Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mating disruption method against the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus: effect of sequential treatment on infested vines

The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a major pest of vineyards. Here, we tested the efficacy of the mating disruption method against the pest when applied during one or two successive years in high and low infestation levels. Following 1 year of treatment, at low initial infestation levels a shutdown of pheromone traps was observed, along with a significant reduction in infested vines. With initially high infestation levels, a gradual reduction in infested vines was observed, with a trap shutdown seen only after the second year of pheromone application. We discuss the implications of the male mating disruption method for this pest in which the wingless females are aggregated with limited movement among vines, offering multiple mating opportunities for the flying male.
Concordance of microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers in detecting genetic population structure in the boring giant clam Tridacna crocea across the Indo‐Malay Archipelago

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a single, usually non-recombining locus, and often uniparentally inherited. Therefore, its ability to reveal recent gene flow among populations is usually questioned. In this study, the genetic population structure of 16 populations of Tridacna crocea (n = 366) from the Indo-Malay Archipelago (IMA) was examined with 10 microsatellite markers and compared to previous studies using mtDNA, in order to test if the revealed population structure was congruent between the two marker systems. The results showed that the genetic population structure revealed by the two marker systems was mostly congruent, with a high correlation between cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and microsatellites. The studied populations could be divided by both marker systems as follows: (i) Eastern Indian Ocean, (ii) Central IMA, and (iii) Western Pacific. Populations in the Central IMA showed high gene flow. However, populations in the Java Sea (Karimunjava, Pulau Seribu) were grouped into a separate cluster by mtDNA analysis, while this grouping was not detected by microsatellites. It was also noteworthy that there is obvious heterozygosity deficiency in most of the populations, which may be caused by null alleles, inbreeding or population expansion. Overall, these results indicate that the mitochondrial COI gene is applicable for population genetic analysis and precise recovery of connectivity patterns of giant clams. Therefore, the combination of mtDNA and nuclear DNA markers can lead to a more complete understanding of population genetics. Moreover, this study is expected to facilitate fully displaying the population genetic structure of giant clams combining with other researchers' results.
SODIUM TRANSPORT lN THE FRESHWATER ASIATIC CLAM CORBICULA FLUMINEA

The Na transport mechanism was examined in pondwater-acclimated (PW) and salt-depleted (SD) specimens of Corbicula fluminea. The Na influx in 0.5 mM Na2SO4 of 7.90 ± 0.79 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr), higher than most freshwater animals, increased to 18.53 ± 2.10 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr) in SD animals.Saturation of the transport system is typical of Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. Maximum influx of PW clams was 12.90 ± 3.01 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr), with a Km of 0.05 mM Na/l. The maximum rate in SD clams was 28.66 ± 2.17 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr), with little change in Km.Sodium movement in C. fluminea may be partitioned into passive diffusion, excretion, exchange diffusion and active transport. Exchange diffusion comprises a substantial portion of Na movement: 5.91 ± 0.80 µM Na/(g dry tissue ·hr) in PW animals and 16.05 ± 0.67 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr) in SD clams. Passive inward diffusion of Na was 0.50 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr) for PW clams and 1.17 µM Na/(g dry tissue·hr) for SD clams.The primary exchange ion fo.
Levels of extra‐pair paternity are associated with parental care in penduline tits (Remizidae)

In most passerine birds, individuals attempt to maximize their fitness by providing parental care while also mating outside their pair bond. A sex-specific trade-off between these two behaviours is predicted to occur, as the fitness benefits of extra-pair mating differ between the sexes. We use nest observations and parentage analysis to reveal a negative association between male care and the incidence of extra-pair paternity across three species of penduline tit (Remizidae). This provides evidence of a trade-off between these two behaviours, possibly due to the devaluing of paternal care by extra-pair offspring.
Changements de position du massif facial et de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire dans la lignée néandertalienne. Organisation crânio-maxillo-faciale des Néandertaliens

