Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Previous infestation with Psammotettix alienus on spring wheat seedlings decreased the fitness of Sitobion avenae in a subsequent infestation

Previous feeding by herbivores may influence the performance of other herbivores by altering the morphological and physiological properties of the shared host. The present study aimed to examine the fitness of the apterous aphid Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) when fed spring wheat that was previously attacked by the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus Dahlbom (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with an evaluation of the differences in aphid weight (WD), development time (D), mean relative growth rate (MRGR), daily production of nymphs (MDNP) and intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) under controlled greenhouse conditions. For the S. avenae reared on the two spring wheat cultivars that were previously infested with P. alienus, the WD and the MRGR decreased significantly. The S. avenae reared on the previously infested cv. Leguan had significantly prolonged D values and a lowered rm, whereas these parameters did not differ significantly when S. avenae was reared on the cv. Bobwhite. Overall, the fitness of the aphid S. avenae was adversely affected when reared on the two spring wheat cultivars that were previously infested with P. alienus.
The Use of Early Season Multispectral Images for Weed Detection in Corn

The objective of this research was to determine the potential use of commercially available multispectral images to detect weeds at low densities during the critical period of weed control. Common lambsquarters seedlings were transplanted into plots of glyphosate-resistant corn at 0, 1, 2, and 4 plants/m2 at two sites, Agronomy Center for Research and Extension (ACRE) and Meig's Horticultural Research Farm at the Throckmorton–Purdue Agricultural Center (TPAC), in Indiana. Aerial multispectral images (12 to 16 cm pixel resolution) were taken 18 and 32 days after planting (DAP) at ACRE and 19 and 32 DAP at TPAC. Corn and common lambsquarters could not be reliably detected and differentiated at either site when weeds were 9 cm or less in height. However, economic threshold densities (2 and 4 plants/m2) of common lambsquarters could be distinguished from weed-free plots at TPAC when weeds were 17 cm in height. At this height, common lambsquarters plants were beyond the optimal height for glyphosate application, but could still be readily controlled with higher rates. Results from this study indicate that commercially available multispectral aerial imagery at current spatial resolutions does not provide consistently reliable data for detection of early season weeds in glyphosate-resistant corn cropping systems. Additional refinement in sensor spatial and spectral resolution is necessary to increase our ability to successfully detect early season weed infestations. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; corn, Zea mays L.
Apolipoprotein ε4 Allele in Swedish Twins and Siblings with Alzheimer Disease

Allelic frequencies of apolipoprotein ε4 were compared in 13 dizygotic twin pairs and 13 sibling pairs in which at least one member has Alzheimer disease (AD). Among discordant pairs of twins and siblings, frequencies were significantly greater in affected than intact partners. There was no significant difference in allelic frequencies between twins with a positive family history and twins with a negative family history. The ε4 allele was more common in the sibling sample selected for family aggregation of AD than the twin sample. Several lines of evidence indicate that while the ε4 allele appears to be one risk factor for AD, other etiological factors must be considered as well.
Within‐plant distribution of Rhopalosiphum padi on wheat seedlings is affected by induced responses

Cereal aphids have distinct patterns of occupation of plants, both in spatial and temporal terms (Dean, 1974). The preferred feeding site of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), on cereal seedlings is the stem base and lower leaves (Dean, 1974; Leather & Lehti, 1982), and this holds for both field and laboratory observations (Wiktelius, 1987). Previous works discussing this pattern of within-plant distribution have considered factors such as nutritional value of the tissues (Leather & Dixon, 1981; Weibull, 1987; Wiktelius, 1987; Wiktelius et al., 1990) and avoidance of extreme temperatures in the field (Wiktelius, 1987). Plant quality for herbivorous insects can decrease after feeding, due to induced responses of the plant (reviewed in Karban & Baldwin, 1997). Effects of induced responses on the within-plant distribution of the herbivore have also been reported (Edwards et al., 1991 and references therein). This work presents results suggesting that induced responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings to aphid feeding play a role in shaping the within-plant distribution of R. padi. In particular, it compares the constitutive as well as the induced quality for the aphid of the stem (preferred site) and the third leaf (non-preferred site) of a three-leaf seedling.
REVIEW (REVISIÓN) NEUROENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF INSULIN, IGF-I AND LEPTIN ON THE SECRETION OF THE GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH) (EFECTOS NEUROENDOCRINOS DE INSULINA, IGF-I Y LEPTINA SOBRE LA SECRECIÓN DE HORMONA LIBERADORA DE GONADOTROPINAS (GnRH))

1 Departamento de produccion Agricola y Animal Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, 04960. Mexico Distrito Federal 2 Departamento de Reproduccion Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Mexico Distrito Federal E-mails: alexanderguz_san@yahoo.com. mx; anamaria@correo.xoc. uam.mx; ggcarlos@servidor.unam. mx * Corresponding author
Paired‐tower measurements of carbon and energy fluxes following disturbance in the boreal forest

