Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A infestação da vegetação arbórea do Passeio Público de Curitiba, Paraná, por erva-de-passarinho: um estudo de caso.

Foi analisada a infestacao por erva-de-passarinho na populacao arborea do Passeio Publico de Curitiba,PR. No local predomina a vegetacao arborea nativa, correspondendo a 68% da composicao floristica total de 130 especies de arvores nativas e exoticas. Essa predominância se repete, tambem, em relacao ao numero de individuos encontrados (60%) na populacao, que possui um total de 1.865 arvores. Tres especies de erva-de-passarinho ocorrem no local, infestando os troncos, copas e galhos das arvores: Tripodanthus acutifolius, Struthanthus vulgaris e Struthanhus polyrhysus, predominando a primeira especie. Cerca de 14% da vegetacao arborea do Passeio Publico encontra-se infestada por erva-de-passarinho, apresentando algum nivel de infestacao por uma das tres especies ou por mais de uma especie na mesma arvore. A maior infestacao acontece entre as arvores de especies exoticas (67%), mesma tendencia observada no numero de individuos atacados (92%). Algumas familias e, dentro delas algumas especies, apresentaram-se resistentes ou, pelo menos momentaneamente, imunes a infestacao. Esta especies devem ser mais valorizadas nos plantios urbanos e outras, como o alfeneiro, casuarina e extremosa devem ser menos utilizadas, ate que se consiga um metodo de controle eficaz da proliferacao da erva-de-passarinho, ja que apresentam susceptibilidade a contaminacao.
Detection of Intestinal Protozoa in Camels and their Breeders in Najef, Iraq

| The study aimed to investigate the existence of intestinal protozoa in feces of the camels and their breeders in Najef province, Iraq because this province is having a large number of camels. One hundred fecal samples were collected from camels (33 males and 67 females) aged between >3 to 6≤ year and 25 fecal samples were collected from camels breeders (14 males and 11 females) aged between >30 to 60 years during November 2014 to May 2015. Samples were examined through direct wet smear and Lugal’s iodine for cycts or trophzoite of Giardia spp. and Entameba spp. while modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining technique for oocycts of Cryptosporidium spp. The results showed that the infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. , Giardia spp. and Entameba spp. in camels were 61%, 24%, and 20%, respectively. The corresponding infection rates in camel-breeders were 56%, 20%, and (16%), respectively. It can be concluded that the high prevalence values of the intestinal protozoa were detected in camels and camel-breeders. The prevalence values seems to be parallel between camels and camel-breeders who are mainly in touch with camels. This could be an evidence of the association of infection between camels and camel-breeders.
ANTITUMOR POTENTIAL OF HYDROETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ANNONA MURICATA LEAVES AGAINST DALTONâ€™S LYMPHOMA ASCITES-INDUCED TUMOR IN MICE

Â Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the antitumor activity of hydroethanolic extract of Annona muricata (HEEAM) in Daltonâ€™s lymphoma ascites (DLA)-induced tumor model.Methods: Antitumor activity of HEEAM was evaluated against DLA-induced tumor mice by assessing the antitumor, hematological, and biochemical parameters.Results: The results revealed that antitumor activity of HEEAM was observed in Swiss albino mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight given orally for 15 days. The results indicated that administration of the extracts not only increased the survival of animals and decreased the body weight with ascites tumor but also altered many hematological and biochemical parameters. Both extracts exhibited a significant (p<0.05) antitumor activity on dose-dependent manner. Among the two doses, 400 mg/kg of HEEAM dose showed potent anticancer activity.Conclusion: The findings confirmed that the HEEAM possess potent antitumor activity, and hence, it might be used as a natural anticancer agent
Transcranial stimulation enhances memory-relevant sleep oscillations and their functional coupling in mild cognitive impairment

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) not only involves loss of memory functions but also prominent deterioration of sleep physiology, already evident in the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cortical slow oscillations (SO, 0.5-1 Hz) and thalamo-cortical spindle activity (12-15 Hz) during sleep, and their temporal coordination, are considered critical for memory formation. We investigated the potential of slow oscillatory transcranial direct current stimulation (so-tDCS), applied during a daytime nap in a sleep state-dependent manner, to modulate these activity patterns and sleep-related memory consolidation in 16 patients with MCI. Stimulation significantly increased overall SO and spindle power, amplified spindle power during SO up-phases, and led to stronger synchronization between SO and spindle power fluctuations in electroencephalographic recordings. Moreover, visual declarative memory was improved by so-tDCS compared to sham stimulation, associated with stronger synchronization. These findings indicate a well-tolerated therapeutic approach for disordered sleep physiology and deficits in memory consolidation in MCI patients.
Influence of structural dimensions of micro-pillar array in reaction field on sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

