Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of limiting and regulating factors on populations of Asian citrus psyllid and the risk of insect and disease outbreaks

Diaphorina citri, known as the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), is the insect vector of a devastating citrus disease (huanglongbing; HLB), which has caused billions of dollars in damage in Florida since its detection in 2005. Data from long-term monitoring programs in two Florida citrus groves were used to assess ACP demography and population ecology, which is needed to implement more effective management strategies for HLB. Seasonal patterns and correlations between ACP density estimates and a suite of environmental and community indicators, previously shown to influence ACP demography, were described and interpreted. Data were evaluated for evidence for spatial clustering and density-dependent recruitment of ACP in a major outbreak event using Taylor power law analysis and by fitting a stochastic Beverton–Holt recruitment model using state-space approach. Strong evidence for density-dependent recruitment and spatial clustering was found and should be considered for future modelling work as it can greatly influence ACP populations by affecting their growth rates, dispersal behaviour and morphology, as well as HLB transmission. Observations of ACP density and dispersion in space and time, along with the estimated parameters from the Beverton–Holt model, suggested that intraspecific competition for resources may initiate both local, then widespread dispersal process, thus affecting grove-wide and area-wide HLB transmission. When these results were synthesised with those of parallel studies, the removal of several of these regulating factors in a single year could lead to widespread disease of the entire crop in a grove, and likely surrounding groves as well. We provide the first field evidence of the consequences of back-to-back ACP colonisation on the rapid spread of the HLB in a grove (a mechanism previously demonstrated in laboratory settings). We stress the importance of proper integrated pest management and area-wide management to prevent such outbreaks.
Bioactive peptides: A review

Bioactive peptides (BP) are organic substances formed by amino acids joined by covalent bonds known as amide or peptide bonds. Although some BP exist free in its natural source, the vast majority of known BP are encrypted in the structure of the parent proteins and are released mainly by enzymatic processes. Some BP have been prepared by chemical synthesis. BP play a significant role in human health by affecting the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. BP are considered the new generation of biologically active regulators; they can prevent oxidation and microbial degradation in foods and also improve the treatment of various diseases and disorders, thus increasing the quality of life. The growing interest in BP has incentivized the scientific community and the food industry to exploring the development of new food additives and functional products based on these peptides. The present review highlights the recent findings on the identification, bioassays, and use of BP, as well as their potential use as food additives and in the development of functional products.
Impact of calving seasons and feeding systems in western Canada. II. Meat composition and organoleptic quality of steaks

Durunna, O. N. , Block, H. C. , Iwaasa, A. D. , Scott, S. L. , Robins, C. , Khakbazan, M. , Dugan, M. E. R. , Aalhus, J. L. , Aliani, M. and Lardner, H. A. 2014. Impact of calving seasons and feeding systems in western Canada. II. Meat composition and organoleptic quality of steaks. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 583-593. Fatty acid profiling, meat and organoleptic quality assessments were conducted on 160 carcasses of crossbred steers born into one of two calving systems and later assigned to one of two postweaning feeding systems. The steers were weaned from either an early calving or late calving system and later assigned to either a rapid-gain feeding (RF) or a slow-gain feeding (SF) system. The RF steers received a silage-hay diet during the backgrounding period prior to finishing, while the SF steers received a hay diet at backgrounding and then grazed alfalfa-meadow bromegrass pasture and annual cereal swaths prior to finishing. All treatment groups received a conventional diet during finishing until the steers attained a target backfat thickness or body weight. Fatty acid analyses were conducted on longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) and subcutaneous fat samples. Other analyses included LDM composition, tenderness and taste panel evaluations. Total saturated fatty acid was greater (P<0.02) in samples from RF steers, while total monounsaturated fatty acid was greater (P<0.01) in SF steers. The SF steers had greater (P<0.01) conjugated linoleic acid concentration. There was no main or interaction effect (P>0.05) on beef aroma, flavour and tenderness but the SF steaks had lower (P=0.02) cooking losses than RF steaks. The SF strategy has the potential to create a value chain that would lead to finished steers with higher backfat omega-3, conjugated linoleic acid and trans vaccenic acid and less cooking moisture losses.
Aspects of wood decay and preservation of timber

