Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Extreme Cold Water Conditions and Some Bacterial Infections on Earthen-Pond Cultured Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Tilapia aquaculture is vulnerable to adverse impacts of unfavorable environmental conditions and microbial agents. Over-wintering is a serious economic challenge in tilapia farming. Exposure to extreme cold water temperature has long been considered a significant constraint to tilapia fish survival. Unprecedented huge mortalities approached 98 % have been recorded only in earthen-pond cultured tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus within Barsiq farm, northern Egypt during the period from December 2013 to February 2014. Other co-cultured fishes weren’t surrendered. Succumbed fishes showed distinctive skin darkness and few haemorrhagic patches on the external body surface. The synergistic effects of environmental deterioration and opportunistic pathogens have been accused for these substantial losses. Water temperature approached detrimental levels 5.2 °C. Mortalities were severe in young-aged tilapia 95 %. Losses approached high rats 98 % particularly in shallow water ponds 55 cm in depth compared to 30 % in other ponds (more than 100 cm). The values recorded for dissolved oxygen, NH3, NO2 and NO3 were fare from the optimum recommended levels; 3.5 mg/L, 1.03 mg/L, 0.75 mg/L and 10.1 mg/L respectively. The magnitude of stress formula exaggerated by existence of unfavorable levels of some heavy metals. Vibrio anguillarum and Aeromonas hydrophila were isolated from succumbed fishes.
Answer to Photo Quiz: Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia Showing Filamentous Forms and Spheroplasts Due to the Presence of Subinhibitory Concentrations of -Lactams

The morphological features are consistent with filamentous forms and spheroplasts of Gram-negative bacilli produced in the presence of -lactam antimicrobials (1). The Gram stain of the blood culture medium showed elongated Gram-negative microbial forms approximately 1 m in diameter and up to several hundred micrometers long. Additionally, spherical enlargements, 5 to 8 m in diameter, were seen along some of the bacterial forms (see Fig. 1a in the Photo Quiz). The organisms fluoresced orange under UV illumination when stained with acridine orange, with a morphology similar to that observed on the Gram stain (see Fig. 1b in the Photo Quiz), while no staining was detected on calcofluor white-stained preparations. This interpretation was confirmed the following day by isolation of Gram-negative bacilli, which were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates resistant to ampicillin and susceptible to all other agents tested, including piperacillin-tazobactam. The peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall maintains the shape of the organism and prevents lysis that would result from high intracellular osmotic pressure (2). Peptidoglycan synthesis is catalyzed by various transpeptidases or penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). The -lactams act by binding to PBPs and can kill by three different mechanisms: rapid lysis, production of spherical cells, or filamentation (3). Many -lactams kill bacteria by two or all three of these mechanisms at concentrations achieved in serum, while subinhibitory concentrations typically result in formation of elongated or spherical forms. During replication of rodshaped bacteria, a central, transverse septum is formed and split to form two daughter cells, followed by elongation of the peptidoglycan layer. Septation is mediated by the transpeptidase PBP 3, and cells become elongated if this enzyme is absent or inhibited. Elongation is mediated by the transpeptidase PBP 2, and cells become enlarged and spherical in the absence or inhibition of this enzyme. In contrast, rapid lysis occurs when PBP 1A and PBP 1B are inhibited. Piperacillin has particularly high affinity for PBP 3 (4), and subinhibitory concentrations therefore result in formation of elongated cells, as was found in the case presented here. Clinicians and microbiologists should be aware of the morphological changes in Gram-negative organisms associated with subinhibitory concentrations of -lactams.
CELLS I N R ELATION T O G ASTRIC A CID S ECRETION

Gastric parietal cells in mice present a spectrum of microscopic appearances due mainly to variations in the abundance of the tubular and vesicular component of the cytoplasm and in the size and number of microvilli lining the intracellular canaliculi. Differences in the range of forms among parietal cells of fasting versus fed mice were not especially striking, but cells with very numerous tubules and vesicles were more common after fasting. However, in mice treated with drugs or hormones that induce acid secretion, parietal cells were more uniform in appearance. There was a marked reduction of these cytoplasmic membranes and a concomitant increase in both the number and size of microvilli. Measurements of acid secretion in control animals and in animals treated with acid secretagogues indicated hydrogen ion secretion contemporaneous with depletion of the cytoplasmic tubulovesicular membranes and with increase of the microvilli. In mice with inhibited acid secretion, parietal cells showed an accumulation of cytoplasmic tubules and vesicles and reduction in the numbers of microvilli. Stereological methods were used to quant~tate 10 different parietal cell compartments. Tracer studies with lanthanum did not reveal continuity between the tubules and the plasma membrane. However, there were regions of close apposition between the tubulovesicular membranes and the cell membrane of the canaliculus, and instances where cytoplasmic tubules extended from the cell into the core of enlarged microvilli.
Redescriptions of Habrobracon concolorans (Marshall) and Habrobracon crassicornis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae)

