Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against Uvarovistia zebra (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) and Eurygaster integriceps (Heteroptera: Scutellaridae)

The potential for the control of insect pests by entomopathogenic fungi has been studied for decades, and Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are the best known of these entomopathogenic fungi. In this study the pathogenicities of B. bassiana DEBI 001 and M. anisopliae 715C obtained from the Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection were evaluated for the first time against a long-horned (tettigoniid) grasshopper Uvarovistia zebra. Uvarovistia zebra is a univoltine grasshopper, distributed on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains in the north of Qazvin province in Iran. In some years, following good conditions for population growth, they can invade and damage field crops, and rangeland grass. Initially the efficacy of the two fungal isolates was assessed using topical application and ingestion. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory with field collected U. zebra to determine the effect of the fungi on food consumption by and mortality of the insect. Both fungi caused significant mortality of U. zebra by both contact and ingestion and both caused a significant reduction of food consumption and faeces production by the insects. The effect of fungal spore formulations in oil or water on lettuce discs was evaluated. Both oil and water formulations had lethal effects on U. zebra nymphs, but the spores formulated in oil on lettuce discs were more effective than those in water. Pathogenicity of the fungi was also evaluated against the Sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory with different nymphal instars of E. integriceps to determine the relative susceptibility of nymphal instars and adults to the fungal isolates. Results showed that the fifth-instar nymph was the most susceptible with 60% and 46% mortality caused by B. bassiana and M. anisopliae respectively. The viability, mycelial growth and conidia production of the B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates preserved in different storage media were assessed. Assessments were done before and after storage to determine the extent of change and degeneration of the fungi caused by storage in PDA, distilled water, or sand. A significant decrease in germination of both fungal isolates was observed after 6 months storage in all media. Colony growth of the fungi preserved in sand and water media was significantly reduced after 6 month storage. There were no significant differences in conidia production before and after storage for B. bassiana preserved in PDA and sand and for M. anisopliae preserved in PDA. Virulence of the B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates was evaluated when they were passed through artificial media and through an insect host U. zebra. The fungi were subcultured in vitro subcultures and passaged in vivo to determine the possibility of changes in their virulence. The virulence of the fungi was measured using mortality monitored before
Effect of carp pituitary extract dose and latency period combinations on the stripping response of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) during induced spawning operation

The stripping response of Clarias batrachus was evaluated at five doses of carp pituitary extract (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg kg -1 body weight of female) administration in combination with five latency periods (11, 14, 17, 20 and 23 h). The females did not respond to stripping when injected 10 and 20 mg pituitary dose and stripped respectively at 11-14 and 11 h latency period. A significant (p<0.05) increase in stripping response was observed with increase in hormone doses beyond 30 mg when stripped at 11 h latency. The stripping responses in 30-50 mg pituitary extract at 14-17 h latency were highest and did not vary significantly. Prolonging the latency period beyond 17 h at 30-40 mg pituitary dose also did not affect the stripping response. While stripping the females at 50 mg dose with 20-23 h latency combinations, the stripping response declined. The experiment clearly suggests that stripping response was the best at 14-23 h latency in combination with 30-40 mg pituitary dose.
Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Control in Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare) with Reduced Rates of Postemergence Herbicides

Rates and application timings of postemergence herbicides for wild oat control in spring wheat and barley were evaluated at Crookston, MN, from 1994 to 1996. Diclofop, imazamethabenz, and fenoxaprop plus MCPA plus thifensulfuron plus tribenuron were applied to one- to three-leaf wild oat; and difenzoquat, imazamethabenz, fenoxaprop plus MCPA plus thifensulfuron plus tribenuron, and fenoxaprop plus 2,4-D plus MCPA were applied to four- to five-leaf wild oat at 1/2 ×, 3/4 ×, and 1 × rates. Wild oat response to herbicide rate and timing was similar in wheat and barley. Wild oat control with 1/2 × rates generally was less than that with 3/4 × rates, which was lower than or similar to that with 1 × rates. Wild oat biomass was often reduced less with 1/2 × rates than 1 × rates. However, reducing herbicide rates generally did not influence grain yields or net economic return. Grain yields and net economic return were generally greater in herbicide-treated plots than in the nontreated control.
Host Genome Variation and Toxicity in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Archival samples represent a significant potential for genetic studies, particularly in severe diseases with risk of lethal outcome, such as in cancer. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the usability of archival bone marrow smears and biopsies for DNA extraction and purification, whole genome amplification (WGA), multiple marker analysis including 10 short tandem repeats, and finally a comprehensive genotyping of 33,683 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with multiplexed targeted next-generation sequencing. A total of 73 samples from 21 bone marrow smears and 13 bone marrow biopsies from 18 Danish and Norwegian childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients were included and compared with corresponding blood samples. Samples were grouped according to the age of sample and whether WGA was performed or not. We found that measurements of DNA concentration after DNA extraction was dependent on detection method and that spectrophotometry overestimated DNA amount compared with fluorometry. In the short tandem repeat analysis, detection rate dropped slightly with longer fragments. After WGA, this drop was more pronounced. Samples stored for 0 to 3 years showed better results compared with samples stored for 4 to 10 years. Acceptable call rates for SNPs were detected for 7 of 42 archival samples. In conclusion, archival bone marrow samples are suitable for DNA extraction and multiple marker analysis, but WGA was less successful, especially when longer fragments were analyzed. Multiple SNP analysis seems feasible, but the method has to be further optimized.
Dialog for Language to Code

