Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural variation in couch potato mediates rapid evolution of learning and reproduction in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster

Seasonal oscillations in temperate environments between the different selection regimes of winter and summer produce cyclical selection pressures that may drive rapid evolution of diverse traits. We investigated the evolutionary dynamics of learning ability in natural populations over this rapid seasonal timescale. Associative learning was tested in common garden-raised Drosophila melanogaster collected from a natural population in the spring and fall over three consecutive years. The spring flies learned consistently better than fall flies, revealing seasonal evolution of improved learning performance in nature. Fecundity showed the opposite seasonal pattern, suggesting a trade-off between learning and reproduction, which we confirmed at the level of individual females. This trade-off is mediated at least in part by natural polymorphism in the RNA binding protein couch potato (cpo), with a haplotype favored during summer showing poorer learning performance and higher fecundity than a haplotype favored over winter. Thus, seasonal environments can drive rapid cyclical evolution of learning performance, but the evolutionary dynamics may be driven by pleiotropic effects of alleles selected for other reasons. Impact statement Evolution is traditionally considered to be a very slow, gradual process, but recent studies show that some organisms evolve rapidly for a variety of traits. However, there is still little known about the rate at which behaviors evolve in the wild. Complex behaviors may evolve due to their fitness benefits or because natural selection acts on a trait that is genetically correlated with that behavior. Learning ability is an important behavior for many aspects of an organism’s biology, but may be costly and use resources that could be otherwise allocated to other important functions, such as reproduction. We measure learning ability in fruit flies collected from a natural population as it evolves across seasons. We find that the complex behavior of learning ability evolves very fast the wild at the cost of reproduction: the spring populations have higher learning ability but lay fewer eggs compared to the fall. We found that natural variants of the couch potato help mediate the trade-off between reproduction and learning in natural populations. This shows how evolution of complex traits can occur due to selection on genes that affect multiple traits.
Karyotype-environment associations support a role for a chromosomal inversion in local adaptation in the seaweed fly Coelopa frigida

Large chromosomal rearrangements are thought to facilitate adaptation to heterogeneous environments by limiting genomic recombination. Indeed, inversions have been implicated in adaptation along environmental clines and in ecotype specialisation. Here, we combine classical ecological studies and population genetics to investigate an inversion polymorphism previously documented in Europe among natural populations of the seaweed fly Coelopa frigida along a latitudinal cline in North America. We test if the inversion is present in North America and polymorphic, assess which environmental conditions modulate the inversion karyotype frequencies, and document the relationship between inversion karyotype and adult size. We sampled nearly 2,000 flies from 20 populations along several environmental gradients to quantify associations of inversion frequencies to heterogeneous environmental variables. Genotyping and phenotyping showed a widespread and conserved inversion polymorphism between Europe and America. Variation in inversion frequency was significantly associated with environmental factors, with parallel patterns between continents, indicating that the inversion may play a role in local adaptation. The three karyotypes of the inversion are differently favoured across micro-habitats and represent life-history strategies likely maintained by the collective action of several mechanisms of balancing selection. Our study adds to the mounting evidence that inversions are facilitators of adaptation and enhance within-species diversity.
Time course analysis of the brain transcriptome during transitions between brood care and reproduction in the clonal raider ant

Division of labor between reproductive queens and non-reproductive workers that perform brood care is the hallmark of insect societies. However, the molecular basis of this fundamental dichotomy remains poorly understood, in part because the caste of an individual cannot typically be experimentally manipulated at the adult stage. Here we take advantage of the unique biology of the clonal raider ant, Ooceraea biroi, where reproduction and brood care behavior can be experimentally manipulated in adults. To study the molecular regulation of reproduction and brood care, we induced transitions between both states, and monitored brain gene expression at multiple time points. We found that introducing larvae that inhibit reproduction and induce brood care behavior caused much faster changes in adult gene expression than removing larvae. The delayed response to the removal of the larval signal prevents untimely activation of reproduction in O. biroi colonies. This resistance to change when removing a signal also prevents premature modifications in many other biological processes. Furthermore, we found that the general patterns of gene expression differ depending on whether ants transition from reproduction to brood care or vice versa, indicating that gene expression changes between phases are cyclic rather than pendular. Our analyses also identify genes with large and early expression changes in one or both transitions. These genes likely play upstream roles in regulating reproduction and behavior, and thus constitute strong candidates for future molecular studies of the evolution and regulation of reproductive division of labor in insect societies.
First report of Rhizopus oryzae causing fruit rot of yellow oleander in Pakistan

