Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Host-plant affinities of two biotypes of Dactylopius opuntiae (Homoptera: Dactylopiidae): enhanced prospects for biological control of Opuntia stricta (Cactaceae) in South Africa

1. Until recently, neither the phycitid moth Cactoblastis cactorum nor the cochineal insect Dactylopius opuntiae have been satisfactory biological control agents of Opuntia stricta in South Africa. 2. In marked contrast, both of these agents have kept O. stricta under biological control for many decades in Australia. 3. In an attempt to improve the situation in South Africa, a stock of D. opuntiae was obtained from O. stricta in Australia during 1996. 4. Host-specificity tests confirmed that the newly imported D. opuntiae from Australia is a different biotype to the one already established in South Africa. 5. The Australian (‘stricta’) biotype thrives on O. stricta but is unable to develop satisfactorily on O. ficus-indica, while the converse is true for the South African (‘ficus’) biotype, which thrives on O. ficus-indica but fares poorly on O. stricta. 6. The integrity of the host-plant specificity of the two biotypes of D. opuntiae has important implications for biological control of Cactaceae in South Africa, and has greatly enhanced prospects that O. stricta can be brought under biological control successfully.
Clinical characteristics of foreign-imported COVID-19 cases in Shanghai, China

Clinical characteristics of foreign-imported COVID-19 cases in Shanghai, China Xu-hui Liu , Shui-hua Lu, Jun Chen, Lu Xia, Zong-guo Yang, Stratton Charles, Yang Yang, Yun Lin and Hong-zhou Lu Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; TB Center, Shanghai Emerging and Re-emerging Institute, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
Determining food requirements in marine top predators: a comparison of three independent techniques in Great Cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo carbo

Assessment of food requirements is a key feature in the evaluation of the ecological status of the marine megafauna. However, this remains technically difficult because prey intake by marine top predators occurs mainly under water, out of sight. In this paper, we compare three independent methods currently available for use in quantitative dietary studies: (1) time-energy budget; (2) stomach-temperature measurements; and (3) automatic weighing. To this end, concurrent measurements were performed on Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo carbo) breeding in Normandy. According to the time-energy budget method, breeding males required 690 g of fish while incubating, 1050 g when rearing small chicks, and 1350 g when rearing large chicks; corresponding values for breeding females were 500, 760, and 970 g. These measurements are similar to estimates derived from automatic weighing data, which gave a mean food intake of 540 and 390 g for incubating males and females, 1150 and 830 g for those tending small chicks, and 1410 and 1010 g for those tending large ones, respectively. Stomach-temperature measurements, which can only be performed for birds raising small chicks, were lower (640 g fish in males and 450 g in females) than those obtained using the other two methods. We compare these results with former estimates obtained at the same study site and for other Great Cormorant subspecies and discuss the relative accuracies of the three techniques. Finally, we stress that better assessment of the ecological status of marine top predators requires further technical improvements and additional investigations outside of the reproductive phase
Are ball‐rolling (Scarabaeini, Gymnopleurini, Sisyphini) and tunnelling scarabaeine dung beetles equally choosy about the size of ingested dung particles?

Abstract. 1. The maximum size of ingested particles was determined in 11 species of ball‐rolling, adult dung beetle (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) by mixing small latex or glass balls of known diameter into their food. The tribes Scarabaeini, Gymnopleurini, and Sisyphini (four, four, and three species respectively) were represented, with mean body sizes ranging from 0.33 to 4.0 g fresh weight.
Heat Denaturation of Bovine β-Lactoglobulins and Relevance of Disulfide Aggregation

Abstract The primary and secondary stages of the heat denaturation of bovine β -lactoglobulin A have been examined using starch gel electrophoresis and sedimentation velocity techniques. The primary reaction results in the formation of a series of molecular aggregates through the establishment of intermolecular disulfide bonds. A much heavier component is formed during the secondary reaction, but disulfide bonds are not involved in its formation. The results of turbidity experiments indicated that the susceptibility of the genetic variants of β -lactoglobulin to heat denaturation is in the order β —C> β —B> β —A. The relative importance of the formation of disulfide bonds during the aggregation of each variant is discussed. A mechanism describing the behavior during heat treatment is presented.
Towards the Reliable Prediction of Time to Flowering in Six Annual Crops. II. Soyabean (Glycine Max)

