Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological control of the Caribbean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Parasitic Hymenoptera were introduced into Florida in an attempt to bring the Caribbean fruit fly (caribfly) under biological control. A total of 15 species of parasites from 4 families were imported. Twelve species were released, 9 have been recovered in the field, and 5 are considered established. These coexist with both endemic fruit fly parasites and generalist species, which serendipitously attack caribfly. Inundative releases of the braconid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) to control caribfly are presently being tested by USDA/ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Division of Plant Industry. It is hypothesized that releases of parasites will augment numbers of natural enemies during periods when wasps are relatively uncommon due to difficulties in host finding. The lower numbers of flies that may result could be important in creating and maintaining fly-free zones. A renewed interest in the biological control of fruit flies promises future explorations for new natural enemies and novel means of employing them.
DENSITY-DEPENDENT SELECTION ON GAMETE TRAITS IN THREE CONGENERIC SEA URCHINS

Because male distribution and abundance strongly influence female fertilization success, density-dependent selection might act on gamete traits to maximize reproductive success. Intra- and interspecific variation in female fertilization success was investigated in the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, S. franciscanus, and S. droebachiensis. Male and female urchins of each species were induced to spawn within 25-m2 plots. The percentage of eggs fertilized, along with six covariates (male density, male–female distance, number of males, surge velocity, advection, and water depth), was measured for each spawning event. S. purpuratus had the highest levels of fertilization (94%), followed by S. franciscanus (64%) and S. droebachiensis (23%). The species with the highest densities, most males, and closest neighbors had the highest levels of fertilization. Depth and surge were not significant factors, but advection was associated with fertilization negatively in S. purpuratus and positively in S. droeba.
Seasonal Variations in the Yield, Gelling Properties, and Chemical Composition of Agars from Gracilaria eucheumoides and Gelidiella acerosa (Rhodophyta) from the Philippines

Abstract The yield, physical, and chemical properties of agars from two Philippine red seaweeds, Gracilaria eucheumoides and Gelidiella acerosa, were investigated on a bimonthly basis. The yield of agar from Gracilaria eucheumoides was at a maximum during the early rainy season (May, 29%) and at a minimum during the summer month of March (20%). In Gelidiella acerosa, a peak in agar yield was also recorded in May (21%), with generally higher yields recorded during the rainy than in the dry season. Agar gel strengths fluctuated from 225 to 430 g cm−2 and from 160 to 820 g cm−2 for Gracilaria eucheumoides and Gelidiella acerosa, respectively, and both agars exhibited strongest gels in July. Significant seasonal variations were observed in the gelling and melting temperatures of agar from Gracilaria eucheumoides, but not from Gelidiella acerosa. Sulphate content only varied slightly in agar samples from Gracilaria eucheumoides, while a higher sulphate content was found in Gelidiella acerosa agar during the dry season. Moreover, the sulphate content in G. acerosa agar fluctuated inversely with the 3,6-anhydrogalactose content. A FT-IR analysis showed a fairly constant spectrum for temporal Gracilaria eucheumoides agar while peaks attributed to S–O vibrations intensified in Gelidiella acerosa samples which were recorded to contain high sulphate residues and possess low gel strengths. Diagnosis of the FT-IR spectra in the 1000–400 cm−1 frequency range was also conducted in comparison with agarose and Gracilaria chilensis agar.
Comparison of the effect of rapidly and gradually developing water-stress on carbohydrate-metabolism in spinach leaves

