Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population characteristics of Brueelia sp. on certain Indian Finches

Five kinds of finches were examined during 2004-06. Two kinds of finches were found infested with ischnoceran lice, Brueelia sp. (Prevalence-20.5%, mean intensity of infestation-4.7 and range of infestation, 1-23). The frequency distribution pattern of Brueelia sp. on Indian finches conformed to the negative binomial model. Sex ratio was skewed in favour of females and adults outnumbered the nymphs in natural population.
Soil microclimate and nitrogen availability 10 years after mechanical site preparation in northern British Columbia

Mechanical site preparation (MSP) changes the distribution and character of forest floor and mineral soil and may affect soil nutrient availability, soil water content, and soil temperature. The effects of different kinds of MSP were compared to a control in the tenth growing season at two research sites in northern British Columbia. To compare MSP results with those of the natural disturbance regime, a burned windrow treatment was also included in the analysis. The bedding plow, fire, and madge treatments all had significantly greater crop-tree growth compared to the control. The bed- ding plow and madge treatments had significantly lower soil bulk density, higher soil temperature, and lower soil water throughout the growing season compared with that of the control. The bedding plow also resulted in significantly higher concentrations of total carbon, total nitrogen, NH4 + , and NO3 - than that of the control, at both the 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. The madge rotoclear resulted in significantly greater potential mineralizable N than that of the control. Ionic resins bags, installed for one growing season, did not show any significant treatment differences in available soil nitro- gen. MSP did not reduce soil fertility on these sites when compared with an untreated control, but it is difficult to say that it improved it.
EFFECTS OF INHALED 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE ON THE REGIONAL BRAIN CYCLIC GMP LEVELS IN MICE AND RATS

As it is known that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exhibit differential dispositions among anatomically discrete brain regions in rodents as well as in humans, potential toxicological consequences of this pharmacokinetic feature were evaluated using measurements of cyclic GMP (glucose monophosphate). With the knowledge of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TRI) uptake and distribution in the various brain regions, cyclic GMP was evaluated due to (1) known susceptibility to the effects of organic solvents, (2) pivotal physiological role in perpetuating changes in neurochemical pathways, and (3) possible involvement with neurobehavioral functions, whose disruption is one of the primary health effects associated with solvent exposures. Male CD-1 mice and SpragueDawley rats inhaled 5000 ppm TRI for 40 and 100 min in dynamic inhalation exposure chambers, and the brain was procured from the animals immediately following termination by microwave irradiation. After 40 min of TRI inhalation, significant decreases in cyclic GMP levels were found in the cerebellum of both species, 55% and 58%, respectively, relative to the controls. There was a further decrease in both species after 100 min of TRI inhalation. Smaller decreases in cyclic GMP were seen in the cortex of both species at both time points of measurement. A decrease in cyclic GMP was observed in the medulla oblongata of mice but not in rats after 40 min of exposure. Due to its signal transduction functions, it might be expected that the effects of TRI on cyclic GMP levels could directly impact neurological function. Comparison of the results from this study with the regional brain distribution of TRI and its effects on behavioral performance seen in previous studies by this laboratory appeared to indicate that alterations in brain cyclic GMP levels are only involved with the neurobehavioral toxicity of TRI in an indirect fashion; consequently, behavioral effects and decreases in cyclic GMP do not appear to be directly related to regionally differential dispositions of TRI in rodent brain.
Comparison of Sclerotinia minor Inocula for Differentiating the Reaction of Peanut Genotypes to Sclerotinia Blight

