Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cryptochlorophyllous Spores in Ferns: Nongreen Spores that Contain Chlorophyll

In terms of color, fern spores have traditionally been classified as either green or nongreen. This study reports a new kind of spore, here termed “cryptochlorophyllous. ” Such spores contain chlorophyll but do not appear green when examined with either the naked eye or a light microscope. Epifluorescence microscopy was used to detect chlorophyll in cryptochlorophyllous spores. To test one aspect of the reliability of this method, we examined whether chlorophyll degradation over time would give false negative results. We found that in two species with green spores (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum and Terpsichore asplenifolia), fluorescence weakened with but could still be detected in specimens that were 110 yr old. We surveyed the spores of species in three fern genera under white light and with epifluorescence microscopy. Under white light, green spores were seen in 10 (26%) of 39 species of Elaphoglossum, two (17%) of 12 species of Lomariopsis, and seven (25%) of 28 species of Pleopeltis. When spores from the same species were examined with epifluorescence microscopy, fluorescence was detected in 22 (56%) of 39 species of Elaphoglossum, 10 (83%) of 12 species of Lomariopsis, and 12 (42%) of 28 species of Pleopeltis. We also found conflicting results in nine of the 33 species represented in our study by more than one specimen. In these species with conflicting results, at least one specimen fluoresced whereas the other(s) did not. The specimens that failed to fluoresce might have been collected and dried before the chloroplasts in its spores had developed, or they may represent infraspecific variation in this characteristic. Chlorophyll-containing spores have probably been overlooked in Elaphoglossum and Lomariopsis because the dark perispore obscures the green contents of the cell. In some species of Pleopeltis, such spores have probably been overlooked because of their paleness and the short duration of their greenness. Chlorophyll-containing spores are probably more widespread than is currently suspected, especially in clades known to contain both green and nongreen spores. Overall, the dichotomy of fern spores into green and nongreen is too simplistic. It must be investigated experimentally whether cryptochlorophyllous spores behave like visibly green spores in terms of germination and viability times.
Karyological and Molecular Characterization of Mullus surmuletus and Mullus Barbatus (Pisces, Mullidae)

The modal diploid number of 44 chromosomes has been found in Mullus surmuletus and Mullus barbatus (Pisces, Mullidae). Two middle-sized subtelocentric chromosomes are involved in nucleolus organization (NORs) in both Mullus species. Despite similarity in the NOR location, valuable differences in the restriction pattern of the ribosomal genes have been observed.
Inhibition of Ca2+‐dependent glutamate release from cerebral cortex synaptosomes of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Several pathological studies have revealed a prominent involvement of the cerebral cortex in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to better understand the events that lead to the progressive neuronal dysfunction in MS, herein we explore the contribution of the glutamatergic release in cerebral cortex synaptosomes isolated from rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model reproducing many features of MS. We found that the Ca2+‐dependent but not the Ca2+‐independent glutamate release induced by KCl and 4‐aminopyridine was significantly decreased during the acute stage of the disease. This inhibited release coincides with the onset of the clinical signs and after 24 h tends to recover the level of the control animals. The results also showed an inhibition of the glutamate release stimulated by ionomycin. When the animals were totally recovered from clinical signs, the neurotransmitter release stimulated by the different inductors was similar to the controls. Examination of the cytosolic Ca2+ using fura‐2‐acetoxymethyl ester revealed that the inhibition of glutamate release could not be attributed to a reduction in voltage‐dependent Ca2+ influx. However, this inhibition was concomitant with a lower phosphorylation of synapsin I at P‐site1. Our results show that the inhibition observed on the Ca2+‐dependent neurotransmitter release from cerebral cortex synaptosomes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is specific and correlates with the beginning of the clinical disease. Moreover, they suggest an alteration in the metabolism of proteins involved in the vesicular glutamate release more than a deregulation in the influx of cytosolic Ca2+.
Milk production and reproduction of dual-purpose cows with a restricted concentrate allowance and access to an association of Leucaena leucocephala and Cynodon nlemfuensis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance of dual-purpose (DP) cows with a restricted concentrate allowance and access to a forage association of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). Twenty-four multiparous Holstein × Zebu cows were used during the first 98 days postpartum. Treatments were control (CT): nightly grazing of Stargrass + commercial concentrate (3.97 kg dry matter [DM]/d), and Leucaena (LT): nightly grazing of Stargrass + commercial concentrate (1.97 kg DM/d) + 4 h grazing on an association of Leucaena/Stargrass. The actual time spent browsing Leucaena represented 38% of the total time of consumption. The bite rate of Leucaena was 22 5 bites/min with a bite size of 0.541 ± 0.08 g DM. The estimated intake of Leucaena per cow was 503 ± 228 g DM/d. Milk yield per cow was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments (CT = 12.28 ± 0.6 kg/d, LT = 11.97 ± 0.6, TL = 11.9 0.6) with a similar composition (P > 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for changes in live weight (CT −29.6 kg, LT −33.3 kg) and body condition (CT −1.3, LT −1.4, in a 1–9 scale). Population of ovarian follicles per cow was similar between treatments throughout the experiment. Pregnancy rate was 33% for CT and 25% for LT, with no significant differences (P > 0.05). Grazing an association of Leucaena and Stargrass can replace part of the concentrate without detrimental effects on production and reproduction in DP cows.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Extracts of Selected Red and Brown Seaweeds from the Mandapam Coast of Tamil Nadu