Disturbances by fire and harvesting are thought to regulate the carbon balance of the Canadian boreal forest over scales of several decades. However, there are few direct measurements of carbon fluxes following disturbances to provide data needed to refine mathematical models. The eddy covariance technique was used with paired towers to measure fluxes simultaneously at disturbed and undisturbed sites over periods of about one week during the growing season in 1998 and 1999. Comparisons were conducted at three sites: a 1‐y‐old burned jackpine stand subjected to an intense crown fire at the International Crown Fire Modelling Experiment site near Fort Providence, North‐west Territories; a 1‐y‐old clearcut aspen area at the EMEND project near Peace River, Alberta; and a 10‐y‐old burned, mixed forest near Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan. Nearby mature forest stands of the same types were also measured as controls. The harvested site had lower net radiation (Rn), sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes, and greater ground heat fluxes (G) than the mature forest. Daytime CO2 fluxes were much reduced, but night‐time CO2 fluxes were identical to that of the mature aspen forest. It is hypothesized that the aspen roots remained alive following harvesting, and dominated soil respiration. The overall effect was that the harvested site was a carbon source of about 1.6 gC m−2 day−1, while the mature site was a sink of about −3.8 gC m−2 day−1. The one‐year‐old burn had lower Rn, H and LE than the mature jackpine forest, and had a continuous CO2 efflux of about 0.8 gC m–2 day−1 compared to the mature forest sink of − 0.5 g C m−2 day−1. The carbon source was likely caused by decomposition of fire‐killed vegetation. The 10‐y‐old burned site had similar H, LE, and G to the mature mixed forest site. Although the diurnal amplitude of the CO2 fluxes were slightly lower at the 10‐y‐old site, there was no significant difference between the daily integrals (− 1.3 gC m−2 day−1 at both sites). It appears that most of the change in carbon flux occurs within the first 10 years following disturbance, but more data are needed on other forest and disturbance types for the first 20 years following the disturbance event.
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING SUMMER RANGES ON LACTATION AND GROWTH OF WAPITI (Cervus elaphus)

The effect of nutritional supplementation with alfalfa-barley pellets (approximately 11 MJ ME kg DM−1) on milk production of wapiti hinds and growth of their calves was studied from birth in late May and early June until weaning in mid-September on aspen parkland ranges in central Alberta. Although supplemented hinds produced more milk at peak lactation (1080 vs. 883 g per nursing bout, P = 0.04) and may have gained slightly more weight (359 vs. 187 g d−1, P = 0.08) before the rut than their unsupplemented counterparts, growth of calves (870 g d−1) was unaffected by the nutritional treatment. Unsupplemented calves grazed more than supplemented calves (59 vs. 36% of the active period, P = 0.00) and this may have compensated for lower milk consumption. Supplemented hinds spent progressively less time grazing than unsupplemented hinds throughout the summer. This trial suggests that there are few benefits of supplementing lactating wapiti on appropriately-stocked parkland ranges in central Alberta during summ.
Posterior circulation stroke in childhood: Risk factors and recurrence

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether posterior circulation stroke in children has distinctive clinical or radiologic features. MethodsPatients were identified retrospectively from two pediatric neurology centers. Clinical details were ascertained by chart review, and radiologic data were reviewed by three neuroradiologists. ResultsTwenty-two cases were identified (17 boys). Twenty children had evidence of vertebrobasilar arterial abnormalities, which were multifocal in 12. The etiology of these was vertebral artery dissection in 10 cases and unclear in the remaining 10. Cardiac abnormalities were rare (n = 4). Other risk factors for stroke in childhood were hypertension (n = 9), the thermolabile methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation (n = 4), and the factor V Leiden mutation (n = 2). Two children had subluxation of the upper cervical spine at the extreme of normal limits. In follow-up for 6 months to 11 years (median 4 years), five patients had further strokes and seven had TIA. Overall, 12 patients had no residual neurologic deficits. ConclusionsThe male preponderance, frequency of arterial dissection, rarity of cardiac embolism, and >20% recurrence were notable. Cerebral angiography is usually indicated if a definitive diagnosis is not made on MRI. Additional investigations should include echocardiography and cervical spine radiography in flexion and extension.
Making Sense of G Proteins: Genetic analysis of sensory G protein signaling in the nematode C. elegans