Abstract Efficacy of four types of Sclerotinia minor inocula were compared for disease incidence, lesion development, and differentiating a disease response on susceptible and moderately resistant peanut genotypes. Inocula were evaluated on intact and detached peanut main stem tissue. Three inocula lacked an exogenous nutrient source, which included germinating sclerotia produced on peanut stem, 3-day-old dry mycelia, and perlite granules coated with fresh mycelial fragments. Inoculum with an exogenous nutrient source consisted of an agar plug with mycelium. The mycelial agar plug inoculum resulted in a greater disease incidence and a longer mean lesion length/day compared to other inocula on intact stem or detached stem tissue. All inocula produced longer (P < 0.05) lesions 6 d after inoculation on intact stem tissue for susceptible control and shorter lesions on three of the four moderately resistant genotypes. All inocula produced longer (P < 0.05) lesions 6 d after inoculation on detached stem tissue .
The Heterotrimeric G-Protein Subunits GNG-1 and GNB-1 Form a Gβγ Dimer Required for Normal Female Fertility, Asexual Development, and Gα Protein Levels in Neurospora crassa

ABSTRACT We have identified a gene encoding a heterotrimeric G protein γ subunit, gng-1, from the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. gng-1 possesses a gene structure similar to that of mammalian Gγ genes, consisting of three exons and two introns, with introns present in both the open reading frame and 5′-untranslated region. The GNG-1 amino acid sequence displays high identity to predicted Gγ subunits from other filamentous fungi, including Giberella zeae, Cryphonectria parasitica, Trichoderma harzianum, and Magnaporthe grisea. Deletion of gng-1 leads to developmental defects similar to those previously characterized for Δgnb-1 (Gβ) mutants. Δgng-1, Δgnb-1, and Δgng-1 Δgnb-1 strains conidiate inappropriately in submerged cultures and are female sterile, producing aberrant female reproductive structures. Similar to previous results obtained with Δgnb-1 mutants, loss of gng-1 negatively influences levels of Gα proteins (GNA-1, GNA-2, and GNA-3) in plasma membrane fractions isolated from various tissues of N. crassa and leads to a significant reduction in the amount of intracellular cyclic AMP. In addition, we show that GNB-1 is essential for maintenance of normal steady-state levels of GNG-1, suggesting a functional interaction between GNB-1 and GNG-1. Direct evidence for a physical association between GNB-1 and GNG-1 in vivo was provided by coimmunoprecipitation.
Growth Hormones and Propagation of Cymbidium in vitro

Protocorms of Cymbidium (Orchidaceae) were grown on solid or liquid medium with macro-nutrients according to Wimber (van Raalte 1967) and iron, micro-nutrients and vitamins according to Nitsch (1968) the medium also contained 2% sucrose. The effects of 1) the auxins; indol-3yl-acetic acid (IAA), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); 2) the cytokinins; 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) and benzyladenine (BA) and 3) the gibberellin; gibberellic acid (GA) were examined alone or in combinations. IAA had no effect alone. NAA resulted in optimal fresh weight at 10 μM and the protocorms were vigorous, but lighter green than usual. 2,4-D caused a high weight increase at 1 μM, but the protocorms were abnormal. Higher concentrations of NAA and 2,4-D inhibited chlorophyll synthesis. On solid medium kinetin (100 μM) induced a growth of many small shoots, but had no effect on the fresh weight. In liquid medium, kinetin promoted a callus formation and fresh weight increase. BA had effects similar to kinetin, but at lower concentrations. GA alone promoted shoot and leaf growth. Combinations of kinetin and NAA resulted in a maximal fresh weight increase at kinetin concentrations one tenth of the NAA concentrations. The optimal growth and the best development occurred at 10 μM NAA and 1 μM kinetin. NAA and kinetin together could limit the shoot and leaf growth induced by GA.
3D-kCov-ComFor

