Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary attempt at biological control of coconut leaf eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker using two Trichogramma species

A preliminary attempt was made for biological control of coconut leaf eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker, by releasing two Trichogramma species viz. T. chilonis Ishii and T. embryophagum Hartig @ 1,000 to 4,000 parasitised eggs per palm in Bangalore, India. The mean percent reduction in larval population by 75.6, 60.0, 33.3 and 50.0% in T. chilonis and 88.8%, 175.0, 66.7 and 75.0% in T. embryophagum was recorded in treated palms during 1, 2, 3 and 4 generation of the pest compared to untreated control. There was nonsignificant difference between various release rates irrespective of the species, indicating that lower release rate of 1,000 parasitised eggs/palm as adequate. On sentinel egg cards, parasitism was low 2.0 5.0%, 0.0 2.0% and 0.0% in T. chilonis, and T. embryophagum released palms and untreated control palms, respectively. The field trial gave an indication that Trichogramma could be a potential parasitoid against O. arenosella and it is suggested that the parasitoids could be released and tested on a large scale in endemic areas to authenticate efficacy.
Modulating the permeability of ferritin channels

Twenty four-mer ferritins are present in all kingdoms of life and play an essential role as iron storage proteins. The formation of a caged iron biomineral is driven by an enzymatic reaction occurring at ferroxidase centers in the central part of ferroxidase catalytically active subunits, where Fe2+ is the reaction substrate. For this purpose, Fe2+ needs to be translocated through the protein cage. Two different types of channels pierce the ferritin nanocage, in correspondence to C3 and C4 symmetry axes. The polarity across the channels controls the directional Fe2+ fluxes towards the ferroxidase centers. In vertebrate ferritins, the C3 channels have been identified as the entry ion channels coupled with the ferroxidase reaction. Here, we have prepared a series of variants of the ferritin nanocage to study the role of electrostatic residues inside the two types of channels in directioning Fe2+ substrates towards the catalytic ferroxidase sites and the inner biomineralization cavity. Interestingly, by changing the electrostatic properties of the residues at the inner edge of each channel, we can selectively activate/deactivate Fe2+ routes, modulating the rate of iron oxidation at the ferroxidase sites.
Management of Powdery Mildew in Rose Under Polyhouse Condition

Powdery mildew of rose caused by Sphaerotheca pannosa var rosae (Wallr) Lev. is one of the important diseases which causes enormous losses both in terms of quality and quantity of rose under protected condition. A field trial under protected condition was conducted at NARP, Pune, during 2000–2001 to 2002–2003, to find out the effective fungicidal application for its management. The crop was sprayed with eight different fungicides starting the first spray from the first appearance of disease. Five sprays were given at an eight day interval. The effect of each treatment on disease intensity and yield was recorded. The disease index was significantly reduced in treated plots when compared with untreated control. Analysis of data for three years showed that powdery mildew in rose can be significantly reduced (89.17% PDC) by spraying Difenoconazole 0.05% at an eight day interval and there by increased number of “A” grade flowers (0.791akh flowers/500 m2), net income (Rs. 86290/500 m2) with higher benefit cost ratio (1:1.45). It was followed by dinocap 0.05% and tridemorph 0.05% with 1:1.25 B:C ratio. Hence, it is recommended to give five sprays of Difenoconazole @ 0.05% at an eight day interval for better management of powdery mildew in rose under protected condition.
A Frictional Skeleton Model for the Madden–Julian Oscillation*

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is a multiscale system. A skeleton model, developed by Majda and Stechmann, can capture some of planetary-scale aspects of observed features such as slow eastward propagation, nondispersive behavior, and quadrupole-vortex structure. However, the Majda–Stechmann model cannot explain the source of instability and the preferred planetary scale of the MJO. Since the MJO major convection region is leaded by its planetary boundary layer (PBL) moisture convergence, here a frictional skeleton model is built by implementing a slab PBL into the neutral skeleton model. As a skeleton model allowing the scale interaction, this model is only valid for large-scale waves. This study shows that the PBL frictional convergence provides a strong instability source for the long eastward modes, although it also destabilizes very short westward modes. For the long waves (wavenumber less than 5), the PBL Ekman pumping moistens the low troposphere to the east of the MJO convective envelope, and sets up favorable moist conditions to destabilize the MJO and favor only eastward modes. Sensitivity experiments show that a weak PBL friction will enhance the instability slightly. The sea surface temperature (SST) with a maximum at the equator also prefers the long eastward modes. These theoretical analysis results encourage further observations on the PBL regulation of mesosynoptic-scale motions, and exploration of the interaction between PBL and multiscale motions, associated with the MJO to improve the MJO simulation in general circulation models (GCMs).
Unique inflammatory profile is associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mortality