Bracon concolor Thomson, 1894 is a junior homonym of Bracon concolor Walker, 1871, its emendated name is Bracon concolorans by Marshall (1900), now the species is assigned to the genus Habrobracon. The two species, Habrobracon concolorans comb. n. and H. crassicornis, are redescribed and compared with the nearest species H. stabilis (Wesmael) and H. ponticus (Tobias), respectively. Lectotypes are designated for Bracon concolor Thomson, 1894 and Bracon crassicornis Thomson, 1894. New synonyms: H. concolorans (Marshall, 1900) sen. syn. = H. nigricans Szépligeti, 1901 jun. syn. and H. crassicornis (Thomson, 1894) sen. syn. = H. flavosignatus Tobias, 1957 jun. syn. A checklist was compiled for the 21 valid Habrobracon species distributed in the western Palaearctic Region. With 37 original linedrawn figures.
Negative plant-soil feedbacks dominate seedling competitive interactions of north american successional grassland species

Question Seed-transmitted fungal endophytes of grasses can influence competitive interactions via direct effects of infection on host plant performance or via indirect effects, such as plant–soil feedback effects that operate through changes to soil properties. To date, however, these direct and feedback effects have been evaluated separately. What is the relative importance of endophyte infection vs endophyte-mediated plant–soil feedback effects on competition between seedlings of the grass tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix) and common species of American Midwestern old-field successional grasslands? Location Long-term field experimental plots at the Indiana University Research and Teaching Preserve and greenhouse of Indiana University (Bloomington, IN, USA). Methods Endophyte-free (E-) and endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue seedlings were grown individually and in intraspecific competition and pair-wise interspecific competition. Endophyte-mediated plant–soil feedback effects were incorporated by growing seedlings in soil conditioned by either E– or E+ tall fescue. Results We found that E– and E+ tall fescue experienced stronger intra- and interspecific competition when competing in self-conditioned soils. This pattern was consistent regardless of competitor identity. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the direct benefits of endophyte infection do not drive competitive responses of tall fescue at the early stages of plant development, at least under the conditions examined in our study. Rather, negative plant–soil feedbacks may be more important in moderating plant responses to competitive interactions during seedling establishment of this species. Explicit manipulation of factors such as herbivory and abiotic stress is an important future direction for studies evaluating the relative importance of endophyte infection vs soil-mediated endophyte effects on host plant performance.
α-Tocopherol decreases CD36 expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages

Cholesterol-laden macrophages are the hallmark of atherogenesis. The class B scavenger receptor, CD36, binds oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL), is found in atherosclerotic lesions, and is upregulated by OxLDL. We tested the effects of a -tocopherol (AT) enrichment of hu- man monocyte-derived macrophages on CD36 expression and cholesteryl ester accumulation. Monocytes isolated from normal volunteers were cultured into macrophages. Macrophages were enriched overnight with various doses of AT (25, 50, and 100 m M). LDL from normal volunteers was oxidized or acetylated (AcLDL) and incubated with mac- rophages for 48 h at a concentration of 50 or 100 m g/ml. CD36 expression was assessed by flow cytometry. Quantita- tive analysis of scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) activity was performed with 1,1 9 -dioctadecyl-3,3,3 9 ,3 9 -tetramethylin- docarbocyanide perchlorate (DiI)-labeled LDL. CD36 ex- pression was maximal after 8-10 days of culture. AT ( > 50 m M) significantly decreased CD36 expression upregulated by OxLDL and AcLDL ( P , 0.01). Other antioxidants ( b - or g -tocopherol) or protein kinase C inhibitors failed to de- crease CD36 expression. Concomitantly, DiI-AcLDL and DiI-OxLDL uptake was significantly decreased after AT treatment ( P , 0.001). Cholesteryl ester accumulation was significantly decreased after AT enrichment (AcLDL 1 AT, 77% inhibition; OxLDL 1 AT, 42% inhibition). In conclu- sion, AT decreases both CD36 and SR-A expression and cholesteryl ester accumulation in human macrophages. This provides additional scientific support for the antiathero- genic properties of AT. — Devaraj, S. , I. Hugou, and I. Jialal. a -Tocopherol decreases CD36 expression in human monocyte- derived macrophages. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 521-527.
Growth analysis of cashew seedlings as affected by nut-size in the nursery

