Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematics of Neotropical Satyrine Butterflies (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Euptychiina) Based on Larval Morphology and DNA Sequence Data and the Evolution of Life History Traits.

Although satyrine butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) are highly diverse and found worldwide in most terrestrial habitats, they have received little attention from systematists. This research focuses on on* o f the largest satyrine groups, the euptychiines, found from central United States to Argentina, with the greatest diversity in the Amazon. The subtribe Euptychiina has a troubled taxonomic history. Most genera were erected without diagnoses and placed within the subtribe without being examined. Before this project was initiated, little was known of their basic biology and morphology. Therefore, considerable attention was given to this area in my research. I describe the larvae of 25 species and discuss morphological characters in detail, with chaetotaxy illustrations. Terminology of many morphological structures were reviewed and new terms proposed. Phylogenetic analyses using larval morphology and DNA sequence data found the subtribe paraphyletic. Five genera were excluded from the subtribe, redefined as Taygetiina. Numerous genera were also determined to be paraphyletic. Branching patterns were strongly supported with the larval data set, which was based on 157 characters taken from all instars. DNA sequence data between COI and EF-l« were largely congruent, although saturation and long branch attractions led to unusual groupings in the COI parsimony analyses, mostly resolved in the maximum likelihood tree. Incongruence between the morphological and molecular analyses revolved around placement o f one taxon at the base o f the ingroup. Placement of Megisto cymela in the ingroup or outgroup did not significantly alter the branching patterns of either data set. Three life history traits were mapped onto the phytogeny.
Influence of patch shape on mallard nest survival in northern Iowa

Reproductive success of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) is influenced by distribution and amount of wetlands and grasslands on the landscape during the breeding season. Most studies of mallard reproductive success have been conducted in areas with high wetland densities and large tracts of grasslands. We investigated nest survival of mallards in intensively cropped northern Iowa, USA, where wetland and grassland habitats were highly fragmented. We radiotracked female mallards nesting during 1998–2000 and located 318 nests in 6 types of land cover. Overall daily survival rate of nests was 0.945 ± 0.003 standard error (SE), corresponding to an estimated nest survival rate of 0.14. Hen success (i.e., the probability that an individual female will hatch a nest in one of her attempts) averaged 0.28 ± 0.03 SE. We used a model selection approach to examine covariates that might affect nest survival. Perimeter-to-area ratio (PAR) of the nest patch was the most important predictor of daily nest survival, with nest survival decreasing with increasing PAR. A greater percentage of nests hatched (18%) in habitats with low perimeter-to-area ratios (e.g., pastures, hayfields, Conservation Reserve Program fields, and managed grasslands) compared with habitats with high PAR (11%) such as drainage ditches, road-side ditches, fencerows, and waterways. Managing habitat in this region to increase mallard nest survival will be challenging, given the propensity of mallards to nest in linear habitats. If the climate change projections materialize in the 21st century, the southeastern portion of the Prairie Pothole Region could become a much more important breeding area for midcontinent mallards. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Isolation and characterization of human rhinovirus antigenic variants

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Effects of experimental night lighting on the daily timing of winter foraging in common European songbirds

The ecological effects of light pollution are becoming better understood, especially in birds. Recent studies have shown that several bird species can use street lighting to extend activity into the night during the breeding season. However, most of these studies are correlational and little is known about the effects of artificial night lighting on the timing of activities outside the breeding season. During winter, low temperatures and short days may limit foraging opportunities and can negatively affect survival of resident birds. However, night lighting may allow them to expand the time niche available for foraging. Here, we report on a study where we repeatedly manipulated the amount of night lighting during early winter at automated feeding stations in a natural forest. We used video-recordings at the feeders to determine the time of the first (at dawn) and last (at dusk) foraging visits for six songbird species. We predicted that all species, and in particular the naturally early-foraging species, would advance their daily onset of foraging during the mornings with night lighting, but would show minimal or no delays in their daily cessation of foraging during the lighted evenings. We found that two early-foraging species, the blue tit and the great tit, started foraging earlier during the experimentally lighted mornings. However, in great tits, this effect was weak and restricted to nights with inclement weather. The light treatment did not have any effect on the start of foraging in the willow/marsh tit, the nuthatch, the European jay, and the blackbird. Artificial night lighting did not cause later foraging at dusk in any of the six species. Overall, our results suggest that artificial light during winter has only small effects on timing of foraging. We discuss these findings and the importance of temperature and winter weather in shaping the observed foraging patterns.
Phylogenetic Grouping of Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Obtained from Sheep and Broiler Chicken in Northwestern Iran

