Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reassessment of the Biology and Host Range of Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), a Seed-Feeding Beetle Released for the Biological Control of Leucaena leucocephala in South Africa

Introduced for agroforestry, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae) has become naturalized in several countries worldwide and constitutes an ‘emerging weed’ in South Africa. The seed beetle Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Schaeffer) (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) was inadvertently introduced to many of these countries via contaminated seeds, but was deliberately introduced into South Africa for biological control. Following an isolated report of non-target feeding in the field in southeastern Asia, this study was aimed at re-evaluating aspects of the beetle's biology, in particular the likelihood of non-target attacks on native mimosoid Fabaceae that are closely related to L. leucocephala. A preliminary field assessment of the beetle's susceptibility to native parasitoids was also undertaken. The beetle's life cycle includes several attributes (e.g. rapid reproductive maturation, high rates of oviposition) that favour high population densities in the field. Although adults oviposited on the seeds of all test plant species during no-choice tests, oviposition was significantly higher on L. leucocephala. While several hatching larvae survived to adulthood on L. leucocephala, single adult individuals were reared from the seeds of each of three non-target species. Also, during multichoice tests, the beetles displayed strong oviposition preferences for L. leucocephala. Two hymenopteran parasitoid species were reared from seeds containing larvae which were exposed in the field, but overall levels of parasitism were low. These results confirm that the host range of A. macrophthalmus is largely restricted to the genus Leucaena, that native mimosoid Fabaceae are unlikely to be at risk and that the decision taken in 1999 to release the beetle was justified.
Potential Virulence of Klebsiella Isolated from Enteral DietsVirulence of Klebsiella and Enteral Diets

Objective: To evaluate the potential virulence of Klebsiella isolates from enteral diets in hospitals, in order to support nosocomial infection control measures, especially among critical patients. Methods: Capsular phenotypic expression of the external membrane, production of aerobactin siderophore, quantity of capsular polysaccharide, hemolytic and phospholipase activity and resistance to antibiotics that are used therapeutically were investigated in 15 strains of K. pneumoniae and six of K. oxytoca. These isolates were obtained from enteral diets in two public hospitals in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results: The hypermucoviscous phenotype was observed in one of the K. pneumoniae isolates (6.7%). Capsular serotypes of types K1 to K6 were seen to be present, of which four were K5 isolates of K. pneumoniae and one was K4. Under the conditions of this study, no aerobactin production, hemolytic activity or lecithinase activity was observed. All the isolates presented resistance to the antibiotics amoxicillin and ampicillin, but they were sensitive to the antibiotics cefetamet, imipenem, cloranfenicol, gentamicin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. The K. pneumoniae isolates that originated from hospital B presented higher frequency of resistance to the antibiotics evaluated and multiple resistances to at least four antibiotics. The variations in the profile of resistance to antibiotics among the Klebsiella isolates made it possible to classify them into eight antibiotypes. No production of broad-spectrum β -lactamases was observed among the isolates. Conclusion: The data obtained through this study favor the hypothesis that Klebsiella isolates from enteral diets are potential pathogens for nosocomial infections.
The origin and development of the visceral in the spinal cord of the chick embryo

The identification of the preganglionic visceral column in the chick embryo by Terni ('24) attracted the attention of the embryologists to this system. Little new information has been added, however, to the classical investigation of Terni. His description, which has been generally accepted, may be summarized briefly as follows : I n the chick the preganglionic system extends from the first thoracic to the second lumbar segment, that is between the brachial and lumbo-sacral swellings. The cells are arranged in two columns which are located in a medio-dorsal position. They are usually referred to as Columias of Y'erni. Their neurites leave the spinal cord together with the somatic efferent fibers and synapse with cells in the ortho-sympathetic chain ganglia. Since the latter extend to the cervical level, a number of preganglionic fibers grow rostrad to synapse with the cervical ganglia. The evidence for the visceral nature of these cells is partly direct and partly indirect. Terni traced the neurites in early embryonic stages from their origin to their termination in the adjacent ortho-sympathetic ganglia. Indirect evidence was obtained from the absence of rami communicantes in the cervical level, where a preganglionic column is missing.
Effects of Various Combinations of Oil Spraying, Washing, Sanitizing, Storage Time, Strain, and Age of Layer upon Albumen Quality Changes in Storage and Minimum Sample Sizes Required for Their Measurement

