Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of molecular techniques to identify mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) of importance on grapevine in South Africa

30 Introduction 30 Materials and Methods 32 Results 34 Discussion 36 Determination of nucleotide sequence from three mealybug species 39 Abstract 40 Introduction 40 Materials and methods 42 Results 47 Discussion 51 Conclusion 5540 Introduction 40 Materials and methods 42 Results 47 Discussion 51 Conclusion 55 A multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous identification of three mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) 57 Abstract 58 Introduction 58 Materials and methods 61 University of Pretoria etd, Saccaggi D C (2006)58 Introduction 58 Materials and methods 61 University of Pretoria etd, Saccaggi D C (2006)
Ultraviolet Light Activates NFκB through Translational Inhibition of IκBα Synthesis*

UV light induces a delayed and prolonged (3–20 h) activation of NFκB when compared with the immediate and acute (10–90 min) activation of NFκB in response to tumor necrosis factor α treatment. In the early phase (3–12 h) of NFκB activation, UV light reduces inhibitor of NFκB (IκB) through an IκB kinase-independent, but polyubiquitin-dependent, pathway. However, the mechanism for the UV light-induced reduction of IκB and activation of NFκB is not known. In this report, we show that UV light down-regulates the total amount of IκB through decreasing IκB mRNA translation. Our data show that UV light inhibits translation of IκB in wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFS/S) and that this inhibition is prevented in MEFA/A cells in which the phosphorylation site, Ser-51 in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α-subunit, is replaced with a non-phosphorylatable Ala (S51A). Our data also show that UV light-induced NFκB activation is delayed in MEFA/A cells and in an MCF-7 cell line that is stably transfected with a trans-dominant negative mutant protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). These results suggest that UV light-induced eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α-subunit phosphorylation translationally inhibits new IκB synthesis. Without a continuous supply of newly synthesized IκB, the existing IκB is degraded through a polyubiquitin-dependent proteasomal pathway leading to NFκB activation. Based upon our results, we propose a novel mechanism by which UV light regulates early phase NFκB activation by means of an ER-stress-induced translational inhibition pathway.
INCIDENCE AND DIARRHEGENIC POTENTIAL OF BACILLUS CEREUS IN PASTEURIZED MILK AND CEREAL PRODUCTS IN THAILAND

ABSTRACT Bacillus cereus, bacteria that commonly occur in foods, can potentially cause foodborne illness. Two important factors that contribute to the illness are the number of B. cereus in food and the ability of the organism to produce enterotoxins. This study investigated the number of B. cereus cells in dairy and cereal products in Thailand, using the plate count method and the presence of diarrheal-enterotoxin genes in the isolates through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genes encoding hemolysin BL (hblA, hblC, hblD), nonhemolytic enterotoxin (nheA, nheB, nheC), cytotoxin K (cytK) and enterotoxin FM (entFM) were the targets of the PCR. B. cereus was found in all pasteurized milk samples and in 37.7% of the cereal product samples, ranging from 50 to 1.7 × 103 cfu/g. PCR results revealed that each gene occurred in more than half of the foodborne isolates tested. A large proportion (96%) of the isolates harbored enterotoxin genes and is considered to be potentially diarrhegenic. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Significant frequency of Bacillus cereus contamination in pasteurized milk and cereal products, and the large proportion of diarrhegenic strains among foodborne B. cereus indicate the high risk of foodborne illness that could be caused by consumption of these foods in Thailand. This suggests that B. cereus should not be disregarded in its significance in disease control and prevention programs. Also, as complete elimination of this organism from pasteurized milk and most of the cereal products through the processing steps is not possible, proper handling and storage of these foods should be strictly applied by the food industry. This is necessary in order to prevent the growth of the organism to levels that can cause foodborne illness. This research is also relevant to other developing countries having similar situations as Thailand, where data concerning the number of B. cereus in foods, frequency of contamination and proportion of enterotoxigenic B. cereus are limited, and where B. cereus gastroenteritis could be underestimated.
Evolution intraspécifique du génome et modes de reproduction générateurs de diversité génétique chez Agaricus bisporus