The use of growth analysis technique in elucidating the physiological factors affecting growth of cashew is limited, which has hitherto created a serious gap in the cultivation of the crop. Three nut-sizes (jumbo (> 16 g), medium (4 – 8 g) and madras (< 2 g)) were subjected to detailed growth analysis technique in a non-shaded nursery in Nigeria. The experiment was in completely randomized design with 4 replicates. Two seedlings were randomly sampled per nut-size per replicate for destructive analysis at 1 monthly interval for the 12-month study period. Total leaf area and dry matter per plant were taken, from which leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were computed. Results show that leaf area and dry matter of cashew seedlings were linearly related with r2 = 0.9. At 1 Month After Sowing (MAS), seedlings raised from jumbo nut-size had 62.4% and 375% dry matter advantages over seedlings raised from medium and madras nut-sizes respectively. These variations reduced to 1.7% and 26.9% at 12 MAS. Total leaf area followed a similar pattern as the dry matter yield. The LAI of seedlings raised from jumbo nut-size was 91.7% and 66.7% higher than the LAI values of seedlings raised from medium and madras nut-sizes respectively. While mean NAR of cashew seedlings reduces from2.8 g/m2/day at 1 MAS to 1.02 g/m2/day at 12 MAS, the mean CGR increases, reaching peak values at 3, 7, 10 and 12 MAS. Cashew seedlings raised from madras nut-size had highest NAR of 3.88 g/m2/day followed by that of medium and jumbo nut-sizes with 2.9 g/m2/day and 1.66 g/m2/day respectively. The higher size of jumbo nut of cashew is translated into improved dry matter yield with time compared to cashew nuts of lighter sizes.
Composition of cell wall phenolics and polysaccharides of the potential bioenergy crop –Miscanthus

