Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leaf and stem anatomy of Micromeria species from the Central part of the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract The anatomical structure of the leaf and stem of nine Micromeria species from the Balkan Peninsula was investigated with the aim to establish the adaptive characteristics and traits that could be useful in the identification of species and subgeneric classification. The species included in the anatomical analysis were:Micromeria albanica (Griseb. ex K. Malý) Šilić, M.thymifolia (Scop.) Fritch , M. pulegium (Rochel) Bentham, M. dalmatica Bentham of section Pseudomelissa and M. cristata (Hampe) Griseb. , M. kosaninii Šilić, M. juliana (L.) Bentham ex Reichenb. , M. croatica (Pers.) Schott M. parviflora (Vis.) Reichenb. of section Micromeria. Variability of 17 quantitative characters of the leaf (thickness, height of adaxial and abaxial epidermis, thickness of the palisade and spongy tissue) and stem (radius, cortex thickness, thickness of the vascular cylinder, phloem, xylem, pith radius) was examined. Multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and UPGMA clustering method based on Mahalanobis’ distances were used to determine the variability structure and level of importance of the anatomical differentiation of the investigated taxa. Qualitative characters were also included in the consideration of the anatomical variability, such as leaf shape, leaf margin, position of sclerenchyma fibers in the leaf and stem. The results showed that investigated Micromeria species posses a xeromorphic general structure plan, but each species has achieved distinctive adaptations according to its specific genetic potential. The results have shown a clear difference between the species belonging to the different sections of genus Micromeria, so they have a potential diagnostic and systematic value.
Habitat heterogeneity drives scale-dependent biodiversity loss in a temperate marine ecosystem

Biodiversity loss is driven by interacting factors operating at different spatial scales. Yet, there remains uncertainty as to how fine-scale environmental conditions mediate biological responses to broad-scale stressors. We surveyed mid-latitude kelp bed habitats to determine whether local habitat heterogeneity has mediated changes in community diversity after more than two decades of extreme temperature events, most notably the 2013-2016 heat wave. Local wave exposure conditions were key in determining responses, with some habitats remaining stable and others experiencing near complete diversity loss, leading to local declines without regional extinctions. Wave-sheltered shores, which saw the largest declines, are a very common habitat type in the Northeast Pacific and may be especially sensitive to climate-related losses in kelp diversity and abundance. Our findings highlight how local gradients can interact with global drivers to facilitate diversity loss and demonstrate how incorporating differences between habitat patches can be essential to capturing scale-dependent biodiversity loss across the landscape.
The Interplay Between Feedback and Buffering in Homeostasis: Supplementary Information 1

This SI section analyzes a minimal model of a buffering-feedback system. This analysis includes deriving a minimal model for analysis (S1.1-S1.2), followed by analyzing the effect of reactions on different time scales (S1.3), the effect of disturbances (S1.4-S1.8), stability (S1.9), noise (S1.10), the comparison with technological controllers (S1.11), disturbances acting on the buffering species (S1.12), and feedback occurring from the buffering species (S1.13).
Temporal variation and structure of macro-epifauna associated with macrophytes in the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia, SW Mediterranean Sea)

ABSTRACT The temporal variation in composition and abundance of the macro-epifauna associated with seaweeds (Ulva lactuca, Cladophora sp., Gracilariopsis longissima and Gracilaria bursa-pastoris) and seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) was investigated at Menzel Jemil station in the Bizerte lagoon. Twelve replicate samples (25 x 25 cm frame) were collected monthly from October 2009 to September 2010. Sampling data yielded 21,575 invertebrate specimens from floating seaweeds and the seagrass, belonging to 40 taxa, of which 18 species were arthropods, 13 molluscs, three echinoderms, three fishes, two polychaetes and one cnidarian. Crustaceans were the most dominant and the most species-rich group and Idotea balthica basteri the most abundant species, accounting for 28.94% of the total abundance. Minimum (9.25 ± 5.56 species) and maximum (19.75 ± 3.2 species) values of mean species richness were observed in December and June, respectively. Species richness and density of macro-epifauna showed similar trends to plant biomass and the highest values of both indices coincided with periods of maximal plant biomass. Mean values of Shannon’s index H′ and evenness J′ were low, ranging from 0.34 ± 0.02 bit to 1.08 ± 0.06 bit, and from 0.23 ± 0.03 to 0.52 ± 0.07, respectively. The high dominance of herbivores and detritivores highlighted the substantial role played by macrophytes as food source for associated macro-epifauna species. Multivariate analyses also indicated significant seasonal differences for the macro-epifauna assemblage and revealed significant relationships with environmental variables. According to the canonical correspondence analysis, concentrations of phosphates and nitrites, and temperature were the variables that explained the variation of the macro-epifauna abundance in the Bizerte lagoon.
An Evaluation of Relative Weight as an Indicator of Body Composition and Nutritional Status in Wild Fish