Abstract Yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana J.) is grown as an ornamental shrub in Pakistan. A severe rot was observed on fruit of yellow oleander in different areas of Islamabad, Wah and Taxila, Pakistan during 2014–2015. The causal agent was isolated from infected fruits and its pathogenicity was confirmed from inoculation experiments. The pathogen was identified as Rhizopus oryzae on the basis of its morphological features and rDNA sequence. Blast analysis revealed 99–100% similarity with R. oryzae. This is the first report of rot caused by R. oryzae on yellow oleander.
Boosting saffron (Crocus sativus L.) micro-propagation through in vitro corm production

Lack of availability of quality planting material is hampering the National program of extending saffron area in Morocco. Tissue culture has been found to be a valuable substitute to vegetative propagation due to high proliferation ratio. Corm storage at 35°C has proved to be beneficial not only in making corms more responsive to shooting but also helps in extending corm dormancy thus enabling to remove the bottle neck of available tissue culture protocols being season dependent. These states of dormancy also facilitate the corms disinfection (100%) after been soaked in pure alcohol, and then in 50% bleach solution. Culturing of saffron corms on MS media supplemented with 1.5 mg L-1 BAP + 0.5 mg L-1 NAA helps to produce 12 shoots/corm after 4 weeks. Further sub-culturing on MS + 6.5 mg L-1 BAP + 0.2 mg L-1 NAA promotes shoot multiplication, and thereafter 16 weeks on a MS medium with 3 mg L-1 BAP in combination with 80 g L-1 sucrose leads to microcorm development up to 2 g weight without any dormancy and can be used successfully for a second multiplication cycle. Direct transfer of in vitro corms on peat substratum has been found promising. The in vitro micro-propagation seems to be a very promising technology for saffron production and will help in the diffusion of any genetic progress generated by the current participatory breeding program of saffron in Morocco.
A reinterpretation of the small Captorhinid Reptile Captorhinikos Parvus Olson as a new genus, reanalysis of its cranial anatomy, and a phylogenetic analysis of the basal reptilian family Captorhinidae

The cranial anatomy of the basal captorhinid reptile i Captorhinikos parvus (Reptilia, Captorhinidae), is reinterpreted here based on analysis of a group of new specimens recovered subsequent to it's original diagnosis as well as further analysis of the original specimens utilized in E.C. Olson's (1970) original characterization of the species. Structural features inconsistent with the generic description of Captorhinikos suggest the redefinition of C. parvus as a new genus, Rhodotheratus parvus. Rhodotheratus is represented by: adult material and characterized by it's small size when compared to most other captorhinid species; possession of multiple rows of non-ogival maxillary and mandibular marginal teeth; lack of a supratemporal bone; and the maxillary articulation with palate contacting both palatine and vomer Phylogenetic analyses of basal members and selected derived members of the Captorhinidae support the characterization of Rhodotheratus as a distinct taxon and indicated that it is closely related to the South African
KaryoScan: abnormal karyotype detection from whole-exome sequence

Motivation Detection of abnormal karyotypes from whole-exome sequencing has significant clinical potential, enabling a primary screen for chromosomal anomalies among samples undergoing short-read sequencing for nucleotide resolution genomic characterization. Results We present KaryoScan, a high-throughput method for detecting chromosomal anomalies within large cohort exome sequencing studies. We detect and validate autosomal and sex chromosomal aneuploidies in a large exome sequencing cohort, and demonstrate detection of smaller and complex events (partial chromosome, mosaic, copy neutral, and complex rearrangements), representing the range of anomalies that can be uncovered from the exome. Availability https://github.com/rgcgithub/karyoscan
Hepatoprotective Effect of Ultrafine Powder of Dendrobium officinale against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Guangdong Ocean University, Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Zhanjiang 524088, Guangdong, Peoples R China Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, Peoples R China Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, Peoples R China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, Peoples R China Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou 510520, Guangdong, Peoples R China
Etude de la variabilité intraspécifique de tolérance au stress salin du pois chiche (Cicer arietinum L.) au stade germination

Cette étude à pour objet de comparer le comportement germinatif de quelques génotypes de pois chiche (Cicer arietinum L.), dans des conditions de stress salin. Dans ce cadre, un essai a été conduit sur huit génotypes dont les graines sont soumises sous différentes concentrations de NaCl (0; 34; 68 et 102 mM). Les mesures effectuées ont concerné la cinétique, la vitesse et le taux de germination final. La mobilisation des réserves et la réversibilité de l’action du sel sont également étudiées. Les résultats obtenus suggèrent que la capacité germinative des génotypes n’est pas affectée au niveau du traitement 34 mM de NaCl. Par contre, à des concentrations plus élevées, elle diminue et la vitesse de germination se ralentit. L’augmentation de la concentration saline jusqu’aux doses 68 et 102 mM entrave le processus de mobilisation des réserves et diminue la moyenne de germination journalière. La variabilité intraspécifique de pois chiche vis-à-vis de la salinité est relativement importante. Mais, en présence comme en absence de sel, le génotype FLIP97-254C a montré le meilleur comportement germinatif. Le sel semble agir sur les graines de pois chiche à la fois par ses effets osmotiques, qui sont réversibles, et aussi par ses effets toxiques irréversibles. Etude de la variabilité intraspécifique de tolérance au stress salin du pois chiche (Cicer arietinum L.) au stade germination
Assessment of Acacia auriculiformis cunn. ex benth. seed germination and growth resistance towards arsenic toxicity

