Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing of selected insecticides to assess the viability of the integrated pest management of the Eucalyptus snout‐beetle Gonipterus scutellatus in north‐west Spain

Abstract: We investigated, by means of topical, residual and field assays, the toxicity of four insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis, azadirachtin, flufenoxuron and ethofenprox) to adult, larvae and eggs of the Eucalyptus snout‐beetle Gonipterus scutellatus and their side‐effects on the adults of the solitary egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens, its natural enemy. In the topical toxicity experiment, both flufenoxuron and ethofenprox severely affected G. scutellatus, causing 100% adult mortality after 7 days, and 75 and 100% larval mortality, respectively. Ethofenprox also caused 93% larval pre‐eclosion mortality and 100% parasitoid mortality. In the residual experiment, azadirachtin acted as an effective larvicide when ingested (73% mortality after 7 days). Ethofenprox showed the highest toxicity, with 100% mortality of adults and larvae of G. scutellatus after 24 h. On the day 7 of observation, flufenoxuron resulted in 93% adult mortality and 100% larval mortality. After contact with residuals, only ethofenprox and flufenoxuron had adversely affected A. nitens (98% mortality after 48 h). Bacillus thuringiensis exhibited only a slight activity against the pest or the parasitoid. The field experiment was carried out on three localities, with a preliminary sampling, and three samplings after the applications of the products, on days 7, 14 and 30. We evaluated the parasitism rate, parasitoid sex ratio, parasitoid pre‐eclosion mortality, the abundance of G. scutellatus adults, larvae and egg capsules, the pre‐eclosion mortality rate of weevil eggs and larvae and the foliar damage. Only fluenoxuron and ethofenprox reduced the pest population and the foliar damages, but ethofenprox also significantly decreased the rate of parasitism (17%) after 7 days. Given our experimental results, we suggest that flufenoxuron and azadirachtin could be used in association with the natural enemy.
Distribution of eukaryotic picoplankton assemblages across hydrographic fronts in the Southern Ocean, studied by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

We used a molecular fingerprinting technique to analyze the distribution and composition of eukaryotic picoplankton along latitudinal transects in the Southern Ocean. First, primers specific for eukaryotic 18S rDNA were used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with environmental DNA. The amplification products were subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Transect DOVETAIL (44°W) went from the ice edge (at 60°S) across the Weddell‐Scotia confluence and north to 58°S; it was sampled in January 1998 (summer). Transect DHARMA (between 53°W and 58°W) went from the ice edge in the Weddell Sea (63°S) across the Drake Passage to the South American continental platform (55°S); it was sampled in December 1998 (late spring). DGGE band patterns were used to build dendrograms combining samples from each cruise. Samples were grouped in several distinct clusters that were generally consistent with the hydrography of the area. In DOVETAIL, the upper water column was stratified and the DGGE band patterns varied with depth. In DHARMA the upper mixed layer showed the same composition of the eukaryotic picoplankton at all depths. The most dominant DGGE bands were excised and sequenced. Some were closely related to well‐known components of the plankton such as prasinophytes, prymnesiophytes, dinoflagellates, and diatoms. A significant number of sequences were related to previously unknown phylogenetic groups, including novel stramenopiles and alveolates or to poorly known groups such as cercomonads. This fingerprinting technique is useful for a rapid evaluation of the spatial distribution of picoeukaryotic assemblages in the oceans.
Produção e composição bromatológica de vinte e cinco genótipos de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Chemical composition and dry matter (DM) productivity of 25 genotypes of sorghum were obtained. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with 25 treatments and three replications each. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means grouped by Scott-Knot Test (5%). The level of DM productivity varied from 6.82 to 14.17ton/hectare, and the higher level was obtained by VOLUMAX genotype (16.09 ton/hectare). The levels of crude protein varied from 5.24 to 7.79%. No differences were detected between the genotypes to neutral detergent fiber levels, which varied from 59.03 to 73.04%. Considering the level of acid detergent fiber, the variation interval was 26.78 to 40.92%. The better genotypes for silage production were ATF54*9929036, CMSXS212*9929048, CMSXS217*9929012, and VOLUMAX.
Autolysis of Anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) Protein: Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Quality of Resulting Hydrolysates

