Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Évaluation des pratiques de gestion de la diversité du niébé (Vigna unguiculata) : une tentative méthodologique expérimentée au Bénin

Since the Convention on Biological Diversity, the evaluation of varietal richness and its inherent management practices have become prerequisite tasks for in situ conservation. The participative method we are implementing in Sori village (Benin) on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) is consistant with such expectations. Basing the estimation of landrace richness on their local names, the participative approach used in this study made it possible to inventory 14 landraces in Sori. Ten mega-practices contributing to maintaining and/or enhancing the pool of landraces were inventoried, described and evaluated according to criteria such as the diversity of use, the optimization of farm resources and anti-risk strategies. For each practice, an aptitude value for conservation was calculated. These approaches revealed that botanic treatments, seed multiplication and cultural association are the most important practices according to value markers of agricultural practices. This study made it possible to test the use of particular a methodology in evaluating peasant management practices of agrobiodiversity. It also highlighted how local varieties are taken into account in the production systems and the agricultural policies of biodiversity conservation.
Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Growth and Development of Acridid Grasshopper, Chrotogonus trachypterus Blanchard

Growth and development of acridid grasshopper, Chrotogonus trachypterus Blanchard was greatly influenced by different levels of temperature (20, 25, 30, 35 and 37oC) and relative humidity (40, 60 and 70%). A laboratory study was revealed that temperature between 30-35oC with 60% relative humidity is mostly suitable for life cycle of the test insect. Maximum oviposition period was 54.6±2.21 days at 25oC whereas, maximum hatching percent was recorded at 30oC (90.6±1.18). Average fecundity of a female increased with the increase in temperature up to 35oC (242.1±2.55) but decreased at 37oC. Developmental period of nymphs was longer at 20oC as 94.03±3.45 and 105.3±3.16 days for males and females whereas, nymphs quickly developed at 37oC within 50.3±0.55 and 60.2±2.44 days, respectively. Highest survivability was obtained at 25o and 30oC. Relative humidity ranged from 60-70% gave non-significant differences and found to be most suitable for insect growth. Study of interaction of ecological factors will be helpful in management strategy of the pest and future adaptation behavior and outbreak issues.
Pulmonary function severity in relation to interleukin-23 levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Abstract Background Interleukin-23 (IL-23), a key inflammatory regulator in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, is suspected to play a role in the onset of pulmonary dysfunction (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in psoriasis. Despite that, pulmonary function tests are rarely studied in these subjects. This study aims to seek a possible relation between pulmonary function in psoriasis patients serum IL-23. Methods For this analytical cross-sectional study, male psoriasis patients in the age group of 25–45 years were recruited from dermatology out patient department (n = 40). Age and BMI matched apparently healthy individuals were recruited as control group (n = 40). After obtaining demographic and personal details, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were recorded. The severity of psoriasis was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Pulmonary function was assessed using computerized spirometry, and serum IL-23 was measured using ELISA. Results Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25%–75%) were significantly reduced in psoriasis. Based on the percentage of predicted values FEF25%–75% was significantly reduced in psoriasis. Serum IL-23 (pg/mL) was significantly higher in psoriasis. The increase in IL-23 in psoriasis subjects does not correlate with their pulmonary function. Conclusions Psoriasis may be associated with a reduced lung function even when the disease is in the mild stage. Increased IL-23 found in these subjects is suggestive of systemic inflammation, which indirectly lowers lung function.
Body Condition Scoring in Dairy Cows - A Conceptual and Systematic Review

As herd sizes have increased in the last decades due to commercialization of dairy sector, computer monitoring solutions, which provide fast and accurate evaluation of body condition score, gain more and more importance. The main reasons that discourage the use of traditional BCS estimation techniques are the lack of computerized reports, its subjectivity in the judgment, observational variations and time consuming on farm training of technicians. Moreover, measurement on a cow must be collected every 30 days interval throughout the lactation period to have valuable information for use in selection indices. However, an automated BCS largely diminishes the need for labor, time and training, be less stressful for the animals, increase accuracy and could provide large volumes of data for use in genetic evaluation. The sonography is also good technique to detect depletion of body fat reserve by measuring back fat thickness (BFT) in conjunction with BCS in dairy cattle. In India, BCS monitoring technique is not well adopted due to lack of farm mechanization, awareness and an extra labor charges, can create a burden on farm finances.
Determinism of bacterial metacommunity dynamics in the southern East China Sea varies depending on hydrography

