Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Laboratory Technique for Infecting Adult Tsetse with a Fungal Pathogen

A technique for infecting adult tsetse with an entomopathogenic fungus was developed and tested in the laboratory. A nitrocellulose filter membrane (Millipore) was used as substrate for retaining conidia after filtration, and a cylindrical plastic tube served as a chamber for the flies. The technique was designed to allow accurate estimation of inoculum on the substrate, thereby permitting comparison of virulence during the screening of fungal pathogens against tsetse flies. Glossina morsitans centralis adults were susceptible to Metarhizium anisopliae at all doses tested, and mortalities were dose dependent. No significant differences in mortalities were observed when flies were exposed for different durations to the pathogen. The number of conidia picked up by flies varied considerably with exposure time and concentration. RésuméUne technique pour contaminer la mouche tsé-tséavec un champignon entomopathogène a été mise au point puis testée au laboratoire. Une membrane filtrante en ester de cellulose (Millipore) a été utilisée comme substrat pour retenir les conidies après filtration, tandis qu’un tube cylindrique en plastique a servi pour chambre d’élevage pour les mouches. La technique a été conçue pour une estimation correcte de l’inoculum sur le substrat, ainsi permettant une comparaison de virulence entre les souches fongiques pour la lutte biologique contre la mouche tsé-tsé. Les adultes de Glossina morsitans centralis étaient susceptibles au Metarhizium anisopliae à toutes les doses éprouvées, et la mortalité était dose dépendante. La mortalité n’était pas significativement différente lorsque les mouches étaient exposées à l’inoculum pendant un temps variable. Le nombre de conidies collectées par les insectes variait considérablement en fonction du temps d’exposition et la concentration du pathogène.
Architecture and growth strategies of tropical trees in relation to successional status.

(1) Crown architecture, growth and branch display were studied in two earlysuccessional (Anthocephalus cadamba and Duabanga sonneratioides) and two latesuccessional (Artocarpus chaplasha and Dillenia pentagyna) tree species of subtropical humid forest in north-eastern India. While the early-successional species conform morphologically to Massart's model (Duabanga sonneratioides) or Roux's model (Anthocephalus cadamba), the late-successional species conform to Scarrone's model (Dillenia pentagyna) or Rauh's model (A rtocarpus chaplasha) of tree architecture. (2) While rhythmic extension growth of the leader axis has been identified on the basis of differences in leaf morphology and branch organization in the architectural models, this does not always agree with detailed growth analysis as, for example, in Anthocephalus cadamba and Duabanga sonneratioides. (3) The extension and radial growth rates of early-successional species were very rapid compared with late-successional species. (4) Faster growth over a longer annual-growth period results in the sparse branch arrangement in early-successional species which facilitates greater leaf exposure. (5) The slower growth rate over a shorter growth period results in densely packed canopies with mutual shading of leaves of late-successional species. (6) In the early-successional species the production and the contribution of first order branches to the total branch system was much higher than in the late-successional species, which had plasticity in the orientation and overall display of their branches in relation to irradiance.
Effect of increased content of animal protein in feed mixtures based on extruded rice on rearing performance and blood parameters of piglets

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three feed mixtures based on various feed components, including extruded rice, and differing in the source and level of animal protein on rearing performance and biochemical and haematological blood parameters of piglets in the peri-weaning period. The experiments covered 96 piglets, crosses of PIC hybrid sows with a P76 boar that were divided into three experimental groups. The piglets from group I received a prestarter diet based on extruded wheat and protein of both plant and animal origin, whilst those from groups II and III were fed prestarter diets containing: group II - extruded rice (protein as in group I), and group III - extruded rice with protein components of exclusively animal origin. The addition of extruded rice and the increased content of animal protein in feed mixture improved the rearing performance of piglets (higher body weight gains and more efficient feed conversion ratio). The feeding of piglets with the diets containing extruded rice and increased animal protein components (III group) was also observed to stimulate lipid metabolism, which resulted in reduced plasma levels of LDL-cholesterol and in increased percentage of HDL-cholesterol, which contributed to increased blood levels of urea compared to the other experimental groups.
Distinct parasitoid communities associated with host races of the leaf-mining moth Acrocercops transecta on distantly related host plants (Juglandaceae and Ericaceae)

