Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histochemical changes induced by Trichoderma spp. and potassium phosphite in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum

Induction of resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been considered a promising alternative to control anthracnose. Among the changes generated in the induction of resistance, structural changes have been reported by several authors as an efficient form of resistance to the stress plants undergo. Histochemical analysis techniques have been used to investigate tissue changes triggered by induction of resistance. Thus, this study aims to investigate certain histochemical changes suffered by common bean plants induced with potassium phosphite and Trichoderma spp. in response to the attack by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, aiming to determine the host response pattern in terms of structural changes, associating it to possible disease control. Treatments consisted of isolates T. harzianum (isolate TOD1) and T. virens (isolate TM4), leaf fertilizer potassium phosphite Fertilis®, and distilled water (control). Inducers were applied to common bean alone or associated, consisting of five treatments plus the control treatment. The six treatments were evaluated for the absence and presence of C. lindemuthianum in a factorial scheme (6×2). Treatments allowed evaluating the severity of anthracnose in common bean, location of H2O2, lignin deposition, and hypersensitivity response in common bean hypocotyl by histochemical staining. Potassium phosphite and combinations of T. virens and T. harzianum with potassium phosphite efficiently reduced disease severity under greenhouse conditions, reaching 68, 84, and 71%, respectively. Studies with hypocotyl showed that T. harzianum + potassium phosphite and T. virens + potassium phosphite accelerated the H2O2 accumulation process and lignin deposition at the pathogen penetration site, in addition to the hypersensitivity reaction through the resistance-inducing activity, contributing to the protection of common bean against anthracnose caused by C. lindemuthianum.
Identification of aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae) using a rapid polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene

The identification of immature aphids is often difficult or impossible. This can be a problem when there is a need for a rapid and accurate diagnosis of any aphid life stage, such as for quarantine inspections and horticultural surveys. A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique is described on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to develop a molecular identification key for immature aphids from Victoria, Australia. The restriction enzymes HpyCH4 IV, DraI, HinfI, TaqI and SspI characterised 26 haplotypes that corresponded to 25 aphid species commonly found in southern Australian aphid surveys, including the currant-lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribis-nigri (Mosley) that has recently invaded Australia, presumably from New Zealand. Overseas specimens of Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) and N. ribis-nigri showed no significant sequence difference when compared with their Australian counterparts. The COI gene provides a useful marker for diagnostic aphid surveys.
Alzheimer's disease β‐secretase BACE1 is not a neuron‐specific enzyme

The brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are morphologically characterized by neurofibrillar abnormalities and by parenchymal and cerebrovascular deposits of β‐amyloid peptides. The generation of β‐amyloid peptides by proteolytical processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) requires the enzymatic activity of the β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). The expression of this enzyme has been localized to the brain, in particular to neurons, indicating that neurons are the major source of β‐amyloid peptides in brain. Astrocytes, on the contrary, are known to be important for β‐amyloid clearance and degradation, for providing trophic support to neurons, and for forming a protective barrier between β‐amyloid deposits and neurons. However, under certain conditions related to chronic stress, the role of astrocytes may not be beneficial. Here we present evidence demonstrating that astrocytes are an alternative source of BACE1 and therefore may contribute to β‐amyloid plaque formation. While resting astroyctes in brain do not express BACE1 at detectable levels, cultured astrocytes display BACE1 promoter activity and express BACE1 mRNA and enzymatically active BACE1 protein. Additionally, in animal models of chronic gliosis and in brains of AD patients, there is BACE1 expression in reactive astrocytes. This would suggest that the mechanism for astrocyte activation plays a role in the development of AD and that therapeutic strategies that target astrocyte activation in brain may be beneficial for the treatment of AD. Also, there are differences in responses to chronic versus acute stress, suggesting that one consequence of chronic stress is an incremental shift to different phenotypic cellular states.
Size Bias in Visual Searches and Trapping of Brown Treesnakes on Guam

Abstract The accidental introduction of the brown treesnake (BTS; Boiga irregularis) to the island of Guam after World War II set off a chain of bird, bat, and lizard extirpations. Fortunately, many of the eliminated species have the potential to be restored following population reduction or eradication of the snake. The primary operational tool for population reduction is an effective snake trap, but areas subjected to long-term trapping continue to support BTS, suggesting that some adult snakes are refractory to trapping. We closed a 5-ha area to BTS emigration and immigration and surveyed the population using trapping and visual surveys to determine whether a refractory stratum of adult snakes existed and if trapping was effective for snakes of all sizes. Our surveys included 101 trapping occasions and 109 visual surveys over 309 days, resulting in 2,522 detections of 122 individuals. We detected 44 of 45 supplemented snakes by this intensive sampling effort, which also revealed that trapping was fully effective for snakes >900 mm in snout–vent length (SVL), partially effective for snakes 700–900 mm SVL, and totally ineffective for smaller juveniles (350–700 mm SVL). Visual searching was effective for snakes of all sizes. As BTS mature at approximately 950–1,050 mm SVL, continuous trapping should suffice to eliminate recruitment in the absence of immigration. Immigration or inadequate effort is most likely responsible for the persistence of BTS in areas subject to long-term trapping. Thus, current efforts to capture trap-refractory adult snakes with alternate control tools are less likely to be successful than immigration barriers alone or in combination with elevated capture effort.
Loss of α3β1 integrin function results in an altered differentiation program in the mouse submandibular gland

