Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Records of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from the Afrotropical Region, with a Checklist

Abstract New faunistic data on the distribution of 50 species of the family Agromyzidae from the Afrotropical Region are given. Chromatomyia syngenesiae Hardy, 1849 and Phytomyza ranunculi (Schrank, 1803) are firstly recorded for the Afrotropics and 47 species are firstly recorded for the following countries: Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. For each country the number of known species are put together in a table. An updated Afrotropical checklist is added. The most peculiar genitalia of the redetected Ophiomyia dhofarensis are discussed in connection with other species, among them: Ophiomyia yunnanensis comb. nov. [= Ophiomyia dumosa syn. nov.]. Ophiomyia nigrimaculata comb. nov. is treated taxomically, too. The type-species of the Pseudonapomyza acanthacearum-group is re-defined. Ranunculus was firstly confirmed as host plant genus of Phytomyza subeximia which develops between its seeds, a rare substrate in the genus. Napomyza strana stat. rev. was redetected in an altitude of 3353 m a.s. l. An eclector collecting method is described which lets estimate the natural proportional abundance of Agromyzidae compared with all other Diptera in the groundlevel vegetation of a country.
Somatic Hybridization of Dihaploid Potato Protoplasts as a Tool for Potato Breeding

Using electrofusion of protoplasts from different dihaploid potato breeding clones, 308 somatic hybrids, i.e. 16.7% of the totally regenerated plants, were obtained. The results indicate that factors such as ‘combining ability’ strongly influence hybrid formation in these intraspecific fusion experiments. Hybrid identification was predominantly carried out by isoenzyme analysis of the peroxidases and/or esterases in polyacrylamide-gradient gel electrophoresis. Further confirmation of the hybrid character was obtained by scoring phenotypic markers (petal colour, stem anthocyanin production, tuber characteristics, etc.) and, in some combinations, by evaluating tolerance against the herbicide metribuzin and nematode resistance against Globodera rostochiensis (Ro 1). The successful inheritance of metribuzin tolerance and nematode resistance confirm that monogenic dominant inherited traits are combined in the hybrids.
An evaluation of positive expiratory pressure using mask and mouthpiece

The aim of the trial was to investigate positive expiratory pressure (PEP) using mask or mouthpiece regarding pressure during constant flow and resistance, dead-space volume and how postoperative patients perform and estimate perceived exertion during the breathing exercises. Twenty volunteers were included in the first part where a PEP valve, connected to a mask or mouthpiece, was used and pressure in the system was measured during constant gas flows and resistances. Dead space in each system was measured with water. In the clinical part, 40 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were included where the degree of leakage from the device was observed and perceived exertion was estimated during the sessions with PEP by mask or mouthpiece. The results revealed a significantly higher expiratory pressure when using the mouthpiece compared with mask, irrespective of flow and resistance (p<0.05). Dead space was greater when using the mask (170±7 vs. 26 ml). In the clinical part, there were no significant differences in the outcome variables between the groups concerning degree of leakage and estimated perceived exertion. The mouthpiece produces higher positive pressure and smaller dead space compared with the mask. Half of patients failed to use the systems correctly.
Mapping of a Novel Gene for Semi-sterility in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A spontaneous semi-sterile mutant, found from a japonica rice variety Nipponbare, shows pollen and spikelet semi-sterilities. On the basis of genetic analysis with reciprocal F1 hybrids between the mutant line W207-2 and a wide-compatibility rice variety CPSLO17, the semi-sterility was found to be controlled by a recessive nuclear gene ss-1(t). A linkage map was constructed to determine the locus for the semi-sterility gene, using an F2 population of W207-2/CPSLO17. Through linkage analysis it was found that the gene was located between SSR markers RM152 and RM6863 on chromosome 8, with map distances of 6.3 cM and 8.8 cM, respectively. The finding of the new sterility gene will be useful for handling semi-sterility mutants in seed production and for understanding the genetic mechanisms of spikelet fertility in rice.
Globin Chain Electrophoresis: a New Approach to the Determination of the Gγ/Aγ Ratio in Fetal Haemoglobin and to Studies of Globin Synthesis

Summary. Separation of globin chains by electrophoresis provides a simple and rapid method for the determination of the Gγ/Aγ ratio in human fetal haemoglobin, and of biosynthetic rates of the globin chains. Whole haemolysates were analysed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels in urea, acetic acid and Triton X‐100. Electrophoresis of haemolysates from newborn infants led to four bands: Aγ, Gγ, β and α. The identity of these bands was indicated by examination of haemoglobins of known globin chain composition. In 15 samples, the %Gγ was similar by Triton gels and by amino acid analysis of the γCB‐3 peptide. Some mutant globin chains were also separable with the electrophoretic technique. Triton gel electrophoresis provides rapid analysis of very small amounts of haemoglobin, and permits examination of globin chain composition as well as globin synthetic ratios.
A model of stomatal conductance to quantify the relationship between leaf transpiration, microclimate and soil water stress