Agaricus bisporus, le champignon de Paris, est un basidiomycete saprophytenaturellement present dans la litiere de cypres (Cupressus macrocarpa). Il possede differentsmodes de reproduction. Pour etudier leur role dans la dynamique spatio-temporelle et l’evolutionde la diversite genetique au cours du temps, des dispositifs experimentaux ont ete mis en place.Dix souches sauvages d’Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus ont ete selectionnees, a partir de deuxpopulations francaises, sur leurs traits phenotypiques et genotypiques. L’etude de l’evolutionmoleculaire de leurs genomes a montre que, pour le genome mitochondrial, la mobilite desintrons de groupe I apparait comme la principale source de polymorphisme. Des taux desubstitution nucleotidique (nt) faibles ont ete observes chez tous les types de sequencesmitochondriales (elements mobiles, sequences geniques et inter geniques). Cette forteconservation, comparee avec les taux eleves de substitution nt des sequences nucleairessimilaires, contraste avec ce qui est generalement decrit dans l’evolution des sequencesfongiques. Des experiences de croisements entre sporocarpes et mycelia de souches sauvages ontete menees sur du compost, dans une chambre de culture, pour simuler l’implantation d’unepopulation naturelle. Pour les sporocarpes recoltes, les donnees montrent l’existence d’unphenomene parasexuel de Buller conduisant a des souches hybrides d’A. bisporus dans lachambre de culture et potentiellement dans la nature. Parallelement, les mycelia de souchessauvages ont ete introduits dans deux parcelles experimentales de cypres. L’analyse genotypiquedes sporocarpes recoltes la premiere annee d’introduction n’a pas permis de mettre en evidencede souche hybride et les conditions climatiques de la seconde annee n’ont pas permis d’obtenir defructification. Les dispositifs et outils mis au point doivent permettre un suivi genetique spatiotemporelde la population sur le long terme.
The environmental control of plant species density on a Himalayan elevation gradient

Aim In eastern Nepal, forests occupy an elevation gradient of 4000 m with bioclimatic zones from near tropical to alpine. Understorey plants and trees were censused to measure species density and identify patterns of ecological change. By sampling in a manner robust against spurious mid‐domain effects, I aim to identify biologically valid controls on species density.
Neue indomalayaische Borkenkäfer. (Ipidae)

Durch das Entgegenkommen der Vorstande der Zoologischen Museen zu Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg und Stettin, des entomologischen Instituts in Dahlem, des Rijksmuseums in Leiden und des Museo Civico in Genova war es mir moglich, fast 2000 Ipiden des Inselgebietes von Ceylon bis Neu Guinea und hinauf bis Formosa und den Philippinen zu untersuchen. Weiteres Material bot meine eigene Sammlung, sowie diejenige von Camillo Schaufuss, und die des Altmeisters Eichhoff, welche ich kurzlich beide erworben, und zwei kleine aber reichhaltige Sendungen von J. B. Corporaal in Medan (Sumatra) und Edw. Jacobson in Fort de Kock (Sumatra). Ich hoffte aus diesem reichhaltigen Material eine einigermassen abgeschlossene Vervollstandigung der indomalayischen Fauna schaffen zu konnen, habe aber langst eingesehen, dass jede kleine Sendung aus diesem formenreichen Gebiet uns Neues bringt und oft Auffallendes und Uberraschendes. Ich bin daher genotigt, die folgende Zusammenstellung einstweilen in der Form einer einfachen Aufzahlung zu geben und mochte nur einige kurze Bemerkungen vorausschicken. Auffallend ist die Menge neuer Xyleborus-arten (uber 70) aus allen Formen dieser vielgestaltigen Gattung. Ebenso fanden sich zahlreiche Arten der Gattung Ozopemon, die ich grundlich an den Hagedornschen Typen revidieren musste. Und 14 Arten einer neuen(? ) Gattung Dendrurgus, von der mir erst kurzlich nach Erhalt eines Artikels von Dr. Roepke die Vermutung kommt, dass sie gleichbedeutend mit Thamnurgides (1915) Hopkins sein konne.
Weed-crop competition period in three fine rice cultivars under direct-seeded rice culture.

