Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of the photosynthetic system to altered protein composition and changes in environmental conditions

The photosynthetic thylakoid membrane has a hierarchically ordered structure containing pigment-protein complexes that capture solar radiation and convert it into chemical energy. Its highly dynamic structure is capable to continuously respond to the altered environmental conditions, e.g., light quality and quantity, temperature changes and nutrient availability. Having detailed knowledge about the photosynthetic apparatus and its regulating factors is of paramount importance for the potential use of photosynthesis as alternative energy source or for removing toxic pollutants. The thesis provides new information about the role of various carotenoid molecules for the structure and energy transfer capacity of photosynthetic complexes in cyanobacteria. Our results demonstrate that besides the known structural importance of carotenoids they are also required for the oligomerisation of photosystems and for maintaining the structure of the light-harvesting antenna complexes, called phycobilisomes. Part of the thesis focuses on the Photosystem II (PSII) macro-organisation in the chloroplast thylakoid membrane of plants. The general importance of a small-molecular-weight protein, PsbW is demonstrated for the organisation of the PSII supercomplexes and the formation of the parallel rows of PSII and the accompanying psi-type circular dichroism signal. A new, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy-based fingerprinting method is described that can be used to study the PSII macrodomain organization. CD is a potentially powerful method to follow the dynamic changes of the pigment-protein complex organisation of chloroplast membranes in vivo. In this thesis the cadmium-induced toxic effects on photosynthetic processes are also investigated. The observed changes can be merged into a cascade mechanism model. Such detailed knowledge of toxic events is crucial for the effective use of cyanobacteria to remove the cadmium pollution from water.In conclusion, this thesis contributes to our knowledge about the structure and dynamics of the photosynthetic apparatus at various organisational levels.
Role of Aqueous, Methanol and Ethanol leaf Extract of Morinda Citrifolia (Indian Noni) in inhibiting on clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

1 Department of Microbiology, Dr.AL Mudaliar Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai113, South India Abstract Morinda citrifolia is one of the most important traditional polynesian medicinal plant. This small evergreen tree is native of South Eastern Asia to Australia and now it has pantropical distribution all over the world. This plant has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. The present study aqueous, methanol and ethanol extraction of leaf extract of Morinda citrifolia was carried out since this method is more suitable for clinical study. The leaf extract was prepared by conventional extraction method and it was assessed with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the present study have found that ethanol extracts showed better antibacterial activity against P.aeruginosa when compared to methanol extract. Aqueous extract showed no activity against P.aeruginosa by MIC method. Solvent control also showed no activity against P.aeruginosa . The overall results indicates, methanol and ethanol extracts of M.citrifolia ,some useful drugs may be develop for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by P.aeruginosa. The results revealed that plant extracts have inhibitory activity against the tested organism.
Applicability of different Synchronization Protocols during Breeding Season in Kilis Goats

Article No.: 052616099 DOI: 10.15580/GJAS.2016. 6.052616099 The objective of this study was to determine the effects of four different oestrus synchronization protocols on some reproductive characteristics in Kilis goats. For this purpose, 75 heads of goats were used and divided into 5 groups as Progesterone (P4: intravaginal sponges with 20 mg progesterone), Progesterone + Pregnant Mare Gonadotropin Hormone (P4+PMSG: intravaginal sponges + 300 IU intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum), single dose Prostaglandin F2 Alpha (PgF2α-I: single PgF2α intramuscular injection), double dose Prostaglandin F2 Alpha (PgF2α-II: double PgF2α intramuscular injection) with 11-days interval and Male Effect (Control). All goats were naturally mated. At the end of the study, kidding rates of single and multiple birth types were calculated as 33.34 %, 66.66 % in P4; 40.00 %, 60.00 % in P4+PMSG; 46.67 %, 53.33 % in PgF2α-I; 46.67 %,53.33 % in PgF2α-II and 53.33 %, 46.67 % in control groups, respectively. Inconclusion, it was detected that P4+PMSG application increased kids number. Submitted: 26/05/2016 Accepted: 03/06/2016 Published: 25/06/2016
Extreme and complex variation in range‐wide abundances across a threatened Neotropical bird community

Understanding patterns and drivers of variation in abundance across full species ranges is crucial in conservation science, but our knowledge of these forms and processes is limited, especially in the tropics. This study aims to: (1) identify patterns in variation of abundance across sites; (2) examine congruence of abundance hotspots across species and spatial autocorrelation of abundance within species; and (3) assess the nature and strength of environmental correlates of abundance (topography, habitat and human pressure).
Chromosomal Aberrations and Apomictic Behavior in Two Cytotypes of Pteris cretica L. from Western Himalayas