Spatial variation of communities composition (metacommunities) results from multiple assembly mechanisms, including environmental filtering and dispersal; however, whether and why the relative importance of the assembly mechanisms in shaping bacterial metacommunity changes through time in marine pelagic systems remains poorly studied. Here, we applied the elements of metacommunity structure framework and the variation partitioning framework to examine whether temporal variation of hydrographic conditions influences bacterioplankton metacommunity dynamics in the southern East China Sea (ECS). The spatiotemporal variation of bacterial communities composition was revealed using 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA. In addition to the whole bacterial community, we analyzed four dominant taxonomic groups (Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria) separately. Our analyses indicate that, considering the whole community level, the determinism of metacommunity structure varied among seasons. When the degree of connectivity was low (December), the metacommunity exhibited random distribution and was explained mainly by the environmental component. However, Clementsian metacommunity was found at intermediate connectivity (May), during which the environmental and spatial predictors were both significant. When connectivity was high (August), a random distribution pattern was found and no significant effect of environmental filtering or dispersal limitation was detected. Nevertheless, when considering different taxonomic groups, the differences in metacommunity dynamics among groups were found. Our results suggest that the driving forces of metacommunity dynamics varied depending on hydrography, as the degrees of environmental heterogeneity and connectivity among habitat patches were determined by circulation pattern. Moreover, mechanisms varied among different taxonomic groups, suggesting that differential dispersal capacity among taxonomic groups should be integrated into community assembly studies.
Responses of a Semi-dwarf Wheat to Temperatures Representing a Tropical Dry Season. II. Extreme Temperatures

SUMMARY Under controlled environment conditions a semi-dwarf wheat, Mexico 120, was subjected to temperature regimes representative of the extremes that occur during the dry (winter) season of the Ord River valley in northern Australia. High temperatures (35°C by day: 18°C by night) such as occur at the beginning and end of the dry season were compared with low temperatures (30°C by day: 13°C by night) such as occur in mid-season. Day length was constant at 12 hours. High temperatures from floral initiation onwards adversely affected floret development, and after ear emergence reduced grain filling to nil. Net assimilation rates were reduced by high temperatures. Major effects on yields were caused by high temperatures well before anthesis. The critical temperature after anthesis is apparently between 32° and 35°C.
The role of the transcription factor ATF4 in tumor progression under nutrient deprivation and hypoxia

The transcription factor ATF4 regulates the expression of mRNAs involved in amino acid metabolism, redox homeostasis and ER stress responses. Its overexpression in human solid tumors suggests an important role in tumor biology. Here we report that inhibition of ATF4 expression blocks proliferation and survival of transformed cells, despite an initial activation of cytoprotective macroautophagy. Knockdown of ATF4 significantly reduced the levels of asparagine synthetase (ASNS). Overexpression of ASNS or supplementation of asparagine in trans, reverses the proliferation block and increases survival in ATF4 knockdown cells. Both amino acid and glucose deprivation, stresses found in solid tumors, activate the upstream eIF2 alpha kinase GCN2 to upregulate ATF4 target genes involved in amino acid synthesis and transport. Levels of total GCN2, phospho-GCN2 and phospho-eIF2 alpha were upregulated in samples of human and mouse tumors compared to normal tissues and abrogation of ATF4 or GCN2 expression significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. ATF4 also contributes to the hypoxic resistance of tumor cells. We conclude that the GCN2-eIF2 alpha-ATF4 pathway is critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis in tumor cells, making it a novel and attractive target for anti-tumor therapy. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Constantinos Koumenis
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF PRAIRIE DOGS