ABSTRACT For high sensitivity and rapid reaction of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the film-stack reaction field with micro-pillars array was designed and developed. The film-stack reaction field was fabricated by a nanoimprint process and an automatic punch-press process. The films with different gaps between micro-pillars (5, 10 and 50 μm) were prepared. These reaction fields were evaluated by IgA ELISA using 96-well microtitre plates and the computational simulation analysis of the fluid flow and the particle trajectory. Compared with ELISA using only the microtitre plate, higher detection sensitivity and shorter incubation time were achieved using the film-stack reaction field due to the increased surface area and the circulating flow through the space between films in a well by the rotation of the film-stack reaction field. Furthermore, in the ELISA results obtained using the film-stack reaction fields, the fluorescence intensities in 10-μm and 50-μm pillar gaps were the minimum and maximum values, respectively. This trend was due to the flow rate between micro-pillars, and the number and the diffusion distance of supplied biomolecules to the inertial space in the film-stack reaction field. In simulation results, the trend of the number of adsorbed biomolecule particles with different gaps between micro-pillars was in agreement with the trend in the ELISA results. Hence, these simulation analyses were validated in the quantitative evaluation of this reaction field and could be applied in the design of this reaction field as an effective design tool.
First Anthomyzidae (Diptera) from China: a new genus, six new species and new records

The family Anthomyzidae (Diptera: Acalyptrata) is recorded from China for the first time based on 11 species, 6 of them new to science. A distinctive new genus Marshallya gen. nov. is described, based on single peculiar species, M. platythorax sp. nov. (both sexes) from Sichuan. Other new species, viz. Amygdalops sevciki sp. nov. (Hainan I.) (both sexes), Epischnomyia tkoci sp. nov. (Sichuan) (male only), Anthomyza ornata sp. nov. (Sichuan) (female only), Anthomyza sulphurea sp. nov. (Yunnan) (both sexes) and Arganthomyza hyperseta sp. nov. (Shaanxi) (male only) are described and illustrated in detail. Male-female association of two Amygdalops species is clarified by means of molecular barcoding and the female of A. bisinus Rohacek, 2008 is correctly identified and described. Relationships of all these taxa are discussed. Five species, viz. Amygdalops bisinus (Hainan I.), Epischnomyia merzi Rohacek, 2009, Anthomyza cuneata Rohacek, 1987, Anthomyza trifurca Sueyoshi & Rohacek, 2003 (all from Sichuan) and Arganthomyza versitheca Rohacek, 2009 (Shaanxi, Sichuan) are new additions to the Chinese fauna of Anthomyzidae. DNA sequences of the barcoding region of COI have been obtained for 3 species, Amygdalops bisinus, Amygdalops sevciki and Marshallya platythorax. Biology and distribution of all 11 species are discussed. First photographs of living Anthomyzidae from East Asia are presented. Based on knowledge of Anthomyzidae from neighbouring areas the diversity of the Chinese fauna of the family is estimated to include 50–60 species.
LIGAND RECOGNITION BY T CELL RECEPTORS

While still incomplete, the first data concerning the biochemistry of T cell receptor‐ligand interactions in cell-free systems seem to have considerable predictive value regarding whether a T cell response is strong or weak or suppressive. This data will help considerably in elucidating the mechanisms behind T cell responsiveness. Also of great interest are the first structures of T cell receptor molecules and, particularly, TCR-ligand complexes. These appear to confirm earlier suggestions of a fixed orientation for TCR engagement with peptide/MHC and should form the basis for understanding higher oligomers, evidence for which has also just emerged. We conclude with an analysis of the highly diverse CDR3 loops found in all antigen receptor molecules and suggest that such regions form the core of both TCR and antibody specificity.
Influence of feed form and conditioning time on pellet quality, performance and ileal nutrient digestibility in broilers

Abstract An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the feed form and conditioning time of pelleted diets on pellet quality, broiler performance and nutrient digestibility during the starter phase. A total of 480 male Cobb broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design into six treatments with eight replicates each. Treatments consisted of a mash diet and five crumbled diets submitted to different conditioning times (zero, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds). The broilers fed pelleted diets submitted to steam conditioning presented higher feed intake and BW gain (P ≤ 0.05), higher coefficient of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) of DM and CP, as well as higher ileal digestible energy (IDE) (P ≤ 0.05) than those fed the mash diet. However, treatments did not influence FCR or starch digestibility (P > 0.05). Feed intake increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with conditioning time while a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05) was noted for IDE. Conditioning time did not affect the amount of intact pellets or protein solubility (P > 0.05), but increased pellet durability index (P ≤ 0.01), pellet hardness (P ≤ 0.05), and water activity (P ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that feed physical form and conditioning time influence the performance and nutrient digestibility in starter broilers. and that increasing conditioning times promote better pellet quality.
Utilizing accurately positioned harvester data: modelling forest volume with airborne laser scanning

