Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Larval development of Spodoptera eridania and Spodoptera frugiperda fed on fresh ear of field corn expressing the Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2)

The objective of this study was to evaluate extent of larval period, larval survival (%), food consumption, and pupal biomass of Spodoptera eridania and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae ) fed on fresh ears of field corn expressing Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1F+Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2). Larvae of Spodoptera spp. survived less than two days when they consumed Bt corncobs and showed 100% mortality. Spodoptera eridania reared on non-Bt corn cobs showed higher larval development (21.6 days) than S. frugiperda (18.4 days) and lower viability (56.4% and 80.2% for S. eridania and S. frugiperda , respectively). A higher amount of corn grains was consumed by S. eridania (5.4g) than by S. frugiperda (3.9g). In summary, this study demonstrated that the toxins Cry1F and Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 expressed in fresh corn cobs contributed to protect ears of corn against S. frugiperda and the non-target pest S. eridania . However, itis important to monitor non-Bt cornfields because of the potential of both species to cause damage to ear sof corn.
Development of a fermented dairy beverage using cheese quark sour whey

Resumo - O soro de leite, subproduto da producao de queijo, pode se apresentar na forma acida ou doce dependendo do tempo de maturacao do queijo. Ambos possuem elevado teor de proteina, lactose e vitaminas essenciais. O soro doce apresenta ampla aplicacao industrial, mas o soro acido ainda tem aplicacao limitada devido a elevada acidez. A proposta deste trabalho foi propor aplicacao do soro acido na elaboracao de bebida lactea fermentada. O soro acido foi incorporado ao preparado de frutas substituindo o volume de agua em 50, 70 e 100% (v/v) e, posteriormente, acrescentado na bebida lactea fermentada. Analises fisico-quimicas foram feitas nas tres formulacoes que tambem foram comparadas sensorialmente com um produto padrao adquirido no mercado, utilizando-se o teste de diferencas de medias de Tukey. Os resultados fisico-quimicos indicaram que as tres formulacoes desenvolvidas apresentaram diferencas significativas (p<0,05) para os valores de pH, acidez titulavel, extrato seco total (EST) e teor de proteina. A analise sensorial, feita pelo teste de comparacao multipla, indicou que as amostras com 75 e 100% de soro, alem de se apresentarem significativamente diferentes em relacao ao produto padrao, tambem foram apontadas como ligeiramente melhor que o mesmo e com caracteristicas sensoriais aceitaveis. Esse resultado indica ser possivel a substituicao total da agua pelo soro acido utilizada no preparo da bebida. Palavras-chave: soro de queijo; subproduto; analise sensorial
First detection of Mnemiopsis leidyi (Ctenophora, Bolinopsidae) in Sardinia (S’Ena Arrubia Lagoon, Western Mediterranean): a threat for local fishery and species recruitment

The invasive comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi is a lobate ctenophore native of coastal and estuarine waters of the temperate western Atlantic Ocean. In the last decades this species has expanded its range of distribution, colonizing marine and transitional environments in Europe. In October 2015, during a survey fishing the European eel Anguilla anguilla in Sardinia (western Mediterranean), a massive bloom of this specie was observed in the eutrophic S’Ena Arrubia Lagoon for the first time. In November 2015, sampling was conducted at three stations in the lagoon and in a fyke net, in order to estimate the abundance of M. leidyi and to determine its impact on the fishing activity. The results showed an abundance of 2.83 ctenophores m -3 . Specimens were all adults, measuring 18 - 62 mm total length. The abundant number of ctenophores (6837 individuals per fyke net) damaged fishing operations, reducing catches and affecting the performance of fishing gears. Since there is no effective mechanical, chemical or biological method to counter M. leidyi , the short term economic damage may be approached by new management measures of fisheries. In addition, other actions against the recurring of M. leidyi invasion, can include management strategies, in particular those finalized to reduce the high trophic state of the lagoon.
Utilization of chlorophyll content index (CCI) to infer yellow rust severity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Eriks. (Pst) is a major constraint to wheat production in Northern India. In this study, 616 indigenous germplasm (IC) accessions of wheat were screened under field conditions against mixture of Pst isolates at DWR Karnal during 2012-13 crop season. Out of 616 accessions, 197 accessions were observed to be resistant (R), 115 moderately resistant (MR) to moderately susceptible (MS) and 304 as susceptible (S) against yellow rust. On the basis of days to heading, the accessions were grouped into four classes (early, medium early, medium late and late). Chlorophyll content index (CCI) recorded in flag leaf showed significant differences between resistant and susceptible lines in each classified group at 5% level of significance. The difference for CCI between resistant and moderately resistant plants was negligible, however in comparison with resistant plants, susceptible plants showed loss of 35-39% of chlorophyll. There was negative correlation (a correlation coefficient of â€“ 0.60) between chlorophyll content and disease severity due to stripe rust in susceptible accessions.
Ecological networks in motion: Micro- and macroscopic variability across scales

