile insect technique program has not been thoroughly investigated. As documented for several tephritid species, artificial selection imposed via mass-rearing, particularly over long periods, may have negative effects on various biological parameters of the released flies, including flight ability and dispersion, life span, and mating competitiveness. The goal of the present study was to compare lure responsiveness, dispersal, and survival between males from genetic sexing strains and wild strains of Z. cucurbitae. Our results indicate that males of the 2 strains differed significantly in dispersal ability, but not in lure attraction or survival ability. The potential usefulness of the genetic sexing strains in sterile insect technique programs for control of Z. cucurbitae is assessed based on these findings.
Lady Beetle Oviposition Site Choices: Maternal Effects on Offspring Performance

Abstract Maternal effects can result in adaptive phenotypic responses of offspring that increase their fitness. Several recent studies report a positive relationship between maternal choices and offspring fitness. However, few studies have assessed the associations between aphidophagous lady beetle oviposition site selection, the adequacy of food resources for their offspring, and offspring performance. To clarify these issues, we explored whether aphidophagous lady beetle oviposition site selection can influence offspring performance, thereby reflecting adaptive maternal behavior. To assess the effect of food resources on offspring performance, we fed the larvae of 3 lady beetle species: Cycloneda sanguinea (L.), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), and Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (all Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), with different types of aphids (Uroleucon and Brevicoryne) (both Hemiptera: Aphididae) then measured development time, survival, adult body mass, brightness, and chromatic coloration of the adult beetles. We found that Ha. axyridis larvae fed Brevicoryne exhibited a higher survival rate than those fed Uroleucon. Also more adults emerged from C. sanguinea larvae fed Uroleucon aphids, and these adults were heavier, shinier, with more chroma, and developed faster than those fed on Brevicoryne. Overall, lady beetles performed better when fed aphids commonly found near their respective oviposition sites. We conclude that aphidophagous lady beetle oviposition site selection reflects adaptive maternal choices associated with an adequate food resource positively affecting offspring fitness. Elucidating the links between lady beetle oviposition site choice and optimal resource for their offspring enhances our understanding of habitat use and co-existence of aphidophagous lady beetle communities in Brazilian agroecosystems.
The effect of lactose and inulin on intestinal morphology, selected microbial populations and volatile fatty acid concentrations in the gastro-intestinal tract of the weanling pig

Twenty piglets (21 days, 7·8 kg live weight (LW)) were used in a 2×2 factorial to investigate interactions between lactose and inulin on intestinal morphology, microbiology and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of the weanling pig. The piglets were offered the following diets for 6 days and then sacrificed: (T1) 150 g/kg lactose, (T2) 150 g/kg lactose +15 g/kg inulin, ( T3) 330 g/kg lactose, and ( T4) 330 g/kg lactose +15 g/kg inulin. Tissue samples were taken from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum for morphological measurements. Digesta samples were taken from the ileum, caecum and colon. There was an interaction ( P P 2 =0·45) and the jejunum ( P 2 =0·25). The inclusion of 330 g/kg lactose increased ( P P P
Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Predacious Dolichopodidae (Insecta: Diptera) on Organic Vegetable Fields and Adjacent Habitats in Brazil

Abstract Adults of the fly family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) are general predators on small soft-bodied invertebrates, and often are abundant in agroecosystems. However, information about their diversity and spatial distribution in agricultural landscapes are scarce. Using structured sampling, we identified the species of Dolichopodidae associated with organic vegetable crops, fallow, agroforestry, and native vegetation in the Federal District of Brazil, and evaluate their richness and abundance. We collected 70 species Dolichopodidae distributed in 17 genera and 9 subfamilies. Of these, some 80% of the specimens belong to the following 5 taxa: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “caudatus group” females, and Condylostylus erectus Becker (all Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Habitats with vegetable crops harbored a higher abundance and number of species (diversity α), with a gradual reduction towards more forested environments of native vegetation. This is an inverse gradient with the general patterns of community studies with other taxa. We also verified the importance of less disturbed habitats over time in the agricultural landscape, such as agroforestry and native vegetation, as complementary habitats for the maintenance and conservation of dolichopodid species in particular, a scenario to be tested for other insect groups.
Rootstock Effects on Leaf Photosynthesis in 'Navelina' Trees Grown in Calcareous Soil