COVID19 pandemic has so far caused over three hundred thousand deaths worldwide, primarily due to complications from SARS-CoV-2-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While an ARDS-driven hyperinflammatory phenotype is associated with higher mortality in non-COVID patients, there is little information on how cytokines and chemokines expressions correlate with clinical outcomes in COVID19 patients. We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 41 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome on mechanical ventilation. Patients blood was obtained at enrollment and outcome measures were liberation from mechanical ventilation and hospital-free days. We determined the expression levels of 44 circulating cytokines/chemokines and found 13 of them associated with worse outcomes. After correcting for multiple comparisons/false discovery rate, only one chemokine (CCL19) remained significantly associated with outcomes (p=0.009). Although not described in association with COVID19, this chemokine was previously found elevated in an animal model of SARS-CoV. Moreover, CCL19 seems to be relevant for bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) maintenance and for lung immunity to influenza virus. While this finding requires corroboration, CCL19 determination could facilitate early identification COVID19-ARDS patients at higher risk of death and be novel target for immunotherapy in this setting.
Family carers’ perspectives of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland

Background: The Alzheimer Café is a psychosocial intervention shown to have benefits for family carers of people with dementia. Family carers experience a period of change across all aspects of their lives following the dementia diagnosis, and require new skills and tools to navigate these new landscapes. The objective of this research was to investigate family carers’ perspectives of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland, and explore how attendance may translate into broader benefits in their lives. This paper also provides an overview of Alzheimer Café models, which exist internationally. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine family carers of people with dementia who were currently attending or had attended an Alzheimer Café in the preceding six months. The research was conducted in three Alzheimer Cafés in Ireland. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s six step thematic analysis framework. Results: Community, atmosphere, activity and information were described as core features of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland. The Alzheimer Café was described as a community with a good atmosphere encompassing emotional support, friendship, equality and inclusion. Family carer also highlighted Alzheimer Cafés could potentially facilitate wider community awareness and engagement. The Alzheimer Café was shown to provide an activity which facilitated relationship building within care dyads as well as with other attendees. Several information streams were identified, including guest speaker input, attendees’ shared experiences, and specific advice from healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The Alzheimer Café offers strong personal support to family carers of people with dementia. Our findings suggest that Alzheimer Cafés can build family carers’ capacity to manage new social, environmental and cultural challenges associated with dementia. While it is important the Alzheimer Café is enjoyable, has useful information and is supportive, it is equally important that these features generate sustained improvements for family carers external to the Alzheimer Café.
Differential localization of Hessian fly candidate effectors in resistant and susceptible wheat plants

Abstract Hessian fly Mayetiola destructor is a notorious pest of wheat. Previous studies suggest that Hessian fly uses effector‐based mechanisms to attack wheat plants during parasitism, but no direct evidence has been reported to support this postulation. Here, we produced recombinant proteins for five Family‐1 candidate effectors and antibodies. Indirect immunostaining and western blots were carried out to examine the localization of Hessian fly Family‐1 proteins in plant and insect tissues. Confocal images revealed that Family‐1 putative effectors were exclusively produced in the basal region of larval salivary glands, which are directly linked to the mandibles’ ducts for effector injection. The five Family‐1 proteins were detected in infested host plants on western blots. Indirect immunostaining of sectioned host tissues around the feeding site revealed strikingly different localization patterns between resistant and susceptible plants. In susceptible plants, the Family‐1 proteins penetrated from the feeding cell into deep tissues, indicative of movement between cells during nutritive cell formation. In contrast, the Hessian fly proteins were primarily limited to the initially attacked cells in resistant plants. The limitation of effectors’ spread in resistant plants was likely due to wall strengthening and rapid hypersensitive cell death. Cell death was found in Nicotiana benthamiana in association with hypersensitive reaction triggered by the Family‐1 effector SSGP‐1A2. Our finding represents a significant progress in visualizing insect effectors in host tissues and mechanisms of plant resistance and susceptibility to gall midge pests.
Sandstone Versus Carbonate Petroleum Reservoirs – A Global Perspective on Porosity-Depth and Porosity-Permeability Relationships

E016 Sandstone versus carbonate petroleum reservoirs: a global perspective on porositydepth and porosity-permeability relationships Abstract 1 S. N. EHRENBERG AND P. H. NADEAU Statoil N-4035 Stavanger Norway The two fundamental differences between sandstone and carbonate reservoir rocks are: (1) the site of sediment production (allochthonous for sandstones versus autochthonous for carbonates) and (2) the greater chemical reactivity of carbonate minerals. It is the latter difference that has profound significance for diagenesis and reservoir quality such that siliciclastic strata for the most part display only minor effects of eogenetic diagenesis other than carbonate concretions and soil development whereas carbonates are characterized
Cetuximab plus irinotecan for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Safety analysis of 800 patients in a randomized phase III trial (EPIC)

