Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera) from Dominican Republic Amber

Twenty species of Scolytidae and seven species of Platypodidae are described from fossiliferous amber originating from the Dominican Republic. The amber is estimated to range in age from 23 to 40 million yr old or Lower Miocene to Upper Eocene. The new species of Platypodidae are Cenocephalus antillicus , C. antiquus, C. biconicus, C. exquisitus, C. senectus, C. spinatus, and Tesserocerus primus . The new genera and species of Scolytidae are Phloeotribus antiquus, Cladoctonus angustostriatus, C. ruber, Paleosinus (n. gen.) fossulatus, Protosinus (n. gen.) hispaniolensis, Cnemonyx priscus, Scolytus poinari, Pycnarthrum senectum, Micracites (n. gen.) squamifera, Dryomites (n. gen.) incognitus, Hypothenemus avitus, Corthylites (n. gen.) bicolor, Gnathotrichus fossor, Microcorthylus antiquarius, Paleophthorus (n. gen.) bispinus, Pityophthorus antiquarius, P. aphelofacies , and P. temporarius . All these species are illustrated here by photographs or line drawings or by both. Types of the three species of Platypodidae described by Schedl (1962) from Mexican amber were examined. Notes concerning the type condition are given for each species.
Regulation of Anthocyanin Synthesis in Apple Skin. I. Comparison of the Effects of Cycloheximide, Ultraviolet Light, Wounding and Maturity

Cycloheximide applied to apple skin discs inhibited anthocyanin synthesis even at very low concentrations (0.01 µg ml-1) but stimulated accumulation in whole apple skin at concentrations between 0.05 and 30 µg ml-1. When cycloheximide was applied as a drop to whole fruit, anthocyanin synthesis was inhibited in the zone of application. A region of enhanced synthesis surrounded the inhibited area when the concentration was 1 µg ml-1 or higher. Inhibition appears to be the primary effect, while stimulation is a secondary effect of the application of cycloheximide. Similarly, exposure to u.v. light for 5-60 min promoted anthocyanin accumulation. Wounding of fruit tissue, as a specific treatment or while preparing skin discs, increased the level of anthocyanin in the skin and replaced the stimulating effect on anthocyanin formation of applied u.v. light or cycloheximide. The effects of wounding and cycloheximide decreased with increasing fruit maturity. The data suggested that wounding, u.v. light, maturity and cycloheximide act through a common effector, perhaps ethylene.
Regenerative Capacity of Atrophic Submandibular Gland by Duct Ligation in Mice

Function degeneracy of the salivary gland leads to reduced protection against infection and reduced physiological function of the oral cavity, considerably diminishing the patient’s quality of life. However, no method of treatment has yet been established to recover the secretory capacity of the salivary gland reduced by the degeneration or disappearance of the gland tissue. Ongoing salivary gland regeneration experiments using cell transplantation aim to introduce clinical regenerative treatment for the salivary gland. Because it is essential to understand the self-regenerative capacity that remains in the recipient’s salivary gland, it is essential to search for optimal conditions for transplantation and establish a salivary gland atrophy model. In this context, we performed duct ligation of the submandibular gland in groups of mice for 7-, 14-, and 21-day ligation periods, compared immunohistochemical staining using acinar cell and stem cell markers, detected apoptosis using TUNEL staining, and analyzed gene expression using RT-PCR to search for the expression of factors related to regenerative capacity that remain in the atrophic salivary gland. All 3 periods of ligation led to remarkable atrophy/disappearance of acinar cells and the dominant presence of duct-like structures. These structures expressed stem cell markers most intensively after 14 days of ligation, and double immunostaining revealed the expressions of PSCA and c-Kit that coincided with them. AQP5 expression was detected in acinar cells and the apical membrane of the intercalated ducts in the normal submandibular gland and was also detected after 21 days of ligation in the remnant acinar cells and intercalated ducts. Conversely, the number of TUNELpositive apoptotic cells in the atrophic salivary gland was highest after 7 days of ligation. These results showed that the duct-like structures that exist after ligation expressed stem cell markers and AQP5, indicating the presence of a mechanism related to the regeneration of salivary gland tissue.
The Maintenance of the Sternal Egg Sac Position by Pisaurid Spiders

