Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does selection for behavioral and physiological performance traits alter glucocorticoid responsiveness in bank voles?

ABSTRACT One of the key elements of an animal's Darwinian fitness is its ability to adequately respond to and cope with challenging situations. Glucocorticoid hormones, such as corticosterone, affect an organism's ability to overcome such challenges. We hypothesized that changes in the glucocorticoid response curve contribute to the evolution of increased performance during challenging conditions, and tested it on bank voles (Myodes glareolus) from a multidirectional artificial selection experiment, which involves lines selected for high aerobic exercise metabolism achieved during swimming (A – Aerobic), predatory behavior towards a cricket (P – Predatory) and ability to maintain body mass on a low-quality herbivorous diet (H – Herbivorous), as well as unselected control lines (C – Control). We elicited a glucocorticoid response either by restraining the animal or by maximum pharmacological stimulation, and measured plasma corticosterone levels at baseline, during the response and during the recovery phase. Response-level corticosterone was higher in females, and recovery from maximal level was faster than that of males. Selection did not affect baseline or stress-induced corticosterone levels, but it decreased the maximum corticosterone level in Aerobic and Predatory lines, reducing the difference between stress-induced and maximum levels. Recovery from restraint-induced corticosterone level tended to be slower in the Herbivorous than in the other lines, an effect that was stronger in females than in males. In conclusion, successful selection for increased performance in challenging conditions was not associated with changes in absolute values of the glucocorticoid response to stress, but can affect other characteristics of the glucocorticoid response curve. Summary: Bank voles from lines selected in distinct directions do not differ in corticosterone response to stress, but the maximum response and the rate of recovery differ to some extent.
Population genetic structure in the North Atlantic Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides): influenced by oceanic current systems?

We report statistically significant genetic structure among samples of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides), rejecting the null hypothesis of panmixia in the North Atlantic. The species appears instead to be subdivided into partially isolated populations, with some evidence for isolation by distance. However, there is a dichot- omy between transatlantic sample comparisons and those within a regional current system, even when geographic dis- tance is similar. Calculating geographic distance along the flow of ocean currents gave a more linear correlation with genetic differentiation than straight-line geographic distances, suggesting that gene flow follows ocean currents. We hy- pothesize that gene flow is mediated by drift of eggs and larvae with ocean currents, a hypothesis that is consistent with the extended pelagic phase of Greenland halibut larvae. This implies an important role for ocean currents in shap- ing the genetic structure of this and potentially other deep-sea species. Resume : Nous signalons l'existence d'une structure genetique significative dans des echantillons du fletan du Groenland (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) et nous rejetons donc l'hypothese nulle de panmixie dans l'Atlantique Nord. L'espece semble plutot subdivisee en populations partiellement isolees, avec des indications d'un isolement par dis- tance. Il y a cependant une dichotomie entre les comparaisons faites entre les echantillons recoltes en travers de l'Atlantique et entre ceux qui appartiennent a un systeme de courants regionaux, meme lorsque les distances geographi- ques sont semblables. Le calcul des distances geographiques le long du parcours des courants oceaniques donne une correlation plus lineaire avec la differenciation genetique que les distances geographiques en ligne droite, ce qui in- dique que le flux genetique suit les courants oceaniques. Nous emettons l'hypothese selon laquelle le flux genetique est gere par la derive des oeufs et des larves dans les courants oceaniques, une hypothese qui est compatible avec la phase pelagique prolongee des larves du fletan du Groenland. Notre etude reconnait un role important aux courants oceani- ques dans l'elaboration de la structure genetique chez cette espece et potentiellement chez d'autres especes marines des eaux profondes. (Traduit par la Redaction) Knutsen et al. 866
MORTALITY OF THE NUT-LEAF WEEVIL STROPHOSOMA MELANOGRAMMUM (FORSTER) AND DAMAGE RATE OF NEEDLES AFTER TREATMENT WITH ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI

The susceptibility of the nut-leaf weevil, Strophosoma melanogrammum (Forster) (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) to the select- ed strains of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuillemin, Isaria farinosa (Holm) Brown & Smith, I. fumosorosea (Wize) Brown & Smith, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and M. flavoviride Gams & Rozsypal, was tested under laboratory conditions. Two ways of insect exposure to fungus were studied; direct inoculation of weevils and indirect by contact with inoculated A. procera twigs that served as food for S. melanogrammum. All of the tested isolates were pathogenic to S. melanogrammum. Direct inoculation of adult weevils in fungal spore suspensions resulted in the greatest mortality compared to indirect inoculation where A. procera twigs were immersed in spore suspensions. Direct inoculation with B. bassiana and Metarhizium spp. isolates caused over 80% mortality after 28 days at 20°C, while LT 50 values ranged from 15.0 to 21.6 days. Indirect inoculation with the most effective isolate M. anisopliae (275) resulted in 72% mortality after 28 days with a LT 50 value of 22.1 days. Both direct and indirect spore application failed to reduce needle damage compared with the control. However, significant differences between particular isolates have appeared.
Mechanical Behavior of Single Patch Composite Repaired Al Alloy Plates: Experimental and Numerical Analysis

In this paper, glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) materials were used to repair cracked Al plates. In order to study the influences of resin properties and repair configurations, three resins and two patch configurations were selected to manufacture six groups of specimens. It turned out that only little differences (less than 3%) were found in tensile strength among the six groups. Compared with the parent plates, the strength recovery ratio was higher than 80% after the GFRP repair, representing excellent repair efficiency. Moreover, a finite element model (FEM) was established to analyze the failure process of the repaired structure under tensile loading. The FEM results show good agreement with the experimental results, indicating good precision. Both the experimental and numerical work found that the damage initiated in the plies adjacent to the crack surface and the failure modes was mainly delamination and fiber breakage. This work will be meaningful for the future application of GFRP in metallic structures.
Abundance and Seasonal Distribution of Predatory Coprophilous Argentine Rove Beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and Their Effects on Dung Breeding Flies

Abstract The species composition and abundance of coprophilous predatory Staphylinidae in two sites of temperate and subtropical Argentina are presented and discussed in terms of their hypothetical effect on the dung breeding fly community. Specimens of Staphylinidae were collected from cow manure by flotation. Dung breeding fly puparia were also collected to obtain parasitoidal Staphylinidae. Roughly the same number of species, and the same species of common staphylinids were found in both sites. Also, the dominant species were almost the same: Philonthus pauxillus Solsky, P. flavolimbatus Erichson, and Aleochara verberans Erichson. However, Philonthus sp. 1, and Aleochara notula Erichson were very abundant in Buenos Aires, but rare in Tucumán, and Philonthus nv. sp. , was common in Tucumán but not found in Buenos Aires. Of the parasitoid species in the genus Aleochara Gravenhorst, A. notula was recovered from Oxysarcodexia varia (Walker), Sarcophagula occidua (F.), and Palaeosepsis discolor (Bigot) (Sepsidae). A. verberans from O. varia, Oxysarcophaga aurifinis (Walker), and Ravinia sueta (Wulp). A. puberula from O. varia, and A. bimaculata from O. aurifinis. All the hosts, except P. discolor, were in the family Sarcophagidae. Specimens of Philonthus Stephens were the most abundant predatory rove beetles, and field and laboratory data suggest they are the group of predators that most affect the community of dung breeding flies. The necessity for the release of exotic predatory Staphylinidae in Argentina is discussed.
An Investigation of DNA Fragmentation and Morphological Changes caused by Bacteria and Fungi in Human Spermatozoa

