Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Catalytic properties of an endogenous β-lactamase responsible for the resistance of Azospirillum lipoferum to β-lactam antibiotics

Azospirillum lipoferum RG20, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in all kind of soils, was found to be naturally resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. 6-β-Bromopenicillanic acid, an irreversible inhibitor of serine-β-lactamases, completely abolished this resistance. A β-lactamase was purified 518-fold from a cell-free extract of A. lipoferum RG20. A single band on SDS-PAGE (apparent molecular mass 31 000 Da) and on isoelectric focussing (pI9·35) was observed with the purified protein. The enzyme hydrolysed benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin and cephaloridine with comparable k cat values and catalytic efficiencies. However, carbenicillin and cefotaxime were hydrolysed with significantly lower kinetic parameters and oxacillin was hydrolysed at a rate 100 times slower. The purified β-lactamase was inhibited by clavulanic acid and sulbactam but not by EDTA or aztreonam. Its substrate and inhibitor profiles are consistent with those of the broad-spectrum β-lactamases inhibited by clavulanic acid (group 2b of the Bush–Jacoby–Medeiros scheme). The effect of pH on k cat and K m values for benzylpenicillin hydrolysis was studied. The dependence of k cat on pH suggests that the enzyme–substrate (ES) complex must be in at least three protonation states: two with k cat values equal to 2800 and 1450 s−1 and a third inactive one [pK 1(ES) 4·7 and pK 2(ES) 7·9]. Similarly, the dependence of k cat/K m on pH can be explained by postulating that the enzyme free form can be at least in three different protonation states: two of them with k cat/K m values equal to 2·7×106 and 3·7×108 M−1 s−1 and a third one unable to productively bind substrate. Interestingly, the dependence of k cat/K m on pH is consistent with positive cooperativity for proton binding to the enzyme free form [pK 1(E) 8·5 and pK 2(E) 7·2].
Yield Reduction Caused by Twospotted Spider Mite Feeding in an Advanced-cycle Strawberry Breeding Population

Forty-eight strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne) or (Fragaria L. sp.) genotypes from the University of California advanced-cycle breeding population were evaluated over 7 years for susceptibility to and tolerance of infestation by two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). In pairwise tests, 23 photoperiodically short-day genotypes were compared with the short-day cultivar Chandler, and 23 day-neutral genotypes to the day-neutral cultivar Selva. Feeding by T. urticae resulted in substantial yield reductions regardless of genotype. Yield reduction from feeding by T. urticae averaged 29.9% for short-day and 23% for day-neutral genotypes. Calculation of variance components for day-neutral genotypes determined that none of the variation in yield was explained by the interaction of genotype and T. urticae infestation, whereas 24.4% of the variation in yield for short-day genotypes was explained by the interaction of genotype and T. urticae infestation. Under current strawberry production practices in California there appears to be little potential for breeding direct resistance to T. urticae for day-neutral genotypes. However, some gains in breeding direct T. urticae resistance may be achieved within short-day genotypes. Phenotypic path-coefficient analysis for direct and indirect effects, and simple correlation coefficients of T. urticae feeding determined there were substantial differences between short-day and day-neutral genotypes in their yield responses to T. urticae feeding. For short-day genotypes, the greatest direct effect on yield resulted from T. urticae feeding in June. For day-neutral genotypes, the greatest direct effects resulted from T. urticae feeding in April and May and were probably due to the day-neutral genotype's more complex flowering responses. Several high-yielding cultivars have been developed and released over the 7 years of this study. It appears the new cultivars that were bred for current cultural practices exhibited a consistent plant response for greater yield both in the presence and absence of T. urticae feeding.
Chemical stratification in thermally stratified lakes: A chloride mass balance model

