Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis of the Subgenera Anopheles and Cellia (Diptera: Culicidae) Based on Nuclear Ribosomal Sequences

Phylogenetic relationships among the subgenera Anopheles and Cellia were inferred from the D2 (36 species) and D3 (57 species) fragments of the 28S ribosomal DNA. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The resultant molecular phylogeny matched the classical morphological taxonomy reasonably well, and also resolved some ambiguities in the morphological taxonomy. Although a molecular phylogeny based on the D2 region did not change the traditional morphological character-based arrangement of anopheline taxa, some differences from the traditional arrangement were apparent in a phylogeny based on D3 fragment variation. This could, however, be due to the shorter length of the D3 fragment used in this study. Both the D2 and D3 data support the view that the subgenus Anopheles and the Neomyzomyia series are basal to the subgenus Cellia. The D2 data suggest a sister-group composed of Neocellia + (Myzomyia + Pyretophorus). The topology of the tree based on D2 variation supports the monophyly of all four series of the subgenus Cellia. In addition, the tree based on D3 variation suggests that the Neomyzomyia series is monophyletic, but additional species are required to support both these hypotheses. This kind of molecular approach, in combination with the existing morphological taxonomy, could help to resolve phylogenetic relationships among the anopheline mosquitoes.
Development of an Interspecific Hybrid (Triploid) by Crossing Gossypium hirsutum and G. arboreum

The 2 species G. hirsutum and G. arboreum were crossed and triploid hybrid (AAD) was developed as a first step of crossing. The triploid is sterile and its hybridity was confirmed with morphological traits and DNA based SSR markers. The chromosome analysis at metaphase-I exhibited 13AA bivalents and 13D univalents at most of the PMC's studied which also confirmed its triploid nature. The mean chromosome pairing association was recorded as 12.90% (univalent), 10.45% (bivalent), 0.45% (trivalent), and 0.48% (tetravalent). The formation of multivalents depicted genome association between 2 species. The further utility of synthesized triploid with respect to the development of CLCuV resistant introgression genotypes is discussed
Effect of humidity and temperature on conidial germination and appressorium development of two Philippine isolates of the mango anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

A comparison of rates of germination and appressorium formation by an isolate of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on mango leaves, fruit surfaces and cellophane membranes showed that behaviour was broadly similar on all three substrates. Frequency of appressorium formation was slightly higher on cellophane membranes, and both hyaline and melanized appressoria were formed. Only melanized appressoria were formed on mango surfaces. In vitro experiments on membranes showed comparative differences in physiological behaviour with temperature for two Philippine isolates of C. gloeosporioides. The most stimulatory temperature for production of appressoria differed in isolates I-2 and I-4 (25 and 20 degrees C, respectively). At 30 degrees C more appressoria became melanized than at lower temperatures, but the frequency of formation of penetration pegs was highest at 25 degrees C. Conidia of C. gloeosporioides germinated on cellophane membranes at relative humidities as low as 95%, but the percentage of conidia germinating and forming appressoria increased as the RH approached 100%. Approximately 18% of conidia of C. gloeosporioides I-2 held at 62 and 86% RH for 4 weeks retained viability, and some were capable of forming appressoria when placed at 100% RH. These results have implications for epidemiological models for disease control.
Comparative morphology of the mandibles of female polistine social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae)

Comparative morphology of the mandibles of female polistine social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae). Diversity of mandibular forms in female polistines is explored and compared among 116 species of all polistine genera. Inferences about function are made and discussed based on observed form differences. Mandible length and width measurements are analyzed for a subset of polistine species plus two vespines and two eumenines. A variable expressing the ratio between these variables is also considered in morphometric analyses. The following mechanical interactions among mandible structural elements are highlighted: opposition and crossing of mandibles' apical teeth at the middle of the closing trajectory; shearing action of the apical teeth against mesial denticles of the opposite mandible; shearing action of the mandible anterior margin against the ventral margin of the clypeus. In the genera Agelaia and Angiopolybia, exceptionally developed mesial mandibular structures may be related to necrophagy. In some epiponine genera, poorly developed mesial denticles and strong torsion of mandibles may be partially related to use of short wood fibers in nest construction as advanced by Sarmiento (2004). The considerable morphological variation found across the subfamily Polistinae is certain to be important in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies at the genus and species levels.
Increased JNK, AP-1 and NF-κB DNA Binding Activities in Isoproterenol-induced Cardiac Remodeling

