Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whitefly control potential of Eretmocerus parasitoids with different reproductive modes

A major component of the evaluation of biological control agents is the study and comparison of their biology, including the reproductive mode. In hymenopteran parasitoids, reproductive modes include thelytoky and arrhenotoky. Since a thelytokous population produces only females, it is assumed that they may be better suited for biological control than an arrhenotokous population. Here we compare the effects of these two modes of reproduction on life-history parameters in the whitefly parasitoid Eretmocerus mundus. We also determined biological parameters of two populations of E. mundus on three host plants (tomato, poinsettia and gerbera) under laboratory conditions, to be able to evaluate the effect of the host plant on the parasitoid. In all situations the developmental times of nymphal stages were not significantly different. Females lived longer on tomato than on poinsettia and gerbera. The number of progeny of both parasitoid populations was highest on tomato, lowest on gerbera and intermediate on poinsettia. Reproduction is high during the first twodays of the female’s life for both populations on the different host plants; thereafter it decreases quickly. Arrhenotokous females had a higher fecundity than thelytokous ones. The sex ratio for the arrhenotokous population was 50/50 on the three host plants, while we could find only a few males for the thelytokous population. The intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) was highest on tomato, intermediate on poinsettia and lowest on gerbera, and similar for the arrhenotokous and the thelytokous populations. The results will be discussed in the framework of selecting the best Eretmocerus species/strain for biological control of whitefly. Introduction Whiteflies are a serious pest of vegetable, ornamental, and agronomic crops throughout the world. They have caused enormous damage to many crops during the past century (Gerling, 1990; Gerling and Mayer, 1996). Control of whiteflies with chemical pesticides is often problematic because of the wide occurrence of resistance (e.g. Palumbo et al., 2001). Therefore, during the past decades, much research was directed at finding efficient natural enemies of whiteflies (for overviews, see Gerling 1990; Gerling & Mayer, 1995; Gerling et al., 2001). Among different categories of natural enemies to control whiteflies (e.g. predators, parasitoids and microbial agents), parasitoids are the most successful (van Lenteren, 1990; Gerling et al., 2001). So far, several solitary parasitoids of the genera Encarsia, Amitus, and Eretmocerus have
Reproductive biology of crustaceans : case studies of decapod crustaceans

An Overview Phylogeny Biology and Ecology of Crustaceans (Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Crustacea Aspects in Population and Aquaculture Genetics in Crustaceans Reproduction of Crustaceans in Relation to Fisheries Mating Behaviour Endocrine Control of Female Reproduction Male Reproductive Hormones Nutrition in Relation to Reproduction in Crustaceans Coordination of Reproduction and Molt in Decapods Reproductive Biology and Growth of Marine Lobsters Male and Female Reproduction in Penaeid Shrimps Reproduction and Growth of Decapod Crustaceans in Relation to Aquaculture The Crustacean Nephrops norvegicus: Growth and Reproductive Behaviour Implementation of Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA), Cause & Effect Diagram, HACCP and ISO 22000 to the Reproductive Cycle of Crustaceans in Cultured Conditions
Evaluation of the role of PGIPs in plant defense responses

Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) selectively inhibit polygalacturonases (PGs) secreted by invading plant pathogenic fungi. PGIPs display differential inhibition towards PGs from different fungi, also towards different isoforms of PGs originating from a specific pathogen. Recently, a PGIP-encoding gene from Vitis vinifera (Vvpgip1) was isolated and characterised. PGIP purified from grapevine was shown to inhibit crude polygalacturonase extracts from Botrytis cinerea, but this inhibitory activity has not yet been linked conclusively to the activity of the Vvpgip1 gene product. Here we use a transgenic over-expression approach to show that the PGIP encoded by the Vvpgip1 gene is active against PGs of B. cinerea and that overexpression of this gene in transgenic tobacco confers a reduced susceptibility to infection by this pathogen. A calculated reduction in disease susceptibility of 47–69% was observed for a homogeneous group of transgenic lines that was statistically clearly separated from untransformed control plants following infection with Botrytis over a 15-day-period. VvPGIP1 was subsequently purified from transgenic tobacco and used to study the specific inhibition profile of individual PGs from Botrytis and Aspergillus. The heterologously expressed and purified VvPGIP1 selectively inhibited PGs from both A. niger and B. cinerea, including BcPG1, a PG from B. cinerea that has previously been shown to be essential for virulence and symptom development. Altogether our data confirm the antifungal nature of the VvPGIP1, and the in vitro inhibition data suggest at least in part, that the VvPGIP1 contributed to the observed reduction in disease symptoms by inhibiting the macerating action of Dirk A. Joubert and Ana R. Slaughter contributed equally to this work. D. A. Joubert AE J. V. W. Becker AE M. A. Vivier (&) Department of Viticulture & Oenology, Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa e-mail: mav@sun.ac. za A. R. Slaughter Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Botany, University of Neuchatel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2007 Neuchatel, Switzerland G. Kemp Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa C. Bergmann Complex Carbohydrate Research Centre, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-4712, USA G. H. Krooshof AE J. Benen Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6703 HA, The Netherlands I. S. Pretorius The Australian Wine Research Institute, Waite Road, Urrbrae, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia Transgenic Res DOI 10.1007/s11248-006-9019-1
Quantum Entropic Gravity with Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity : A First Approach with Bijective Physics