Plants of Pteris cretica L. were collected from four different forests of Himachal Pradesh, India to know the chromosome variability and reproductive status of the species. In the study area, two cytologic forms, diploid (2n=58) and triploid (2n=87), of P. cretica are met with. The triploid cytotype is uncommon in distribution. Both the cytotypes are apogamous in nature. Meiotic analysis of different accessions of P. cretica revealed that meiotic course was highly irregular with reduced spore fertility. High incidence of micronuclei in triploid cytotype is a conspicuous phenomenon among other meiotic abnormalities. Variations in spore size and shape have been observed during spore studies. The present count of one B-chromosome (3n=87+1B) in triploid apogamous form is the first report of B-chromosome in the species.
Immunohistochemical and serological aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Neotropical primates

A toxoplasmose e causada por Toxoplasma gondii, um coccideo intracelular que infecta a maioria dos vertebrados homeotermicos. Esta doenca, de ampla distribuicao mundial, e fatal em primatas neotropicais, os quais apresentam uma suscetibilidade peculiar, ainda nao elucidada. Dado o crescente numero de obitos em primatas com fortes indicios da presenca de T. gondii nos tecidos, o presente estudo imuno-histoquimico teve por objetivo verificar o padrao de distribuicao de imunomarcacoes relativas a este parasita nos primatas necropsiados no Laboratorio de Patologia Animal da Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), entre os anos 2000 e 2014. Realizou-se, ainda, um inquerito sorologico para T. gondii em 21 primatas neotropicais dos generous Sapajus e Alouatta pertencentes ao Zoologico da UPF, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A imuno-histoquimica realizada atraves do metodo da streptavidina-biotina-peroxidase detectou 26,53% de positividade em 98 primatas. A distribuicao das imunomarcacoes variou entre os tecidos analisados: pulmao (76,92%), figado (58,33%), coracao (50%), cerebro (42,30%), e rins (23,07%). A sorologia dos 21 primatas, realizada atraves de hemaglutinacao indireta, exibiu reatividade em 85,7% dos animais, todos pertencentes ao genero Sapajus, e os tres animais negativos (14,3%) pertenciam ao genero Alouatta.
Effects of glutinous and nonglutinous sorghums on Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation for Chinese liquor making

Summary This work investigated the effect of sorghum, including Chinese glutinous (S1 and S2) and nonglutinous (S3 and S4), Canadian nonglutinous cultivars (S5 and S6), on fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MT and FJ, the representative strains for Chinese liquor fermentation with glutinous and nonglutinous sorghums as materials, respectively. S. cerevisiae MT and FJ exhibited a longer stationary phase in glutinous and nonglutinous cultivars, respectively. Fat and tannin contents in sorghums were, respectively, negatively related with ethanol and esters production by both MT and FJ. FJ produced the most amount of flavour compounds in nonglutinous cultivars, while MT showed no preference on sorghum cultivars, as it produced most flavour compounds in both S1 and S3. Moreover, sorghums showed different characteristics on flavour production. The nonglutinous cultivars S3 and S4 were correlated with most of the acids, aromatic compounds and terpenoids, while S5 and S6 were correlated with most of the esters.
AGRONOMIC EVALUATION OF BANANA PLANTS IN THREE PRODUCTION CYCLES IN SOUTHWESTERN STATE OF BAHIA

O ensaio foi conduzido na area experimental do Instituto Federal Baiano, Câmpus Guanambi- BA. Objetivou-se avaliar caracteristicas agronomicas de cultivares de bananeira com frutos tipo Prata, Cavendish, Gros Michel e Maca, em tres ciclos de producao. Os 72 tratamentos, 24 cultivares e tres ciclos de producao foram dispostos em esquema de parcela subdividida no tempo, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repeticoes e quatro plantas uteis por parcela. As 24 cultivares, Prata-Ana, Maravilha, FHIA-18, BRS FHIA-18, BRS Platina, JV42-135, Pacovan, Japira, PV79-34, Pacovan-Ken, Preciosa, Garantida, Maca, Caipira, BRS Tropical, BRS Princesa, YB42-03, YB42-07, YB42-47, Grande-Naine, Calipso, Bucaneiro, FHIA-23 e FHIA-17 constituiram as parcelas; e os tres ciclos de producao as subparcelas. Os dados mensurados foram submetidos a analise de variância. As medias das cultivares foram agrupadas pelo criterio de Scott-Knott (p<0,05) e dos ciclos de producao comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). As ‘JV42-235’, ‘Japira’ e ‘Pacovan-Ken’ apresentam maior porte, e ‘Grande Naine’, menor. A ‘Prata-Ana’ tem maior numero de folhas na colheita, com indice de area foliar similar as demais. A ‘BRS Platina’ e mais precoce para florescimento e colheita. ‘Maravilha’, ‘BRS Platina’, ‘FHIA-23’, ‘BRS Tropical’ e ‘BRS Princesa’ apresentam maior potencial de utilizacao pelo agricultor.
Influence of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Heteroptera:Pentatomidae) Egg Age on the Progeny Production of its Parasitoid Psix striaticeps (Dodd) (Hymenoptera:Scelionidae)

