Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis: evidence for horizontal gene transfer of putative pathogenicity genes

Fusarium wilt is a serious disease of the date palm Phoenix canariensis, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis (Foc). A previous study that characterized and compared the genetic diversity of the Australian Foc population with international strains suggested that the Australian population may have had an independent evolutionary origin. The current study compared the species phylogeny of the Australian and international populations and determined that Foc is not monophyletic, separating into three supported lineages across the two phylogenetic species of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex. This confirms an independent evolutionary origin for Foc in Australia. However, phylogenetic analysis of the putative pathogenicity genes Secreted In Xylem (SIX) did not reveal any separation of the Australian and international Foc strains. Furthermore, there was very low SIX sequence diversity within Foc. Horizontal gene transfer is argued to be the most parsimonious explanation for the incongruence between the species and SIX gene phylogenies.
Effects of water deficit stress on field performance of chickpea cultivars

Water deficit is one of the important factors limiting crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. This research was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to investigate field performance of three chickpea cultivars (Hashem and Arman from kabuli and Pirooz from desi type) under well watering (I1: 70 mm evaporation from class A pan), gradual water deficit (I2 and I3: 70…90…110…130 and 70…100…130 mm evaporation, respectively) and severe water stress (I4: 130 mm evaporation). Results showed that with increasing irrigation intervals, leaf proline content increased, while LAI and grain yield were decreased. These reductions were only significant under severe water deficit (I4) as compared with well watering (I1). No significant differences in chlorophyll content and quantum yield (Fv/Fm) were recorded among irrigation treatments. LAI, chlorophyll content and grain yield of kabuli type cultivars were more than those of desi type cultivars. It was concluded that gradually increasing irrigation intervals can prevent significant reductions in LAI and grain yield, due to drought hardening of chickpea plants.
Antimicrobial potency of Hyptis spicigera leaf extracts against some pathogenic microorganisms

Antibiotic resistance is of grave concern clinically, more so in quinolone-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates that causes complicated infections. In this study, the potency of Hyptis spicigera leaf extract against some pathogenic microorganisms is described. Minimum bacterial concentration of the leaf extract in five different solvents were tested at five different concentrations (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml). All the solvent extracts showed effective bactericidal potency at 2.5 mg/ml. The phytochemistry of the leaf extracts revealed the presence of tannins, sterols, alkaloids, saponin glycosides and flavonoids. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhae andCandida albicans exhibited the greatest resistance to the bactericidal potency ofH. spicigera leaf extract with high MBC at 5 mg/ml for all the extracts of H. spicigera screened. Key words: Hyptis spicigera, antimicrobial resistance, Klebsiella pneumoniae,Neisseria gonorrhea, sensitivity, minimum bactericidal concentration.
GENETIC VARIABILITY IN INDIAN MUSTARD

The analysis of variance revealed signfficant genotypic difference for all the nine characters studied. Seed yield/plant had highest co-efficlent of genotypic and phenotypic variability. The characters studied showed high heritability with highest value estimated for seed yield/plant. Estimate of genetic advance in per cent of mean was also observed highest for seed yield/plant. The estimates of genetic advance in per cent of mean were comparatively low for oil content and days to flower. The low values of GCV, h 2 also observed for the characters such as oil content and days to flower suggest that these characters cannot be improved effectively merely by selection.
IDENTIFIKASI SUMBER PENCEMAR DAN TINGKAT PENCEMARAN AIR DI DANAU BATUR KABUPATEN BANGLI

Lake Batur areas currently experiencing rapid growth with a variety of community activities. Increased community activity tends to cause pollution and disrupt the continuity of the lake water. The purpose of this study to determine the Batur Lake water quality and pollution levels. In addition to identifying sources of contaminants that exist in the vicinity of Lake Batur. Sampling was done by purposive sampling. Water samples taken at five station and at each station taken ten sub-stations that were analyzed in situ and in laboratory Lake water quality compared to quality standards in accordance with the Rules Bali Governor Number 8 of 2007. Analysis method of water pollution indexs in accordance with the Minister of Environment Number 115 in 2003. Identify source of pollution carried by record number of events, interviews and field observations. The water quality of Lake Batur showed that some parameters have exceeded the quality standard among them are BO DS (8.72 ppm), NH3 (0.86 ppm), Fe (0.61 ppm), P04 (0.36 ppm), Pb (0.04 ppm), Cu (0.70 ppm), H2S (0.007 ppm) and Cd (0.04 ppm). Water pollution index shows that the Lake Batur including light polluted with IP 1.50 to 2.82. Community activity is the source of water pollutants such as agricultural activities, settlements, tourism and fish farming activities with floating net cages (KJA). The volume of waste from the settlement activity amounted to 229,588 m3 per year and the activities of hotel and restaurant at 4595 m3 per year and the waste load of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) of cage culture activities amounted to 63,024 tons per year and 3372 tons per year.
Reduced Germination is Associated with Loss of Phytic Acid in Stored Seeds of Sessile Oak (Quercus Petraea (Matt.) Liebl.)