Nursery web spiders (Pisauridae) have as their closest known relatives the wolf spiders of the family Lycosidae (Bishop, 1924). Among the differences used to separate these two taxa are the conformation of the egg sac and the manner in which the female spider carries the sac. The pisaurid egg mass is enclosed in a continuous covering of silk and is held beneath the female's sternum by the chelicerae. The lycosid egg sac is composed of two valves. It is attached with webbing and swung below the mother's spinnerets. Gertsch (1949) mentioned that the sternal egg sac position is more ancient and awkward than the abdominal position. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a reason for the maintenance of the sternal egg sac position by pisaurid spiders. McAlister (1959) pointed out that the ability to dive beneath the water is an escape mechanism important to the survival of Dolomedes triton sexpunctatus Hentz. This is probably true for the other species of diving pisaurids. It can be explained that if the ability to dive successfully is an asset to these spiders, then the sternal egg sac position is also advantageous, for it facilitates the diving process more than would the abdominal position. An adult female D. t. sexpunctatus weighing 1.50 gm. (equivalent to 1470 dynes) displaced 1.53 gm (1499 dynes) of water when completely immersed. When this individual is submerged there is a buoyant force of 1499 dynes tending to push her to the surface. The spider must therefore exert a force of 29 dynes upon some support to remain
Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.) under Cadmium Stress

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.), a drought resistant legume, possesses high nutritional value. Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential and the most toxic heavy metal in plants. The present study was to test the hypothesis of whether moth bean being a drought resistant legume can withstand the cadmium stress. Ten-day-old moth bean seedlings were subjected to cadmium stress and investigated for a period of 15 days every 3-day intervals. Cadmium quantification in moth bean tissues suggests root accumulation and translocation to aerial parts in a concentration dependent manner. Results of physiological and biochemical studies revealed that cadmium has affected the growth parameters like shoot and root lengths and tissue dry weights. Significant alternations in relative water content and cell membrane stability were observed in stressed seedlings. Similarly superoxide radical, lipoxygenase activity, membrane lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonyls, and reduced glutathione and nonprotein thiols were found increased in stressed seedlings compared to controls. However, hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid levels were not altered significantly in both stressed and control seedlings. Cadmium translocation ability from roots to aerial parts and elevated levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants in stressed seedlings suggest the cadmium stress withstanding ability of moth bean.
The Effect of Enzymes on Digestion

Abstract Exogenous enzymes often markedly influence ingredient and diet digestibility. In many cases the digestive capacity of the bird is overwhelmed, which is certainly the case in younger birds for whom output of endogenous enzymes may be deficient and high intestinal viscosity can compromise the digestive efficiency of the gastrointestinal tract. Augmentation of the host's own enzyme systems and hydrolysis of viscous polymers can certainly improve nutrient digestibility in younger birds. Specific anti-nutrients such as phytate can be catabolized from an anti-nutrient to a nutrient (i.e. phosphorus), providing a benefit not only in phosphorus digestion but also in removing the substrate's ability to chelate minerals and complex digestive enzymes. Enzymatic destruction of lectins and trypsin inhibitors reduces endogenous losses, thereby improving apparent digestibilities, and reduces the total energy expenditure in digestion, further benefiting performance. Alteration of the fermentation profiles in the bird can significantly benefit performance by more effective partitioning of ileal nutrients between the bird and resident flora, provision of nutrients in the caeca from fiber digestion, and by reduction in immunological challenge.
From Guerrilla Tactics to Outright Terrorism: A Study of Boko Haram's Synergy with Al-Qaeda Terrorist Network

