Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioecologia de Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) e Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret, 1875) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidade) em videira

Bioecology of Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) and Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret, 1875) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on grapes Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have become increasingly important pests in many crops. In vineyards, they cause direct damage resulting in production losses and also indirect damages through virus transmission. However, little information is available about the species biology. The effects of different vegetative structures, cultivars and vine rootstocks on the development, survival and reproduction of Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) and Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret, 1875) were studied under laboratory conditions. The thermal requirements of D. brevipes were determined and the annual number of generations was estimated for the principal grape-growing regions of Brazil. Biological aspects of D. brevipes were studied using table grape leaves („Itália‟: Vitis vinifera and „Niágara Rosada‟: Vitis labrusca) and grapevine rootstocks („Paulsen 1103‟: Vitis berlandieri X Vitis rupestris and „IAC 572‟: Vitis caribaea X 101-14 Mgt). The thermal requirements were estimated using five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 28 and 30°C) on „Itália‟ table grape leaves. The biology of P. viburni was studied on „Itália‟ and „Niágara Rosada‟ table grape leaves. D. brevipes developed on different vegetative structures, cultivars and vine rootstocks. However, table grape leaves of V. vinifera ‘Itália‟ were the most suitable for D. brevipes development, considering the shortest developmental period. The net reproductive rate (Ro) of D. brevipes was higher on „Itália‟ table grape leaves (19.82) than on „Niágara Rosada‟ (13.78). D. brevipes nymphs that survived on Paulsen 1103 roots developed better than on the leaves. Roots of IAC 572 were unsuitable for the development of D. brevipes, resulting in non-reproductive females. The developmental rate of D. brevipes increased with increasing temperature and the range between 20 to 30°C was the most suitable for this species. The predicted upper lethal temperature was 34,5°C, with a minimum threshold for total development at 8,2°C. D. brevipes required 678,42 degree-days to complete development from first instar nymph to the adult stage. According to the thermal requirements, D. brevipes can complete 3.4 annual generations per year in Bento Gonçalves (RS), 3.1 in Caxias do Sul (RS), 4.4 in Marialva (PR), 4.8 in Jales (SP) and 5. ,2 in Petrolina (PE). From the the data on adult longevity and the viability of the different female life stages of P. viburni, table grape leaves of V. labrusca „Niágara Rosada‟ were the most suitable for development of this species. We conclude that the host plant can affect the development and survival of D. brevipes and P. viburni and that the right choice of the cultivar or vine rootstock to be used in the vineyard can help to reduce pest infestation and is, therefore, an additional component to be included in the integrated pest management of the crop.
BIOPELÍCULA: UN MECANISMO DE SUPERVIVENCIA DE Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen which colonizes the human stomach and is associated with multiple gastrointestinal diseases. Metabolism occurs within a biofilm which is a complex exopolysaccharide that allows the bacterium to survive in hostile environments and be resistant to the action of antibiotics, since it prevents complete penetration of these compounds. The present review was designed to perform an update on the importance of the biopolymer regarding the survival of the bacteria and show its public health significance.
Calculation of Oyster Benefits with a Bioenergetics Model of the Virginia Oyster

Abstract : A bioenergetics model is formulated and validated for the Virginia oyster (Crassostrea virginica). The model considers two basic properties of a bivalve population: number of individuals and individual size. Individuals are represented as three energy stores: soft tissue, shell, and reproductive material. The bioenergetics model is coupled to an oyster benefits module. The calculation of benefits is based on mass-balance principles and upon user-supplied values for parameters, including resuspension, sediment diagenesis, and dentrification rate. The bioenergetics model is coupled with a representation of the physical environment based on the tidal prism approach and with eutrophication kinetics from the CE-QUAL-ICM model. The bioenergetics model was demonstrated through application to the Great Wicomico River, Virginia, 2000 - 2009. An overarching conclusion from the application was that representation of the detailed data set collected in this system required corresponding detailed information on recruitment, mortality, and other factors. Calculations for the Great Wicomico indicated that 164 metric tons of carbon per annum was filtered from the water column by oysters and 15.2 tons was buried to deep inactive sediments. An additional 13 metric tons of carbon was buried in the form of shell. Oysters filtered 28 metric tons nitrogen per annum from the Great Wicomico water column. Most was recycled, but ultimately 6.2 metric tons nitrogen per annum was removed through denitrification and burial of oyster deposits. This nitrogen rate compared favorably with the 18.6 metric tons per annum calculated watershed load of total Kjeldahl nitrogen. The report concludes with recommended next steps. The two foremost recommendations are for additional validation through application to additional systems and for operation with the eutrophication kinetics activated.
Morfometría de las especies de Vieja (Cichlidae) en ríos de la cuenca del Usumacinta, Chiapas, México