Generating computer code from natural language descriptions has been a long-standing problem. Prior work in this domain has restricted itself to generating code in one shot from a single description. To overcome this limitation, we propose a system that can engage users in a dialog to clarify their intent until it has all the information to produce correct code. To evaluate the efficacy of dialog in code generation, we focus on synthesizing conditional statements in the form of IFTTT recipes.
New data on distribution of the monkey goby, Neogobius fluviatilis (Pallas, 1814) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia with notes on ecology and associated fish fauna

1Faculty of Teacher Education, Department in Petrinja, University of Zagreb, Trg Matice hrvatske 12, 44250 Croatia 2Department of Zoology, National Museum, Vaclavske nam. 68, 115 79 Prague 1, Czech Republic 3Croatian Natural History Museum, Demetrova 1, 100000 Zagreb, Croatia 4Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic 5Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina 6Department of Biology (Laboratory for Entomology), Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Molecular identification and genetic relationships of Algerian grapevine cultivars maintained at the germplasm collection of Skikda (Algeria)

We have used nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers to characterize a collection of 36 Algerian grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) accessions maintained at the germplasm collection of Skikda (Algeria). The genetic diversity observed within the collection was comparable to what has been described for cultivated accessions of grapevine. Moreover, chlorotype C, associated to eastern accessions and highly frequent among table grape cultivars, was overrepresented in the collection. Genotype comparisons among the accessions and published cultivar genotypes identified a few synonyms within the collection as well as putative synonyms for Algerian accessions such as 'Ain el Kelb', 'Ahmar Mechtras', 'Ahmar de Mascara' or 'Bouni' among cultivars grown in both Eastern and Western areas of the Mediterranean basin. Furthermore, the study of genetic relationships among the Algerian accessions suggests the existence of close relatedness within some groups of cultivars that could have been originated by spontaneous hybridization and seed propagation.
Predictable changes in aboveground allometry of trees along gradients of temperature, aridity and competition

Aim Trees are often observed to get shorter and more narrowly crowned in dry regions and at high elevations. We explore how this pattern is driven by two opposing factors: competition for light makes it advantageous to extend branches to their biomechanical limit, whereas under cold or arid conditions it is advantageous to have shorter branches, thereby reducing the length of the hydraulic transport system and embolism risk. Using data from 700,000 trees of 26 species, we quantify how environmental conditions influence the scaling of height and crown diameter (CD) with stem diameter (d.b.h.). We compare our predictions with those of metabolic scaling theory (MST), which suggests that allometry is invariant of environment. Location 48,000 inventory plots that systematically sample mainland Spain, a region in which climate varies strongly. Methods We fit d.b. h. –height and d.b. h. –CD functions using Bayesian methods, allowing comparison of within- and across-species trends in allometry along gradients of temperature, precipitation, drought and competition for light (i.e. the basal area of taller trees). Results The competitive environment had a strong influence on aboveground allometry, but all trees were far shorter than predicted by biomechanical models, suggesting that factors other than biomechanics are important. Species that dominate in arid and cold habitats were much shorter (for a given diameter) than those from benign conditions; but within-species heights did not vary strongly across climatic gradients. Main conclusions Our results do not support the MST prediction that d.b. h. –height and d.b. h. –CD allometries are invariant, or that biomechanical constraints determine height allometry. Rather, we highlight the role of hydraulic limitations in this region. The fact that intra-specific adjustment in d.b. h. –CD – height allometry along environmental gradients was far weaker than across-species changes may indicate genetic constraints on allometry which might contribute to niche differentiation among species.
Community Structure of Benthic Algae in a Lotic Ecosystem, Karbala Province-Iraq