DOI : 10.26650/actavet.2018. 010 Verotoksijenik Escherichia coli (VTEC), artan bir halk sagligi sorunu olan baslica gida kaynakli patojenlerdir. Calismanin amaci, Kuzeybati Iran’in Urmia bolgesinde kesilen saglikli koyun ve broyler tavuklarinin diskilarindan VTEC izolatlarinin olusum ve filogenetik gruplarini arastirmaktir. Bu calismada, 446 E. coli izolati (koyundan 97 ve broyler tavuktarindan 349), polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu (PCR) kullanilarak Vtx-kodlayan genlerin (vtx1 ve vtx2) olusumu icin test edilmistir. Daha sonra, tum geri kazanilmis VTEC izolatlari, chuA, yjaA ve TSPE4.C2 olarak adlandirilan uc genetik sekans kullanilarak Clermont filotiplemeye dayanan filogenetik olarak gruplandirilmistir. Sonuc olarak, koyun kaynakli izolatlarin %46,4’unde (45/97) vtx geni tasiyan E. coli saptanmis ve broylerler icin saptanan yuzdeler ise %8,3 (29/349) olmustur. Genel olarak, filotipleme, 74 VTEC izolatinin, filogenetik olarak grup A (%32,4, VTEC-A olarak belirlenmis), B1 (%44,6; VTEC-B1), B2 (%9,5; VTEC-B2) ve D (%13,5; VTEC-D) olarak ayrildigini ortaya koymustur. Buna ek olarak, sonuclar ayrica, koyun ve broyler tavuklarinin VTEC izolatlarinin yayilmasinin B1 ve D filogenetik gruplari arasinda belirgin olarak farklilik gosterdigini gostermistir (p<0,01). Ayrica, virutik filogenetik gruplar (B2 ve D), broyler tavuklarinda koyunlara gore onemli olcude daha yaygin olarak saptanmistir (p<0,01). Sonuc olarak, saglikli koyun ve broyler tavuklari, virutik filogenetik gruplara ait VTEC icin halk sagligina potansiyel bir risk faktoru olan bir rezervuar olabilir. Calisma ayrica koyun ve broyler tavuklari arasinda VTEC suslarinin filogenetik grup atamasina gore onemli farkliliklar ortaya koymustur.
Genome plasticity, a key factor of evolution in prokaryotes

In prokaryotic genomes, the number of genes that belong to distinct functional classes shows apparent universal scaling with the total number of genes [1–5] (Fig. 1). This scaling can be approximated with a power law, where the scaling power can be sublinear, near-linear or super-linear. Scaling laws are robust under various statistical tests [4], across different databases and for different gene classifications [1–5]. Several models aimed at explaining the observed scaling laws have been proposed, primarily, based on the specifics of the respective biological functions [1, 5–8]. However, a coherent theory to explain the emergence of scaling within the framework of population genetics is lacking. We employ a simple mathematical model for prokaryotic genome evolution [9] which, together with the analysis of 34 clusters of closely related microbial genomes [10], allows us to identify the underlying forces that dictate genome content evolution. In addition to the scaling of the number of genes in different functional classes, we explore gene contents divergence to characterize the evolutionary processes acting upon genomes [11]. We find that evolution of the gene content is dominated by two factors that are specific to a functional class, namely, selection landscape and genome plasticity. Selection landscape quantifies the fitness cost that is associated with deletion of a gene in a given functional class or the advantage of successful incorporation of an additional gene. Genome plasticity, that can be considered a measure of evolvability, reflects both the availability of the genes of a given functional class in the external gene pool that is accessible to the evolving microbial population, and the ability of microbial genomes to accommodate these genes. The selection landscape determines the gene loss rate, and genome plasticity is the principal determinant of the gene gain rate.
Phylogenetic Relationships of the Polyporaceae Based on Gene Sequences of Nuclear Small Subunit Ribosomal RNAs

The Polyporaceae is a chaotic mass of genera having poroid hymenophores in the Aphvllophorales. To classify the Polyporaceae into more natural groups, phylogenetic analyses were performed using nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences. Thirty-six species from the families of the Polyporaceae, the Hymenochaetaceae, the Ganodermataceae, the Corticiaceae, the Bondarzewiaceae, the Meruliaceae, the Steccherinaceae and the Lentinaceae were phylogenetically compared. By performing maximum parsimony analysis, seven phylogenetically meaningful groups were identified and discussed. The hyphal system, presence or absence of clamps, and the type of rot were found as important characters in defining the groups. Each group was phylogenetically significant enough to be a core member of each family when the Polyporaceae was split into smaller and more natural families.
Standardization of critical boron level in soil and leaves of coconut palms grown in a tropical Entisol