The metrical study of projections of some points of the cranial base, face and mandible, in the median plane, indicated some very different relationships between the above mentioned parts in Neandertals compared to modern humans. The main result concerns the morphology of the neandertal face which cannot be considered a consequence of the masticatory function
The application of quantitative SDS-PAGE method for measurement of extracellular recombinant scFv anti-p17 in crude protein

The quantitative determination of recombinant protein in crude protein is not commonly used because the protein is not in purified form. The Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was developed for quantitative determination of protein. This method has been use for protein quantitative determinations in many propose such as Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein determination in kidney stone disease patient and determination of titin and nebulin in chicken meat product for meat industries. In this study, the method of quantitative determination of extracellular recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-HIV-1 p17 proteins (scFv anti-p17) from Escherichia coli stain HB2151 by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was developed by the application of bovine serum albumin as external and internal standard. The range of detection was 1.875 - 0.234 μg. These results presented variation coefficient less than 35%. The method applied to quantitative determination of scFv anti-p17 in 19 of crude protein samples. The quantitative protein concentration results related to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western immunoblotting method. The quantitative SDS-PAGE method is capable for quantitative determination of known protein from crude protein extraction. This method decreased the purification step, time consuming and protein yield loss. This application is capable to apply with the other pathogenic protein markers in the future clinical applications. Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2013; 46(2): 107-121
Agonistic behaviour and significance of sounds in vocalizing fish

Vocalization during agonistic behaviour is widespread in fishes and has been described in representatives of about 30 families. Many species utter sounds when disturbed or caught, probably to startle predators. During aggressive intraspecific encounters fishes mainly vocalize while attacking or fighting, and only rarely in defense situations or when fleeing. Acoustic signals are typically accompanied by visual displays which complicates analysis of sound function. Sounds are mostly short and composed of a series of low frequency pulses. Different types of agonistic acoustic signals as in Polypterus are rare. Males are often more vocal than females but in some species e.g. cottids and gouramis sexual differences in agonistic calls are small. Agonistic vocalizations may affect outcome of contests, defense of territories, and inhibit or increase aggression. Correlation between several sound characteristics and outcome of encounters in Trichopsis vittata indicates that sound parameters are used for assessing .
S-nitrosylated GAPDH mediates neuronal apoptosis induced by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutant SOD1G93A

ABSTRACT Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with the selective loss of motor neurons in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. A number of the mutants of the human gene for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been shown to cause familial ALS as a result of gain-of-function toxicity by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we show that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) functions as a critical mediator of the apoptotic cell death signaling cascade induced by the ALS-associated G93A mutant of human SOD1 [SOD1(G93A)]. We observed that SOD1(G93A) induces S-nitrosylation of GAPDH and the subsequent binding of GAPDH and Siah1 in NSC34 motor neuron-like cells. Furthermore, SOD1(G93A) promoted nuclear translocation of S-nitrosylated GAPDH in the cells. In addition, SOD1(G93A)-induced apoptotic cell death was inhibited by deprenyl, a chemical inhibitor of GAPDH S-nitrosylation, in NSC34 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that S-nitrosylation of GAPDH plays a critical role in SOD1(G93A)-induced neuronal apoptosis.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Leaf Heterosis by RNA-seq

Heterosis has been mostly used in hot pepper breeding and production, but the molecular basis of heterosis has not been extensively studied. In this study, comparative transcriptomes analysis of parental lines (D6, D7) and F1 hybrids (D6×D7 and D7×D6) was performed. A total of 0.6 billion raw reads, and 0.44 billion high-quality reads were obtained after the filtering process. Statistical analysis of genes with presence/deletion variations showed that, there were 1068 (6.20%) and 780 (4.56%) genes in the "single parent express consistent type" in the direct (D6×D7) and reciprocal (D7×D6) F1 hybrids, respectively. More genes fit into the non-additive expression type in two F1 hybrids compared to the parents, and less than 8% of the genes belong to the additive expression type. 66.08% in direct and 62.96% in reciprocal F1 hybrids belong to the epistatic dominance expression pattern. There were more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two parental lines (351) than between the two hybrids (17). The results of gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that there were obvious differences in electron transmission and photorespiration between two F1 hybrids. GO terms for regulating plant hypersensitive responses, and MAPK pathways were only enriched in the direct hybrid (D6×D7).
Using doe behavior and vaginal-implant transmitters to capture neonate white-tailed deer in north-central Minnesota