Differences in host-plant species may affect the structure of parasitoid communities of phytophagous insects. Phytophagous insect species often consist of host races, and comparisons between host races enable us to infer the effects of host-plant differences on parasitoid communities. Here, we compare the parasitoid fauna of two host races of the leaf-mining moth Acrocercops transecta, which are associated with either Juglandaceae or Lyonia ovalifolia (Ericaceae). Field collection and subsequent laboratory rearing revealed a significantly higher parasitization ratio in the Juglandaceae race than in the Lyonia race. In the Juglandaceae race the majority of parasitoids were Braconidae, whereas in the Lyonia race the majority were Eulophidae. Furthermore, even within the same host race the most abundant parasitoid species differed between populations with different host associations. Hence, the present results strongly indicate that different host-plant taxa affect the structure of parasitoid communities even within a single phytophagous insect species.
Jasmonates

Summary Jasmonates are one of the two primary defense-signaling hormones (salicylates are the others). Plants that are deficient in jasmonate synthesis or signaling are much more susceptible to insect or pathogen damage. Jasmonates are rapidly synthesized in plants subject to wounding, insect biting, or infection by a type of microbial pathogen (necrotroph) that rapidly kills the host cell. The proteins that transduce the jasmonate signal closely resemble those that transduce the auxin signal. Jasmonates also participate in reproductive development and resource allocation.
Associative Learning Increases Trial-by-Trial Similarity of BOLD-MRI Patterns

Associative learning is a dynamic process that allows us to incorporate new knowledge within existing semantic networks. Even after years, a seemingly stable association can be altered by a single significant experience. Here, we investigate whether the acquisition of new associations affects the neural representation of stimuli and how the brain categorizes stimuli according to preexisting and emerging associations. Functional MRI data were collected during a differential fear conditioning procedure and at test (4–5 weeks later). Two pictures of faces and two pictures of houses served as stimuli. One of each pair coterminated with a shock in half of the trials (partial reinforcement). Applying Multivoxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA) in a trial-by-trial manner, we quantified changes in the similarity of neural representations of stimuli over the course of conditioning. Our findings show an increase in similarity of neural patterns throughout the cortex on consecutive trials of the reinforced stimuli. Furthermore, neural pattern similarity reveals a shift from original categories (faces/houses) toward new categories (reinforced/unreinforced) over the course of conditioning. This effect was differentially represented in the cortex, with visual areas primarily reflecting similarity of low-level stimulus properties (original categories) and frontal areas reflecting similarity of stimulus significance (new categories). Effects were not dependent on overall response amplitude and were still present during follow-up. We conclude that trial-by-trial MVPA is a useful tool for examining how the human brain encodes relevant associations and forms new associative networks.
Responses of a Newly Evolved Auxotroph of Chlamydomonas to B12 Deprivation1[OPEN]

An artificially evolved strain of the model alga Chlamydomonas provides insight into how algal B12 auxotrophy has arisen naturally but also reveals the challenges to becoming B12 dependent. The corrinoid B12 is synthesized only by prokaryotes yet is widely required by eukaryotes as an enzyme cofactor. Microalgae have evolved B12 dependence on multiple occasions, and we previously demonstrated that experimental evolution of the non–B12-requiring alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in media supplemented with B12 generated a B12-dependent mutant (hereafter metE7). This clone provides a unique opportunity to study the physiology of a nascent B12 auxotroph. Our analyses demonstrate that B12 deprivation of metE7 disrupts C1 metabolism, causes an accumulation of starch and triacylglycerides, and leads to a decrease in photosynthetic pigments, proteins, and free amino acids. B12 deprivation also caused a substantial increase in reactive oxygen species, which preceded rapid cell death. Survival could be improved without compromising growth by simultaneously depriving the cells of nitrogen, suggesting a type of cross protection. Significantly, we found further improvements in survival under B12 limitation and an increase in B12 use efficiency after metE7 underwent a further period of experimental evolution, this time in coculture with a B12-producing bacterium. Therefore, although an early B12-dependent alga would likely be poorly adapted to coping with B12 deprivation, association with B12-producers can ensure long-term survival whilst also providing a suitable environment for evolving mechanisms to tolerate B12 limitation better.
Out of the Wallet and into the Purse