The composition and concentrations of cell wall polysaccharides and phenolic compounds were analyzed in mature stems of several Miscanthus genotypes, in comparison with switchgrass and reed (Arundo donax), and biomass characteristics were correlated with cell wall saccharification efficiency. The highest cellulose content was found in cell walls of M. sinensis‘Grosse Fontaine’ (55%) and in A. donax (47%) and lowest (about 32%) in M. sinensis‘Adagio’. There was little variation in lignin contents across M. sinensis samples (all about 22–24% of cell wall), however, Miscanthus×giganteus (M × g) cell walls contained about 28% lignin, reed – 23% and switchgrass – 26%. The highest ratios of cellulose/lignin and cellulose/xylan were in M. sinensis‘Grosse Fontaine’ across all samples tested. About the same total content of ester‐bound phenolics was found in different Miscanthus genotypes (23–27 μg/mg cell wall), while reed cell walls contained 17 μg/mg cell wall and switchgrass contained a lower amount of ester‐bound phenolics, about 15 μg/mg cell wall. Coumaric acid was a major phenolic compound ester‐bound to cell walls in plants analyzed and the ratio of coumaric acid/ferulic acid varied from 2.1 to 4.3, with the highest ratio being in M × g samples. Concentration of ether‐bound hydroxycinnamic acids varied greatly (about two‐three‐fold) within Miscanthus genotypes and was also the highest in M × g cell walls, but at a concentration lower than ester‐bound hydroxycinnamic acids. We identified four different forms of diferulic acid esters bound to Miscanthus cell walls and their concentration and proportion varied in genotypes analyzed with the 5‐5‐coupled dimer being the predominant type of diferulate in most samples tested. The contents of lignin and ether‐bound phenolics in the cell wall were the major determinants of the biomass degradation caused by enzymatic hydrolysis.
Reclassification of the North Temperate Taxa Associated with Staphylinus Sensu Lato, Including Comments on Relevant Subtribes of Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Abstract This paper presents a reclassification of the north temperate taxa associated with the genus Staphylinus sensu lato, and comments on relevant subtribes of the tribe Staphylinini. The treatment contains the following: (1) a historical introduction to the past and recent classification of these genera; (2) a discussion of the characters used herein, many of them being unconventional and used for the first time, and many of which are illustrated either by SEM photomicrographs or by line drawings; (3) a key to the north temperate subtribes of the tribe Staphylinini; (4) a discussion of the diagnostic characters of each of the five relevant subtribes (Philonthina, Quediina, Anisolinina, Staphylinina, and Xanthopygina); (5) a key to the north temperate generic- and subgeneric-level taxa associated with the genus Staphylinus sensu lato; (6) type species information and a discussion of diagnostic characters for each taxon at the generic and subgeneric level; (7) a discussion of reasons for taxonomic and nomenclatural steps taken at both generic and specific levels; (8) a checklist of north temperate taxa; and (9) a list of the references mentioned in the discussions in the text (not including those associated with citations of scientific names). At the subtribal level, Craspedomerina, originally erected by Bernhauer (1911: 88) as Craspedomeri, is placed in synonymy with Philonthina. Triacrina, originally erected as Triacri by Bernhauer (1931: 84), is placed in synonymy with Xanthopygina (both syn. nov.). At the generic level, new concepts are presented for Staphylinus, Dinothenarus, Parabemus, Ocypus, Matidus, Pseudocypus, Tasgius, and Rayacheila. New synonymies at the generic level are as follows (synonyms in brackets): Thoracostrongylus Bernhauer, 1915 (= Parontholestes Coiffait, 1982), Platydracus Thomson, 1858 (= Neotasgius J. Müller, 1925), Parabemus Reitter, 1909 (= Parocypus Bernhauer, 1915; Hypabemus Scheerpeltz, 1966), Ocypus Leach, 1819 (= Goerius Westwood, 1827; Xanthocypus J. Müller, 1925), Pseudocypus Mulsant and Rey, 1876 (= Protocypus J. Müller, 1923; Nudabemus Coiffait, 1982), Agelosus Sharp, 1874 (= Apecholinus Bernhauer, 1933), Tasgius Stephens, 1829 (= Pseudotasgius Seidlitz, 1891; Paratasgius Jarrige, 1952), Rayacheila Motschulsky, 1845 (= Anodus Nordmann, 1837 [nec Spix, 1829]; Alapsodus Tottenham, 1939; Allocypus Coiffait, 1964; Metocypus Coiffait, 1964; Paralapsodus Coiffait, 1974). At the specific level, lectotypes are designated for Dinothenarus insignis (J. Müller, 1926), Ocypus almorensis (Cameron, 1932), Ocypus fulvotomentosus Eppelsheim, 1889, and Ocypus lewisius Sharp, 1874. Nine replacement names, 58 new synonymies, 224 new combinations, and numerous new statuses at both generic and specific levels are established; the latter four categories are to be found in the checklist.
THE RESISTANCE LEVELS OF DIFFERENT COTTON VARIETIES AGAINST SUCKING INSECT PESTS COMPLEX IN PAKISTAN 8

The resistance levels of six cotton varieties viz. MNH-635, NIAB-86, SLH-257, CIM-446, CIM-482 and NIAB Karishma to sucking complex i.e. thrips, jassids, and whiteflies were evaluated in the experimental field at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad. It was observed that the cultivar CIM-446 showed comparatively greater resistance to the attack of whiteflies (3.028 per leaf) and cultivar NIAB-86 was found to be highly susceptible to whiteflies 3.821 per leaf. Similarly NIAB-86, MNH-63 and SLH-257 were highly susceptible to jassid (i.e. 0.9689 per leaf, 0.8761 per leaf and 0.8678 per leaf, respectively). Whereas, the cultivar NIAB Karishma and CIM-482 showed medium response to jassid attack (i.e. (0.6911 per leaf and 0.6700 per leaf). The population of thrips illustrated that cultivar SLH-257 was found resistant to a greater level against this pest per leaf population basis (5.011 per leaf). It is observed that all the tested varieties were susceptible to the whiteflies, jassids and thrips. Although, the population of these pests remained below the economic threshold level except in case of jassids, whose population during 3 rd and 4 th weeks of July remained above the economic threshold level.
Bite Force, Behavior, and Electromyography in the Teiid Lizard, Tupinambis teguixin

