Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
(Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 21:368-374)Organic amendment of commercial culture media for improving control of Rhizoctonia damping-off of cabbage

Rhizoctonia solani AG-4 is an important damping-off pathogen of cabbage. Using a baiting technique, R. solani was recovered from the cabbage seeds buried in nine commercial culture media. The frequency of seed colonization by R. solani varied with medium, ranging from 2.5% in Nev-3 to 30% in Floradur A and SI 2; the seeds were examined after being buried for 48 h. Among the five formulated organic compounds tested as amendment for the commercial BVB No. 4 medium, FBN-5A was most effective in controlling damping-off. Although both rates of FBN- 5A, 0.1% and 0.2%, significantly reduced incidence of damping-off, FBN-5A at 0.1% was the more suitable treatment because it not only reduced the disease incidence, but also enhanced the growth of cabbage. The results were confirmed in a large-scale experiment in a commercial automatic environment-controlled greenhouse. This study suggests that the FBN-5A compound offers potential for commercial use as an organic amendment for the management of Rhizoctonia damping-o.
Determining the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity for adjusting boundary conditions of FEM model.

One of modern way of the heat treatment process of agricultural tools such as chisels or tines is FEM modelling. FEM models needs the accurate boundary conditions for successful solution. Specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are important parameters for the design of the physical properties of heat treatment. These parameters are used for the formation of the temperature field during the cooling process at the heat treatment. More accurate parameters allow you to better estimate the final microstructure in the entire cross-section of the material. Specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are known from material sheets, but they are stated as constant values. This is the reason why this work is focused on the determination of specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of steel during the quenching. For the experiment in this work was chosen material 25CrMo4. The values of specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity were determined by comparing the experimentally measured cooling curves and cooling curves generated by the mathematical model. The dependences of specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity were compared in temperature, so that the relationships of cooling curves were statistically significant under alfa level 0.05.
POPULATION GENETICS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY CERATITIS CAPITATA IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA: INVASION POTENTIAL AND DISPERSAL ABILITY

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a highly invasive species throughout the world and considered as one of the most successful agricultural and economical pests. The increase of global trade in fruit and human travel combined with the biology of the medfly has allowed the species to spread from its proposed Afrotropical origin, to a number of locations throughout the world. In the Western Cape various control strategies have been implemented to control medfly populations, including insecticides and more environmentally-friendly techniques such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). In order to be effective, however, an SIT program requires some knowledge of the population structure and the movement of individuals between pest-occupied sites. The identification of sites from which re-invasion is most likely to occur and knowledge regarding the primary routes through which pests are likely to re-establish are critical to ensure successful SIT programmes. To provide this important information to SIT and area-wide pest control programs in South Africa, sampling at two different spatial scales (regionaland fine-scale) in South Africa was undertaken. Regional scale sampling was done at 13 locations in the Western Cape and fine scale sampling was done at 13 locations within the Ceres-valley. All individuals were genotyped at 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers and selected individuals from the regional scale were sequenced for the mitochondrial gene COI. Our results show that populations at regionaland fine-scale in the Western Cape are characterized by high levels of genetic diversity (HEregional = 0.805; HEfine = 0.803). Little or weak population differentiation was detected at the regionaland fine-scales, suggesting overall high levels of gene flow among sampling locations. These findings were supported by coalescent based methods indicating sufficient levels of gene flow to prevent population differentiation between neighbouring (200 m) and distant (350 km) populations. However, natural dispersal in C. capitata has been shown to rarely exceed 10 km. As such, high levels of gene flow between distant populations are more likely the result of humanmediated dispersal, linked to the movement of fresh produce within South Africa. This high level of gene flow has important implications for pest management practices, as my results suggests that Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
A late Neolithic expansion of Y chromosomal haplogroup O2a1‐M95 from east to west

The origin and dispersal of Y‐Chromosomal haplogroup O2a1‐M95, distributed across the Austro Asiatic speaking belt of East and South Asia, are yet to be fully understood. Various studies have suggested either an East Indian or Southeast Asian origin of O2a1‐M95. We addressed the issue of antiquity and dispersal of O2a1‐M95 by sampling 8748 men from India, Laos, and China and compared them to 3307 samples from other intervening regions taken from the literature. Analyses of haplogroup frequency and Y‐STR data on a total 2413 O2a1‐M95 chromosomes revealed that the Laos samples possessed the highest frequencies of O2a1‐M95 (74% with >0.5) and its ancestral haplogroups (O2*‐P31, O*‐M175) as well as a higher proportion of samples with 14STR‐median haplotype (17 samples in 14 populations), deep coalescence time (5.7 ± 0.3 Kya) and consorted O2a1‐M95 expansion evidenced from STR evolution. All these suggested Laos to carry a deep antiquity of O2a1‐M95 among the study regions. A serial decrease in expansion time from east to west: 5.7 ± 0.3 Kya in Laos, 5.2 ± 0.6 in Northeast India, and 4.3 ± 0.2 in East India, suggested a late Neolithic east to west spread of the lineage O2a1‐M95 from Laos.
Ancient DNA: the next generation – chapter and verse

