Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The New Invasive Pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in India and its Natural Enemies along with Evaluation of Trichogrammatids for its Biological Control

The South American tomato moth Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a devastating pest of tomato. In the present study Tuta-adapted strains of Trichogramma were evaluated. Amongst the three species, Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja could parasitise T. absoluta eggs and the parasitism rates were 5.0%, 51.1% and 68.2% respectively. Adults emerged from the parasitized T. absoluta eggs (4.8%, 97.5% and 90.0% adult emergence respectively). The F1 generation adults of T. pretiosum could parasitise 29% of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs, while the other two species were not successful in parasitizing. In addition, four 'hymenopteran' parasitoids, viz. T. achaeae , Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood), Habrobracon sp. and Goniozus sp. were also observed to be associated with T. absoluta in the fields during the surveys undertaken in southern India.
Comparative analysis of acoustic therapies for tinnitus treatment based on auditory event-related potentials

Introduction So far, Auditory Event-Related Potential (AERP) features have been used to characterize neural activity of patients with tinnitus. However, these EEG patterns could be used to evaluate tinnitus evolution as well. The aim of the present study is to propose a methodology based on AERPs to evaluate the effectiveness of four acoustic therapies for tinnitus treatment. Methods The acoustic therapies were: (1) Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), (2) Auditory Discrimination Therapy (ADT), (3) Therapy for Enriched Acoustic Environment (TEAE), and (4) Binaural Beats Therapy (BBT). In addition, relaxing music was included as a placebo for both: tinnitus sufferers and healthy individuals. To meet this aim, 103 participants were recruited, 53% were females and 47% were males. All the participants were treated for 8 weeks with one of these five sounds, which were moreover tuned in accordance with the acoustic features of their tinnitus (if applied) and hearing loss. They were electroencephalographically monitored before and after their acoustic therapy, and wherefrom AERPs were estimated. The sound effect of acoustic therapies was evaluated by examining the area under the curve of those AERPs. Two parameters were obtained: (1) amplitude and (2) topographical distribution. Results The findings of the investigation showed that after an 8-week treatment, TRT and ADT, respectively achieved significant neurophysiological changes over somatosensory and occipital regions. On one hand, TRT increased the tinnitus perception. On the other hand, ADT redirected the tinnitus attention, what in turn diminished the tinnitus perception. Tinnitus handicapped inventory outcomes verified these neurophysiological findings, revealing that 31% of patients in each group reported that TRT increased tinnitus perception, but ADT diminished it. Discussion Tinnitus has been identified as a multifactorial condition highly associated with hearing loss, age, sex, marital status, education, and even, employment. However, no conclusive evidence has been found yet. In this study, a significant (but low) correlation was found between tinnitus intensity and right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, heart rate, area under the curve of AERPs, and acoustic therapy. This study raises the possibility to assign acoustic therapies by neurophysiological response of patient.
Dietary sodium enhances the expression of SLC4 family transporters, IRBIT, L-IRBIT, and PP1 in rat kidney: Insights into the molecular mechanism for renal sodium handling

The kidney plays a central role in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in the body. Bicarbonate transporters NBCn1, NBCn2, and AE2 are expressed at the basolateral membrane of the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL). In a previous study, NBCn1, NBCn2, and AE2 are proposed to play as a regulatory pathway to decrease NaCl reabsorption in the mTAL under high salt condition. When heterologously expressed, the activity of these transporters could be stimulated by the InsP3R binding protein released with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IRBIT), L-IRBIT (collectively the IRBITs), or protein phosphatase PP1. In the present study, we characterized by immunofluorescence the expression and localization of the IRBITs, and PP1 in rat kidney. Our data showed that the IRBITs were predominantly expressed from the mTAL through the distal renal tubules. PP1 was predominantly expressed in the TAL, but is also present in high abundance from the distal convoluted tubule through the medullary collecting duct. Western blotting analyses showed that the abundances of NBCn1, NBCn2, and AE2 as well as the IRBITs and PP1 were greatly upregulated in rat kidney by dietary sodium. Co-immunoprecipitation study provided the evidence for protein interaction between NBCn1 and L-IRBIT in rat kidney. Taken together, our data suggest that the IRBITs and PP1 play an important role in sodium handling in the kidney. We propose that the IRBITs and PP1 stimulates NBCn1, NBCn2, and AE2 in the basolateral mTAL to inhibit sodium reabsorption under high sodium condition. Our study provides important insights into understanding the molecular mechanism for the regulation of sodium homeostasis in the body.
New locality record of the variegated butterfly bat, Glauconycteris variegata (Tomes, 1861) from the Sudan