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities were examined for methanol (M), chloroform (C), ethyl acetate (E) and aqueous (A) extracts of Turbinaria ornata, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Acanthophora spicifera and Gracilaria corticata, using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, beta-carotene bleaching inhibition, ferrous ion chelation, total reducing activity and resazurin-based growth inhibition (in A549, HCT-15, MG-63 and PC-3 cell lines) assays. Higher growth inhibition was observed in A549 and MG-63 cells with higher values of total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging and total reducing activities, and in PC-3 cells with higher beta-carotene bleaching inhibition. Positive correlation (P < 0.05) was observed between total phenolic content and total reducing activity. Although all seaweeds have been examined for antioxidant and brine shrimp cytotoxic activities, and for some, in some cancer cell lines, this is the first report of growth inhibition in the cell lines chosen for this study that represent highly prevalent cancers. Practical Applications Although Turbinaria ornata, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Acanthophora spicifera and Gracilaria corticata have already been examined for various activities, including antioxidant and brine shrimp cytotoxicity, this is the first report of antiproliferative activity in the cell lines chosen for this study that represent highly prevalent cancers. Besides this, seaweeds like K. alvarezii find widespread use as thickening and gelling agents and A. spicifera is consumed in many parts of the world as food and a folklore remedy, including the Gulf of Mannar and Fiji. We hope that this report of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of these four seaweeds will promote interest in their cultivation to further study their mechanism of cytotoxicity against the cell lines in this study to facilitate drug discovery efforts, besides the existing interest in them as nutraceuticals as well as food and fodder additives, among other applications.
Regulation of Zn2+ Uptake from the Gastrointestinal Tract of a Marine Teleost, the Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

The gastrointestinal uptake of Zn2+ was studied in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) using an in situ technique. The entire digestive tract was capable of absorbing Zn2+, with the uppermost portion of the intestine having the highest and the stomach the lowest capacity. A seasonal study revealed that the capacity of the digestive tract to absorb Zn2+ was greatest during the summer months. At least two steps appeared to be involved in the absorption process, the first a rapid accumulation of Zn2+ by the tissue, and the second a slower transfer into the body. The amount of Zn2+ absorbed increased with increasing loads of Zn2+ in the lumen; the transfer mechanism(s) was not saturated at the highest Zn2+ loads tested. Zn2+ uptake was inhibited in the presence of Cu2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Cr2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, and Hg2+. The capacity of the digestive tract to absorb Zn2+ was not affected by feeding the flounder a high-Zn2+ diet or by increasing body Zn2+ loads by intravenous injections. It is suggested .
Características da silagem de resíduo úmido de fécula de mandioca adicionada de níveis de ureia