A model of stomatal conductance was developed to relate plant transpiration rate to photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), vapour pressure deficit and soil water potential. Parameters of the model include sensitivity of osmotic potential of guard cells to photosynthetic active radiation, elastic modulus of guard cell structure, soil-to-leaf conductance and osmotic potential of guard cells at zero PAR. The model was applied to field observations on three functional types that include 11 species in subtropical southern China. Non-linear statistical regression was used to obtain parameters of the model. The result indicated that the model was capable of predicting stomatal conductance of all the 11 species and three functional types under wide ranges of environmental conditions. Major conclusions included that coniferous trees and shrubs were more tolerant for and resistant to soil water stress than broad-leaf trees due to their lower osmotic potential, lignified guard cell walls, and sunken and suspended guard cell structure under subsidiary epidermal cells. Mid-day depression in transpiration and photosynthesis of pines may be explained by decreased stomatal conductance under a large vapour pressure deficit. Stomatal conductance of pine trees was more strongly affected by vapour pressure deficit than that of other species because of their small soil-to-leaf conductance, which is explainable in terms of xylem tracheids in conifer trees. Tracheids transport water by means of small pit-pairs in their side walls, and are much less efficient than the end-perforated vessel members in broad-leaf xylem systems. These conclusions remain hypothetical until direct measurements of these parameters are available.
OVALBUMIN AEROALLERGEN EXPOSURE-RESPONSE IN BROWN NORWAY RATS

A major route of exposure to allergens is through the respiratory tract. Comparatively few animal studies have used aerosolized high-molecular-weight allergens for sensitization, and in these studies, proper characterization of the aeroallergen exposure was usually missing. The purpose of this study was to profile the exposure-response relationship in Brown Norway rats (BNR) to well-characterized ovalbumin (OVA) aerosols. Rats were exposed 30 min/wk 6 wk to respirable OVA aerosols from <1 mg/m3 to 64 mg/ m3 air. Ovalbumin-specific circulating immunoglobulin (Ig)E, IgG, and IgA were measured throughout the study period. Rats were sacrificed 1 day after the last exposure. Pulmonary tissue was processed for histopathological and histochemical analysis. Tracheas were isolated, perfused, and assessed for in vitro responsiveness to methacholine. Serum concentrations of OVA-specific antibodies increased with both exposure concentration and number of exposures. The number of BNR with measurable titers also increased with both dose and time. Pulmonary inflammatory changes were noted only in BNR exposed to higher OVA concentrations (15 and 64 mg/m3 air). Increased tracheal reactivity to methacholine was not found in any of the sensitized BNR. In summary, sustained aeroallergen concentration-dependent changes in specific antibody responses and pulmonary inflammation have been demonstrated. and enhance IgE production in the Brown Norway rat (BNR) al., 1997). Similar discrepancies have been reported with airway Airway reactivity following repeated exposure of the BNR been reported to increase (Elwood et al., 1991) and also to be (Kips et al., 1992). The state of allergic pulmonary inflammation
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Fifty microsatellite sequences (SSRs) were isolated from an enriched library of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using a modified protocol. After screening, 10 polymorphic microsatellites were used to determine their usefulness in diversity analysis among 16 sesame accessions. The number of alleles ranged from three to six alleles per locus with an average of 4.6 alleles. The fragment size varied from 150 bp to 307 bp. Expected heterozygosites (HE) and polymorphism information contents (PICs) ranged from 0.437 to 0.858 and 0.34 to 0.80, respectively, which indicates the highly informative nature of the microsatellites reported here. These microsatellite markers will be very useful in diversity analysis among a large germplasm collection of sesame present in our Korean gene bank and also in the establishment of its core collection.
Wind Effects on Needles of Timberline Conifers: Seasonal Influence on Mortality