Two adult male specimens of small vespertilionid bats were collected from Khartoum and two males from the Dinder National Park (DNP), by mist nets. The collected specimens were identified as Glauconycteris variegata. Males of G. variegate collected from Khartoum are found to be larger than males collected from the DNP in six measured morphometric characters and have the base of their wings and their interfemoral membrane orange in colour. The males G. variegatus were found roosting in the riverine area in Khartoum and DNP. One specimen was found roosting with a colony of Scotophilus nigrita, G. argentata and Rhinolophus landeri in a well in the DNP.
Platte Prairies Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Restored and Remnant Prairie Tracts in Central Nebraska

ABSTRACT In July 2012, we sampled ant species in remnant and restored prairie tracts in the Platte River Prairies, managed by The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska. The sampling period coincided with TNC's July 2012 “Week of Insects”, an event which involved both general public and invited expert participation, and was an opportunity for both education and citizen science. In four days of sampling, even under severe drought conditions, we encountered 22 species of ants. Fifteen species were found in never-plowed, remnant prairies, and four species were found only in them. Thirteen species were found on restored (planted) prairies, with three of these found only in the planted prairies. Four species were exclusively associated with mature cottonwood trees near the site headquarters.
Genetic Diversity in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines from Kashmir

Genetic diversity in 47 maize inbred lines was assessed based on morphological traits. The Experiment was conducted using RCBD with two replications at Dryland Agriculture Station, Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir in Kharif 2015. D 2 analysis was performed and clustering was done using Tocher’s Method. All the inbreds were grouped into 7 clusters. Cluster number IV contained highest number (29) of inbreds and cluster III and VI contained lowest number (2) of inbreds. Cluster II and V, V and VI, VI and VII showed maximum distance between them suggesting higher probability of heterotic hybrids if selection of parents is done from these pairs of groups. Days to tasselling, and days to maturity showed highest contribution to total divergence. This study gave an insight into the variability pattern of the inbred lines which will be helpful in their further utilisation.
Changes in Distribution and Abundance of Anuran Species of Staten Island, NY, Over the Last Century

Abstract The global decline of amphibian species is a pressing problem that has garnered much scientific attention. Annual fluctuations of amphibian populations are a common occurrence due to weather variability, reproductive failure, or other factors. Therefore, a long-term perspective through the use of historical datasets is needed to identify persistent trends. To examine the changes in the populations of Anuran (frog and toad) species in Staten Island, NY, we used the detailed notes contained in the field journals of naturalist William T. Davis (1862–1945) to form a basis of comparison to modern surveys (2010–2011). We found very substantial changes, mainly declines, in the amphibian biota of Staten Island. Of the 10 original species, 4 have apparently been extirpated and another 4 have declined in probability of occurrence (PO), most notably Anaxyrus fowleri (Fowler's Toad), whose PO decreased 1 order of magnitude. Only Lithobates clamitans (Green Frog) and Lithobates catesbeianus (Bullfrog) have increased through time. We show that these changes are related to environmental perturbations that have occurred over the same time period.
Propriedades Físicas da Madeira de Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell

We analyzed the wood physical properties of 70 Eucalyptus cloeziana trees, approximately 10 years old, from forests located in the Midwestern region of Minas Gerais. Moisture, basic and apparent density and shrinkage were determined. The samples showed mean values of 703 kg/m3, 843 kg/m3 and 916 kg/m3 for basic density, dry bulk density and apparent density at 12% moisture, respectively. Concerning the radial, tangential and axial shrinkage were found with average values of 7.08; 11.16 and 0.26%, respectively. The average volume shrinkage was 19.68%, and the anisotropic ratio of 1.60, thus the timber is considered stable dimensionally.
Symptomlogical and biochemical studies on Sunflower Necrosis Disease inSunflower plants in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh

The main aim the present study is to observe the symptoms and abnormal properties caused by sunflower necrosis virus in infected sunflower plants, Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, India. Sunflower necrosis virus disease caused by a strain of Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) genus Ilarvirus group belongs to Bromoviridae family. It creates epiphytotics in many sunflower plants. In this study, Mosaic, Chlorotic Ring, Necrotic Ring, Leaf Necrosis, Stem Necrosis, and Plant Stunting in TSV infected plants. The Chlorophyll and sugar contents were decreased in leaves of virus infected leaves. Where as higher protein content was observed than the healthy leaves. The local lesions were observed in Cow pea. The virus infected leaves reacts with TSV-antiserum in wells was confirmed by ELISA test by showing a formation of yellow color.
Different Factors Drive Emergence and Persistence in an Invasive Grass

Premise of research. Hypotheses to explain nonnative plant invasions often suggest that propagule pressure promotes invasion success. However, interactions between propagule pressure and abiotic or biotic habitat characteristics also may regulate establishment and persistence of invaders, but they are not often tested. Additionally, results from the few published studies considering interactions among factors are conflicting, with some studies finding that propagule pressure overwhelms abiotic and biotic conditions and others suggesting that environmental factors play a key role in determining invasion success independent of propagule pressure. Methodology. We conducted a field study to evaluate the roles played by propagule pressure (1-, 4-, or 16-rhizome segments), disturbance (disturbed or undisturbed, to manipulate environmental resistance), and their interaction in the emergence (initial ramet production) and persistence (presence at the beginning of the second growing season) of highly invasive cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica). To determine whether elevated propagule pressure or disturbance aids in overcoming environmental resistance in shaded habitats, we conducted the experiment in both open field (full sun) and forest understory (deep shade) habitats. Pivotal results. Cogongrass emergence was driven by both propagule pressure and disturbance, which enhanced emergence probability by threefold and more than twofold, respectively. However, persistence occurred only in open, full sun habitats, with no tillers surviving in the deeply shaded forest plots (average photosynthetically active radiation was 93% lower in forest than in open field plots) in the second growing season. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that the emergence, persistence, and spread of plant invaders can be driven by different abiotic and biotic factors in the recipient habitat. Furthermore, these results were generated by monitoring an experimental invasion process for longer than a single season, providing a realistic and robust evaluation of the drivers of invasive plant success and suggesting a general need for longer-term establishment studies in invasive plant ecology.
The breeding systems of selected Thysanotus species and the influence of floral display size and interspecific pollen transfer on their reproductive success

An understanding of the reproductive biology of a plant species is fundamental to understanding its viability, interactions and function within an ecosystem. This study explored the influence of pollination type, floral display size, and interspecific pollen transfer on the production of fruit and seeds in three Thysanotus species (T. manglesianus, T. multiflorus and T. triandrus). Thysanotus is a native, buzz-pollinated genus, and currently there is a dearth of knowledge regarding its reproductive biology. The present study aimed to fill this gap in the research by presenting a general overview of these species. The findings may then provide a basis for future research of other native, buzz pollinated species. This study used Thysanotus populations at a nature reserve in Langford, Western Australia to determine breeding systems and the influence of inflorescence size and application of heterospecific pollen on their fruit and seed sets. Breeding systems for each species were determined by hand pollinating flowers with self or outcross pollen, and recording the resulting fruit set. The influence of floral display size (of T. multiflorus and T. triandrus) was determined by looking at differences in the number of fruit and seeds produced by plants with different sized floral displays. To examine the effect of heterospecific pollen on reproduction, T. multiflorus pollen was applied to the stigmas of T. triandrus flowers and, over one hour later, either outcross or self-pollen was applied and the resulting fruit and seed set was recorded. All of the study species have a mixed mating system (i.e. produce seed from self or outcross pollen). Increased floral display size did not significantly increase fruit and seed set, or geitonogamous reproduction in T. multiflorus. In T. triandrus, a greater proportion of flowers set fruit from small floral displays than large, and large size did appear to increase geitonogamy. Interspecific pollen transfer had no effect on the fruit and seed set of T. triandrus, and pollinators did not distinguish between the flowers of the two species, so there was no evidence that pollinators could be instrumental in reproductive isolation.
DNA barcoding of Chinese native chicken breeds through COI gene