Protein hydrolysis of underutilized marine organisms is a method to improve added value. In the present article, anchovy protein was autolyzed at pH 8.5 and 50°C. After autolysis processing for 24 h, total nitrogen recovery reached 92.1%. The protein hydrolysates had antioxidant properties on reducing power, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. More than 79% of the peptides in the hydrolysates had a molecular weight of lower than 3 kDa. Protein hydrolysates had balanced amino acid compositions, and total content of essential amino acids had no significant difference after hydrolysis. Protein hydrolysates from anchovy autolysis have potential in nutritional and functional foods.
Selection of Insecticides for Lure and Kill Studies Against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Four pyrethroids, two carbamates, two organophosphates, and one formamadine were evaluated by topical bioassay against adult male Spodoptem littoralis Boisduval to test their suitability for lure and kill or attracticide crop protection systems. The pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin had the greatest toxicity at 24 and 48 h; this compound was selected for further investigation. Studies on cotton leaves sprayed at 500 μg/ml (AI) showed that 10-s exposure of adult male moths to surface residues resulted in appreciable knockdown within 30 m. At 1,000 μg/ml , marked disruption of mating was observed for 7–14 d after exposure under simulated field conditions. Subsequent field studies in Egypt showed that lambda-cyhalothrin (2,000 μg/ml, 10-s exposure) gave excellent control of feral male S. littamlis for 14 d and apparently had no repellent activity.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 effects on the regulation of the insulin receptor gene in the hind limb muscle and heart of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In the present study, we examine the effects of the treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [150 IU/Kg (3.75 μg/Kg) once a day, for 15 days] to non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results indicate that treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 had minor effects in non-diabetic rats. The same treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, although it did not correct the hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia induced by the diabetes, caused other actions that could mean beneficial effects on the amelioration of diabetes e.g., it avoided body weight loss, increased calcium and phosphorus plasma levels, and corrected the over-expression of the insulin receptor mRNA species of 9.5 and 7.5 Kb present in the hind limb muscle and heart of these animals. These genomic 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 effects could involve transcriptional mechanisms of repression mediated by vitamin D response elements in the rat insulin receptor gene promoter. Using computer analysis of this promoter, we propose the -249/-235 bp VDRE (5’GGGTGACCCGGGGTT3’) with a pyrimidine (T) in the (+7) position of the3’half-site as the best candidate for negative control by 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3. In addition, posttranscriptional mechanisms of regulation could also be implicated. Thus, computer inspection of the5’untranslated region of the rat insulin receptor pre-mRNA indicated the presence of a virtual internal ribosome entry segment whereas the computer inspection of the3’untranslated region localized various destabilizing sequences, including various AU-rich elements. We propose that through these virtual cis-regulatory sequences, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 could control the translation and stability of insulin receptor mRNA species in the hind limb muscle and heart of diabetic rats.
Neurotrophins and their receptors in the skin: a tribute to Rita Levi-Montalcini

The family of proteins named neurotrophins and also their receptors play an important role in differentiation and survival of specific populations of neurons, including cutaneous nerves. Recent advance in neuroscience has shown that in addition to their neurotrophic actions, neurotrophins, particularly, nerve growth factor, mediate various immune and inflammatory responses. These functions are fulfilled by alterations in cytokine and neuropeptide production, through effects on neurotrophin receptor bearing immune cells, notably, mast cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Within skin, different neurotrophins are synthesized and released primarily by keratinocytes, thus affecting cutaneous innervation, postinjury neural reconstruction, and nonneuronal cells, such as melanocytes, through a paracrine action. Involvement of neurotrophins and their receptors in the pathogenesis of certain skin diseases is also reviewed. Biomedical Reviews 1999; 10: 15-23.
DEVELOPMENT OF LOW GLUCOSINOLATE MUSTARD