The in vivo signal transduction pathway, responsible for isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy or remodeling, remains to be clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NK-κB) DNA binding activity, which seem to be important in a signal transduction cascade upstream of the increased level of mRNA expression observed in isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling. Rats were continuously infused with saline and isoproterenol by intravenous injection (a short period; 0.5μg/kg/min) and an osmotic minipump (a long period; 0.5 or 3 mg/kg/day). Cardiac morphology was measured by echocardiography. JNK and ERK were measured by in gel kinase assay. AP-1 and NF-κB DNA binding activity was determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Echocardiogram showed that the thickness of the left ventricular anterior wall (AW) and left ventricular posterior wall (PW) increased at day 1 in low doses, and at day 1 in high doses. Isoproterenol significantly increased ERK and JNK activity at 15 min after intravenous infusion of 0.5μg/kg/min isoproterenol. At late phase about JNK and ERK activity, only a high dose of isoproterenol increased JNK. AP-1 DNA binding activities spurred by low or high doses of isoproterenol administration increased at 12 h, reached their peak of 24.1- and 37.1-fold (P<0.01), respectively, at 24 h, and thereafter decreased. Although low doses of isoproterenol did not change the level of NF-κB DNA binding activities, high doses increased it to 10.9-fold (P<0.01) at day 2. This study showed increased JNK, ERK, AP-1 and NF-κB DNA binding activities in isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling. AP-1 may contribute to the isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling, and JNK or NF-κB may also play some roles in it.
Quantitative genetic parameter estimates for size and growth rate traits in Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) when reared indoors

Heritabilities of size traits and growth rate traits, as well as genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations were estimated at three ages for a captive population of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) grown indoors. A covariate, mean size or mean growth rate during early growth in individual tanks before tagging and mixing, was introduced in the analyses to reduce the error caused by unique previous growth conditions on variance components. Heritabilities of size traits increased with age, with the h2 for TL, AL, TWt and Wi1AS being 0.15, 0.20, 0.20 and 0.22, respectively, at 17 weeks, increasing to 0.28, 0.33, 0.34 and 0.35 at 29 weeks of age. Heritabilities of growth rate traits estimated between consecutive growth periods decreased from the first (h2 for ΔTL 0.65, ΔAL 0.71, ΔTWt 0.63 and ΔWi1AS 0.84) to the second period (h2 for ΔTL 0.34, ΔAL 0.50, ΔTWt 0.54 and ΔWi1AS 0.52). Phenotypic correlations were always larger than genetic correlations for both, size and growth rate traits. Genetic correlations between size traits within age were high (rG >0.95), but those between the same size trait at different ages decreased as the age difference increased in spite of a consistently high environmental correlation (rE 0.80–0.85) between the same trait at different ages. Phenotypic and genetic correlation's between the same growth rate trait at the two different growth periods evaluated were negative or zero (rG TL –0.26, AL –0.24, Wi1AS 0.00) with the exception of total weight (rG TW 0.35) and the environmental correlations between growth periods were also low (rE 0.13–0.32).
Product developments in the bio‐based chemicals arena

Around the world, significant able steps are being taken to move from today's fossil‐based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. A key factor in the realization of a successful bio‐based economy will be the development of biorefinery systems allowing highly efficient and cost‐effective processing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio‐based products, and successful integration into existing infrastructure. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio‐based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio‐based economy and the operation of a biorefinery, there are significant opportunities for the development of bio‐based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fiber products, starch derivatives, etc.). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio‐based products could generate US$10–15 billion ofrevenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co‐‐production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This paper highlights all bio‐based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2012
Studies on Herpesvirus scophthalmi infection of turbot Scophthalmus maximus (L.): Histopathological observations

The histological features of the disease caused by infection of turbot by Herpesvirus scophthalmi are described. Infection of epidermal cells of skin and gill resulted in the formation of giant cells showing a variety of nuclear and cytoplasmic changes associated with the replication of the virus. The effects of the condition together with possible control measures are discussed.
Mineral content of excreta from the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius closely matches that of xylem sap

Summary • Analysis of xylem sap from intact transpiring plants is possible using excreta of xylem feeding insects. However, the extent to which the inorganic composition of ingested sap is altered by its passage through the insect has not been fully evaluated. The impact of the xylem feeding insect Philaenus spumarius (meadow spittlebug) on the inorganic composition of ingested sap from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is reported here. • Two nondestructive experimental approaches were used. Sap exuding due to root pressure from a cut tomato stem was compared with excreta from a caged insect feeding just below the cut surface. A second method involved pumping a solution of inorganic ions through a section of tomato stem upon which an adult insect was caged. The composition of insect excreta was compared with that of the input and output solutions. • Overall, the concentrations of inorganic ions were similar in ingested fluid and excreta except for ammonium, which was generally elevated in excreta samples. • It is demonstrated that excreta of P. spumarius can be used for continual monitoring of most inorganic ions in xylem sap of intact transpiring plants, and that stem perfusion is a useful tool for quantifying the effect of the insect on solutions of known composition.
Is there really more biodiversity in Mediterranean forest ecosystems