This study was done to investigate the viability and effectiveness of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene in DNA barcoding for identification of Chinese native chickens. Two sequences of the COI gene of 64 chickens of four Chinese native breeds (16 of each breed) were analyzed by amplification and sequencing. Results showed that the bar1 sequence of COI had lower polymorphism compared to bar2. Bar1 had 1 polymorphic site and 2 haplotypes, while bar2 had 4 polymorphic sites and 8 haplotypes. The nucleotide polymorphism (Pi) in bar2 ranged from 0.00102 to 0.00305. The DNA taxonomy of bar2 was consistent with morphological taxonomy in all four native chicken breeds. The findings indicate that DNA barcoding with COI gene is an effective method and the bar2 sequence of COI gene is a better choice for DNA barcoding to identify Chinese native chicken breeds.
Identification of cross-reactive epitope regions of bovine viral diarrhea virus and classical swine fever virus glycoproteins

Pestiviruses such as classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) are some of the most economically important livestock diseases in the world. The antigenic similarities between members of the pestivirus genus allow for both BVDV and CSFV to infect swine. Infections with heterologous pestiviruses in swine can interfere with diagnostic tests for CSFV. The identification of cross-reactive and cross-neutralizing epitopes between CSFV and BVDV for the development of improved diagnostics and vaccines that allow for the differentiation of infected animals from vaccinated animals (DIVAs) are necessary to accurately detect and control CSFV. The overall goal of this research was to identify epitope regions recognized by antibodies that can differentiate between CSFV and BVDV. The approach was to use serum neutralization assays to confirm the presence of neutralizing antibodies to BVDV in swine serum collected from animals immunized with one of three separate Alphavirus vaccine constructs: BVDV-1b, CSFV E2, and CSFV E. Results showed that animals immunized with the Alphavirus BVDV-1b construct had high neutralizing titers against BVDV-1a and animals immunized with Alphavirus CSFV E2 and E constructs had low, but detectable, neutralizing activity. Polypeptide fragments of CSFV and BVDV E2 were then expressed in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography. Serum from a pig immunized with the CSFV E2 Alphavirus construct was tested against two fragments of CSFV E2, 2/4 and 4/4, and four fragments BVDV E2, 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4, using western blot analysis. Reactivity to fragments CSFV E2 2/4 and 4/4 and BVDV E2 1/4 and 4/4 was observed. The results of this study identified CSFV amino acid positions 774 through 857 and BVDV amino acid positions 783 through 872 as the regions that contain the epitopes recognized by cross-reactive antibodies between BVDV and CSFV E2. These results provide more specific sequence regions to improve CSFV diagnostic assays and DIVA vaccines.
Wheat cultivar yield response to some organic and conventional farming conditions and the yield potential of mixtures