The objective of this study was to develop low glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea Coss.). This was accomplished through an interspecific cross between an Indian type 3-butenyl glucosinolate containing B. juncea selection and a "Bronowski-gene(s)" containing low glucosinolate B. campestris L. followed by backcrossing to the B. juncea parent. Seed of BC1F2 plants, and selected plants of BC1F3 and BC1F4 generations were analyzed for glucosinolate content by gas chromatography. Total aliphatic glucosinolate contents of individual BC1F2 plants ranged from 57 to 204 μmol g−1 meal. A single BC1F3 plant grown from the BC1F2 plant with the lowest glucosinolate content, identified as 1058, was found to contain less than 1 μmol g−1 meal of total aliphatic glucosinolates. The glucosinolate content in individual plants of the BC1F4 generation of plant 1058 ranged from 0.8 to 2.9 μmol g−1 meal. Field grown progeny of 1058 at three locations in 1987 and at one location in 1988 in Saskatchewan contained less than 10 .
Ruminal In Vitro Degradation of Protein in Tannin‐Free and Tannin‐Containing Forage Legume Species

Protein in forages often is poorly utilized by ruminants because of extensive degradation in the rumen. Our objectives were to assess the variation in ruminal protein degradability among forage legumes and to determine whether degradability was reduced by tannins. Legumes representing a range of species adapted to temperate regions were harvested on 29 Aug. 1989 and 31 Aug. 1990 from triplicate plots, then lyophilized, ground, and analyzed for tannins by radial diffusion. Ruminal protein degradation rates and escapes, estimated assuming a passage rate of 0.06 h -1 , were determined both years by an in vitro limited substrate inhibitor procedure, and on samples from 1990 by a Michaelis-Menten method. Protein degradation rates and escapes (limited substrate method) in 1989 ranged from 0.27 h -1 and 18% for white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to 0.001 h -1 and 96 and 97% for two cultivars of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don]. In 1990, rates and escapes ranged from 0.21 h -1 and 21% for alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) to virtually 0 and 93 to 97% for two cultivars of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and three of sericea lespedeza. More rapid degradation rates were obtained with the Michaelis-Menten approach for the most slowly degraded entries. Differences in degradation rate and ruminal escape were proportional to tannin concentration. However, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), which does not contain tannins, had a protein degradability comparable with forages with low levels of tannin. These data suggest that differences in ruminal protein degradation among forage legumes are only partly explained by the presence of tannins.
Integrated approach for production of recombinant acetylacetone dioxygenase from Acinetobacter johnsonii

The C–C bond-cleaving acetylacetone dioxygenase Dke1 (EC 1.13.11.50) is a Fe2 + -dependent enzyme from Acinetobacter johnsonii that activates oxygen to convert a range of β-dicarbonyl substrates into α-oxo-aldehyde and acid products. Previous methods of downstream processing yielded Dke1 with substoichiometric Fe2 + content. This paper reports the integration of enzyme production in E. coli and affinity chromatography to prepare recombinant Dke1 that is completely loaded with its metal cofactor. The specific activity of Dke1 in E. coli cell extracts could be increased up to 20-fold, compared to optimized enzyme production with the natural host. Introduction of an affinity-tag allowed the isolation of fully active Dke1 in a single purification step with high yield (70%). Mass spectrometric analysis revealed at the level of >80% sequence coverage that the isolated enzyme corresponded exactly to the predicted gene product. Tagged Dke1 is shown to have retained the functional properties of native Dke1.
Why are migrant Robins (Erithacus rubecula) territorial in winter?: the importance of the anti-predatory behaviour