Condition indices are widely used to generate biological insight. However, purported relationships to indices are imprecise or inconsistent in the wild. I investigated factors influencing relative weight (Wr), a condition index commonly applied to fish. I first examined the relationship of Wr to physiology in two bluegill Lepomis macrochirus populations over a year. I regressed tissue composition (percentages of lipid, protein and water) and organ indices (liver-, gonad-, and viscerosomatic indices) on Wr. The regression model had little explanatory power (adjusted R = 0.14). Lipid was most influential (partial R = 0.11), but correlation strength fluctuated by season and population. To test the generality of these results, I performed a similar regression on a bluegill population with higher average Wr. Again, variables were not well correlated to Wr (adjusted R = 0.13). Combining comparable data sets increased Wr range 64% but explanatory power was low (adjusted R = 0.41) Both studies showed that expected correlations of physiological variables to Wr can be confounded in natural environments.
Utilization of kudzu as a lead phytoremediator and the impact of lead on selected physiological responses

Schwarzauer-Rockett, K. , Al-Hamdani, S. H. , Rayburn, J. R. and Mwebi, N. O. 2013. Utilization of kudzu as a lead phytoremediator and the impact of lead on selected physiological responses. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 951-959. This study was carried out to evaluate kudzu [Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.)] in lead phytoremediation. The impact of lead (PbNO3) concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L-1 on plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance were evaluated. Additionally, concentrations of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin were determined. The lead was dissolved in 0.142 g L-1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and an EDTA control treatment was added to evaluate the impact of EDTA on the above selected plant responses. Root accumulation of lead was significantly higher than in the shoot. Kudzu growth in response to the presence of lead and EDTA in the Hoagland's solution was similar to that of the EDTA control, except for plants growing at 200 mg L-1, which showed significantly lower root dry weight. Total phenolic compounds increased with the presence of EDTA and lead in the Hoagland's solution. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and anthocyanin were not different (P≤0.05) among the treatments, with the exception that carotenoids were significantly higher in plants growing in the presence of EDTA without lead compared with 200 mg L-1 lead concentration. Kudzu accumulated most of the lead in the root and therefore can be considered as a rhizofiltrator. As kudzu was able to accumulate 1.02% (wt/wt) of lead it can be considered a hyper-accumulator.
A review of existing whole genome data suggests lichen mycelia may be haploid or diploid

Abstract Fungi exhibit some of the greatest reproductive diversity among Eukaryotes. In addition to sexual and asexual reproduction, fungi engage in parasexual processes (e.g., mitotic recombination), which results in new genetic variation. Lichenized fungi possess the full complement of reproductive processes present in their non-lichenized relatives but with further embellishment as a result of obligate symbiosis with algae and other organisms. Therefore, lichens serve as an excellent model system in reproductive biology, but no study has yet tested the commonly held assumption that lichen mycelia are haploid. We present new whole genome assemblies from seven unrelated lichens and use allelic ratio frequencies to estimate ploidy. Of these seven, three were derived from multispore mycelial cultures and the remaining four were derived from intact lichen thalli (i.e., from metagenomic reads). Data from the metagenome samples indicate that two are likely haploid or highly homozygous diploid as a result of clonal mating whereas the remaining two yielded highly skewed allelic ratios that warrant further study. In contrast, we recovered evidence consistent with a hypothesis of a diploid or dikaryotic rather than haploid mycelium for all three multispore cultures. The most likely explanation for the latter is an early developmental fusion of sporelings, or fusion of hyphae resulting from these sporelings, to yield a diploid or dikaryotic lichen mycelium. Our data provide insights into understanding lichen ploidy and reproduction in lichen-forming fungi.
Influence of the load of long-range transported air pollutants on forest ecosystem: Some examples in the Yakushima Island and Mt. Tateyama in Japan

都市や工業地域など人間活動が活発に行われている地 域からは、大量の CO2に加えて、微量な様々な種類のガ ス状、粒子状成分が一次汚染物質として大気中に放出さ れている。 これらの一次汚染物質が直接的に植物に作用 することもあるが、大気中の化学変化を通じて生じた二 次汚染物質が大きな影響を及ぼすことも多い。 たとえば、 汚染源から排出された窒素酸化物(NOx)と揮発性有機 化合物(VOC)などの O3前駆物質(一次汚染物質)は、 大気中を移動している間に日射によって光化学反応が進 行し、その結果生成された O3は長距離輸送される(大原 2011)。 汚染源周辺では、生成された O3が他の汚染物質 と反応して消滅する反応が活発に進行するので、O3濃度 は一次汚染の発生源近くよりも、そこから風によって運 ばれた郊外や遠方の山岳地域などで高くなることが多い。 日本生態学会誌 61:97 106(2011)
Polyploidy and genetic diversity in the Lepidosperma costale species complex (Cyperaceae)