As the field of ancient DNA (aDNA) enters its third decade, it is perhaps time to reflect on the amazing transformation that it has undergone. During the first two decades, analyses of aDNA were mainly focussed on mitochondrial and/or chloroplast DNA as a result of their multicopy abundance in the cell, making retrieval and reproducibility much easier. Study of mitochondrial DNA through time allows evolutionary relationships between species to be resolved, molecular clocks to be calibrated, the geographical origins of samples to be revealed, and the investigation of demographic histories. However, not until the advent of massive parallel sequencing [also know as second-generation sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS)] was possible to retrieve and study nuclear DNA on a more routine base. Ancient nuclear DNA can additionally be used to identify extinct phenotypes, assess the degree of admixture, and examine selection pressures. This is a short review of what has been, what may come, and how aDNA has influenced NGS. Although examples from archaeology are used to illustrate the impact of NGS technologies on the field, this approach has also been successfully applied to a range of disciplines, such as medicine and wildlife forensics.
The Fundamentals of Brain Development: Integrating Nature and Nurture

*1. The Central Questions about Psychological and Biological Development *2. The Gene: Evolution of a Concept *3. Initial Patterning of the Embryonic Brain: Formation of the Neural Plate *4. Initial Patterning of the Embryonic Brain: Formation of the Neural Tube *5. Molecular Patterning of the Primary Spatial Dimensions of the Embryo *6. The Production of Brain Cells: Neurons and Glia *7. Neuronal Migration and Neuronal Differentiation *8. Shaping the Emerging Cortical Network: The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors *9. Late Prenatal and Postnatal Changes in Human Brain Structure *10. Plasticity and the Role of Experience in Neocortical Development *11. The Importance of Brain Development for Psychology * Index
Comparison of the toxicokinetics of daidzein and bisphenol A in pregnant and non-pregnant DA/Han rats

Potentially adverse human and environmental effects due to hormone mimicry of environmental estrogens are a matter of current concern. Environmental estrogens belong to the socalled endocrine active compounds (EAC) and may alter signalling processes of the endocrine system leading to a broad range of effects during fetal and postnatal development, puberty, adulthood, and aging. A number of synthetic chemicals as well as several plant-derived compounds, socalled phytoestrogens, are known to have weak estrogenic activity. The present study is part of the risk assessment of the weak environmental estrogens daidzein and bisphenol A. The isoflavone daidzein is an important phytoestrogen with respect to dietary exposure (soy beans and soy products) whereas bisphenol A is an industrial chemical that occurs at much lower concentrations as a contaminant in food. The toxicokinetics of these compounds in female pregnant and non-pregnant DA/Han rats after single intravenous application were compared by the use of the Mann-Whitney- U-statistic.
RECURRENCE RELATIONS FOR HIGHER ORDER MOMENTS OF A COMPOUND BINOMIAL RANDOM VARIABLE

We present new recurrence formulas for the raw and central moments of a compound binomial random variable. Our approach involves relating two compound binomial random variables that have parameters with a difference of 1 for the number of trials, but which have the same parameters for the success probability for each trial. As a consequence of our recursions, the raw and central moments of a binomial random variable are obtained in a recursive manner without the use of Stirling numbers.
Calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in layer 5 interneurons of the mouse visual cortex