In thermally stratified lakes, nutrient‐enriched hypolimnion and a nutrient‐depleted epilimnion is a common feature. Vertical mixing between these layers affects geochemical and biological processes. We used chloride ion as an inert tracer to model the main factors controlling the chemical stratification and to identify lake‐wide mixing processes. The stratified lake is treated as two completely mixed reservoirs separated by the thermocline. Based on the long‐term records of temperature, hydrochemical, and hydrological data from Lake Kinneret (Israel) and Lake Biwa (Japan), monthly hypolimnetic and epilimnetic chloride concentrations were predicted and tested against measured chloride concentration profiles. Water‐volume exchange between the layers during the thermocline deepening was calculated using mass balance. We found that changes in the epilimnetic and hypolimnetic inventories of an inert tracer (chloride) correspond quantitatively to the calculated water mass exchange, and as such, reflect mixing. Our inert‐tracer‐approach provides a basis for an operational means of quantifying the vertical mixing process in thermally stratified lakes independently from the heat budget.
Burrknots as Food Source for Larval Development of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Apple Trees

ABSTRACT Grapholita molesta (Busck) is one of the main pests of apple trees, and lives on their shoots and fruits. In southern Brazil, the insect is also found on old branches and structures similar to aerial roots, so-called burrknots. This study evaluated the development and population growth potential of G. molesta fed on burrknots, compared with apple fruit cultivar. Fuji and a corn-based artificial diet. The study was carried out in the laboratory under controlled temperature (25 ± 1°C), relative humidity (70 ± 10%), and photophase (16 h). The biological parameters of the immature and adult stages were determined, and a fertility life table was constructed. Insects fed on burrknots showed a longer duration and a lower survival for the egg-to-adult period (29.3 d and 22.5%) compared with those that fed on apples (25.1 d and 30.0%) and artificial diet (23.9 d and 54.8%). Insects reared on aerial roots had a lower pupal weight (10.0 mg) compared with those reared on either artificial diet (13.7 mg) or apple cultivar. Fuji (12.4 mg). The fecundity and longevity of males and females did not significantly differ for the three foods. Based on the fertility life table, insects reared on burrknots had the lowest net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of population growth (rm ) and finite rate of increase (&lgr;), compared with insects reared on artificial diet and apple fruit. Burrknots support the development of the complete cycle of G. molesta, which allows populations of this pest to increase in orchards.
Resolution Enhancement of Satellite Image Using DCT and DWT

In today’s world, satellite images are essential for many applications such as defense monitoring, geosciences studies, medical and geographical information. The main drawback of these images is change in their resolution due to the instrument used and the height of the satellites orbits used to capture the images. It is necessary to modify the resolution of images so that modified images are better than original images. Image resolution enhancement is one of the major applications in image processing. This application preserves edges of satellite images . Various domains such as spatial and transform domains are used to enhance the satellite images. Transform domain method provides the better quality image as compared to spatial domain method. Different transform methods are implemented such as Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Discrete wavelet Transform (DWT) for resolution enhancement of satellite images. In this paper we have carried out image resolution enhancement using DCT and DWT. The resultant images are compared in terms of Peak-Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), TIME and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) to determine superior method. We conclude that DWT provide the better quality image as compared to DCT as DWT preserves high frequency components.
The Relationship Between Personality Traits, Psychopathological Symptoms, and Problematic Internet Use: A Complex Mediation Model

Background There are many empirical studies that demonstrate the associations between problematic internet use, psychopathological symptoms, and personality traits. However, complex models are scarce. Objective The aim of this study was to build and test a mediation model based on problematic internet use, psychopathological symptoms, and personality traits. Methods Data were collected from a medical addiction center (43 internet addicts) and internet cafés (222 customers) in Beijing (mean age 22.45, SD 4.96 years; 239/265, 90.2% males). Path analysis was applied to test the mediation models using structural equation modeling. Results Based on the preliminary analyses (correlations and linear regression), two different models were built. In the first model, low conscientiousness and depression had a direct significant influence on problematic internet use. The indirect effect of conscientiousness—via depression—was nonsignificant. Emotional stability only affected problematic internet use indirectly, via depressive symptoms. In the second model, low conscientiousness also had a direct influence on problematic internet use, whereas the indirect path via the Global Severity Index was again nonsignificant. Emotional stability impacted problematic internet use indirectly via the Global Severity Index, whereas it had no direct effect on it, as in the first model. Conclusions Personality traits (ie, conscientiousness as a protective factor and neuroticism as a risk factor) play a significant role in problematic internet use, both directly and indirectly (via distress level).
A revision of enantiornithine (Aves: Ornithothoraces) skull morphology

