Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of leaf beetle larvae on sympatric host and non‐host plants

Studies asking the ability of insects to utilize novel host plants often use novel hosts that are allopatric with the insect population under investigation. However, since the outcomes of species interactions are often site‐specific, such studies cannot tell us whether a plant would actually be used by a given insect population if the plant grew sympatrically with it. We therefore performed a quantitative genetics experiment to analyse the performance of larvae of the leaf beetle Oreina elongata Suffrian (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae) on two host and three non‐host plants, collected from a site where insects and plants co‐occur in the Western Alps. When raised on the non‐host Petasites albus (L.), larvae were able to survive equally well as on the two hosts, Adenostyles alliariae (Gouan) and Cirsium spinosissimum (L.), whereas they did not survive on the two other non‐hosts, Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) and Rumex alpinus L. On P. albus, growth rate was slightly lower and development time slightly longer than on the two hosts. We found a genotype by environment interaction only for growth rate but not for development time and survival. However, the shape of the reaction norms of growth rates suggests that it is unlikely that selection could favour the inclusion of P. albus into the host range of the study population.
Interrelationships among age, body weight, backfat and lactation feed intake with reproductive performance and longevity of sows

Data from an experiment involving gilts mated at first, second or third observed estrus and feeding of three levels of gestation energy throughout four parities were used to evaluate the effects of age, body weight, backfat thickness and changes in them on various measures of reproductive performance. Regression equations were estimated by using a stepwise regression analysis. Data were available for 304 initial sows that farrowed a first litter of which 115 farrowed to initial assigned breeding within gestation dietary energy level and completed four parities. Age, weight, backfat thickness or ratios between them at initial mating did not account for an appreciable amount of the variation (R2 < 0.08) in number of pigs born alive in the first litter or total number of pigs born alive per initial sow. Feed intake in lactation, age at first estrus as gilts or age at breeding of sows and the ratio of backfat to weight at farrowing accounted for a small proportion of the variation in weaning to estrus interva.
The partial mitochondrial genome of Leiopathes glaberrima (Hexacorallia: Antipatharia) and the first report of the presence of an intron in COI in black corals

Phylogenetic relationships within Hexacorallia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) have long been debated. Recently, complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes for all the hexacorallian orders have been obtained by different research groups, but no global analyses including all these data have yet been performed. Here we present the partial genome of the antipatharian Leiopathes glaberrima and the result of the first phylogenetic analyses including complete mitochondrial genomes of the five hexacorallian orders (Ceriantharia not being considered as true hexacorallian). Moreover, we report for the first time the presence of an intron in COI in the an antipatharian mt genome.
The germination of oil-formulated conidia of the insect pathogen, Metarhizium anisopliae

Conidia of Metarhizium anisopliae need water activity (Aw) > 0.98 for germination irrespective of whether they are formulated in an aqueous or oil carrier. The presence of nutrients in the carriers or culture medium accelerated germination but did not increase the range of Aw (or humidities) over which conidia could germinate. Insect extract stimulated more conidia to germinate than yeast extract. Oils appeared to extract fungistatic and stimulatory compounds from the insect cuticle. The ratio of these compounds depends on both the insect species and the carrier. Conidia of M. anisopliae formulated in oils were observed with SEM to flow over the surface of insect and plant cuticles. The conidia were probably deposited at sites which are conducive for germination and infection and consequently increased the overall mortality of insects. In contrast, aqueous formulations of conidia remain as drops on the leaf surface immediately after application with a pipetteman or sprayer.
Biogeochemical influences on the carbon isotope signatures of Lake Ontario biota