This paper uses an exogenous change in the intrahousehold distribution of income, provided by a change in United Kingdom Family Allowance policy to test the income-pooling hypothesis implied by unitary household models. Expenditure shares are estimated for a wide range of goods using household-level data. Shifts in expenditure shares suggest that children and mothers benefited at the expense of fathers when this policy change shifted income within households from men to women. Similar shifts are not found among married-couple households with no children. This paper refutes income pooling, and confirms and extends results in Lundberg, Pollak, and Wales (1997).
32P Isotope to Determine the Efficiency of Mycorrhizal Wheat Symbiosis Subjected to Saline Water

Phosphorus (P) behavior and its efficiency in mycorrhizal plants are of great importance. The objective was to evaluate the behavior of soil labeled P absorbed by different mycorrhizal wheat genotypes subjected to saline water. Three wheat genotypes including cultivar Kavir, the local cultivar Roshan, and the mutated line Tabasi T-65-7-1 were inoculated with different species of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) including Glomus etunicatum, G. mosseae, and G. intraradices. Plants were irrigated using saline water (electrical conductivity of 13.87 dS m−1). The experiment was a factorial with 12 treatments and three replications under greenhouse conditions. Wheat genotypes and AM species significantly affected plant dry weight, specific activity, and total plant activity (P = 0.01). A maximum of 1.49-fold increase in specific activity or P uptake per gram of plant dry matter and 3.53-fold increase in plant activity or plant total P uptake resulted by G. etunicatum as compared with control.
Demographic Effects of Collecting Rattan Cane and Their Implications for Sustainable Harvesting

Abstract: Rattan, Old World climbing palm, is an extremely valuable nontimber forest product whose canes are gathered for both market and nonmarket uses. I evaluated the effects of harvesting commercial rattan, Calamus zollingeri Becc. , on genet survival and ramet demography in two primary forest sites near Lore Lindu National Park in Sulawesi, Indonesia. I monitored 168 permanently marked C. zollingeri genets for 4 years and surveyed random transects for C. zollingeri genet and ramet populations and evidence of cane harvesting in 1996 and 2000. Cane harvesting had no significant effect on genet survival or mean ramet densities. However, current cane extraction rates significantly reduced mean cane lengths and total available cane throughout the area during the study period. Based on observed genet and ramet populations and average cane growth rates of 1.4 m/year, the sustained‐yield harvesting potential of C. zollingeri is approximately 101 m and 56 m/ha/year in the two study sites. Although C. zollingeri exhibits life‐history traits well suited to sustained‐yield harvesting, including production of multiple canes, cane resprouting following harvest, rapid cane growth, and widespread abundance below 1100 m, current harvest rates exceed growth and yield, and supplies of cane are being depleted. Rattan harvesting is widespread in Lore Lindu National Park. Approximately 18% of the park (42,000 ha) is likely subject to intensive and unsustainable extraction of C. zollingeri.
A Rapid, High Frequency Regeneration of Justicia gendarussa Burm.f.