Direct study of the survival and causes of mortality of neonates of deer (Odocoileus spp.) inhabiting forests has been limited because of the difficulty of locating newborns in dense vegetation. We compared our efforts and success in locating and capturing white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) neonates in the forest zone of Minnesota using movement behavior of radiocollared does versus radiocollared does fitted with vaginal-implant transmitters. Using doe behavior, we located 25 fawns in springs 1997, 1999, and 2000 combined. Almost 100 people investing 5,310 person-hours (1,500-1,890 per year) were involved in search efforts using this doe behavior; average crew size was 5-8 people. The success rate (i.e., capture of >1 neonate) was 12 and 21% for 68 and 43 searches, respectively, during springs 1999 and 2000. During winter 2000-2001, we fitted 25 pregnant does with vaginal-implant transmitters, which resulted in a capture-success rate of 88% (14 of 16 searches) and 20 radiocollared neonates in spring 2001. We captured an additional 11 fawns using doe behavior. This season's total search efforts included 29 people investing 1,872 person-hours. The required effort-per-unit-capture was 2.4-3.5 times higher using doe behavior than using vaginal-implant transmitters to capture neonates. We recovered 16 of the 25 implants at birth sites, 3 were inactivated or lost due to predation before fawning, 2 were expelled prematurely, and 4 were lost due to transmitter failure. Problems with the implant transmitters included battery failure and fluctuating pulse rate of signals (i.e., slow versus fast) while still in the doe. Though not perfected, the vaginal-implant transmitter proved to be an effective tool for locating birth sites and capturing neonates of a widely dispersed deer population inhabiting a densely vegetated landscape.
5 Modeling Cancer and Aging in the Telomerase-deficient Mouse

The year 2007 will mark the centennial anniversary of mouse genetics. In these 100 years, repeated waves of technological innovation and genetic insight have positioned the mouse as a major experimental system for the study of complex human diseases and biological processes such as cancer, aging, and chronic degenerative disorders. The capacity to utilize the mouse to maximum experimental advantage stems from our capacity to precisely manipulate the mouse germ line, control and homogenize genetic variations, and assess genotype–phenotype associations in the context of the whole organism. Indeed, the mouse has contributed greatly to our understanding of the basis for virtually all major human diseases, shedding first light on central biological processes and often providing more surprises than fulfilled prophecies. At the same time, as with all model organisms, full utilization of the mouse necessitates an appreciation for cross-species similarities and differences in biology, genetics, and genomics and, where possible, how such differences can be exploited experimentally to dissect fundamental issues relating to key biological processes. In the study of telomeres and their roles in governing normal physiology and disease, it has been possible to take advantage of species-specific differences in mouse and human telomere dynamics to explore the relevance and specific contributions of telomeres and telomerase in biology and pathophysiology. As a result of efforts from many laboratories, the study of telomeres in the mouse has resulted in a steady stream of insights that are now being confirmed in human tissues with increasing regularity. It is reasonable to.
Research Article Expression of Acyl-lipid 12-desaturase Gene in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells and Its Effect on Cold Stress Tolerance of Potato

