Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic differentiation between three ecological variants (‘type’, ‘mysorensis’ and ‘intermediate’) of malaria vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Anopheles stephensi is the main vector of urban malaria in South Asia. Three ecological variants (‘type’, ‘mysorensis’and‘intermediate’) of An. stephensi have been reported on the basis of ecology and egg morphology. However, it is unclear if there is any genetic isolation between the three variants. We analyzed the three variants of An. stephensi using eight microsatellite loci and found that large and significant genetic differentiation exists between them (mean FST= 0.393 and mean RST= 0.422). Pairwise estimates of genetic differentiation between the variants were ‘type’ versus ‘mysorensis’ (mean FST= 0.411 and mean RST= 0.308), ‘type’ versus ‘intermediate’ (mean FST= 0.388 and mean RST= 0.518) and ‘intermediate’ versus ‘mysorensis’ (mean FST= 0.387 and mean RST= 0.398) and all were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The greater sensitivity of RST in differentiation indicated that mutations and not genetic drift had generated the differences between three variants of An. stephensi. The present study indicated large genetic differentiation and presence of non‐significant low level of gene flow between the three variants (‘type’, ‘mysorensis’and‘intermediate’) of An. stephensi.
The Benefits-of-Philopatry Hypothesis for the Evolution of Cooperative Breeding: Variation in Territory Quality and Group Size Effects

Cooperative breeding systems are characterized by the presence of individuals that remain as nonbreeders in their natal groups past the age of reproductive maturity. Currently, the most widely accepted explanation of this nondispersal is that immature members of cooperative species are faced with ecological constraints on independent breeding, such as habitat saturation. However, current evidence indicates that reproductive opportunities in many noncooperative breeders (where immature individuals always disperse) are just as limited as those in cooperative species. Thus ecological constraints alone cannot explain the differences in the two dispersal patterns. As an alternative, we describe a "benefits of philopatry" hypothesis, which proposes that nonbreeding helpers remain at home only when there is a net fitness benefit to doing so. This is most likely to occur either when territories in a local area vary greatly in quality or when group cooperation leads to high variance in fitness of individuals in different sized groups. The predictions of this model thus differ from those of the habitat-saturation model, which explicitly proposes that variance in fitness measures related to territory quality will be lower in cooperatively breeding species than in noncooperative forms. We test these ideas by comparing variance in reproductive success among territories in two cooperative and a social, but noncooperative, species. As predicted by the benefits-of-philopatry model, but not the habitat-saturation model, the among-territory coefficients of variation in the two cooperative species are similar to each other and significantly greater than those in the noncooperative species. These results suggest that local patterns of variation in quality among individual territories may play an important role in the evolution of different social systems.
Fusarium ear blight (scab) in small grain cereals—a review

This review of Fusarium ear blight (scab) of small grain cereals has shown that up to 17 causal organisms have been associated with the disease, which occurs in most cereal-growing areas of the world. The most common species were Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae), F. culmorum, F, avenaceum (G, avenacea), F, poae and Microdochium nivale (Monographella nivalis). The disease was recorded most frequently under hot, wet climatic conditions where significant yield losses and mycotoxin accumulation in grain were reported. Possible sources of inoculum were reported as crop debris, alternative hosts and Fusarium seedling blight and foot rot of cereals. The mode of dispiersal of inoculum to ears remains unclear, but contaminated arthropod vectors, systemic fungal growth through plants, and wind and rain-splash dispersal of spores have been proposed. Infection of wheat ears was shown to occur mainly during anthesis, and it has been demonstrated that fungal growth stimulants may be present in anthers. Despite the importance of the disease, particularly during epidemic years, control methods are limited. Much effort has gone into breeding resistant wheat varieties and into improving our understanding of the possible mechanisms and genetic basis of resistance, with only moderate success. There are also surprisingly few reports of successful fungicidal or biological control of the disease in the field.
CYANOBACTERIAL ASSEMBLAGES IN PERMANENT ICE COVERS ON ANTARCTIC LAKES: DISTRIBUTION, GROWTH RATE, AND TEMPERATURE RESPONSE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The proliferation of microalgae in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica is intricately linked to the seasonal cycle involving the freezing and melting of water. Anecdotal observations and preliminary sampling have found cyanobacterial cells in ice covers on lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, and several of these ice covers are known to undergo seasonal freeze–thaw cycles. Therefore, we sought to determine the distribution and abundance of cyanobacterial assemblages in several permanent ice covers throughout the McMurdo Dry Valleys and to determine their rates of growth and their photosynthetic physiologies upon encountering liquid water. We found that the majority of the permanent ice covers contained cyanobacterial assemblages in close association with sedimentary material. Cyanobacterial biomass was conspicuously absent in sediment‐free ice covers, suggesting that the seasonal interaction between the sediments, ice, and solar radiation present the necessary liquid water environment for cyanobacterial growth. All assemblages exhibited extremely low rates of photosynthesis when first exposed to liquid water. Despite the low rates of photosynthesis, a large proportion (41%) of the photosynthate was incorporated into protein, indicating that the cells were undergoing efficient net cellular growth. The short‐term response (24 h) of photosynthesis to a range of temperatures showed optimum rates occurring at temperatures >15° C, which is similar to those of psychrotrophic cyanobacteria isolates from soil and stream habitats, which we believe provides the inoculum for the in‐ ice habitats.
The Endocranial Cavity of a Nonmammalian Eucynodont, Chiniquodon theotenicus, and Its Implications for the Origin of the Mammalian Brain