Abstract. The effect of water-stress on photosynthetic carbon metabolism in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) has been studied in experiments in which water-stress was induced rapidly by floating leaf discs on sorbitol solutions or wilting detached leaves, and in experiments in which water-stress was allowed to develop gradually in whole plants as the soil dried out. In both short- and long-term water stress, the rate of photosynthesis in saturating CO2 did not decrease until leaf water potential decreased below -1.0 MPa. However, at smaller water deficits there was already an inhibition of starch synthesis, while sucrose synthesis remained constant or increased. This change in partitioning was accompanied by an increase in activation of sucrose-phosphate synthase (revealed as an increase in activity assayed in the presence of low hexose-phosphate and inorganic phosphate, while the activity assayed with saturating hexosephosphates remained unaltered). Water-stressed leaves had a two- to three-fold higher sucrose content at the end of the night, and contained less starch than non-stressed leaves. When leaves were held in the dark, sucrose was mobilized initially, while starch was not mobilized until the sucrose had decreased to a low level; in water-stressed leaves, starch mobilization commenced at a two-fold higher sucrose content. It is concluded that water-stressed leaves maintain higher sucrose and lower starch levels than non-stressed leaves. This response is found in rapid and long-term stress, and represents an inherent response to water deficits.
Continuing the Search for a Law of Mortality

Scientists have long attempted to explain why closely similar age patterns of death are characteristic of highly diverse human and non human populations.Early efforts [to develop a general law of mortality] were conducted using mortality curves based on all causes of death. The authors predict that if comparisons of mortality are based instead on `intrinsic causes of death (i.e. deaths that reflect the basic biology of the organism) then age patterns of mortality consistent with the historical concept of a law might be revealed. Using data on laboratory animals and humans they demonstrate that age patterns of intrinsic mortality overlap when graphed on a biologically comparable time scale. These results are consistent with the existence of a law of mortality following sexual maturity as originally asserted by Benjamin Gompertz and Raymond Pearl. The societal medical and research implications of such a law are discussed. (SUMMARY IN SPA AND FRE) (EXCERPT)
Desenvolvimento de bezerros de corte desmamados aos 80 ou 152 dias até os 15-16 meses de idade

The performance of beef calves submitted to two weaning ages (early weaning, at an average age of 80 days; conventional weaning, at an average age of 152 days) was evaluated. One hundred and five Braford calves born in 2004 and 2005, after weaning, were kept on pastures cultivated with pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) in the first and second summer and, in winter/spring, they were kept on pastures with oat and ryegrass (Avena strigosa Schreb + Lolium multiflorum Lam). Body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADWG) and body condition (BC) were evaluated. There was a significant interaction among age at weaning and year for daily weight gain for early weaning as well as for conventional weaning on oat and ryegrass pastures. In the period between the two weaning ages, the daily weight gain in early weaning was higher in 2004 than in 2005 (0.499 vs 0.468 kg, respectively) and for early weaning, higher daily weight gain occurred in 2005 (0.493 vs. 0.631 kg, respectively). On oat and ryegrass pasture, average daily weight gain for early weaned animals in 2004 (0.666 kg) was lower than in 2005 (0.760 kg), however, there was no difference among years for conventional weaned animals (0.720 and 0.723 kg, respectively). During second summer periods, average daily weight gain did not differ among early and conventional weaned animals. Weight of early weaned animals (158.2 kg) was higher than conventional weaned animals (147.7 kg) in the beginning of winter grazing; however, it did not differ at the end. In the end of the summer, when calves were 15-16 months of age, body weight was similar among early weaned (340.1 and 4.14 points) and conventional (332.8 kg and 4.15 points) weaned animals. Final body condition, in 2004, was higher (4.34) than in 2005 (3.96 points). Calves weaned at 80 days of age and adequately fed present similar development as those weaned at 152 days of age, achieving development and finishing conditions to be slaughtered for specific markets at 15-16 months of age.
Development of Polyclonal Antibodies Against Domoic Acid for Their Use in Electrochemical Biosensors