A number of species of wood decay fungi important for the damage they cause to timber and timber products in Korea were cultured. Trametes versicolor, which is one of the most important, was also cultured from a collection made in the UK and likewise the ascomycete Daldinia concentica was obtained for comparative studies. In the initial testing of the effectiveness of the two wood preservatives, ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper azole (CuAz) preserve injected blocks of Japanese Red Pine and Yellow Poplar were inoculated with T versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus and D. concentrica. Weight loss(%) of the wood blocks showed that Japanese Red Pine possessed greater natural resistance to decay by the white rot basidiomycete fungus T versicolor, than to the white rot ascomycete D. concentrica. The results for Yellow Poplar were the opposite. It was also found that both preservatives had an inhibitory effect on all three test fungi regardless of tree species. Furthermore ACQ was the most effective preservative in relation to T versicolor, which is the most damaging wood decay fungus in Korea. It has also been found that the absorption of the preservatives by the two different wood types differed with Yellow Poplar exhibiting a slightly greater absorption than the Japanese Red Pine, which might be a result of differences in the anatomical structure of the woods. Fungal biomass was also determined using chitin and ergosterol assays. The results regarding levels of decay caused by T versicolor, P ostreatus and D. concentrica are in close agreement with the weight loss determinations. The assays also confirmed the effectiveness of the copper based preservatives. The application of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has allowed
Bioinformatics Analysis of DGAT1 Gene in Domestic Ruminnants

: Diacylglycerol-O-acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene encodes diacylglyceroltransferase enzyme that playsan important role in glycerol lipid metabolism. DGAT1 is considered to be the key enzyme in controlling the synthesis of triglycerides in adipocytes. This enzyme catalyzes the final step of triglyceride synthesis (transform triacylglycerol (DAG) into triacylglycerol (TAG). A total of 20 DGAT1(8,9Exones) gene sequences belonging to 5 species include cattle(Bos Taurus and BosIndicus), Goats, Sheep and Buffalo were analyzed, and the differentiation within and among the species was also studied. The length of the Exone 8 and Exone 9 respectively were 75bp and 64bp (total: 139bp). Observed genetic diversity was higher among species than within species, and Bos Taurus had more polymorphisms than any other species. Novel amino acid variation sites were detected within several species which might be used to illustrate the functional variation. Differentiation of the DGAT1 gene was obvious among species, and the clustering result wasconsistent with the taxonomy in the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Effects of HIF-1alpha gene deletion in CNS respiratory centers on ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia

Ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia (VAH) is a time- dependent increase in normoxic ventilatory drive and the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) to acute decreases in inspired PO₂ (PIO₂). Previously, we found that normal VAH in mice depends on Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF- 1[alpha]) expression in the central nervous system. HIF- 1[alpha] is a transcription factor that controls the expression of several genes that increase O₂ supply and decrease O₂ metabolism. To define the role of HIF-1[alpha] in VAH with more spatial and temporal precision, we used the Cre-LoxP strategy to delete HIF-1[alpha] in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), which integrates sensory input from carotid body chemoreceptors for respiratory reflexes. We hypothesized that stereotaxic microinjections of Adeno-associated virus expressing Cre recombinase (AAV- Cre) into the NTS of homozygous HIF-1[alpha] floxed adult mice would block normal VAH. Using barometric pressure plethysmography, we measured the HVR in chronically normoxic (CN, PIO₂ = 150 Torr) and chronically hypoxic (CH , PIO₂ = 70 Torr) conscious, unrestrained mice. Microinjections of AAV expressing the LacZ reporter gene (AAV-Lac) were used for controls and localizing AAV infection. There were no differences in the HVR between CN CRE (n=6) and CN LAC (n=6). The HVR decreased in CH CRE (n=9) compared to CH LAC (n=8) because of a significant decrease in ventilation during hypoxia (p < 0.01) with no decrease in normoxic ventilation. Therefore, HIF-1[alpha] expression in the NTS is necessary during CH for normal VAH
Isolation and identification of microorganisms from cloacal swabs in poultry

This study was carried out for the isolation and identification of microorganism from cloacal swabs in poultry. During the period from January 2014 to June 2014, the entire research work was conducted in laboratory of the department of Microbiology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur. The study was performed with 24 cloacal swabs samples. Samples were collected from the poultry as 6 samples from 5 days of old, 9 samples from 18 days of old and 9 samples from 28 days of old and transferred aseptically to the laboratory. All the experimental work was done under sterile condition. Out of the 24 cloacal swabs samples, 20 isolates were positive. Among 20 positive samples, 6 (30%) E. coli, 5 (25%) Salmonella spp. , 4 (20%) Staphylococci spp. , 2 (10%) Mycoplasma spp. and 3 (15%) fungus were grown in culture media. In gram's staining from ordinary media (nutrient agar), both gram positive and grams negative bacteria were found. Mycoplasma was positive in Mycoplasma agar (PPLO) where color was changed to slight grayish. On sabourauds dextrose agar medium, the organism were grown as round and raised structure which indicated that fungus was present there. Isolation and identification was done by observing colony morphology, grams staining and standard cultural and biochemical test. Diversified bacterial species were prevalent in cloacal swabs of broiler. However E. coli, Salmonella spp. infection might make the birds vulnerable for easy access of infection. It could be concluded that the organisms may pass through the faeces to the environment and cause a potential human health hazards and can cause illness. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2016, 1 (3), 441-447
Combining theory, model and experiment to understand how theta rhythms are generated in the hippocampus

