Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Masquerade is associated with polyphagy and larval overwintering in Lepidoptera

Masquerading animals benefit from the difficulty that predators have in differentiating them from the inedible objects, such as twigs, that they resemble. The function of masquerade has been demonstrated, but how it interacts with the life history of organisms has not yet been studied. Here, we report the use of comparative analyses to test hypotheses linking masquerade to life-history parameters. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of the British species of the lepidoptera families Geometridae and Drepanidae, and compiled life history and coloration data from the literature. We found that masquerade is associated with the exploitation of a greater diversity of host plants whether measured by the number of families or genera. We found a positive relationship between body size and polyphagy among masquerading species, and no relationship among cryptic species. Among those species predominantly found on woody host plants, masquerading species are more likely to overwinter as larvae while cryptic species mostly overwinter as pupae. Polyphenism was associated with multivoltinism in masquerading species but not cryptic species. Taken together, our results show that masquerade must be viewed as a strategy distinct to crypsis and hence may provide insights into the evolution of both defensive strategies. Our study further demonstrates the utility of broad-scale between-species comparisons in studying associations between diverse life-history parameters and sensory aspects of predator-prey interactions. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 90‐103. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: antipredator coloration ‐ aposematism ‐ body size ‐ butterflies ‐ crypsis ‐ growth ‐ moths ‐ predation.
Specific γ‐hydroxybutyrate‐binding sites but loss of pharmacological effects of γ‐hydroxybutyrate in GABAB(1)‐deficient mice

γ‐Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a metabolite of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), is proposed to function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. γ‐Hydroxybutyrate and its prodrug, γ‐butyrolactone (GBL), recently received increased public attention as they emerged as popular drugs of abuse. The actions of GHB/GBL are believed to be mediated by GABAB and/or specific GHB receptors, the latter corresponding to high‐affinity [3H]GHB‐binding sites coupled to G‐proteins. To investigate the contribution of GABAB receptors to GHB actions we studied the effects of GHB in GABAB(1)−/− mice, which lack functional GABAB receptors. Autoradiography reveals a similar spatial distribution of [3H]GHB‐binding sites in brains of GABAB(1)−/− and wild‐type mice. The maximal number of binding sites and the KD values for the putative GHB antagonist [3H]6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5‐hydroxy‐5H‐benzocyclohept‐6‐ylidene acetic acid (NCS‐382) appear unchanged in GABAB(1)−/− compared with wild‐type mice, demonstrating that GHB‐ are distinct from GABAB‐binding sites. In the presence of the GABAB receptor positive modulator 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐(3‐hydroxy‐2,2‐dimethyl‐propyl)‐phenol GHB induced functional GTPγ[35S] responses in brain membrane preparations from wild‐type but not GABAB(1)−/− mice. The GTPγ[35S] responses in wild‐type mice were blocked by the GABAB antagonist [3‐[[1‐(S)‐(3,4dichlorophenyl)ethyl]amino]‐2‐(S)‐hydroxy‐propyl]‐cyclohexylmethyl phosphinic acid hydrochloride (CGP54626) but not by NCS‐382. Altogether, these findings suggest that the GHB‐induced GTPγ[35S] responses are mediated by GABAB receptors. Following GHB or GBL application, GABAB(1)−/− mice showed neither the hypolocomotion, hypothermia, increase in striatal dopamine synthesis nor electroencephalogram delta‐wave induction seen in wild‐type mice. It, therefore, appears that all studied GHB effects are GABAB receptor dependent. The molecular nature and the signalling properties of the specific [3H]GHB‐binding sites remain elusive.
EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION ON THE LEVELS OF FECAL SECRETORY IMMUNOGLOBULIN A IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays an important role in the defence of the gastrointestinal tract. The level of fecal sIgA is associated with increased neutralization and clearance of viruses. Preterm infant whose delay of intestinal colonization may benefit from strategies to support maturation of humoral immunity and endogenous production of sIgA by early colonization with probiotic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic on the fecal sIgA level in newborn preterm infants. A randomized double-blind placebo control study of newborn preterm infants (30-36 weeks of gestational age) who were spontaneous delivered and had no asphyxia was conducted in NICU Soetomo Hospital-Surabaya November-December 2006. Both groups were breast fed. Group probiotic was given multistrain probiotic containing 107 cfu of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Streptococcus faecium once daily for 14 days since 2nd day of age. The control group was given placebo. Fecal sIgA was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after intervention. Subject/s who got Respiratory Distress Syndrome or sepsis during study was dropped out. Statistical analysis used in this study were Chi-square, Paired t - test, Independent sample t - test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test, and Multivariate analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Forty seven neonates were enrolled, 7 of them were drop out (2 with RDS, 5 with sepsis). Forty analyzed neonates were divided in probiotic (n=20) and placebo group (n=20). There was no significant difference about basic characteristics between the groups. At first examination, median of fecal sIgA level did not differ significantly between two groups (p=0.512), 0.164 and 0.174 mg/g feces in probiotic and placebo group respectively. There was higher increment of fecal sIgA level in probiotic than placebo group (1.735 vs 1.449 mg/g feces, p=0.003). In conclusion, preterm infants may benefit from probiotic because of the observed clear tendency to increase fecal sIgA secretion.
Dietary analysis of Homonota darwini (Squamata: Gekkoni- dae) in Northern Patagonia

