Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemoreception and feeding behaviour in a caterpillar: towards a model of brain functioning in insects

The quantitative relationship between chemoreceptor activity during food intake and total amount of food ingested per unit of time has been studied in last instar larvae of Pieris brassicae. Data on sensory responses and feeding intensity, derived from a study by Blom (1978), show a strong correlation between receptor activity during 1 sec periods of stimulation and food intake during 24 h. It is concluded that nerve impulses from chemoreceptors, which signal the presence of different phagostimulants, are summated algebraically in the central nervous system. Impulses from feeding deterrent receptors counteract the effects of phagostimulants. One impulse from a deterrent receptor neutralizes 2.5 impulses from phagostimulant receptors. Based on the relationships observed a simple model of a feeding centre in the central nervous system has been constructed (Fig. 8).
Evolutionary Rates of Models and Mimics in Batesian Mimicry

As was first pointed out by R. A. Fisher, the evolution of close Batesian mimicry requires that the mimic evolve faster toward its model than the model away from it. There are three main reasons why in most cases the mimic should be able to evolve faster than the model: (1) When mimicry is not perfect the mimic is expected to suffer higher mortality (per individual) from the predators affected by mimicry than the model. (2) In the mimic the amount of genetic variability available for further evolution should be greater than in the model. (3) While in the mimic any change in the phenotype toward the model should be advantageous, in the model, changes away from the mimic should sometimes be disadvantageous because they would result in a phenotype which the predators may not recognize as distasteful.
Composition and variation of the skin microbiota in sympatric species of European newts (Salamandridae)

The mucous skin of amphibians provides a habitat for microorganisms which may interact with their hosts and thereby affect their condition and health. Cultivation-independent analyses of the bacterial communities based on the detection of PCR-amplified bacterial 16S rRNA genes provides a direct approach to characterize their diversity. In the present pilot study we utilized this approach in combination with a high-throughput DNA sequencing technology (454 pyrosequencing), to characterize the bacterial community structure of the skin of three newt species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Ichthyosaura alpestris, Triturus cristatus), collected near Braunschweig, Germany. 16S rDNA sequences were obtained from 19 unique samples. On average, 6113 amplicon sequences were obtained per sample and these could phylogenetically be assigned to a total of 1615 different operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Altogether, most samples were rather similar in their dominant bacterial taxa. Most represented were Betaproteobacteria (46%; mostly Janthinobacterium), Gammaproteobacteria (28%; mostly Pseudomonas), Flavobacteria (phylum Bacteroidetes: 19%, mostly Flavobacterium), and Sphingobacteria (Bacteroidetes: 5%, mostly Pedobacter). We found no significant differences between the three newt species, or between hemi-nested vs. non-nested PCR, but a strong difference among sampling dates (15 and 17 April 2013) which might be explained by the ongoing transition of the newts from their terrestrial to aquatic phase which coincided with this period, or by differences between sexes as these were unevenly sampled on the two dates. 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved in this study in several cases were identical or very similar to those previously found on the skin of North American salamanders.
The effects of natural light on measures of meat quality and adrenal responses to husbandry stressors in swine

Two groups of pigs, born and housed under artificial and natural lighting, demonstrated increases in plasma and salivary cortisol levels at the time of weaning (day 24) and following handling and transport, indicating that these husbandry practices are stressful experiences for the animals. Piglets housed under natural light had a mean plasma cortisol response to weaning of 33.7%, compared with 47.9% for pigs in the artificial-lighting condition (P < 0.03). The relative percentage of eosinophils was reduced following weaning in both groups of pigs (P < 0.04). Salivary cortisol levels were significantly increased in response to handling and transport (P < 0.0001). Also, "basal" levels of salivary cortisol were lower in pigs exposed to natural lighting (P < 0.02) but no differences in the magnitude of the response to handling and transport were evident between different lighting conditions. Male pigs raised under artificial lighting had greater fat depth than those raised under natural light (P < 0.03) and .
Microsatellite markers reveal promising genetic diversity and seed trait associations in common bean landraces (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Nicaragua