The purpose of this paper is to find a quantum formulation of entropic gravity, incorporating the bijective theory. In a first part, we will describe the basis of the bijective theory. In a second part, we will incorporate the stress energy quantum tensor defined in the linear approximation of the Einstein’s equation in its quantum version to entropy. In the third part, we will integrate the bijective theory with the newly created relativistic quantum entropy. This will lead us four part where we will formalize quantum entropic gravity.
An Assessment of Genetic Relationships in Cultivated Tea Clones and Native Wild Tea in Taiwan Using RAPD and ISSR Markers

Tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] O. Kuntze) is an important beverage crop in Taiwan. Most of the cultivated clones were introduced from China and India though some native wild teas are distributed in the mountains of central and southern Taiwan. In this study, 37 tea samples were evaluated using RAPD and ISSR markers. The samples comprised 21 clones of China, 3 clones of Assam, 7 hybrid clones between China and Assam tea, and 6 individual samples of native Taiwanese wild tea. A total of 53 and 56 polymorphic RAPD and ISSR markers respectively, were scored. The results of cluster analysis based on RAPDs revealed that three major groups could be recognized, i.e., cultivars of China tea and the cultivars developed in Taiwan from hybridization and selection; Assam tea; native Taiwanese wild tea. The native Taiwanese wild teas were, however, most distant in the clustering tree. In the ISSR dendrogram, Taiwanese native wild teas clustered closely with Assam tea then with China tea and the Taiwanese hybrid cultivars. The population gene diversity of the native wild tea was found to be the highest among the three populations studied. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the variance component within groups was larger than that among groups. The correlation coefficient between similarity matrices based on RAPD and ISSR was 0.811. A Mantel test revealed that the correlation was highly significant (P＜0.001), indicating good congruence between the results of these two molecular markers.
Character state variation in a new genus and species of Thripidae (Insecta: Thysanoptera) associated with Chamaedorea (Arecaceae) inflorescences in Central America

A new genus and species of the insect Order Thysanoptera is described from Central America. The species, Brooksithrips chamaedoreae breeds in the male inflorescences of Chamaedorea palms. Specimens from both Costa Rica and Belize were studied. The most closely related genus appears to be Bravothrips Johansen, a genus of five described flower-living species from Mexico and Costa Rica.
Protein a from Staphylococcus Aureus

Protein A from the cell walls of Staphylococcus aureus reacts with the Fc part of certain immunoglobulins from several species. Tetranitromethane has been used for the quantitative nitration of the four tyrosyl residues in protein A. The nitrotyrosines formed were subsequently reduced to the corresponding amino-tyrosyl groups with sodium dithionite. After nitration, protein A lost almost completely its original reactivity towards the Fc fragments of IgG while amino-protein A retained about 40% of its activity, as estimated by quantitative single immunodiffusion tests against normal dog serum. The activity towards rabbit anti-protein A serum was not changed, while neither nitro protein A nor amino protein A agglutinated sensitized sheep red blood cells. The significance of the tyrosines in the active sites of protein A is discussed.
What do We Know About Cancer Stem Cells? Utilizing Colon Cancer as an Example

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that begins locally before spreading and developing extended metastasis. The initial tumor initiation and development is the results of a cells dysfunction which occurs when accumulated genetic abnormalities transform a normal cell into a tumoral cell with the ability of self-renewal and proliferation. While the exact chronology of this evolution remains unknown, two major models of tumor cell initiation have been proposed (figure 1) (Wang and Dick, 2005): In the stochastic model, each cell contains a low but similar probability to acquire the necessary genetic mutations resulting in the capacity of proliferation and survival. During the life of the cell, accidentals genetics modifications or mutations may occur and result in the acquisition of the self-renewal potential and thus the ability to sustain neoplasic growth. Then, throughout clonal evolution, cells are subjected to further genetic variations resulting in a heterogeneous tumor. In this model, the relative genetic instability of tumoral cells accounts for the cellular heterogeneity. In the Stem cell model, each cell has a different probability of acquiring a specific tumoral phenotype. As a result, beyond a simple monoclonal expansion of transformed cells, tumors are more likely considered as a complex tissue where tumor initiation and growth is driven by a minority of tumor cells. This population of initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSC) is functionally distinct and exhibit specific activated pathways compared to the bulk cells. CSC’s display specific properties such as the capability of self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and capacity to differentiate. The progeny cells which composed the bulk part of the tumor undergo specific genetic or epigenetic changes resulting in their limited capacity to divide and survive. In this model, these genetic changes are not rules by accidental genetic events but more likely driven by specific regulations pathways. While the origin of these CSC remains unknown, it is hypothesized that they derive from normal tissue stem cells, or from partially differentiated progenitor cells acquiring unlimited self-renewal potential. Stem cells seem to be the ideal candidates to support this model because of their long life span, which allows for the accumulation of multiple mutations events contrary to the differentiated one. In hematological malignancies, tumor-initiating cells have been identify and strongly supports the stem cells model. In solid tumors, emergent observations argue for this theory but still require further investigation and validation.
Morphological Differentiation of the Microvasculature During Follicular Development, Ovulation and Luteinization of Mouse Ovaries