Scientists have observed theta rhythms (3–12 Hz) in the hippocampus for decades, but we do not have a clear understanding of how they are generated. This is largely due to the complex, multi-scale and nonlinear nature of the brain. To obtain insight into mechanisms underlying the generation of theta rhythms, we develop cellular-based network models of the hippocampus based on a whole hippocampus in vitro preparation that spontaneously generates theta rhythms. Building on theoretical and computational analyses, we find that spike frequency adaptation and post-inhibitory rebound constitute a basis for theta generation in large, minimally connected CA1 pyramidal (PYR) cell network models with fast-firing parvalbumin-positive (PV+) inhibitory cells. The particular theta frequency is more controlled by PYR to PV+ cell interactions rather than PV+ to PYR cell ones. We identify two scenarios by which theta rhythms can emerge and they can be differentiated by the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory currents to PV+ cells, but not to PYR cells. Only one of the scenarios is consistent with data from the whole hippocampus preparation, which leads to the prediction that the connection probability from PV+ to PYR cells needs to be larger than from PYR to PV+ cells. Our models can serve as a platform on which to build and develop an understanding of in vivo theta generation, and of microcircuit dynamics in the hippocampus. Significance Brain rhythms have been linked to cognition and are disrupted in disease. This makes it essential to understand mechanisms underlying their generation. Theory and mathematical models help provide an understanding and generate hypotheses. Together with experiment they contribute a framework to dissect the cellular contributions to network activity. However, models are inherently biological approximations, and thus the specific experimental and theoretical context upon which they are built will shape their output. If the approximations and contexts are not taken into account, particularly when using previously constructed models, misinterpretations can arise. Here, we use both theory and microcircuit models derived from a specific experimental context to provide insight into cellular-based mechanisms involved in theta rhythm generation in the hippocampus.
Revision of the horse fly genera Lissimas and Cydistomyia (Diptera: Tabanidae: Diachlorini) of Australia

Two genera of horse flies of the Tribe Diachlorini (Tabanidae), Lissimas Enderlein and Cydistomyia Taylor in Australia, are reviewed and diagnosed. Lissimas australis (Ricardo), the sole species in the genus in Australia, is redescribed. A key is given to 39 Cydistomyia species, among them 22 established species are redescribed and 17 species are described as new. The new species are: Cydistomyia danielsorum, C. fergusoni, C. tasmaniensis, C. hardyi, C. exemplum, C. obscurus, C. sabulosus, C. monteithi, C. curvabilis, C. pilosus, C. triangularis, C. improcerus, C. fenestra, C. pruina, C. infirmus, C. innubilus, and C. pseudobrevior. Six possible new species are described briefly but not named.
A coherent relation between structure and conduction of infinite atomic wires

We demonstrate a theoretical analysis concerning the geometrical structures and electrical conduction of infinite monatomic gold and aluminium wires in the process of their elongation, based on first-principles molecular-dynamics simulations using the real-space finite-difference method. Our study predicts that the single-row gold wire ruptures up to form a dimer coupling structure when the average interatomic distance increases up to more than 3.0 A, and that the wire is conductive before breaking but changes to an insulator at the rupturing point. In the case of the aluminium wire, it exhibits a magnetic ordering due to the spin polarization, and even when stretched up to the average interatomic distance of 3.5 A, a dimerization does not occur and the wire keeps a metallic nature.
Nonlinear Spectral Technique to Analyze White Spot Syndrome Virus Infection

In this paper a novel spectral technique based on KLaw Fourier nonlinear methodology is developed to classify White Spot Syndrome Virus inclusion bodies found in images from infected shrimp tissue samples. Shrimp culture is expanding in the world due to their high demand and price. This rapid increase in cultured shrimp production was achieved by geographical expansion and technological advances in reproduction in captivity of the white shrimp Penaeus vannamei, larval rearing, artificial diet and intensification in growth out systems. However, diseases are one of the major constraints for the sustainable increase of shrimp production. The white spot syndrome virus is a pandemic disease where frequently 100% mortality may occur within 2-3 days. However, several techniques have been implemented and developed for viral and bacterial analysis and diagnostic's tasks; histology is still considered the common tool in medical and veterinary fields. The slide images were acquired by a computational image capture system and a new spectral technique by the development of a spectral index is done to obtain a quantitative measurement of the complexity pattern found in White Spot Syndrome Virus inclusion bodies. After analysis the results show that inclusion bodies are well defined in a clear numerical fringe, obtained by the calculation of this spectral signature index.
Reinstatement of Varanus douarrha Lesson, 1830 as a valid species with comments on the zoogeography of monitor lizards (Squamata : Varanidae) in the Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea

Abstract. The distribution and taxonomy of varanid lizards occurring in the Bismarck Archipelago is revised on the basis of field surveys, examination of museum vouchers and molecular phylogenetic analyses. A total of four species is recorded: Varanus indicus and Varanus finschi on New Britain and some of its offshore islands, Varanus douarrha on New Ireland, Lavongai and Djaul, and Varanus semotus on Mussau Island. V. douarrha, previously mistaken for both V. indicus and V. finschi, is shown to be the only species represented on New Ireland and is here resurrected as a valid taxon based on an integrated approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial genes suggest that V. indicus is a relatively recent immigrant to the Bismarck Islands, whereas V. douarrha, V. finschi and V. semotus have significantly longer histories in the island group. Together with the recently described V. semotus the revalidation of V. douarrha doubles the number of species known to occur in the Bismarck region and highlights an important component of both local and regional endemism.
Elucidating the Etiology of Autism Using Genomic Methods

Autism is a complex genetic disorder with multiple etiologies whose molecular genetic basis is not fully understood. Although a number of rare mutations and dosage abnormalities are specific to autism, these explain no more than 10% of all cases. The high heritability of autism and low recurrence risk suggests multifactorial inheritance from numerous loci but other factors also intervene to modulate risk. In this study, we examine the effect of birth rank on disease risk which is not expected for purely hereditary genetic models. We analyzed the data from three publicly available autism family collections in the USA for potential birth order effects and studied the statistical properties of three tests to show that adequate power to detect these effects exist. We detect statistically significant, yet varying, patterns of birth order effects across these collections. In multiplex families, we identify V-shaped effects where middle births are at high risk; in simplex families, we demonstrate linear effects where risk increases with each additional birth. Moreover, the birth order effect is gender-dependent in the simplex collection. It is currently unknown whether these patterns arise from ascertainment biases or biological factors. Nevertheless, further investigation of parental age-dependent risks yields patterns similar to those observed and could potentially explain part of the increased risk. A search for genes considering these patterns is likely to increase statistical power and uncover novel molecular etiologies. Citation: Turner T, Pihur V, Chakravarti A (2011) Quantifying and Modeling Birth Order Effects in Autism. PLoS ONE 6(10): e26418. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone. 0026418 Editor: Andrew Whitehouse, The University of Western Australia, Australia Received April 15, 2011; Accepted September 26, 2011; Published October 19, 2011 Copyright: 2011 Turner et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: This research was supported by grants from the NIH (Autism Center for Excellence, MH081754) and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. The funders had no role in study design, analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: aravinda@jhmi.edu
EFFECT OF SUB-CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO CHROMIUM ON HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF MALE ALBINO RAT

Objectives : Exposure to chromium, the transition element found in many compounds of earth’s crust, leads to various health hazards including cancer, dermatitis, damage of liver and kidneys and reproductive toxicity in both male and female. Toxic effect of chronic exposure to chromium at low environmentally relevant dose is recently recognized and less studied. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of sub-chronic exposure to low doses of chromium VI (K 2 Cr 2 O 7 ) on various haematological and biochemical parameters in male albino rats. Methods : Male albino rats (160±10 gm) received 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 of reported oral LD 50 dose of chromium VI (K 2 Cr 2 O 7 ) for 90 consecutive days. After treatment, the blood was collected for analysis of various haematological and biochemical parameters. Results : Exposure to chromium VI at 1/25 LD 50 dose caused decrease in body weight gain and reduction in the weight of the reproductive organs along with increase in the weight of liver and kidney. Numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin concentration reduced with increase in clotting time. The total sperm count and motility was also reduced in exposed rats. There was decrease in plasma protein and albumin concentration, with increase in plasma glucose and cholesterol level. The activity of enzyme alanine aminotransferase and enzyme aspertate aminotransferase was stimulated in treated rats. Conclusion : The results of the present study revealed that chronic low dose exposure to chromium VI resulted in a toxic effect in experimental male albino rats.
A review of the status of Coptotermes (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae) species in Australia with the description of two new small termite species from northern and eastern Australia

Abstract. Integrative taxonomy, including molecular, morphological, distributional and biological data, is applied in a review of the taxonomy of the Australian species of the pest termite genus Coptotermes. The validity of the previously described species is discussed, and two new species, Coptotermes nanus, sp. nov. and Coptotermes cooloola, sp. nov., are described from the Kimberley region of Western Australia and south-east Queensland respectively. Their delimitation is based on morphological and distributional data, and the results of generalised mixed Yule-coalescent analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Images of the external view of the two new species are provided, as well as a key, based on soldier characters, for all Australian species of Coptotermes.