Nicaragua is located in the Mesoamerican diversity centre for common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Yet, there is insufficient knowledge of the molecular characteristics of most common bean landraces in Nicaragua. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the genetic diversity of common bean landraces and to identify promising sources of genetic variation for breeding purposes. Two cultivars and 40 landraces never studied before were selected from a collection based on the geographic origin, seed coloration and information provided by farmers. Fourteen microsatellite markers distributed in different linkage groups were analysed. The study revealed that there is a high genetic diversity (mean 8.9 alleles per locus). The populations showed structuring into three groups where seed weight had a strong relationship with population clustering. At least 20% of the populations hold promising allelic variation and potential for good market acceptance that could be maximized in breeding programmes. Additionally, four markers revealed a high correlation with seed length, width and weight, suggesting that marker-assisted selection for these yield-determinant traits could be straightforward. Nonetheless, more marker–trait associations should be addressed in order to enforce this practice.
Regulation of nitrate reductase by various nitrogen sources in cultured Ipomoea sp.

The nitrate reductase of Ipomoea sp. (morning glory) grown in suspension culture on a chemically defined medium is induced by nitrate. The developmental pattern of the enzyme shows three peaks of enzyme activity: peak I during the initial stages of growth, peak II during the exponential growth, and peak III just before the onset of the stationary phase of growth. The full induction of nitrate reductase by nitrate is dependent on the availability of a source of energy, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. After 24 h of growth high levels of nitrate reductase are detected in the presence of casein hydrolysate and ammonium pyrrolidine carboxylate and an appreciable level in the presence of nitrite and ammonium as nitrogen sources. Glutamine, asparagine, and amino acids are also regulators of nitrate reductase synthesis whether they are used as sole nitrogen sources or as additives in nitrate media. When used as sole nitrogen source the amino acids generally fall into three distinct classes. Amino acids in the f.
Genetic Variation of Four Gyps Species (Gyps bengalensis, G. AFRICANUS, G. indicus and G. fulvus) Based on Microsatellite Analysis

Abstract Although several phylogenetic studies of Gyps species have been conducted, few studies have addressed the genetic diversity of these species on a finer scale such as microsatellite analyses. We collected samples of migratory adults and nestlings from four species of vultures in six different localities. We analyzed the samples using microsatellites in order to determine the genetic distance as well as the amount of variation within and among Gyps species populations. Low genetic diversity in Long-billed Vultures (G. indicus) was probably indicative of a single population with no immigration and low gene flow. As this species is critically endangered, future conservation programs should consider genetically suitable stock for a breeding and reintroduction program. High genetic diversity in African White-backed Vultures (G. africanus) was likely indicative of a number of populations, with immigration and gene flow. We confirmed previous findings of low genetic differentiation among Griffon Vulture (G. fulvus) populations, which indicated high mobility and gene flow among these populations.
Spatial Autocorrelation and Assessment of Habitat–Abundance Relationships in Littoral Zone Fish

Spatial autocorrelation, wherein intersite similarity is correlated with distance between sites, is a characteristic of most ecological studies spanning a large environmental range. If data are spatially autocorrelated, classical statistical techniques provide biased estimates of relationships between species attributes and environmental variables. We examined abundances of seven littoral fishes in 25 lakes that varied substantially in morphometry, chemistry, and elevation across central Ontario. Weak correlations were observed between abundances of particular species and environmental variables before correcting for spatial autocorrelation, and we hypothesized that correlations reflected species' habitat preferences. However, spatial autocorrelation existed in the abiotic and fish abundance datasets. Once large-scale geographic patterns (spatial autocorrelation) were removed using partial Mantel tests, correlations changed within and between datasets. A strong relationship emerged between abundances and .
Effect of timing of ram introduction on fertility in progestagen-PMSG treated anoestrous ewes