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive and microbiological composition and fermentation changes in the residue of wet cassava starch (RWCS) ensiled with different levels of urea. The experimental design was a randomized split plot 4x2, with four levels of urea added in the residue of wet cassava starch (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg as fed) allocated to plots, and the sampling positions in the silo (superficial and intermediate) allocated to the subplots. The RWCS was ensiled in air circular concrete silos with approximately 1000 kg of capacity. Urea was added to RWCS between layers at the time of ensiling and the material was kept ensiled for a period of 45 days. After the fermentation period, the silos were opened and samples were collected for the determination of temperature, pH, total nitrogen, ammonia, dry matter, mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, and the population of fungi and yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and Clostridium. The urea addition to the level of 20 g/kg as fed silage for the residue of wet cassava starch with approximately 18 % of DM increases the pH, total N, NH3-N, crude protein, NDF and ADF of silage. However, this addition reduce the populations of lactic acid bacteria, fungi, yeasts and the total population of microorganisms without altering the content of dry matter, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin.
Hypotensive effect and enzyme inhibition activity of mapuche medicinal plant extracts

Thirty‐five plant samples belonging to 30 Mapuche medicinal plants were assayed for xanthine oxidase and β‐glucuronidase inhibitory activity as well as for brine shrimp toxicity and hypotensive effect in normotensive rats. A high number of extracts displayed significant inhibition towards the enzyme β‐glucuronidase or elicited a hypotensive response. The biological activity of the assayed extracts shows some correlation with their use as digestives for treating hepatic troubles by the Mapuche Amerindians. From the ten plants displaying a hypotensive effect ≥20%, eight have some ethnobotanical indication suggesting that activity.
Assessing the effects of groundwater extraction on coastal groundwater-dependent ecosystems using satellite imagery

Terrestrial vegetation that depends on the subsurface presence of water can be severely affected by groundwater extraction. We analysed Landsat imagery to assess the ecological risk posed by groundwater pumping to native vegetation on the Tomago Sandbeds, a coastal sand mass in northern New South Wales. The effect of extraction on each major vegetation community was assessed by comparing rates of evapotranspiration between extraction zones and matched areas outside the influence of extraction. We found a significant long-term change in evapotranspiration close to groundwater extraction points within most forest, woodland and scrub communities, including those not currently regarded as being wholly dependent on groundwater. We therefore suggest that management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems should not be based on degree of dependence but instead on their sensitivity to groundwater management regimes. Our approach can provide policy makers with information needed to evaluate and adjust groundwater management within groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
Population genomic inference of ecology, conservation, evolution, and demographic history of Atlantic seahorses and pipefishes (Syngnathidae)

To investigate how marine barriers shaped the demographic history of Atlantic seahorses (Syngnathidae: Hippocampus) we used range-wide sampling (n = 390) at mitochondrial and up to five nuclear DNA loci was carried out across the Hippocampus erectus species complex (H. erectus from the Caribbean/North America, H. patagonicus from South America and H. hippocampus from Europe and West Africa). Multi-species coalescent and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) frameworks were used to estimate support of competing biogeographical hypotheses and demographic parameters, including lineage divergence times, effective population sizes and magnitudes of population size change. We identified four distinct lineages within the H. erectus complex. A posterior probability of 0.626 and corresponding Bayes factors ranging from 3.68 to 11.38 gave moderate to strong support for a basal divergence between South American populations of H. patagonicus and Caribbean/North American populations of H. erectus coincident with the inter-regional freshwater outflow of the Amazon River Barrier (ARB). Estimates of historical effective population sizes and divergence times indicate that European and West African populations of H. hippocampus expanded after colonization from a more demographically stable Caribbean/North American H. erectus. Our findings of trans-Atlantic colonization followed by isolation across a deep oceanic divide, and isolation across a freshwater barrier, may demonstrate a contrast in marine divide permeability for this group of rafters. Demographic inference supports the establishment of an ancestral population of the H. erectus complex in the Americas,
Long-term Effect of Colostrum Feeding Methods on Behaviour in Female Dairy Calves

The experiment was carried out with 57 female dairy calves (Danish Holstein Friesian) divided into three groups and treated differently during the first four days of life (colostrum period). Treatments were: single box and no contact with the dam (group S0), cow and calf together in a maternity pen and no suckling (C0), and cow and calf together and suckling (C4). In the post-treatment period from day five until the end of their 24th week of lactation, all three groups received the same treatment (tie stalls in winter and pasture in summer). The results from the treatment period showed that calves, which were together with their dams (groups C0 and C4), grew about 100% more per day than calves in group S0. The calves in group S0 were licked less and had the highest duration of non-nutritive sucking on equipment. In the post-treatment period, non-nutritive sucking on equipment was lower in both duration and frequency for group C4 than for the two other groups during the observations on days 21, 42 and 70.
The effect of provenance on the response of the recalcitrant seeds of Trichilia dregeana to drying and chilling.