Particulate organic matter (POM), zooplankton, and benthic invertebrates were sampled seasonally at a midlake and east basin site in Lake Ontario. The δ13C values of POM samples were compared with measurements of chlorophyll a concentrations, areal rates of primary productivity, concentrations of dissolved free CO2 (CO2(aq)), and the δ13C of zooplankton and benthic invertebrates. The δ13C of POM was significantly correlated with the concentration of CO2(aq) at the east basin site. No correlation was found between chlorophyll a concentrations, areal rates of primary productivity, and the δ13C of POM. The δ13C of zooplankton was not always similar to the δ13C of the POM fraction collected, indicative of the complexity of food web interactions within the lower trophic levels. The δ13C of benthic invertebrates feeding on the sediment surface was similar to that of POM produced prior to stratification, indicating the importance of the spring bloom as a food source for benthic primary consumers.
Recombinant, Catalytically Inactive Juvenile Hormone Esterase Enhances Efficacy of Baculovirus Insecticides

Abstract The insecticidal efficacy of baculoviruses can be enhanced by engineering the viral genome to express proteins that disrupt the physiology of the host insect. Here we describe the development of a genetically engineered Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) which expresses a modified form of juvenile hormone esterase (JHE). Previously, two viruses expressing different modified JHEs were found to have a greater insecticidal effect on larvae of Trichoplusia ni and Heliothis virescens than a virus expressing wild-type JHE. To study a possible synergistic effect, the distinct mutations in the modified JHEs were combined in a new JHE construct. Two lysine residues were replaced with arginine residues to reduce the efficiency of lysosomal targeting (JHE-KK) and the catalytic serine was replaced with glycine, which eliminated catalytic activity (JHE-SG). The modified JHE, JHE-KSK, was expressed in a recombinant baculovirus, AcJHE-KSK. Larvae of H. virescens infected with this recombinant virus caused 44% less feeding damage to lettuce than larvae infected with the wild-type AcMNPV. However, AcJHE-KSK did not have significantly improved insecticidal properties over the parent viruses AcJHE-KK and AcJHE-SG, suggesting that the separate mutations have no major synergistic effect. Infection with a control recombinant baculovirus expressing JHE with the same lysine to arginine conversions and in which a catalytic histidine was converted to lysine (AcJHE-KHK) did not reduce feeding damage compared with that caused by larvae infected with AcMNPV.
Conifer zygotic embryogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, and seed germination: Biochemical and molecular advances

Abstract The development of techniques for somatic embryogenesis in conifers has led to rapid advances in the ability to culture conifer tissue in vitro. Somatic embryogenesis now provides a means to clonally propagate commercially valuable conifers of several species and offers an in vitro experimental system for studying embryogenesis. As a result of these developments, the conifer zygotic and somatic embryo system has recently attracted the attention not only of the cell biologist but also of biochemists and molecular biologists. In this review I have attempted to consolidate the recent information on ultrastructure, biochemical and molecular aspects of conifer zygotic and somatic embryogenesis. In the first section, salient features of zygotic embryogenesis are highlighted followed by biochemical and ultrastructural characterization of development with reference to storage reserve deposition. In the second section, detailed characterization of seed storage proteins, changes in gene expression with emphasis on storage protein genes and Lea genes during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis are described. Effect of culture treatments such as abscisic acid, osmoticum and desiccation on storage protein gene expression in somatic embryos is discussed. Based on these studies, comparisons are presented between angiosperm and gymnosperm embryogeny regarding the unique morphological and developmental patterns of conifer embryogenesis. Finally, a brief discussion of recent progress in biochemical and molecular characterization of conifer seed germination is presented.
Piscivory in Juvenile Walleyes: Relative Importance of Prey Species, Timing of Spawning of Prey Fish, and Density on Growth and Survival

Abstract We examined the effect of the timing of spawning by prey fish and the species of prey fish on the growth and survival of juvenile walleye Stizostedion vitreum. We expected that age-0 walleyes would grow more in ponds when stocked about the same time as the spawning of gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum than when stocked about 6 weeks after spawning. We found, however, that the timing of larval gizzard shad presence did not affect walleye growth or survival. Also contrary to our expectations, walleyes from ponds with bluegill Lepomis macrochirus grew more (by 9% in total length and 38% in mass) than those from ponds with gizzard shad. However, the density of gizzard shad was lower than that of bluegills, particularly after the first few weeks of the experiment. Bluegills remained within the gape limits of walleyes throughout the experiment, whereas gizzard shad outgrew their vulnerability to predation. Late-spawned gizzard shad remained vulnerable to walleye predation only slightly longer than did t.
Technology Aspects Related to the Application of Functional Starter Cultures