SUMMARY Eleven genotypes of soyabean (Glycine max) of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate origin and one accession of G. soja were grown in six locations in Australia during 1986–88, and at one location in Australia and two in Taiwan during 1989–91. Dates of sowing were varied within and among locations so as to expose plants to as many as 32 environments of widely different diurnal temperature and daylength. Times from sowing to flowering (f) were recorded, from which rates of progress towards flowering (1/f) were calculated. These derived data were then related to mean pre-flowering values of temperature (T¯) and photoperiod (P) using a three-plane linear model developed from controlled environment data. Among genotypes, mean values of f varied between 24–49 d and between 139–291 d in the most- and least-inductive environments, respectively. These differences were associated with variations in P from about 11 to 16 h d-1, in daily mean maximum temperatures from about 17° to 36°C, in daily mean minimum temperatures from about 5° to 25°C, and in T¯ from about 11° to 30°C, that is, a very wide range of photothermal regimes. The relations of 1/f to T¯ and P can be described in photoperiod-insensitive genotypes by a thermal plane defined by two constants, a and b, and additionally by a photothermal plane defined by three constants, a′, b′ and c′, in the more numerous photoperiod-sensitive genotypes. If photoperiod-sensitive genotypes are grown in sufficiently long days then a third photoperiod and temperature-insensitive plane is exposed, defined by a constant, d′; this plane indicates the maximum delay in flowering of which the genotype is capable. The constants a′, b′, c′ and d′ define the delay in flowering caused by photoperiod-sensitivity genes. The two intercepts between the three planes define, respectively, the critical photoperiod, Pc, above which increase in daylength delays flowering, and the ceiling photoperiod, Pcc, above which there is no further delay. The values of the six constants for any genotype can be estimated from observations of fin several natural environments. Comparisons between years in Australia and between Australia and Taiwan show that these genotypic constants can predict 1/f, and so the time taken to flower, given data on latitude, sowing date and daily values of maximum and minimum air temperatures. This model is more accurate than an alternative logistic model; we also believe that all six constants in the three-plane rate model described here have biological meaning. They indicate separate genetic control of flowering responses to P and T¯ and could form a rational basis for the genetic characterization and analysis of these responses in the soyabean germplasm. Pronóstico del momento de floración II
Outcomes associated with vaginectomy and vulvovaginectomy in 21 dogs.

OBJECTIVE To report the outcomes of dogs with lesions of the genitourinary tract treated by vaginectomy or vulvovaginectomy. STUDY DESIGN Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS Female dogs that underwent vulvovaginectomy, complete vaginectomy, or subtotal vaginectomy from 2003 to 2018 with complete medical records and a minimum of 60 days follow-up. METHODS Data collected from medical records included preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data, such as the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UIC), disease recurrence, and death/euthanasia. RESULTS This study included 21 dogs. Four dogs had vulvovaginectomy, six had complete vaginectomy, and 11 had a subtotal vaginectomy performed. The mean age at surgery was 9.2 years (SD, 3.3). Thirteen dogs were intact at presentation. Smooth muscle tumors were diagnosed most commonly (10 leiomyomata, three leiomyosarcomas, two leiomyofibromas). The median duration of follow-up was 520 days (range, 71-1955). Major complications requiring revision surgery were recorded in two dogs. Postoperative UIC occurred in six of 21 dogs, resolving spontaneously within 60 days in three dogs. Dogs with malignant tumors (n = 6) survived at least 71 days (median, 626; 95% CI, 71-1245), and recurrence of disease occurred in two dogs. In dogs with benign tumors (n = 15), the median survival time was not reached. These dogs survived at least 104 days and had no recurrence of the disease. CONCLUSION Vaginectomy and vulvovaginectomy resulted in prolonged survival and low rates of major complications and UIC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence to recommend that the risks of this procedure and expectations should be discussed with clients.
Effects of heavy metals on eels, Anguilla sp.