The age of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) eggs influenced the progeny production of Psix striaticeps (Dodd). Twenty four hour old eggs were most suitable and resulted in 19.6 per cent parasitisation and 91.83 per cent female parasitoids. Sixty hour old eggs were parasitised lest (8.4%). However, the age of the parasitoid did not affect parasitisation or progeny production.
Phytotelmata Might Account for the High Prevalence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Lampung, Indonesia

It was revealed that phytotelmata is an importance breeding place for numerous types of insect including the vector mosquitoes of deadly diseases such as dengue and malaria. Yet, such small ponds tend to be neglected by the country health authorities in setting eradication program of the disease vectors. This study aimed to find out whether phytotelmata contribute in providing breeding place for vector mosquito of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)- the Ades larvae. The survey carried out in four districts namely Pesawaran, Metro, Pringsewu and Bandar Lampung and lasted from March to August 2016. Phytotelmic criteria of the study were every structures present in plants which allow rain water to impound and showed the signs of life exist in it. The phytotelmata containing Aedes mosquito larvae were assessed for its physical parameters and the data resulted were analysed and presented descriptively. There were six types of phytotelmata found namely leaf axils, tree holes, tree stumps, fallen spathe, fruit shells, and fallen leaves. The Aedes larvae found belong to only two species, i.e. Aedes albopictus (n=373) and Aedes crysolineatus (n=26).
Physiological rhythmicity in Malpura ewes to adapt to cold stress in a semi-arid tropical environment

Abstract A study was conducted to assess the rhythmic pattern of physiological parameter in Malpura ewes to adapt to cold stress in a semi-arid tropical environment. Eighteen adult Malpura ewes were selected for the present study. These ewes were randomly allocated into two groups: GI (Open shed; n=9) and GII (Protected; n=9). The study was conducted for a period of 30 days during the peak winter season (December 2011) during which the animals were stall fed. Blood samples were collected at fortnightly interval. The growth, physiological response, blood biochemical response and endocrine response parameters were studied. The results reveal that cold stress had significant negative influence on all the parameters studied in the ewes. In conclusion, it can be said that cold stress had significant influence on the biological functions in the ewes that would result in the impairment of their production and reproductive efficiency as well. The study also indicates the relevance of provision of appropriate protective measures to foster cold during the extreme winter months in the arid and semi-arid tropical areas.
In-depth investigation of the species problem and taxonomic status of marbled crayfish, the first asexual decapod crustacean

The marbled crayfish is the only obligately parthenogenetic decapod crustacean and a novel research model and invasive animal on three continents. It is regarded either as a parthenogenetic form of slough crayfish Procambarus fallax or as a separate species named Procambarus virginalis. In order to investigate the species question of this unusual crayfish in detail we have identified the similarities and differences in morphology, life history, genetics, behaviour, ecology and biogeography between marbled crayfish and its most likely parent species P. fallax. We have investigated specimens from natural habitats, laboratory colonies and museum collections and performed a meta-analysis of our data and published data. Our COI based molecular tree with 27 Cambaridae confirms closest relationship of marbled crayfish with P. fallax. Marbled crayfish and P. fallax are similar with respect to morphological characters, coloration and body proportions, but differ considerably with respect to body size, fertility and longevity. The mitochondrial genes of both crayfish are similar, but ploidy level and haploid genome size are markedly different. Both crayfish are eurytopic and have two major annual recruitment periods, but marbled crayfish show different population structure and higher invasiveness. Marbled crayfish occur in tropical to cold temperate habitats of the old world, but P. fallax is confined to subtropical and warm-temperate habitats of the southeastern USA. Cross-breeding experiments with both crayfish revealed reproductive isolation. The application of the Evolutionary Genetic Species Concept for asexuals to all available data supports raising marbled crayfish from “forma” to species rank. A determination key is provided to discriminate Procambarus virginalis, the first asexual decapod species, from its parent species P. fallax.
Correlation between the size, shape and position of the teeth on the jaws and the bite force in Theropoda

Abstract Theropods have fascinated both paleontologists and the general public due to their large diversity of sizes and morphologies. They also present a large variation in tooth morphologies. Previous studies have estimated the bite force of several specimens. The goal of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between the tooth size, shape and position on the skull and mandible and the bite force of these dinosaurs. Measurements were made on several theropods, including the bending strength of the teeth on the anterior-posterior and the mediolateral axes of the jaws, as well as the bending strength of the mandible, and were compared to fossil and modern Crocodylia. We observed that several bending strength maxima of the teeth trends were aligned with key areas of the mandible, and that the size, shape as well as the position of the teeth on the jaws were correlated with the bite force of both Crocodylia and theropods, which can be related to their diet and feeding habits.
Molecular variability in Curvularia lunata isolates infecting paddy grain discoloration from different paddy growing areas of Karnataka