Summary The market of pro- and prebiotics as applied in fermented milk drinks is expanding worldwide. More consumers become interested in the potential, health-promoting properties of functional foods. However, the industrial processors need to adapt their production processes and technologies, if they wish to use probiotics in a variety of food products. Indeed, the food matrix composition, the interaction(s) and stability of the culture, the inoculum level, the technological process conditions, etc. influence the viability of the probiotic bacteria considerably. In this paper some problems are discussed related to the application of probiotics in the dairy sector. In the food sectort there is a fast increasing request for 100 % natural products, not only from the point of view of the consumer but also from that of the authorities. Two examples are given in this paper: the use of natural food preservatives (antimicrobial proteins or bacteriocins) and the application of natural texturisers (microbial exopolysaccharides), both through the application of functional lactic acid bacterium starter cultures. Also, one has to take into account the influence of several factors of the food matrix and the applied process technology on the functionality of the strains used.
Inhibitor activities of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L) against bovine, pocine and human trypsin and chymotrypsin

Twenty-two chickpea samples (7 genotypes, 4 desi and 3 kabuli) representing three different sites of cultivation and three years of harvest were examined for their inhibitory activities against bovine, porcine and human trypsin/chymotrypsin, and compared for their isoinhibitor patterns. No significant difference in inhibitor activity between the desi and kabuli seed types was found for any of the enzymes used, when data from different locations and years were averaged. However, some significant differences were observed between individual cultivars when compared at the same location and in the same year. Inhibitor activities against the three trypsins and three chymotrypsins were statistically different with activities against bovine (5.46 ± 1.21) > porcine (5.24 ± 1.18) > human (4.45 ± 0.93) trypsin and those against bovine (4.89 ± 1.27) < porcine (8.91 ± 2.14) < human (10.54 ± 2.50) chymotrypsin (means ± standard deviation, expressed as mg active enzyme completely inhibited per g seed meal). Levels of activity of both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor were influenced by the location and year of cultivation. Isoelectric focusing yielded identical inhibitor patterns for all samples, indicating seven isoinhibitors acting against trypsin and chymotrypsin. Results are discussed in relation to nutritional significance of these inhibitors and perspectives for breeding genotypes low in protcase inhibitors.
The contribution of the conceptus to weight change in pregnant Merino ewes at pasture

SUMMARY Seventy-nine pregnant Merino ewes grazing pasture at two intensities were slaughtered in groups at intervals from 60 days after conception to post-partum. Sixty-one nonpregnant ewes were also slaughtered. The weights of various organs including uteri and their contents were recorded and the energy content of each ewe was determined. The weight of uterine contents (conceptus) increased rectilinearly with increasing foetal age to 100 days: differences between singles and twins were not significant. From 100 days to term, the relationship was also rectilinear but the slope was greater: a more rapid increase occurred with twins than with singles (P < 0·05). The nutritional difference imposed did not affect the relationship. A regression of total energy reserve on live weight (less fleece and conceptus) was established. Differences between this relationship and those established separately for non-pregnant, pregnant and post-partum ewes were not significant. The contribution of changes in conceptus weight to live-weight changes in gravid ewes is discussed.
Extent of over Education and under Education in Tanzanian Formal Labour Market

This paper attempts to provide the extent of over education and under education among formal sector workers in the labour market of Tanzania. The cross sectional and Worker Self Assessment (WSA) techniques were employed on 319 workers to collect data using Office interviews. Results from Multinomial logit model (classification tables) show that, 30.4% and 12.5% of the workers were under educated and over educated respectively. In terms of sex, male workers experience high incidence of both over education and under education due to historical and cultural nature of Tanzanian education system; and also the recruitment system that deliberated to favour males. Using Pearson chi square approach, results show that both public and private sectors experience education –job mismatch differently with more under educated workers in the public sector. Therefore, Tanzania formal labour market is not free from Over education and under education. This state of affairs calls for the private and public employers to redesign demand side and supply side education –job matching policies. Key words : over education, under education, labor policy, education – job mismatch, formal sector, Tanzania
Comparison of two methods of sub‐sea sampling of the Guernsey ormer, Haliotis tuberculata L.