Abstract We used electromyography (EMG) to investigate bite force production and feeding behavior in five individuals of the teiid lizard, Tupinambis teguixin. Three jaw adductor muscles were tested: pseudotemporalis superficialis (PST), adductor mandibulae externus superficialis (AMES) and pterygoideus (PTY). Force transducer tests determined that mean peak bite force in males (n = 3) was 79 N (22–105 N; n = 24). In females (n = 2), mean peak bite force was 60 N (14–90 N; n = 19). During high-intensity bites, the three muscles tested exhibited synchronous activation patterns, and these activities began before the onset of measured bite forces. Motor activities typically ceased at one-half of the total bite force duration. During natural feeding trials, initial capture bites and crushing bites exhibited motor activity patterns in all three muscles and were similar to those observed during high bite force development. In bites in which the lizards were picking up or moving prey, only the AMES exhibited motor activity. During prey processing, bites were observed that served to position the prey within the jaws and transport it to the esophagus. These bites were accompanied by activity in the AMES and PTY. In some cases, the latter bites were accompanied by activity in the PST. We concluded the AMES is active in all jaw closures. The PTY and PST are sequentially recruited to increase bite forces.
Optimum Glyphosate Timing with or without Residual Herbicides in Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean (Glycine max) under Full-Season Conventional Tillage1

Abstract: Field studies were conducted under full-season conventional tillage in Delaware and New Jersey to determine the critical time to apply glyphosate with or without residual herbicides for optimum weed control in glyphosate-resistant soybean (GRS). The residual herbicides tank-mixed with glyphosate (0.84 kg/ha) were clomazone (0.55 kg/ha) and imazethapyr (0.063 kg/ha). Herbicide application was made at cracking, unifoliate, and one- to six-trifoliate stages of GRS. Weeds varied in growth stages from preemergence (PRE) at cracking to an average height of 30 cm at the six-trifoliate stage of GRS. Herbicide activity varied by year and weed species. Herbicidal action was better under high (>125 mm/mo) than low (<100 mm/mo) rainfall regime. Glyphosate application without residual herbicides was less effective at cracking and unifoliate than at one- to three-trifoliate leaf stages. Mixing residual herbicides with glyphosate at cracking and unifoliate stages enhanced weed control but made no difference when application was delayed until one- to three-trifoliate stages. For optimum weed control in GRS, the window of application for glyphosate alone was between the one- and three-trifoliate leaf stages, approximately 18 to 28 days after planting (DAP). If glyphosate was tank-mixed with residual herbicides, the window of application extended from cracking until the four-trifoliate stage; and weed interference until the four-trifoliate stage (approximately 32 DAP) did not depress GRS yield. Nomenclature: Clomazone, 2-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone; glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine; imazethapyr, 2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-ethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid. Additional index words: Critical weed removal period, glyphosate ± residuals, Amaranthus hybridus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Chenopodium album, Ipomoea hederacea, Panicum dichotomiflorum, AMACH, AMBEL, CHEAL, IPOHE, PANDI. Abbreviations: DAP, days after planting; GRS, glyphosate-resistant soybean; POST, postemergence; PRE, preemergence; RAREC, Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center; UD-REC, University of Delaware Research and Education Center.
Short Communication Isolation and Characterization of Canineparvo Virus

A study was conducted to isolate and characterize canine parvovirus. Parvovirus were mainly isolated from 300 faecal samples of parvo-suspected pet dogs and intestinal scrapings/tissues of dogs died of this disease. The presence of the virus in the samples was confirmed and quantified by using haemagglutination (HA) test. Cases were recorded and categorized on the basis of age, breed, season and sex. More cases (47%) were seen in 0 - 2 month age group, German shepherd (Alsatian) breed was more prone (84%), maximum number of cases (61%) was recorded in hot- humid season during the months of July to September and male dogs were more at risk (85%) than female population. Serological characterization of the field virus was done by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test using anti-CPV antibodies raised in rabbits. Moreover, effect of various physico-chemical factors like storage time (0, 15, 30 & 45 days) and temperatures (25 o C, + 4 o C, - 10 o C & -196 o C), pH (3 - 9) and chemicals (antibiotics streptomycin, penicillin, gentamycin & nystatin; sodium azide & Formaldehyde) on the HA potential of the virus using erythrocytes of various species of animals (chicken, rabbit, dog, cat & monkey) was also evaluated. The study elucidated that the titer of virus in the faeces after the onset of the disease might be helpful in prognosis of recovery or fatality of the infected dog. Chicken erythrocytes proved to be a good source of erythrocytes in HA and HI tests. Moreover, chicken erythrocytes showed early agglutination (within 25 min) than erythrocytes of other animals (Rabbit, monkey, dog & cat), which took more time (1 h) to exhibit agglutination.