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks no doubt, diminished America’s sense of invincibility. Ever since, the United States has consistently targeted various clusters engaged in global Salafi jihad. This 9/11 phenomenon has impelled concerned world leaders to focus their attention on global terrorism. Quite obviously, the so-called ‘war against terrorism’ has never been this fierce. In Nigeria, there have been sporadic attacks staged by Boko Haram, its indigenous terrorists, which were largely ignored until recently when the group took an ominous turn to synergizing with al-Qaeda in the Maghrib. However, a critical study of development within Boko Haram in recent times reveals that the sect’s goals and motives in comparison with other groups that were officially admitted into al-Qaeda, betray a disturbing similarity as well as similar time horizon. This paper believes that America should proactively engage in crafting a holistic policy both to dismantle and preempt the merger between the two sects. Nigerian leaders should be encouraged to adopt policies that would improve security and prevent the emergence of other such groups. Besides, the paper also contends that until previous terrorists and their official backers are dealt with, not only will indigenous terrorism continue in Nigeria, but will actually proliferate.
CONDITIONS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF BACTERIOPHAGE

Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses whose hosts are bacteria. The ecology of bacteria and their phages has been studied less thoroughly than that of many higher organisms. The experimental data on their behavior in the laboratory are as extensive as for almost any other living things. Experimentation has been oriented primarily at answering basic biological questions, with phage serving as a convenient tool for technical reasons. Several facts have emerged from it, however, which are important to an understanding of the position of phages in the biological world and their evolution and survival in nature. We shall first describe some general properties of phages, and then list some specific facts which are now sufficiently well established to serve as a basis for critical discussion. We shall then attempt an analysis and evaluation of the possible factors which may be responsible for the perpetuation of phage. It is convenient to start by classifying phages into two types: Virulent phages can reproduce only by destroying their host. Temperate phages are in addition capable of multiplying indefinitely as intracellular parasites within the same cell lineage. The distinction can be made only with respect to a given host species; a phage may be temperate on one host and virulent on another (Bertani, 1958). Also, virulent phages can arise as mutants of temperate phages. When a virulent phage infects a bacterium susceptible to it, the cell dies, produces more phage, and lyses. When a temperate phage infects a sensitive cell, the result is sometimes the same as with a virulent phage. However, in a fraction
Synchrony in Tetraonid Population Dynamics

We studied temporal and spatial synchrony of population fluctuations in the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) and the hazel grouse (Bonasa bonasia) in Finland. The data consist of route censuses (20 000-30 000 km annually) performed in 11 provinces during 1964-83. The population data for the three species in each province were standardized to zero mean and unit variance. Cross-correlation analysis indicates that population dynamics of the three species in every area are in rather good temporal synchrony. Moreover, with the aid of k-means clustering, the 11 provinces could be merged into four regions, indicating large-scale synchrony in dynamics of the three tetraonid species. Because it is obvious that this synchrony cannot be due only to the similar life histories of these species, we explored whether it could be influenced by a common synchronizing factor affecting all the species simultaneously. In order to do this we used a Leslie matrix-based simulation approach. In this model there is a stochastic hit of breeding failure at a given average interval. This failure was shown to synchronize the population dynamics of the species with primarily different life tables.
Natural Selection in Water Snakes (Natrix sipedon L.) on Islands in Lake Erie

Although in recent years laboratory selection has become a commonplace, natural selection operating in wild populations has been quite difficult to document. Much of the published work has been inconclusive (see summary in Robson and Richards, 1936, for early work) or open to controversy (e.g., Lamotte, Cain and Sheppard, and Sedlmair on Cepaeca). The present study analyzes all available data on color pattern variation in the water snakes of the Lake Erie islands. These data appear to illustrate a situation in which migration and strong selection pressure combine to give a relatively clear-cut picture of differential elimination of color pattern types from a population. The uniform medium-gray color of the majority of adult water snakes inhabiting the islands in the western part of Lake Erie (as opposed to the "normal" dark banded type) was first noted by Morse (1904). In 1937 Conant and Clay described the island population as a separate subspecies Natrix sipedon insularum, differing from typical sipedon primarily in the large percentage of unbanded or weakly banded individuals. In 1954 Camin, Triplehorn and Walter compared the frequencies of various pattern types in wild-caught juveniles with those of the adult population and found a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of banded individuals from the juvenile to the adult population. In the present paper these previous data are reanalyzed and integrated with additional data, principally on frequencies of pattern types in
The Influence of Beach Sand Characteristics on the Nesting Behavior and Clutch Survival of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