ZITNIK S. , HANKE D.E. & KRAIGHER H. 1999. Reduced germination is associated with loss of phytic acid in stored seeds of sessile oak {Quercus Petraea (Matt.) Liebl. ). Phyton (Horn, Austria) 39 (4): (275) (280). The aim of the research was to develop new, cheap and practical methods for storage of acorns of sessile oak. Currently it is only possible to store them for 6 months. The research is based on the hypothesis, that the germination of acoms after storage is positively correlated with the amount of phytic acid in them, which is positively correlated with the content of available P in soil. The experiment was established as a case study on two plots of sessile oak, which differed in the P content of the leaves, used as an indicator of available P in the soil. The seeds were collected in October 1997 and stored for 9 months until August 1998. Before storage and at three monthly intervals, the following observations at -1°C were made: germination and moisture, phytic acid and P content of acorns. The results show that the plot with a higher content of P in the leaves also has higher content of P and phytic acid in acorns, and germination is higher. The differences can be observed only at the beginning of storage. The results suggest that there is a positive correlation between the vitality of acorns in storage, the content of phytic acid in acorns and the content of P in soil. However, the data are not yet sufficient to prove such a correlation.
PROXIMATE AND MINERAL CONTENT OF TRADITIONAL SMOKED FISH SPECIES FROM LAKE KAINJI, NIGERIA

Investigation into proximate and mineral content of three commercially important fish species (Lates niloticus, Clarias anguillaris and Hemisynodontis membranaceususing the traditional smoked method was conducted. Proximate analysis showed significant differences (P< 0.05) among the fish samples. However, there was no significant difference in their mineral content. Crude protein in fish samples was in the range (26.54±26 – 36.56±0.22) while fat was (16.43±0.1824.18±0.43). Ash content was however in the range (0.43±0.23 – 4.41±0.44). The result of the mineral content indicated highest values in phosphorous and magnesium in all three species (108.14±42.34 – 119.23±54.64) and (79.10±8.38 – 98.57±12.8) respectively. Iron had the least value in range (9.84±1.16 – 16.47 ± 2.18) among the fish samples. Heavy metal such as cadmium and nickel was not detected from fish samples
HEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN PANTROPICAL SPOTTED DOLPHINS (STENELLA ATTENUATA) FOLLOWING CHASE AND ENCIRCLEMENT

Analysis of blood samples produced a comprehensive dataset on hematological and serum and plasma chemical constituents in spotted dolphins from the ETP. Several of the analytes, notably the catecholamines and ACTH, have not previously been investigated in this species, and therefore represent new and important baseline information, particularly in relation to the adrenal-mediated stress response. Apparently significant elevations in the circulating levels of these constituents help to define the degree of stress experienced by the dolphins after chase and encirclement by a tuna-fishing vessel, although correlation between the severity of the stressor and deviation of blood results are tenuous, and few true baseline data for unstressed spotted dolphins are available from which to gauge how much these values deviate from resting levels. Still, the persistence of high levels of ACTH suggests that the HPA axis continues to be stimulated while the dolphins are confined in the net. Dolphins also exhibited moderately elevated levels of enzymes indicative of muscle damage following the exertion of the chase, and some showed deviations in constituents suggesting metabolic acidosis. Efforts were made to obtain serial samples from individuals repeatedly captured, and to assess recovery from the acute stress response by examining specific diagnostic indicators in blood. Logistic impediments in the field resulted in only 10 recaptures, but only two of these dolphins were blood-sampled when first handled. This significantly limits the strength of any conclusions that can be reached regarding the animals’ ability to cope physiologically with this perturbation. Certain changes were noted signaling a stress response, but none that suggested distress at the time of second capture.
FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF THE PORCELLANID CRAB ALLOPETROLISTHES SPINIFRONS, SYMBIONT OF THE SEA ANEMONE PHYMACTIS PAPILLOSA

