Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First record of larvae of Allograpta exotica Wiedemann (Diptera, Syrphidae) preying on Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in watermelon in Brazil

First record of larvae of Allograpta exotica Wiedemann (Diptera, Syrphidae) preying on Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in watermelon in Brazil. Brazil is one of the largest world producers of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb. Mansf.) and Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera, Aphididae) is among the most important pest on this crop. Larvae of Allograpta exotica Wiedemann, 1830 (Diptera, Syrphidae) were found preying on A. gossypii in watermelon crop, in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, what represents the first report of this tritrophic association in Brazil.
Photoperiod, diapause and cold-hardiness

Great progress has recently been made in cryobiology. One field, however, has been neglected: the temporal sequence of the effects of photoperiod and temperature, and their relative importance in cold hardening. This is relevant to the question of impor- tance of diapause in cold-hardiness. Denlinger (1991) outlined the categories of such relations and stressed a great need for further detailed research. A survey of studies done over the past decade revealed many gaps in the evidence and the ambiguous nature of the data on the photoperiodic regulation of cold-hardiness. We hope that this review will stimulate further research in this field. Among several directions where research is most needed we have stressed (1) simultaneous recording of changes in survival and dynamics of suspected cryoprotectants (stressed also by Danks, 1996), (2) checking the regulation of different phases of cold hardening, and (3) discrimination between direct and indirect (mediated via neuroendocrine system) effects of environmental cues on cold harden- ing.
The Swinging Self: The Costs of Shifting Between Self-Images in Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: We investigated the ability of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to shift between different self-images. Methods: We developed an original task (shifting-self task) in which we invited 28 patients with AD and 30 control participants to generate “who am I” statements that describe 2 alternative self-images (ie, physical-self vs psychological-self). In a control task, participants had to generate 2 blocks of “who am I” statements (ie, physical-self block and psychological-self block). Results: Analyses showed longer completion time in both the shifting-self and control task in patients with AD than in control participants. Completion time on the shifting-self task was longer than that on the control task in patients with AD, suggesting a shifting cost in AD. Conclusion: We propose that one feature of the diminished sense of self in AD is the difficulty of patients to shift between different alternating self-images.
Phytochemical Constituents of Vangueria Infausta: Their Radical Scavenging and Antimicrobial Activities

A new biflavonoid, 5,7,3',5'',7'',4'''-hexahydroxy (4'-O-3''')-biflavone (1) and a polyketide derivative, methylcylohex-1-ene (3) (previously reported only as a synthetic compound) were isolated from aerial parts of Vangueria infausta. In addition, eight other known flavonoids viz. (-)-epicatechin, epiafzelechin, dihydrokaempferol, quercetin, luteolin (2), dihydroquercetin-3'-O- glucoside, daidzein and genistein were also isolated from this plant. Structures were identified using 1D- and 2D NMR experiments as well as ESI-MS, IR and UV spectra. The new biflavonoid 1 showed higher radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent compared to ascorbic acid (standard) using a spectrophotometric method. Compound 1 was less sensitive to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and yeast (Candida mycoderma) compared to luteolin and quercetin on the Bioautographic Agar Overlay Assay.
Diversity of grain mold fungi on selected soghum genotypes

To determine the diversity in mould fungi on sorghum genotypes both under field and laboratory conditions, 14 genotypes including six inbreds, one released hybrid and seven cultivars of varying grain mould resistance were selected and grown in Andhra Pradesh, India, in 2001. Under field conditions, the overall grain mould severity varied from 1.9 (IS 23599) to 9.0 (Bulk Y and SPV 104). The mould complex consisted of Alternaria, Curvularia, Fusarium and Phoma species, of which, Curvularia lunata [Cochliobolus lunatus] appeared as the most severe (severity up to 7.5) and Fusarium as the least severe (severity up to 2.0). Genotypes IS 8545, IS 14332, IS 14384 and IS 23599 were highly resistant (mean severity≤2.0), and C43, Sepon/79-26 and AKMS 14 B were resistant (mean severity 2.8-3.9). All these exhibited late flowering (74-79 days to 50% flowering, DTFPF) except IS 8545 (58 DTFPF) compared to the highly susceptible genotypes Bulk Y 51 and SPV 104 (51 and 73 DTFPF, respectively). Under laboratory conditions, the overall mean grain infection ranged from 20% (IS 23599) to 97% (Swarna). A. alternata was the most predominant (>10% grain infection in 11 genotypes) and the least was Phoma sorghina on only 5 genotypes. IS 23599 and IS 14332 were resistant (≤10% infection) to all 6 fungi. Diversity in fungal species causing grain mould was detected in field and plating tests. In the visual examination, four fungal genera had varying severity. Among these, C. lunata was predominant. F. moniliforme [Gibberella fujikuroi] was better detected in the plating tests than in the field. Late maturing IS 23599, IS 14332, IS 14384 and C43 exhibited high resistance under favourable weather conditions in the field and plating tests
Phylogenetic relationships among several African Cucumis species