In the Rocky Mountains, USA, year—round wind exposure has been correlated with widespread needle dehydration and death in winter for alpine timberline conifers. Needle death may be due solely to the drying effects of winter wind or may also result from predisposition to winter injury associated with suboptimal summer growth conditions. Our experiments showed that in the lower timerbline ecotone in southwest Wyoming, needle mortality was primarily due to winter wind and cuticle abrasion; death was frequent only in wind—exposed needles of flagged trees and surface needles of krummholz mats. At higher elevations where only krummholz mats and a few flagged trees exist, mortality averaged ≥75% for needles unprotected by snow, regardless of wind exposure. Snow covered needles had low mortality throughout the timberline ecotone. Winter death of naturally wind—exposed needles of Picea engelmannii occurred at ≤—4.5 MPa water potential (≤60% relative water content). Cuticular resistance of wind—exposed needles declined from 100—250 ks/m in autumn to ≤30 ks/m by midwinter. Experimentally reversing the windward—leeward orientation of small, flagged trees in early winter resulted in lower xylem pressure potentials and needle viabilities for newly wind—exposed (originally leeward) compared to newly sheltered (originally windward) shoots. Also, sheltering exposed branches from winter wind on flagged trees in the lower timberline ecotone (3200 m) increased mean overwinter needle survival from near 0 to ≥50% in both Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa. Scanning electron micrographs of dehydrate wind—exposed needles collected in March at this site showed little cuticular surface wax, probably because of windborne ice crystal abrasion. However, winter dehydration and death in both experimentally and naturally wind—sheltered needles at higher elevation may have been due to inadequate needle maturation during summer, which could act to exclude flagged trees from the upper timberline ecotone.
A landscape-level study on the breeding site characteristics of ten amphibian species in Central Europe

Temporary ponds are characterized as being in natural or close to natural states in Central and Eastern Europe, especially those located in forested landscapes. As these ponds function as breeding sites for many amphibians, they represent an ideal target to explore the terrestrial and aquatic habitat preferences of different species. We surveyed 133 small ponds in a forested, hilly region of North-Central Hungary. The occurrence of ten amphibian species and amphibian species richness were compared to six pond-related habitat variables and the extent of four terrestrial habitat types in the area surrounding the ponds. Our results suggest that most species’ occurrence and species richness are chiefly related to pond characteristics, although terrestrial habitat variables could also be a determining factor in particular species. Whereas the majority of amphibian species prefer larger, hence more permanent water bodies with abundant aquatic vegetation, the common frog (Rana temporaria) chooses small, shallow wallow pits for breeding and has special requirements concerning terrestrial habitat composition. This could explain its restricted distribution in the area. Our results suggest that maintaining a diverse set of ponds and forestry management which facilitates habitats’ structural heterogeneity are both important factors for the preservation of the rich amphibian fauna in Central Europe.
Susceptibility of Brewer Spruce (Picea breweriana) to Dwarf Mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp., Viscaceae)

Abstract Brewer spruce is an endemic of the Klamath and Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. Three species of dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp.) have been reported to parasitize Brewer spruce, but the susceptibility of this spruce to infection by these parasitic plants has received no attention since the late 1960s. The objective of this study is to improve estimates of the susceptibility of Brewer spruce to these parasitic plants in select areas currently supporting highly infected dominant and co-dominant trees. Three mixed conifer stands infested with one of the three dwarf mistletoes known to infect Brewer spruce (nine stands total) were sampled to evaluate the relative susceptibility of this conifer to each mistletoe species. At each of the nine study sites, 10 to 20 temporary circular plots with a 6-m radius (0.012 ha) were established around large, severely infected trees. The following data were collected for each live tree within a plot: species, diameter, and dwarf mistletoe rating. Based on the incidence of infection (% of trees ≥ 5 cm in diameter infected), Brewer spruce was assigned to host susceptibility classes. Based on our findings, Brewer spruce is more susceptible to dwarf mistletoe infection than previously reported. It is a principal host of both western white pine and Wiens' dwarf mistletoes, and a secondary host of mountain hemlock dwarf mistletoe. Infection of Brewer spruce was frequently severe in the nine stands we sampled, however, additional research is needed on the distribution of dwarf mistletoes on Brewer spruce and the effects these parasites have on mortality, growth, and regeneration of this rare tree.
Screening for Virulent Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskal

The pathogenicity of 159 isolates of Metarhizium and Beauveria spp. was screened using Schistocerca gregaria adults. The median lethal time MLT , the average survival time and its standard deviation SD were used to describe the rate of kill from the cumulative observed response curve over time, following the application of conidia in bioassays. All screens included a standard strain of Metarhizium sp. from a single spore of IMI 330189ss , which gave an average MLT value of 4.4 days SD 0.4 in 46 assays. Approximately 50 isolates, all belonging to the genus Metarhizium, showed virulence that was comparable with this strain. Two previously unreported preliminary tests were carried out. The first test assessed the response to the standard isolate by an established laboratory stock of desert locusts compared with a recently introduced locust stock from Niger. There were insignificant differences in MLT and LD50 on day 5 between the different locust strains. The second test assessed the effects of inoculation a.
Composition, characterisation and analysis of seed oil of Suaeda salsa L