The Mediterranean Basin accounts for more than 10% of the world's vascular plant biodiversity in an area less than 1.5% the size of continental Earth. Forest tree taxa are also exceptionally diverse: more than 100 specieshave been recorded around the Mediterranean, but less than 30 species can be found in Temperate Europe. This amazing biodiversity was developed over millions of years due to the highly heterogeneous geology and climate of the Mediterranean. Did these factors also affect biodiversity within species, i.e., the genetic diversity of populations? Heterozygosity (the within-population gene diversity), and differentiation (the among-population spatial genetic structure), of neutral genes (isozymes) were used to measure within-species biodiversity in four conifer genera commonly found in the Mediterranean: Abies Mill. , Cedrus Trew, Cupressus L. , Pinus L. Their within-species biodiversity was significantly higher than that of other conifer species worldwide and did not correspond to expected values in terms of biogeography or levels of endemism. Gene diversity was significantly higher in the Eastern than in the Western Mediterranean Basin, and, surprisingly, was only mildly affected by human impact. A specific post-glacial recolonization model is proposed for the Mediterranean Basin, in which effective glacial refugia are more numerous, and genetic drift is less, than what is proposed for Europe. The within-species approach to biodiversity can help solve taxonomic questions, and when used as an indicator of evolutionary potentials, is an essential component of conservation strategies.
Factors affecting the invasion success of Senecio inaequidens and S. pterophorus in Mediterranean plant communities

Abstract Question: Plant invasions result from complex interactions between species traits, community characteristics and environmental variations. We examined the effect of these interactions on the invasion potential of two invasive Senecio species, S. inaequidens and S. pterophorus, across three Mediterranean plant communities in a natural park. Location: Catalonia, NE Spain. Methods: We carried out two series of experimental seedling transplantations, in the spring and fall of 2003, in grassland, shrubland and Quercus ilex forest. Competition with neighbouring plants and water availability were manipulated. We evaluated the survival, growth and reproduction with respect to each treatment combination. Results: Any habitat can be colonised if disturbance occurs. In the absence of disturbance, shrubland enhanced the survival of seedlings. Competition with resident vegetation dramatically reduced survival in grassland and forest when establishment occurred in the spring. However, establishment in the fall promoted invasion in grassland and shrubland, even in the undisturbed treatment. Grassland allowed the highest growth and reproductive performance of both species while forest was the most resistant habitat to invasion. S. inaequidens had a higher growth rate and a shorter pre-reproductive period than S. pterophorus. S. pterophorus produced more biomass and was more dependent on water availability than S. inaequidens. Conclusions: In the light of our results, we recommend surveying open shrublands and grasslands after periods of rainfall. Special attention should be paid to S. pterophorus, which is currently spreading. A preliminary assessment of the invasiveness of this plant is given in this study.
Optimum dietary soybean meal level for maximizing growth and nutrient utilization of on-growing gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

Six isonitrogenous [450 g kg−1 crude protein (CP)] and isoenergetic diets (23 kJ g−1) with six levels of defatted soybean meal inclusion (0, 132, 263, 395, 526 and 658 g kg−1) in substitution of fish meal were evaluated in gilthead sea bream of 242 g initial weight for 134 days. Fish fed diets S0, S13, S26 and S39 had a similar live weight (422, 422, 438 and 422 g, respectively) but fish fed diets S53 and S66 obtained the lowest final weight (385 and 333g, respectively), and similar results were presented in specific growth rate (SGR). Fish fed diets S53 and S66 also obtained the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR). Quadratic multiple regression equations were developed for SGR and FCR which were closely related to dietary soybean level. The optimum dietary soybean levels were 205 g kg−1 for maximum SGR and 10 g kg−1 for minimum FCR. Sensorial differences were appreciated by judges between fish fed S0 and S39 soybean level, but after a re-feeding period of 28 days with diet S0, these differences disappeared.
Infertility and neonatal mortality in the sow I. Lifetime performance and reasons for disposal of sows