ABSTRACT The braincase and endocranial cavity of a specimen of a nonmammalian eucynodont Chiniquodon is described and illustrated, and a tentative reconstruction of the gross anatomy of the brain offered. Salient features are the well-developed impression for the olfactory lobes, the extreme narrowness of the region available for the telencephalon, and the evidence for a large cerebellum. A two-step theory for the origin of the mammalian brain is proposed. The first step is represented by the nonmammalian cynodont level and consisted of enlargement of the cerebellum and possibly midbrain structures. This stage is associated with the evolution of more sophisticated neuromuscular control of the mandibular and locomotory apparatuses. The second step was the evolution of the mammalian six-layered neocortex, and did not occur until the origin of the mammals themselves. This stage was an integral part of a complex set of allometric changes associated with miniaturization. The origin of the neocortex was correlated with sensitivity to higher frequency sound, and a greater area of olfactory epithelium, both expected to result from miniaturization, and also with the availability of increased space within the cranial cavity expected as the adductor jaw musculature was relatively reduced in mass. Overall, neocortical function was associated with the high energy nocturnal foraging activity generally believed to have appertained in the first mammals, and also sophisticated social communication.
Correlations between Inflammation and Thrombosis in the Pathogeny of Myocardial Infarction

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of myocardial infarction. This process involves a complex interplay between metabolic pathways governing lipid deposition, inflammatory and immune responses to oxidized lipids, and endothelial dysfunction. Myocardial infarction appears when these processes culminate with a thrombotic event. Markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and leukocyte levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This process involves a complex interplay between metabolic pathways governing lipid deposition, inflammatory and immune responses to oxidized lipids, and endothelial dysfunction. Myocardial infarction appears when these processes culminate with a thrombotic event. Markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and leukocyte levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This review will summarize the molecular and cellular links between inflammation and thrombosis in the context of myocardial infarction, which support the concept of a thrombo inflammatory state leading to the vessel obstruction and to the subsequent myocardial necrosis.
Corporate Infrastructure Management Affecting Intellectual Capital

To support the success of company activities, it is necessary to complete facilities and reliable infrastructure. This paper aims to review and analyze concepts, definitions, research models, and development of infrastructure management models and intellectual capital from several pieces of literature that have been implemented in various companies. The writing approach used is to conduct a literature study that reviews the concepts and explains them. This paper also tries to describe the relationship or influence between infrastructure management and intellectual capital. Academically this paper is useful for the development of conceptual models in the direction of research and research discourse that is developed, as well as providing an understanding and in-depth understanding of the conception of infrastructure management and intellectual capital. Being an effective HR professional doesn't just change from operational work to strategy. This means learning to master the operational and strategic processes and people. Success in this role requires an understanding of the results, metaphors, and specific actions in each role. The role of corporate infrastructure management in shaping an efficient corporate infrastructure is as an administrative expert who can help in reducing unnecessary costs, increasing efficiency, and continuously finding new ways to work better.
The Distribution of the Weaver Ant, Oecophylla-Smaragdina (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Northern Australia

Following a questionnaire survey and field studies, the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Fab.), was found to inhabit much of the coastal area of tropical Australia. With discriminant analyses, the observed distribution pattern was explained by the combination of two physical parameters, mean annual rainfall and average minimum temperature. These may limit Oecophylla distribution in at least two ways: (1) low temperatures directly inhibit larval development; (2) both rainfall and temperature levels limit the distribution of the forest-woodland vegetation required by this arboreal ant.
Mercury and Selenium - A Review on Aspects Related to the Health of Human Populations in the Amazon.