Enantiornithines are the most speciose avian clade in the Mesozoic, with a fossil record that nearly spans the Cretaceous; however, with less than half of known taxa preserving skull material, our understanding of their cranial morphology remains incomplete. Here we present a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of enantiornithine skull anatomy and discuss the range of morphologies known for each of the main cranial elements. The typical enantiornithine skull retains numerous ancestral features such as the absence of fusion among bones, the presence of a postorbital bone, a primitive quadrate with a single headed otic process, an unforked dentary, and teeth. The postorbital in at least one taxon is unreduced, suggesting the existence of a complete infratemporal fenestra and thus an unmodified diapsid skull as in confuciusornithids. The rostrum is well known and shows considerable variation, typical of theropods; however, in terms of rostral proportions, enantiornithines are extremely limited within the modern avian spectrum. Although Late Cretaceous skull material is extremely fragmentary, when compared to Early Cretaceous material it reveals a trend towards more specialized morphologies in younger taxa. The foramen magnum in all taxa points caudally, indicating that the ‘flexed’ type skull morphology may not have evolved in this group. Enantiornithine teeth show considerable diversity in numbers, size, morphology and placement, ranging from taxa with large teeth found throughout the jaws to taxa with small, rostrally restricted teeth, to the fully edentulous. Despite limited preservation of skull material, a number of trophic specializations can be deduced from the range of preserved morphologies, further hinting at the morphological and ecological diversity of the Cretaceous Enantiornithes.
Ethephon and Gibberellic Acid Inhibitors Influence Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green Quality and Ball Roll Distances

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are often applied in combinations to reduce turf clippings, enhance turf quality, and suppress Poa annua L. ; however, effects of PGR combina- tions on putting green ball roll distances have not been reported. Two fi eld experiments were conducted on an 'L-93' creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris Huds.) putting green in Clemson, S.C. , to investigate effects of four PGRs with and without a subsequent application of ethephon at 3.8 kg·ha -1 a.i. 6 days after initial treatments. The PGRs initially applied included ethephon at 3.8 kg·ha -1 a.i., fl urprimidol at 0.28 kg·ha -1 a.i., paclobutrazol at 0.28 kg·ha -1 a.i., and trinexapac-ethyl at 0.05 kg·ha -1 a.i. Ball roll distances were enhanced 3% to 6% (4 to 8 cm) by exclusive fl urprimidol, paclobutrazol, and trinexapac-ethyl treat- ments. The additional ethephon application reduced ball distances 2% to 9% (2 to 11 cm). Paclobutrazol and trinexapac-ethyl treated turf receiving the additional ethephon application had longer or similar ball roll distances to non-PGR treated turf. The additional ethephon treatment reduced turf quality to unacceptable levels 1 and 2 weeks after applications. However, bentgrass treated previously with trinexapac-ethyl and paclobutrazol had 8 to 16% higher visual quality following the additional ethephon treatment relative to non-PGR treated turf receiving the subsequent ethephon application. Overall, ethephon may have deleterious ef- fects on monostand creeping bentgrass putting green quality and ball roll distances; however, applying ethephon with GA inhibitors could mitigate these adverse effects. Chemical names used: (4-(cyclopropyl-(α)-hydroxymethylene)-3,5-dioxo-cyclohexane carboxylic acid ethyl ester) (trinexapac-ethyl); {α-(1-methylethyl)-α-(4-(trifl uoro-methoxy) phenyl) 5-pyrimidine- methanol} (fl urprimidol); (+/-)-(R*,R*)-β-((4-chlorophenyl) methyl)-α-( 1, 1-dimethyl)-1H- -1 ·wk -1 , with a
Service delivery planning in the ENT OPD using patient satisfaction as a quality metric