Abstract Body mass is sexually dimorphic and varies seasonally for all 5 species of prairie dogs (Sciuridae: Cynomys), as shown by data from live individuals over a period of 28 years (1974–2001; n = 16,447 body masses). Sexual dimorphism (i.e., body mass of males as percentage of body mass of females) during the breeding season is 105% for black-tailed prairie dogs, 127% for Utah prairie dogs, 131% for Gunnison's prairie dogs, and 136% for white-tailed prairie dogs. Sexual dimorphism is minimal at the end of the breeding season, when exhausted males are thin and early-breeding females are heavy with pregnancy. Sexual dimorphism is maximal at weaning, when rested, well-fed males are heavy and females are emaciated from lactation. The most likely ultimate causation for sexual dimorphism among prairie dogs is sexual selection.
Knowledge Status and Potential Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on the Spreading of COVID-19 in West African Countries

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic that has been going on since December 2019 and caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has spread rapidly around the world and has been classified as a pandemic. The health systems of African countries, especially those of West Africa, are still primitive and there is growing concern about the care of infected people. The present study to assess the knowledge and socio-economic impacts related to the spread of COVID-19 in West Africa. Methods: This study was carried out in March 2020, through a descriptive observation and the collection of information by means of an online survey sheet throughout West African Countries. Total confidentiality was assured to the responders who participated at this study and data collected were coded and analyzed by using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: A total of 1158 answers were collected. The results showed that, the most representative countries were Benin (38.5%), Ivory Coast (25.2%), Togo (12.8%), and Nigeria (10.9%). Concerning the status of people's knowledge of COVID-19, all respondents claim to be aware of this disease. The study carried out the importance of hands washing as a way to limit the virus spreading in west African population. Certain gestures which were ingrained in habits such as traveling with public transport have suffered a regression. Conclusion: Non-compliance with hygiene and sanitary measures may lead to the spread of the virus in West Africa and these countries may then be surprised by this pandemic.
A study of relationships of breed, time of mating, level of nutrition, live weight, body condition, and face cover to embryo survival in ewes

SUMMARY Embryo survival was studied in flocks of 500 Saxon Merino and 500 Border Leicester × Merino ewes introduced to rams in either summer or autumn. The ewes were fed 200, 100 or 25% of a maintenance diet from day 2 to day 16 after mating. Embryo survival was greatest in ewes fed the maintenance diet. There was no suggestion that live weight, face cover or condition score were important factors affecting embryo survival. Embryo survival in the twin ovulating cross-breds was higher than in the twin ovulating Merinos, but there was no significant difference in embryo survival in ewes with single ovulations. Embryo survival in ewes with twin ovulations was significantly higher at the autumn mating than in summer.
Seronegative dengue cases in children – a retrospective analysis in a tertiary care center in Puducherry