The functional explanation of nonbreeding territories in birds was analyzed in a migratory population of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) over-wintering in southern Spain. The behaviour of ringed territorial Robins was compared with that of Robins classified as floaters, ringed or not, during the winter of 19921993 to test two non-exclusive hypotheses. First, the good feeding patch hypothesis, that territories are the most profitable feeding areas, is not supported because body condition (fat score, body mass and body condition index) and feeding rates did not differ between owners and floaters. Second, the antipredation hypothesis, that owners select protected areas with good cover to reduce mortality, does account for the maintenance of winter territories since owners spent a higher percentage of time hidden and were able to forage in lessexposed areas (i.e. closer to shelter) than floaters. Consequently, the winter territory of Robins should not be interpreted as a long-term defense of the most rewarding foraging patch. Instead, a good refuge and shelter seem to be the most important properties of territories. Thus, by attacking the intruders, owners are defending a safe foraging area close to shelter. The anti-predation benefits (i.e. a familiar and safe foraging area as well as a good roosting place) would explain per se the maintenance of winter territories in Robins and the intense competition with conspecifics and other ecologically similar species wintering in the Mediterranean.
EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT ON NATURAL POPULATIONS OF THE BROWN TIDE PHYTOPLANKTON AUREOCOCCUS ANOPHAGEFFERENS (CHRYSOPHYCEAE) 1

The brown tide picoalga Aureococcus anophagefferens Hargraves et Sieburth was present in approximately equal numbers in 12 large scale (13,000 L) mesocosms at the start of a nutrient addition experiment in June 1985. Increases in abundance in untreated systems mimicked the pattern of bloom development in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, the seawater source for the experiment. Aureococcus increased to maximal values of 2.6 × 109 cells. L−1 and persisted at high numbers (108 cells·L−1) for 7–8 weeks. In nutrient addition tanks, the picoalgae bloomed briefly (1–3 weeks) but rapidly declined to the usual level (∼107 cells·L−1) for eukaryotic algae in Narragansett Bay. The decline in picoalgae abundance was followed by an increase in total diatoms in all nutrient treated tanks. Mean picoalgae abundance in the mesocosms and the bay was significantly (P < 0.05) and inversely correlated (r =–0.93) with mean concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. The persistence of the brown tide species in control mesocosms and Narragansett Bay appears related to its ability to grow at very low concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, levels previously shown to limit diatom growth.
Dissipation of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in water and sediments of boreal forest ponds

Three small ponds in the boreal forest of southern Manitoba were treated with an aerial application of 2.1 kg/ha glyphosate. Two of the ponds had been treated the preceding year with 0.9 kg/ha glyphosate, whereas the third was previously untreated. Foliage samples of plants bordering the ponds were collected immediately after treatment, and water and sediment samples were collected over a period of 265 d after treatment. Samples were analyzed for glyphosate and its first metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). We found that glyphosate dissipated rapidly from the surface waters of all ponds (dissipation half-lives of 3.5-11.2 d). AMPA residues were detected in water samples during the first 14 d after treatment, suggesting that herbicide degradation was occurring in the water column. However, not all applied herbicide was accountable in residues in the water. Glyphosate and AMPA increased in sediment samples to day 36, suggesting that sediment adsorption was a major sink for the herbicide. Glyphosate dissipation from the water column was biphasic, with a rapid initial phase followed by a slower phase. We hypothesize this was due to herbicide sorption and partitioning between suspended particulate matter and bottom sediments. As was found after the first pond treatment, glyphosate dissipation was slower in chemically alkaline ponds than in a more dilute pond, suggesting that herbicide complexation with ions in solution may be a significant factor affecting the rate of dissipation in standing water.
Natural immigration of brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, onto Aroha Island, Kerikeri inlet, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Abstract Aroha is a 5 ha island in Kerikeri Inlet, Bay of Islands, which is joined to the North Island mainland by a 200 m long causeway. Introduced Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) spread into the general area only in the mid 1970s, and were first trapped on Aroha Island in June 1979. Since then possums have regularly crossed the causeway, and have been systematically trapped to keep the island free of them. Two hundred and sixty two possums have been trapped on Aroha Island to December 1990, and the annual catch has increased steadily since 1981. About equal numbers of males and females have been trapped. Most possums were caught in March-April and fewest in July-August. Captures on the island were clustered, particularly during the breeding seasons. Average body weight was 2.2 kg; 97% were greys and 3% blacks; the young of females trapped on the island had been born in all months except December to February. In colour, body weight, and breeding pattern the possums trapped on Aroha I.
Non-visual detection of anuran tadpoles by odonate larvae.