Se evaluaron y compararon diversas caracteristicas morfologicas de 6 especies de Vieja Fernandez-Yepez, 1969 del rio Usumacinta. Se emplearon 20 organismos adultos por especie y 33 medidas corporales que fueron estandarizadas y examinadas con un analisis discriminante. Ademas se comparo la forma del cuerpo entre las especies, mediante el analisis de morfometria geometrica a partir de imagenes digitalizadas. El analisis con la morfometria tradicional y geometrica permitio diferenciar los seis taxones. Se encontraron 10 medidas discriminantes, que expresan diferencias significativas en la longitud de las aletas y la region cefalica, de las cuales la posicion de la boca diferencio estadisticamente mas taxones. Las relaciones de similitud con ambos analisis mostraron 2 grupos, siendo V. bifasciata (Steindachner, 1864) y V. synspila (Hubbs, 1935) las especies mas parecidas. Las gradillas de deformacion mostraron que la mayor variacion esta en la region cefalica, especificamente en la posicion de la boca y los ojos. Las diferencias morfometricas encontradas pueden servir para la determinacion taxonomica en trabajos futuros. La variacion encontrada en la morfologia cefalica y trofica puede ser un mecanismo que favorece la coexistencia de las especies y la diversidad del grupo en la region
Working Memory and Mathematical Performance: A Correlational Study

This study is intended to examine the correlation between working memory of students and their academic performance in Mathematics. Specifically, it was aimed to determine the degree of relationship between working memory capacity and academic achievement of students in mathematics studying at secondary school. A sample of 800 students studying in grade 10 was randomly selected from forty government and private secondary schools (girls and boys) situated in Hazara division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Both Urdu and English mediums of instruction schools were included in the sample. The researcher used digits span backwards test (DSBT) to find out the working memory capacity of the students associated with their academic performance in mathematics. This study revealed that girls have outperformed boys very markedly in examination scores of mathematics at secondary level. Contrarily, boys have performed well in working memory capacity than girls at the secondary level. However a very small gender difference is observed in this study. It is also noticed that private secondary schools showed higher performance in examination scores of mathematics and in working memory capacity than government secondary schoolsl.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of Type I Cystatin (Stefin) of Fasciola gigantica

In the present study we describe type 1 cystatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor, as a major released antigen of the tropical liver fluke Fasciola gigantica (FgStefin-1). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that FgStefin-1 is abundant in tissue of tegumental type and the intestinal epithelium. Faint staining was observed in the epithelia of ovary and proximal uterus. Immunoblots showed the presence of FgStefin-1 in the parasite’s excretion/secretion (ES) product. Sera of experimentally infected sheep reacted with recombinant FgStefin-1 starting 8 weeks postinfection. Activity analyses of recombinant FgStefin-1 showed nanomolar inhibition constants for mammalian host and parasite cysteine proteases. Our results suggest protective functions of FgStefin-1, regulating intracellular cysteine protease activity, and possibly protection against extracellular proteolytic damage to the parasite’s intestinal and tegumental surface proteins.
Prevalence of epidermal conditions in critically endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the waters of western Taiwan.

