NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Variable levels of antibiosis and/or antixenosis of Bt and non-Bt maize genotypes on Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) poses a serious threat to the crop, causing direct and indirect damage to plants. The present study aimed to investigate the possible expression of resistance by antixenosis and/or antibiosis against D. maidis in 11 corn genotypes [8 non-Bt (60XB14, 90XB06, XB 9003, XB 8018, XB 8010, IAC 8390, IAC 8046, and IAC AIRAN) and 3 Bt (XB 7116 Bt, XB 8010 Bt, and DKB 310 Bt)] previously selected in a greenhouse. Initially, no choice preference tests for oviposition were performed to characterize the expression of antixenosis. To characterize the expression of antibiosis/antixenosis, the insects were confined to leaves of different genotypes to assess the following parameters: duration of each nymphal stage, nymphal period, viability per instar, total viability, and adult longevity. Additionally, morphological and physical analyses of the genotypes were carried out to establish correlations with the resistance categories. The genotypes 90XB06, IAC 8390, XB 9003 and DKB 310 PRO3 expressed antixenosis against leafhoppers, reducing insect oviposition. The genotypes 60XB14, 90XB06, IAC 8046, XB 8018 and IAC 8390 expressed antibiosis and/or antixenosis against leafhoppers, reducing nymphal viability. The hardness of the ribs is probably associated with the resistance of some of the evaluated genotypes and is an important morphological defense against leafhoppers. The results of this study are novel and can aid in corn-breeding programs focused on plant resistance to sucking insects, with relevant impacts on the integrated pest management of the crop.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr, Dept Crop Protect, BR-18610034 Botucatu, SP, BrazilSao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr, Dept Crop Protect, BR-18610034 Botucatu, SP, BrazilCNPq: 305649/2013-2CAPES: 00

Decoding Darwin's puzzle: avian dispersal of mimetic seeds

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)NSFUniv Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo, BrazilPenn State Univ, Dept Biol, University Pk, PA 16802 USAPenn State Univ, Ecol Program, University Pk, PA 16802 USAUniv Estadual Paulista, Rua 12-B,621 Vila Indaia, BR-13506746 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Juiz de Fora, Zool Dept, BR-36036900 Juiz De Fora, MG, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Rua 12-B,621 Vila Indaia, BR-13506746 Sao Paulo, BrazilNSF: DEB-155671

Galactosyl and sialyl clusters: synthesis and evaluation against <i>T. cruzi</i> parasite

Abstract The multivalent effect of carbohydrates (glycoclusters) has been explored to study important biological targets and processes involving Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection. Likewise, CuAAC cycloaddition reactions (click chemistry) have been applied as useful strategy in the discovery of bioactive molecules. Hence, we describe the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole-based tetravalent homoglycoclusters (1–3) and heteroglycoclusters (4 and 5) of d-galactopyranose (C-1 and C-6 positions) and sialic acid (C-2 position) to assess their potential to inhibit T. cruzi cell invasion and also its cell surface trans-sialidase (TcTS). The target compounds were synthesised in good yields (52–75 %) via click chemistry by coupling azidosugars galactopyranose and sialic acid with alkynylated pentaerythritol or tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (TRIS) scaffolds. T. cruzi cell invasion inhibition assays showed expressive low parasite infection index values (5.3–6.8) for most compounds. However, most glycoclusters proved to be weak TcTS inhibitors at 1 mM (&lt;17 %), except the tetravalent sialic acid 3 (99 % at 1 mM, IC50 450 μM). Therefore, we assume that T. cruzi cell invasion blockage is not due to TcTS inhibition by itself, but rather by other mechanisms involved in this process. In addition, all glycoclusters were not cytotoxic and had significant trypanocidal activity upon parasite survival of amastigote forms.</jats:p