Intraspecific ploidy variation is an important component of angiosperm biodiversity; however, this variation is rarely considered in conservation programs. This is of particular concern when conservation activities include augmentation or reintroduction because there is a high risk of unintentionally mixing ploidy variants. We surveyed regional ploidy variation in the Lepidosperma costale species complex (Schoeneae: Cyperaceae) in the South West Australian Floristic Region, an international biodiversity hotspot. Several L. costale sensu lato populations are threatened by iron-ore mining, including the rare L. gibsonii, and these populations will require restoration. We surveyed the DNA ploidy of 2384 individuals from 28 populations across the range of the species complex. Four DNA ploidy levels were discovered: diploid, triploid, tetraploid, and pentaploid. Diploids and tetraploids were the most common cytotypes and were largely geographically segregated, even at an exhaustively studied contact zone. Triploids were found at low frequency in two populations and the rarity of triploids suggests substantial interploidy sterility, and that mixing of ploidy variants should therefore be avoided when restoring L. costale s.l. populations. These data provide a guide for L. costale s.l. germplasm collection and suggest that polyploidy may be an important driver of diversification in Lepidosperma.
Association analysis of biotic and abiotic stresses resistance in chickpea (Cicer spp.) using AFLP markers

ABSTRACT Chickpea suffers from different biotic and abiotic stresses, which has led to considerable decreases in seed yield. Since the economic value of a cultivar is determined by its phenotypic characteristics, good knowledge of the genetic structure and identification of genomic loci associated with desired traits will facilitate crop breeding. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers associated with different agro-morphological characteristics, cold and drought tolerance as well as Ascochyta blight resistance were identified in chickpea by using 44 genotypes comprising cultigens, landraces, internationally developed improved lines and wild relatives, evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Urmia rainfed research station. Using six AFLP primer combinations, 64 clear and reproducible markers were developed. The polymorphism information content values calculated for each primer pair ranged from 0.155 (EcoR1-ACC/Mse1-CAG) to 0.270 (EcoR1-ACC/ Mse1-CTG) with an average of 0.237. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 90% of the total variance was due to differences within populations and 10% due to differences among populations. Using a general linear model and applying multiple testing corrections, 24 AFLP markers associated with genes controlling the studied traits were identified. Some identified markers were associated with more than one trait. The identified markers could be of interest in marker-assisted selection in chickpea breeding programmes.
Changes in Total Phenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Greek Table Olive Cultivar Amfissis during Maturation

The Amfissis cultivar olive fruits grown in the region of Larissa, central Greece, were studied for the changes in total polyphenol content, phenolic fractions and antioxidant capacity during maturation period (four months). It has been established that the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity, change in broad ranges depending on the ripening stage of fruits. The content of total phenols in the Amfissis cultivar during maturation varied from 3.9 to 11.9 mg (GAE) g-1 FW. The highest content of total phenols has been found in the harvest stage (December). The content of flavonoid phenols ranges from 3.12 to 9.47 mg (GAE) g-1 FW. The highest content of flavonoid phenols was determined the time period of the harvesting. The content of non-flavonoid phenols during ripening of olive fruit ranges from 0.78 to 2.43 mg (GAE) g-1 FW. The highest content of NFP was determined the time period of the harvesting (black color). The inhibition concentration (IC50) of extract during maturation of the olive fruit in all stages ranges from (735 to 130) mg/l. The lowest inhibition concentration (highest antioxidant capacity) was observed in the collection stage of the olive fruits. The obtained results have a direct impact on the harvesting date of the table cultivar Amfissis, influencing the sensory properties and the quality of the olive fruit.
Influence of the presence of solutes on the structural and dynamical properties of lipid membranes and water[HBNI Th108]

