Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Presencia Invernal de Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) en el Área Maicera de la Provincia de Tucumán, Argentina

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), “el cogollero del maiz (Zea mays L.)”, es una plaga ampliamente distribuida en America que puede sobrevivir durante todo el ano en areas tropicales y, a medida que las condiciones ambientales se lo permiten, coloniza zonas subtropicales no infestadas. Debido a la falta de informacion sobre la actividad invernal del cogollero en el noroeste argentino y considerando la localizacion geografica de Tucuman (Argentina), se planificaron estudios con trampas de feromonas para determinar la presencia de la plaga en el area maicera de la provincia durante los meses frios (julio-setiembre) de 2001 y 2002. Asimismo, se realizaron monitoreos durante la epoca de cultivo para calcular el porcentaje de ataque de la plaga. Se comprobo la actividad de adultos del cogollero durante los meses mas frios del ano, con marcadas diferencias poblacionales entre las dos temporadas estudiadas, estimandose que estas se debieron a la accion de un factor climatico, mayormente por las temperaturas minimas y ocurrencia de heladas durante mayo y junio. El porcentaje de ataque por la plaga en los cultivos, no tendria relacion con el numero de adultos capturados en los meses invernales previos. Estos resultados preliminares sugieren que la zona de estudio se encuentra en el limite austral de distribucion permanente de la plaga, por lo cual se propone la realizacion de estudios mas exhaustivos para tener un acabado conocimiento de estos aspectos de comportamiento.
Effects of a Reduction in Soil Moisture from One Month beforeFlowering through Ripening on Dry Matter Production and Ecophysiological Characteristics of Wheat Plants

Abstract We found in the previous study that the wheat plants grown under relatively low soil moisture conditions (D plot) could attain heavier dry matter than the plants watered on the basis of average local precipitation (W plot). The aim of this study was to make a detail analysis of the ecophysiological characteristics that cause the difference in dry matter production between the plants in the W and D plots under different soil moisture conditions. Soil matric potential at a depth of 30 cm was kept at about −4 kPa in the W plot. It decreased gradually after watering at about one month before heading and at heading, reaching about −80 kPa at heading stage and at the mid-ripening stage respectively, in the D plot. The plants in the D plot produced heavier dry matter and a better developed root system than the plants in the W plot. The higher net assimilation rate and larger leaf area, which accounted for the higher crop growth rate of the D plot, weredue both to avoiding suppression of the photosynthetic rate and leaf expansion owing to water stress, and to maintaining high rates of leaf photosynthesis and a large leaf area during leaf senescence. A larger amount of nitrogen was accumulatedat the flowering stage and the nitrogen content of leaves remained higher during senescence in plants in the D plot than those in the W plot. The activity of cytokinins in the xylem sap was higher in plants in the D plot. These characteristics might have contributed to the delay in the decline in the rate of photosynthesis and in leaf area during leaf senescence and seemed to be supported by the enhanced development of the root system under moisture-restricted conditions.
Evolution and adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis airways: cystic fibrosis as a model system

For centuries evolution has been investigated with an "end-point" approach, through comparisons between species or fossil records. However, to understand processes in general, including evolution, it is highly valuable to observe the dynamics as they unfold, in "realtime". This is possible through laboratory experiments, with a high degree of control and rigour. But to truly understand evolution and the complex mechanisms it deploys, it is necessary to combine the laboratory learnings with investigations of natural systems. –Though, this can be tricky. Because of the heterogeneity and constant change of natural environments, the primary obstacle is re-sampling of the same population over time, especially if the population is small. Nevertheless, it has been accomplished: Chronic airway infections of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have offered a unique view into the adaptation and evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to this natural environment, spanning thousands of bacterial generations. Because of the prolonged and persistent infections, they provide a valuable model system for the investigation of evolutionary mechanisms. The main focus of this thesis has been to show the link between evolutionary studies in the CF model system and general evolutionary theories, many of which have been developed from observations of other organisms. This comparison has initially been sought by showing the plausibility of using comprehensive collections of longitudinally sampled single isolates, for their use in evolutionary studies (Study 1). This was done by comparing five metagenomes with single isolates from four CF patients, and identifying significant genetic links found within the patient specific P. aeruginosa populations. This evident genetic link was even found for two populations, where a recent patient-to-patient transmission had occurred. Secondly a comprehensive collection of 474 longitudinal single P. aeruginosa isolates from 34 young Danish CF patients was investigated by whole genome sequencing (Study 2). This was done to reconstruct the recent evolutionary history, and identify genes targeted in the initial adaptation to the CF airways. From this analysis we found common clonal lineages among the patients, evidence of patient-to-
Flavonolglucuronide aus den Blten von Arnica montana 1