Cortical sensory processing is widely studied in the visual cortex. Such processing depends on specific neuronal connectivity, and the reliable activation of inhibitory interneurons. Excitatory connections onto both excitatory and inhibitory neurons exhibit synaptic plasticity thought to underlie circuit refinement and function. The mechanisms of induction and expression of short- and long-term plasticity can differ between neurons and depend on synapse-specific differences in molecular machinery. Compared to synapses onto principal cells, less is known about plasticity at synapses onto inhibitory neurons. In part, this reflects difficulties of classifying these diverse cells. Mechanistically, postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors are necessary for most forms of plasticity. However, in the hippocampus, postsynaptic amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) of the calcium-permeable (CP-) subtype are thought to underlie a form of non-Hebbian plasticity. I sought to examine the expression of CP-AMPARs at synapses onto the two major classes of inhibitory interneuron in layer 5 of the mouse visual cortex, Basket cells (BCs) and Martinotti cells (MCs). I made patch-clamp recordings from cells in acute brain slices from wild-type and transgenic animals. Interneurons were distinguished using laser scanning two-photon microscopy to characterize their defining patterns of axonal arborisation, and voltage recording to determine their characteristic firing properties. To examine synaptic AMPARs, I recorded miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, determined their kinetic properties, their rectification due to voltage-dependent block by intracellular polyamines, and their sensitivity to the selective blocker of CP-AMPARs, 1-naphthyl acetyl spermine. I also used antibody labelling to examine the presence of the GluA2 subunit in the two interneuron classes. Although MCs proved less amenable to voltage-clamp recording than did BCs, my findings indicate the presence of CP-AMPARs in BCs but not in MCs, suggesting distinct activation of these two inhibitory inputs to Pyramidal cells. I conclude by discussing the likely influence of differential CP-AMPAR expression on the dynamics of the cortical network.
Fruit‐feeding Butterfly Communities are Influenced by Restoration Age in Tropical Forests

Currently, a large‐scale restoration project aims to restore around 15 million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. This will increase forest cover and connectivity among remnant sites as well as restore environmental services. Currently, studies on recovery of fauna in restored areas of the Atlantic Forest are practically nonexistent. To address this knowledge vacuum, our study compares diversity patterns of fruit‐feeding butterflies in three forest areas with different restoration ages (11, 22, and 54 years), and uses a native forest area as reference. Results showed butterfly communities in maturing restored areas becoming more similar to the ones found in the native forest, with an increase in the proportional abundance of forest species, and a decrease of edge and grassland species. Moreover, we found a higher diversity among sites at the intermediate restoration age, with a community composed of both grassland and forest species. Butterfly species composition differed significantly among sites, showing interesting patterns of potential species replacement over time. Our results indicate that, although restored sites were located in a fragmented landscape, they provide suitable habitats for recolonization by fruit‐feeding butterfly assemblages. Hence, restored areas can be considered important habitat for forest animal species, increasing local biodiversity and, possibly, restoring some of the ecosystem services provided by them.
Something's bugging butterfly bush in Tasmania.

Buddleja davidii, (Franch. (Buddlejaceae), butterfly bush or buddleia) is a native of central China that has become a notorious weed in many temperate and Mediterranean regions. In Tasmania, Australia, B. davidii has only been recorded as an incidental naturalised plant, restricted mainly to gardens. The performance of B. davidii in New Zealand (NZ) under similar climates to Tasmania indicates that it has the potential to become a major pest in Tasmanian forests. Despite the paucity of natural enemies in Tasmania, it has not yet displayed the expected weedy characteristics there. The reasons for this lack of vigour in Tasmania are clearly non-climatic and could include a lack of suitable pollinators or a maladapted genotype. Depending upon the cause of the present behaviour, different management responses may be appropriate. If the Tasmanian population is genetically benign, then the most appropriate response may be to ignore current plantings and focus upon preventing the introduction of other genotypes into Tasmania. Alternatively, it may be better to eradicate B. davidii in Tasmania whilst the option remains viable and prevent further introductions that could include more invasive genotypes.
Genetic studies of reproductive and biochemical traits in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) divergently selected for semen ejaculate volume

Genetic variation in embryonic mortality expressed as embryos that pip their eggshell but do not hatch, was investigated in turkeys selected for low and high semen ejaculate volume (SEV). Through five generations (Generations 10 to 14, inclusive) mean heritability estimates for pipped eggs were . 21 and . 08 in the lowand high-SEV lines respectively. Estimates of sire, dam and within hatch components of variance suggest greater environmental and maternal effects than genetic influences on the incidence of pipped eggs in turkeys. (
Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale & Roughley), filtration of shrimp farm effluent: the effects on water quality