Abstract Two duplicate experiments were conducted to determine: 1) the effects of oiling, washing, sanitizing, age, and strain of layer combinations upon albumen quality deterioration and variability after 1, 7, and 14 days of storage; 2) to estimate the egg sample size needed to measure Haugh units at 1, 7, and 14 days storage; and 3) to determine, on the day after lay, the sample size needed to predict the Haugh units of eggs after 14 days storage. Eggs were sampled at 8 week intervals from seven ages of two commerical strains. From each strain and age of layer, eggs were measured after 0, 1, 7, and 14 days storage. Samples of eggs treated with a total of thirty-seven combinations of oiling, washing, sanitizing and days of breaking were examined. Storage time and age of layer effects on albumen height and Haugh unit variabilities were curvilinear. Washing eggs before oiling, particularly when applied the day of lay, reduced the benefits of oiling in eggs stored 14 days. Reoiling after washing at 3 days tended to improve Haugh units in eggs stored 7 and 14 days. Combinations of oiling, washing, and sanitizing did not increase variability in Haugh units in storage. Oiling day of lay and subsequently washing, sanitizing and reoiling at 3 days was the best combination of treatments for the retention of Haugh unit storage quality. Estimated number of day old eggs required to obtain Haugh units ± 2.5 with a probability of . 90 ranged from 18 for young pullets to 28 for old hens. When measured at 7 and 14 days, samples needed varied from 20 to 30. To predict 7 and 14 day Haugh units, approximately 50 day old eggs were required.
Equivalence of competitor effects and tradeoff between vegetative multiplication and generative reproduction: case study with Lychnis flos-cuculi and Myosotis nemorosa

Summary Effects of graminoid competition and gap size on clonal growth and reproduction of two meadow species, Lychnis flos-cuculi and Myosotis nemorosa , were studied in an oligotrophic wet meadow and in a pot experiment. In the field experiment, plant height, lateral spread, number of leaves and flowers, and clonal growth characteristics (number of secondary rosettes or shoots produced) were repeatedly measured over three seasons. In the field experiment, young plants of investigated species were transplanted into tussocks of three graminoids: Molinia caerulea , Juncus effusus and Nardus stricta ; and into small and large gaps. The effect of all competitive tussock graminoids on the growth of both target species was negative, but not equivalent, and differed between Lychnis flos-cuculi and Myosotis nemorosa . The species responded to graminoid competition also by changing their geometry and phenology. The positive effect of gaps on both species’ clonal growth increased with gap size. Investments into generative and vegetative reproduction were negatively correlated among treatments in Lychnis flos-cuculi and positively correlated in Myosotis nemorosa . In the greenhouse experiment seedlings of Lychnis flos-cuculi and Myosotis nemorosa were transplanted into pots with different amounts and spatial patterns of the competitive grass Holcus lanatus . Total density but not spatial arrangement of Holcus lanatus seedlings had the main competitive effect on the growth of Lychnis flos-cuculi and Myosotis nemorosa . Vegetative growth of both species was negatively correlated with increasing competitor’s density.
Cross‐resistance, mode of inheritance, synergism, and fitness effects of cyantraniliprole resistance in Plutella xylostella

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), has evolved resistance to various types of insecticides in the field. In the present study, the resistance of P. xylostella (designated Cya‐SEL) to cyantraniliprole increased to 30.6 and 326‐fold after 26 generations of selection, compared with the field population (TA) and susceptible population (LAB), respectively. The resistant population also had developed low to moderate levels of resistance to abamectin (3.3‐fold), flubendiamide (14.1‐fold), and chlorantraniliprole (24.3‐fold). Synergism tests indicated that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) increased the toxicity of cyantraniliprole in the selected strain, i.e., synergism ratio was 2.8 and 3.3‐fold, respectively. Reciprocal crosses were made between the susceptible (LAB) and resistant strain collected from Zengcheng (ZC). The degree of dominance and overlapping confidence intervals of LC50 values of F1 progenies (ZC♀ × LAB♂ and LAB♀ × ZC♂) suggested an autosomal and incompletely recessive mode of resistance to cyantraniliprole. The test of monogenic inheritance based on a backcross of F1 progeny with the ZC population indicated that resistance to cyantraniliprole was controlled by multiple genes. Additionally, Cya‐SEL had a lower reproductive ability and relative fitness than the other tested populations. These findings provide useful information for effective resistance management strategies against P. xylostella.
Análise faunística das formigas epígeas (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) em campo nativo no Planalto das Araucárias, Rio Grande do Sul