An experiment was conducted to standardize the critical boron level in soil and leaf samples of coconut palms grown in a typical Entisol of the Onattukara region of Kerala, India. Graded levels of boron as borax were applied at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 g per palm per year in four split doses. The critical boron level in soil and leaves was standardized using the following methods: the Cate and Nelson graphical (CN) method, the Mistcherlich equation (ME), and the quadratic plateau response (QP) method. In the CN method, the critical level of boron in soil and leaves was 0.48 mg kg-1 and 11.5 mg kg-1, respectively. In the ME model, the critical boron level in soil and leaves was 0.46 mg kg-1 and 7.55 mg kg-1, respectively. In the QP response curve, the critical level of boron in soil was estimated to be 0.87 mg kg-1, and in the leaf, the critical level was found to be 13.27 mg kg-1. Because the level estimated via the graphical method and by the Mistcherlich equation is similar with regard to the soil boron, 0.48 mg kg-1 can be considered as the critical boron level in soil. Regarding the critical boron level in the leaf, values estimated via the CN method and the QP response curve are in proximity, and, hence, the critical boron level in leaf is 13.27 mg kg-1. These results suggest the application of 160 g of borax in four split doses when the levels of boron in soil and leaves fall below the estimated critical values for better use efficiency.
The Three I's of Diabetes Integration in Emerging Adulthood—Developing a Framework to Individualize Diabetes Care

Transition of care occurs within the developmental context of emerging adulthood (EA; 18-24 years), in which diabetes self-management is challenged as an individual learns to cope with diabetes and develop their independence. With the goal of helping providers individualize support as patients begin adult care, we conducted a qualitative study with 33 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (51% female, age 20.6±0.3 years, diabetes duration 12±1 years). Individual semi-structured interviews allowed participants to depict their lived experiences with diabetes. We employed a narrative approach to the analysis of interview transcripts and constant comparison was used to identify similarities and differences in narrative typology and thematic content. We identified that participants’ accounts of living with diabetes could be grouped into three broad categories: Ingrained (n=14), Intrusive (n=12) and Inconspicuous (n=7). We interpreted these accounts as different “lenses” through which individuals perceive their diabetes during EA. Participants conveying an Ingrained lens perceived diabetes to be comfortably settled within their daily lives and described self-confidence for management. Participants conveying an Intrusive lens perceived diabetes as disrupting their daily living and described moral sensitivity towards management (i.e., being seen as a ’good’ or ’bad’ self-manager). Participants conveying an Inconspicuous lens told stories that demonstrated their efforts to minimize their diabetes and described disregard for management. HbA1c levels were lower in participants conveying an Ingrained lens (HbA1c (%), Ingrained 7.4±0.2, Intrusive 9.3±0.5 (p Disclosure B. Markowitz: None. C. Pritlove: None. G. Mukerji: None. J.V. Lavery: None. J.A. Parsons: None. A. Advani: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.
Dietary niche partitioning between sympatric wood mouse species (Muridae: Apodemus) revealed by DNA meta-barcoding analysis

Plant diets of 2 sympatric species of wood mice in Japan (Apodemus argenteus and A. speciosus) were determined by DNA meta-barcoding analyses of feces using the nucleotide sequences of the chloroplast trnL P6 loop intron region as a molecular marker. The 2 species showed a relatively large degree of niche overlap in plant dietary profiles, feeding mostly on acorn-producing Fagaceae species (assumed to be Quercus crispula). However, A. argenteus was less dependent on Fagaceae species than A. speciosus. Instead, A. argenteus had a wider niche breadth, feeding upon a wider range of plant families such as Betulaceae, Fabaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Tiliaceae, and Ulmaceae, which were consumed only infrequently by A. speciosus. There was also evidence for species differences in diet across seasons. Oleaceae species (assumed to be Fraxinus mandshurica) were consumed by A. argenteus from June to August, and by A. speciosus from August to October. The results suggested that A. argenteus is a generalist feeder, and A. speciosus a specialist, and the 2 Apodemus species separate their dietary niches not only by the component plant species overall, but also by differences within seasons.
Synthesis of deisovalerylblastmycin.