Abstract The current work describes the raising of polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) against domoic acid (DA), an algal toxin produced by the diatom Pseudonitzschia pungens. They were screened for sensitivity and selectivity using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antiserum produced against a keyhole limpet haemocyanin (DA-KLH) conjugate displayed a high affinity for free DA. The optimized horseradish peroxidase (HRP) ELISA had a detection limit of 0.6 ng mL−1 (ppb) and a working range of 0.8–300 ppb DA applying a streptavidin-biotin amplification system (ABC system). Furthermore this antiserum did not cross-react with similar chemical structures and algal toxins such as kainic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, geranic acid and 2-methyl-3-butenoic acid. When the ELISA was compared using an alkaline phosphatase (AP) label we found the system to behave in a similar manner to the optimized HRP system but the linear range was smaller in the high DA concentration range. These pAbs were then used in the optimization of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) system for measurement of DA. A disposable screen-printed carbon electrode coupled with amperometric detection of p-aminophenol at +300 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, produced by the enzyme AP, was used for signal measurement. The sensor incorporates a relevant range for toxin detection, by which humans become ill (Iverson, F.; Truelove, J. Toxicology and seafood toxins: domoic acid. Natural Toxins 1994, 2, 334–339.) with detection limits achieved at SPE to the order of ppb. The SPE system is simple and cost-effective due to its disposable nature, and analysis time is complete in 30 min. In addition, recovery experiments on DA for both ELISA and SPE highlighted the functionality of these systems yielding a ±12% deviation for the true value for the ELISA using AP and ±25% for the sensor.
Why is Acartia tonsa (Copepoda: Calanoida) restricted to nearshore environments?

The copepod Acartia tonsa is adapted to high food concentrations which it encounters in estuaries and upwelled waters. It cannot obtain sufficient food for reproduction on the middle and outer shelf, where food concentrations are usually low, because it decreases clearance rates when concentrations of Thalassiosira weissflogii fall below 0.25 mm3 1-' In comparison, the offshore copepod Paracalanus sp. continues to increase its clearance rate when food levels are below the abovementioned concentration. Several factors are thought to be responsible for this reduction of clearance rates of A. tonsa feeding on T. weissflogii: ( l ) The proportion of time during which water is transported towards the copepod decreases with decreasing food concentration. (2) The efficiency of capturing food particles decreases below 22 pg C I-' (= 0.28 mm3 I' of T. weissflogb]. (3) A. tonsa does not seem to reroute phytoplankton cells individually towards its median, and therefore cannot use a , hypothesized, increased sensitivity of its chemoreceptors at low chlorophyll concentrations to increase clearance rate.
Fructooligosaccharide production by a truncated Leuconostoc citreum inulosucrase mutant

Abstract Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on IslA4, a truncated form of inulosucrase (IS) derived from Leuconostoc citreum IS that contains only the IS catalytic domain. This truncated form is more hydrolytic than the wild-type enzyme and produces both high-molecular-weight inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Among the various mutants obtained from IslA4 by following strategies designed for SacB (the levansucrase from Bacillus subtilis), S425A no longer produces inulin, but instead produces FOS exclusively and hydrolyzes sucrose. Reaction conditions were explored to increase FOS productivity by reducing the hydrolysis, resulting in 65% conversion from a 0.67 M sucrose solution. S425A displays complex kinetic behavior in which the transfructosylation rate is described by first-order kinetics, while sucrose hydrolysis follows Michaelis–Menten behavior. This combined model correctly describes both the overall initial reaction rate as well as the reaction evolution for FOS synthesis. S425A IS may be useful for the synthesis of FOS from sucrose.
The Rhine rift valley ground water—river interactions: Evolution of their susceptibility to pollution

The exchange processes between the Rhine river and the alluvial aquifer were analysed in the upper part of the rift valley (upstream of Strasbourg). Hydraulic works, and the consequent suppression of flooding, along the Alsace Rhine floodplain greatly modified these processes. The transfer of persistent toxic micropollutants (organochlorine compounds, mercury), and non-persistent pollutants (organophosphorous compounds: Sandoz spill) from the Rhine to the groundwater-fed streams was exhibited by pollutant bioaccumulation in fish (particularly in the eel) and eutrophication of these streams near the canalized river. Comparison of the hydrological functioning of the two main river floodplains (the Rhine and its tributary, the Ill in the Alsace Rhine plain) shows two completely different exchange processes: in the case of the canalized Rhine, the groundwater is affected by direct transfer of pollutants through the channel bed. In the other case, that of the river Ill, where the floodplain is still widely flooded each year, the self-purification of the floodwaters transferred to the groundwater is very effective: the soil-root system of alluvial forest and meadow apparently having a high purification capacity.
Comparing parent–offspring regression with frequentist and Bayesian animal models to estimate heritability in wild populations: a simulation study for Gaussian and binary traits