Fertilization is the process of penetration of male gamete into female gamete. The completion of this process and subsequent embryo development depend in the inherent integrity of the sperm DNA (Ahmadi et al., 1999). Fertility issue affects the ability to become pregnant. Infertility is defined as inability to Conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Infertility is a temporary failure of reproduction. It is a major problem today. As recently as 1980 only an estimated 10-15 couples were affected. Now, most survey puts the percentage of couples remaining child less involuntarily at above 20% in developing countries. The primary infertility is due to ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 4 (2013) pp. 84-96 http://www.ijcmas. com
Validation of a Food Propensity Questionnaire for the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and Results on This Population’s Adherence to Key Food-Group Nutritional Guidelines

Background: Food propensity questionnaires (FPQs) are means of dietary assessment in nutritional epidemiology, which provide valuable information for long term intakes and food group consumption. These tools, however, may be subjected to misreporting and need to be validated against standard quantitative methods. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the qualitative FPQ developed to assess the dietary habits of the general population in Greece during the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and to assess the population’s intake of specific food groups in relation to guidelines. Methods: Validation analysis was based on 3796 [1543 men (42.82%) and 2253 women (57.18%)] participants of the HNNHS in relation to two interviewer-administered 24 h recalls (24 hR). Participants were asked to report the frequency of their dietary intake, using the FPQ provided. Correlations and significance between methods were assessed via Spearman correlation and a Two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test, respectively. Agreement between the FPQ and the 24 hR was performed using the Bland–Altman test and differences between the FPQ’s shown intakes and the recommended intakes by the Dietary Guidelines for Greek Adults were calculated. Results: Medium to weak correlations, but statistically significant (p < 0.05), were observed for most food groups between 24 hR and the FPQ; medium for fruits, dairy products, drinks, and spirits (ranging from ρ = 0.371 to ρ = 0.461; highest for drinks and spirits) and weak for vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, starch foods, sweets, nuts, fats and oils, and fast food (ρ = 0.111 to ρ = 0.290; lowest for starch foods). A non-significant correlation was found for legumes (ρ = 0.070). The mean intake agreement (Bland–Altman analysis) between the FPQ and the 24 hR was 96.08% and ranged from 94.43 to 99.34% for the 14 food groups under examination. When food group intakes were compared to guidelines, results showed that the population’s dietary intake was below the guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and legumes. On the other hand, it was above the guidelines for most of the “unhealthy” food groups, in particular, fast food, sweets, drinks and spirits, red meat, and sweets. Conclusions: The specific FPQ provides valid information on major food groups and can be used to examine long term dietary patterns in nutritional studies. Ιn addition, dietary intakes of Greek adults are problematic and initiatives at the public health level are necessary.
Enhanced Superoxide Radical Production in Roots of Zinc-Deficient Plants

Effet de la concentration en zinc de la solution nutritive sur la production de radical superoxyde et sur l'activite de la NADPH oxydase, de la superoxyde dismutase, ainsi que de la catalase dans la fraction soluble d'extraits racinaires de coton, de haricot et de tomate
First Report of Helminth Parasites of Walia Ibex (Capra walie) at Simen Mountains National Park, Natural World Heritage Site, Northern Ethiopia

Walia ibex (Capra walie) is critically endangered ungulate which is found in the Simen Mountains National Park (SMNP), northern Ethiopia. This study was conducted from February to August, 2011 to determine the prevalence of helminth parasites of this animal. A total 167 faecal samples were collected and examined by floatation, sedimentation and Baermann techniques. The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 85.63% (143/167). Of this, 85.03% were nematodes and 7.18% cestodes. The eggs of trematode species (spp) were not encountered. The helminth parasites detected were strongyle spp. (78.44%), Nematodirus spp. (14.97%), Moniezia spp. (7.19%), Strongyloides spp. (5.39%), Trichuris spp. (4.19%), Ascaris spp (2.99%) and lungworms (26.35%). The genera of lungworms encountered were Dictyocaulus, Muellerius and Protostrongylus. Of all positive animals, 78.43% were infected with two or more type of parasites whereas 11.76% were harbouring only one parasitic species. The present results indicated that the infections caused by helminth pasites are significantly common in Walia ibex which necessitates further studies to design appropriate worm control strategies.
Dietary Behaviors That Place Young Adults at Risk for Future Osteoporosis