Our study investigated the diet of the southernmost gecko in the world, Homonota darwini. Fifty-three specimens were captured during spring and summer in four locations in Patagonia, Argentina. The stomach contents of the specimens were identified, and we found that prey consisted of six main groups: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Homoptera and Araneae, and the adults and larvae of moth Lepidoptera. Lepidoptera was the major dietary component. The presence of ants and moths as common prey suggests an ambush feeding strategy. In spring, females consumed more ants than males although no other dietary differ- ences between males and females were evident. We found nine geckos with empty stomachs and six parasitized by nematodes. Presence of empty stomachs corroborates previous observations of other nocturnal geckos and non-gecko lizards. Reduced forag- ing success of nocturnal lizards could be due to difficulty in prey detection due to dim light, reduced or erratic activity of insect prey at night, or shorter activity times of geckos relative to diurnal success. Sex and season were not associated with the incidence of empty stomachs. Principal component analysis showed that four food alternatives correlated with season. The constraint of nocturnality, coupled with low night-time temperatures restricting feeding to only a few hours after sunset, appear to have caused a generality of diet which may limit energy acquisition. We conclude that H. darwini is an arthropod generalist and likely an am- bush forager, as are many other nocturnal gekkonids (Current Zoology 56 (4): 406-410, 2010).
Weaving K-fusion frames in hilbert spaces

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Topology optimization of flextensional piezoelectric actuators with active control law

This work deals with the concept o topology optimization method applied to the design of a flextensional piezoelectric actuator (FPEA) targeting vibration attenuation of its dynamic response. On these actuators the piezoceramic shape is usually fixed and it is more advantageous to optimize the host structure topology. The flextensional actuator is formed by two piezo-ceramic layers that act as a sensor and an actuator coupled with a constant gain active velocity feedback control law (AVFC). The AVFC introduced to the model acts by modifying the damping matrix according to the measurements of the state variables of the system in time-domain. The dynamic equation analyzed throughout the optimization procedure is fully described and implemented, with no simplification for the piezo-ceramic intermediate nodes, what is denominated as the non-collapsed nodes (nc-nodes) model. The dynamic response for the rectangular four-noded finite element analysis is obtained by the Newmark’s time-integration method, which is applied to the physical equation and to the adjoint equation needed for the sensitivity analysis. A gradient-based optimization method is applied to minimize the response signal energy of the FPEA under a transient mechanical load. Results are obtained for different control gain values to evaluate their influence on the final topology. The optimized host structure material topology for the nc-nodes model is compared with the collapsed nodes (c-nodes) model. In addition, the nc-nodes model is useful to future developments that intends to provide an external circuit to this FPEA structure aiming to intensify the AVFC damping effect.
Use of phytoestrogen with clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome

The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of phytoestrogen with clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to overcome the antiestrogenic effect of clomiphene citrate on endometrium, were randomly grouped into two groups, 50 in each group. Group 1: receiving CC 100 mg twice daily from third day of cycle for five days and group 2: receiving CC from 3rd of cycle for 5 days plus phytoestrogen (Klimadynon(®), Bionorica, Neumarkt i.d. OBf. , Germany) (20mg of cimifuga racemosa from day 1to12). Women receiving CC plus phytoestrogen have increase number of dominant follicles, endometrial thickness with improvement of both ovulation rate and pregnancy rate.
THE EFFECTS OF GINGER (Zingiber officinale) ON THE MICROBIAL LOAD OF A NIGERIAN TRADITIONALLY FERMENTED MAIZE PASTE (OGI)

Various concentrations (1, 5 and 10 %) of milled oven-dried ginger and fresh ginger were incorporated into ogi at the beginning of fermentation. Physicochemical and microbiological changes were noted during fermentation. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of ethanolic ginger extract on selected bacterial isolates were also investigated. Physicochemical parameters such as pH and Titratable acid were analysed while microbiological changes were observed by inoculation of the various concentrations on Nutrient Agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar using the spread plate method. The pH of ogi samples decreased steadily and ranged between 4.11 at the beginning of fermentation and 5.74 at the end of fermentation and Titratable acidity (TA) ranged between 0.22 at the beginning of fermentation (0 hr) and 0.75 % at the end of fermentation (72 hrs). The total viable and coliform counts ranged between 2.8 and 7.3 (x10 5 cfu/ml) and 2.8 and 5.9 (x10 5 cfu/ml) while the Salmonella-Shigella agar counts ranged between 0 and 3.5 (x10 2 cfu/ml) from the beginning of fermentation to the end. Samples containing no ginger (D) had the highest coliform counts of 5.9 x10 5 cfu/ml and the highest total viable count of 7.3x10 5 cfu/ml. Samples FC, DC and D were the only ones with recorded bacteria count on Salmonella-Shigella agar. Sample DB (5% dry ginger) had the lowest coliform counts, had the lowest total viable count and did not have any growth on Salmonella-Shigella agar. Shigella dysenteriae had the lowest MIC and MBC of 3 mg/ml while Salmonella typhi had the highest MIC and MBC of 5 mg/ml. This study revealed that incorporation of ginger into ogi significantly reduced its microbial load during fermentation which may lead to an improvement in its nutritional quality and the prevention of some food-borne diseases.
Genetic Polymorphism in Four Geographically Diverse Meloidogyne incognita Populations in India

A rapid and precise random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) diagnostic was developed and used to discriminate four geographically diverse populations of Meloidogyne incognita The four populations isolated from north (bnnjal - Delhi), south (tomato - Bangalore,), east (okra - Bhubaneswar) and western (cowpea - Anand) parts of India These populations were maintained in both glass house and on excised tomato roots DNA was extiacted by hand crushing second stage juveniles directly in Tns-EDTA buffer (T10 El) in a ground glass extraction appaiatus The technique was as efficient as the modified mini-prep method. The four test populations from divergent agro-climatic conditions appeared to be particularly different in their RAPD profiles. Fiom one to eight fragments of size ranging from 200 to 1400 base pairs were obtained with each of the 5 selected primers out of 36 decamer primers tested. The reaction with OPC-15 produced reproducible and amplified bands whose size allowed distinction of all the four test populations of M incognita
Salamander diversity of reforested abandoned surface coal mines in the Appalachian Region, U.S.A.