1.There has been an intense focus on the response of species to environmental changes and more recently the interactions of species have been examined in a similar way in order to understand the stability of entire communities and networks of interacting species. As a consequence, ecological networks have been placed in spatial and temporal contexts in order to reveal what may drive network variability. Understanding the spatial and temporal variability of ecological networks, and in particular the underlying forces facilitating changes, seems pertinent in our attempts to understand and anticipate how ecological networks may vary and respond to future environmental scenarios. 2.Network variability has been studied at widely differing temporal and spatial scales. For example, studies exploring temporal variability ranges from within-season comparisons to comparisons over vast geological timespans, and the spatial extent ranges from the scale of a single pond to global analyses. Here we highlight the outcomes from such studies and emphasize the identified mechanisms driving spatio-temporal variability in ecological networks. Specifically, we describe how ecological networks vary over different temporal (years, centuries and millennia) and spatial (local, regional and global) scales, discuss how this variability is monitored, and identify potential future directions. 3.Present knowledge allows some tentative generalizations. First, ecological networks tend to exhibit considerable spatial and temporal stability in several macroscopic features (e.g. connectance, nestedness), but studies also show that macroscopic features may changes e.g. in relation to mass extinction or steep environmental gradients. Second, microscopic features (e.g. individual specialization levels, species roles, and partner affiliations), albeit less studied, seem to show strong variability, and in several cases microscopic instability co-occur with macroscopic stability. We therefore recommend a stronger focus on this macro-micro interplay, and list ideas (e.g. temporal species centrality measures, and interaction phenologies), towards expanding the microscopic toolbox of network ecologists. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Not All the Organelles of Living Cells Are Equal! Or Are They? Engaging Students in Deep Learning and Conceptual Change

The cell is the fundamental basis for understanding biology much like the atom is the fundamental basis for understanding physics. Understanding biology requires the understanding of the fundamental functions performed by components within each cell. These components, or organelles, responsible for both maintenance and functioning of the cell comprise to form a dynamically stable ecosystem. The secret of achieving this noble and desirable efficiency rely on the structural and functional variations of the organelles within the cell; they each carry out specific jobs within the cell resulting in a smooth, running process that would be the envy of any industrial manager. In this role-playing learning activity, we aim to engage students in deep learning that leads to cognitive and conceptual change by forcing them to be and to actively act as those organelles within the cell. It is centered on the idea that a number of organelles within the eukaryotic cells are strongly “protesting” the “privilege” that mitochondria and chloroplasts have within the living cells (both in single and multi-cellular organisms). They are protesting the structural and functional privileges that other organelles lack, but the mitochondria and chloroplasts have. Students will have to understand an explore the reasons for the differences among all the organelles and how they differ in importance and function, especially in regards to interactions between organelles within each cell and how it contributes to the life of the cell as a whole. After all, as it has been stated by NGS (2007) “a human cell reveals our inner architecture” (p. 40). Keywords: Living cells, organelles, role-playing, analogy, instructional approach, intentional learners, student success.
A modelling assessment of potential for eutrophication of Lake Riñihue, Chile