Estimating heritability of traits in wild populations is a major prerequisite to understand their evolution. Until recently, most heritability estimates had been obtained using parent‐offspring regressions. However, the popularity of animal models, that is, (generalized) linear mixed models assessing the genetic variance component based on population pedigree information, has markedly increased in the past few years. Animal models are claimed to perform better than parent–offspring regressions mainly because they use full between‐individual relatedness information and they allow explicit modelling of the environmental effects shared by individuals. However, the differences between heritability estimates obtained using both approaches are not straight forward, and the factors influencing these differences remain unclear. We performed a simulation study to evaluate and compare the accuracy and precision of estimates obtained from parent–offspring regressions and animal models using both Frequentist (REML, PQL) and Bayesian (MCMC) estimation methods. We explored the influence of (i) the presence and type of shared environmental effects (non‐transgenerational or transgenerational), (ii) the distribution of the phenotypic trait considered (Gaussian or binary trait) and (iii) data quantity and quality (sample size, pedigree connectivity) on heritability estimates obtained from the two approaches for different levels of true heritability. In the absence of shared environmental effects, the animal model using the REML method performed best for a Gaussian trait, while the animal model using MCMC was more appropriate for a binary trait. For low quantity and quality data, and a binary trait, the parent–offspring regression yielded very imprecise estimates. Estimates from the parent–offspring regression were not influenced by a non‐transgenerational shared environmental effect, whereas estimates from animal models in which environmental effects are ignored were affected by both non‐transgenerational and transgenerational effects. We discuss the relevance of each approach and estimation method for estimating heritability in wild populations. Importantly, because most effects fitted in animal models are, in fact, non‐transgenerational (including environmental maternal effects), we advocate a systematic comparison between parent–offspring regression and animal model estimates to detect potentially missing non‐transgenerational environmental effects.
Effects of cortisol and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on ovulation in ayu Plecoglossus altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel) with special respect to water and ion balance*

This study was undertaken to discern the effects of cortisol and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on ovulation in ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel), with special reference to water and ion changes. Cortisol as well as HCG was very effective in inducing ovulation of ayu. The best response was obtained with 10 mg of cortisol. In combination of cortisol and HCG, the effective dosage of cortisol was less than when cortisol was used singly. In fish which received cortisol and/or HCG, both the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the percentage increase in body weight were significantly greater when compared to the control. The increase in body weight appeared to be due to an ingestion of water in fish treated with hormone, as described in our previous report. At ovulation there was a high sodium content in the ovary of fish treated with hormone, whereas a low sodium content was seen in the muscle. It appears that the fish imbibes some water resulting in hydration of the oocytes with concurrent ion movement during maturation and ovulation. These results suggest that gonadotrophin and cortisol may exert their initial effect on the oocytes in a direct or indirect manner, possibly acting to affect the sodium transport system or to alter passive permeability of the egg membrane.
Effects of malic acid and citric acid on the functional properties of native and cross‐linked wheat starches

The functional properties of native and modified starches are affected by other food components such as organic acids. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of citric and malic acids as two common organic acids in foods on some properties of native and cross-linked wheat starches. Acids (150 mg/kg starch basis) were added to a starch suspension (40% w/w) and held for 30 min at 25°C, neutralized, washed, dried, and sieved. Scanning electron microscopy showed that both acids caused some spots on the surface of the granules. The acids reduced intrinsic viscosity and water absorption, while increased water solubility of the samples. Determination of the thermal properties showed that malic acid significantly reduced the gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization while citric acid had no significant effect on these parameters. Both acids decreased hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity, and cohesiveness of the starch gels. In general, malic acid was more effective than citric acid on the functional properties of both starches. Native wheat starch was more sensitive to these acids than the cross-linked starches.
Population densities and conservation assessments for three species of chameleons in the Toliara region of south-western Madagascar