3556 Background: EPIC is a randomized phase III study comparing cetuximab plus irinotecan to irinotecan in second-line metastatic, EGFR-expressing mCRC patients (pts) (target N=1,300 pts). Following an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review of 400 pts. , the pooled safety data was presented at ASCO 2005 (#3580). The DSMB has recently reviewed safety data on the first 800 patients. Methods: Patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC who had failed first-line oxaliplatin in combination with a fluoropyrimidine and an ECOG performance status ≤ 2 were randomized to either Arm A (cetuximab 400 mg/m2 followed by 250 mg/ m2 weekly and irinotecan 350 mg/ m2 q 3 weeks) or to Arm B (irinotecan 350 mg/ m2 q 3 weeks). A pooled safety analysis is presented. Results: Eight hundred patients were randomized from May 2003 to March 2005 in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the US: 309 women and 491 men, with a median age of 61 years (range 21–90) and ECOG performance status (PS) of: 0= 53%, 1= 42%, 2= 5%. Seventeen pts re.
The Disease-Associated Chaperone FKBP51 Impairs Cognitive Function by Accelerating AMPA Receptor Recycling

Abstract Increased expression of the FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene has been associated with a number of diseases, but most prominently in connection to psychiatric illnesses. Many of these psychiatric disorders present with dementia and other cognitive deficits, but a direct connection between these issues and alterations in FKBP5 remains unclear. We generated a novel transgenic mouse to selectively overexpress FKBP5, which encodes the FKBP51 protein, in the corticolimbic system, which had no overt effects on gross body weight, motor ability, or general anxiety. Instead, we found that overexpression of FKBP51 impaired long-term depression (LTD) as well as spatial reversal learning and memory, suggesting a role in glutamate receptor regulation. Indeed, FKBP51 altered the association of heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) with AMPA receptors, which was accompanied by an accelerated rate of AMPA recycling. In this way, the chaperone system is critical in triage decisions for AMPA receptor trafficking. Imbalance in the chaperone system may manifest in impairments in both inhibitory learning and cognitive function. These findings uncover an unexpected and essential mechanism for learning and memory that is controlled by the psychiatric risk factor FKBP5.
Associations of maternal methionine synthase A2756G and methionine synthase reductase A66G polymorphisms with neural tube defects of the offspring: A meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate associations of maternal methionine synthase(MTR) A2756G and methionine synthase reductase(MTRR) A66G polymorphisms with the offspring′s risk for neural tube defects(NTDs). Methods The retrieval strategy and criteria for inclusion and exclusion were made.Literature was identified by searches for case-control studies on maternal MTR A2756G or MTRR G66A polymorphism and risk of NTDs in the offspring published in English or Chinese from following databases: China Biology Medical Literature Database(CBM),Database of Chinese Scientific and Technical Periodicals(VIP),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Digital Journal Full-text Database(CHINAINFO),PubMed and Web of Science from January 1990 to October 2010.Combined OR values and 95% CI were calculated with Review Manager 5.0. Results 18 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis,among which 11 studies(907 cases and 1,978 controls) on maternal MTR A2756G polymorphism,and 11(1 123 cases and 1 700 controls) on maternal MTRR A66G polymorphism.Statistical analysis of the combined data showed that there was no significant association between maternal MTR A2756G polymorphism and the risk of NTDs,while there were significant associations between maternal MTRR A66G polymorphism and the risk of NTDs in GG/AG vs.AA,GG vs.AA,AG vs.AA,GG vs.AG/AA and G vs.A genetic models,and their pooled OR values and 95% CI were 1.89(1.28-2.78),1.68(1.31-2.16),1.77(1.18-2.66),1.28(1.06-1.55) and 1.35(1.12-1.63),respectively.Conclusion Maternal MTRR A66G polymorphism is a risk factor for NTDs.
Clinical Significance of Platelet Volume and Other Platelet Parameters in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Background Platelets are important in the initiation of thrombosis, and their morphological and functional changes are closely related with the occurrence and development of coronary artery thrombosis. Platelet parameters might be valuable in distinguishing between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Objective This study was designed to detect and compare changes in platelet parameters, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and to investigate their roles in these diseases. Methods Specimen collection: Between January 2011 and December 2013, 2 mL of elbow vein blood was drawn from each of 31 patients primarily diagnosed with AMI, 34 SCAD patients and 50 healthy subjects; and placed in EDTA-K2 anticoagulant tubes. Platelet count (PLT), MPV, plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NEU) counts were determined using an STKS automated hematology analyzer (Beckman Courter). Results Compared with the control group, MPV levels were significantly higher in the AMI and SCAD groups (p < 0.05), while PLT was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that MPV and other related parameters have a certain value in the diagnosis of SCAD and AMI.
Representation and manipulation of images based on linear functionals