Modern cut-to-length harvesters are recording information about each harvested tree, and with accurate positioning, this information can be used as field reference data, replacing manually measured reference data. In the present study, models developed from accurately positioned harvester data were compared with a reference model. A set of ∼55 000 accurately positioned trees was used as the basis for a division into 792 reference plots of 400 m2 each. A set of manually measured field plots was used for validation. Regression models were developed based on the relationship between airborne laser scanning data and the reference plot volumes. Separate models were developed for two strata: medium and high site productivity. Several modelling methods were compared, including nonparametric models; at the plot level, predictions for the validation dataset yielded RMSEs of 32%–60% for the medium productivity stratum and 19%–22% for the high productivity stratum. A reference model was fitted to the manually measured validation data in each stratum, and RMSEs of 45% and 25% were obtained for the medium and high productivity strata, respectively. The results show that the models based on the harvester data yield prediction errors at the same level as the reference model.
Reward signaling in a recurrent circuit of dopaminergic neurons and Kenyon cells

Dopaminergic neurons in the brain of the Drosophila larva play a key role in mediating reward information to the mushroom bodies during appetitive olfactory learning and memory. Using optogenetic activation of Kenyon cells we provide evidence that a functional recurrent signaling loop exists between Kenyon cells and dopaminergic neurons of the primary protocerebral anterior (pPAM) cluster. An optogenetic activation of Kenyon cells paired with an odor is sufficient to induce appetitive memory, while a simultaneous impairment of the dopaminergic pPAM neurons abolishes memory expression. Thus, dopaminergic pPAM neurons mediate reward information to the Kenyon cells, but in turn receive feedback from Kenyon cells. We further show that the activation of recurrent signaling routes within mushroom body circuitry increases the persistence of an odor-sugar memory. Our results suggest that sustained activity in a neuronal circuitry is a conserved mechanism in insects and vertebrates to consolidate memories.
The draft genome of the lichen-forming fungus Lasallia hispanica (Frey) Sancho & A. Crespo

Abstract Lasallia hispanica (Frey) Sancho & A. Crespo is one of three Lasallia species occurring in central-western Europe. It is an orophytic, photophilous Mediterranean endemic which is sympatric with the closely related, widely distributed, highly clonal sister taxon L. pustulata in the supra- and oro-Mediterranean belts. We sequenced the genome of L. hispanica from a multispore isolate. The total genome length is 41·2 Mb, including 8488 gene models. We present the annotation of a variety of genes that are involved in protein secretion, mating processes and secondary metabolism, and we report transposable elements. Additionally, we compared the genome of L. hispanica to the closely related, yet ecologically distant, L. pustulata and found high synteny in gene content and order. The newly assembled and annotated L. hispanica genome represents a useful resource for future investigations into niche differentiation, speciation and microevolution in L. hispanica and other members of the genus.
Timing of diapause termination in relation to variation in winter climate

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10–24 weeks) spent at different temperatures (−2 to 10 °C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera:Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 °C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold‐summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade‐offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post‐winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.
Combined Postemergence Grass and Broadleaf Weed Control in Canola (Brassica napus)

Field studies were conducted to study the interaction of sethoxydim or fluazifop-P with clopyralid and/or ethametsulfuron applied as tank mixtures to canola. Control of the indicator species barley, broadbean, and wild mustard with the tank mixtures was comparable to, or sometimes better than, that attained with each herbicide alone. Canola tolerated all herbicides applied individually and all tank mixtures of these herbicides except fluazifop-P and ethametsulfuron. Tank mixtures of fluazifop-P and ethametsulfuron, with or without clopyralid included in the mixture, suppressed early growth of canola in two of four tests and reduced seed yield in one. Sethoxydim, clopyralid, and ethametsulfuron combined in tank mixtures provide an effective POST alternative for selective control of grass and broadleaf weeds in canola.
Ground-dwelling arthropod response to fire and clearcutting in jack pine: implications for ecosystem management

We tested the response of species composition of three dominant litter-dwelling arthropod taxa (carabid beetles, spiders, and rove beetles) to wildfire and harvest. This study was conducted in north-central Ontario (47°42′N, 83°36′W) in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) dominated stands in 2013 using pitfall trapping. Using 222 species (12 015 individuals), we compared the effects of disturbance using recently burned (3 years since fire) and clearcut sites (3 years since harvest; tree length, full tree, stump removal, and blading), as well as older, closed-canopy stands that have regenerated following clearcutting (51 years since harvest) and fire (92 years since fire), with multivariate regression trees. Taxa were more similar in the three controls (including recent fire) than between controls and harvest treatments, with increased forest floor disturbance in harvested plots being a likely explanation. In addition, taxa were different in the younger (51 years) harvest-origin plots than in the older (92 y.
Assessment of the Nutritive, Biochemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Eight Tropical Macro algae Along Kachchh Coast, India as Human Food Supplements