Cotyledons of seven African species within Cucumis, subgenus Melo, subgroup Myriocarpus (4x C. aculeatus, C. anguria var. anguria Meeuse, C. dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach, C. ficifolius A. Rich, C. myriocarpus ssp. leptodermis Schweik., C. prophetarum, and 2x and 4x C. zeyheri Sond.), and 2x C. sativus L. of subgenus Cucumis were surveyed using horizontal starch gel protein electrophoresis to characterize interspecific and intraspecific variation. Cluster and classification and regression tree analysis of allelic frequencies among 14 polymorphic loci indicated that C. myriocarpus ssp. leptodermis, C. prophetarum ssp. dissectus, C. ficifolius, C. anguria var. anguria, and 2x and 4x C. zeyheri have biochemical affinities and could be distinguished from C. aculeatus and C. dipsaceus, which were similar. Within the first group, C. myriocarpus ssp. leptodermis and C. prophetarum ssp. dissectus accession formed a well-defined group. Cucumis prophetarum ssp. dissectus was more similar to C. myriocarpus ssp. leptode.
Effect of Self-Controlled and Regulated Feedback on Motor Skill Performance and Learning: A Meta-Analytic Study

Abstract The purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to assess the effectiveness of self-controlled (SC) and regulated (R) feedback on motor skill performance (MSP). Random effects model using the standardized mean difference effect size (ES) was used to pool results. A total of 86 ES, retrieved from 18 studies, were calculated and separated into three types of feedback: SC, R, and yoked group (YG). In acquisition phase, SC (ES = 1.872; CI95% = 1.014, 2.730), R (ES = 0.852; CI95% = 0.614, 1.090), and YG (ES = 1.492; CI95% = 0.266, 2.718) significantly improved MSP. In retention phase, SC and YG had a nonsignificant decrease in MSP, R (ES = –0.819; CI95% = –1.207, –0.430) significantly decrease MSP. Several factors were analyzed as moderator variables. Results suggest that SC feedback enhances learning.
Identification and characterisation of dwarf off-types from micropropagated Cavendish bananas

Dwarf off-types are the most common off-type encountered in micropropagated Cavendish bananas, easily accounting for over 75% of the micropropagation-induced variation. They can not be detected reliably in vitro on the basis of morphological characteristics, but recent work with biochemical and molecular detection methods offers new scope for their early identification. The results of these studies are reviewed. The identification and characterisation of dwarf off-types not only provides a method for their detection and removal during commercial micropropagation, but also provides a tool in which the factors causing micropropagation-induced variation can be identified and controlled.
Glucose uptake to guard cells via STP transporters provides carbon sources for stomatal opening and plant growth

Guard cells on the leaf epidermis regulate stomatal opening for gas exchange between plants and the atmosphere, allowing a balance between photosynthesis and transpiration. Given that guard cells possess several characteristics of sink tissues, their metabolic activities should largely depend on mesophyll‐derived sugars. Early biochemical studies revealed sugar uptake into guard cells. However, the transporters that are involved and their relative contribution to guard cell function are not yet known. Here, we identified the monosaccharide/proton symporters Sugar Transport Protein 1 and 4 (STP1 and STP4) as the major plasma membrane hexose sugar transporters in the guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that their combined action is required for glucose import to guard cells, providing carbon sources for starch accumulation and light‐induced stomatal opening that are essential for plant growth. These findings highlight mesophyll‐derived glucose as an important metabolite connecting stomatal movements with photosynthesis.
Parasitic cowbirds may defeat host defense by causing rejecters to misimprint on cowbird eggs

Experiments suggest that some hosts that reject parasitic brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) eggs develop egg recognition by imprinting on their own eggs, probably at the first nest naive birds attend. This raises the possibility that parasitism of naive individuals might cause them to mistakenly misimprint on, and accept, cowbird eggs. In an egg-learning experiment designed to cause misimprinting, hosts accepted cowbird eggs when they had laid only 1 egg even though most rejected cowbird eggs when nests had ≥2 host eggs. These findings show that cowbirds can cause misimprinting by parasitizing naive hosts. If done opportunistically, misimprinting should become more likely as cowbird abundance increases. In accord with this expectation, simulated brood parasitism showed that 3 host species that usually reject cowbird eggs were more tolerant of cowbird eggs in the Great Plains, where cowbirds reach maximal historic abundance, than in eastern North America where cowbirds are less common. This relation between parasite abundance and host responses is opposite to that found in cuckoo hosts. In addition, these 3 rejecter species had high rates (10.8--30.4%) of natural cowbird parasitism at an Illinois site where cowbirds are extremely, and historically, abundant. These rejecters accepted most cases of researcher-detected parasitism, even though they rarely accept where cowbirds are less common. Despite the potentially high cost resulting from egg rejection, we demonstrate that parasitism of "rejecters" can be adaptive for cowbirds particularly when host egg recognition involves learning. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Bacterial Levels in the Muscle of Post-Harvested Shrimp