Objectives: This study was undertaken to know the clinical profile and outcome of seronegative dengue cases in children, admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry. Materials and methods: This is a hospital-based, retrospective, descriptive study, done on seronegative dengue cases, of children aged 1 to 15 years of age, admitted and treated in the pediatric department and pediatric intensive care unit from June 2017 December 2019, in Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College and Research Centre, Puducherry. Results: About 75 children were suspected of dengue fever during the study period and those blood samples were sent for dengue serology. Only 16 cases (21.3%) were reported to be dengue serology positive. The remaining 59 (78.6%) were dengue serology negative. A total of about 33 children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were studied and the results were analyzed. It was seen that, male children outnumbered (69.6%), females (30.3%). Maximum numbers of cases were seen among 11-15 years of age (51.5%), followed by (36.3%) in 6 to 10 years of age and (12.1%) in 1-5 years of age. The most common symptom at presentation was, fever seen in (100%) of cases, followed by anorexia in (81.8%), generalized myalgia (63.6%), headache (42.4%), pain abdomen (30.3%), vomiting in (18.1%). Rare symptoms were, loose stools in (15.1%), cough (9%), rashes (6%). The most common sign was hepatomegaly (90.9%), followed by splenomegaly (36.3%), pedal edema (27.2%), pleural effusion (15.1%), ascites (12.1%) and hypotension, altered sensorium and bleeding in (3%) of cases. It was seen that (63.6%) of patients were discharged in < 5 days, most of them belong to DF without warning signs. About (36.3%) were discharged after 5 days of admission; most of them had DF warning signs. According to the outcome, it was seen that (84.8%) were discharged, (2.1%) went against medical advice and (3%) of severe dengue was discharged at request. Conclusion: The current study has revealed that seronegative dengue cases are more common than seropositive cases in children. They present with common symptoms and rarely atypical symptoms. Clinical diagnosis is more important because of the increasing trend of seronegative dengue cases in children, either because of late or atypical presentation and since the burden of dengue is being underestimated. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed, in spite of seronegativity in children with dengue, in order to reduce the morbidity and improve the outcome in epidemics as well as in daily clinical practice.
Pollen morphology of African Celtis (Celtidaceae)

Pollen morphology of all African Celtis species was examined and compared with that of some Asian species, using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains are triporate and more or less spheroidal. Two pollen types could be distinguished based on a feature of the apertures and the density of the surface ornamentation
Amino effect on the protonation of β-aminoacrylonitrile

The protonation of acrylonitrile (1) and of Z- and E-3-aminoacrylonitrile (5 and 9) was studied with the Gaussian-2 method. Ammoniumacrylonitrile ion formation is not important. Nitrilium ion formation is preferred in all cases, and the proton affinities are about 80 kJ/mol higher for aminoacrylonitrile. Remarkably, it is found that C2-protonation of 3-aminoacrylonitriles to form iminium ions can compete with nitrilium ion formation. β-Aminoacrylonitriles thus show propinquity to both acrylonitriles and enamines, and mechanistic and toxicological implications are discussed.
Host location and selection cues in a generalist tachinid parasitoid

Tachinid flies are diverse and ecologically important insect parasitoids. However, the means by which tachinid species locate and select hosts are poorly known. Many tachinids exhibit unusually wide host ranges and they also possess well‐developed visual systems. These characteristics suggest that tachinids differ from parasitic wasps in their reliance on various sensory modes and types of cues. A series of behavioral assays using the generalist tachinid Exorista mella Walker (Diptera: Tachinidae) were conducted to examine what types of cues this parasitoid uses to locate and accept hosts, and how the cues used may reflect its ecological relationships with hosts. Female E. mella responded strongly to host motion in assays using both live hosts and host corpses, and this cue is shown to be an important elicitor of attack behavior. Females also responded to volatile chemicals associated with damaged food plants of their host in an olfactometer. Flies responded only weakly to direct visual contact with stationary hosts and odors directly associated with hosts. The behavior of female E. mella changed with experience such that more experienced flies recognized and attacked hosts more readily than did inexperienced flies. The use of general olfactory and visual cues by E. mella may be an effective strategy by this polyphagous parasitoid to locate a broad range of potential hosts.
Factors affecting growth traits of beef cattle breeds raised in Slovakia