The chronological changes of the microvasculature during follicular development, ovulation and luteinization of mouse ovaries were examined by observation of serial histological sections, lectin angiographs and resin‐corrosion casts. Graafian follicles possessing oocytes with germinal vesicles were surrounded by a few layers of basket‐like capillary wreath adjacent to the follicular basement membrane. Just before ovulation 11–12 hr after hCG administration, some theca cells differentiated into hypertrophic cells, and the follicular basement membrane underwent fragmentation. Then the capillaries within the theca interna became dilated, and hyperpermeable and appeared to be injured. The capillary wreath extended into the follicle via the hypertrophied theca interna. After ovulation, the follicular wall became markedly edematous. Capillary branches invaded the granulosa cell layer of the ruptured follicle from the region of extravasation to form an intricate capillary network. The capillary network occupied the whole corpus luteum until 24 hr after hCG administration.
Formalization of the Process of Collecting Overdue Accounts Receivable for Coal Mining Enterprises

This article examines the possibility of automatic collection of overdue receivables using the example of coal producers in the course of legal collection and enforcement proceedings. Researchers used system and business analysis to examine generation of information in the absence of formalized data correlations by formulae and the existence of this information only in the form of management decisions and actions in response to recent developments. At the same time, management decisions and actions are linked in a specific sequence and are regulated by the deadlines at each stage of these events, detailed in both statutory and other enterprise regulations. Using the infological model the researchers proposed to create an automated workplace that ensures timely information support of litigation work and enforcement proceedings in collection of overdue receivables, as for each debtor or contract, and in general for all claims.
Stimulation of Mn2+ Oxidation in Leptothrix discophora SS-1 by Cu2+ and Sequence Analysis of the Region Flanking the Gene Encoding Putative Multicopper Oxidase MofA

The effect of Cu2+ on the Mn2+-oxidizing activity secreted by Leptothrix discophora strain SS-1 was studied. Cu2+ stimulated the activity of spent medium from stationary cultures when added during growth of the bacteria, although cell yield decreased with increasing Cu2+ concentrations. The stimulation was tentatively explained by involvement of the putative multicopper oxidase MofA in Mn2+ oxidation. Cu2+ did not enhance the activity when added directly to spent medium, possibly because the ions had to be incorporated during synthesis of the oxidizing factor. Sequence analysis of the region downstream from the mofA gene resulted in identification of mofB, which encodes a protein with a potential peptidyl-prolyl-cis-trans isomerase site, and mofC, which encodes a protein with a potential heme-binding site. The possibility that mofA, mofB, and mofC belong to one operon, and the possible functions of MofB and MofC, are discussed.
Utility of 18S rDNA and ITS sequences as population markers for Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda: Caligidae) parasitising Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Scotland

Genetic differentiation within the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1837), was investigated by the sequencing of specific nucleotide regions. Partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) region from single sea lice were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lice were collected from wild and farmed Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L., 1758) from nine selected localities around the Scottish coastline. A 0.9kb fragment of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and compared for several samples of lice which showed no observable differences between the lice from different collection sites confirming the absence of cryptic species. The 454 nucleotide ITS-1 sequence showed differences between derived sequences from 13 sea lice samples from 4 collection sites which included 2 farm sites and 2 sites where lice were taken from wild fish. Across all samples, there was a 92.14% similarity in the ITS-1 sequence. The percentage similarity in the ITS-1 sequence in samples office from two fish farms were 99.71% (site A) and 95.72% (site D) but only 86.90% (site B) and 86.03% (site C) similarity was shown in lice samples taken from sites where wild salmonids were caught. The greater similarity between the ITS-1 sequence within farm sites may be attributed to a restricted gene flow within lice populations in Atlantic salmon cage sites.
Distribution of Methanotrophs in Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Aquifers in a Natural Gas Field