Bacterial levels in shrimp muscle during harvest were determined for shrimps from four ponds. The shrimps were sampled immediately after harvest to obtain initial bacterial levels, then sampled again 30 minutes after an ice bath and once more during sorting. Bacterial levels for the total number of Vib1'io sp. and the total number of Aeromonas sp. were calculated and varied between 1.0 x 103 and 1.4 x 105 CFU/g. After sorting for size, the shrimps were dipped in chlorinated ice water (10 ppm) for a few seconds and washed with clean ice water before being stored in ice (2-5°C) for transport to the processing plant. The shrimps were sampled again after being dipped in chlorinated water at 0, 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hrs. The bacterial levels in the muscle decreased over time in shrimps from all four ponds and no bacteria were detected 24 hrs after the shrimps were dipped in chlorinated ice water.
Testing the surveys and visual and track censuses of Eurasian otters ( Lutra lutra )

At the end of the 1970s otter surveys were developed to study the distribution of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra . The method was quickly adopted and expanded to include other species of otter. Different methods to estimate otter density were also used. There is some uncertainty, however, as to the significance and precision of the results. Otter surveys, radio-tracking studies and otter censuses (tracks and visual) were conducted in the same areas simultaneously. Comparison of the home ranges of otters tagged with transmitters with the results from otter surveys carried out in the same areas showed very similar otter distribution. Some 71% of those sites examined in which only one otter lived were positive, and 97% of those sites with two or more otters. Differences were found between different watercourses. In small or average sites with waterways, one single otter was capable of marking many kilometres so that it could be detected in most of the conventional 600 m sites (here 71% of sites). The data obtained by radio-tracking showed that almost all otters can be seen by experienced observers, confirming the validity of visual censuses. A high correlation was found between the number of otters seen during visual censuses and the number of otters detected by means of the length of their footprints. Using new and old tracks (2-days-old or more) the number of otters was overestimated.
Spotted hyenas ( Crocuta crocuta ) follow migratory prey. Seasonal expansion of a clan territory in Etosha, Namibia

The spatial organization of one clan of spotted hyenas Crocuta crocuta in the centre of the Etosha National Park, Namibia, is described during the dry and the wet seasons. The clan comprised 11 adults and sub-adults and occupied a territory of 160 km2 in the dry season and 320 km2 in the wet season. The dry season territory contained a low density (one animal/km2) of resident herbivores, such as gemsbok Oryx gazella, kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros, giraffe Giraffa camelopardis, steenbok Raphicerus campestris and ostrich Struthio camelus, and a higher density of migratory species (12 animals/km2), principally springbok Antidorcas marsupialis, zebra Equus burchelli and wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus. These migratory species were the main prey of clan members. At the start of the wet season, the migratory herbivores migrated to the north-west, resulting in a considerable decline in the density of prey in the area used by clan members during the dry season. In response to this decline in prey, clan members followed the migratory herds and shifted the focus of their activities to an area grazed by migratory herbivores during the wet season. There existed a strong spatial relationship between the hyena density and the migratory prey density in both the dry and wet season. We postulate that the considerable enlargement of the clan territory in the wet season is a response to both the migratory movements of prey and an increase in the dispersion of prey during the wet season.
The Distinct Traits of the UNC13A Polymorphism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The rs12608932 single nucleotide polymorphism in UNC13A is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) susceptibility, and may underlie differences in treatment response. We aimed to characterize the clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and neuroimaging phenotype of UNC13A in patients with ALS.
A New Genus for ‘Testudo’ Gigas, the Largest European Paleogene Testudinid

ABSTRACT A new genus, Taraschelon, is proposed here for the largest tortoise known in the European Paleogene record. Its type and only known species, ‘Testudo’ gigas, was described in the first half of the 19th century. It comes from the French locality of Bournoncle-Saint-Pierre, in Auvergne (Haute-Loire). Extremely limited and partially incorrect information about this species has hitherto been available. Detailed study confirms the validity of this species and for the first time allows for a diagnosis. Taraschelon is the first genus of tortoise identified in the European Oligocene record, and one of the few genera known from the Paleogene of this continent. Comparison of Taraschelon with other primitive European forms shows an important diversity of Testudinidae in the Paleogene of this continent.
Effect of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare) on the Liver of Diabetic Rats: Histological and Biochemical Study