ABSTRACT Received: Revised: Accepted: November 07, 2012 May 15, 2013 June 13, 2013 The prevalence of epidermal conditions in a small critically endangered population (<100 individuals) of coastal Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins ( Sousa chinensis ) from the waters of western Taiwan was assessed during a photo-identification study conducted between 2006 and 2010. Of 97 individuals photographically examined, at least 37% were affected by at least one or multiple conditions. Besides, mature individuals had significantly higher prevalence than immature ones did. Five different skin condition categories were considered, including pox-like lesion, pale lesion, orange film, prolonged ulcer lesion, and nodule on body. This first study to investigate epidermal conditions on S. chinensis in the world offers data for comparison with other studies in the future and new ground for discussion on the health of these animals and the potential impact of anthropogenic activities. ©2013 PVJ. All rights reserved
Studies on the Effects of Different Molluscan Shells on the Induction of Larval Settlement of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas and the Characterization of a Larval Settlement Inducing Compound from Conspecifics

Title Studies on the Effects of Different Molluscan Shells on the Induction of Larval Settlement of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas and the Characterization of a Larval Settlement Inducing Compound from Conspecifics Author(s) Vásquez, Hebert Ely Citation Nagasaki University (長崎大学), 博士(学術) (2014-09-19) Issue Date 2014-09-19 URL http://hdl.handle. net/10069/34734 Right NAOSITE: Nagasaki University's Academic Output SITE
Microglia enhance β‐amyloid peptide‐induced toxicity in cortical and mesencephalic neurons by producing reactive oxygen species

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the toxicity of β‐amyloid (Aβ) on primary cortical and mesencephalic neurons cultured with and without microglia in order to determine the mechanism underlying microglia‐mediated Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity. Incubation of cortical or mesencephalic neuron‐enriched and mixed neuron–glia cultures with Aβ(1–42) over the concentration range 0.1–6.0 μm caused concentration‐dependent neurotoxicity. High concentrations of Aβ (6.0 μm for cortex and 1.5–2.0 μm for mesencephalon) directly injured neurons in neuron‐enriched cultures. In contrast, lower concentrations of Aβ (1.0–3.0 μm for cortex and 0.25–1.0 μm for mesencephalon) caused significant neurotoxicity in mixed neuron–glia cultures, but not in neuron‐ enriched cultures. Several lines of evidence indicated that microglia mediated the potentiated neurotoxicity of Aβ, including the observations that low concentrations of Aβ activated microglia morphologically in neuron–glia cultures and that addition of microglia to cortical neuron–glia cultures enhanced Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity. To search for the mechanism underlying the microglia‐mediated effects, several proinflammatory factors were examined in neuron–glia cultures. Low doses of Aβ significantly increased the production of superoxide anions, but not of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β or nitric oxide. Catalase and superoxide dismutase significantly protected neurons from Aβ toxicity in the presence of microglia. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity by diphenyleneiodonium also prevented Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity in neuron–glia mixed cultures. The role of NADPH oxidase‐generated superoxide in mediating Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity was further substantiated by a study which showed that Aβ caused less of a decrease in dopamine uptake in mesencephalic neuron–glia cultures from NADPH oxidase‐deficient mutant mice than in that from wild‐type controls. This study demonstrates that one of the mechanisms by which microglia can enhance the neurotoxicity of Aβ is via the production of reactive oxygen species.
The Immediate Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Spasticity and Motor Function in Chronic Post-stroke Patients

This study aimed to report the immediate effect on spasticity and motor function of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) as part of a comprehensive treatment program for chronic stroke patients with spasticity and functional problem in upper extremities. Chronic poststroke patients with spasticity on upper extremity were enrolled and got rESWT that applied at muscle belly of the biceps muscle, flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, and flexor carpi radialis muscle. Patients were evaluated for elbow flexor and wrist flexor spasticity using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and for motor function using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) at baseline and immediately after rESWT therapy session. 6 male and 1 female patients participated, age 59.7+5.5 years old, with mean onset time of stroke were 40.4 + 25.2 months. The MAS score was 5.4  1.5 at baseline and 4.2  1.2 after the treatment (p<0.05). The score of motor function FMA-UE scale was 26.4  9.0 at baseline and 28.6  9.9 after the treatment (p<0.05). Radial ESWT immediately improved spasticity and motor function in some chronic poststroke patients. More studies are necessary to establish if rESWT for spasticity and motor function in chronic poststroke is clinically effective.
Differential post-fledging survival of great and coal tits in relation to their condition and fledging date