An efficient plant regeneration protocol was developed for Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. (Acanthaceae), an important medicinal shrub. Nodal segments grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.0 mg/l Benzyl adenine (BAP) with 10 % coconut milk showed better growth response and produced 10.5 ± 0.6 shoots per explant with an average length of 4.4 ± 0.3 cm after 35 days. Rooting of shoots was achieved on growth regulator free half strength MS medium produced 5.3 ± 0.25 cm roots with an average height of 4.8 ± 0.2 cm after 30 days. The rooted plantlets were transferred for hardening, 80 % of plants were successfully established in the field. Key words : Justicia gendarussa ; Nodal segments; Regeneration; Coconut milk. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjsir.v46i2. 4388 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 46(2) , 201-204, 2011
YELLOW BIRCH REGENERATION ON SCARIFIED SEEDBEDS UNDER SMALL CANOPY OPENINGS

Four years after establishment, an experiment in regenerating yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) on prepared seedbeds under one-tenth and one-quarter acre circular canopy openings created by cutting and girdling trees in a deteriorated tolerant hardwood stand indicates that all combinations of method and size resulted in satisfactory birch stocking. Yellow birch outgrew its principal competitor sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), underbrush competition has not jeopardized good birch survival, and deer browsing has been low.En vue d'etudier la regeneration du bouleau jaune (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) sur des lits de germination prepares, des trouees de forme circulaire de 1/10 et 1/4 d'acre ont ete pratiquees a l'aide de coupe et annelage dans un peuplement deteriore de feuillus tolerants. Quatre ans apres le debut de l'experience le taux de germination du bouleau jaune etait juge satisfaisant pour toutes les combinaisons de methodes employees et de dimensions des trouees. Le bouleau jaune a s.
Eight novel LDL receptor gene mutations among patients under LDL apheresis in Dresden and Leipzig

LDL apheresis is highly efficient in reducing elevated plasma cholesterol. Due to strict indications only patients with severe, refractory hypercholesterolemia are treated with this method. Mutations in the LDL receptor gene are major genetic causes for severe hypercholesterolemia. Screening the entire gene in LDL apheresis patients from Saxony should determine whether an increased frequency of defined mutations is responsible for the atherogenic hypercholesterolemia in this group. 31 unrelated patients (15 male, 16 female, age 33‐71 yrs.) were included in the analysis. The LDL‐R gene was screened using SSCP and/or automated sequencing. The familial defective apolipoprotein B‐100 (FDB) mutation was genotyped using established PCR techniques. Nineteen of 31 patients were carriers of an LDL‐R mutation. Ten missense and two nonsense mutations, three insertions and two deletions were detected. The mutations C74S, C74R, T87M, 660delC, 662insCCCCG, 680insGGACAAATCTGA, 1428insC and 2167delG have not been previously described. One patient was compound heterozygous for two missense mutations. Two further patients were heterozygous for FDB. No mutations were found among controls. A genetic background for hypercholesterolemia in the LDL‐R could be established in about 61% of the patients examined. Therefore, methods of DNA analysis allow to recognize and adequately treat a large portion of high‐risk individuals at an early stage. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of the lipoxygenase gene family from Vitis vinifera and biochemical characterisation of two 13-lipoxygenases expressed in grape berries of Sauvignon Blanc.

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a group of non-haem iron-containing dioxygenases that catalyse oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and lipids, and initiate the formation of biologically active compounds known as oxylipins. Several plant oxylipins comprise important flavours and aromas in food and beverages. Analysis of the grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genome revealed that the grape LOX family consists of 18 individual members. Phylogenetic analysis places all except one of the identified grape LOXs into either a type II 13-LOX cluster or the type I 9-LOX cluster. Four LOX genes (VvLOXA, VvLOXO, VvLOXC, VvLOXD), representative of the major LOX groupings observed in the phylogenetic analyses, were selected for analysis of patterns of transcript abundance in berry tissues. VvLOXA and VvLOXO represent putative 13-LOXs, while VvLOXC represents a putative 9-LOX. VvLOXD represents a unique LOX that differs significantly from other characterised plant LOXs. All four LOXs exhibited a complex pattern of gene expression. Across all developmental stages, VvLOXA was the most abundant LOX and was expressed predominantly in berry skins. The expression pattern of VvLOXC and -D are more evenly distributed between seeds, pulp and skin, while VvLOXO is mostly expressed in the seed. Mechanical wounding and infection of berries with Botrytis cinerea Pers. : Fr resulted in rapid accumulation of VvLOXC and -O transcripts. VvLOXA expression decreased in diseased berries. Biochemical analysis of VvLOXA and -O recombinant proteins confirmed that these LOX genes encode functional 13-LOXs that exhibit different pH and temperature optima. Both enzymes showed activity with linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids.
The Profile of Soluble Amyloid β Protein in Cultured Cell Media