Weeds are a serious biological constraint to rice production. The establishment of critical period of weed competition is central in the development of an effective weed management program. A field study was carried out to determine the critical period of weed competition in three cultivars of fine direct-seeded rice viz. Super Basmati, Basmati 2000 and Shaheen Basmati. Weeds were allowed to initially grow and compete with rice for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 days after sowing (DAS) and a season long competition plot was also maintained. Weed flora of the experimental site comprised of Echinochloa crus-galli, E. colona, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Leptochloa chinensis, Eleusine indica, Cyperus rotundus and C. iria and Trianthema portulacastrum, Ipomoea aquatica and Portulaca oleracea. The highest weed density was recorded between 20 and 30 DAS for all cultivars while maximum weed biomass was recorded at 50 DAS. Yield losses due to weed-crop competition were most pronounced during the period from 30 to 50 DAS. Rice yield continued to decline as the duration of weed competition increased. Weed competition beyond 20 DAS resulted in drastic reduction in the number of panicles m -2 and grains panicle -1 that accounted for lower rice yield. Broadleaved weeds represent >50% of total weed dry biomass in Super and Shaheen Basmati during early season while grasses and sedges contributed over 80% at harvest, with grasses alone contributing by ca. 65%. The period within 20 to 50 DAS appeared to be an important factor in crop weed competition in dry direct-seeded rice.
Behavioural responses by Rhagoletis indifferens (Dipt., Tephritidae) to sweet cherry treated with kaolin‐ and limestone‐based products

Kaolin‐ and limestone‐based products were compared for their effects on two behavioural responses, landing and oviposition, to sweet cherry by Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Dipt., Tephritidae). Surround (95% calcined kaolin), Cocoon (100% hydrous kaolin), Eclipse (>97% limestone) and Purshade (62.5% limestone) were studied. Overall, in choice and no‐choice tests, Surround reduced landing and oviposition more than Cocoon, Eclipse and Purshade. However, all products significantly reduced landing and oviposition compared with untreated controls. In choice tests, high fly density increased the proportion of eggs laid in cherries treated with Surround, Cocoon, or Eclipse vs. cherries that were untreated when compared with low fly density. Applications of 3% followed by 6% Surround reduced landings and oviposition more than two applications of 10% Cocoon, Eclipse, or Purshade. Surround caused higher mortality than Cocoon and Eclipse. In the field, Surround reduced production of puparia from cherries by 32.3% to 100%, depending on the trees sprayed. Surround provided the best protection for cherries against R. indifferens, but limestone‐based products potentially might be modified to be oviposition deterrents. Consideration should be given to fly densities when using particle films to protect fruit.
The emergence of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in South Africa

The high levels of extended-spectrum s-lactamase (ESBL) production recorded among invasive Enterobacteriaceae in South Africa, especially documented for Klebsiella pneumoniae, in both the public sector (55-74%), as reported by Bamford et al in this edition of the SAJEI, and in the private sector (55-60%) shown previously, is disconcerting. 1,2 Carbapenems are the cornerstone of therapy for patients with serious infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms. The high ESBL prevalence amongst bacteraemic pathogens places a tremendous strain on the use of these agents as directed therapy, and empirically as well. In the private sector, the use of imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem, more than doubled in terms of monthly units sold, between January 2009 and June 2011. Not only is this consumption, through selective pressure, creating the ideal environment for the development of carbapenem resistance among the enterobactericeae, but at the same time, carbapenem use has been shown to be a risk factor for subsequent infections with ESBL-producing organisms. 3 Excessive use, including inappropriate duration of therapy, is therefore selecting for the very resistance that the class is being used for. A vicious cycle is established in the process. Therefore, the emergence of carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae in South Africa is inevitable, and as documented for the public sector in this edition of the SAJEI, of major concern.
Changes in Biochemical Components of Several Tissues in Solen grandis, in Relation to Gonad Developmental Phases