The distribution of methanotrophs was examined in shallow aquifers contaminated with trichloroethylene in the southern Kanto gas field, Chiba, Japan. The total populations of methanotrophs and the numbers of methanotrophs producing soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) were determined separately. Hydrostratigraphic units of a Pleistocene to Holocene stratum consisted of three aquifers separated by nontransmissive silt layers. Dissolved methane concentrations increased with depth and were highest in the third aquifer. The number of methanotrophs was higher in the second aquifer than in the first aquifer. A clear relationship was observed between microbial populations and lithofacies. The greatest abundance of methanotrophs was observed in the coarse sand layers of the second aquifer, with the lowest abundance observed in silt layers. The high abundance of methanotrophs in the coarse sand in the second aquifer implied that this part of the stratum plays an important role in in situ bioremediation.
Acidic Cave-Wall Biofilms Located in the Frasassi Gorge, Italy

Acidic biofilms present on cave walls in the sulfidic region of the Frasassi Gorge, Italy, were investigated to determine their microbial composition and their potential role in cave formation and ecosystem functioning. All biofilm samples examined had pH values < 1.0. Scanning electron microscopy of the biofilms revealed the presence of various filaments and rods associated in large clusters with mineral crystals. Qualitative energy-dispersive x-ray analysis was used to determine that the crystals present on the cave walls, associated with the microbial biofilm, were composed of calcium and barium sulfate. Ribosomal RNA-based methods to determine the microbial composition of these biofilms revealed the presence of at least two strains of potential acidophilic, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, belonging to the genera Thiobacillus and Sulfobacillus. An acid-producing strain of Thiobacillus sp. also was obtained in pure culture. Stable isotope ratio analysis of carbon and nitrogen showed that the wall biofilms are isotopically light, suggesting that in situ chemoautotrophic activity plays an important role in this subsurface ecosystem.
Featureless quantum paramagnet with frustrated criticality and competing spiral magnetism on spin-1 honeycomb lattice magnet

We study the spin-1 honeycomb lattice magnets with frustrated exchange interactions. The proposed microscopic spin model contains first and second neighbor Heisenberg interactions as well as the single-ion anisotropy. We establish a rich phase diagram that includes a featureless quantum paramagnet and various spin spiral states induced by the mechanism of order by quantum disorder. Although the quantum paramagnet is dubbed featureless, it is shown that, the magnetic excitations develop a contour degeneracy in the reciprocal space at the band minima. These contour degenerate excitations are responsible for the frustrated criticality from the quantum paramagnet to the ordered phases. This work illustrates the effects of magnetic frustration on both magnetic orderings and the magnetic excitations. We discuss the experimental relevance to various Ni-based honeycomb lattice magnets.
Optimization of two-level methods for DG discretizations of reaction-diffusion equations

We analyze and optimize two-level methods applied to a symmetric interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin finite element discretization of a singularly perturbed reaction-diffusion equation. Previous analyses of such methods have been performed numerically by Hemker et. al. for the Poisson problem. Our main innovation is that we obtain explicit formulas for the optimal relaxation parameter of the two-level method for the Poisson problem in 1D, and very accurate closed form approximation formulas for the optimal choice in the reaction-diffusion case in all regimes. Our Local Fourier Analysis, which we perform at the matrix level to make it more accessible to the linear algebra community, shows that for DG penalization parameter values used in practice, it is better to use cell block-Jacobi smoothers of Schwarz type, in contrast to earlier results suggesting that point block-Jacobi smoothers are preferable, based on a smoothing analysis alone. Our analysis also reveals how the performance of the iterative solver depends on the DG penalization parameter, and what value should be chosen to get the fastest iterative solver, providing a new, direct link between DG discretization and iterative solver performance. We illustrate our analysis with numerical experiments and comparisons in higher dimensions and different geometries.
Multi-choice Dialogue-Based Reading Comprehension with Knowledge and Key Turns

Multi-choice machine reading comprehension (MRC) requires models to choose the correct answer from candidate options given a passage and a question. Our research focuses dialogue-based MRC, where the passages are multi-turn dialogues. It suffers from two challenges, the answer selection decision is made without support of latently helpful commonsense, and the multi-turn context may hide considerable irrelevant information. This work thus makes the first attempt to tackle those two challenges by extracting substantially important turns and utilizing external knowledge to enhance the representation of context. In this paper, the relevance of each turn to the question are calculated to choose key turns. Besides, terms related to the context and the question in a knowledge graph are extracted as external knowledge. The original context, question and external knowledge are encoded with the pre-trained language model, then the language representation and key turns are combined together with a will-designed mechanism to predict the answer. Experimental results on a DREAM dataset show that our proposed model achieves great improvements on baselines.