One of the factors that affect the post-harvest behavior of seeds is provenance. Different geographical locations are characterised by different environmental conditions, hence, plant materials harvested from different locations may respond differently to laboratoryinduced stresses. The aim of the present study was to assess the role that provenance plays on the degree of recalcitrance of a single species – a factor that needs to be taken into consideration when choices are to be made for plant germplasm conservation. In this study, seeds of Trichilia dregeana, which have been shown to display recalcitrant post-harvest behavior, were harvested from four locations that were slightly different in climatic conditions: Mtunzini (MTZN), Durban (DBN), Pietermaritzburg (PMB) and Port Edward (P.ED), all within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Clean seeds, whose aril and seed coat have been removed, were subjected to different drying and chilling stresses and their responses to the stresses are examined. Excised embryonic axes of the seeds were also subjected to flash (very rapid) drying and their responses to the stress are shown. Although the vegetation of these locations can be categorized as being sub-tropical, the present study suggests that there may be ‘degrees’ in the sub-tropical nature based on the rainfall and maximum temperature data. The ‘degree of sub-tropicality’ is suggested to be in the order MTZN > DBN > P.ED > PMB. Mean seed size assessed as seed length, width and fresh mass varied significantly across the four regions, with seeds from MTZN being the smallest and those from P.ED being the largest. The shedding water content of the embryonic axes of the seeds for 150 min. However, shoot production, root and shoot length and dry mass accumulation showed that axes of seeds from MTZN were the most adversely affected by rapid drying while those from PMB were the least sensitive. When clean whole seeds were dried slowly by burying in silica gel for 36 h, all seeds of the four provenances still retained more than 50% of their shedding water. MTZN seeds lost viability completely from the 24 h of slow drying while seeds from the other three locations retained some viability after 36 h. The order of survival of slow drying was MTZN < DBN < P.ED = PMB. Storage of cleaned whole seeds at chilling temperatures (3oC, 6oC and 16oC) caused increase in the water content of the embryonic axes of the seeds across the four locations. All seeds of the four provenances had lost more than 50% survival after they had been stored at 3oC for 10 weeks. Survival was completely lost from the 12th week for MTZN seeds, from the 14th week for DBN and P.ED seeds and from the 16th week for PMB seeds. There was no survival recorded for seeds across the four regions at the 18th week. The seeds were able to tolerate storage at 6oC for a little longer than those stored at 3oC. Only MTZN seeds completely lost viability at the 18th week; seeds from the other three locations retained some viability throughout the 18 weeks of storage. …
Sequencing the graptoloid clade: building a global diversity curve from local range charts, regional composites and global time-lines

SUMMARY Even range charts from the best graptoloid-bearing sections can be improved by adding information from nearby sections. Traditionally this is achieved on a scale of discrete biozones. Zonal composites improve upon the taxon richness of individual sections but lose resolving power; they artificially cluster range-end events at zone boundaries. Graphical and numerical methods allow composite sections to be constructed on continuous scales that match or exceed the resolving power of individual sections. Using a database of 582 graptoloid-bearing sections that together preserve 2214 distinct graptoloid taxa, we show that constrained optimization algorithms can construct objective, reproducible, global time-lines for the entire Ordovician to early Devonian graptoloid clade. The underlying database of locally observed ranges allows standardization for sampling unevenness. The quality and geographic origins of support for composite taxon ranges are explicitly revealed. A high precision, interval-free, standing species richness curve derived by this approach reveals the diversity trajectory of the graptoloid clade and of the families of which it is composed. Major reorganizations of the clade at the family level took place after diversity minima in the late Darriwilian and Hirnantian. Glacial events recognized on sedimentological evidence coincide with diversity minima.
Growth of alfonsino Beryx splendens Lowe 1834 in the South-West Indian Ocean