In exploiting to the full the possible advantages of a synchronized oestrus in ewes, the mating management of the ram requires special attention. Previous recommendations (Gordon, 1963) on ram management stated that progestagen-PMSG synchronized ewes should be run with rams at a ram to ewe ratio of 1:10 in the days following treatment. Preliminary work from this laboratory has shown that delaying the introduction of rams until 48 h following sponge withdrawal could improve conception rates significantly (Joyce, 1972). The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate further the effect of time of ram introduction on ewe fertility following oestrous synchronization.
Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Sclerodermini (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae, Epyrinae)

Sclerodermini are a small tribe of parasitoid wasps, with 13 genera worldwide. Its phylogeny has already been investigated, but doubts still exist about the taxonomic classification of the tribe and its genera. The phylogenetic relationships of Sclerodermini are inferred from a cladistic analysis based on 72 female characters. The dataset was analyzed under equal weights parsimony and implied weighting. To assess the monophyly of the Sclerodermini, representatives of Cephalonomiini were also included in the taxon sample. The Cephalonomiini were retrieved as monophyletic and nested well within Sclerodermini, indicating the paraphyly of the latter tribe. The genus Discleroderma Kieffer, 1904 is polyphyletic, and we transfer Discleroderma yakushimensis Terayama, 1999 and D. undulatum Krombein, 1996 to Sclerodermus Latreille, 1809. Lepidosternopsis sulcata Azevedo, 1999 and L. brasiliensis (Evans, 1973) do not belong to Lepidosternopsis Ogloblin, 1953; we propose to reinstate the genus Nothepyris Evans, 1973 to accommodate these two species. The genus Glenosema Kieffer, 1905 is polyphyletic and we transfer Glenosema viduatus (Turner, 1928) to Epyris Westwood, 1832. In addition, Discleroderma yemenensis Lanes & Azevedo sp. n. , Discleroderma indiensis Lanes & Azevedo sp. n. , Glenosema denteata Lanes & Azevedo sp. n. , Glenosema elevata Lanes & Azevedo sp. n. , Platepyris sepalus Lanes & Azevedo gen. n. , sp. n. , and Tuberepyris basibrevis Lanes & Azevedo gen. n. , sp. n. are described and illustrated.
FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE OF FIVE BREEDS OF SHEEP AND THEIR CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS

Average daily gains of Suffolk, Targhee, Columbia, Rambouillet, and Romnelet wether lambs in three 75-day tests were: 0.20, 0.18, 0.16, 0.15, and 0.13 kg. The average carcass weights were: Suffolk, 26.0; Targhee, 23.0; Columbia, 21.5; Rambouillet, 21.7; and Romnelet, 20.9 kg. Only Columbias graded lower (P < 0.01) in carcass score than Suffolks. Single lambs had significantly (P < 0.01) higher carcass grades than twins. Preweaning environmental variables such as age of dam, type of rearing, and creep feeding on range did not affect postweaning gain in the feedlot.Breed differences were small in carcass measurements and weights of wholesale cuts as determined on constant weight basis. The most typical conformation characteristics of the Suffolk carcass, in relation to the other breeds, were: shorter body and hind leg, shallower chest, wider hips, and larger circumference of hind leg. Carcass weight was the most important source of variation in the carcass measurements and weights of wholesale cuts.Breed di.
Alterações nas características fisiológicas da cana-de-açúcar causadas por trinexapac-ethyl