Aim: Assess the ability of A. auriculiformis to resist arsenic (As) toxicity during germination and growth. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Department of Biology, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, between September 2016 and May 2017. Methodology: A. auriculiformis seeds were germinated in series of As solutions (50 ppm-100 ppm). Each As concentration contained three replicates and each replicate contained ten seeds. After 15 days, germination analysis such as germination percentage, seedling vigor index, relative injury rate and mean germination time were calculated. Meanwhile, another set of A. auriculiformis’s seeds were germinated using distilled water and planted in soil treated with different As concentration. After 60 days, the plant morphology, chlorophyll content and growth rate were also recorded. Results: The result revealed that, seed germination percentage, seedling vigor index and relative injury rate were significantly reduced at 80-100ppm As concentration, but the mean germination time showed no significant difference between controlled and treated seeds. The growth analysis showed that growth rate and chlorophyll content of treated plants decreased as much as 63.7% and 76.1% respectively. However, all the plants were able to survive up to 100 ppm exposure. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that A. auriculiformis is capable to resist As contamination during germination and growth, thus showing the potential of species to remove As from soil, as a phytoremediator.
PCR detection of Pseudoperonospora humuli and Podosphaera macularis in Humulus lupulus

PATZAK J. (2005): PCR detection of Pseudoperonospora humuli and Podosphaera macularis in Humulus lupulus. Plant Protect. Sci., 41: 141–149. Hop downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli) and hop powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis) are the most important pathogens of hop (Humulus lupulus). The early detection and identification of these pathogens are often made difficult by symptomless or combined infection with another pathogens. Molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA is a novel and very effective method of species determination. Therefore, specific PCR assays were developed to detect the pathogens Pseudoperonospora humuli and Podosphaera macularis in naturally infected hop plants. The specific PCR primer combinations P1 + P2 and S1 + S2 amplified specific fragments from Pseudoperonospora humuli and Podosphaera macularis, respectively, and did not cross-react with hop DNA nor with DNA from other fungi. PCR primer combinations R1 + R2 and R3 + R4 could be used in multiplex PCR detection of Pseudoperonospora humuli, Podosphaera macularis, Verticillium albo-atrum and Fusarium sambucinum. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred for 42 species of the Erysiphales from nuclear rDNA (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2). The molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the species identification of hop powdery mildew. The PCR assays used in this study proved to be accurate and sensitive for detection, identification, classification and disease-monitoring of the major hop pathogens.
A 90-day toxicity and genotoxicity study with high-purity phenylcapsaicin

To evaluate the safety of the synthetic capsaicin analogue phenylcapsaicin (PheCap; 7-phenylhept-6-yne-acid-hydroxy-3-mathoxylbenzylamide, CAS no 848127-67-3), a 90-day repeated dose oral gavage of 0, 30, 100 or 250 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day toxicity study with a 28-day recovery period was conducted using Wistar rats. Examinations of clinical signs, body and organ weight, haematology, urinalysis, clinical chemistry, food consumption and macroscopic, as well as histopathological tissue examinations were carried out for signs of toxicity. Degenerative, but reversible changes in the liver at 250 mg/kg bw/day, and local irritating effects in the stomach at 100 and 250 mg/kg bw/day were found. These findings were associated with test item-related clinical symptoms, that is, diarrhoea, salivation and moving of bedding material. PheCap did neither cause gene mutations by base pair changes or frame shifts in the genome of the tester stains Salmonella typhimurium TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537 or TA 102 nor induce structural and/or numerical chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes. Therefore, it can be concluded that PheCap is not genotoxic. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of PheCap for systemic toxicity is considered to be at 100 mg/kg bw/day which is based on degenerative changes in the liver. Due to irritating effects in the stomach, the NOAEL for local effects was established at 30 mg/kg bw/day.
Haplocotyle japonica n. gen., n. sp. (Monogenea: Microbothriidae) Parasitic on Rhinobatos hynnicephalus (Elasmobranchii: Rajiformes: Rhinobatidae) in Japanese Waters