Surface coal mining is a pervasive form of land use and leading cause of deforestation in the Appalachian Region of the United States. Contemporary reclamation practices tend to produce strongly altered landscapes that inhibit forest succession, so there is a need for the development of alternative methods. Surface coal mines that preceded modern reclamation laws, known as abandoned mine lands, have become reforested in many locations and may serve as a model for improving the restoration of forests in postmining landscapes. I compared salamander diversity between 5 forests growing atop abandoned surface coal mines to 5 similar aged reference forests in southeastern Ohio using time constrained transect searches in autumn 2012 and spring 2013. The survey revealed 1,480 salamander individuals, representing 11 different species from 3 different families. The vast majority of salamanders (93%) were from the family Plethodontidae. Salamander species richness was significantly higher in reference forests than in mined forests, but this difference was contingent on the presence of stream‐dependent species in the reference forests. Salamander relative abundance was not significantly different between reference and mined forests. This survey demonstrates that reforested abandoned surface coal mines can provide suitable habitat for many forest‐dependent, terrestrial salamander species, but impaired water quality of headwater streams may limit the colonization of these forests by stream‐dependent species.
Witnessed sleep apneas together with elevated plasma glucose are predictors of COPD exacerbations

ABSTRACT Objective Sleep apnea and elevated plasma glucose associates with inflammation which associates with the risk of COPD exacerbations. We investigated the risk of exacerbations in individuals with COPD, witnessed sleep apneas, and elevated plasma glucose. Methods From the Copenhagen City Heart Study cohort, we identified 564 individuals with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec divided by forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC<0.70), no asthma, above 40 years of age, and more than 10 pack-years of smoking history, with information on witnessed apneas and levels of plasma glucose. We prospectively recorded hospital admissions with COPD exacerbations during maximum available follow-up (26.3 years; mean 10.7 years). Cox-regression analyses were used to analyze the risk of COPD exacerbations. Results We identified 74 (13%) individuals with sleep apnea without elevated plasma glucose, 70 (12%) had elevated plasma glucose (above 6.9 mM (>125 mg/dL)) without sleep apnea and 11 individuals had the presence of both conditions. In univariable analysis, witnessed apneas together with elevated plasma glucose had a high risk of exacerbations, hazard ratio (HR) = 5.81 (2.34–14.4, p = 0.0001) compared to those without sleep apnea and without elevated plasma glucose. Multivariable analysis, adjusting for several risk factors of exacerbations, showed a similar result, HR = 3.45 (1.13–10.5, p = 0.03). Both presence of sleep apnea without elevated plasma glucose and the presence of elevated plasma glucose without sleep apnea showed no associations with the risk of exacerbations. Conclusions Witnessed sleep apneas in COPD are associated with increased risk of exacerbations, but only among those with elevated plasma glucose.
How Trichogramma parasitoids use moth sex pheromones as kairomones: orientation behaviour in a wind tunnel

Abstract The orientation behaviour of Trichogramma egg parasitoids (T.evanescens Westwood and T.pretiosum Riley) in response to the sex pheromone of their noctuid hosts {Mamestra brassicae L. and Heliothis tea (Boddie)) was investigated in a wind tunnel. Wasps were released on platforms which served as models of leaves, and were exposed to overhead light and an air stream that was either clean or loaded with host sex pheromone. The wasps exhibited: upwind anemotaxis, which was not affected by odour; odour‐modulated positive phototaxis; and odour‐induced inverse orthokinesis. Compared with clean air, residence times, walking times and path lengths on a platform were higher in pheromone‐loaded air than in clean air. In pheromone‐loaded air, walking velocity was reduced. During locomotion on a horizontal platform, net movement was upwind, regardless of the presence or absence of pheromone in the air. On a platform inclined at 45o, anemotaxis appeared offset by positive phototaxis. If wasps were released on top of a glass rod above a platform, host sex pheromone caused wasps to land shortly after take‐off. These results are used to explain higher rates of parasitism of moth eggs in pheromone‐treated plots in earlier field experiments.
Influence of different concentrations of nickel on some biometric characters in cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.)