We report the expression profile of acyl-lipid � 12-desaturase (desA) gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and its effect on cell membrane lipid composition and cold tolerance in prokaryotic (Escherichia coli) and eukaryotic (Solanum tuberosum) cells. For this purpose, a hybrid of desA and reporter gene encoding thermostable lichenase (licBM3) was constructed and used to transform these cells. The expression of this hybrid gene was measured using qualitative (Petri dish test, electrophoregram and zymogram) and quantitative methods (spectrometry and gas liquid chromatography assays). The maximum level of linoleic acid in the bacterial cells containing hybrid gene was 1.9% of total fatty acids. Cold stress tolerance assays using plant damage index and growth parameters showed that cold tolerance was enhanced in primary transgenic lines because of increased unsaturated fatty acid concentration in their lipids. The greatest content of 18:2 and 18:3 fatty acids in primary transgenic plants was observed for lines 2 (73%) and 3 (41%). Finally, our results showed that desaturase could enhance tolerance to cold stress in potato, and desaturase and lichenase retain their functionality in the structure of the hybrid protein where the enzymatic activity of target gene product was higher than in the case of reporter lichenase gene absence in the construction.
ISSN: 2249-0353 Original Article Bioactive potential of Curcuma longa L. as an intra-canal medicament in deciduous teeth with periodontal infection: An in-vitro study

This in-vitro study was designed to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotics and rhizome extract of Curcuma longa L as intra-canal medicament. 16 adult patients with symptoms of root canal infection, diagnosed by a physician participated in the study. 32 bacterial samples were taken from root canal infection, 16 before and 16 after treatment. Totally 39 cultivable bacterial isolates were obtained belonging to 13 genera, of which 17 were anaerobes, 19 were facultative anaerobes and 3 were aerobes. After treatment the bacterial load was reduced to 14 of which 6 anaerobes, 7 facultative anaerobes and 1 was aerobe. Bacillus cereus was scrutinized before and after treatment with dental paste. The species were identified by biochemical and sequenced by 16s rRNA analysis. Rhizomes of Curcuma longa was extracted using different polarity solvent such as di-ethyl ether (DEE), ethanol (C2H6O) and methanol (MeOH) and used for assessing antibacterial activity. Interestingly the MeOH cold extract gave maximum zones against Bacilllus cereus at 18 mm and also inhibited all the isolates at 80 µg concentration. This study provides novel insights into the therapeutic effect of turmeric against root canal infection, suggesting its potential as an alternative to root canal infection. © 2016 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved
Effects and mechanisms of growth differentiation factor 9 on activin A-regulated inhibin B and progesterone production in human granulosa cells

Activin A (homodimer of inhibin βA-subunit) is known to increase inhibin βB-subunit and inhibin B (heterodimer of inhibin αand βB-subunit) levels and decrease progesterone accumulation in human granulosa cells. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a potent paracrine regulator of ovarian function, but its overall effects, particularly relating to activin A actions, are unknown. We examined the potential crosstalk between activin A and GDF9 in primary cultures of human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. Pretreatment of hGL cells with GDF9 for 24 h resulted in an increased expression of activin receptors and Smad2/3, and decreased inhibitory Smad7 activity. These effects were attenuated by BMP type II receptor ectodomain (BMPR2 ECD), a GDF9 antagonist. These GDF9-induced changes, in turn, increased the cellular response to activin A stimulation and resulted in significantly greater production of βB-subunit mRNA and inhibin B compared to activin A treatment alone. Interestingly, endogenous GDF9 mRNA and protein were detected in hGL cells. Reduction of endogenous GDF9 by GDF9 siRNA resulted in decreased levels of activin receptors and Smad2/3/4, but increased expression of Smad7. Consequently, GDF9 siRNA treatment significantly attenuated the stimulation of activin A on βB-subunit mRNA and inhibin B levels. Additionally, GDF9 suppressed the expression of follistatin (FST) and follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), which are extracellular inhibitors of activin A. These effects were attenuated by BMPR2 ECD and GDF9 siRNA. Treatment with FST or FSTL3 siRNA augmented activin A-induced βB-subunit mRNA levels. Conversely, GDF9 enhancement of activin A-induced βB-subunit mRNA was attenuated by FST. ii Activin A decreased expression of StAR but not P450scc and 3βHSD, this effect lead to reduced basal and FSH-induced progesterone accumulation. GDF9 reversed these effects of activin A on StAR and progesterone; these GDF9 effects were attenuated by inhibin α-subunit siRNA. Together, these findings support a novel hypothesis that GDF9 exerts both paracrine and autocrine control of key components in the activin receptor-signaling pathway and the extracellular inhibition of activin A in hGL cells. As a result, GDF9 may serve to enhance activin A-induced accumulation of inhibin B, which in turn acts to reverse activin A suppression of progesterone accumulation during granulosa cell luteinization.
Biotic hotspots in mangrove-dominated estuaries: macro-invertebrate aggregation in unvegetated lower intertidal flats