This paper describes the richness, composition and occurrence patterns of the epigaeic ants in native field areas. Eight field plots were sampled, in which two 100 m transects, distanced 50 m from each other, were traced. Along those transects, at every 10 m, pitfalls and sardine baits at intervals of two meters, were installed totalizing 20 pitfalls and 20 baits per plot. Additional collecting was performed by manual ant capture on the ground. In total 32 species of epigaeic ants were collected, distributed in 16 genera, 12 tribes and five subfamilies. By comparing the observed richness with the estimated richness for pitfalls as well as for baits, the numbers of collected species represented, respectively, 79.4% and 69.4% of the total estimated community. One species of the Formicinae subfamily, Acropyga goeldii, has been recorded for the first time in Rio Grande do Sul.
Inbreeding depression in Lychnis flos‐cuculi (Caryophyllaceae): effects of different levels of inbreeding

In a controlled crossing experiment on Lychnis flos‐cuculi plants in the greenhouse, outbred and selfed maternal plants were each treated with pollen from unrelated plants, siblings and selves. The seeds thus obtained had expected inbreeding coefficients of 0, 0.25 and 0.5 for the outbred maternal plants, and 0, 0.5 and 0.75 for the selfed maternal plants. Seed abortion rate, seed weight and germination rate were estimated. Seedlings were transplanted to an outdoor garden, and monitored for survival, probability of flowering, number of capsules and area of capsules next spring. Inbred seeds germinated slower and in lower proportions than those less inbred, and seedlings had lower survival, flowering, fruit set and area of capsules if inbred.
Morphology of the parotoid macroglands in Phyllomedusa leaf frogs

The parotoid macroglands of toads (bufonids) and leaf frogs (hylids) are used in passive defence against predators. The parotoids release poison when the amphibian is bitten by a predator. Despite the apparent similarity, the anatomical and histological structure of these macroglands in hylids is poorly studied when compared with those of bufonids. In this paper, we focused on the morphology of the macroglands of P. distincta, a leaf frog endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, comparing their structure with those of bufonids. In addition, we compared the macrogland morphology of P. distincta with those from major clades of Phyllomedusa. All results revealed a macrogland morphology in leaf frogs distinct from that of toads, suggesting that the term parotoid should be used only for those of bufonids.
Floral ontogeny in Dipterygeae (Fabaceae) reveals new insights into one of the earliest branching tribes in papilionoid legumes

Flowers of Dipterygeae (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae) exhibit an unusual petaloid calyx. The two adaxial sepals are large and petaloid, and the three abaxial sepals form a three-toothed lobe. The goal of this study was to elucidate the ontogenetic pathways of this peculiar calyx in light of the floral development of the three genera that comprise the tribe. Floral buds of Dipteryx alata, Pterodon pubescens and Taralea oppositifolia were analysed using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The order of bracteole and sepal initiation varies among the species. The androecium is asymmetric. The carpel cleft is positioned to the right or to the left, and is opposite the adaxial antepetalous stamen. The peculiarity of the calyx becomes noticeable in the intermediate stages of floral development. It results from the differential growth of the sepal primordia, in which the abaxial and lateral primordia remain diminutive during floral development, compared with the adaxial ones that enlarge and elongate. Bracteoles, abaxial sepals, petals and anthers are appendiculate, except in T. oppositifolia, in which the appendices were not found in bracteoles or anthers. These appendices comprise secretory canals or cavities. Considering that the ontogenetic pathway for the formation of the petaloid calyx is similar and exclusive for Dipterygeae, it might be a potential synapomorphy for the group, with the presence of secretory canals in the appendices of abaxial and lateral sepals and petals. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 174, 529–550.
Radopholus duriophilus sp. n. (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) from Western Highland of Vietnam