Shrimp pond effluent water can contain higher concentrations of dissolved nutrients and suspended particulates than the influent water. Consequently, there are concerns about adverse environmental impacts on coastal waters caused by eutrophication and increased turbidity. One potential method of improving effluent water quality prior to discharge or recirculation is to use bivalves to filter the effluent. In this study, we examined the effects of the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale & Roughley), on the water quality of shrimp pond effluent. Effluent from a shrimp farm stocked with Penaeus japonicus (Bate) was pumped directly into 34-L tanks stocked with different densities of oysters. Combinations of live and dead oysters were used to test the effects of three different densities of live oysters (24, 16 and 8 live oysters per tank). The concentrations of total suspended solids, the proportion of organic and inorganic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, chlorophyll a and the total number of bacteria in the pond effluent water were determined before and after filtration by oysters. The oysters significantly reduced the concentration of all the parameters examined, with the highest oyster density having the greatest effect. Shrimp pond effluent contained a higher proportion of inorganic matter (72%) than organic matter (28%). The organic component appeared to be mainly detritus, with chlorophyll a comprising only a minor proportion. Filtration by the high density of oysters reduced the effluent total suspended solids to 49% of the initial level, the bacterial numbers to 58%, total nitrogen to 80% and total phosphorous to 67%. The combined effects of settlement and oyster filtration reduced the concentration of chlorophyll a to 8% of the initial effluent value.
Controlled Atmosphere Temperature Treatment as Sustainable Alternative to Control Strawberry Tarsenomid Mites and Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Strawberry Plants

High qualified strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) planting material, mainly for export, is produced by Dutch growers on circa 1100 ha field area in The Netherlands. Planting stock must be destroyed if strawberry tarsonemid mite (Phytonemus pallidus) or infection by the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne hapla is found by the Dutch Quality Board. Also the nematode Pratylenchus penetrans can attack strawberry plants severely. The presence of tarsonemid mites in plant material can result in a considerable loss of production. Until 2007 in The Netherlands mother planting stock for runner production was treated with methyl bromide (MeBr) to eliminate tarsonemids. This chemical disinfestation method is banned since 2008. From 2007 the choice was made to optimize the Controlled Atmosphere Temperature Treatment (CATT) to provide a non-chemical and sustainable method for future disinfestation. By application of CATT during 48 h at a temperature of 35°C and 50% CO2 mortality of the tarsonemid mites is over 99.8%. No harmful irreversible results of CATT on vitality of mother plants in the field and runner production are found. From 2009 CATT is up scaled to a commercial level and widely applied by Dutch producers of planting stock. As a spin-off also plant parasitic nematodes are reduced by application of CATT. Understanding of the influence of different factors during CATT creates also possibilities for optimization this treatment to control P. penetrans and M. hapla in strawberry plants or in the soil particles attached to the roots. Application of an optimized CATT can prevent further dispersion of these plant parasitic nematodes in the strawberry chain.
Survival and growth of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish at low salinities

Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish [Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) and P. miles (Bennett, 1828)] are now established throughout the Western North Atlantic. Several studies have documented negative effects of lionfish on marine fauna including significant changes to reef fish community composition. Established populations of lionfish have been documented in several estuaries, and there is concern that the species may invade other low-salinity environments where they could potentially affect native fauna. To gain a better understanding of their lowsalinity tolerance, we exposed lionfish to four salinities [5, 10, 20 and 34 (control)]. No lionfish mortality was observed at salinities of 34, 20 or 10, but all fish died at salinity = 5 within 12 days. Lionfish survived for at least a month at a salinity of 10 and an average of about a week at 5. Fish started the experiment at an average mass of 127.9 g, which increased at a rate of 0.55 g per day while they were alive, regardless of salinity treatment. Our research indicated lionfish can survive salinities down to 5 for short periods and thus may penetrate and persist in a variety of estuarine habitats. Further study is needed on effects of salinity levels on early life stages (eggs, larvae).
Human Microevolution and the Atlantic Slave Trade

Populations derived from the Atlantic slaving process provide unique opportunities for studying key evolutionary determinants of current patterns of human cultural and biological variation. Examination of the genetic patterning of the small plantation island of São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea) using a study design that avoids the use of preconceived ethno‐linguistic labels to define genetic sampling units reveals that, despite the fact that maximum distance between any two sampled sites is less than 50 km, the island has an unusual level of genetic structure that is mainly caused by the grouping of Angolar Creole‐speakers in a separate cluster carrying a distinctive imprint of genetic drift. This pattern may have been shaped by a kin‐structured founder effect associated with the flight of a patrilineal clan of rebel slaves who established a remarkably successful maroon community in the vicinity of the plantation complex. The observation that population‐discontinuous jumps may occur even under social conditions of massive coercive amalgamation provides an illustration of the way in which human clusters emerge and eventually shape the genetic background of human populations.