Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Prey Consumption and Searching Efficiency of Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus and Coccinella transversalis Fabricius on Different Aphid Species

The comparative prey consumption and searching efficiency of fourth instar gruhs of Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus and Coccinella transversalis Fabricius against three aphid species, viz. Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Macrosiphmn rosae (Linnaeus) were evaluated to assess the efficiency of these predators in aphid biocontroI. The larvae of C. septempunctata consumed maximum number (245.60±1.92) of M. persicae at prey density of 800 and minimum (18.80±0.88) of R. maidis at prey density of 25 in 24 hours. Fourth instar of C. transversalis consumed maximum number (224.80±1.93) of M. persicae at the prey density of 800 and minimum number (17.40±0.58) of M. rosae at the prey density of 25 in 24 hours. Area of discovery of C. septempunctata and C. transversalis was maximum at the lowest predator (1) and prey-densities (25) of M. persicae . The same was minimum in the case of C. septempunctata and C. transversalis at highest predator (8) and prey- densities (800) of R. maidis and M. rosae , respectively. Prey consumption hy hoth coccinellids increased but their searching efficiency decreased with increase of either prey or predator density. The predatory potential and searching efficiency of C. septempunctata was relatively higher than that of C. transversalis.
Ecological distribution of Nematopalaemon schmitti and Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Crustacea: Caridea) near an upwelling area off southeastern Brazil

Regions affected by upwelling show environmental characteristics that may change the distribution of the species. This study evaluated the influence of environmental factors on the spatiotemporal distribution of two caridean shrimps, Nematopalaemon schmitti and Exhippolysmata oplophoroides , in a region of the Brazilian coast affected by Cabo Frio upwelling. Shrimps were collected monthly from July 2010 through June 2011 off Macae off the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, at six locations: three at 5 m, and the other three at 15 m depth. Shrimp abundance was compared among seasons and sampling sites. Nematopalaemon schmitti (n = 1200) was more abundant at 5 m depth while E. oplophoroides (n = 2176) occurred predominately at 15 m. There were significant seasonal fluctuations in the distribution of the species in the region, resulting from variation in bottom temperature. The presence of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) favors the decrease in the abundance of N. schmitti and highest abundance of E. oplophoroides. The abundance of E. oplophoroides and the percentage of organic matter were significantly and positively correlated. The organic matter content in the sediment and water temperature was among the most important variables affecting seasonal distribution of the species. The distinct environmental characteristic between the bathymetric regions were a determinant factor in their spatial distribution.
Conservation Genetics of Five Species of Dionda in West Texas

Conservation Genetics of Five Species of Dionda in West Texas. (December 2011) Ashley Helen Hanna Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. John R. Gold Minnows of the genus Dionda (Cyprinidae, Teleostei) inhabit spring-fed streams in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Five nominal species of Dionda (D. argentosa, D. diaboli, D. episcopa, D. nigrotaeniata and D. serena) are found in streams and rivers in central and west Texas. Because Dionda require clean, flowing water, they serve as aquatic indicator species of biological impacts of drought and human water use. Consequently, the ecological and conservation status of species of Dionda are important relative to monitoring habitat deterioration. This study used genetic data from geographic samples of the five nominal species of Dionda in Texas waters to document the conservation-genetics status of populations in each species. Fish were collected in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Data from 585 base pairs of the mitochondrially encoded, protein coding ND-5 gene and from 21 to 33 nuclear-encoded microsatellites were used to assess genetic variation, population structure, historical demography, and genetic effective size of samples of each of the five species. The sample from Independence Creek, initially assumed to be D. episcopa because of its location, was found to be D. argentosa. Results of genetic assays indicate that each geographic sample in each
Phenolic and flavonoid compounds in aqueous extracts of thunbergia laurifolia leaves and their effect on the toxicity of the carbamate insecticide methomyl to murine macrophage cells