A utilizacao de reguladores vegetais tem sido realizada com frequencia, especialmente em canaviais das grandes usinas de alcool ou acucar do Brasil devido a necessidade de antecipacao da colheita e otimizacao do planejamento agricola. Todavia, aplicacoes incorretas desses produtos podem afetar negativamente os processos fisiologicos da planta resultando no insucesso desta tecnologia. Nesta pesquisa foram avaliados os efeitos de aplicacoes do trinexapac-ethyl, em diferentes epocas sobre as caracteristicas fisiologicas da cana-de-acucar visando melhorar o manejo desta cultura. Os tratamentos avaliados foram dispostos em blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial (3 x 2 + 2) com quatro repeticoes. O fator A correspondeu as epocas de aplicacao do regulador vegetal (120, 200 e 240 dias apos a brotacao das gemas (DAB) da cana-de-acucar) e o fator B o numero de aplicacoes (uma ou duas aplicacoes). Alem disto, foram adicionadas duas testemunhas (uma com tres aplicacoes e outra sem aplicacao do regulador). O modo de aplicacao do trinexapac-ethyl (numero e epocas de aplicacao) afetou, de maneira diferente, as caracteristicas fisiologicas das plantas de cana-de-acucar. A aplicacao unica aos 120 DAB e sequencial aos 120, 200 e 240 DAB aumentou o consumo de CO2, a condutância estomatica, a taxa transpiratoria e a taxa fotossintetica. Concluiu-se, entao, que a aplicacao do trinexapac-ethyl podera resultar em beneficio agronomico a cultura da cana-de-acucar, pois, quando aplicado aos 120 ou de forma sequencial aos 120, 200 e 240 DAB, promove incrementos positivos nas variaveis componentes do processo da fotossintese que pode resultar em melhor desenvolvimento e crescimento da cultura.
Entomopathogenic nematode host finding: response to host contact cues by cruise and ambush foragers

SUMMARY Search behaviour of two entomopathogenic nematode species with different foraging strategies was compared by measuring parameters of unrewarded search after contact with host cues. Steinernema glaseri cruises in search of hosts. Steinernema carpocapsae ambushes hosts. Nematodes should respond to contact with relevant host cues by shifting their search from ranging to localized after contact with them. We predicted that cruising foragers rely on chemical cues more heavily than ambushers. These species were also tested for host affinities. Nematodes were tracked by image analysis after exposure to faeces, cuticle or food of either Popillia japonica or Spodoptera exiqua. Steinernema glaseri responded to selected host cues by shifting from ranging to localized search, characterized by decreased locomotory rate, distance travelled, search area and the proportion of the test period spent moving. Steinernema carpocapsae did not respond to host cues. Steinernema glaseri responds to selected chemical host cues for host location, whereas S. carpocapsae does not.
Complementary video and acoustic recordings of foraging by two pest species of slugs on non-toxic and molluscicidal baits

Summary The effects of adding the molluscicides methiocarb and metaldehyde to pelleted foods on the encounter, acceptance, feeding and post-meal stages of the foraging sequence of the slugs Deroceras reticulatum and Arion distinctus have been studied using two complementary laboratory techniques - video and acoustic recordings. Whereas non-feeding slugs encountered wheat grains at random, slugs which fed on wheat grains or pellets encountered them more frequently because of changes in locomotor pattern and olfactory attraction. Slugs would almost always feed on the first pellet they found, regardless of the presence or absence of molluscicide: thereafter they fed on only one pellet in every four encountered. Far fewer slugs accepted wheat grains. Slugs ate much less from pellets containing molluscicide, and meals were more irregular. The relative amounts of non-toxic pellets of various types which were eaten gave no indication of the relative amounts eaten when molluscicide was added. Meal length did not correlate well with meal size on different pellet types because softer pellets were eaten faster. Most Deroceras fed several times on non-toxic pellets or pellets containing methiocarb, although subsequent meals were shorter than the first meal. Most returned to shelters by dawn. In contrast, metaldehydefed slugs were rapidly immobilised; they seldom fed again, moved little, and few regained shelter. Arion were also inhibited after methiocarb meals but Deroceras were not. Arion distinctus moved less, ate less during a meal, and had fewer meals on nontoxic baits than Deroceras reticulatum.
Expression of cytosolic β‐glucosidase in guinea pig liver cells