Citrus crops in the Mediterranean region are often grown in high pH calcareous soils, which promote nutrient imbalances, especially iron deficiency. 'Navelina' trees grafted on eight different citrus rootstocks were assessed in terms of their relative tolerance to these soils. To do so, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were measured for 2 consecutive years in leaves without visible injury symptoms. Trees were grown on the rootstocks Carrizo citrange, hybrids of Cleopatra mandarin ·Poncirustrifoliata no. 5 (F-A 5), 13 (F-A 13), and 16 (030116), Troyer citrange · common mandarin no. 18 (F-A 418), King mandarin · P. trifoliata no. 7 (F-A 517), 020324 (Troyer citrange · Cleopatra mandarin), and Volkamer lemon · P. trifoliata no. 64 (230164). gS and transpiration rate were clearly lower in leaves of shoots grafted on Carrizo citrange than in those on the other rootstocks assayed, but net photosynthetic flux did not differ. However, leaves of shoots on Carrizo citrange displayed a decline in their maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (variable fluorescence/maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) ratio) and other chlorophyll parameters in the steady state such as photochemical quenching (qP) and the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (FPSII) as well as an increase in nonphotochemical quenching (qN). Other rootstocks such as 030116, F-A 517 and, especially, F-A 5 showed the highest FPSII and Fv/Fm values, whereas F-A 5 had the lowest qN in the steady state. The photosynthetic characteristics observed in leaves on Carrizo citrange showed them to be the least tolerant to these calcareous conditions, whereas photosynthesis of 'Navelina' trees budded on F-A 5 were the most tolerant.
Development Changes in Fine Structure of Starches of Several Endosperm Mutants of Maize

Distribution of components of maize starches from several endosperm mutants sampled at three stages of development were investigated by gel filtration after debranching by isoamylase. The waxy (wx) starches consisted of only amylopectin, and the distribution of components did not change during development. In other starches: normal, amylose-extender (ae), dull (du), sugary-1 (su1) and sugary-2 (su2) starches, amylose contents increased during the 20–35 days after pollination (DAP) period of development. The ae, du, su1 and su2 mutants produced high-amylose starches, while amylopectin of su2 was normal type and those of ae, du and su1 were novel type, and ae starches possessed longer average chain-lengths of amylopectin. Phytoglycogens were prepared from su1 kernels during development and their characteristics were compared with those of su1 starches. The characteristics of phytoglycogens did not change during the developmental phase studied and the average chain-lengths of phytoglycogens were shorter than those of amylopectin of su1 starches at each stage of development. Entwicklungsbedingte Anderungen der Feinstruktur von Starken verschiedener Endospermmutanten von Mais. Die Verteilung der Maisstarkekomponenten verschiedener Endospermmutanten bei Probenahme in drei Entwicklungsstufen wurde nach Entzweigung durch Isoamylase mittels Gelfiltration untersucht. Die wachsigen (wx) Starken bestanden nur aus Amylopektin, und die Verteilung der Komponenten anderte sich wahrend der Entwicklung nicht. In anderen Starken (normale, amylosereiche (ae), trube (du), zuckerige-1 (su1) und zuckerige-2 (su2) Starken) erhohten sich die Amylosegehalte wahrend der 20–35 Tage dauernden Entwicklung. Die ae-, du-, su1- und su2-Mutanten erzeugten amylosereiche Starken. Demgegenuber war das Amylopektin von su2 normal und das von ae, du und su1 neuartig; ae-Starken zeigten im Amylopektin grosere mittlere Kettenlangen. Aus su1-Kornern wurden wahrend der Entwicklung Phytoglykogene gewonnen und mit denen der su1-Starken verglichen. Die Eigenschaften der Phytoglykogene veranderten sich wahrend der untersuchten Entwicklungsphase nicht, und die mittleren Kettenlangen der Phytoglykogene waren in jeder Entwicklungsstufe geringer als die des Amylopektins von su1-Starken.
Stimulation of glycolysis promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation after injury in adult zebrafish