Background: Thunbergia laurifolia is a Thai herb and has been used in Thai folklore medicine for centuries. Generally, Thais consume T. laurifolia as a herbal tea because of its beneficial properties as an antidote for chemical toxins, drug-, arsenic-, strychnine-, alcohol- and food-poisoning. However, its effectively against some insecticide compounds, e.g. methomyl, has not yet been determined. Objective: To examine the protective effect of aqueous extract from leaves of T. laurifolia on methomyl (MT) poisoning of murine macrophage cells (anti-MT effect) and to identify phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extract. Methods: T. laurifolia was extracted with water and stored in freeze-dried form. The extract was investigated for its antioxidant activity and some phenolic and flavonoid compounds were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). To study anti-MT effects in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells, these were treated with leaf extract either before (pre-treatment), concomitantly (combined) or after (post-treatment) exposure to MT and cell viability determined in an MTT test (3-(4,5- di methyl thiazol -2-yl)-2,5-di phenyl tetrazolium bromide). Results: The extract exhibited strong antioxidant properties based on total extractable phenolic content (TPC), total extractable flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity. The LC-MS analyses of phenolic compounds indicated the presence of caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, quercetin and apigenin as bioactive compounds. Viability of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells treated with MT was increased significantly by post-treatment with leaf extract but not by combined or pre-treatments. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of T. laurifolia leaves contained abundant antioxidant activity. Flavonoids present were catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, quercetin and apigenin. The aqueous leaf extract was able to help cells recover from the effects of exposure to MT. Keywords: Thunbergia laurifolia , phenolics, flavonoids, methomyl, RAW264.7 murine macrophages, insecticide
Interaction of STDP and metaplasticity in modelling heterosynaptic plasticity.

Although neuroscientists have still not found a comprehensive mechanism to underlie learning and memory, many investigations suggest that long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) are involved in establishment of learning and memory. As a consequence of certain neural activity, neurons need to modulate the activity of the synapse or the properties of ion channels, therefore, they use a mechanism called homeostatic plasticity to balance their activity and control their firing rate. Two forms of plasticity phenomena that are necessary for plasticity regulation are homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity. In the dentate granule cell, induction of homosynaptic LTP in the activated pathway is accompanied by heterosynaptic LTD in the inactivated pathway. Because, the dentate granule cell shows changes in synaptic strengths, we used this cell to test the following hypotheses. The first hypothesis we propose is, with plasticity and metaplasticity models introduced in this thesis, and the modification of an average postsynaptic spike, we can reproduce homosynaptic LTP and concurrent heterosynaptic LTD. The second hypothesis is the metaplasticity generated after a high frequency stimulation (HFS) reduces the level of synaptic plasticity caused by a second HFS. To test these hypotheses we use computer simulation and combine the nearest-neighbour spike time dependent plasticity (STDP) and metaplasticity rules accompanied with noisy spontaneous activity and the nine compartmental model of a granule cell. For this study we use the experimental data from Abraham et al. (2001), Abraham et al. (2007) and Bowden et al. (2012). With the method mentioned above our model is able to reproduce homosynaptic LTP in the activated pathway and heterosynaptic LTD in the neighbouring inactivated pathway. We also show, due to the metaplasticity effects of the plasticity
Phenotypic and Genotypic Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella from Chicken Carcasses Marketed at Ibague, Colombia

Salmonella enterica is responsible for alimentary toxic infections associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry products and the antimicrobial resistant patterns of Salmonella circulating in the Tolima region are currently unknown. To address this issue, both the phenotype and genotype antibiotic resistance patterns of 47 Salmonella isolated from raw chicken carcasses sold at the Ibague city were analyzed by the disc diffusion, microdilution and PCR assays. All 47 Salmonella isolates showed resistance to five or more antimicrobial agents. Resistance to Ampicillin (AMP), Amikacin (AMK), Gentamicin (GEN), Tobramycin (TOB), Cefazoline (CFZ), Cefoxitin (FOX), Nitrofurantoin (NIT), Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (SXT), Tetracycline (TET), Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Enrofloxacin (ENR) was observed in 42.35% of Salmonella isolates. All tested S. Paratyphi B var Java isolates showed resistance to at least 12 antibiotics. S. Hvittingfoss showed resistance to 5 antibiotics, whereas S. Muenster showed resistance to seven antibiotics. Amplification of a number of antibiotic resistance genes showed that blaTEM (100%) correlated well with resistance to Ampicilin and Cephalosporin, whereas aadB (87%) correlated well with resistance to Aminoglycosides. It is concluded that Salmonella isolated from raw chicken meat marketed at Ibague showed MDR by both phenotypic and genotypic methods and they may represent an important threat to human health. Additional studies are needed to establish the relationship between antibiotic resistance in Salmonella from poultry products and clinical isolates.
Preliminary study on antioxidant properties, phenolic contents, and effects of Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed shell extract on in vitro cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer repair