Field experiment was carried on sandy soil and loamy soil to study the effect of various doses of nickel at the rate of 0, 5, 25, 100, 500, and 1000 μgg-1 on root top length, plant weight, leaf area, seed yield and nodulation of cowpea (Vigna sinensis L). The concentrations ranging form 5-100 μgg-1 showed an increase over the controls for almost all the growth parameters. For nodulation, maximum increase of 213.43% during vegetative stage was observed at 25 μgg-1 nickel dose. The concentrations beyond 100 μgg-1 showed reduction in growth of plant and in most of the cases reduction was more than 50% at 1000 μgg-1 nickel dose applied. No seeds were obtained at 1000 μgg-1 nickel dose. Roots were found to be richer in their nickel contents in comparison to tops. The quantity of residual nickel increased with increasing concetndions of nickeL The extractable nickel were found to be more In loamy sand soil than sandy soil.
Short Communication Larvaecidal Effects of Eucalyptus Extract on the Larvae of Culex pipiens Mosquito

Eucalyptus globulus was assayed for their larvaecidal potential against mosquito larvae Culex pipiens. Efficacy of Eucalyptus extract was examined as an acceptable alternative for chemical control. Both seed extract and leaf extract were screened in laboratory conditions. Applying seed extract and leaf extract at 1000 ppm caused 100 and 80% mortality in larvae of Culex pipiens, respectively. Larvicidal activity of extract of Eucalyptus was dose dependant. This suggested that the seed and leaf extracts contain toxic compounds to mosquitos’ larvae, which can be developed and used in the control of mosquitoes. Further studies of these plants as possible agents for mosquito control are recommended.
Polimorfismo V89L do gene 5 α-redutase tipo II (SRD5A2) e a associação com o risco de câncer de próstata :

BACKGROUND: 5 α-reductase type II (SRD5A2) is responsible for the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. The polymorphism V89L, a valine (V) for leucine (L) substitution at the codon 89 of the SRD5A2 gene was evaluated with regard to prostate cancer risk. METHODS: Blood samples were collected for 169 prostate cancer cases and 177 healthy controls. Genotypes (V/V, V/L and L/L) were compared among cases and controls. RESULTS: The genotype V/V was significantly more common in the controls compared with cases. Meanwhile, we found no association between the genotypes of polymorphism V89L and the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, when we analyzed only patients under 65 years of age, we found that genotype V/V compared with genotype V/L or (L/L + V/L), is a protective factor (OR: 0.338 CI: 0.134-0.858, p = 0.022 and OR: 0.046; CI: 0.166 to 0.990, p = 0.047, respectively). We also found that genotype V/L compared with genotype (V/V + L/L) presents a risk to developing prostate cancer (OR: 1.651 CI: 1.043 to 2.613, p = 0.032). 47 CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that among patients under 65 years of age, genotype V/L V89L polymorphism may play a significant relationship with the risk of developing PCa and genotype V/V is associated with a protective factor for prostate cancer.
Field-of-View Constrained Guidance Law for a Maneuvering Target With Impact Angle Control

Most existing impact angle control guidance (IACG) laws that consider the reduced seeker field-of-view (FOV) focus only on a stationary or a nonmaneuvering moving target. In actual warfare, however, a number of targets are capable of maneuvering with lateral acceleration, which prohibits the existing FOV-constrained IACG laws from guaranteeing the reliable performance. In this article, we develop a guidance law that ensures the accurate IACG with obeying the FOV constraint against a maneuvering target. The proposed guidance law is based on the engagement kinematics against a maneuvering target and structured as a sliding mode controller to cope with unknown disturbance such as the normal acceleration of the target. The introduced sliding surface structure includes a sigmoid function of which output is limited in magnitude in order to restrict the missile look angle within the preset limits. In consequence, the proposed law has the capability to fulfill IACG without violating the FOV constraint against a maneuvering moving target. Numerical simulations that support the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law are also included in this article.
Antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from meat

Abstract The aim of the study was the evaluation of the antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from cattle, pig, and poultry meat. A test was performed on 111 strains using the minimum inhibitory concentration technique. The highest number of isolates (94 strains) were resistant to lincomycin, the second-highest resistance was to quinupristin/dalfopristin (88 strains), tetracycline followed (65 strains), and erythromycin resistance was also notable (40 strains). All isolates tested were sensitive to daptomycin, nitrofurantoine, and tigecycline, whereas only few strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, penicillin, and vancomycin. The obtained results showed that meat may be a source of antimicrobial resistant enterococci which may be transferred to humans