A new species of the genus Radopholus associated with durian (Durio zibetinus M.) in the Western Highland of Vietnam is described as Radopholus duriophilus sp. n. The new species is close to R. similis, but is distinguished from R. similis by the position of the excretory pore located posterior to pharyngo-intestine junction (vs at level of pharyngo-intestine junction), oval shape sperm (vs rod-like), four incisures terminating far behind position of phasmid (vs three incisures terminating at or just behind phasmid), and bursa in male never reaching tail terminus (vs bursa reaching tail terminus). Females of R. duriophilus sp. n. differ from R. nativus females by stylet length (16.5-19 vs 19-23 μm), oval or kidney-shaped sperm (vs rod-like), four incisures at level of phasmid (vs three) and their areolated lateral field (vs not areolated). The position of excretory pore of both female and male is located posterior to pharyngo-intestine junction (vs at level or anterior to pharyngo-intestine junction). Females of R. duriophilus sp. n. differ from R. clarus females by stylet length (16.5-19 vs 19-21 μm) and areolated lateral field (vs no areolation). Females of R. duriophilus sp. n. differ from R. musicola females by their lateral field with equidistant incisures at mid-body (vs two deep outer folds and two faint shallow inner incisures), oval or kidney-shaped sperm (vs rod-like), and rounded terminus tail (vs sharply pointed). The species also sp. n. differ in male stylet length (11.5-15 vs 8.8-12 μm). Females of R. duriophilus sp. n. differ from R. bridgei females by stylet length (16.5-19 vs 15-17.5 μm), median bulb length (11-16.5 vs 11-13 μm), length of hyaline tail (3-11 vs not more than 4 μm), and lateral field areolated for entire body (vs not areolated except irregularly on neck and tail). The male differs by stylet length (11.5-15 vs 10-12 μm) and length of the hyaline portion (4-9 vs 1-4 μm). In addition, the relatively high level of ITS sequence divergence of the new species from R. similis populations and the presence of nucleotide autapomorphies support a separate specific status for these durian populations. Results of surveys revealed that R. duriophilus sp. n. is rather widely distributed in durian orchards and associated with decline and death of trees in many durian nursery gardens. Densities of nematode population reached thousands of individuals per g of root samples.
Phosphite primed defence responses and enhanced expression of defence genes in Arabidopsis thaliana infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi

This paper describes the effect of phosphite (Phi), a systemic chemical, on the induction of defence responses in Phytophthora cinnamomi-infected Arabidopsis thaliana accessions Ler and Col-0. Application of Phi to non-inoculated A. thaliana seedlings of accession Ler elevated transcription of defence genes in the salicylic acid (PR1 and PR5) and jasmonic acid/ethylene (THI2.1 and PDF1.2) pathways. Furthermore, a systemic increase in the expression of the PR1 gene was demonstrated in Phi-treated seedlings using the transgenic line PR1::GUS in the presence/absence of the pathogen by 72h after inoculation. The cells of Phi-treated A. thaliana Ler leaves responded to P. cinnamomi zoospore inoculation with a rapid increase in callose deposition and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Phi treatment resulted in the production of callose papillae 6h earlier than in non-Phi-treated inoculated seedlings and enhanced the production of H2O2 in the leaves of A. thaliana at the site of hyphal penetration and in cells away from the inoculation point. By 24h after infection, clear differences in the amount of H2O2 production were observed between the Phi-treated and non-Phi-treated plants. These rapid host responses did not occur in non-Phi-treated inoculated seedlings. There was also a significant (P<0·001) decrease in lesion size in Phi-treated plants. These results indicate that Phi primes the plant for a rapid and intense response to infection involving heightened activation of a range of defence responses.
Assessment of lipid classes and fatty acid levels in wild newborn seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) (Perry 1810): implications for survival and growth in aquarium culture