Cardiac metabolism plays a crucial role in producing sufficient energy to sustain cardiac function. However, the role of metabolism in different aspects of cardiomyocyte regeneration remains unclear. Working with the adult zebrafish heart regeneration model, we first find an increase in the levels of mRNAs encoding enzymes regulating glucose and pyruvate metabolism, including pyruvate kinase M1/2 (Pkm) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (Pdks), especially in tissues bordering the damaged area. We further find that impaired glycolysis decreases the number of proliferating cardiomyocytes following injury. These observations are supported by analyses using loss‐of‐function models for the metabolic regulators Pkma2 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha. Cardiomyocyte‐specific loss‐ and gain‐of‐function manipulations of pyruvate metabolism using Pdk3 as well as a catalytic subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) reveal its importance in cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation after injury. Furthermore, we find that PDK activity can modulate cell cycle progression and protrusive activity in mammalian cardiomyocytes in culture. Our findings reveal new roles for cardiac metabolism and the PDK‐PDC axis in cardiomyocyte behavior following cardiac injury.
The vulnerable Osprey breeding population of the Al Hoceima National Park, Morocco: present status and threats

In the Mediterranean, most areas belonging to the initial distribution range of the Osprey Pandion haliaetus have been lost and local populations have disappeared in recent decades because of persecution. Even though direct management actions have allowed local partial recovery, the Mediterranean population currently only holds a few tens of breeding pairs and is still exposed to local extinction risks. One of the last Mediterranean Osprey breeding areas lies along the North African coast between Morocco and Algeria. In this paper, we report new information on the Osprey population within the Al Hoceima National Park, Morocco. The status of the population for 2012 and 2013 is reported and compared with data collected during the period 1983–1990. A reduction in number of nests and breeding pairs was observed and a 35.7% decrease in the population size recorded. In addition, we discuss the main identified threats to Osprey habitats (e.g. dynamite and poison fishing) that affect the Osprey breeding population in this area. In this context, we stress the necessity for urgent measures to be adopted at the local scale for the protection of this vulnerable population in the light of a sound conservation strategy also at the scale of the Mediterranean.
Perturbational Method for Modeling Electromagnetic Propagation Through Non-axisymmetric Geophysical Formations

This work presents new a technique for modeling electromagnetic sensors used in well prospecting. These sensors are usually immersed in complex (asymmetric, inhomogeneous, and dissipative) geophysical formations, resulting in a challenging problem for traditional computation electromagnetic techniques. We analyzed this propagation problem by using a perturbational method based on the Born approximation for solving a Fredholm integral equation. Numerical results are presented for evidencing the effects of non-symmetric geophysical formations in the response of electromagnetic well-logging tools.
Reproductive Behavior and Spawning Microhabitat of the Flagfin Shiner Pteronotropis signipinnis

Abstract The reproductive behavior and spawning microhabitat of the flagfin shiner, Pteronotropis signipinnis, was described from aquarium observations, instream observations and microhabitat specific seining collections. Based upon aquarium observations, P. signipinnis is a broadcaster and exhibits a spawning clasp. Although spawning was never observed in nature, a high frequency of spawning related behavioral acts was observed in shallow, densely vegetated habitats (“vegetated riffles”). The spatial distribution of males and females with gonads in advanced stages of development was additional indirect evidence that vegetated riffles were an important microhabitat for reproduction. The physical characteristics of vegetated riffles may enhance the males' ability to clasp females, increase the survival of eggs and provide refuge from predation for spawning adults. Behavior related to foraging was frequently observed in “vegetated runs”, indicating that P. signipinnis relies upon different habitat types to complete its life cycle and meet its resource needs.