Madagascar is a high conservation priority. Rainforests receive most of the focus, but the dry deciduous and spiny forests of south-western Madagascar house many endemics, are under high deforestation pressure, and remain largely unprotected. Charismatic vertebrates, like chameleons, face a secondary threat: harvesting for the commercial pet trade. Six chameleons inhabit the arid southwest near Toliara: Furcifer antimena, F. belalandaensis, F. labordi, F. lateralis, F. oustaleti, and F. verrucosus. We measured population densities of three of those species. Furcifer verrucosus has a large distribution, was dense (97.7 ha −1 ; 95% CI = 60.2-158.6), and inhabited forests and anthropogenic habitats. Furcifer labordi was much less dense (30.8 ha −1 ; 13.4-70.9), has a restricted range, and has a unique life history that makes it susceptible to perturbations from deforestation or illegal harvesting. Furcifer antimena was the least dense (17.0 ha −1 ; 9.3-30.9) and has an even smaller distribution range. We lack density data for F. lateralis, but this species was abundant in anthropogenic habitats. Within their respective ranges, there are currently no protected areas for F. antimena and only few for F. labordi; these two species are far less abundant than the more widely spread F. verrucosus. We recommend that high conservation priority be focused on F. antimena and the southern populations of F. labordi due to their restricted distributions, susceptibility to extirpation, lower population densities, and lack of formal protection. Establishing protected areas in the Ranobe region and north of the Fiherenana River, in the Belalanda region, would help protect important populations of these vulnerable species.
Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium

SPINE (Structural Proteomics In the NorthEast) is the NESG’s inter-institutional project coordination database. SPINE is based on a three-tier software architecture. It is a web-based data management application built upon a MySQL database driven by a series of Perl scripts and Perl modules hosted by an Apache web server. Initially developed to manage the NESG protein production pipeline, SPINE has evolved to include components designed to coordinate activities and projects in the several laboratories across the consortium. The Oracle-based PLIMS (Protein Laboratory Information System) manages the majority of the NESG’s protein production pipeline at Rutgers University.
Growth and shoot:root partitioning of spinach plants as affected by nitrogen supply

Spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.) were grown hydroponically in fixed environmental conditions either at full nitrate availability (11·8mol m-3) or at a suboptimum relative nitrate addition rate of 0·20d-1, 0·15d-1 or 0·10d-1 respectively, the other nutrients being adequately provided. The relative growth rate (RGR) of the plants varied significantly with the nutrition treatment and decreased during development in all treatments. The concentration of reduced nitrogen in the plants grown at full nitrate availability did not change significantly during the experimental growth period and nitrate accumulation was substantial. After an adaptation period, the concentration of reduced nitrogen in the plants at the suboptimum nitrate addition rates increased during growth and was lowest at the lowest relative nitrate addition rate. Nitrate uptake was almost complete in the suboptimum treatments and nitrate accumulation was negligible as long as the concentration of reduced nitrogen was below 2·0 mmol (g dry weight)-1. The RGR of all plants was proportional to the concentration of reduced nitrogen in the plant minus a minimal tissue concentration required for growth. However, the proportionality factor was inversely related to the plant mass. This relationship was summarized in an empirical model which explained 98·7% of the variance of the dry weight (log scale) data of all treatments at all harvests. The model was compared with other growth models found in the literature. The shoot/root weight ratio increased from 2 to 4 if nitrate provision was not limiting, and initially, this ratio decreased at suboptimum nitrate provision but increased at higher growth stages. Possible explanations of the dynamics of dry matter partitioning are discussed in relation to models.