Five flavonoid glucuronides were identified from flowers of ARNICA MONTANA L. The structures were established on the basis of total acid hydrolysis and spectral data (UV, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, mass) as 3- O-beta- D-glucuronides of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, patuletin, and 6-methoxykaempferol. The last one is a new natural compound. This is the first report on glucuronides in the genus ARNICA. Additionally, tricin and 3,5,7-trihydroxy-6,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone were identified. Up to now these two flavonoid aglycones have been rarely found in the family of the Asteraceae.
A model for the relationship between gaseous and aqueous concentrations of sulphur dioxide in lichen exposure studies

Summary The linear relationship, ppm SO2 (wt/wt, aqueous) = 10.3 , is evaluated experimentally for the gaseous concentration range 0–5 ppm and is confirmed theoretically. It is suggested that this physicochemical equilibrium expression is applicable to lichen exposure studies because lichens are poikilohydrous plants.
Alternative mating strategies and reproductive success in fallow deer

Male fallow deer Dama dama, in a free-ranging population in the New Forest, southern England, either defend territories on a lek, defend single territories or are non-territorial. Mating success is highest on the lek, but unsuccessful lek males get fewer matings than some single territory males off the lek. The mating success of non-territorial behaviour, which is adopted by most males at some time during the rut, is uncertain. Non-lek matings in this population are higher than those reported in other lekking ungulate populations. Male fallow deer are not specialists; individuals commonly change strategies as mating opportunities dictate.
Dental Histology of a Characoid Fish from the Plio‐Pleistocene of Acre, Brazil

The histology of premaxillary teeth of Colossoma sp. from the Solimöes Formation of Northern Brazil is described, in comparison with Recent material. Analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy shows that they share with those of the serrasalminids, histological (though not anatomical) features of carnivorous fishes. The enameloid in both groups displays surface‐parallel images of calcified fibres along the periphery of the teeth while internally, these images present a random distribution. Such similarities suggest that both the serrasalminids and myleinids may have evolved from carnivorous ancestors. The serrasalminids remain carnivorous, while the herbivorous habit of the myleinids may have been acquired secondarily. This change of diet is probably related to changes in the shape of the teeth which are used for crushing fruits, seeds and leaves. The teeth in adult Colossoma are unicuspid, though not conical. The molar or incisive form of these teeth may have evolved independently from the conical‐shaped primitive dentition of the characoids, without passing through any stage of fusion of dental papillae, which is observed in the ontogenetic development of other characoids.
Survival and movement of translocated houbara bustards in a mixed conservation area

For endangered species that are hunted, the establishment of mixed conservation areas including both hunting zones and sanctuaries to complement translocation actions (i.e. reinforcement) can improve both hunting yields and population sustainability. However, the effects of this type of management on the demography of the exploited species are not well understood. We used multi‐event capture–recapture modelling in a population of captive‐bred houbara bustards Chlamydotis undulata translocated into a mixed conservation area in Morocco. The specific management practice of our system (hunting regime varying in time and space) led to a quasi‐experimental situation that allowed the differentiation of ‘natural’ from ‘hunting‐induced’ mortality and movement between areas. The analysis uncovered strong asymmetries in both movement and survival that were not only due to direct hunting effects. Firstly, movement probabilities were higher from the sanctuary to the hunting areas than vice versa, even in years without hunting. Secondly, in addition to a direct effect of hunting on mortality in hunting areas, our results uncovered permanent differences in both areas (even outside the hunting period). Overall, our results were consistent with predictions under a source–sink dynamic model but illustrated that mixed conservation areas should not merely be treated as homogeneous systems with spatially heterogeneous hunting pressure but rather as fully heterogeneous systems. The patterns observed may be related to (1) the choice and design of hunting and sanctuary areas by managers, which might not be neutral with respect to habitat quality, or (2) indirect consequences of hunting via an effect on local growth rate and density.
Predator‐Prey Interactions between Stoneflies and Mayflies: Behavioral Observations