the thermal sensitivity of sprint speed in Anolis lizards. Evolution 40:594-604. WERNER, E. E. 1986. Amphibian metamorphosis: growth rate, predation risk, and the optimal size at transformation. Amer. Nat. 128:319-341. WHITEHEAD, P. J., J. T. PUCKRIDGE, C. M. LEIGH AND R. S. SEYMOUR. 1989. Effect of temperature on jump performance of the frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis. Physiol. Zool. 62(4):937-949. WILBUR, H. M. 1980. Complex life cycles. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 11:67-93. ZUG, G. R. 1972. Anuran locomotion: structure and function. I. Preliminary observations on the relation between jumping and ostometrics of the appendicula and postaxial skeleton. Copeia 1972: 613-624. 1978. Anuran locomotion-structure and function 2: jumping performance of semiaquatic, terrestrial, and arboreal frogs. Smithsonian Contrib. Zool. , no. 276. -. 1985. Anuran locomotion: fatigue and jumping performance. Herpetologica 41:188-194.
Hyperglycemia Stimulates Blood‐Brain Barrier Endothelial Cell Na‐K‐Cl Cotransporter and Na/H Exchange Activities and Induces Cerebral Edema in the Rat

Hyperglycemia (HG) exacerbates ischemia‐induced cerebral edema (CE) formation although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Our previous studies have provided evidence that both Na‐K‐Cl cotransporter (NKCC) and Na/H exchanger (NHE) activities at the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) are stimulated by ischemic factors and contribute to CE in stroke. The present study examined the relationships among HG, CE and BBB NKCC and NHE. CE was assessed using MRI‐derived apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). NKCC and NHE activities of cultured cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC) were evaluated by radioisotopic and microspectrofluorometric methods. Rats with streptozotocin‐induced HG (>300mg/dL) exhibited reduced cerebral ADC values compared to normoglycemic rats (7.74 ± 0.21 and 8.16 ± 0.21 10−6 cm2/sec, respectively, mean ± SD, p<0.05), indicating the presence of cytotoxic edema. CMEC NKCC and NHE activities were increased 1.64‐ and 1.28‐fold, respectively, and NKCC and NHE abundances were increased 2.19‐ and 1.27‐fold, respectively, following 48 hr exposure to hyperglycemic media. Media of comparable osmolarity (by addition of NaCl instead of glucose) were without effect. Similar findings were observed in CMEC with 24 hr HG exposure. These data support the hypothesis that HG promotes cerebral edema formation and that BBB NKCC and NHE participate in this process.
Protéines JAK et STAT dans la signalisation cellulaire

Les proteines STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) sont a la fois des transmetteurs du signal et des activateurs transcriptionnels. A l'arrivee du signal d'une cytokine a la membrane plasmique, les proteines STAT au repos dans le cytoplasme sont phosphorylees par les tyrosine-kinases JAK (Janus kinases). Elles se rassemblent alors en dimeres et migrent dans le noyau ou elles stimulent la transcription de genes cibles specifiques. Leur phosphorylation sur des residus serine/threonine serait un facteur supplementaire d'optimalisation de leur fonction activatrice de la transcription. La specificite de leur action se dessine progressivement, depuis la liaison specifique d'un ligand a son recepteur jusqu'a l'interaction avec d'autres facteurs nucleaires pour activer la transcription. Les domaines d'utilisation des voies JAK/STAT sont multiples, de la proliferation cellulaire au controle de la fonction immune, et leur comprehension permet d'esperer des approches therapeutiques nouvelles, en particulier dans certaines leucemies et des deficits immunitaires hereditaires.
Bioenergetics of the Western Harvester Ant in the Shortgrass Plains Ecosystem