Grain discoloration disease was first recorded as minor disease of rice in Karnataka, with yield losses approaching >30% under appropriate environmental conditions. Curvularia lunata is plant pathogenic fungus which is one of the dominant causal organism of grain discoloration of rice. The present work was done to assess the molecular variability in twenty isolates of Curvularia lunata, collected from five different agro-ecological regions of Karnataka, ranging from North and South irrigated maidan area, Southern transitional area, Hilly and coastal areas of Karnataka using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The similarity values of RAPD profiles ranged from 0.39 to 0.66 among all the isolates. Maximum similarity of 66% was observed between isolates Cl-14 and Cl-3 followed by 65 per cent between isolates Cl-8 and Cl-3. Out of twenty isolates 17 isolates were in cluster A, under various sub clusters showing some degree of variability. Most of the isolates collected from similar agroecological location clustered together in the present study.
Mathematical models of microbial evolution : cooperative systems

Microbes usually live in large communities, where they interact with other organisms and species. These interactions include cooperation, when individuals facilitate each others growth and reproduction. Such cooperation has been for instance observed within pathogens in the process of infection. Therefore, given the number and the frequency of infectious diseases, understanding the nature and the dynamics of microbial cooperation may be a crucial step in modern medicine. Microbes often secrete costly enzymes which extracellularly metabolise resources available in the environment. This external metabolism is a form of ’public good cooperation’, in which individuals invest their energy in producing ’public goods’, available to other organisms. To study this phenomenon we deploy mathematical models which are based on biologically relevant assumptions. Our models not only aim to capture the dynamics of studied microbial communities, but also to remove the natural complexity arising in the empirical studies and thus to provide a mechanistic understanding of their results. We first recover and explain the recent empirical finding, about mixed strain infections, showing that an addition of a low virulent strain which does not produce public goods (termed ’cheat’) may counter-intuitively enhance the total population virulence. What drives this result turns out to be an interaction of two different cooperative traits and the presence of spatial structure. Next we study the competition between the strains that do and do not produce public goods. Our results depend on environmental conditions, such as resource concentration and population density, but they are also determined by the degree of spatial structure the ecological trait which so far has been treated only as a binary variable. Finally, we identify some environmental threats for the external metabolism feeding strategy, and we examine its competitiveness in comparison to ’internal metabolism’, in which the costly enzymes are private.
Greenhouse gases emission, soil organic carbon and wheat yield as affected by tillage systems and nitrogen management practices

ABSTRACT Agricultural activities are responsible for greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission in the environment. Strategies are required to enhance the soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) sequestration to adapt and mitigate the climate change. We investigated GHGs emission, SOC and N enhancement under conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT) with N management in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seasonal carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and global warming potential (GWP) reduced for ZT treatments over CT without residues and 100% of required N with a blanket split application (CT – R + 100N). The ZT with 5 t ha−1 maize (Zea mays L.) residues retention and 75% of required N and GreenSeekerTM (GS)-aided N management (ZT + R + 75N + GS) reduced yield-scaled GHGs emission and increased total organic carbon (C) stock over CT – R + 100N. However, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission was lower in CT. The GS-based N management saved 26–35 kg N ha−1 in different tillage systems in both years over blanket application with higher N uptake and associated reduction in N2O emission. The study recommends that ZT with residues retention and GS-based N management can minimize the GHGs emission and improve the SOC.
Composition Shifts of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi between Natural Wetland and Cultivated Paddy Field

ABSTRACT The community assembly change of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) during the reclamation of wetlands to paddy fields is mostly unknown. In this study, we applied the high-throughput sequencing technique to investigate the composition of the AMF community in natural wetland (common wild rice and Leersia hexandra Swartz) and paddy field (Asian cultivated rice), as well as the soil elements effective on the community of AMF. Soil properties including soil organic carbon, available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium, and pH were also measured. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of nine genera in four orders (Glomerales, Diversisporales, Archaeosporales, and Paraglomerales) of AMF were detected. All detected AMF genera were found in the wild rice wetland, while about half of the detected AMF genera were absent in paddy field; however, the absolute amount of total AMF in the paddy field and wetland was not different. Among all measured soil properties, AMF community was affected significantly by soil AN and AP. Results indicate that agricultural managements affect AMF community significantly, but do not have negative effects on the absolute amount of all the AMF genera. Soil AP may be the main factor resulting in the decreased AMF genus in paddy field. In addition, AMF may have contributed to the survival and evolution of plants.