Age and growth of alfonsino Beryx splendens from South-West Indian Ocean seamounts were studied based on whole otolith readings. Ages of the fish under study ranged between one year and 14 years (15.5–43.5cm fork length). Age distribution was related to depth. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for males were L∞ = 49.1cm, K = 0.099 year−1 and t0 = −4.11 years, and L∞ = 57.1cm, K = 0.081 year−1 and t0 = −4.16 years for females, obtained by length-age pair values. For all individuals the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 53.5cm, K = 0.085 year−1 and t0 = −4.33 years. There were no differences in the growth parameters between males and females. Also, the growth parameters of the alfonsino under study did not differ between those of alfonsino from New Caledonia and the Izu Islands (Japan), but they differed significantly from those from New Zealand.
Informal and Formal Environmental Education Infusion: Actions of Malaysian Teachers and Parents among Students in a Polluted Area.

The study explored Environmental Education infusion among students by teachers andparents in two schools located in a highly polluted area. Qualitative data was collectedthrough observations, interviews and an open-ended questionnaire. Participants of theobservations and interviews were 6 Secondary 4 students, 6 teachers and 6 parents.Participants for the open-ended survey consisted of 60 Secondary 4 students, 30 teachersand 30 parents. Data from the three sources were triangulated to identify howEnvironmental Education infusion happened through formal and informal education inschool and at home. Findings indicate that parents and teachers do make an effort to infuseelements of environmental education through different ways.
Productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quail as affected by time of feed in hot climate.

مدختسا ًف ددع ةساردلا هذه 240 نامسلا نم توكتك ًناباٌلا موٌ رمع سنجم رٌغ , ةساردل رٌثأت ةٌخانملا فورظلا رٌثأت تحت روٌطلل ًلسانتلاو ًجاتنلإا ءادلأا ىلع ةٌذغتلا تقو رٌٌغت طوٌسأ ًف ةدئاسلا فٌصلا لصف للاخ . ةٌبرت مت تٌكاتكلا لك تاٌراطب ىف مث ًلإ تمسق ةعبرأ عٌماجم ( ةنراقم , 3 لاماعم ت ,) اهددع غلابلاو ةعومجم لكب روٌطلا تمسق دقلو 60 عقاوب تارركم ةثلاث ىلإ رئاط 20 رئاط / ةرركم . لاوط ءاملاب روٌطلا عٌمج دٌوزت متٌ ناكو تقولا . اٌموٌ نٌترم مدقٌ ناكف ءاذغلل ةبسنلابو , ةعاسلا دنع 0900 ةعاسلا مث 1500 , كلذو لورتنكلا ةعومجمل ةبسنلاب , ةعاسلا دنعو 1500 مث 2100 ةعاسلا دنعو 2100 مث 0300 ةعاسلا دنعو 0300 مث 0900 ةلماعملا تاعومجمل ةبسنلاب كلذو 1 , 2 و 3 ًلاوتلا ىلع , داهجلإل ةراضلا تارٌثأتلا لٌلقتل ةلواحمك روٌطلا ةٌذغتل بسانملا تقولا راٌتخلا كلذو رصم دٌعصب فٌصلا لصف ىف موٌلا نم راحلا تقولا للاخ يرارحلا . جئاتنلا تحضوأ نأ اهٌلع لصحتملا موٌلا نم ةٌذغتلا تقو رٌٌغت ءادلأا ىلع ًف جاتنلإاو ومنلا ًترتف للاخ ناك راحلا طوٌسأ فٌص ذ رٌثأت و ءادأ ىلع يونعم مسجلا نزو , ضٌبلا جاتنإ تافص , ةدوج ضٌبلا , سقفلاو ةبوصخلا ًتبسن , مسجلا ةرارح , نامسلل ةٌداصتقلاا ةءافكلاو قوفنلا ةبسن ًناباٌلا , عٌماجملا عٌمج ًف ةضٌبلا تانوكم بسن ىلع يونعم رٌغ رٌثأت وذ هنكلو .