textabstractAmong the key molecules involved in sensory perception are G proteins, which act in every cell to activate a cascade of signaling molecules in response to certain environmental cues. In this thesis, several studies on the role of G proteins in the sensory system of C. elegans are described. First, in Chapter 1, a brief overview of the biology of C. elegans and of G protein signaling in general and in C. elegans is presented. Next, in Chapter 2, the sensory system of C. elegans is discussed in more (molecular) detail. In Chapter 3, the impact of sensory signaling on the regulation of dauer formation and longevity is discussed. Chapter 4 deals with the role of G protein signaling in the detection of attractive odorants by C. elegans. Data is presented which indicate that olfaction in C. elegans is regulated by a complex signaling network involving five G proteins. In Chapter 5, the regulation of olfactory receptor gene expression by G proteins is described. B! oth cell autonomous as well as non-cell autonomous G protein signals regulate str-2 receptor gene expression, in cooperation with Ca2+/MAPK signaling molecules. Chapter 6 shows that G protein signaling in the sensory neurons also modulates longevity in C. elegans. Finally, in Chapter 7, future directions are provided.
Breeding for improved water productivity in temperate cereals: phenotyping, quantitative trait loci, markers and the selection environment

Consistent gains in grain yield in dry environments have been made by empirical breeding although there is disturbing evidence that these gains may have slowed. There are few examples where an understanding of the physiology and the genetics of putative important drought-related traits has led to improved yields. Success will first depend on identifying the most important traits in the target regions. It will then depend on accurate and fast phenotyping, which, in turn, will lead to: (1) trait-based selection being immediately transferable into breeding operations and (2) being able to identify the underlying genes or the important genomic regions (quantitative trait loci), perhaps leading to efficient marker-based selection (MBS). Genetic complexity, extent of genotypeenvironment (GE) interaction and sampling cost per line will determine value of phenotyping over MBS methods. Here, we review traits of importance in dry environments and review whether molecular or phenotypic selection methods are likely to be the most effective in crop improvement programs and where the main bottlenecks to selection are. We also consider whether selection for these traits should be made in dry environments or environments where there is no soil water limitation. The development of lines/ populations for trait validation studies and for varietal development is also described. We firstly conclude that despite the spectacular improvements in molecular technologies, fast and accurate phenotyping remains the major bottleneck to enhancing yield gains in water-limited environments. Secondly, for most traits of importance in dry environments, selection is generally conducted most effectively in favourable moisture environments.
From the individual to the community and beyond: water quality, stress indicators and key species in coastal waters

This review examines water quality and stress indicators at levels of organisation from the individual to the community and beyond by means of three case studies concentrating on rocky shores within the north-east Atlantic. Responses of dogwhelks (Nucella) to tributyltin pollution from antifouling paints is examined as the main case study. There are effects at the individual level (development of male sexual characteristics in the female leading to effective sterility) and population level (reduction in juveniles, few females and eventual population disappearance of dogwhelks in badly contaminated areas) but information on community level effects of dogwhelk demise is sparse. Such effects were simulated by dogwhelk removal experiments on well studied, moderately exposed ledges on shores on the Isle of Man. The removal of dogwhelks reduced the size and longevity of newly established Fucus clumps that had escaped grazing. Removal of dogwhelks also increased the likelihood of algal escapes. In a factorial experiment dogwhelks were shown to be less important than limpets \{Patella) in structuring communities but still had a significant modifying effect by increasing the probability of algal escapes. Community level responses to stress on rocky shores are then explored by reference to catastrophic impacts such as oil spills, using the Torrey Canyon as a case study. Recovery of the system in response to this major perturbation took between 10-15 years through a series of damped oscillations. The final case study is that of indicators of ecosystem level change in response to climate fluctuations, using ratios of northern \{Semibalanus balanoides) and southern (Chthamalus spp.) barnacles. Indices derived from counts on the shore show good correlations with inshore sea-water temperatures after a 2-year lag phase. The use of barnacles to measure offshore changes is reviewed. The discussion considers the use of bioindicators at various levels of organisation.
Transboundary biosphere reserves: a new framework for cooperation

Despite the increasing call for cooperation amongst the states parties to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (UNTS 3069; see especially its Articles 5, 17, 18 and 20), the management of protected areas adjacent to political borders is rarely thought of as a common necessity for neighbouring countries. Setting up a zone dedicated to conservation is already a formidable challenge in the face of strongly competing interests for land. Bringing this about with two or more sovereign states sometimes seems a ‘gratuitous layer of complexity that spells almost certain failure’ (Westing 1998b). Nevertheless, transboundary protected areas are becoming increasingly common (IUCN, unpublished 1998). In fact, no less than 136 such protected area complexes involving over 406 individual protected areas and 112 different international boundaries (Zbicz & Green 1997) have been identified around the world. If proposed areas are also included, this figure can be pushed up to 200 complexes (Brunner 1998).
PHYLOGENETIC TRENDS IN SPERM TRANSFER AND STORAGE COMPLEXITY IN DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS

Possible phylogenetic trends in male sperm transfer and female sperm storage structures are described. Degree of complexity of genitalia is defined as the relative modification or differentiation from a hypothesized primitive condition. It is proposed that the degree of complexity of male gonopods and female sperm storage organs exhibited by a taxon is a measure of phylogenetic distance from the ancestral slate. In a male decapod ancestor, the endopod of pleopod 1 is considered to have been an unmodified natatory ramus with pleopod 2 similar but with an appendix masculina. The female of such a hypothesized ancestor received sperm via an external spermatophoric mass; sperm storage in a thelycum or internal spermatheca had not developed. Primitive dendrobranchiate shrimps are characterized by open thelyca, morphologically elaborate external spermatophores, and open petasmata or semiclosed petasmata without terminal funnels or spouts. In the most advanced groups, females have closed thelyca and true spermathecae in which spermatophoric masses are deposited; males have semiclosed petasmata with terminal spouts. Several variations in genitalia between these primitive and advanced extremes are found in penaeoid species. In the Pleocyemata, a trend of increasing insemination complexity can be constructed from the Stenopodidea-Caridea to Astacidea and culminating in the Brachyura. Sperm transfer and storage in both the Palinura and Anomura stand apart from this major pleocyemaie trend. The proposed phylogenetic trends in insemination morphology are compared to various schemes of decapod evolution. Best agreement is found with Burkenroad's (1963) hypothesis on decapod phylogeny; the Natantia of Boas (1880) is not supported by a review and analysis of decapod sperm transfer and storage morphology.
Human immature monocyte‐derived dendritic cells produce and secrete α‐defensins 1–3

Defensins are effector molecules of the innate immunity with a broad antimicrobial spectrum, including HIV. They also link innate and adaptive immunity, displaying chemotactic activity for monocytes, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs). α‐Defensins 1–3 are mainly produced by neutrophils, but their production by other leukocyte subsets has also been reported. Herein, we studied whether monocyte‐derived DCs (MDDCs), which are regarded as a model for myeloid DCs, produce α‐defensins 1–3. We found that immature MDDCs (imMDDCs) produce α‐defensins 1–3 mRNA, but this production is undetectable or barely detectable following 48 h of maturation with the proinflammatory cytokine cocktail (IL‐1β+IL‐6+TNF‐α) or LPS. It is surprising that α‐defensins 1–3 production was up‐regulated when exposed to each one of the proinflammatory cytokines alone, especially IL‐1β. α‐Defensins 1–3 produced by imMDDCs were mainly secreted peptides. Production and secretion of α‐defensins 1–3 by imMDDCs can have biological relevance for the antigen processing of pathogens and can contribute to understanding differences in susceptibility to infections, an issue of special interest in the field of HIV infection.
Evaluation of Possible Nonlethal Side Effects of Permethrin Used in Predator Exclusion Experiments to Evaluate Amblyseius limonicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Biological Control of Cassava Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Permethrin has been recommended for use in predator exclusion studies of Amblyseius limonicus Garman & McGregor (formerly in Typhlodromalus ), an important predator of tetranychid cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) pests: green mite, Mononychellus progresivus Doreste, and twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Among criteria for a chemical exclusion agent are selective toxicity and lack of side effects such as enhanced pest fecundity, stimluation of plant growth, or improvement of host plant nutritional quality. Laboratory and field tests provided no evidence for phytostimulation, change in cassava nutritional quality, or increased spider mite fecundity; however, abundance of nontarget arthropods was significantly reduced in permethrin-treated field plots. A possible repellency effect of permethrin on M. progresivus was suggested under laboratory conditions. Implications of repellency and lowered abundance of nontarget species for field use of permethrin as a predator exclusion agent are discussed.
Lagartijas de la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina: distribución geográfica, diversidad genética y estado de conservación

En este trabajo se presenta una actualizacion de las caracteristicas geograficas, geneticas y de conservacion de la herpetofauna de la provincia de Santa Cruz. Utilizando ~ 1500 registros de presencia, se realiza un inventario biologico actualizado y se incluyen mapas de distribucion, fotos a color, comentarios geneticos y estatus de conservacion para las lagartijas de Santa Cruz. El numero de especies de lagartijas distribuidas en esta provincia es de 29, sin embargo tres de estas no presentan registros actuales. En base a los patrones geneticos se identifican al menos diez especies candidatas, linajes no descriptos con suficiente diferenciacion genetica como para representar especies nuevas y que necesitan otras fuentes de evidencia para avalar su estatus especifico. En este trabajo se combina la informacion tradicionalmente presentada en inventarios biologicos con datos geneticos, de distribucion y estatus de conservacion; mas alla de la novedosa integracion realizada, este trabajo tiene la potencialidad de guiar el desarrollo de estudios detallados, en los que se puedan identificar (entre otras) zonas tanto para conservacion como para explotacion sustentable, asi como tambien puede acelerar la descripcion de nuevos taxa llenando los vacios en el conocimiento de la taxonomia alfa.