Most existing work on coverage, connectivity, and geographic forwarding considers a two-dimensional (2D) space, where the sensors are deployed in a 2D field. However, there are several cases where the 2D assumption is not valid for the design of those types of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), such as underwater sensor deployment and sensors deployed on the trees of different heights in a forest. In this article, we investigate the problem of k-coverage in three-dimensional (3D) WSNs, where each point in a 3D field is covered by at least k sensors simultaneously. Moreover, it is commonly assumed in most of the work on the problem of geographic forwarding in WSNs that all the sensors are always on (or active) during the network operational lifetime, and, particularly, during data forwarding. However, this type of design is neither practical nor efficient for the sensors whose energy is crucial and limited. Therefore, we consider geographic forwarding in 3D duty-cycled k-covered WSNs, where the sensors can switch between on and off states (i.e., duty-cycled sensors) to save energy. First, we provide a rigorous analysis of the k-coverage problem in 3D WSNs using Helly's Theorem and the Reuleaux tetrahedron model, and compute the sensor spatial density to k-cover a 3D field. Second, based on this analysis, we compute a lower bound and an upper bound on the number of overlapping Reuleaux tetrahedra that are necessary to fill a 3D convex shape, such as the sensing sphere of a sensor. Third, using these results, we present a localized (i.e., based on local information of one-hop neighbors), pseudo-distributed (i.e., not fully distributed) protocol to achieve k-coverage of a 3D field with a reduced number of active sensors, while ensuring connectivity between them. Fourth, we discuss our composite geographic forwarding protocol for 3D duty-cycled k-covered WSNs using a combination of deterministic and opportunistic schemes to forward sensed data towards the sink. We will study the problem of 3D space filling (or space covering) in the context of the above-mentioned problems in 3D WSNs. Fifth, we relax two widely used assumptions, namely sensor homogeneity and sensing range convexity, to generalize our k-coverage protocol in 3D space. Last, we show several simulation results of our framework for joint k-coverage and composite geographic forwarding in 3D duty-cycled WSNs, called 3D-kCov-ComFor. We found a close-to-perfect match between our theoretical and simulation results.
Estuarine fishes of the South Alligator River, Kakadu National Park, northern Australia

Estuaries are recognised globally as areas of high production, diversity and high economic value. Exploitation of the economic potential of estuaries and attendant infrastructural development plus expansion of human populations has resulted in degradation of estuaries worldwide. Many estuaries of northern Australia, in contrast, remain in good ecological condition. The estuarine fish fauna of the South Alligator River, Kakadu region of northern Australia was investigated to determine seasonal and spatial variation in composition. Beam trawls were used at 94 locations over the wet and dry seasons of 2012. In total, 81 taxa were collected, 26 of which had not previously been recorded in the river. Sciaenidae and Engraulidae dominated species richness and abundance. Samples were heterogeneous in terms of composition and abundance in a manner unrelated to any measured aspect of the habitat over which trawls occurred. Species richness was higher in the lower estuary than the upper estuary and more species were detected during the wet season. Turnover in assemblage structure between sampling occasions was associated with seasonal variation in discharge concordant with changes in salinity and potentially productivity. Compositional variation was largely ascribed to differential spawning phenology of adults and tolerance to fluctuating salinity. The Kakadu region supports a rich fish fauna moderately distinct from that observed elsewhere in the Northern Territory. Pronounced temporal turnover in assemblage structure and spatial variation at a variety of scales (i.e. within samples, and within and between rivers) collectively pose a challenge to management in light of ongoing and proposed development of the water resources of northern Australia, including its estuaries.
Taxonomy and biogeography of African fruit bats (Mammalia, Megachiroptera). 5. The genera Lissonycteris Andersen, 1912, Myconycteris Matschie, 1899 and Megaloglossus Pagenstecher, 1885; General Remarks and conclusions; Key to all species