Introduction: Though patient satisfaction is a nebulous and controversial concept; more and more hospitals use this as a guide for improving their services. Aim and objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of health care services in the ENT outpatient department and the objective is to plan indices of service delivery and scope for improvement, using patient satisfaction as a metric. Materials and method: questionnaire-based survey. Results: The maximum satisfaction of patient care services is derived from the doctor-patient interaction, which cements the doctorpatient relationship. It may sometimes even override the other aspects of patient care. Conclusion: The best efforts of the medical professionals, or the doctorpatient relationship, may not be sufficient in order to provide patients and consumers with a feeling of satisfaction, or the belief that they have available good quality care.
Effects of urbanization on breeding bird community structure in southwestern Desert habitats

Etude des relations existant entre les communautes d'oiseaux lors de la reproduction et le niveau d'urbanisation de leurs zones de reproduction. Le niveau d'urbanisation, en modifiant le volume de vegetation et sa qualite doit influencer la densite des communautes car, selon l'hypothese des auteurs, cette densite est fortement correlee au volume de plantes indigenes qui represente une estimation correcte des ressources critiques
Caste ontogeny and the distribution of reproductive cells on the combs of Melipona beecheii (Apidae: Meliponini)

The duration of the development phases of workers, males and gynes was studied in Melipona beecheii, an economically important stingless bee species in southern Mexico. We also determined if gynes and male cells were distributed in clusters on the combs as in other Melipona where laying workers exist. The results showed that the total length of development for the workers was 52.72 ± 1.28 days. In the case of the gynes and males, it was 50.80 (± 1.52) and 53.43 (± 1.12) days, respectively. We found that clustering of male cells in M. beecheii was an uncommon occurrence. We suggest that the main factor explaining the reduced frequency of male cell clusters is that males are not worker-produced in this species, compared to other species of Melipona in which males are worker-produced. Factors related to pollen availability could determine the presence of clustered males in some colonies of this species. stingless bees / Melipona / caste ontogeny / drone production / gyne production
A complementary role for the tetraspanins CD37 and Tssc6 in the immune system

The co-operative nature of tetraspanin-tetraspanin interactions in membrane organisation suggests that functional overlap is likely to be a factor in tetraspanin biology. CD37 and Tssc6 are immune/haematopoietic restricted tetraspanins, whose function has been previously investigated with CD37"7" and TSSC6"7" knockout mice. Both strains display hyper-proliferative T cell responses to in vitro stimulation, suggesting that functional overlap may occur between these two tetraspanin molecules in the immune system. To test this hypothesis, the immunophenotype of a tetraspanin "double knockout' mouse (CDST^Tssce-7") is described.
Central American and Caribbean species of horsehair worms (Nematomorpha), with the description of three new species

We describe new records of horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) from Central America and islands of the Caribbean Sea, provide updated descriptions including scanning electron microscopy and include a list of all species known from this region. Three new species are described: Pseudochordodes bulbareolatus from Mexico and Guatemala, Neochordodes chordodides from Costa Rica and Belize, and Chordodes polytuberculatus from Costa Rica. From Belize and Trinidad (Gordius robustus), nematomorphs are reported for the first time. Further records include species known from North America (Pseudochordodes manteri, Neochordodes occidentalis) or from South America (Pseudochordodes meridionalis). The actual number of species known from continental Central America is 22 species from five genera, and from Caribbean islands five species from three genera are known.
Effects of insect population density and storage time on grain damage and weight loss in maize due to the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais and the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus

In the period 2007 to 2010, at localities Backi Maglic and Krivaja studies of weed seedbank were performed under soybean crop. Results showed that weed seed separated at Backi Maglic in all years dominated in the top soil layer, while the lowest quantities were separated from the deepest layer, and that number of weeds declined annually. At Krivaja, the lowest weed seed stocks were found in the top layer, and the highest in the deepest layer. At this locality, number of weed seeds kept rising from season to season, which was the consequence of application of different cultural practices. Key words: Soybean, weed seedbank, Amaranthus retroflexus L. , Chenopodium album L. ,Datura stramonium L.
Role of Vitamin E in Mitigating Methomyl Induced Acute Toxicity in Blood of Male Wistar Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective potential of vitamin E, if any, in attenuating the toxic effects induced by acute methomyl treatment in rats. Male Wistar rats, weighing between 230 and 250 g, received either a single oral dose of 9 mg/kg of methomyl, vitamin E alone injected intraperitoneally on alternate days (4 injections) at 50 mg/kg body for 1 week prior to methomyl treatment, or both methomyl plus vitamin E given in a similar manner. The effects of different treatments were studied on lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes, which included superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and catalase and various hematological parameters, including total leucocytes count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), hemoglobin, platelets counts, red cell counts, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Acute 24-h treatment to rats resulted in a significant increase in the LPO. GSH levels and the activities of catalase, GST, and GSHPx were found to be significantly decreased following methomyl treatment. A significant elevation in the activity of SOD and in TLC was also observed after 24 h of methomyl treatment. Further, a significant increase in the neutrophils and eosinophil counts was also observed. However, lymphocytes showed a significant decrease following methomyl treatment. SEMs showed significant morphological changes following methomyl treatment. Vitamin E pretreatment to methomyl-treated rats effectively normalized the levels of LPO and GSH. Vitamin E could also significantly elevate the activity of catalase, increase platelets counts and TLC, and normalized the activities of SOD and GSHPx. Vitamin E pretreatment improved the morphology of the red blood cells. The study concludes that vitamin E affords protection in methomyl-induced toxicity in the rat.
Eubacterium callanderi sp. nov. that demethoxylates O-methoxylated aromatic acids to volatile fatty acids

We describe a bacterium which demethoxylates O-methoxylated aromatic acids to give mixed volatile fatty acids. The cell wall composition and deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid homology data allow the organism to be included within the genus Eubacterium. Although the guanine-plus-cytosine content (47 mol%) is the same as that for Eubacterium limosum and the morphologies of the two organisms are similar, the new isolate differs in that it cannot utilize H2-CO2, methanol, or other one-carbon compounds or the amino acid isoleucine as growth substrates and in defined media requires acetate as a growth factor. The new species is named Eubacterium callanderi; the type strain is strain FD (= DSM 3662).
Anatomy of an outbreak: the biology and population dynamics of a Cardiaspina psyllid species in an endangered woodland ecosystem

Climate, resource availability and natural enemies are pivotal factors influencing population fluctuations of insects. However, the principal factors underlying insect outbreaks, particularly in natural ecosystems, are still debated and may vary between species. We assessed the role of these factors on psyllid population dynamics during the peak and decline of a Cardiaspina psyllid outbreak in a critically endangered eucalypt woodland in Australia. Initially, this involved describing the field biology and ecology of a newly reported Cardiaspina species on grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana Roxb.). Within 1 year, the psyllid completed four generations. Its biology and parasitoid complex were similar to other Cardiaspina species during outbreaks. Minimum winter temperature was a key driver of psyllid development and density. Natural enemies did not prevent or control this outbreak. The outbreak resulted in area‐wide and chronic defoliation of host trees. Resource depletion and summer heat waves impacting critical developmental stages of psyllids were the major factors responsible for the significant reduction of psyllid populations in early 2013. However, ongoing regeneration of trees in the highly fragmented woodlands may allow recolonization of new foliage and chronic infestations to continue.