Summary 1 We present a multivariate model of the post-fledging survival of juvenile great and coal tits (Parus major L., P. ater L.) in relation to chick body condition and timing of breeding. Radio-telemetry and colour marks were used to track tit families during 20 days from fledging, that is, the period of post-fledging dependence. Data on 342 chicks of 68 broods were obtained. 2 Forty-seven per cent of juveniles died during the observation period, predation being the main cause of mortality. In the first 4 days after fledging the mortality rate was 5–10% per day. 3 Survival of juveniles was positively correlated with fledging mass. Furthermore, survival strongly decreased during the season. In the second half of June, mortality was five times the rate of mid-May. The differential survival resulted in selection for both early fledging and high fledging mass. Juvenile condition was less important for survival in birds that had fledged early in the season. Their survival rates exceeded 70% in all weight classes, whereas in late broods only the heaviest individuals survived equally well. The survival of birds fledging both late and in poor condition was below 20%. Thus, selection for high fledging mass was much stronger in the late season than in early broods. 4 We conclude that the impact of predation after leaving the nest results in selection for early breeding and, particularly in the late season, for high fledging mass. This may explain why the earliest broods have been found to produce most recruits into the breeding population even if they did not profit from maximum food availability during the nestling period. On the other hand, energetic limitations may constrain the begin of egg laying in adult birds. Thus, counteracting evolutionary responses to the seasonal development of food availability (the caterpillar peak) and to the risk of post-fledging mortality (the peak in post-fledging mortality) may have focused the period of optimal reproduction to a narrow time-window.
Response of growing chicks to supplementation of low protein diets with leucine, valine and glycine-glutamic acid

This experiment was conducted to determine the interaction effects that resulted from supplementation of low-protein diets with leucine (Leu), valine (Val), and glycine-glutamic acid (Gly-Glu) on growing broiler chicks from 11 to 24 days old. Two levels of digestible Leu (1.07 and 1.50%) and three levels of digestible Val (0.64, 0.74, and 0.84%) were investigated as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 12 replicates. The diet with 1.07% digestible Leu and 0.84% digestible Val was supplemented with 0.34% Gly and 1.32% Glu as an additional treatment (T7). At 24 days old, 0.84% Val significantly improved feed conversion with 1.07% Leu, but 0.74% Val was sufficient with 1.50% Leu. The T7 diet further improved feed conversion. Increasing dietary Val from 0.64% to 0.74% significantly increased bone density and strength at the lower level of dietary Leu, while T7 significantly increased tibia breaking strength. There were significant Leu × Val interactions for villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell numbers. Val at 0.84% maximized the development of the jejunum at the lower Leu level, while goblet cell number and crypt depth were impaired by increments of Val at the higher level of Leu. In conclusion, increasing the level of Val in low-protein grower diets significantly improved performance, bone and jejunum development of broilers, and its interaction with Leu was important. Therefore, these two amino acids (AAs) and the possibility of Gly-Glu fortification must be considered when formulating low-protein broiler diets. Keywords: bone traits, branched-chain amino acids, broilers, gut histology, performance
The phylogeny of charadriiform birds (shorebirds and allies) – reassessing the conflict between morphology and molecules