Methyl 3-O-benzoyl-2-C-butyl-2,5-dideoxy–β-L-arabinofuranoside (1) was converted to (2R,3R,4S)-4-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-threonyloxy)-3-benzyloxy-2-butylpentanoic acid (8). Lactonization of 8 was conducted through the 2-pyridylthio ester 9 activated by silver perchlorate to afford the desired dilactone 10 (33% yield), which was transformed to the title compound.
Immunopathology of Chlamydophila abortus infection in a pregnant mouse model

Chlamydophila abortus targets the ovine placenta, causing tissue damage, inflammation and abortion. C. abortus is the main infectious cause of abortion in ewes in the UK and results in major economic losses to the sheep industry. A pregnant mouse model was developed to investigate immune responses and disease pathogenesis for comparison with the ovine disease. Pregnant mice were inoculated at mid-gestation with C. abortus to investigate progression and pathogenesis of infection. This resulted in abortion on days 6-8 post¬ infection (p.i.). Infected cells were identified at the maternal-foetal interface on days 3 and 5 p.i. and chlamydial inclusions were scattered throughout the trophoblastic labyrinth of the placenta between days 3 and 7 p.i. Infected areas were accompanied by a maternal mononuclear inflammatory cellular infiltrate, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils, B cells and CD4 and CD8 T cells. C. abortus organisms were cultured from both maternal and foetal tissues, higher numbers present in placenta, the target organ. A Thl type immune response was characterised in the mouse model, similar to that in ovine infections. A dominant IgG2a antibody response was identified and IFN-y and TNF-a expression were detected in both sera and supernatants from stimulated splenocytes. IFN-y mRNA and TNF-a mRNA expression were detected by in situ hybridisation in mouse tissues infected with C. abortus. A latent/subclinical persistent infection did not appear to develop in non-pregnant mice infected with C. abortus and abortion did not occur in the subsequent pregnancy, in contrast to that in ovine infections. Repeat abortion did not occur in the pregnancy subsequent to abortion in mice, similar to the situation observed in sheep. Mice were also immune to secondary infection in the pregnancy subsequent to abortion. Infection of pregnant mice resulted in abortion as observed in infected ewes, and a similar Thl immune response is elicited in both sheep and mice. This model will allow the rapid screening of novel protein and DNA based vaccines to protect against chlamydial abortion.
Haematological and blood biochemical changes induced by the administration of low doses of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in rabbits

El objetivo fue investigar los cambios hematologicos y en la bioquimica sanguinea inducidos por la administracion de dosis bajas de lipopolisacarido de Escherichia coli (LPS) en conejos. Seis conejos clinicamente sanos fueron distribuidos en dos grupos experimentales mediante un diseno cruzado: Grupo 1 (LPS) tratado con dos dosis intravenosas de 1 μg/kg de LPS. Grupo 2 (Control) fue tratado con un volumen equivalente de solucion salina (SS). Previo y posterior a la administracion de LPS se midio temperatura rectal (°C), se determinaron las concentraciones de interleukina 6 (IL-6), proteina C reactiva (PCR), ademas se realizo hemograma y se midio la actividad de las enzimas aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) y gamma glutamil transferasa (GGT). La administracion de LPS produjo aumentos significativos en la temperatura rectal, IL-6 y PCR. A las 4 y 8 h posteriores a la inyeccion de LPS se observo leucopenia asociada a disminucion en el recuento de monocitos, linfocitos y plaquetas, mientras que a las 12 y 24 h el recuento de leucocitos y neutrofilos aumento significativamente. No se observaron cambios en los promedios de VGA, concentracion de proteinas totales y albumina o en la actividad de las enzimas AST y GGT. Se concluye que las modificaciones hematologicas y de bioquimica sanguinea inducidas por la administracion de dosis bajas de LPS son de moderada intensidad y corta duracion en comparacion a las descritas en conejos tratados con dosis altas de LPS. Estos cambios son consistentes con un estado de respuesta inflamatoria inicial inducida por una infeccion por Gram negativos
Biocontrol of onion white rot by application of Trichoderma species formulated on wheat bran powder

Abstract In vitro, Trichoderma album, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma virens showed antagonistic effect against the most pathogenic isolate (Sc2) of Sclerotium cepivorum, the cause of onion white rot disease. Five Trichoderma preparations of each Trichoderma sp. were prepared on wheat bran powder to be used for controlling white rot disease of onion. Greenhouse and field experiments followed the same trend where T. harzianum and T. koningii were the most effective in reducing the incidence and severity of white rot disease compared with the control. Trichoderma species preparations caused promotion to vegetative parameters of onion plants in pots and increase bulb productivity in filed. In this regard, T. harzianum and T. koningii were the most effective. A positive correlation was found between the biocontrol activity of Trichoderma species preparations and enhancement of peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase and chitinase enzymes in onion plants to resist infection with S. cepivorum.