We investigated the reproductive cycle with gonad developmental phases of Solen grandis by histological observations. Seasonal changes in biochemical components of the adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle and mantle were studied by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2005. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage (December to January), late active stage (January to March), ripe stage (March to July), partially spawned stage (June to July) and spent/inactive stage (July to December). Total protein content was the highest in the foot muscle, the content was high in January (early active stage), the lowest in April (ripe stage), and was the highest in August (partially spawned stage). In the visceral mass, total protein content began to increase in February (late active stage) and reached a maximum in March (ripe stage). Thereafter, it gradually decreased between June and July (partially spawned stage). There was a strong negative correlation in total protein contents between visceral mass and mantle (r = -0.594, p = 0.042). Meanwhile there was a positive correlation between the adductor muscle and foot muscle, the correlation was not statistically significant (r = 0.507, p = 0.093). Total lipid content was the highest in the visceral mass; it was more than 2 to 5-fold higher than that in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, and mantle. Monthly changes in total lipid content were also most dynamic in the visceral mass. It was relatively higher between January and February, showed a maximum in March (the ripe stage), decreased rapidly from April to July (ripe and partially spawned stage), and gradually decreased from September to December (spent/inactive stage). There was a strong positive correlation in total lipid content between foot muscle and adductor muscle (r = 0.639, p = 0.025). Tthough a negative correlation was found between visceral mass and mantle (r = -0.392), the correlation was not statistically significant (p = 0.208). Glycogen contents changed within relatively narrow range and were similar among different tissues. There was no statistically significant correlation in glycogen contents among tissues.
The rate of passage of foodstuffs through the alimentary tracts of certain Microtidae under laboratory conditions; Szybkość przechodzenia treści przez przewód pokarmowy niektórych Microtidae w warunkach laboratoryjnych

Transport wegetatywnych cześci roślin i nasion przebadano u 179 osobnikow nalezących do czterech gatunkow z rodziny Microtidae (Tabela 1). W eksperymentach zastosowano metode opracowaną przez Castle (1956) i zmodyfikowaną przez Gilla (1957). Jako wskaźnika uzyto cześci pozywienia zabarwionej fuksyną zasadową. Pokarm testowy podawano zwierzetom raz dziennie. Barwne resztki liczono w pieciu polach widzenia mikroskopu w probkach kalu zbieranego w odstepach jednogodzinnych i odpowiednio rozcienczanych. Nastepnie obliczono procent barwnych resztek wydalonych w poszczegolnych godzinach doświadczen i wykreślono krzywe w/g Balcha (1950). Wyznaczono takze wartości R (Castle, 1956), obliczono czasy wydalania 5%, 50%, 90% i 100% pozywienia testowego i otrzymane wyniki poddano analizie statystycznej (test t-Studenta).
Successional Changes in Seed Banks in Abandoned Rice Fields in Gwangneung, Central Korea

In order to understand the role of seed banks for restoration, seed banks in abandoned rice fields in the Gwangneung National Arboretum, central Korea were investigated using the seedling emergence method. The study sites represented three stages: an initial stage dominated by forbs such as Persicaria thunbergii and Juncus effuses var. decipiens, a middle stage dominated by Salix, and a late stage dominated by Quercus aliena and Prunus padus (in nearby riparian forest chosen as a reference stand). DCA ordination arranged the stands according to the number of years since abandonment. CCA ordination identified the dominant environmental variables correlated most closely with Axes 1 and 2 as Mg 2+ (intraset correlation was 0.827) and K + (intraset correlation was -0.677), respectively. Species richness and diversity decreased from the initial stage (H'=2.61) to the middle (H'=1.79) and late (H'=0.75) stages. A total of 49 species (/m 2 ) and 18,620 seedlings (/m 2 ) emerged out of the seed bank samples. The DCA ordination and similarity analysis detected a large discrepancy between the composition of the actual vegetation and the seed bank. We conclude that the contribution of seed bank to restoration is low. However, seed bank may help the recovery of forbs after disturbance. Some of our results are consistent with the tolerance model of succession whereas others follow the trajectory of the facilitation model. More research on succession will be required to understand the underlying mechanisms.
The connectivity logic of cannabinoid type-1 expressing interneurones in the mouse visual cortex