Field experiments were conducted at two streams to determine the mechanisms by which mayfly prey detect and avoid stonefly predators, and to quantify the effect of stonefly predators upon mayfly behavior, distribution, and activity levels. Direct observations of the interactions be- tween stoneflies and mayflies were made at Otter Creek, Sauk County, Wisconsin, USA and the East River, Gunnison County, Colorado, USA using plexiglass boxes with screen ends and an artificial substrate. Ephemerella subvaria and Stenonemafuiscum, Otter Creek, avoided the stonefly predator Acroneuria lycorias given only noncontact chemical stimuli. Ephemerella infrequent and Baetis bicaudatus, East River, responded to long-range chemical stimuli from Megarcys signata and Ko- gotus modestus, East River. Baetis phoebus and Heptagenia hebe, Otter Creek. and Cinygmula sp. , East River, did not respond to stonefly predators given long-range chemical cues alone. Differences among responses of different mayflies may be due to differential predation pressure or effectiveness of predator evasion tactics. None of the species of mayflies tested responded to the presence of stonefly predators given only visual stimuli. The Ephemerella species assumed a "scorpion"-like display posture upon encounter with the stoneflies. This posture may increase the apparent size of the mayflies which are then rejected by the tactile predators. The Baetis species characteristically swam or drifted in response to contact with the stonefly predators. Predator evasion could partially explain the high incidence of this genus of mayflies reported in stream drift. The remaining mayflies, of the family Heptageniidae, showed an effective crawling evasion upon contact with stonefly predators. Ephemerella infrequens and B. bicaudatus differentially responded to contact with three different stonefly predators in the East River. Both species of mayflies evaded contact with Pteronarcella badia, a large omnivorous stonefly which morphologically resembles M. signata, significantly less frequently than they evaded M. sig- nata and K. modestus upon contact. The mechanism by which this differentiation occurs could be chemotactile. Cinygmula sp. avoided all stoneflies equally regardless of size or relative threat of consumption. Tactile stimuli are probably responsible for this behavior.
Heritability of directional and fluctuating asymmetry for mandibular characters in random‐bred mice

In bilateral characters, two kinds of asymmetries are common: fluctuating asymmetry (FA), or nondirectional variation between left and right sides, and directional asymmetry (DA), in which one side is consistently larger than the other. FA has been extensively used as a measure of developmental stability because of its presumed environmental basis whereas DA has not typically been recommended because it has been presumed to have at least some genetic basis. To test these two hypotheses, heritabilities were calculated via parent–offspring regression for both DA and FA in 10 triply measured mandible characters in random‐bred mice. Midparent estimates of heritabilities of DA in the 10 characters were quite low (mean = 0.06), but significant for one character as well as the sum of the DA values over all characters (0.21). Midparent estimates of heritability of FA in the 10 characters also were low (mean = 0.03), but not significant for any individual character or the sum of the FA values over all characters. Heritabilities of developmental stability calculated from heritabilities and repeatabilities of FA in the mandible characters were higher in magnitude (mean of midparent estimates = 0.45), but all still were not statistically significant. It was concluded that both hypotheses were supported, but that genetic variation in DA was so small that the potential for DA as an indicator of developmental stability should be explored.
Inmunoglobulinas en pacientes con actinomicetoma por Nocardia brasiliensis

SUMMARY Immunoglobulins in patients with Nocardia brasiliensis actinomycetoma. Considering that some authors have reported an increasing of some immunoglobulins in actinomycetoma patients, in this study we propose to determine differential production of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4 and IgGM in 25 patients with actinomycetoma and 25 healthy individuals from a mycetoma endemic area. Immunoglobulins were determined by ELISA technique. To sensibilize the plates, six Nocardia brasiliensis antigens were used: a crude antigen denominated NB and five derivatives (NB2, NB4, NB6, NB8 and NB10) obtained by their isoelectric point. Results showed that all IgG subclasses were higher in the patients' sera than in control sera, with a maximal difference to IgG3 and IgG4. To the latter subclass, six antigens were highly reactives. IgM levels were similar in both groups. As it occurs in other infections, in the actinomycetoma pathogenesis probably participate the increase or deficiency of a determined immunoglobulin class, as well as the relationship between different subclasses.
Coupled Photosynthesis-Stomatal Conductance Model for Leaves of C4 Plants

Leaf based models of net photosynthesis (An) and stomatal conductance (g) are often components of whole plant, canopy and regional models of net primary productivity and surface energy balance. Since C4 metabolism shows unique responses to environmental conditions and C4 species are important agriculturally and ecologically, a realistic and accurate leaf model specific to C4 plants is needed. In this paper we develop a simple model for predicting An and g from leaves of C4 plants that is easily parameterised and that predicts many of the important environmental responses. We derive the leaf model from a simple biochemical-intercellular transport model of C4 photosynthesis that includes inorganic carbon fixation by PEP carboxylase, light dependent generation of PEP and RuBP, rubisco reaction kinetics, and the diffusion of inorganic carbon and O2 between the bundle sheath and mesophyll. We argue that under most conditions these processes can be described simply as three potentially limiting steps. The leaf photosynthesis model treats An as first order with respect to either light, CO2 or the amount of rubisco present and produces a continuous transition between limitations. The independent variables of the leaf photosynthesis model are leaf temperature (TI), intercellular CO2 levels and the absorbed quantum flux. A simple linear model of g in terms of An and leaf surface CO2 level (ps) and relative humidity (hs) is combined with the photosynthesis model to give leaf photosynthesis as a function of absorbed quantum flux, T1 and ps and hs levels. Gas exchange measurements from corn leaves exposed to varied light, CO2 and temperature levels are used to parameterise and test the models. Model parameters are determined by fitting the models to a set of 21 measurements. The behaviour of the models is compared with an independent set of 71 measurements, and the predictions are shown to be highly correlated with the data. Under most conditions the leaf model can be parameterised simply by determining the level of rubisco in the leaves. The effects of light environment, nutritional status and water stress levels on An and g can be accounted for by appropriate adjustment of the capacity for rubisco to fix CO2. We estimate rubsico capacity from CO2 and light saturated photosynthesis although leaf nitrogen content or rubisco assays from leaf extracts could also be used for this purpose.
Elemental (C, H, N) composition of zooplankton from north Arabian Sea