Aim: Human skin exposure to solar UV radiation induces cells to produce reactive oxygen species that directly cause DNA damage via the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), which are the primary UVB-induced DNA lesions. CPDs are responsible for cell death, mutation, and neoplastic transformation. Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract has traditionally been used for venotonic treatments and also as a raw material for cosmetics. This study aimed to characterize the antioxidant properties of the phenolic contents of extracts from A. hippocastanum seed shell and endosperm and to investigate their effects on CPD repair in UVB-exposed human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Materials and Methods: Crude 60% aqueous ethanol extracts (v/v) were prepared, and their total polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities, and ORAC values were measured by FolinCiocalteu, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, and ORAC assays, respectively. The levels of CPDs induced by UVB irradiation were measured by cell-based immunoassays after 6-h treatment with the extract of A. hippocastanum seed shell at a concentration of 100-μg/ml and 9-h treatment with it at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200- μg/ml. Result: A. hippocastanum seed shell extract had 602 ± 1.6-mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and exhibited 4990 ± 70.9 and 7140 ± 835 μmol Trolox equivalents per gram of extract as DPPH radical-scavenging activity and ORAC value, respectively; these values were comparable to those of extracts from green tea and Mallotus japonicus leaves. However, these values of the seed endosperm extract were relatively low. A 9-h treatment of cells with seed shell extracts at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200-μg/ml after UVB exposure significantly reduced CPD levels compared with those in UVB-exposed cells without treatment. Conclusion: This study indicated that A. hippocastanum seed shell extract possesses a potential to limit the harmful effects of human skin exposure to UVB and that this could be the first step toward identifying novel benefits of this extract.
Spatial vision by macaque midbrain

Visual brain areas exhibit tuning characteristics that are well suited for image statistics present in our natural environment. However, visual sensation is an active process, and if there are any brain areas that ought to be particularly “in tune” with natural scene statistics, it would be sensory-motor areas critical for guiding behavior. Here we found that the primate superior colliculus, a structure instrumental for rapid visual exploration with saccades, detects low spatial frequencies, which are the most prevalent in natural scenes, much more rapidly than high spatial frequencies. Importantly, this accelerated detection happens independently of whether a neuron is more or less sensitive to low spatial frequencies to begin with. At the population level, the superior colliculus additionally over-represents low spatial frequencies in neural response sensitivity, even at near-foveal eccentricities. Thus, the superior colliculus possesses both temporal and response gain mechanisms for efficient gaze realignment in low-spatial-frequency dominated natural environments.
Taxonomy of the European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (Aves: Muscicapidae)

The convoluted taxonomy of the European Pied Flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca ([Pallas], 1764) (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) might present a challenge for researchers working in other areas of biology. We present here a historical review of this species’ nomenclature, discuss its generic allocation, type locality, and all its named subspecies. Its purpose is to help to mitigate errors in application of names in other contexts, and also to point out areas in which future work is needed.
Targeted Screening and Improvement of the Medicinal Properties of Oregano and Rhodiola with Chitosan Oligosaccharide and Vitamin C Using in Vitro Assays for Hyperglycemia and Hypertension Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to improve antioxidant-linked bioactive properties in oregano and rhodiola, by combination with chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) or vitamin C. Phenolic antioxidant–linked functionalities of these herbs in combination with COS or vitamin C were evaluated using in vitro assays. Combinations of COS separately with each herb enhanced antioxidant activity (3–7%), while combination of vitamin C with oregano improved α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition (1–10%) associated with type 2 diabetes. The improvement of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition in both herbs was confirmed when combined separately with vitamin C (40–50%) and may be targeted against associated hypertension.
Study the antilisterial and immune stimulating effects of crud Listeria Lipids on Listeria monocytogenes