During sensory processing, the correct subjective representation and interpretation of the external world is accomplished by a constant bi-directional communication between primary and secondary sensory cortices. Yet, the specific microcircuit players involved in these distinct cortical areas are still poorly characterized. After finding that the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is more widely expressed in secondary than in primary sensory areas, we asked whether the neurons expressing CB1 had different properties in the two areas. CB1 is mainly expressed in large inhibitory basket cells that target the soma of other neurons. Using whole-cell patch clamping in acute brain slices from adult mice, we found that in layer 2/3 of the primary visual area of mice (V1), CB1+ interneurons exerted strong and reliable inhibition onto pyramidal cells, in contrast with the small and unreliable inhibition in secondary visual area (V2). Interestingly, pharmacological blocking of CB1Rs in V2 led to a potentiation of inhibition, while in V1 this effect was not observed, suggesting that CB1 interneurons in V2 are ‘doped’ by tonically or constitutively activated receptors. Differences in CB1 mediated plasticity also support this hypothesis. In V2, CB1+ interneurons projected their axons both within their cortical layer and to deeper layers, while in V1 these projections were principally intralaminar. Strikingly, infra laminar connections in V2 shared synaptic characteristics with those of L2/3 in V1. This study therefore suggests that different visual areas exhibit differential CB1-mediated modulation of perisomatic inhibition onto layer 2/3 and 4 principal neurons.
Synthesis and nematocidal activity of hydroxystilbenes

Various (E)-hydroxystilbenes were synthesized from (E)/(Z) mixtures of methoxystilbenes through a new (Z)-(E) isomerization method followed dy demethylation. The nematocidal activity appears when methoxystilbenes are demethylated to hydroxystilbenes. For this activity, a hydroxy group at the C-2 or C-3 position is necessary. Thus, 2-hydroxy-, 3-hydroxy-, 2, 6-dihydroxy-, 3, 4-dihydroxy-, 3, 5-dihydroxy-, 2, 2'-dihydroxy-, 3, 3'-dihydroxy-, 3, 4'-dihydroxy-, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-, 2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-, 6-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-, 3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-, and 5-allyloxy-3-hydroxystilbenes showed rather potent nematocidal activity. The activity of 5-allyloxy-3-hydroxystilbene was the strongest [minimal lethal concentration (MLC)=30 μM]. The activities of the (E) and (Z) isomers were comparable. The activities were also retained, though they were weaker, in the dihydro derivatives, hydroxybibenzyls.
Movements and Spatial Use of Odontocetes in the Western Main Hawaiian Islands: Results of a Three-Year Study Off O'ahu and Kaua'i

Abstract : A long-term assessment of odontocete populations throughout the main Hawaiian Islands has involved small-boat surveys using photo-identification, genetic sampling and satellite tagging, to address questions related to population structure and habitat use, among others. Prior to 2010 we had undertaken limited field operations off O'ahu (in 2002 and 2003), and off of Kaua'i (in 2003, 2005 and 2008). Navy training activities may take place throughout the Hawai'i Range Complex, however many of the training exercises are undertaken in the western main Hawaiian Islands, in particular at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. As part of an effort to reduce uncertainty regarding the population structure, range, and abundance of odontocetes in the western main Hawaiian Islands, to help inform Navy impact assessments, we undertook small-boat based research efforts off O'ahu (in 2010) and off Kaua'i (in 2011 and 2012). These efforts utilized a variety of field methods to obtain data sets relevant to assessing these population characteristics, including photo-identification, collection of biopsy samples for genetic studies, and satellite tagging. Over the three years of the project surveys were undertaken on 66 days (406 hours), covering 6,559 km. Overall there were 191 odontocete sightings, 183 of which were identified to species. Off O ahu there were 30 sightings of 10 species, while off Kaua'i and Ni'ihau there were 153 sightings of eight species. One hundred and two biopsy samples were collected from seven different species for genetics and toxicology studies. Thirty satellite tags were deployed on five species: pygmy killer whales, false killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales. For all five species, tag data indicate that there are island-associated populations.