Predation is a major risk for anuran tadpoles (Travis et al., 1985; Alford, 1989). The success of predators depends on their ability to detect tadpoles; this in turn is influenced by the appearance and behavior of tadpoles. Odonate larvae are the major predators of tadpole communities in ponds and dams in South Australia (Williamson, 1988). This paper examines the relative importance of tactile and visual cues when final instar larvae of the corduliid dragonfly Hemicordulia tau prey on anuran tadpoles. Pritchard (1965) divided dragonfly larvae into those that are visually dependent and climb among vegetation (usually aeshnids) and those that sit and wait for their prey amongst debris on the pond bottom (usually libellulids and corduliids). It is sometimes assumed that vision is important for dragonfly larvae preying upon amphibian tadpoles, and other prey (Caldwell et al., 1980; Formanowicz, 1987), but tactile stimuli from tadpole prey may also be important. Kanou and Shimozawa (1983) reported that control and blinded larvae of the aeshnid Aeshna nigroflava captured anuran tadpoles at equivalent rates, unless the sensory hairs on the legs and antennae were covered with lacquer. Pritchard (1965) reported that aeshnid larvae deprived of stimuli from sensory hairs caught fewer prey. There have been fewer studies on the corduliids than the aeshnids and libellulids. Cordu-
The effect of pH on feeding behaviour in newt larvae (Triturus: Amphibia)

The feeding responses of three species of newt larvae were compared under circumneutral and sublethal acid conditions. Under acid conditions (pH 4.5) feeding behaviour was suppressed in palmate newts, Triturus helveticus, and smooth newts. T. vulgaris, but not in crested newts, T. cristatus. At low pH, approach and orientation towards food occurred in T. helveticus and T. vulgaris, but snapping was inhibited; T. cristatus snapped and consumed food immediately it was offered under the same conditions. These differences are not consistent with the apparent greater tolerance of T helveticus for acidified ponds. The observations suggest that the chemosensory system of T. helveticus and T. vulgaris may be impaired at low pH.
White clover (Trifolium repens) and associated viruses in the subalpine region of south-eastern Australia: implications for GMO risk assessment

Over the past several years, increased emphasis has been placed on conducting comprehensive ecological-risk assessments of virus-resistant genetically modified organisms (GMOs) prior to their release into the environment. In this paper we report on the first stage in our assessment of the level of risk posed by virus-resistant transgenic Trifolium repens L. (white clover) to native plant communities in south-eastern Australia. We investigated the distribution, abundance and phytosociological characteristics of naturalised T. repens populations in two areas in the subalpine region of New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and determined the distribution and abundance of Alfalfa mosaic virus, Clover yellow vein virus and White clover mosaic virus in 31 populations of white clover in this region. We found that T. repens is a significant component of Poa grasslands and Eucalyptus–Poa woodlands in the subalpine region, but is absent or rare in Eucalyptus species forests and Carex–Poa species bogs. Clover yellow vein virus was by far the most common virus in the study area, being present in 18% of T. repens plants across a wide range of plant communities. Alfalfa mosaic virus and White clover mosaic virus were each recorded in only one white-clover population growing in a native plant community. We conclude that white clover is a significant constituent of subalpine grasslands and woodlands in the region studied, and that of the viruses investigated, Clover yellow vein virus is the most abundant and widespread.