Mammalian submandibular gland (SMG) development leads to the establishment of highly organized secretory acinar and nonsecretory ductal epithelial cells. The ability of maturing salivary epithelial cells to attain their differentiated state has been shown to depend, in part, on interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their integrin receptors. In a search for key regulators of salivary cell lineage, we have studied α3β1 integrin, a receptor for the basement membrane protein laminin, by characterizing embryonic day 18 (E18) SMGs isolated from mice carrying a targeted mutation in the α3 integrin gene. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed that the mutant SMGs exhibited an aberrant differentiation phenotype with defects in the apical‐basal polarity axis and in the basement membrane. Based on immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses, the α3β1‐deficient SMGs had altered expression and/or localization of several ECM and adhesive molecules, including laminin β1, fibronectin, α5 integrin, and E‐cadherin. These changes correlated with alterations in the activation state of Ras‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), as well as the expression and/or localization of Cdc42 and RhoA, two Rho GTPases that regulate the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. We conclude that α3β1 is required for normal salivary cell differentiation and that its absence affects multiple components of adhesive complexes and their associated signalling pathways. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The fear of COVID-19 and its role in preventive behaviors

The economic and psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching and unprecedented around the world. These circumstances appear to have had profound psychological effects on all individuals worldwide. One psychological aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic is fear. This brief paper argues that assessing fear is important and is the key reason we co-developed the 'Fear of COVID-19 Scale' (FCV-19S). It is argued that without knowing the level of fear about COVID-19 among different groups by specific socio-demographic variables (e.g., gender, age, education, ethnicity, religiosity, etc.) and/or different psychological factors (e.g., personality type) it is difficult to know whether education and prevention programs are needed, and if they are needed which groups to target and where. The collation and application of such data could be used to devise targeted education and/or prevention programs to help overcome fear of COVID-19 and help such individuals to engage in preventative behaviors.
INFLUÊNCIA DO CONGELAMENTO SOBRE AS CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS E O POTENCIAL ANTIOXIDANTE DE NÉCTAR DE AMORA-PRETA*

A presenca de compostos bioativos na amora-preta confere propriedades funcionais que estimulam a elaboracao de produtos derivados. Entretanto, fatores como o processamento e o armazenamento sao essenciais para a estabilidade desses produtos e para a manutencao da funcionalidade. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influencia do congelamento sobre as caracteristicas fisico-quimicas e o potencial antioxidante de nectar de amora-preta durante 90 dias de armazenamento. O produto foi avaliado a cada 15 dias quanto aos teores totais de compostos fenolicos, antocianinas, acido ascorbico, atividade antioxidante, solidos soluveis totais, pH, acidez total e viscosidade aparente. Ao final do estudo verificou-se que o congelamento, como metodo de conservacao, mantem a estabilidade fisico-quimica e o potencial antioxidante do nectar de amora-preta.
Unionization Structures, Budget Constraint and Privatization

In this paper, we aim to explore the influence of budget constraint privatization policy in the context of mixed duopoly to examine whether privatization policy is dependent upon the unionization structure with labour productivity difference. We showed that, when the unions put equal weights on the wages and the numbers employment, the social welfare pre-privatization is always higher than the one post-privatization regardless of the type of unionization; the government should not privatize the public firm, and nationalization policy should be retained because it will provide a higher rent for the union. Furthermore, union(s) opposes the privatization policy in the presence of budget constraint and union structure.
Changes in water quality within anglers' keepnets during the confinement of fish

The influence of mesh size and loading density on conditions within keepnets during the confinement of fish was examined. The performance of a mixed-mesh net was also evaluated. Confinement of fish within nets of a standard diameter and length and of three different mesh sizes for 5 hours resulted in no deleterious changes in levels of dissolved oxygen, unionized ammonia, carbon dioxide, or pH at any of three sample points within each net. Transfer of fish to similar nets at a similar, and a higher, loading for 5 hours resulted in a depletion of oxygen, and accumulation of ammonia, in the high-load nets. No changes in carbon dioxide levels or pH were observed in nets containing either moderate or high loads. Confinement of fish in mixed-mesh nets for 5 hours resulted in a depletion of dissolved oxygen in the lower section of the net and an accumulation of unionized ammonia. There were no changes in carbon dioxide, or pH. These results are discussed with reference to the water quality requirements of freshwater fish. It is concluded that changes in water quality within anglers keepnets during the confinement of fish are not of sufficient magnitude to adversely affect the confined fish.
Individual recognition of juvenile salmonids using melanophore patterns