Summary Awareness of vegetable oils being beneficial for health has attracted researchers in exploring different vegetable oils. In this study, Suaeda salsa L. seed oil was extracted and characterised. The yield of S. salsa L. seed oil was 25.99%. Acidity, iodine number, saponification number, peroxide value and unsaponifiable matter were used to assess seed oil quality. Melting point and melting enthalpy were found to be −35.75 °C and 26.39 J g−1, respectively, from differential scanning calorimeter-melting curves. Fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition of this oil was analysed by GC-MS and HPLC-MS, respectively. The main fatty acid in S. salsa L. seed oil is Linoleic (65.03%), and the dominant triacylglycerols (TAGs) were LLL and OLL. The oil was found to have high amounts of α-tocopherol (36.72 mg 100 g−1) and β-tocopherol (34.76 mg 100 g−1). All the results suggest that S. salsa L. seed oil may have potential applications in relating industries.
Agronomic and horticultural characters of rutabaga in eastern Canada

Rutabaga (Brassica napus ssp. rapifera) is one of the most important field-grown vegetable crops in eastern Canada. The objective here was to report on the agronomic and horticultural potential of available genotypes in this region. Results from a 3-yr trial of 16 genotypes indicated a wide range of variation for all traits. Three Canadian and two European genotypes were ranked highest, employing a composite index of several traits, including clubroot tolerance. Clubroot tolerance is a major determinant of overall phenotype in eastern Canada, and future breeding programs should consider the importance of this trait. Key words: Swede, Newfoundland, Brassica napus ssp. rapifera (Metzg.) Sinsk, clubroot, Plasmodiophora brassicae
Characterization of weed beet in Germany and Italy

Weedy annual forms of beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cause crop failure and complicate the harvest and processing of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris var. altissima) in several areas of Europe. Hybridization between sugarbeet and wild annual forms of sea beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima) in the French sugarbeet seed production area is a major source of weed beet in northwestern Europe. In the other principal seed production area, the Italian Po-Valley, inland wild beet is absent but local annual weed beet plants grow near sugarbeet seed production fields, suggesting an important role for this primary' weed beet in seed contamination. Because both coastal sea beet and primary weed beet forms could be sources for seed contamination and distribution of secondary' weed beet into German sugarbeet production areas, morphological and genetic traits of German and Italian weed beet were compared. Frequency of multigerm plants, frequency of annuals, hypocotyl color, and genetic relationships revealed by RAPD-PCR were examined. Results of the research indicate that: 1. German weed beet had some similarity to sugarbeet, but the weed beet clearly had a hybrid ancestry that included annual wild beet of unknown origin. 2. Italian weed beet had some similarity to sugarbeet, but the weed beet clearly had a hybrid ancestry that included annual sea beet. 3. German weed beet usually grows far away from coastal sea beet. The annual weed beet must have arrived as a contaminant of sugarbeet seed, and therefore is of secondary' origin. 4. Italian weed beet biotypes were hybrids, but they could be 'primary', as the result of hybrid seed produced in seed production fields or in wild coastal populations, or they could be 'secondary' as contaminants of sugarbeet seed sold to Italian farmers. These results supported the hypothesis, that primary weed beet in Italy is likely to be responsible for the production of secondary weed beet, which is sold as contaminants to farmers in Italy and Germany. Therefore, contamination avoidance strategies in seed production areas should concentrate both on the control of weedy primary-type beet as well as isolation from wild sea beet. Additional
EFFECT OF GROWTH MEDIUM ON POTENTIAL OF Streptomyces Anulatus SPORES TO INDUCE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES AND CYTOTOXICITY IN RAW264.7 MACROPHAGES

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between microbial growth in buildings and increased risk of respiratory symptoms and disease related to inflammatory reactions in the inhabitants. The current study examined the affects of growth conditions of Streptomyces anulatus, isolated from indoor air of a moldy building, on the inflammatory potential of spores of this microbe. Spores were harvested from 15 growth media formulations, applied to RAW264.7 macrophages (105, 106, or 107
Accurate 3D reconstruction of complex blood vessel geometries from intravascular ultrasound images: in vitro study

We present a technique that accurately reconstructs complex three dimensional blood vessel geometry from 2D intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. Biplane x-ray fluoroscopy is used to imagethe ultrasound catheter tip at a few key points along its path as the catheter is pulled through the blood vessel. An interpolating spline describes the continuous catheterpath. The IVUS images are located orthogonal to the path, resulting in a non-uniform structured scalar volume of echo densities. Isocontour surfaces are used to view the vessel geometry, while transparency and clipping enable interactive exploration of interior structures. The two geometries studied are a bovine artery vascular graft having U-shapeand a constriction, and a canine carotid artery having multiple branches and a constriction. Accuracy of the reconstructions is established by comparing the reconstructions to (1) silicone moulds of the vessel interior, (2) biplane x-ray images, and (3) the original echo images. Excellent shape and geometry correspondence was observed in both geometries. Quantitative measurements made at key locations of the 3D reconstructions also were in good agreement with those made in silicone moulds. The proposed technique is easily adoptable in clinical practice, since it uses x-rays with minimal exposure and existing IVUS technology.