This is the last part in a series comprising all Megachiroptera known from mainland Africa and its islands. The concept of the genus Lissonycteris Andersen, 1912 is reviewed and adapted. For the first time, its differential characters vis-a-vis the genera Rousettus Gray, 1821, and Myonycteris Matschie, 1899 as described in the literature have been checked against material of all the species involved. As a consequence, a number of these characters are considered of no taxonomic value and have not been retained, while some new differential characters are described. Lissonycteris and Myonycteris are considered different from Rousettus on generic level, while Lissonycteris and Myonycteris are more closely related to one another than each of these to Rousettus. New observations on all African and extralimital species of Rousettus are reported and the retention of Boneia Jentink, 1879 as a subgenus by Corbet et al. (1991, 1992) is rejected. Lissonycteris is considered a monotypic genus, with as single species the polytypic L. angolensis (Bocage, 1898). The subspecies angolensis, smithii (O. Thomas, 1908) and ruwenzorii (Eisentraut, 1965) are recognized, and two new subspecies, petraea and goliath, are described. Myonycteris consists of three species, torquata (Dobson, 1878), brachycephala (Bocage, 1889) and relicta Bergmans, 1980. Their present taxonomy is conform earlier reports (Bergmans, 1976, 1980a). M. torquata is considered a monotypical species. M. relicta is reported from Zimbabwe for the first time, extending its known distribution 1400 km southwards. Following Kirsch et al. (1995) and Springer et al. (1995), the subfamily Macroglossinae is considered a synonym of the subfamily Pteropodinae. The taxonomy and distribution of Megaloglossus woermanni Pagenstecher, 1885 are reviewed. In a final section, general remarks and conclusions are presented on the supraspecific taxonomy of the Megachiroptera and a classification is proposed which includes the raise to subfamily rank of the Rousettinae and Epomophorinae and the recognition of the new tribes Scotonycterini and Plerotini; some recent publications bearing on African species taxonomy are reviewed; and an appraisal is made of the distribution patterns found throughout this series. A vicariance model is proposed to explain the occurrence in Asia and Africa of both Pteropus Brisson, 1762 and Rousettus Gray, 1821. For woodland species, the regions SE Tchad/E Central African Republic/W Sudan; N half of Tanzania; and E Angola/adjoining Zaire have been identified as having (had) a barrier effect on dispersal. For forest species, important divides appear to be in the regions Volta River/Dahomey Gap; SE Nigeria; C and S Gabon; C Zaire, from N to S; the Western Rift system; several barriers in E Africa. Finally, an illustrated key to all African Megachiroptera is given, primarily based on externally visible characters and designed for use in the field.
Directional flow of summer aeration to manage insect pests in stored wheat.

Field trials were conducted in metal wheat storage bins to determine whether pressure aeration, pushing ambient air from the bottom, or suction aeration, pulling air down from the top, would be more efficient at cooling the wheat mass and thereby limiting insect population growth. Aeration was accomplished at an approximate airflow rate of 0.22 to 0.31 m 3 /min/t and was done by adjusting thermostatic controllers to operate the aeration fans when ambient temperatures fell below specified thresholds. Summer and autumn cooling cycles using suction aeration cooled the warmest part of the bin, the top of the grain mass first, which resulted in lower overall wheat mass temperatures compared to pressure aeration, where the top of the grain mass always remained warmer than with suction aeration. This cooling effect was most pronounced in the upper surface of the grain mass, and insect pest populations as measured by pitfall traps were consistently less in bins with suction versus pressure aeration. Results seem to indicate that suction aeration would be more beneficial than pressure aeration for controlling insect pests in wheat stored in the southern plains of the United States.
Jak2 TYROSINE KINASE: NEW INSIGHTS REGARDING STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND PHARMACOLOGY

of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Jak2 TYROSINE KINASE: NEW INSIGHTS REGARDING STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND PHARMACOLOGY By Eric M. Sandberg December 2004 Chair: Peter P. Sayeski Major Department: Physiology and Functional Genomics The kinase Jak2 is a member of the Janus family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases. One major impediment to understanding the role that Jak2 plays in physiology and pathophysiology is the lack of a specific Jak2 inhibitor. We used several strategies to circumvent this problem. First, using Jak2 -/cells, we examined the role of Jak2 in regulating angiotensin II-dependent ERK2 activity. We found that, contrary to previously published work, Jak2 is required for inactivation of ERK2 after angiotensin II treatment. In response to angiotensin II, Jak2 induces expression of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a protein that dephosphorylates and inactivates ERK2. Second, using stable expression of a Jak2 dominant negative mutant that specifically suppresses endogenous Jak2 kinase activity, we found that Jak2 mediates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. In response to hydrogen peroxide treatment, Jak2 induces expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax protein.
Viral agents of human disease: biosafety concerns.