Mercury (Hg) toxicity is governed by cellular thiol compounds and its capacity to generate reactive oxygen radicals and oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) plays a key role in the prevention of the toxic effects of Hg by modulating the activity of several Se-dependent enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In addition, dietary Se can reduce Hg toxicity by directly interacting with either Hg(II) or methylmercury (MeHg) to form inert products, such as HgSe complexes. Although experimental and environmental data have indicated a protective role for selenium against Hg toxicity, human data are more limited and somewhat conroversial In the Amazon Region of Brazil, Hg pollution is rampant as a result of gold (Au) mining and other anthropogenic factors, leading to pervasive release of large quantities of metallic Hg0 into the environment. Exposure to Hg in this region is associated with direct occupational exposure in the gold mining industry, as well as consumption by in inhabitants of riverside communities of a diet rich in MeHg-contaminated fish. Human exposure to MeHg in the Amazon through the diet has been monitored by measuring Hg and MeHg in hair samples. In this paper, we review the environmental contamination of Hg in the Amazon and detail human exposures in populations of this region. We conclude with a brief synopsis on Se levels in the Amazon population and provide a brief review of data available on the interaction between Hg and Se in this region. Overall, the literature supports the notion that low environmental Se is linked to susceptibility to Hg toxicity and that Se levels could be used as a bioindicator to monitor the health of Hg exposed subjects. However, in light of the limited human data on this subject, further epidemiological studies are needed to clarify how changes in Se levels modify the toxicity of environmental Hg.
DIEL CHANGES IN PHASED‐DIVIDING CULTURES OF CERATIUM FURCA (DINOPHYCEAE): NUCLEOTIDE TRIPHOSPHATES, ADENYLATE ENERGY CHARGE, CELL CARBON, AND PATTERNS OF VERTICAL MIGRATION 1

The diel pattern of cell division, cell carbon, adenine nucleotides and vertical migration was determined for laboratory cultures of the photosynthetic marine dinoflagellate, Ceratium furca (Ehr.) Clap. & Lachm. , entrained on an alternating 12:12 LD schedule at 20 C. Cell division was initiated during the latter portion of the dark period with ca. 30% of the population undergoing division. Cell C increased during the light period and exhibited a linear decrease with a loss of 33% during the dark period. ATP · cell−1 increased during the light period and decreased by ca. 40–50% during the dark period. The diel patterns of cell C and ATP tended to “buffer” the magnitude of the change in C:ATP ratios around an overall mean value of 89. There was no obvious trend in the concentration of [GTP + UTP] · cell−1 over the cell cycle. The cellular adenylate energy charge was maintained at values between 0.8 to 0.9 throughout the 24 h LD cycle, despite a ca. 40% decrease in total adenylates (AT= ATP + ADP + AMP) during the dark period on 12:12 LD, and over a 68% decrease in ATP during 42 h of continuous darkness. These data lend experimental support to the theory of cellular metabolic control by the adenine nucleotides. With lateral illumination on 12:12 LD cycles, the cells began to concentrate at the surface of the experimental tubes shortly before the lights were turned on, and at the bottom of the tubes shortly before the lights were extinguished. This pattern continued for 6 days in continuous darkness, suggesting that the vertical migration pattern is independent of a phototactic response and may be under the control of an endogenous rhythm.
Energy conservation in Nitrobacter

The generation of ATP and NADH in total cells of Nitrobacter was measured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. NADH synthesis was driven by an ATP independent reaction with nitrite or nitric oxide as electron donors. The rate of NADH formation was about 200 times higher, if nitric oxide instead of nitrite served as electron donor. Approximately 2 mol nitric oxide were needed for reduction of 1 mol NAD+. Nitrite caused an end-product inhibition of the nitric oxide induced NADH synthesis. ATP was synthesized by NADH oxidation with oxygen and nitrate as terminal electron acceptors.
Origin and dispersal of the boll weevil.

In recent years there has been increased attention directed toward understanding the systematics and biogeography of the boll weevil, Antbonomus grandis Boheman, a major pest of cotton in the New World (Fig. 1). Much of this interest has been generated by the continued threat this insect poses to cotton production in previously inhabited areas, as well as because of its recent expansion into hitherto uninfested areas (Table 1). The question of the origin and dispersal of the boll weevil has been a subject of interest since the species first became known as a pest in the United States in the early 1890's. Because of the economic importance of this insect, it is not surprising that several ideas have been expressed on the subject of its origin and subsequent movement. Considerable information has been published on the boll weevil, but no comprehensive effort has been made to address the question of where the species came from or how it reached its present distribution.
A study of a bacterial immobilization substratum for use in the bioremediation of crude oil in asaltwater system