Background: Type II diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes. Barley is a wonderful cereal grain. It is considered as a rich source of antioxidant and magnesium. Magnesium acts as a co-factor for enzymes involved in the glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Aim of the Work: Is to investigate effect of barley on the structural and biochemical changes of the liver induced by diabetes. Material and Methods: Thirty male albino rats, aged 18 months old, were divided into three groups. Group I (control group) that was fed balanced standard diet for eight weeks. Group II (positive control, barley fed group) that fed barley containing diet for four weeks. Group III (diabetic group) in which diabetes was induced by feeding the rats with high fat diet (fat constitutes 40% of its weight) for four weeks then it was subdivided into two subgroups. Subgroupl (untreated diabetic group) that was fed balanced standard diet for another four weeks. SubgroupII (barley treated diabetic group) that was fed barley containing diet for another four weeks. Results: In untreated diabetic group, there was a significant increase in the serum fructosamine and insulin, insulin resistance and serum aspartate amino transferase AST and significant decrease in the liver glycogen. Light and electron microscopic examination of the liver of diabetic rats revealed a profound histological changes in the form of many vacuoles, ill defined rough endoplasmic reticurum r.ER and dilatation in their cisternae and swollen mitochondria with rarified matrix and loss of its cristae. These structural damage of the liver was associated with a significant increase of hepatic content of oxidative stress markers and a significant decrease in the hepatic activity of markers of antioxidant activitiy. Barley consumption could reverse most of these histological and biochemical changes in the liver of the diabetic group owing to its hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect. Conclusion: It was suggested that barley had a significant protective effect on the diabetic liver.
Studies on seasonal activity and control of fruit flies (Dacus spp.) on mango (Mangifera indica L.) at Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Suhail, A. , M.Razaq and M. S. Yazadni. 2000. Studies on Seasonal Activity and Control of Fruit Flies (Dacus spp.) on Mango (Mangifera indica L.) at Faisalabad, Pakistan. Arab J. Pl. Prot. 18: 121-123. Studies were conducted to investigate efficacy of insecticidal application and pheromone traps against fruit flies on mango. Experiments were laid out in the orchards of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Orchards were treated with Diptrex 80 SP (trichlorophon) from May to August, (1997), once a month, along with 2, 4, and 6 pheromone traps/ha. It was found that 4 pheromone traps were best for controlling fruit flies with minimum damage of 1.5% and 4.15% in July and August respectively. The investigations on seasonal activity showed that population of Dacus zonatus (Saunders) was higher than Dacus dorsalis (Hendel) through out the activity season 1997. Maximum population of males of Dacus spp. was observed in first week of July. Fourteen days interval application was found to be more effective than monthly applications.
Motivated suppression of value- and threat-modulated attentional capture.

Attention prioritizes stimuli previously associated with reward or punishment. The present study examined whether this attentional bias, widely considered to be involuntary and automatic, could be suppressed with sufficient motivation. Participants performed visual search for a shape-defined target. One color-singleton distractor predicted the possibility of receiving a reward and another an electric shock, with each outcome occurring infrequently. Participants were informed that the likelihood to earn a reward or avert punishment depended on fast and accurate performance, thus providing strong motivation to resist distraction by reward- and shock-related stimuli. Results revealed a reduction in the magnitude of attentional capture by reward- and threat-associated distractors, relative to neutral distractors, that persisted into extinction. In a second experiment, we replicated the suppression of value-modulated attentional capture in the absence of the shock condition, thus confirming that the suppression did not result from the presence of threat. Finally, in a third experiment, we replicated the typical pattern of attentional capture by reward cues using a more conventional procedure in which the motivation to suppress valent stimuli was low (the likelihood to be rewarded was high and not contingent on fast performance). This study demonstrates that signals for reward and threat can be actively suppressed with sufficient motivation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
New Collections of Freshwater Red Algae (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from Historically Important Areas in France

Abstract An interest in freshwater red algae began in France over 200 years ago with naturalists, such as Bory de St. Vincent and Sirodot, who described numerous new taxa primarily within the Batrachospermales. Since the late 1800s, there has been limited research on these organisms in France. The present work was undertaken to revisit regions historically known to have a diversity of Batrachospermales. Overall, nine taxa were identified from 22 streams. Nine specimens representing six species were collected from eight streams near Rennes. From the Dax region, 16 specimens of six species were collected from 12 streams. Two streams were sampled near Vernon yielding two species. The rbcL gene was sequenced for all specimens and phylogenetically analyzed. Sequence data revealed that the Batrachospermales were broadly represented by the nine taxa collected. For most taxa, sequence data are available from other parts of the world, but these are the first for Batrachospermum vogesiacum. Although there have been changes in land use, such as road construction, many taxa documented by the pre 20th century French naturalists are still present in the flora today.