In order to known the antilisterial, immune stimulating effects of crud Listeria Lipids (CLE) on Listeria monocytogene. crud Lipid Extract (CLE) were prepare, sensitivity test was don of this extract as antilisteria effect and comparing with antibiotics E15, C LR15, RA5, AM10, DO30, PY100 the result showed that the CLE of LM affect growth of LM and the inhibition zone 21.33±0.34 mm. comparing with antibiotics E15, C LR15, RA5, AM10, DO30, PY 10020.3±0.89, 19.66±0.33, 10.66±0.67, 23.33±0.89, 17.66±0.68, 24.66±0.34 respectively. The statical analysis has showed that there was asignifacans differences (p<0.05) between the antibiotics groups comparing with CLE and low with RA and highly with PY100. Also in order to known the effect of this crud Lipid on Listeria infection, 10 mice were immunized with CLE I/P (0.05 mg/0.5 ml) a twice dose with antervales period 14 days, after 10 days from second dose Delyed type hyper sensitivity test was done by skin test on foot pad with CLE 0.1 ml, then the thickening of foot pad measuring after 24 and 48h. then after 27 dayes of 1P P dose mice were challenged with infected Lm, the result showed that the mean thickening of foot pad was, 1.6±0.048, 1.2±0.056 after 24,48 h. respectively. Result also showed decreased mortality rate 30% of immunized mice, while 100% of control and isolation of LM Liver, spleen and heart from the three immunized mice and all control which are died after 4-10 dayes that’s indicated the crud Lipid stimulate immune response that protect the mice. ةموثرجل ماخلا دبللا صلختسمل يعانم زفحم لماعكو يطيبثتلا ريثأتلا ةسا رد Listeria ىلع ةموثرج L. monocytogenes
The Topology, Regulation, and Function of Cardiolipin Remodeling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

s Baile MG, Sathappa M, Lu Y, Pryce E, Whited K, McCaffery JM, Han X, Alder NN, Claypool SM. Unremodeled and remodeled cardiolipin are functionally indistinguishable. 2014 Navigating Lipid Research in Baltimore: from Cell to System (ASCB local meeting). Baltimore, MD. Baile MG, Whited K, Claypool SM. Defining Trafficking Steps Required for Cardiolipin Remodeling. 2013 ASBMB Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. Lu Y-W, Baile MG, Huang T-C, Pandey A, and Claypool SM. The Role of Cardiolipin in Defining the Mammalian ANT Interactome. 2013 ASBMB Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. Baile MG, Whited K, Han X, and Claypool SM. Defining Trafficking Steps Required for Cardiolipin Remodeling. 2012 BCMB Annual Retreat. Towson, MD. Baile MG and Claypool SM. The Translocase Activity of the ADP/ATP Carrier Is Required for Optimal Cytochrome c Oxidase Function. 2011 FASEB Summer Research Conferences: Mitochondrial Assembly & Dynamics in Health, Disease & Aging. Steamboat Springs, CO. Baile MG, Lu Y-W, Whited K, Han X, and Claypool SM. Dissecting the Physiological Importance of Cardiolipin Remodeling. 2011 BCMB Annual Retreat. Towson, MD. Baile MG and Claypool SM. Investigating the Physiological Role of the AAC2−Respiratory Supercomplex Interaction. 2011 NHLBI Mitochondrial Biology Symposium: Advances in Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitochondrial-Cytosolic Communications. Bethesda, MD.
A Genome Scan for Genes Underlying Adult Body Size Differences between Central African Pygmies and their Non-Pygmy Neighbors