This study focused on benthic algae (epipelic and attached algae on concrete lining stream) in BaniHassan stream in Holly Karbala, Iraq. The qualitative and quantitative studies of benthic algae were done by collecting 240 samples from five sites in the study area for the period from December 2012 to November 2013. Also, the environmental variables of the stream were examined in term of temporary and spatial. The results showed that the stream was alkaline, hard, oligohaline and a well aerated. The total nitrogen to the total phosphorus (TN: TP) ratio indicates nitrogen limitation. 129 species of benthic algae belonging to 57 genera were identified. Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) was the predominant taxon (95 species) followed by Chlorophyceae (16 species), Cyanophyceae (14 species), Euglenophyceae (3 species) and Pyrophyceae (one species). Some genera were found throughout the study period: Nitzschia, Navicula, Cymbella, Gomphonema, Surirella, Cocconeis, Aulacoseira, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Spirulina, and Scenedesmus. Site 3 recorded the highest total number of algae in spring 2013, and the lowest total number was at site 5 in Autumn 2013. The chlorophyll-a concentration did not match the total number of algae.
Relationship Between γ-Globulin Metabolism and Low Serum γ-Globulin in Germfree Mice

The rates of synthesis and serum concentration of γ-globulin in mice appear to be related to the stimulation provided by intestinal microorganisms. The γ-globulin synthesis rate in normally raised mice is 50 times the synthesis rate in mice with no bacterial flora (germfree), 10 times the synthesis rate in mice with a subnormal bacterial flora, and ¼ the synthesis in mice placed in contact with other strains and species after being reared with a subnormal flora. Serum γ-globulin levels in these mice reflect the rates of γ-globulin synthesis. The mean γ-globulin level in normally reared mice is 35 times greater than in germfree mice. The ability of the mouse to catabolize large amounts of exogenous γ-globulin is not altered in the germfree state.
Bioefficacy of insecticides against tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura.

The bioefficacy of five insecticides viz., indoxacarb, methomyl, fipronil, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid was determined against 7d old larvae of Spodoptera litura by contact and leaf dip methods. Indoxacarb was the most toxic insecticide at 24h exposure, at all the three concentrations, the values being 7.0 ppm (LC30), 15 ppm(LC50) and 126ppm (LC90) and imidacloprid was the least toxic with 281, 572 and 3313ppm at respective LC levels. The order of toxicity by residue contact bioassay method at LC50 was: indoxacarb > methomyl > thiamethoxam > fipronil > imidacloprid. In leaf dip method also at 24h after exposure, at all the three concentrations, indoxacarb was the most toxic insecticide (LC = 1.0, LC = 2.0 and LC = 13ppm) and imidacloprid was the least toxic, 305090 (LC30 = 2186, LC50 = 3719 and LC90 = 10377ppm). The order of toxicity at all the three LC levels was: indoxacarb > methomyl > fipronil > thiamethoxam > imidacloprid. In residue contact bioassay, methomyl could cause 50% mortality in a shortest span of 5.38h followed by imidacloprid (10.47h) and indoxacarb (12.60h). Thiamethoxam and fipronil were slowest in action causing 50% mortality in 33.37 and 23.93h, respectively. In leaf dip method also methomyl was the fastest acting and thiamethoxam was the slowest acting insecticide with LT50 values 13.82 and 39.02h, respectively. The LT50 values for the other three insecticides viz., fipronil, imidacloprid and indoxacarb were 15.72, 18.53 and 21.59h, respectively. Fipronil proved better than imidacloprid and indoxacarb in leaf dip method. A comparative dose mortality response expressed in terms of relative toxicity (RT) indicated that at 48 hours after exposure (HAE), the RT values for indoxacarb and methomyl were 1.0 and 1.2, respectively. Thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and fipronil were 28.54, 37.45 and 44.36 times less toxic than indoxacarb. The RT values in the leaf dip method (stomach toxicity) were relatively higher owing to the higher LC values. Imidacloprid, fipronil and thiamethoxam, in particular, showed very high RT value indicating far less stomach toxicity to S. litura as compared to indoxacarb and methomyl. The data reflect a general increase in tolerance by S. litura in view of the field recommended doses of the insecticides.
The development of improved and new in vitro assays for detecting the genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic potential of chemicals in the discovery phase of drug development