This article describes two small scale experiments designed to test whether variation in melanophore patterns could be used to identify individual juvenile salmonids that are too small for conventional marking methods. Three independent observers were able to identify 30 individual 0+ Atlantic salmon (Salmo solar) parr from photographs taken over an 8-week period with 100% accuracy, on the basis of patterns of melanophores in the region of the eye and jaw. Counts of the number of melanophores in two particularly variable regions of the head of 14 newly-emerged brown trout (Salmo trutta) from photographs of the same individuals taken on different occasions were strongly correlated. Eighty-four per cent of the fry were correctly identified on the basis of spot number alone, without any reference to their patterns. Thus a combination of the number and position of head melanophores can be used for recognition of relatively large samples of very young salmonids. Problems with, and potential applications of this method are discussed.
Major Causes Assessment of Construction Delays

Abstract Delays on construction projects constitute a major source of concern due to its associated cost increases and loss of revenue. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which Oman is a member, faces huge delays on their projects. Such delays in the GCC were among factors fingered in the collapse of the UK’s Carillion. Despite cultural similarities, substantial variability exists within the GCC construction sector which requires country-specific studies. The quest to understand delay causes results from the need to curtail wastes and adjust to the new regime of low commodity prices. There is a dearth of studies specific to the governorate of Muscat exploring the causes of delays and this study seeks to fill that gap. A structured survey questionnaire was administered at two independent events organized by the RICS and ICE in Muscat. The top causes of delays ranked using the Relative Importance Index (RII) include variation and changes in design, Poor site management and supervision, ineffective planning and scheduling, unclear and inadequate details in drawing, poor qualification of the contractors and technical staff, delay in material delivery, and shortage of labor. Contractors were found to be most likely to cause delays among the 6 categories of sources.
Effects of physical disturbance, isolation and key macrozoobenthic species on community development, recolonisation and sedimentation processes

The relative effect of physical disturbance, isolation and key macrozoobenthic species on community development and sedimentation processes were studied in an in situ factorial field mesocosm experiment in the northern Baltic Sea. Differences in abundance and biomass structure of recolonising invertebrates were due to exposure and isolation. The initial invertebrate communities had a negligible effect on the final communities. However, the organic matter content of the sediment in isolated cages increased with the initial number of invertebrate species. The main conclusion of the study: physically driven fluxes override the effects of biological interactions in shallow water systems of the northern Baltic Sea. * The study was carried out within the framework of the Estonian Target Financing Programme No 0182578s03, Estonian Science Foundation grants Nos 6015 and 6016. The complete text of the paper is available at http://www.iopan. gda.pl/oceanologia/ 268 K. Herkül, J. Kotta, I. Kotta, H. Orav-Kotta
Plasma cortisol and metabolite level profiles in two isogenic strains of common carp during confinement

A rapid increase in common carp Cyprinus carpio plasma cortisol levels was noted, in two experiments, after 30 mins of a 3 h net confinement, which was sustained while the fish were held in the nets. After release from the nets, cortisol levels returned to control values in 1 h. Plasma glucose and free fatty acid levels were elevated by the confinement. Glucose was increased after 30 min but returned to basal levels after 22 h of recovery while free fatty acids were not elevated until 3 h of confinement and remained high for the duration of the recovery period. After confinement for 3 h, plasma lactate levels were reduced and remained low for a further 1 h. No change in either plasma triglyceride or cholesterol levels were found during the study. Confinement had no effect on haematocrit levels but blood haemoglobin levels were reduced. In both experiments hypochloraemia occurred in response to confinement. However, values returned to pre-confinement levels 22 h after confinement. These results show that rearing isogenic carp strains, under identical conditions, results in a reproducable response to an acute stressor and that these carp respond in a similar manner to other teleost species.
Nutritional evaluation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) seeds as dietary protein source for tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in a warmwater recirculation system at 27 ± 0.2 °C to evaluate the nutritive value of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) seed meal as a possible fish meal substitute in the diet of tilapia. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 32% crude protein and 18.4 kJ g−1 gross energy. Sesbania seed meal was included in diets at various levels [0%, 9.7%, 19.4%, 29.1% and 38.8% for diets 1 (control), 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, which correspond to 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of dietary crude protein]. Each treatment had two replicates, eight fish per replicate, with mean initial weight of 7.06 ± 0.03 g. Fish were fed 20 g kg−1 metabolic body weight daily. On the basis of the observed growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, apparent net protein utilization and energy retention, diets 1 (control) and 2 (containing 9.7% Sesbania meal) were similar and significantly (P 9.7%) of Sesbania meal had significantly higher whole-body moisture, lower lipid and gross energy content. The lower growth performance of fish fed diets containing higher levels of Sesbania meal is thought to result from the presence of tannins, saponin and the non-starch polysaccharide content of the seed. The results of this study showed that inclusion of up to 9.7% untreated Sesbania seed meal (10% of the dietary protein) in the diet did not affect the growth performance and nutrient utilization in tilapia.
A study of the colourless flagellate Rhynchomonas nasuta (Stokes) Klebs