To study the metabolism of amyloid β protein (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease, we have developed a new approach for analyzing the profile of soluble Aβ and its variants. In the present method, Aβ and its variants are immuno-isolated with Aβ-specific monoclonal antibodies. The identities of the Aβ variants are determined by measuring their molecular masses using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The levels of Aβ variants are determined by their relative peak intensities in mass spectrometric measurements by comparison with internal standards of known identities and concentrations. We used this method to examine the Aβ species in conditioned media of mouse neuroblastoma cells transfected with cDNAs encoding wild type or mutant human amyloid precursor protein. In addition to human Aβ-(1-40) and Aβ-(1-42), more than 40 different human Aβ variants were identified. Endogenous murine Aβ and its variants were also identified by this approach. The present approach is a new and sensitive method to characterize the profile of soluble Aβ in conditioned media and biological fluids. Furthermore, it allows direct measurement of each individual peptide in a peptide mixture and provides comprehensive information on the identity and concentration of Aβ and Aβ variants.
The Rho-deamidating Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 fromEscherichia coli Possesses Transglutaminase Activity

Recently, it has been reported that cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) from Escherichia coliinduces formation of stress fibers by deamidation of glutamine 63 of RhoA (Schmidt, G., Sehr, P., Wilm, M., Selzer, J., Mann, M., and Aktories, K. (1997) Nature 387, 725–729); Flatau, G. , Lemichez, E. , Gauthier, M. , Chardin, P., Paris, S. , Fiorentini, C. , and Boquet, P. (1997) Nature 387, 729–733). By using mass spectrometric analysis, we show now that the toxin transfers ethylenediamine, putrescine, and dansylcadaverine specifically onto glutamine 63 of RhoA. RhoA was also a substrate for guinea pig liver transglutaminase, which modified not only glutamine 63, but also glutamine residues at positions 52 and 136. Treatment of the fully active N-terminal fragment of CNF1 (amino acid residues 709–1014) with iodoacetamide inhibited both deamidation and transglutamination activities. Moreover, exchange of cysteine 866 with serine blocked the enzyme activity of the N-terminal CNF1 fragment. In addition, we identified histidine 881 to be essential for the enzyme activity of CNF1. The data indicate that CNF1 shares a catalytic dyad of cysteine and histidine residues with eukaryotic transglutaminases and cysteine proteases.
Availability of small indigenous species (SIS) of fish in the Chalan Beel - the largest wetland of Bangladesh

An investigation was conducted to study the abundance and diversity of Small Indigenous Species (SIS) of fish in the Chalan Beel. Sampling was carried out frequently over a year in selected landing centres, fish markets and catch points. A total of 82 SIS fish belonging to 10 orders, 22 families and 46 genera were recorded. The order Cypriniformes (42.68%) was the most dominant order comprising 35 species. The most dominant family of the order Cypiniformes was Cyprinidae (77.14%) comprising 27 species, and Puntius was the largest genus including 7 species. The most abundant SIS fishes observed during the study period were Tengra ( Mystus vittatus , M. tengara ), Punti ( Puntius sophore and P. ticto ), Taki ( Channa punctatus ), Guchi Baim ( Mastacembelus pancalus ), and the least abundant SIS fish were Aplocheilus panchax , Badis badis , Danio sp. and Chaca chaca . Availability of the species were ranked as Few (39%), followed by Common (23%), Very Common (15%), Rare (16%) and Very Rare (7%). At Mohisluti fish landing centre (under Tarash, Sirajganj) the highest number of species (79, 96.34%) of small fishes were found. Abundance of different SIS fishes were found to vary with the season. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/ujzru.v30i0. 10756 Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 30, 2011 pp. 67-72