1. A survey of the reasons for disposal of 1000 sows from farms in a selected area of East Anglia showed that the most important causes of sow wastage were ‘failure to breed’, ‘piglet mortality’, ‘old age’ and ‘low fertility’ which together accounted for 64·3% of the sows. 2. The average length of breeding life was 3·75 litters per sow and the modal number of litters was only two. This expectation of life is very short but is in agreement with an earlier estimate based on Breed Society records. 3. Failure to breed was the most important cause of sow wastage and accounted for 21·4% of the sows. The incidence of reproductive failure was greatest in young sows and of all the sows discarded as sterile 30·3% were discarded after having had only one litter. Cases of failure to breed were divisible into two broad groups.
Crescimento e marcha de absorção de nutrientes em tomateiro cultivar Raísa cultivado em sistema hidropônico

The production and quality of tomatoes has increased with the emergence of new genotypes and cropping systems such as hydroponics, however, there are few studies on the nutrition of plants. The objective was to evaluate the growth and motion of absorption of nutrients by Raisa tomato cultivar, grown in hydroponic system. The experimental design was randomized blocks with eight treatments consisting of the times of sampling: 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75 and 85 days after transplanting (DAT) and five replications. The tomato seedlings were transplanted to pots of 8 dm 3 (on 31-03-2008), filled with the base substrate of coconut fiber, constantly irrigated with Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution. During the experimental period and focuses on the development of plants and dry leaves, stems, fruits and roots. The dry matter accumulation of leaves and roots of tomato cultivar Raisa was relatively faster than the national stem and fruit, over cultivation, with predominance of dry fruits (45%) on the leaves (27%), the stem (24%) and roots (3%) at the end of the cycle. The accumulation of nutrients and micronutrients by the tomato cultivar Raisa was fit with linear increase throughout the cultivation, except for Mn which was quadratic. Most of the tomato nutritional requirement for nutrients was K, N and Ca and micronutrients was Fe, Zn and Mn.
The effect of iprodione on the seed‐borne phase of Alternaria brassicicola

SUMMARY Alternaria brassicicola infection of Brassica oleracea seeds was effectively controlled by a dust application of iprodione (Rovral 50% w.P.). At 2.5 g a.i./kg the seed-borne fungus was usually eliminated from samples with up to 61.5% affected seeds (35.5% internally diseased) but higher levels of infection required increased doses for complete eradication of the fungus. The germination of healthy seeds, including samples from 7–yr-old stocks, on filter paper was unaffected by the treatment. However, the germination of diseased samples, particularly those internally infected with A. brassicicola, was improved. More seedlings emerged from iprodione treated than from untreated seeds in glasshouse soil but the differences were not significant. The application of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane to iprodione treated seeds sown in soil did not adversely affect subsequent emergence or disease control. Disease control was maintained and germination was not affected by the treatment when treated infected seeds were stored for 2 yr at 10 °C, 50% r.h. In a field trial iprodione seed treatment reduced seedling infection in a cabbage crop grown from naturally diseased seeds (100% contaminated, 45.5% internally infected) from 5.6 to 0.04%.
Ecological relationships of a guild of tropical beetles breeding in Cecropia petioles in Costa Rica

Petioles are not usually thought of as a habitat for wood-boring insects. The large, woody leaf petioles of Neotropical Cecropia trees, however, have a diverse coleopterous fauna: 36 beetle species in three subfamilies of Cerambycidae and Curculionidae were recorded from Cecropia leafstalks in Costa Rica. A high percentage of the petioles were colonized by beetles in many patches, though fewer were colonized in sun-exposed sites. Community composition was dependent on forest type, petiole moisture and geographical location, but not on the species of Cecropia. Species of Scolytinae were most abundant though species of Zygopinae and Lamiinae were found regularly. The host-specific scolytine genus Scolytodes dominated in most localities, although species of Hypothenemus, Coccotrypes and Xylosandrus morigerus occurred frequently. Sympatric species of Scolytodes clearly used different parts of the petioles. Brood sizes of scolytine beetles were extremely low, ranging from two to ten offspring on average. However, mortality due to parasitoid wasps or predators was low, and since fresh leaves fall close to the previously fallen ones, mortality due to dispersal may also be low. Thus, large beetle populations can exist despite extremely low brood sizes.
Oral candidiasis-adhesion of non-albicans Candida species

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused primarily by Candida albicans. However, in recent years, species of non-albicans Candida have been implicated more frequently in mucosal infection. Candida species usually reside as commensal organisms and are part of normal oral microflora. Determining exactly how transformation from commensal to pathogen takes place and how it can be prevented is continuous challenge for clinical doctors. Candidal adherence to mucosal surfaces is considered as a critical initial step in the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis. Acrylic dentures, acting as reservoirs, play an important role in increasing the risk from Candida colonisation. Thus, this review discusses what is currently known about the adhesion of non-albicans Candida species of oral origin to buccal epithelial cells and denture acrylics.