Investigation by light and electron microscopy was carried out using clonal material of Rhynchomonas isolated from freshwater. Parallels were found with Bodo species, but the formation of the proboscis seems to be unique. The latter is not a modification of the short flagellum, as had been previously supposed, but is completely separate from it. The occurrence of the organism in the wild is commented upon.
Divest to Acquire

Are divestitures only an ex-post reactive correction of past inefficient acquisitions or are they also an ex-ante proactive strategy to enhance the value of future acquisitions? We find support for the latter. Firms engaging in divestitures before making acquisitions obtain higher abnormal returns, especially in large acquisitions. These findings are not explained by management turnover or activist targeting. We provide evidence that the ‘divest to acquire’ motive ensures better performance of subsequent acquisitions and argue that divestitures and acquisitions are both critical components of a proactive approach to creating shareholder value.
Organic enrichment and structure of macrobenthic communities in the glacial Baker Fjord, Northern Patagonia, Chile

In this study we describe community parameters such as densities, biomasses, species composition, feeding modes and normalized biomass size-spectra (NBSS) of macrobenthic invertebrate communities from three stations located in the Baker Fjord obtained on four seasonal campaigns in 2008 and 2009. The macrobenthic communities were dominated by small-bodied polychaetes (Paraonidae, Capitellidae and Cirratulidae) characterized by continuous year-round breeding, short life-spans, and fast turnover rates, which in turn regulated the standing stock in the communities. Principal component analysis and multiple-regression analysis demonstrate the distribution of macrobenthic communities in the study area to be mainly controlled by few local environmental conditions. Macrofaunal densities, diversity and feeding modes were significantly correlated with the total organic carbon (TOC; R2 = 0.74; P < 0.001) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a; R2 = 0.55; P < 0.05) content in the sediments. This study also suggests that feeding modes and NBSS can be used to detect and follow possible changes caused by natural perturbations such as glacial lake outburst floods or anthropogenic stressors associated with ecological impacts generated by the construction and operation of hydroelectric power stations in the Baker River.
Review of fossil penguins from Seymour Island

Two collections of fossil penguins have been made from Seymour Island, off the north-eastern end of the Antarctic Peninsula, one by a Swedish expedition in 1901-1903 and the other by a British expedition in 1946. The age has usually been considered early Miocene but is probably earlier, late Eocene now seeming most likely but still uncertain. Wiman in 1905 based six then new generic and specific names on the Swedish collection Anthropornis nordenskjoeldiiandDelphinornis larsenii are considered valid.Pachypteryx grandisis a valid species but is transferred to Anthropornis. Eosphaeniscus gunnariis a valid species transferred to Palaeeudyptes, a genus otherwise known from New Zealand and Australia. Orthopteryx gigasand Ichtyopteryx gracilisare considered essentially indeterminate, as are two groups of bones not named by Wiman. Marples named genus and species Notodyptes wimani from the British collection. The species is accepted but transferred to the New Zealand genus Archaeospheniscus. Wimanornis seymourensis, new genus and species, is based on a British specimen. This penguin fauna is essentially similar to the early (late Eocene and early Oligocene) faunas known from New Zealand. In the probable absence of species in common, geographic proximity is not indicated. The ecological similarity and some indirect evidence suggest that despite the presence of relative gigantism these penguins lived in considerably warmer waters than those of the present Antarctic coast.
PRE‐LAST GLACIATION MAXIMUM VEGETATION HISTORY AT HENTY BRIDGE, WESTERN TASMANIA

Summary Lake sediments dated to between about 28000 and 20000 years B.P. in the temperate rainforests of western Tasmania show that subalpine to alpine shrub, wet heath and herb communities occurred within 115 m of present sea level before the maximum of the last glaciation (20000 to 18000 years B.P.). The high herb, especially grass, values and charcoal content after about 22000 years B.P. may be related to the advent of aborigines.