The ormer, Haliotis tuberculata L. , is the only abalone species found on the coasts of western Europe, its northern most limit of distribution being the Channel Islands. Previous Guernsey ormer population studies were based upon a form of catch-per-unit-effort sampling where the unit of effort was one diver, searching the substrate for 5 min continuously. An ormer population survey was carried out in the waters around Guernsey, using this former method concurrent with an alternative system of sampling by area using 10 m2 quadrats at randomly selected locations. The published results of a series of earlier surveys include a measure of ormer density m-2 which, along with knowledge of the extent of suitable substrate, allows tentatively for absolute abundance to be estimated. This study demonstrates that an estimate obtained in this way may be unreliable. Statistical comparison of the population size structures derived from the two different sampling methods also showed considerable inconsistency. The implications of this for management of the Guernsey ormer stock are considered.
The Influence of Periphyton Abundance on Baetis bicaudatus Distribution and Colonization in a Small Stream

Colonization, distribution, and immigration of Baetis bicaudatus on rock surfaces was observed in a small Idaho (USA) stream. Baetis densities on rocks were assessed by direct observation through clear plastic viewing boxes. Baetis distributions among regions on individual rocks was related to periphyton abundance. Densities of Baetis on periphyton patches reflected the relative abundance of periphyton. Among rocks, distributions also were most strongly influenced by periphyton abundance. Water velocity and substrate size did not greatly influence distribution patterns. Chlorophyll a was the best indicator of periphyton abundance. Immigration rates, determined through time-lapse photography, were as high as 5.8 individuals/100 cm2/hr. Over 50% of nymphs arrived from the drift. At such immigration rates, the proportion of immigrants that emigrate per unit time would have to be high to maintain densities observed on rocks after 48 hr. The results of this study show that Baetis bicaudatus abundance on rock surfaces is an interplay between immigration rate and nymphal response to food abundance.
Detection and quantification of CD8+ T cells specific for HLA‐A*0201‐binding melanoma and viral peptides by the IFN‐γ‐elispot assay

Blood lymphocytes from HLA‐A*0201‐subtyped melanoma patients and healthy controls were screened for the presence of T cells specific for HLA‐A*0201‐binding melanoma and viral peptide antigens by the enzyme‐linked immunoSPOT (ELISPOT) assay. CD8+ cells were tested for peptide‐specific IFN‐γ release immediately after selection as well as after 2 weeks of in vitro stimulation. After in vitro stimulation, CD8+ T cells specific for influenza were measured in all patients and controls, whereas these T cells could be detected among nonstimulated CD8+ cells in only 52% of individuals. Similarly, T cells specific for EBV were more frequently measured among in vitro‐stimulated than nonstimulated CD8+ cells. In nonstimulated CD8+ cells, T cells specific for MART‐1/Melan‐A, gp100, tyrosinase and CAMEL were present in 4 (33%), 1 (8%), 1 (8%) and 3 (25%) of 12 patients, respectively. Only MART‐1/Melan‐A‐specific CD8+ T cells were found in 1 (11%) of 9 healthy controls. CD8+ T cells specific for MAGE‐2 were not observed. After in vitro stimulation, CD8+ T cells specific for MART‐1/Melan‐A could be demonstrated in 6 (46%) of 13 patients and 2 (20%) of 10 controls. CD8+ T cells specific for gp100 were detected in 1 patient after in vitro stimulation. No CD8+ T cells specific for tyrosinase, MAGE‐2 or CAMEL could be measured after in vitro stimulation. These data show that the ELISPOT assay allows direct ex vivo detection of CD8+ T cells specific for viral and melanoma antigens. Furthermore, the data show that the sensitivity of the ELISPOT assay to measure influenza‐ and EBV‐specific CD8+ T cells can be enhanced by a short in vitro stimulation step, whereas opposing effects on numbers of CD8+ T cells specific for melanoma antigens have been observed. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diversity of the karyorelictid ciliates: Remanella (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Karyorelictida) inhabiting intertidal areas of Qingdao, China, with descriptions of three species