Ultrabroadband Nanocavity of Hyperbolic Phonon–Polaritons in 1D-Like α‑MoO₃

The exploitation of phonon–polaritons in nanostructured materials offers a pathway to manipulate infrared (IR) light for nanophotonic applications. Notably, hyperbolic phonon–polaritons (HP2) in polar bidimensional crystals have been used to demonstrate strong electromagnetic field confinement, ultraslow group velocities, and long lifetimes (up to ∼12 ps). Here we present nanobelts of α-phase molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) as a low-dimensional medium supporting HP2 modes in the mid- and far-IR ranges. Through real-space nanoimaging techniques with synchrotron and tunable laser IR light, we observe HP2 Fabry-Perot resonances that demonstrate distinct anisotropic propagation and frequency dependence. We remark an anisotropic propagation that critically depends on the frequency range. Our findings are supported by the convergence of experiment, theory, and numerical simulations. Our work shows that the low dimensionality of natural nanostructured crystals, like α-MoO3 nanobelts, provides an attractive platform to study polaritonic light–matter interactions and offers appealing cavity properties that could be harnessed in future designs of compact nanophotonic devices

Ultrabroadband nanocavity of hyperbolic phonon polaritons in 1D-like {\alpha}-MoO3

The exploitation of phonon-polaritons in nanostructured materials offers a pathway to manipulate infrared (IR) light for nanophotonic applications. Notably, hyperbolic phonons polaritons (HP2) in polar bidimensional crystals have been used to demonstrate strong electromagnetic field confinement, ultraslow group velocities, and long lifetimes (~ up to 8 ps). Here we present nanobelts of {\alpha}-phase molybdenum trioxide ({\alpha}-MoO3) as a low-dimensional medium supporting HP2 modes in the mid- and far-IR ranges. By real-space nanoimaging, with IR illuminations provided by synchrotron and tunable lasers, we observe that such HP2 response happens via formation of Fabry-Perot resonances. We remark an anisotropic propagation which critically depends on the frequency range. Our findings are supported by the convergence of experiment, theory, and numerical simulations. Our work shows that the low dimensionality of natural nanostructured crystals, like {\alpha}-MoO3 nanobelts, provides an attractive platform to study polaritonic light-matter interactions and offer appealing cavity properties that could be harnessed in future designs of compact nanophotonic devices

Root inoculation of strawberry with the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana reduces incidence of the twospotted spider mite and selected insect pests and plant diseases in the field

The effect of inoculation of strawberry roots by two entomopathogenic fungal isolates, Metarhizium robertsii (ESALQ 1622) and Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ 3375), on naturally occurring arthropod pests and plant diseases was investigated in four commercial strawberry fields during two growing seasons in Brazil. Three locations represented open-field production while strawberries were grown in low tunnels at the fourth location. Population responses of predatory mites to the fungal treatments were also assessed. Plants inoculated by the fungal isolates resulted in significantly fewer Tetranychus urticae adults compared to control plants at all four locations. The mean cumulative numbers ± SE of T. urticae per leaflet were: M. robertsii (225.6 ± 59.32), B. bassiana (206.5 ± 51.48) and control (534.1 ± 115.55) at the three open-field locations, while at the location with tunnels numbers were: M. robertsii (79.7 ± 10.02), B. bassiana (107.7 ± 26.85) and control (207.4 ± 49.90). Plants treated with B. bassiana had 50% fewer leaves damaged by Coleoptera, while there were no effects on numbers of whiteflies and thrips. Further, lower proportions of leaflets with symptoms of the foliar plant pathogenic fungi Mycosphaerella fragariae and Pestalotia longisetula were observed in the M. robertsii (4.6% and 1.3%)- and B. bassiana (6.1% and 1.3%)-treated plots compared to control plots (9.8% and 3.7%). No effect was seen on numbers of naturally occurring predatory mites. Our results suggest that both isolates tested may be used as root inoculants of strawberries to protect against foliar pests, particularly spider mites, and also against foliar plant pathogenic fungi without harming naturally occurring and beneficial predatory mites.acceptedVersio