About 60 papers and reports dealing with heavy metal contents in different eel species were reviewed in order to document various patterns of uptake, elimination and accumulation of these metals and to underline their detrimental effects (lethality, histo-pathology). Two main toxicological topics were considered: observations on contaminant levels in eels taken from the wild, mainly from contamined waters, and experimental studies under laboratory conditions.
The Morphology and Distribution of Cutaneous Mechanoreceptors (Herbst and Grandry Corpuscles) in Bill and Tongue of the Mallard (Anas Platyrhynchos L.)

The morphology and distribution of two types of cutaneous mechanoreceptor, i.e., the Herbst and Grandry corpuscles, was studied in the bill and tongue of the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.). In general the morphological findings are in close agreement with most of the recent descriptions (MALINOVSKY, 1967; SAXOD, 1978; ABRAHAM, 1978). For the Herbst corpuscle the twisting of the most distal pair of cells of the inner core differs from most recent descriptions; for the Grandry corpuscle the variability in the formation of nervous discs between the specialized cells was more complex than has generally been reported and corresponds exactly to the description of VAN DE VELDE (1909). The distribution of both kinds of mechanoreceptor is discussed in relation to the peripheral branching pattern of trigeminal and glossopharyngeal nerves, which is also described. The very close correlation found between this distribution and the mechanical events during feeding (ZWEERS et al., 1977; ZWEERS & KOOLOOS, 1979) provides a firm morphological basis for a biocybernetic model (ZWEERS, 1979a,b) concerning the role of the tactile trigeminal system during feeding.
Emerging Therapies in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in 2020

Abstract Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily 2 types—neovascular AMD (nAMD) with the presence of choroid neovascularization and nonneovascular AMD (nnAMD) with geographic atrophy. Although there are 4 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs either widely used or approved for the former, there are no current treatments for the latter. This review will highlight upcoming treatments for AMD currently in clinical trials. For nAMD: Abicipar pegol, an intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor based on designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARP) in protein, is currently pending approval. Conbercept and Faricimab, 2 intravitreal anti-growth factors, are currently in phase 3. Nine other upcoming agents have at least produced results in the 2A phase including intravitreal injections (KSI-301, OPT-302, RGX-314, ICON-1, and DE-122), depot (GB-102), drug reservoir (PDS), topical drops (PAN-90806), and oral formulations (AKST4290). We summarize all the newer molecules.
Functional relationships between airborne fungal spores and enviromental factors in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, as detected by Canonical correspondence analysis

Abstract Outdoor air-sampling surveys were conducted in February, May, August and December 1992 with a Samplair-MK1 particle sampler at 50 randomly chosen sites in the Kitchener-Waterloo area of southern Ontario, Canada. Canonical Correspondence Analysis of the resulting data revealed that the influence of some environmental factors on the airborne fungal spora varied with the season of the year. Among the 16 environmental factors measured at each sampling time, the most important were found to be: relative humidity, rain, vegetation, cloud, temperature, and wind speed, in descending order. The composition of the airborne fungal spora also changed with the season. The dominant Cladosporium, Alternaria and Aspergillus + Penicillium were found at all seasons, but Ganoderma, Leptosphaeria, Coprinus, and Polythrincium occurred mainly in summer. Positive relations were revealed between, on the one hand, (1a) relative humidity, (1b) rain, (1c) cloud and (1d) temperature, and on the other hand, (2) high spore co.
Evaluation of ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM, a New Rapid and Quantitative Zika Serological Diagnostic Assay

Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) belong to the flavivirus genus and are antigenically closely related. They also share the same mosquito vector and can cause similar symptoms upon infection. However, DENV and ZIKV infections lead to different clinical sequelae and treatments; therefore, clinicians need rapid and accurate diagnostics capable of distinguishing between the two diseases. Methods: We employed the immuno-magnetic assay technology on a microfluidic cartridge (ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM) for diagnosis of ZIKV infection based on the aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles. We carried out three serological studies including samples from the Dominican Republic, USA, and Nicaragua, aimed at detecting ZIKV-specific IgG and IgM using the ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM test. Results: The seroconversion results were comparable with ZIKV IgG and IgM reactivity measured by the commercial ZIKV ELISA kit. The sensitivity and specificity for both ZIKV IgG and IgM tested by the ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM was approximately 98% and 93%, respectively. Conclusion: Serological detection of ZIKV infection by the new ViroTrack Sero Zika IgG/IgM test shows promising performance and limited cross-reactivity with DENV.
Physicochemical, microbiological, textural and sensory characterisation of Mexican Añejo cheese

The physicochemical, microbiological, textural and sensory characteristics of Mexican Anejo cheese were studied, as well as the composition of the raw milk used for its production. Differences in cheese (moisture, fat, NaCl, titratable acidity, pH, free volatile fatty acids, total viable count and total coliform count, texture and colour) and process milk were observed. A lexicon of 20 descriptors was generated by a 13 member trained panel using descriptive sensory analysis. Global acceptability was assessed by consumers (n = 60) using a nine point hedonic scale. Analysis of variance, internal preference mapping and PLS1 showed a greater acceptability for cheese with higher scores for buttery, crumbly and moisture. However, the least preferred cheese presented greater scores for the attributes: global taste duration, fishy, feet aroma, propionic acid, bitter, astringent and pungent.
Efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta na ração sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de cordeiros terminados em creep feeding

This trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of different concentrate crude protein levels (15, 20 or 25%) on production and carcass traits of Suffolk lambs in creep feeding. An economical analysis of the production system was also performed. Fifteen single birth lambs fed ad libitum twice a day were used in this study. The average daily intake was measured by subtracting the orts from the amount of feed offered to the animals. Lambs were weighed every fourteen days to determine body weight gain. To measure slaughter body weight (SW) animals were fasted for 16 h and then weighted. After evisceration both hot carcass weight and yield were obtained. To determine cold carcass yield and cooling losses, carcasses were placed in a refrigerator at 5oC for 24 hours and weighted again. The different concentrate crude protein levels affected the daily weight gain only when the slaughter age was used as the covariable. Conversely, crude protein levels did not significantly change carcass traits in the present trial. It can be concluded that the concentrate with 25% of crude protein is recommended to Suffolk lambs in creep feeding because of the higher daily weight gain and maintenance of carcass traits.
Xylem Colonization by an HrcV - Mutant of Ralstonia solanacearum Is a Key Factor for the Efficient Biological Control of Tomato Bacterial Wilt

Microscopic studies of the colonization of the vascular tissues of tomato by an HrcV¯ (formerly HrpO¯) mutant strain of Ralstonia solanacearum were carried out after either root inoculation of the mutant strain alone or delayed challenge inoculation by a pathogenic strain. The use of two different marker genes, lacZ and uidA, introduced into either mutant or wild-type strains, respectively, permitted histological observation for the presence of both strains simultaneously. In roots, both strains could be found together in infected root tips and in lateral root emergence sites (lateral root cracks), but these bacterial strains subsequently invaded separate xylem vessels in the root system. At the hypocotyl level, a novel staining procedure, in conjunction with bacterial isolation and counting, showed three vascular colonization patterns: exclusive colonization by each of the competitors or simultaneous presence of each strain in separate xylem vessels. The relative frequencies of these patterns depended up.
Localization of α2A- and α2B-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in Brain