Background Central African hunter-gatherer Pygmy populations have reduced body size compared with their often much larger agricultural non-Pygmy neighbors, potentially reflecting adaptation to the anatomical and physiological constraints of their lifestyle in tropical rainforests. Earlier studies investigating the genetics of the pygmy phenotype have focused on standing height, one aspect of this complex phenotype that is itself a composite of skeletal components with different growth patterns. Here, we extend the investigations of standing height to the variability and genetic architecture of sitting height and subischial leg length as well as body mass index (BMI) in a sample of 406 unrelated West Central African Pygmies and non-Pygmies. Results In addition to their significantly reduced standing height compared with non-Pygmies, we find Pygmies to have significantly shorter sitting heights and subischial leg lengths as well as higher sitting/standing height ratios than non-Pygmies. However, while male Pygmies had significantly lower BMI compared with male non-Pygmies, the BMI of females were instead similar. Consistent with prior observations with standing height, sitting height and subischial leg length were strongly correlated with inferred levels of non-Pygmy genetic admixture while BMI was instead weakly correlated, likely reflecting the greater contribution of non-genetic factors to the determination of body weight compared with height. Using 196,725 SNPs on the Illumina Cardio-MetaboChip with genotypes on 358 Pygmy and 169 non-Pygmy individuals together with single-and multi-marker association approaches, we identified a single genomic region and seven genes associated with Pygmy/non-Pygmy categorization as well as 9, 10, 9, and 10 genes associated with standing and sitting height, sitting/standing height ratio, and subischial leg length, respectively. Many of the genes identified have putative functions consistent with a role in determining their associated trait as well as the complex Central African pygmy phenotype. Conclusions These findings highlight the potential of modestly sized datasets of Pygmies and non-Pygmies to detect biologically meaningful associations with traits contributing to the Central African pygmy phenotype. Moreover, they provide new insights into the phenotypic and genetic bases of the complex pygmy phenotype and offer new opportunities to facilitate our understanding of its complex evolutionary origins.
Complete chloroplast genome of glyphosate resistant Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist from Australia

Abstract Conyza bonariensis, flaxleaf fleabane, is a serious weed in Australian agricultural systems, particularly the north-east cropping system. We present the complete chloroplast sequence of C. bonariensis reconstructed from Illumina whole genome shotgun sequencing. This is the first complete chloroplast genome available for genus Conyza. The complete chloroplast sequence is 153,014 bp long, and has the same gene content and structure as other members of the tribe Astereae. A Bayesian phylogeny of the chloroplast coding regions of 18 representatives of Astereae is presented. The C. bonariensis chloroplast genome is deposited at GenBank under accession number MF276802.
PRELIMINARY DATA ONN USING INSECTS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATE GROUPS AS BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY IN SOME ALBANIAN RIVERS

Aquatic macro invertebrates are good indicators of biodiversity and habitat quality (Lee N. 2003). These insects inhabit aquatic ecosystems for most of all their lives and are sensitive to different chemical and physical conditions (Cardoso et al, 2005; Annonimous, 2006) their survival is closely linked with environmental conditions.Therefore their presence is an important indicator of watershed health (Lee & Rudd, 2003). During last years different studies and data are collected on Albanian rivers water quality. Our study aim to give a preliminary situation of Albanian rivers water quality based on the data gathered on insect and invertebrate fauna. In our study EPT, SEPT, (Bode et al. 1995, Parker & Salansky, 1998) TV. (Reiss et al., 2000) and EPT Biotic Index (Schmiedt et al; 1998; Somers et al, 1998) was evaluated for the rivers of Buna, Shkumbini and Vjosa (north center and south Albania). The results show that SETP 19 and EPT Biotic Index 2.5 for Buna River; for Vjosa River ETP 15 and EPT Biotic Index 2.9; for Shkumbini River SETP 13 and EPT Biotic Index 2. Based on this data we can say that the water quality of those rivers is still very good.