Lake Rinihue is a large (A = 90 km 2 ), deep (z max = 323 m) lake in the high rainfall region of the Andean pre-cordillera of southern Chile. A combination of daily meteorological readings, monthly measurements of inflows and water column composition, and a 7-month period of thermistor chain readings over a 2.5-year study period were used to assess physical and biogeochemical characteristics of Lake Rinihue and potential for change in trophic status. A coupled hydrodynamic-water quality model, DYRESM-WQ, was used to reproduce the observed changes in water temperature in the lake over this period. The model output yielded insights into the timing of stratification and mix is. Lake Rinihue did not mix completely over the 2.5-year period of the study (1995-1997). From late spring to autumn, a well developed thermocline was observed at depths of 20-40 m. Thermistor chain readings indicated that the thermocline position was quite variable on a day-to-day basis. In late winter the thermocline deepened rapidly in response to a sustained net negative heat flux, due largely to reduced solar radiation. Biological and chemical variables in DYRESM-WQ were calibrated over a period of 7 months and a further period of 2 years was used for validation. The simulation output reinforced the oligotrophic nature of Lake Rinihue ([chl-a] <6 mg/m -3 ), the general timing of changes in chlorophyll-a and the depletion of dissolved inorganic nutrients from the surface layer during summer. The DYRESM-WQ model and a bulk loading model were used to assess the potential for eutrophication of Lake Rinihue in response to increases in nutrient loads from inflows, The response to doubling of phosphorus (PO 4 -P and TP) concentrations in the inflows was to increase mean levels of depth-integrated chlorophyll-a near the water surface (0-58 m), from 1.36 mg/m 3 to 1.95 mg/m 3 . The simulated 1.4-fold increase in chl-a concentrations in response to the increased phosphorus load was considerably less than that predicted from a combination of a bulk loading model for TP and a regression against chl-a (2.8-fold increase). The DYRESM-WQ model indicated that the trophic response to increased nutrient loading would be complicated by growth limitation by light and nitrogen.
Roles of APETALA2/Ethylene-Response Factors in Regulation of Fruit Quality

ABSTRACT Ethylene plays important roles in the regulation of plant development and senescence, and largely acts through families of transcription factors. Some members of the plant-specific APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily of transcription factors act downstream of the ethylene signaling pathway and are strongly conserved throughout the plant kingdom. Many members of this family of regulatory proteins are involved in the control of plant growth, defense, responses to the environment, and plant hormones. Recently, evidence showing that they are also key regulators of ripening fruit quality attributes, such as color, texture, and flavor, is accumulating, providing new targets for exploring biological function and action of ethylene in fruit. Here, we review the recent progress in functional characterization of members of the AP2/ERF family of transcription actors and their role in controlling multiple aspects of fruit quality.
RODENT SPECIES DIVERSITY AND MICROHABITAT USE ALONG OPPOSING SLOPES OF LOWER NAHAL OREN, MOUNT CARMEL, ISRAEL

ABSTRACT We assessed species diversity, microhabitat distribution, and mobility of rodent species along the north-facing slope (NF) and south-facing slope (SF) of an environmentally heterogeneous canyon: Lower Nahal Oren, Mount Carmel, Israel. During February, May, and September 1992, live traps were used along seven transect lines at lower, middle, and upper altitudes (30, 60, and 90 m from the valley floor, respectively) on each slope and the valley floor. Species richness was greater on NF than on SF, with very low interslope community overlap. Trapped animals on SF were almost exclusively Acomys cahirinus. On NF, the vast majority of rodents were Apodemus mystacinus or Apodemus flavicollis, with few A. cahirinus and even fewer Mus macedonicus and Rattus rattus. Within slopes, activity density depended on elevation and species. On SF during the winter, A. cahirinus densities decreased with decreasing elevation. This pattern disappeared by fall. On NF, Acomys activity densities decreased from top to bot.
Les vivants outragés. Usages militants des corps et perceptions des animaux d’élevage chez les défenseurs de la cause animale en France