The bioenergetics of Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Cresson) was studied on the IBP grassland intensive study site in northeast Colorado. Energy flow values were determined by estimating the energy required per colony for production of ant tissue and for respiratory energy loss. Extrapolation of the energy values per colony to colony densities in the differentially grazed pastures resulted in seasonal estimates of population energy flow values for western harvester ant populations in ungrazed, lightly grazed, moderately grazed, and heavily grazed pastures. Excavation of 11 colonies resulted in estimates of 2032 worker ants and 315 winged reproductives produced per colony each year. This resulted in an estimate of 46.81 kcal per colony required for secondary production per year. Respiratory energy losses were estimated from measurements of CO2 production in relation to field temperatures, as determined from measurements conducted on 2 colonies established in the laboratory. Annual energy requirements for respiration were estimated at 418.42 kcal per colony. Energy flow values (tissue production + heat production) ranged from 1.45 kcal per m3 per year in the moderately grazed pasture to 0.14 kcal per m2 per year under heavy grazing pressure. The energy flow values for P. occidentalis are much lower than those calculated for P. badius (Latreille). The major area of difference occurs in estimates made of energy required for respiration.
APLIKASI TRANSFER GEN DALAM AKUAKULTUR Aplication of Gene Transfer in Aquaculture

Recently, global food security has become a hot issue by the public in national as well as out of the country. Aquacultural output will need to be increased several fold in order to meet the rising demands for fish in coming years as the increasing of mankind population. The intensity and capacity of production is expected to increase using biotechnology approach. One of the advances biotechnologies that expected to be a powerful approach for aquaculture development is transgenic technique. This technique has been applied to several commercially valuable species. This review describes various techniques of gene transfer, persistence and expression of transferred gene, application and future aspect of gene transfer research in aquaculture.
European Corn Borer Management in Field Corn: A Survey of Perceptions and Practices in Iowa and Minnesota

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) is a major pest of field corn (Zea mays L.) in the midwestern states. In 1991, an outbreak of this insect caused yield losses as high as 32.6 bu/acre in Iowa and averaged 14 bu/acre in Minnesota. Following this pest outbreak, a questionnaire was developed to: (i) assess how farmers and agribusiness professionals perceive the crop production risks posed by European corn borer, and (ii) explore how these perceptions are reflected in management options they use or recommend. Farmers and agribusiness professionals completed 851 surveys. The survey results provided insights into yield loss perceptions, management tactics used, and research needs for European corn borer management. Economic yield losses caused by European corn borers during the first and second generations, respectively, were thought to occur only by 65 to 69% of farmers, 78 to 81% of ag-chemical professionals, 84 to 89% of crop consultants, and 68 to 70% of educator/agronomists. Respondents that perceived economic losses caused by European corn borers thought that the average loss was 15.3 to 16.6 bu/acre during the first generation and 15.2 to 18.1 bu/acre during the second generation. Although two-thirds of the farmers perceived the European corn borer as a serious pest, only 35% had ever scouted their fields and used economic thresholds, and only 28% had ever used an insecticide to control the pest. Farmers' primary and secondary options for managing the European corn borer or reducing yield losses were to harvest the fields early before ears drop onto the ground (63.4%) and to plant hybrids with known resistance (39.0%), respectively. In contrast, scouting and using economic thresholds was the primary recommendation from ag-chemical professionals (68.3%), crop consultants (88.5%), and educator/agronomists (54.0%). The second most common recommendation was using an insecticide by ag-chemical professionals (57.9%) and educator/agronomists (41.4%), whereas crop consultants were more likely to suggest early harvest to prevent ear droppage (73.8%). The survey results suggest that many farmers don't manage European corn borer because of historic inaction, hidden yield losses, reluctance to scout, logistical burnout, capital doubts, cultural competition, insecticide concerns, and a failure to recognize the problem. The results also suggest a strong need to educate farmers and agribusiness professionals regarding biology, crop damage, and management options for the European corn borer.
POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM THE LEAVES OF SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLIUS RADDI

Two quinic acid esters, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1) and 5-Ocoumaroylquinic acid (2); three myricetin glycosides, myricetin 3O--L-rhamnopyranosyl(1′′′6′′)-D-galactopyranoside (3), myricetin 3-O--D-glucuronide (4), and myricetin 3-O--Dgalactopyranoside (5); 1,6-digalloyl--D-glucose (6); and (+)catechin (7) were isolated and identified for the first time from the leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Furthermore, investigation of tannic acid content was carried out by HPLC.