During recent faunistic studies of psammophilic ciliates of the Yellow Sea coast of northern China, three Remanella species were isolated and investigated using living observation and silver staining methods. Their small subunit (SSU) rRNA genes were sequenced in order to analyse their molecular phylogeny. Remanella sinica sp. nov. can be recognized by its large size (200–320 μm long in vivo), dark colour due to the presence of brown cortical granules, single Müller vesicle and 18–20 right lateral ciliary rows. Remanella minuta (Dragesco, 1954) Foissner, 1996 and R. granulosa (Kahl, 1933) Foissner, 1996, are redescribed based on the Chinese populations and improved diagnoses of both are supplied. The SSU rRNA gene sequence data support the validity of these three species. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that all karyorelicteans for which sequence data are available belong to a monophyletic assemblage that is divided into four groups corresponding to the four families: Loxodidae, Geleiidae, Kentrophoridae and Trachelocercidae. Remanella minuta and R. granulosa cluster with the clade of Loxodes forming a group that is sister to the clade containing R. sinica sp. nov. and Remanella sp. However, the monophyly of the genus Remanella was not rejected by the Shimodaira–Hasegawa test (P = 0.553 > 0.05). Remanella trichocysta is considered a junior synonym of R. granulosa.
Antitumor‐active substances from mushrooms

Abstract It has been known for many years that most fungi which have known effects against cancers of the stomach, esophagus, lungs, etc., belong to the Polyporacea. However, the components responsible for such action have not been clearly defined. In Japan, in 1968, it was reported that a hot water extract from some edible mushrooms belonging to the Polyporacea showed a marked host‐mediated antitumor activity. Since then, numerous researchers have isolated active materials and have identified them to be (1—3)‐s‐D‐glucopyranans with a (1—6)‐s‐glucosyl branch containing protein. Antitumor poly‐saccharides are considered to be biological response modifiers (BRM) or immunopotentiators because of their action mechanism. In Japan three different polysaccharide antitumor agents have been isolated from the fruiting body, mycelium, and cultured medium, from three mushroom species. As the result of screening for growth inhibition of cultured cancer cells, some terpenoids, steroids, and other compounds have been fo.
Functional Role of Mucilage - Border Cells: A Complex Facilitating Protozoan Effects on Plant Growth

Abstract In rhizosphere soil, mucilage and root border cells (RBCs) form a functional entity, the mucilage border-cell complex (MB complex). Carbohydrates of the MB complex are utilized by rhizosphere bacteria, which are under strong grazing pressure of the soil food web, in particular protozoa. We investigated the role of the MB complex for protozoan effects on plant growth. First, the MB complex formed by 16 rice cultivars belonging to different ecotypes and subspecies were quantified. These cultivars were subsequently used to investigate protozoan effects on plant growth. The differences between the highest and lowest MB complex producers were 3.1 and 5.3 times for fully hydrated mucilage and RBCs, respectively. Mucilage production and RBCs showed a significant positive regression (R2 = 0.92) in Japonica. Presence of protozoa generally enhanced shoot biomass, lateral root growth and plant nitrogen uptake. Further, upland cultivars showed significantly higher growth enhancement than lowland cultivars in presence of protozoa. A significant positive regression between MB complex and increased lateral root growth by amoeba revealed that the MB complex facilitated protozoan effects on plant growth, which is the first evidence for a new functional role of the MB complex.