Base sur l’ethnographie d’un mouvement de defense de la cause animale en France favorable a l’abolition de l’elevage a vocation alimentaire, cet article decrit les strategies et iconographies militantes deployees a l’occasion de la grippe aviaire et plus largement lors des manifestations de defense des animaux d’elevage. Les dispositifs qui mettent en scene les corps animaux et humains permettent d’analyser les jeux d’identification et les registres emotionnels mis en œuvre par les militants. Sont ainsi eclaires un ensemble de relations percues et revees entre humains et animaux, qui participe d’un remodelage cognitif et sentimental de nos rapports aux autres vivants.
Increase exposure of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (Koch, 1844) (Acarina: Ixodidae) to ultraviolet radiation affects its reproductive capacity

ABSTRACT Most studies on ecological impact of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on terrestrial ecosystems focus on plants. However, UV radiation can also affect organisms such Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (Koch 1844) also known as the blue tick. Increased solar UV radiation may exert effects on terrestrial ecosystems through actions on microbes, plants and possibly on some animals. Seven groups of 10 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus female per group were weighed and exposed to UV radiation at a wavelength of 253.5 nm for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min in petri dish. After 14 days, the number of females laying eggs was recorded and the eggs were collected and weighed. The hatchability of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus eggs exposed to UV radiation and the activity of the irradiated larvae were examined. The percentage of egg-laying inhibition observed in the oviposition capacity test varied between 6.86% and 38.64%. Hatchability decreased with increasing exposure to radiation. The difference in hatchability of eggs irradiated for 180 min was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the hatchability of the non-irradiated eggs. The survival rate of irradiated larvae decreased with increasing exposure to UV irradiation. Oviposition after exposure to UV decline; there was also a decline in the hatchability of eggs directly exposed to UV radiation and eggs laid by irradiated engorged female ticks. The effect UV radiation could influence the population dynamic of the ticks as well which might affect disease transmission.
DINÁMICA POBLACIONAL DE PLANOCOCCUS FICUS SIGN. (HEMIPTERA - PSEUDOCOCCIDAE) EN VIÑEDOS. MENDOZA ( ARGENTINA) POPULATION DYNAMICS OF VINE MEALYBUG PLANOCOCCUS FICUS SIGN. (HEMIPTERA - PSEUDOCOCCIDAE) IN VINEYARDS. MENDOZA (ARGENTINA)

Planococcus ficus Signoret is an insect placed in the Order Hemiptera, Family Pseudococcidae. Lately high infestation levels have been reported in the vineyards of Mendoza. It feeds on a wide range of host and has been cited in many grape-growing areas. This pest can reduce the vine vigour, low the quality of the harvested grapes and affect the organoleptic features of wine. The aim of this work was study the bioecology, the distribution and seasonal behaviour of the vine mealybug. The trial was conducted on vineyards that had a history of mealybug infestation, sampling vines that showed symptoms. Have been taken pieces of bark in winter; leaves, buds and clusters in spring and summer. During the survey period, the mealybugs hibernates hide beneath barks in crevice on the trunk of the plant, as eggs laid on sac-egg. Mealybug completed six gene-rations in 2005. As soon as temperatures rise, crawlers move out onto aerial portions of the plant, settling on buds, leaves. From the 3rd generation of mealybugs clusters are reached. In fall the downward migration of the vine mealybug take place once again. RESUMEN Planococcus ficus Signoret es un insecto perteneciente al orden Hemiptera, familia Pseudococcidae, cuya poblacion ha aumentado en los ultimos anos en Mendoza. Ataca gran variedad de hospederos y esta distribuido en las principales zonas viticolas del mundo. Su accion disminuye el vigor general de las plantas, perjudica la calidad de los frutos y las caracteristicas organolepticas de los vinos elaborados con racimos infestados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar estudios bioecologicos durante la temporada 2004-2005, analizando la forma de pasaje invernal y el numero de generaciones anuales. Se marcaron y muestrearon plantas con los signos caracteristicos del ataque. Se recolecto quincenalmente material vegetal infestado. En invierno: trozos de corteza. En primavera-verano: brotes, hojas y racimos. Los resultados indicaron que pasa el invierno principalmente como huevos agrupados en masas algodonosas, bajo la corteza. Se distinguieron seis generaciones, movilizandose conforme al aumento de las temperaturas hacia los brotes y hojas y, a partir de la tercera generacion, a los racimos, permaneciendo en todas las partes aereas de la planta el resto de la temporada hasta la caida de hojas. Con la disminucion de las temperaturas retorno hacia la corteza del tronco para invernar.
Application of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers for Selection of Male Sterility in Crop Plants