Exploration of information content of features that are present in images has led to the development of several reconstruction algorithms. These algorithms aim for a reconstruction from the features that is visually close to the image from which the features are extracted. Degrees of freedom that are not fixed by the constraints are disambiguated with the help of a so-called prior (i.e., a user defined model). We propose a linear reconstruction framework that generalizes a previously proposed scheme. The algorithm greatly reduces the complexity of the reconstruction process compared to non-linear methods. As an example we propose a specific prior and apply it to the reconstruction from singular points. The reconstruction is visually more attractive and has a smaller L2-error than the reconstructions obtained by previously proposed linear methods.
Taxonomy of shallow-water Bryozoa from the west coast of South Africa

Sixty-three species of shallow-water Bryozoa, from 12 localities along the west coast of South Africa, are described and represent three orders (Cyclostomata, Ctenostomata and Cheilostomata), 33 families and 46 genera. Five species are cyclostomes, three are ctenostomes and 55 are cheilostomes. The relative dominance of the Cheilostomata is not surprising considering the relatively low diversity of cyclostomes and ctenostomes in marine habitats. Of the 63 species, 48 are redescribed from current material. Fifteen species (namely Eurystrotos planus, Membranipora rustica, Chaperia septispina, Klugeflustra jonesii, Bicellariella bonsai, Beania minuspina, Micropora latiavicula, Thalamoporella spiravicula, Escharoides custodis, Bitectipora umboavicula, Schizosmittina lizzya, Microporella madiba, Fenestrulina elevora, Celleporina solida and Rhynchozoon abscondum) are new to science, of which seven are found in seven genera (Eurystrotos, Klugeflustra, Thalamoporella, Bitectipora, Schizosmittina, Fenestrulina and Celleporina) that are newly recorded from South Africa. Thirteen species are recorded from the west coast for the first time, one of which, Hippomonavella formosa, is a new record for South Africa. Including the species described here, approximately 270 valid species, representing three orders (Cyclostomata, Ctenostomata and Cheilostomata), 74 families, and 130 genera have been recorded from South Africa. An accurate species number is not yet possible from this region as there are still outstanding problems with synonymies.
Response of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) To Plant Spacing and Nitrogen, Phosphorus Fertilization

Response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) to varying ‘evels of plant spacing (60 × 20,60 × 30 and 60 × 40 cm) and graded levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha) and phosphorus (0, 30 and 60 kg P/ha) was studied on sandy loam soil poor in organic carbon, medium in available phosphorus and rich in available potassium during kharif seasons of 1972, 1974 and 1977 at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. The closest spacing (60 × 20 cm) gave consistantly higher yields in all the years of study. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization increased plant height, number of nodes per plant and fruit size which finally contributed in increasing the fruit yield. Application of 100 kg nitrogen and 60 kg phosphorus per hectare gave the highest yield as compared to other levels.
Pre-Service EFL Teachers' Beliefs about Foreign Language Learning and How They Relate to Gender.

Introduction : Foreign language learners also often hold different beliefs or notions about language learning (Horwitz 1987), and existing research suggests that learner beliefs have the potential to influence both their experiences and actions as language learners. Method : This paper reports on a study which investigated the language learning beliefs of a group of pre-service EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers with regard to gender. Participants were 118 pre-service EFL teachers (45 male and 73 female), who completed Horwitz's Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI). Results : In the BALLI inventory, participants scored highest for the “motivations and expectations to learn a language” factor. The results show a strong relationship between variables. Results of the ANOVA procedure to determine gender-related differences indicated no significant differences among males and females. Discussion : The findings of this study provide insight into their beliefs about what is most important in learning English as a foreign language. They said it was “motivations and expectations to learn”. Secondly, it provided insight into the interrelations between belief factors: they were all interrelated. Thirdly, it provided insight into the relationships between belief factors and gender: no significant difference was found.
High-performance pan-tactic polythioesters with intrinsic crystallinity and chemical recyclability

Circular plastics defy traditional trade-offs in recyclability-performance and structure-property relationships. Three types of seemingly unyielding trade-offs have continued to challenge the rational design for circular polymers with both high chemical recyclability and high-performance properties: depolymerizability/performance, crystallinity/ductility, and stereo-disorder/crystallinity. Here, we introduce a monomer design strategy based on a bridged bicyclic thiolactone that produces stereo-disordered to perfectly stereo-ordered polythiolactones, all exhibiting high crystallinity and full chemical recyclability. These polythioesters defy aforementioned trade-offs by having an unusual set of desired properties, including intrinsic tacticity-independent crystallinity and chemical recyclability, tunable tacticities from stereo-disorder to perfect stereoregularity, as well as combined high-performance properties such as high thermal stability and crystallinity, and high mechanical strength, ductility, and toughness.