ABSTRACT Eight tropical marine macro algae were investigated for in-vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and biochemical properties. The moisture content [% DW (dry weight)] ranged from 7.21 to 14.72%; ash, 24.92 to 47.04%; lipids, 0.73 to 2.67%; protein, 4.56 to 12.59%; and carbohydrate, 30.1 to 48.51%. The % sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ranged from 21.71 to 78.22%, while omega-6/omega-3 (ω6/ω3) ratio was from 0 to 2.08, which remained within the prescribed World Health Organization (WHO) standards (<10). The % sum of essential amino acids (EAAs) ranged from 86.18 to 204.66, and Na/K ratio ranged from 0.37 to 2.85. The extracts exhibited significant (P < 0.05) values for total phenol (7.25–16.0 µg PGE mg–1 DW) and total flavonoid (4.06–15.63 µg QE mg–1 DW) at 200 µg/ml. Antibacterial activity was tested against the selected food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed a positive correlation between total phenolic content, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), which supports the integration of seaweeds as ingredients in functional foods.
Reproductive cycle and size at first sexual maturity of the white shrimp Penaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936) in northeastern Brazil

The present study aimed to investigate the reproductive cycle and size at first maturity of Penaeus schmitti through a macro and microscopic approach. Between August 2011 and July 2012, 1169 specimens were collected by an artisanal fishing vessel operating a double trawl off the coast of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The total proportion of males (42%) was significantly lower than females (58%), corresponding to the sex ratio of 1:1.38. The total body length at first ovarian maturation (TL50) in females was estimated at 14.2 cm. The ovarian development was divided into four distinct stages based on histological characteristics and visual observations. This is the first reported occurrence of vitellogenic oocytes in the spent stage of P. schmitti, indicating a rapid ovarian maturation after spawning. Furthermore, the frequency of maturation stages, diameter of oocytes and gonadosomatic index were distributed homogeneously throughout the study period, reinforce a continuous reproductive cycle for P. schmitti population in northeastern Brazil.
De novo mutations drive the spread of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma genitalium: a mathematical modelling study

Background The rapid spread of azithromycin resistance in sexually transmitted Mycoplasma genitalium infections is a growing concern. It is not yet clear to what degree macrolide resistance in M. genitalium results from the emergence of de novo mutations or the transmission of resistant strains. Methods We analyzed epidemiological data and developed a compartmental model to investigate the contribution of de novo macrolide resistance mutations to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant M. genitalium. We fitted the model to data from France, Denmark and Sweden and estimated treatment rates of infected individuals and the time point of azithromycin introduction. Results We found a high probability of de novo resistance (12%, 95% CI 8–17%), which is responsible for the observed rapid spread of antimicrobial resistant M. genitalium. The estimated per capita treatment rate in France was lower than in Denmark and Sweden but confidence intervals for the three estimates overlap. The estimated dates of introduction of azithromycin in each country are consistent with published reports. Conclusions Since de novo resistance is the main driver of macrolide resistance in M. genitalium, blind treatment of urethritis with azithromycin is not recommended. Clinical management strategies for M. genitalium should limit the unnecessary use of macrolides.
Computer assisted sperm analysis of Brahman crossbred breeding bull semen

The present study was conducted at the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm, Saver, Dhaka from November 2015 to February 2016. Sixty ejaculates were collected from eight matured Brahman crossbred breeding bulls with a view to assess the motility and velocity parameters of ejaculates sperm using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyser (CASA) with Andro Vision software. CASA parameters included as total motility (TM) (%), forward progressive motility (FPM) (%), fast motility (FM) (%) and circular motility (CM) (%); velocity parameters such as curvilinear velocity (VCL) (
Purification and Characterization of Linamarase from Lactobacillus Plantarum

In this study, bacteria isolated from fermenting bitter cassava peels were harnessed for linamarase production using standard microbiological procedures. Out of all the screened bacterial isolates, Lactobacillus plantarum exhibited highest linamarase activity and specific activity of 239. 65µmol/min/ml and 43. 57µmol/min/mg respectively. The linamarase was purified using DEAE Sephadex A-50 ion exchange chromatography and Sephadex G-150 column size exclusion or gel filtration chromatograpghy. A pH 6.0 was optimum for purified linamarase activity and relatively stable between 100 and 120 minutes. At 50oC, optimum temperature was reached and linamarase activity maintained at 65% temperature stability between 40 to 60 minutes. The incubation of linamarase enzyme with Ca and Mg ions enhanced linamarase activity, while Zn, Fe and Cu ions caused linamarase inhibition. The fact that purified linamarase from Lb. planatrum was active at moderate temperatures and wide range of pH can suggests its applications as detoxifying agent in food industries for animal feed formulation where extreme conditions are required.