Abstract Recent studies have shown that all three subtypes of α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) are found in brain. The purpose of this study was to map the subtype localization of the α2A- and α2B-ARs in brain structures. RNase protection shows that both the α2A- and α2B-ARs are detectable in cortex, cerebellum, pons-medulla, and hypothalamus. We tested probes derived from the α2A- and α2B-AR cDNAs on cell lines that express each of the α2-AR subtypes to establish the subtype specificity of these probes for in situ hybridization. Then we used the α2A- and α2B-AR probes for in situ hybridization on sagittal and coronal sections of rat brain. Both α2A and α2B mRNA were detected throughout the brain. Overall, there appears to be a greater expression of message for α2A- than α2B-AR in most brain areas, with the exception of the thalamus. Developing these probes for in situ hybridization is an important step for further studies on the exact role of the α2-AR subtypes in neurons that modulate cardiovascular function.
Dietary supplementation with seed oil from transgenic Camelina sativa induces similar increments in plasma and erythrocyte DHA and EPA to fish oil in healthy humans

Abstract EPA and DHA are required for normal cell function and can also induce health benefits. Oily fish are the main source of EPA and DHA for human consumption. However, food choices and concerns about the sustainability of marine fish stocks limit the effectiveness of dietary recommendations for EPA + DHA intakes. Seed oils from transgenic plants that contain EPA + DHA are a potential alternative source of EPA and DHA. The present study investigated whether dietary supplementation with transgenic Camelina sativa seed oil (CSO) that contained EPA and DHA was as effective as fish oil (FO) in increasing EPA and DHA concentrations when consumed as a dietary supplement in a blinded crossover study. Healthy men and women (n 31; age 53 (range 20–74) years) were randomised to consume 450 mg/d EPA + DHA provided either as either CSO or FO for 8 weeks, followed by 6 weeks washout and then switched to consuming the other test oil. Fasting venous blood samples were collected at the start and end of each supplementation period. Consuming the test oils significantly (P < 0·05) increased EPA and DHA concentrations in plasma TAG, phosphatidylcholine and cholesteryl esters. There were no significant differences between test oils in the increments of EPA and DHA. There was no significant difference between test oils in the increase in the proportion of erythrocyte EPA + DHA (CSO, 12 %; P < 0·0001 and FO, 8 %; P = 0·02). Together, these findings show that consuming CSO is as effective as FO for increasing EPA and DHA concentrations in humans.
Activin A forms a non-signaling complex with ACVR1 and type II Activin/BMP receptors via its finger 2 tip loop

Activin A functions in BMP signaling in two ways: it either engages ACVR1B to activate Smad2/3 signaling or binds ACVR1 to form a non-signaling complex (NSC). Although the former property has been studied extensively, the roles of the NSC remain unexplored. The genetic disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) provides a unique window into ACVR1/Activin A signaling because in that disease Activin can either signal through FOP-mutant ACVR1 or form NSCs with wild-type ACVR1. To explore the role of the NSC, we generated ‘agonist-only’ Activin A muteins that activate ACVR1B but cannot form the NSC with ACVR1. Using one of these muteins, we demonstrate that failure to form the NSC in FOP results in more severe disease pathology. These results provide the first evidence for a biological role for the NSC in vivo and pave the way for further exploration of the NSC’s physiological role in corresponding knock-in mice.
Fatores que afetam a oviposição de Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) na cultura algodoeira

The objective of this work was to evaluate the oviposition behavior of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B in relation to leaf position, plant age, and adult density on cotton plants. The genotype IAC 22 was used to do the tests. In free-choice tests, 20, 30 and 40 day-old plants were used to evaluate age efects and 40 day-old plants to study egg distribution in the plant and on the leaf surface. In a no-choice test, 20 day-old plants were used to evaluate densities of 50, 100 and 150 adults per plant. The lobe areas on the leaf surface and apical leaves were preferred for whitefly egg laying and therefore more suitable for egg sampling in cotton plants. The 20 day-old plants were preferred for oviposition, and the densities of 100 and 150 adults per plant ensured the number of eggs enough to discriminate cotton genotypes with different whitefly resistance degrees.
The metabolic cost of whistling is low but measurable in dolphins

We read ‘Whistling is metabolically cheap for communicating bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus )’ by [Pedersen et al. (2020)][1] and were concerned to see how our results ([Noren et al., 2013][2]; [Holt et al., 2015][3]) were presented. This was especially surprising, given our previous