In drug development, toxicity is an important factor for attrition, resulting in a failure rate of 30%-40%. Hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiovascular safety, reproduction toxicity, developmental toxicity (teratogenicity), genotoxicity and carcinogenicity are the main causes for attrition in safety assessment. Screening on these aspects in the early discovery phase of drug development and using these data for compound optimization and deselection might result in drug development candidates with an improved success rate. The present thesis focused on early screening for genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. In recent years some progress has been made with assays to assess genotoxicity and non-genotoxic carcinogenicity at the end of the discovery phase. However, the time point at which these genotoxicity and carcinogenicity assays are performed is still relatively late, only a few assays for such a strategy are available, the throughput of these assays is in general still low and most of them have not yet been validated extensively. An additional drawback is that the currently used in vitro assays for the detection of genotoxicity give a high rate of false positive results, which makes application in the early discovery phase of drug development cumbersome. The goal of the present thesis was therefore to develop improved and new in vitro assays for detecting the genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic potential of chemicals, validate these assays with proper reference compounds, and to develop a strategy for application of these assays in the early discovery phase of drug development. High throughput assays based on bacteria, yeast and human/rodent cell lines were developed. In the case of human cell lines, the focus was on the HepG2 cell line as the properties of HepG2 cells are expected to give a good prediction for in vivo genotoxicity. The results in this thesis show that an early prediction can be made for bacterial mutagenicity (gene mutations), mammalian genotoxicity (chromosome damage), and non-genotoxic carcinogenic potential by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation. To develop a strategy for application of the HTS genotoxicity assays in the early discovery phase several combinations of assays were evaluated. The combination VitotoxTM + HepG2 p53 reporter assay was based on the presented results in this thesis the most useful for screening compounds for their genotoxic potential in the early drug discovery phase without the risk on high numbers of false positives. CYP1A induction assays in human HepG2 and rat H4IIE cells may be performed in parallel with these assays to be able to detect non-genotoxic carcinogenic potential by AhR activators. Further application of these assays may prove useful in future drug development strategies.
Study of the cytogenetic diversity of Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae)

We report here the karyotype characterization of five Physalis peruviana L. ecotypes. Three wild types were collected from the areas around Villa de Leyva (Boyacá, Colombia), La Calera and Choachí municipalities (Cundinamarca, Colombia) and two were from cultivated cape gooseberry crops. One of the latter was the native Colombia ecotype found near the Subachoque municipality (Cundinamarca) and the other was a foreign ecotype from Kenya, which had been cultivated near Paipa municipality (Cundinamarca). Karyotypes were obtained after standardizing a protocol involving obtation of radical apexes from seeds and leaves, using in vitro auxin-enriched culture medium. The chromosomes protocol was standardized using different pre-treatment, fixation, hydrolysis and sample-mounting techniques. Duration of the cellular cycle was also evaluated for determining the mitotic hour. A wide genetic variability among the ecotypes was observed. Wild ecotypes presented 2n=24 chromosomes while Colombia and Kenya ecotypes 2n=32 and 2n=48, respectively. Morphological and anatomical characterization also showed variation among the ecotypes reflecting ploidy level, according to the literature, in terms of plant height, foliate area, number of stoma/mm, chloroplast number in stoma guard cells, fruit and seed diameter and dry mass content.
Induction of T cell immunity overcomes resistance to PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade and improves survival in pancreatic cancer

Disabling the function of immune checkpoint molecules can unlock T cell immunity against cancer, yet despite remarkable clinical success with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that block PD-1 or CTLA-4 resistance remains common and essentially unexplained. Certain tumors, especially pancreatic carcinoma, are fully refractory to these antibodies. As reported in this thesis, I used a genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic carcinoma in which spontaneous immunity is minimal, and found that PD-L1 is prominent in the tumor microenvironment, a phenotype confirmed in patients. Tumor infiltrating T cells express PD-1 even more prominently than T cells in a classical model of chronic infection, in which anti-PD-1 mAb mediates clinical benefit. Despite this striking expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, treatment with anti-PD-1 mAb, with or without anti-CTLA-4 mAb, fails in well-established tumors, recapitulating clinical results. Agonist anti-CD40 mAb with chemotherapy, deployed as a vaccine, induces T cell immunity and reverses the complete resistance of pancreatic tumors to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4. The combination of anti-CD40/chemotherapy plus anti-PD-1 and/or anti-CTLA-4 induces regression of subcutaneous tumors, improves overall survival, and confers curative protection from multiple rechallenges, consistent with immune memory not otherwise achievable. Combinatorial treatment nearly doubles survival of mice with spontaneous pancreatic cancers, revealing a clinical opportunity. These findings suggest that in non immunogenic tumors, epitomized by pancreatic carcinoma, baseline refractoriness to checkpoint inhibitors may be rescued by the priming of a T cell response with an antitumor vaccine. These studies indicate that understanding the immunobiology of differing tumor types may improve the ability to rationally design combinatorial immunotherapies in oncology.