SUMMARY A range of wheat cultivars, including elite cultivars, older cultivars and some preferred by organic growers, were trialled under high and low nitrogen (N) conventional and organic conditions to determine whether cultivars that yield highly under organic conditions have the same relative yield under conventional conditions. A range of cultivar mixtures was also assessed to see whether these gave yield advantages or superiority in either farming system. The conventional trials were grown with and without full fungicide programmes, which largely controlled disease. Amongst the cultivars, Alchemy showed superior yield under organic conditions as did Pegassos, but under conventional conditions Pegassos was always one of the low-ranking cultivars. Under conventional conditions the more recent cultivars Alchemy, Glasgow and Istabraq yielded highly, while an older one, Consort, yielded highly under low fertilizer conditions, and both Ambrosia and Deben also yielded highly generally. Fungicide and high N favoured the disease-susceptible, high-yield cultivars such as Glasgow whereas Consort, an older susceptible cultivar, was favoured by fungicide and low N. Together this demonstrates that whilst the yield characteristics of some elite germplasm are also expressed under organic conditions, at least one cultivar that yielded poorly under conventional conditions showed adaptation towards the organic conditions of these trials. Other cultivars yielding poorly under conventional conditions also gave poor yield under organic conditions. The equal proportion mixtures of cultivars grown under conventional conditions showed no evidence of differences in yield from the mean of the component cultivars grown separately, but combinations of Glasgow, Alchemy and Istabraq gave consistently high yield.
The Rise of Animals in a Changing Environment: Global Ecological Innovation in the Late Ediacaran

The evolutionary trajectory of early complex life on Earth is interpreted largely from the fossils of the Precambrian soft-bodied Ediacara Biota, which appeared and evolved during a time of dynamic biogeochemical and environmental fluctuation in the global ocean. The Ediacara Biota is historically divided into three successive Assemblages—the Avalon, the White Sea, and the Nama—which are marked by the appearance of novel biological traits and ecological strategies. In particular, the younger White Sea and Nama Assemblages record a “second wave” of ecological innovations, which included not only the development of uniquely Ediacaran body plans and ecologies, such as matground adaptations, but also the dual emergence of bilaterian-grade animals and Phanerozoic-style ecological innovations, including spatial heterogeneity, complex reproductive strategies, ecospace utilization, motility, and substrate competition. The late Ediacaran was an evolutionarily dynamic time characterized by strong environmental cont.
Role of Sex Ratio and Density on Fertilization Success of Intensively Cultured Endangered Woundfin

Abstract Woundfin Plagopterus argentissimus are a small, endangered cyprinid found solely in the Virgin River across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. As of now, only three facilities culture Woundfin for conservation propagation purposes, but there is growing concern that current extensive culture protocols are not meeting the conservation recovery goals outlined in the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program. The development of alternative rearing methodology, like effective intensive culture conditions, could help increase production to more effectively meet the conservation propagation needs for this species. Our goal was to assess the effect of different sex ratios and fish densities on reproductive success at indoor facilities. We measured fertilization success at three different sex ratios (1:1, 1:3, 1:5; female:male) and three different fish densities (0.05, 0.21, and 0.47 fish/L) in a laboratory setting. Sex ratio did not significantly affect fertilization success (P = 0.73). Fertilization.
Bio-inspired Toxicity Assay Based on Xenobiotic Metabolism

In vivo biotransformation of drinking water contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products, and disinfection by-products (DBPs) often generates reactive intermediates that covalently can bind to cells inducing cancer, cytotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Water quality analysis is essential for water distribution facilities to maintain the public health and safety of potable water. Analytical techniques are frequently used to determine the concentration of toxic compounds. These techniques are selective and sensitive, however, long processing times are seen as a drawback. In the case of biological toxicity assays, in vivo or in vitro models such as bacteria, algae, perfused liver, microsomes, tissue, cells, and others involving animal experimentation are very fragile limiting their use due to shelf life issues. Bio-inspired chemistries can determine toxicity using more stable compounds. The purpose of this work is to develop a bio-inspired toxicity assay for Phase I and II metabolism by monitoring glutathione (GSH) depletion. Metalloporphyrins are employed as structures that imitate the active site of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in Phase I metabolism. Phase II metabolism is carried out by GSH conjugation of metabolites by using a reverse micelle system comprised of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), catalyst that mimics the role of glutathione transferase (GST) in the detoxification step.