There is a worldwide interest in seahorse culture to protect wild populations from human predation for aquaria and to establish an industry in developing countries. This study was undertaken to gather information on the lipid and fatty acid status of wild caught seahorses to inform the development of aquarium diets. Brood size, lipid classes, fatty acids, and pigments were analyzed in newborn Hippocampus erectus juveniles from recently captured pregnant wild males during January–March 2009–2010. The lipids of newborn seahorses are composed of phospholipids (mean 75–80%), free cholesterol (8–10%), cholesterol esters (4–9%), and acylglycerides (3–11%). The main pigments were total carotenoids (mean 58–79 µg/g). The most abundant fatty acids in newborn seahorses were 22:6n-3 (21–27%) and 20:4n-6 (7–9%). Both were higher than levels reported in other seahorses. A factor analysis showed that PC1 (48.7% of variation) was composed of the three main highly unsaturated fatty acids: 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3 and a negative contribution of 22:6n-3. PC2 contributed 18:5n-3 and several branched fatty acids. PC3 contributed 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. Each of these three components correlated with different environmental factors. The results suggested that high levels of 22:6n-3 rather than 20:5n-3 could increase juvenile survival and assist them to tolerate salinity changes better. The results also suggest that a diet of live prey enriched with 22:6n-3 would be likely to increase the growth and survival in captivity, at least for this species.
Immunohistochemical detection of progesterone receptors in paraffin sections

The benefits of microwave oven pretreatment of formalin‐fixed routinely processed paraffin sections were assessed using citric acid solution to demonstrate progesterone receptors (PR). Parallel frozen and paraffin sections from 25 cases of breast cancer were stained with the PR‐ICA kit (Abbott). Compared with untreated paraffin sections a great enhancement of PR immunostaining occurred after microwave irradiation. In 21 cases the percentage of positively stained tumor cell nuclei in microwave oven‐pretreated paraffin sections was practically identical to that in the frozen ones. After microwave irradiation the PR score in paraffin sections was in three cases higher than in the frozen material. In comparison with the frozen sections, only one tumor of 25 showed a lower percentage of stained malignant cells after the irradiation. It is concluded that microwave oven pretreatment is a simple, reliable and reproducible method to detect PR in routinely fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues.
Gene Action in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., 2n = 2 x =14) belongs to family cucurbitaceae is an important summer vegetable of our country. Cucumber has great economic importance as food plant. India is being native place of cucumber possesses vast genetic variability for vegetative and fruit characters. Low fruiting ability and yield suppression due to its inherent fruiting habits are major factors limiting fruit yield in slicing and processing cucumber (Lower et al., 1982). To formulate any breeding method, it is imperative to have knowledge of gene action involved in inheritance of various traits. The success of selection mainly depends upon the extent of genetic variability present it it. Therefore, a higher genetic base should be utilized for faster and higher magnitude of success. Utilization of divergent germplasm in hybridization creates such broad genetic base (Singh, 1998). In spite of wide genetic variability available in this crop little attention has been given for improvement of this crop. Hence, an attempt was made to investigate the gene action (inheritance pattern) of yield and yield attributing traits. The present investigation was carried out during 200607 at research farm of Division of Vegetable Science of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Out of the seventeen genotypes of cucumber available for field evaluation, six most promising and diverse genotypes viz, Pusa Uday, DC-1, CH-20, CRC-8, CHC-2 and G-338 were crossed in 6 x 6 half dialed (excluding reciprocal) fashion (Hayman, 1954) to obtain 15 F 1 hybrids combinations. Fifteen F 1 hybrids along with 6 parents were grown in randomized block design with three replications. The crops were sown in rows of 1.5m with 50 cm spacing between the plats. All the recommended package of practices was followed to grow a successful crop. Out of 10 plants, 8 were marked for observations. Observations on individual plant basis were recorded on eleven quantitative characters viz. days to first female flower opening, node number of first female flower, days to first fruit harvest, fruit weight (g), number of fruits/plant, fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm) and yield/plant (g). Gene action was studied by the diallel method of numerical approach given by Hayman (1954).