Macro-benthic invertebrates are important components of estuarine communities providing links between primary producers and higher trophic levels. In temperate regions, abundance and biomass peak in the mid-intertidal, giving this zone substantial functional importance. In tropical estuaries, the higher intertidal is generally occupied by mangrove forests, potentially influencing the way intertidal invertebrate assemblages are structured. We investigated the distribution and richness of benthic invertebrates across intertidal sand- and mud-flats seaward of mangrove forest to quantify the extent and location of areas of high benthic richness, abundance and biomass. Four estuaries in tropical north Queensland and 2 habitat types, sand and mud, were sampled using a van Veen grab. Macro-invertebrate richness, abundance and biomass peaked with a ‘hotspot’ in the lower low-intertidal, with patterns of distribution similar among substrate types. However, substantial differences in biotic and abiotic contexts between tropical estuaries and the temperate systems, where models of intertidal macro-invertebrate distribution were developed, mean that the variables influencing tropical macro-invertebrate hotspots are likely to differ from those that operate in temperate regions. The high concentration of benthic biomass in the lower low-intertidal means this zone probably regulates many of the ecological processes occurring in the intertidal regions of tropical estuaries. Consequently, any damage or modification to this zone is likely to severely impact estuarine function.
Impact of feeding mixture containing lupin meal on improvement of polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg yolk

The aim of the experiment was to determine how the content of lupin meal in the diet for commercial laying hens would affect the quality of fat in the egg yolk. A total of 210 Isa Brown laying hens was divided into three groups: the control group C (fed a mixture containing only soybean meal as a source of protein) and two experimental groups: EN 50% (fed a mixture containing 50% of soybean meal and 50% of white lupin seed meal, Zulika variety) and EN 100% (fed a mixture containing only white lupin seed meal as a source of protein). The results of the experiment using lupin seed meal in the feed mixture as a 50% and 100% replacement of extracted soybean meal confirmed the positive effect of lupin-based diets on egg yolk fat composition. Although the diets did not affect the fat content of the egg yolk, some other changes in the quality of the egg yolk were demonstrated during laying. These changes in egg yolk fat were characterized by a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) of saturated fatty acids (SFA), an increase (P ≤ 0.05) of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), but only in some of them (C17:1 – heptadecenoic acid; C20:1n9 – eicosenoic acid and C22:1n9 – erucic acid) and, what is important, by a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from the n-6 group (C18:2n6 – linoleic acid and C20:2n-6 – eicosadienoic acid) and n-3 group (C18:3n3 – α-linolenic acid; C20:5n3 – eicosapentaenoid acid and C22:5n3 – docosapentaenoic acid). From these results it is evident that using lupin meal in the feed mixtures for commercial laying hens increases the nutritional value and health benefit of the egg through the improvement of the levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
In Vivo and In Vitro Antidiabetic Effects of Aqueous Cinnamon Extract and Cinnamon

Rutgers University, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Foran Hall, 59 Dudley 10 Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, 600 Laureate Way, 12 Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA ______________________________________________________________________________ 14 _______ *Corresponding author 16 Diana M. Cheng Telephone: 848-932-6336 18 Fax: 732-932-3844 Email: cheng@aesop.rutgers. edu 20