Multiple molecular analyses provide a congruent and well-supported phylogeny of the charadriiform family-level taxa, which conflicts with previous hypotheses based on osteological data. In order to revise the latter and to identify new characters of phylogenetic significance, skeletons of most charadriiform family-level taxa were examined and 49 characters analysed. Tree topology was sensitive to outgroup choice, but the result of the analysis rooted with Columbidae (doves and pigeons) recovered a monophyletic Scolopaci, Charadrii, and nonturnicid Lari. With regard to the inclusion of Alcidae and Glareolidae in the Lari, the results of the present study are also in better concordance with the new molecular phylogenies than previous analyses of morphological data. Furthermore, for the first time an apomorphy of a clade including Thinocoridae, Pedionomidae, Rostratulidae, and Jacanidae was identified. Inclusion of Turnicidae in the Lari could not be supported, but there is no strong morphological evidence for an alternative placement. Pluvianus shares derived osteological features with the Burhinidae, and its position in the molecular analyses likewise cannot be corroborated with morphological data. Based on the topology of the molecular consensus tree, the ancestral state of selected characters is reconstructed. It is finally noted that recent calibrations of molecular analyses, which indicate an origin of extant charadriiform lineages in the Cretaceous, are based on incorrectly identified fossils. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 161, 916–934.
Pollination Ecology and the Rain Forest: Sarawak Studies

Foreword -- Preface -- Rain forest biology and the canopy system, Sarawak (1992-2002), David W. Roubik -- Large processes with small targets: rarity and pollination in rain forests, David W. Roubik -- The canopy Biology Program in Sarawak--its scope, methods and merit, Takakazu Yumoto and Tohru Nakashizuka -- Soil-related floristic variation in a hyper-diverse dipterocarp forest, Stuart J. Davies, Sylvester Tan, James V. LaFrankie and Matthew D. Potts -- Plant reproductive phenology in a mixed dipterocarp forest, Shoko Sakai, Kuniyasu Momose, Takakazu Yumoto, Teruyoshi Nagamitsu, Hidetoshi Nagamasu, Abang A. Hamid, Tohru Nakashizuka and Tamiji Inoue -- A severe drought in Lambir Hills National Park, Rhett D. Harrison -- The plant-pollinator community in a lowland dipterocarp forest, Kuniyasu Momose and Abdul Hamid -- Floral resource utilization by stingless bees (Apidae, Meliponini), Teruyoshi Nagamitsu and Tamiji Inoue -- Honey bees in Borneo, David W. Roubik -- Beetle pollination in tropical rain forests, Kuniyasu Momose -- Seventy-five ways to be a fig: an overview of a diverse plant assemblage, Rhett D. Harrison and Mike Shanahan -- Ecology of traplining bees and understory pollinators, Makoto Kato -- Vertebrate-pollinated plants, Takakazu Yumoto -- Invertebrate predators of dipterocarp seeds, Michiko Nakagawa, Takao Itioka, Kuniyasu Momose and Tohru Nakashizuka -- Diversity of anti-herbivore defenses in Macaranga, Takao Itioka -- Coevolution of ants and plants, Takao Itino - Lowland Tropical Rain Forests of Asia and America: Parallels, Convergence and Divergence, James V. LaFrankie -- Lambir's forest: The World's most diverse known tree assemblage? , Peter S. Ashton -- Toward the conservation of tropical forests, Tamiji Inoue -- Glossary -- Bibliography
A comparison of genetic diversity levels in marine, freshwater, and anadromous fishes

Electrophoretic data were analysed from 49 species of freshwater fish, 57 species of marine fish, and seven anadromous species. For each species, at least 15 individuals had been assayed for at least 15 loci in two or more subpopulations. The results showed that while average total heterozygosity (HT) was approximately equal in freshwater and marine species (0·062 and 0·064 respectively), subpopulation heterozygosity (Hs) was significantly less in the former group (0·046 and 0·059 respectively). Consequently the average degree of genetic subpopulation differentiation (HST) was significantly greater for freshwater species (0·222 v. 0·062). On average, it is likely that marine subpopulations exchange between 10 and 100 times more migrants per generation than freshwater subpopulations, presumably because of the relative absence of barriers to dispersal in the marine environment. The reduced values of Hs in freshwater species are likely to reflect reduced effective subpopulation sizes relative to marine species. The few andromous species that have been analysed show intermediate levels of GST.