Dietary behaviors during adolescence and emerging adulthood have important consequences for peak bone mass (PBM) attainment. This study aimed to examine dietary factors that are either beneficial or detrimental to bone health and determine the major sources of calcium in the diets of a sample of young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 Australians aged 18–30 years. Three-day dietary intakes were collected using consecutive 24 h recall interviews. Daily totals for energy and nutrients and serves for food groups were computed. The proportion contribution of calcium (mg) from different food groups as well as calcium (mg) per portion and per 100 g were calculated. Females and males failed to meet the recommendations for dairy (91%, 82%), fruit (89%, 94%) and vegetables (74%, 86%). Eighty percent were above the recommended daily intake range for sodium. For calcium, 53% of females and 48% of males had intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Milk products and dishes made the highest mean calcium contribution per portion (mg) mean standard deviation (SD), 204 mg (212) and accounted for 30% of calcium intake in females and 35% in males. As young adulthood is the final chance for dietary manipulation before PBM is achieved, these dietary risk factors should be addressed.
Genetic similarity between the populations of haploid and diploid maize established with the use of RAPD-PCR markers

Haploid maize plants are obtained using in vitro androgenesis in anther cultures and isolated microsphores, as well as in vivo, through obtaining maternal haploid lines created as a result of pollination with an inducer. DH lines obtained in vivo are gaining importance in heterosis maize breeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability of 11 maize haploid offspring, derived from intraspecies crossings with an inducer of haploids. Plant material originated from the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization in Radzikow. For the evaluation of genetic variability, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers obtained by PCR were used. Nei's and Li (1979) genetic distance between the particular lines was calculated on the basis of 84 polymorphic amplicons. The values of genetic distance obtained for doubled haploid lines (DH) were relatively high and ranged from 82% to 98%. Application of RAPD-PCR made it possible to isolate genotypes with the lowest genetic similarity. After testing the general and specific combining ability, the lines can serve as starting material for the creation of new maize hybrids, in which heterosis effect will be used.
Sustainable Micro and Nano Additives for Controlling the Migration of a Biobased Plasticizer from PLA-Based Flexible Films

Plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) blend-based films containing chitin nanofibrils (CN) and calcium carbonate were prepared by extrusion and compression molding. On the basis of previous studies, processability was controlled by the use of a few percent of a commercial acrylic copolymer acting as melt strength enhancer and calcium carbonate. Furthermore, acetyl n-tributyl citrate (ATBC), a renewable and biodegradable plasticizer (notoriously adopted in PLA based products) was added to facilitate not only the processability but also to increase the mechanical flexibility and toughness. However, during the storage of these films, a partial loss of plasticizer was observed. The consequence of this is not only correlated to the change of the mechanical properties making the films more rigid but also to the crystallization and development of surficial oiliness. The effect of the addition of calcium carbonate (nanometric and micrometric) and natural nanofibers (chitin nanofibrils) to reduce/control the plasticizer migration was investigated. The prediction of plasticizer migration from the films’ core to the external surface was carried out and the diffusion coefficients, obtained by regression of the experimental migration data plotted as the square root of time, were evaluated for different blends compositions. The results of the diffusion coefficients, obtained thanks to migration tests, showed that the CN can slow the plasticizer migration. However, the best result was achieved with micrometric calcium carbonate while nanometric calcium carbonate results were less effective due to favoring of some bio polyesters’ chain scission. The use of both micrometric calcium carbonate and CN was counterproductive due to the agglomeration phenomena that were observed.
Influence of Potassium and Genotype on Vitamin E Content and Reducing Sugar of Tomato Fruits