Haplocotyle japonica n. gen., n. sp. (Monogenea: Microbothriidae) is described from the skin and gill cavity of Rhino-batos hynnicephalus Richardson, 1846 (Elasmobranchii: Rajiformes: Rhinobatidae) in the Seto Inland Sea off Hiroshima Prefecture and the southern Sea of Japan off Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The new genus is closely related to Dermophthirioides Cheung and Nigrelli, 1983 , Dermophthirius MacCallum, 1926, Dermopristis Kearn, Whittington, and Evans-Gowing, 2010 , and Pseudoleptobothrium Young, 1967 in common morphological features (i.e., the anterior extremity of the ootype having a tetrahedral shape, the anterior aperture of a bell-shaped pharynx, and the structure of the male copulatory organ) but differs from the latter four genera by the presence of a single testis and an ovary not looping the intestinal caeca. The phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA sequences suggests that the new species shows affinity with Dermophthirius and Dermopristis. All currently known species of Microbothriidae Price, 1936 are listed, and a key to 12 genera, including Haplocotyle n. gen., of the family is provided.
Comparison of mixed and fixed effects in the analysis of a split plot design in an experiment with Guinea Mombaza (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaza)

Models of fixed and mixed effects were compared in the analysis of a split plot design in an experiment with Guinea Mombaza (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaza), to know the effectiveness of the mixed model as an analysis alternative. The experiment was carried out with a split plot design, considering the harvest months of Guinea Mombaza as the main plot and one control and two levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 50 and 75 %) as subplots. Variance-covariance structures tested were Toeplitz, variance component, compound symmetry, Firts order autoregressive and unstructured variance structure in the mixed model. For a better data fit, Akaike, corrected Akaike and Bayesian information criteria were taken into account, and the lowest value was considered. Variance-covariance structures with the best fit were Toeplitz, component of variance, and unstructured. Probability values of interaction of the main effects were similar for both models, as well as the mean square of the error and standard errors of mean differences. Selection criteria, which were properly fitted to analyzed variables, allowed to know the variance-covariance structure. Mixed model provided standard errors of appropriate mean differences, so it is proposed as an analysis alternative. The use of the mixed model avoids calculation of standard errors based on the formula established for this purpose. Key words: variance-covariance, information criteria, random effect, PROC MIXED
Reduced top-down connectivity as an underlying mechanism for psychotic experiences in healthy people

Perception results from our brain’s ability to make predictive models of sensory information. Recently, it has been proposed that psychotic traits may be linked to impaired predictive processes. Here, we examine the brain dynamics underlying prediction formation in a population of healthy individuals with a range of psychotic experiences. We designed a novel paradigm, which incorporated both stable and volatile sound sequences by manipulating their probability. We measured prediction error with electroencephalography and gauged prediction formation explicitly by behaviourally recording sensory ‘regularity’ learning errors. Critically, we show that top-down frontotemporal connectivity may be a neural mechanism by which impaired regularity learning influences psychotic experiences. These findings further our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of prediction formation and provide evidence for a continuum of psychosis in the healthy, non-clinical population. One Sentence Summary Healthy individuals with psychotic experiences have impaired sensory learning, mediated by reduced top-down frontotemporal connectivity.
Predictors and consequences of nest-switching behavior in Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)

ABSTRACT Nest-switching is an important breeding strategy for multiple-brooded bird species. When deciding whether or not to switch nests for subsequent breeding attempts, pairs must weigh the costs and benefits of various factors related to the number of fledglings of the first breeding attempt, the likelihood of nest predation, and qualities of the nest environment, such as nest ectoparasites and the age of the nest. In this study, we analyzed the predictors and consequences of nest-switching behavior at 6 breeding sites of North American Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster), where 60% of pairs that raised 2 broods within a season switched nests for a second breeding attempt. Pairs often reused existing (old) nests constructed during previous years, and pairs that settled in old nests for their first breeding attempt were the most likely to switch nests for a second breeding attempt. Contrary to previous studies, nest predation and nest ectoparasitism had no influence on whether or not pairs switched nests. Moreover, second breeding attempts overall had significantly more mites than first breeding attempts, but there was more variation in the change of mite intensities for those pairs that switched nests for a second breeding attempt compared to pairs that did not switch. Furthermore, pairs that switched from one old nest to another nest between breeding attempts decreased the time between first and second breeding attempts when compared to pairs that reused their first nest for a second breeding attempt. Because nest-switching led to greater fledging success for second breeding attempts compared to birds that reused their nests, our results suggest that switching between nests is an adaptive reproductive strategy for Barn Swallows.