The cytosolic β‐glucosidase of mammalian liver has been implicated in the metabolic transformation of plant glycosides, such as vicine and amygdalin, which are associated with the development of toxic syndromes. We investigated which cell types express cytosolic β‐glucosidase in guinea pig liver, and characterized the contribution of this enzyme to the hydrolysis of aromatic glucosides in cultured cells and in tissue slices. Cytosolic β‐glucosidase was expressed in hepatocytes and not in Kupffer or endothelial cells as determined by enzyme‐specific activity and Western blots of liver cell extracts. Intracellular β‐glucosidase activity was visualized using the fluorescent β‐glucosidase substrate, resorufin β‐d‐glucoside, and shown to be caused by the cytosolic β‐glucosidase using the inhibitors, conduritol β‐epoxide and dinitrophenol‐2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (DNP2FGlc). Staining of fresh liver slices with resorufin β‐glucoside revealed that cytosolic β‐glucosidase is expressed in all hepatocytes, with no significant portal‐central gradient. These data indicate that cytosolic β‐glucosidase is a hepatocyte‐specific enzyme, and support the hypothesis that cytosolic β‐glucosidase in the liver functions to hydrolyze small glucosides absorbed by the intestine. Furthermore, toxic injury to cultured hepatocytes by CCl4 resulted in release of cytosolic β‐glucosidase in parallel with the hepatocyte marker enzymes alanine transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase. This suggests that acute increases in serum levels of cytosolic β‐glucosidase in animal models of liver injury may reflect direct injury of hepatocytes.
The Neotropical genus Stibadocerina Alexander and its phylogenetic relationship to other Stibadocerinae genera: further evidence of an ancestral trans‐Pacific biota (Diptera: Cylindrotomidae)

Abstract Stibadocerina Alexander, a monotypic genus, includes the only known Neotropical species of the family Cylindrotomidae, S. chilensis Alexander, 1929 , from South Central Chile (ca. 36°50′S–42°17′S). In this paper, Stibadocerina chilensis is redescribed and illustrated in detail. A study of wing‐vein homology in the subfamily Stibadocerinae is provided, to identify the components of the reduced radial sector in Stibadocerina and related taxa. The proposed hypotheses of wing‐vein homology are tested, and the systematic position of Stibadocerina is assessed through a cladistic analysis of 13 characters of the male imago, scored for exemplar species of the four genera included in the Stibadocerinae. A single most parsimonious tree supports the monophyly of the Stibadocerinae and the following relationships among its included genera: Stibadocerodes [Stibadocera (Stibadocerella +Stibadocerina)]. The subfamily includes one example of a vicariant distribution with a sister‐group relationship between South Central Chilean and East Asian taxa, and supports a biogeographical interpretation of an ancestral trans‐Pacific biota.
‘Natural’ T cells responsive to malaria: evidence implicating immunological cross-reactivity in the maintenance of TCRαβ+ malaria-specific responses from non-exposed donors

It is now generally accepted that peripheral blood of humans not exposed previously to malaria contains T cells which proliferate vigorously in response to malaria parasites and antigens. Although it has been claimed that these cells express a memory phenotype, their origin is uncertain. We have examined the phenotype and immunological responses of such cells. We confirm that these cells do express the 'memory phenotype', CD45Ro, in that depletion of such cells, but not of CD45Ra (virgin) cells, abrogates the immune response to malaria parasites. In an effort to define the genesis of these responses, numerous malaria-specific T cell clones have been generated from non-exposed individuals. These were tested for reactivity to a large panel of common bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Most clones proliferated vigorously in response to one or more such organisms, while many clones demonstrated smaller but significant degrees of proliferation in response to many different organisms. Our data offers insights into the maintenance of immunological memory. All clones examined were CD3+, CD4+, CD8-, TCR alpha beta+, and TCR delta-. The ratio of TCR alpha beta+ to TCR delta+ cells among peripheral blood lymphocytes increased during polyclonal culture in the presence of parasite. The high frequency of such cells in peripheral blood (1/800-1/9000), and their response to a wide range of geographically different Plasmodium falciparum isolates and clones by both proliferation and lymphokine secretion (predominantly IFN-gamma) with a high degree of sensitivity (less than 1 parasite/microliters blood in some cases) suggests that these cells must be quickly activated following malaria infection. Their contribution to the outcome of the disease (protection/immunopathology) may be significant.