The majority of viral agents in an early survey that documented 222 viral infections were accounted for by the viruses causing YF, Rift Valley fever (RVF), Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM). Viruses are classified based on the type and organization of the viral genome (double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, RNA and DNA reverse transcribing, double-stranded RNA, negative-sense single-stranded RNA, positive-sense single-stranded RNA, and subviral agents), the strategy of viral replication, and the structure of the virion. Arboviruses cause severe human disease, have wide geographic distribution, and have emerged as major pathogens. Epidemiological data suggest that there are serotype differences among the dengue viruses in their ability to produce large outbreaks of human disease and in their ability to produce severe clinical disease. This chapter talks about clinical manifestation of viral disease. The Togaviridae have been responsible for over 253 reported laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) and six deaths as documented by laboratory surveys and demonstrate the propensity of these viruses to aerosolize and cause severe infection. Interferon alfacon-1 was evaluated in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus-infected patients in a pilot experiment. Other type 1 interferons have been evaluated in experimentally infected nonhuman primates and tissue culture models of SARS-CoV infection. These studies have suggested efficacy, but to date there are no studies demonstrating efficacy in humans. The current recommendations focus on supportive care and containment of infected patients. Postaccident management of a viral exposure should be part of a carefully planned contingency that is specific for each laboratory.
Functional Anatomy of the Oral Region of the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae)

ABSTRACT “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum”, causal agent of zebra chip of potato and veingreening of tomato, is prolific in tissues of the oral region of its vector, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc). The region has, evolutionarily, reflexed under the head (“opisthognathy”), so that the mandibular stylets are ventral to the maxillary stylets, and both are directed posteriorly. The region includes the labium, furcasternum, and tentorium. The tentorium is a minute, crate-shaped, extremely complex endoskeletal apparatus consisting of preoral and postoral sections, with the primitive mouth in between. Except for certain prominent structures, its functional anatomy is poorly understood, and provisional (generic) terminology is needed to identify them. It is formed from several panel-shaped and rod-shaped invaginations of the preoral orifice. Panels divide the preoral section into four tissue blocks: hypopharynx, epipharynx, and two lateral blocks of questionable homological identity. Those between the hypopharynx and lateral blocks are fluted into “holsters. ” Holsters are extended into the postoral section as “loading sleeves. ” Together, both house the stylets. Stylet manipulation muscles are attached to them, not to the stylets themselves. Loading sleeves also function to guide presumptive stylets into their functional positions during a molt. Rods are located in the postoral section, and they form “ecdysial gaps” which also assist in molting. Stylets converge toward the preoral orifice, designed to interlock the maxillars and redirect the mandibulars to their flanks to form a “stylet bundle,” and rotate the bundle 90° so that it can curve, about its most-bendable axis, into a cuticular pouch or “crumena” on exit.
A New Extraordinary Genus of Ricaniidae from the Seychelles (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

Abstract. A new extraordinary monotypic genus of Ricaniidae is described from Mahé Island (The Seychelles archipelago) with a new species Mahecania trinigromaculata gen. et sp. nov. Photographs, drawings and SEM images are presented. Discussion is provided on unique and rare characters presented for this genus.
Seed Culture of Aromatic Rice Varieties Under Salt Stress

Dehusked seeds of five aromatic rice varieties were placed on MS medium supplemented with NaCl and Na 2 SO 4 salts at four different levels (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%) to observe the callus induction and plant regeneration responses. For callus induction MS medium was supplemented with 2 mg/L 2, 4 D while for plant regeneration MS medium was supplemented with 1 mg/L NAA and BAP. All the genotypes presented significant variation in callus induction and plant regeneration responses. Callus induction and plant regeneration percentage decreased with the increase of salt doses. Among the tested varieties, in most of the cases, Kalijira performed the best both for callus induction and plant regeneration at different levels of salts (0 - 0.6%). It was concluded that salt tolerant aromatic rice varieties can be evolved applying salt stress in in vitro condition.