This research was conducted to determine the effect of potassium (K) and cultivar on important quality traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), including reducing sugar, titratable acidity, and vitamin E content. Tomato plants were grown in a soilless system. Three K levels (low, middle, and high equal to 150, 300, and 450 mgL -1 in the nutrient solution, respectively) and three cultivars (SVR, Kabiria, and Esperanza) were compared. Among cultivars, Kabiria, which is characterized by smaller fruits, showed 23% higher total soluble solids (TSS) than the average of the other cultivars. 'Kabiria' also showed a total tocopherol (vitamin E) content (18.5 mgkg -1 ), markedly higherthanSVRandEsperanzacultivars(12.2and10.3mgkg -1 ,respectively). Increased K levels in the nutrient solution resulted in increased contents of TSS, reducing sugar contents and titratable acidity in tomato fruits. Also, the vitamin E content of tomato fruits was significantly affected by differing K concentrations in the nutrient solution.
Ancient DNA reveals past existence of Eurasian lynx in Spain

The known distribution of the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus within the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Pleistocene and the lack of reliable records of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in this region have led to the assumption that the Iberian lynx was the sole inhabitant of Iberia. In this study, we identified ancient mitochondrial DNA (a total of 337 base pairs from the control region and cytochrome b) from eight northern Iberian lynx remains as Eurasian lynx. These results confirm the presence of Eurasian lynx in northern Iberia from the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary until just a few centuries ago. The paleontological record and our data indicate a population replacement of the Iberian lynx by the Eurasian lynx during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition in the Cantabrian cornice of Spain. Phylogeographic patterns of Late Pleistocene and Holocene Eurasian lynx from Iberia, France, Italy and Denmark show that this felid had a more complex phylogeographic history in the past than modern day populations suggest.
Pursuing Experimental Reproducibility: An Efficient Protocol for the Preparation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples for NMR-Based Metabolomics and Analysis of Sample Degradation

NMR-based metabolomics investigations of human biofluids offer great potential to uncover new biomarkers. In contrast to protocols for sample collection and biobanking, procedures for sample preparation prior to NMR measurements are still heterogeneous, thus compromising the comparability of the resulting data. Herein, we present results of an investigation of the handling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for NMR metabolomics research. Origins of commonly observed problems when conducting NMR experiments on this type of sample are addressed, and suitable experimental conditions in terms of sample preparation and pH control are discussed. Sample stability was assessed by monitoring the degradation of CSF samples by NMR, hereby identifying metabolite candidates, which are potentially affected by sample storage. A protocol was devised yielding consistent spectroscopic data as well as achieving overall sample stability for robust analysis. We present easy to adopt standard operating procedures with the aim to establish a shared sample handling strategy that facilitates and promotes inter-laboratory comparison, and the analysis of sample degradation provides new insights into sample stability.
The WOVEN trial: Wingspan One-year Vascular Events and Neurologic Outcomes

Background Prior studies evaluating the Wingspan stent for treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease have included patients with a spectrum of both on-label and off-label indications for the stent. The WEAVE trial assessed 152 patients stented with the Wingspan stent strictly by its current on-label indication and found a 2.6% periprocedural stroke and death rate. Objective This WOVEN study assesses the 1-year follow-up from this cohort. Methods Twelve of the original 24 sites enrolling patients in the WEAVE trial performed follow-up chart review and imaging analysis up to 1 year after stenting. Assessment of delayed stroke and death was made in 129 patients, as well as vascular imaging follow-up to assess for in-stent re-stenosis. Results In the 1-year follow-up period, seven patients had a stroke (six minor, one major). Subsequent to the periprocedural period, no deaths were recorded in the cohort. Including the four patients who had periprocedural events in the WEAVE study, there were 11 strokes or deaths of the 129 patients (8.5%) at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions The WOVEN study provides the 1-year follow-up on a cohort of 129 patients who were stented according to the current on-label use. It provides a more homogeneous patient group for analysis than prior studies, and demonstrates a relatively low 8.5% 1-year stroke and death rate in stented patients.