An immobilization matrix, Drizit, was examined for use in the bioremediation of oil in asaltwater system. The support was examined by scanning electron microscopy, cell‐loadingcapacity, absorption of Ekofisk crude oil, the effect on cell recoverability of dryingDrizit‐immobilized cells at room temperature, 55°C or freeze drying and storage for up to 3months, and the capability of immobilized Pseudomonas fluorescens to enhance biodegradation ofpetrol (Slovene diesel) in a saltwater system. Results showed that Drizit is an ideal immobilizationsubstratum for use in bioremediation, and the substratum was found to have a good cell‐loadingcapacity (3·75 mg protein g−1 substratum) and a high absorbency of oil(7·49 g Ekofisk g−1 substratum). After drying the immobilized cells at roomtemperature, 55°C or freeze drying and subsequent storage, cells were not recoverable after 2weeks, 1 week or 2 months, respectively, and a significant decrease was seen in the number ofcells recovered after drying and 1 week’s storage in all cases. Enhanced biodegradation of C13–C18 pristane and phytane, in petrol (Slovene diesel) occurred with theimmobilization of Ps. fluorescens to Drizit. An average degradation of 73·8%occurred in the immobilized system in comparison with the free system which resulted in anaverage degradation of 39·8%. When the two systems were supplemented with nitrates andphosphates, degradation in the free supplemented system increased to an average of 72·4%. However, no significant difference in biodegradation was found between the immobilized systemand the immobilized system supplemented with nitrates and phosphates which achieved anaverage degradation of 74.15%.
Impact of Tillage and Banded Starter Fertilizer on Maize Root Growth in the Top 25 Centimeters of the Soil

There is little information about root growth response to tillage and starter fertilization in cool temperate regions. Maize (Zea mays L.) root morphology and distribution at anthesis were studied in 1997 and 1999 at two sites in the Swiss Midlands on a loamy silt and a sandy loam soil. The effects of tillage system, conventional tillage (CT) vs. no-tillage (NT), and starter fertilizer (SF) banded to one side of the seed row were evaluated. Roots were determined in soil cores taken 9.5 cm on each side of the seed row and 25 cm deep. The overall root length density (RLD) was significantly greater under CT than under NT on the loamy silt soil but not on the sandy loam soil. In NT, RLD tended to be greater than in CT in the uppermost 5 to 10 cm of the soil but less in deeper soil. Mean root diameter (MD) under CT was smaller than under NT for both years and sites. In 1997, banded SF (BSF) improved RLD in the SF bands compared with the opposite side of the seed row; in 1999, this effect happened only in the uppermost soil layers (0 to 5 cm) in NT. Banded SF tended to increase MD in three combinations of year and site and to decrease it in Schaflsheim 1999. Overall, this research indicates that the effects of tillage and BSF on root growth of maize at flowering were in accordance with the previous findings on early root growth. However, root growth response to tillage and SF is complex and often a function of year, soil type, and depth.
SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED POTATO SPUNTA: DEGRADATION OF DNA IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND CARRYOVER TO RAT ORGANS

Diet groups for albino rats were (group 1) control basal, (group 2) control plus 30% freeze-dried nongenetically modified potatoes Spunta, (group 3) control plus 30% freeze-dried Spunta genetically modified potato (GMP) G2 and (group 4) control plus 30% freeze-dried GMP G3. After feeding ad libitum for 30 days, no statistical differences were found in food intake, daily body weight gain and feed efficiency. However, there was a small but significant difference in final body weight between the control (group 1) and experimental treatments (groups 2-4). DNA ingested in feed was partially resistant to the mechanical, chemical and enzymatic activities of the rat gastrointestinal (GI) tract (GIT) and was not completely degraded. Modified and nonmodified potato Spunta DNA survival was comparable during feed passage in the rat GIT. Modified constructs from GMP lines G2 and G3 fragment DNA were not detectable in tissue samples.
Smooth motion parallax and high resolution display based on visually equivalent light field 3D

The light field concept can correctly and completely describe the distribution of rays in 3D space within theory of geometrical optics. However, the data quantity is huge, and not easy to capture or process. Though light field 3D displays are almost ideal in principle, they are not really practical given the huge number of pixels required. To compress data quantity, we proposed the visually equivalent light field (VELF), which uses a characteristic of human vision. Though several cameras are needed, VELF can be captured by a camera array. Reconstructing the ray distribution involves linear blending, but this process is so simple that we can realize this calculation optically in the VELF3D display. It produces high image quality as its high pixel usage efficiency overcomes the tradeoff between resolution and directional density of rays. In this paper, we summarize the relationship between the characteristics of human vision and VELF. We introduce the VELF3D display that consists of a horizontal RGB stripe LCD panel and a parallax barrier, whose spacing width is almost the same as pixel pitch. Though it is similar to the conventional parallax barrier type autostereoscopic 3D display, it can reproduce correct rays for human vision. High feel of existence is induced by the display’s smooth and exact motion parallax; its resolution is high enough to display characters. Head tracking allows the viewing zone to be greatly expanded while maintaining smooth motion parallax. Since image capture and display are very simple, VELF is suitable for realtime live action applications with high image quality.