Zooplankton samples collected from north Arabian Sea during March 1992 were analysed for elemental (C, H, N) composition. Estimated carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen concentrations displayed variations among different groups but their ratios were nearly stable in various samples. Carbon content as percentage of dry weight, varied from 8.2% (thaliacea, ostracoda and amphipoda as major groups) to 44.6% (co and ostracoda as major groups). Similarly nitrogen content varied from 1.7% in thaliacean dominated hauls to 6.3% in copepods and ostracods dominated hauls. Hydrogen concentration was highest (7.3%) in copepoda and ostracoda and lowest (2.5%) in thaliacea and amphipoda. Mean values of carbon and nitrogen generated for Arabian Sea zooplankton were found to be much lower than the values presently used in routine conversion factors. Such factors are now essentially needed for accounting role ofzooplankton in sediment trap collections in Arabian Sea region.
Cryptococcus neoformans : a Sugar-Coated Killer

The main principles for the genetic pathophysiology of cryptococcosis will probably be consistent among all three varieties. In this chapter the author considers the yeasts to be different varieties or serotypes. Seven major areas are examined to support the potential molecular insights into this pathogenic yeast which will allow one to identify drug targets, define drug resistance mechanisms, and/or prepare mutants or fungal products for protective fungal vaccines. Initial molecular biology studies focused on distinguishing molecular strain differences with the use of karyotypes, repetitive elements, and eventually randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs, amplification fragment length polymorphisms, and PCR fingerprinting for strain genotyping. Cryptococcus neoformans has several well-characterized virulence phenotypes which have been approached in their understanding by both genetic and molecular tools. Experimental cryptococcosis in animal models has tended to be associated with large inocula or some type of induced immunosuppression. In summary, the encapsulated yeast C. neoformans has developed into a major human pathogen over the last two decades. It causes a serious infection which we can treat, but it is still associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and is correctly called the sugar-coated killer In C. neoformans, all the keys are in place to unlock the mysteries of what it means to be a fungal pathogen. This basidiomycete has become a model pathogen for the study of molecular fungal pathogenesis, and although it has unique features, many of the paradigms discovered by its study will be used to understand other invasive mycoses.
Coalescent theory and infectious diseases

The hereditary information of organisms is carried by DNA molecules. The DNA molecules can be extracted from a cell and its genetic code can be read. Within a population differences in the genetic code can occur between individuals. These differences are caused by mutations of the genes on the DNA molecules. The number of differences between to individuals is a measure for the relatedness of those two individuals. When the genetic information of a group of individuals is sampled, we can construct a kind of family tree, a socalled phylogenetic tree, using the differences between the individuals. The coalescent theory makes a link between the phylogenetic tree and the population dynamics. It describes a model for the reproduction of the individuals to explain the phylogenetic tree. With this theory we can use the phylogenetic tree to estimate the size of the total population. This is the main reason why we want to try to apply coalescent theory to describe the spread of an infectious disease through a population. Some problems, with the assumptions made in the classical coalescent model, arise when we use it for pathogens causing an infectious disease. In this model one individual is an infected host and the total population size, which we want to estimate, is the total number of infected hosts. In the classical coalescent theory, among other things, there is assumed that the total population is very large and the number of sampled individuals is relative small. In the setting of infectious diseases, this assumptions can be problematic because it is possible that the total number of infected hosts is relative small, while a mayor part of the infected individuals is sampled. In my thesis I describe two different extensions of the classical model to deal with relative large samples. From this extensions I derive two estimators for the population size and explore their performances.
Loan systems, financial ranking and fiscal positioning: Evidence from India

This paper examines the financial ranking and performance of banks by taking one bank as a sample case. We evaluate performance of bank through fiscal reserves it posses, its monetary arrangement, its liquidity and its competence to get used to transformation in the market in which it operates. The study provides some important insights about banks liquidity and its ability to change cash flows in future circumstance Keywords – Bank liquidity, financial ranking, fiscal positioning, India