Male sterility is an important trait and plays a key role for hybrid crop production in agricultural industry field. Different genes and enzymes are involved with male sterile traits. Dysfunction of these genes in any stage of male reproductive system often results in male sterility i.e., the inability to produce functional pollen. Functional male sterility can be utilized in the production of hybrid seed. During plant breeding for hybrid crop production, a lot of genetic diversities are created. Plant breeding is enhanced by the availability of molecular markers for rapid screening and selection in populations. Molecular markers are useful for a variety of purposes relevant to crop improvement. Functional markers that detect the functional mutations causing phenotypic changes offer a precise method for genetic identification. Various DNA markers are available now in plant breeding sectors. Among all of these markers, the new generation molecular markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are most abundant, robust and feasible because of its availability in whole genome and that they play a key role in the induction of phenotypic variations like male sterility. In this review, we described the classification and mechanism of male sterility in crops, the genes responsible for male sterility, and application of SNP markers for selection of male sterile plants.
Fitness Effects of Colonization Time of Chrysomya rufifacies and Cochliomyia macellaria, and their Response to Intra- and Inter-specific Eggs and Egg Associated Microbes

Fitness Effects of Colonization Time of Chrysomya rufifacies and Cochliomyia macellaria, and their Response to Intraand Inter-specific Eggs and Egg-Associated Microbes. (May 2012) Adrienne Leane Brundage, B.S., Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; M.S., San Jose State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin Chrysomya rufifacies and Cochliomyia macellaria are two medically and forensically important necrophagous flies that dominate ephemeral resources in the southern US. Since its introduction in 1981, Ch. rufifacies has become established throughout the New World due to its larvae being facultative predators. Through this research I examined the interaction between the native, primary colonizer C. macellaria and the invasive, secondary colonizer Ch. rufifacies and elucidated the olfactory mechanisms used to locate, colonize, and exploit ephemeral resources. This work used competition experiments, olfactometer experiments, and high-throughput sequencing to investigate the effects of priority colonization of ephemeral resources on both species, the olfactory mechanisms employed by gravid females to locate a resource, and the effects of egg-associated volatiles on those females. Results from competition experiments indicated that priority sequence significantly affected the fitness of both C. macellaria and Ch. rufifacies. Regulation of
Weed Management of Amaranthus spp. in Corn (Zea mays)

Field experiments were conducted from 1987 to 1990 to investigate the combination of cultural and chemical methods for control of Amaranthus spp. in corn. The tolerance of corn hybrids to herbicides or herbicide combinations was dependent on application rate. The early season threshold level for a mixed population of Amaranthus spp. occurred 3.5 wk after emergence. Density of Amaranthus spp. from 155 to 495 plants/m2 caused corn yield reduction of 50%. A quadratic model was derived relating percentage of yield reduction vs. duration of weed competition. The results emphasize the importance of using herbicides, cultural practices, and competition thresholds for an integrated weed control approach of Amaranthus spp. in corn.