Growth traits of purebred calves of six beef breeds (Aberdeen Angus - AA, Blonde d'Aquitaine - BA, Charolais - CH, Hereford - HE, Limousine - LI and Beef Simmental - BS) born from 1998 to 2002 were analysed. Traits under study were birth weight (BW), weight at 120 days (W120), weight at 210 days - weaning weight (WW), weight at 365 days - yearling weight (YW) and average daily gains from birth to 120 days (ADG1), from birth to 210 days (ADG2), from birth to 365 days (ADG3), from 120 to 210 days (ADG4). General linear model with class effects of breed, dam's age at calving, sex, herd-year-season (HYS) and covariation of age at weighing was used for analyses. All effects significantly affected both weight and gain traits except for dam's age that was significant for BW, W120, YW and ADG3, and age at weighing that was significant for W120, WW, YW, ADG2, ADG3, ADG4. Estimated least squares means of growth traits were compared using Scheffe's multiple-range tests. Highest BW (40.57 kg) and W120 (172.43 kg) were found for BA calves. BS calves had highest WW (260.30 kg), YW (424.07 kg), ADG1 (1 154 g), ADG2 (1 053 g), ADG3 (1 054 g) and ADG4 (1 098 g). Highest BW, YW, ADG3 and ADG4 were found for males-singles. Males-twins had highest W120, WW, ADG1 and ADG2. Calves descending from 5-7 years old dams had highest BW, W120, WW, ADG1, ADG2 and ADG4. The proportion of variability of growth traits explained by HYS effect (42.96-71.69%) was high, whereas proportions of variability explained by SEX effect (2.03-5.77%), age of dam (1.02-2.24%) and breed (1.05-2.21%) were low. Residuals accounted for 23.71 up to 53.79% of total variance.
Phylogeography of white spruce (Picea glauca) in eastern North America reveals contrasting ecological trajectories

Aim The main objective of this study was to investigate the origin of white spruce (Picea glauca) range discontinuities in eastern North America. A first analysis aimed at uncovering the glacial origin and post‐glacial migration route of white spruce in the eastern part of the range. A second analysis aimed at evaluating whether disjunct white spruce populations in central Québec result from a recent expansion or are remnant stands following a northern range contraction.
Early male maturity explains a negative correlation in reproductive success between hatchery‐spawned salmon and their naturally spawning progeny

Adaptation of plants or animals to captivity is a risk associated with any captive breeding program that has the intent of returning organisms to the wild. The risk is particularly acute for species that are captively bred and released on a large scale, as is the case for many species of fish. Several studies, particularly in salmonids, have reported rapid adaptation of populations to captivity, but the mechanisms of such adaptations are not always clear. We evaluated a large three‐generation pedigree of an artificially supplemented salmon population, and found that the fish with the highest reproductive success in captivity produce early maturing male offspring that have lower than average reproductive success in the wild. In contrast to an earlier study of steelhead trout, we found little evidence that parental origin of the captive spawners influenced the subsequent reproductive success of their naturally spawning progeny.
Glomus custos sp. nov., isolated from a naturally heavy metal-polluted environment in southern Spain.

An undescribed species of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomeraceae, Glomeromycetes) was isolated from the bank side of the Rio Tinto River (Huelva, Spain), a naturally heavy-metal polluted environment. The species description is based on spore morphological parameters from in vitro root organ cultures, in vivo pot cultures, in vitro colony morphogenesis, and molecular analyses. Mature in vitro grown and pot cultured spores are pale to brownish yellow, globose to subglobose, 110-172 µm diameter and characterized by 4-layered walls. Phylogenetic analyses of the entire rDNA ITS region place the species into the Glomeraceae (group A) without closely related homology with known species. Glomus custos forms vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae with leek and clover plants under in vivo growing conditions and with excised carrot roots under in vitro propagation. The name custos (guardian) refers to the protective properties this fungus confers to host plants in terms of resistance to extreme pH and heavy metal concentrations in soil.
Predator escape tactics in birds: linking ecology and aerodynamics

In most birds, flight is the most important means of escape from predators. Impaired flight abilities due to increased wing loading may increase vulnerability to predation. To compensate for an increase in wing loading, birds are able to independently decrease body mass (BM) or increase pectoral muscle mass (PMM). Comparing nearshore and farshore foraging shorebird species, we develop a theory as to which of these responses should be the most appropriate. We hypothesize that nearshore foragers should respond to increased predation by increasing their PMM in order to promote speed-based escape. Instead, farshore foragers should decrease BM in order to improve agility for maneuvering escape. Experiments on 2 shorebird species are consistent with these predictions, but on the basis of the theoretical framework for evaluating effect size and biological significance developed here, more experiments are clearly needed. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.