In this thesis, titled Influence of the presence of solutes on the structural and dynamical properties of lipid membranes and water, we report classical all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of two biological solvents, namelyphospholipid bilayers and water, and their interactions with flexible, amphiphilic, polycationic antimicrobial polymers and dissolved salts (ions) respectively. For methacrylate polymers characterized by backbone amphiphilicity, we study the interactions of polymer aggregates with multiple model lipid membranes which include models for both mammalian and microbial membranes. We conclusively show that the polymers impact the structural properties of the microbial membrane models, with minimal effect on a mammalian one. For a model of E. Coli membrane, we suggest a mode of antimicrobial activity through polymer induced demixing of lipid species, and associated phase boundary defects. We also report that the flexible methacrylate polymers with no built-in facial amphiphilicity are capable of acquiring facial amphiphilicity in their membrane partitioned phase. For side-chain amphiphilic polymers, in collaboration with experiments, we show that the hydrogen bonding ability of polymers can impact their antimicrobial activity. Our studies reveal the effect of both monovalent and divalent cations on the long-range dipolar orientational correlations in liquid water. Based on the observations, the ambiguous classification of ions as structure makers and breakers is challenged. The importance of the results is discussed in the context of hydrophobic aggregation. Finally, using a new selection criteria for water molecules, we show that strongly solvated ions such as Mg2+ can induce reorientational slowing of water molecules beyond the first ion solvation shells. The slow water molecules are further shown to be de-localized. The results explain the contrasting observations from a class of experiments (FS-IR) and prior numerical simulations.
The complete mitochondrial genome of drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, is reported in this study. The circular mitogenome has a length of 15,970 bp and encodes 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The percentage of A and T (65.44%) within this mitogenome is much higher than that of G and C (34.56%). The phylogenetic tree revealed that mitogenomes of Kalotermitidae formed one clade. The tree also revealed that I. minor was closest to Cryptotermes secundus, and was a sister group to Neotermes. I. minor is a only species in which mitogenome has been completed so far among the Incisitermes termite. The data provide resource for ecological and evolution analysis within termites especially Kalotermitidae.
Knowledge of Dairy Farmers about Improved Animal Management Practices

The investigation was carried out with 200 dairy farmers of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Ten villages of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra were selected and from each village 20 respondents were selected randomly. The information on socio-economic status and knowledge of improved management practices were collected through personal interviews of the respondents. It was found that, 29 percent of farmers were medium category followed by (27 percent) small category, (23 percent) marginal, (14.5 percent) large and only (6.5 percent) farmers belonged to landless, categorie. Middle age group farmers were highest followed by young age and older age group. It was observed that majority of the farmers were educated upto primary school level. Correlation of socio-economic characteristic with knowledge revealed that age of dairy farmers, family size and annual income was positive but non-significant. Education, land holding, social participation and source of information of dairy farmers were positively and significantly correlated. Animal herd size of the farmer had very weak and non-significant correlation with knowledge of improved animal management practices. Risk orientation attitude had negatively and non-significant correlation with level of knowledge of improved dairy cattle management practice. Socio-economic profile of the dairy farmer influences the knowledge of improved animal management practices.
Comparative analysis of lignocellulosic component in straw and husk of MR219 and MR263 by rapid chemical analysis

Lignocellulosic materials comprise cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin and others component such as pectins and protein. However, the content and composition of these components vary, depending on plant species, variety, plant growth and development condition, which are influenced by season and geographical location. In this study, the lignocellulosic component of straw and husk of MR219 and MR263, the main paddy varieties planted in Malaysia were chemically extracted and quantitatively evaluated via spectrophotometric method. The lignin content in the straw and husk of MR219 are 7.21% and 9.50%, respectively. While the the lignin within straw and husk of MR263 are 8.17% and 10.21%, respectively. The cellulose content in all samples is between 38.20% and 42.63%. On the other hand, the hemicellulose percentage in straw samples (7.14% – 9.57%) is lower as compared to husk (22.97% – 32.43%), for both MR219 and MR263. In conclusion, the lignocellulosic composition and content of paddy biomasses are able to be determined by rapid chemical extraction method and it is demonstrated that the paddy chemical lignocellulosic composition depends on paddy variety and parts.
Field application of ACC-deaminase biotechnology for improving chickpea productivity in Bahawalpur

The use of biofertilizer in crop production is gaining importance in modern agriculture, especially under stressful environments. In drought-hit areas of the world, improvement in drought tolerance of major food crops is one of the way forwards to ensure food security. Under water limited conditions, the use of ACC-deaminase biofertilizers can mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress on crop production. Present study was conducted for the field evaluation of ACC-deaminase based biofertilizer (Rhizobium and Pseudomonas strains) for improving chickpea productivity in Bahawalpur. Six field trials were conducted in different villages of Bahawalpur. Biofertilizer alone and in combination with enriched compost was evaluated under field conditions. Different treatments used in the experiment were control, P-Enriched compost, biofertilizer and P-Enriched compost + biofertilizer. The experiments were conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Results showed that enriched compost and biofertilizer, individually and in combination significantly improved the number of nodules plant -1 , nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight of chickpea. The combined application of Penriched compost and biofertilizer resulted in maximum increase in number of nodules plant -1 and nodules dry weight as compared to control. The integrated use also gave better results in improving plant height and shoot dry weight, yield, number of pods plant -1 , number of grains pod -1 , and 1000 grain weight as compared to separate use of biofertilizer and P-enriched compost. A significant increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contents of chickpea was also observed with combined application of biofertilizer and compost. It can be concluded that the integrated use of ACC-deaminase containing biofertilizer and P-enriched compost is an effective biotechnology to improve chickpea productivity under field conditions and should be recommended to the farmers in the region, where water shortage is the main hindrance to agricultural sustainability.