Abstract The porcellanid crab Allopetrolisthes spinifrons, a symbiont of the sea anemone Phymactis papillosa, shows a suspension-feeding behavior related to flow oscillations (repetitive changes of flow direction). Individual crabs oriented their filter appendages (third maxillipeds) to maintain a concave face upstream, showing a higher frequency of maxilliped movements (flexion) at the start of inverted flow. The crab is primarily a suspension feeder that can ingest host mucus and feces. Contrary to free-living porcellanids, the symbiotic life-style offers access to exposed sites in the intertidal and subtidal environments that are favorable for passive suspension-feeding activities and consequently, an alternative feeding mechanism is not necessary.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN DRY MASS AND ENERGETIC CONTENT OF MUNIDA SUBRUGOSA (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA) IN THE BEAGLE CHANNEL, ARGENTINA

Abstract Munida subrugosa is the most abundant benthic species in the Beagle Channel (55°S, 68°W), Tierra del Fuego. Moreover, this species has two simultaneous but different feeding habits: predator and deposit feeder. Because of its high abundance (100 ind·100 m−2) and trophic position, this species plays a key role in the subantarctic benthic ecosystems. However, little is known about its energetic content and changes in dry mass during its reproductive cycle. Samples of M. subrugosa were obtained in 2000 to 2001 by means of an epibenthic trawl. The relative water content (WC) and the energetic content (EC) (kJ·g−1 ash free dry mass [AFDM]) of whole adult animals, and the relative dry mass (RDM) and EC of tissues and organs of females were measured throughout one year. The EC investment of adults at the time of maximum gonadal development was evaluated. The EC was measured using a bomb calorimeter. The mean WC and EC for M. subrugosa was 59% ± 7% and 19 ± 2 kJ·g−1 AFDM, respectively. WC and EC for whole adult animals varied significantly throughout the year, attaining maximum values in autumn or summer respectively, after the pattern of seasonal reproduction and feeding. Moreover, the EC of M. subrugosa varied by 30% annually. The RDM and EC investment in gonadal development was significant higher in females. The hepatopancreas in M. subrugosa is used as an energetic storage organ, because RDM and EC increased before vitellogenesis and moulting.
DNA molecular markers in mosses and their use for the characterization of a Sphagnum palustre clone, for its exploitation as a passive contaminant sensor

The control of the air quality is often assessed by the use of terrestrial mosses. However, due to the lack of standardization in the used techniques, the comparison between the available studies is difficult. My PhD thesis was related to the European project FP7-Mossclone. The aim of this project is the development of a standardized method for biomonitoring the level of atmospheric pollution through the use of a devitalized moss clone of Sphagnum palustre, using the moss bags technique. My particular task was to perform the molecular characterization with DNA molecular markers of the clone, in order to label it for a subsequent patent development. First a bibliographical research of the application of DNA molecular markers in moss studies was performed and published. Furthermore, I have applied the acquired knowledge of the molecular techniques into a particular case: the Hypnum cupressiforme complex, focalizing the study in the distinction between Hypnum lacunosum and Hypnum cupressiforme using the intron-exon splice junction (ISJ) marker. I present as well some experiments that will help to optimize some cell culture techniques towards biotechnology and biomonitoring. Particularly, I studied some culture techniques in the aquatic moss Rhynchostegium riparioides, I studied some aspects concerning the protoplast isolation protocol in Sphagnum palustre and I have identified and sequenced a Sphagnum palustre sequence from the actin family.
Atlas of wild potatoes.

This atlas describes the ecogeographic distribution of wild potatoes. They occur solely in the Americas, from the southwestern United States to central Argentina and Chile. To help the nonspecialist to understand the past and future changes in their classification, we first discuss the habitats, morphology, and taxonomy of wild potatoes. This is followed by a discussion of problems of data and information quality associated with the locality databases that were used for the maps in this atlas. Distribution maps are provided for all species and series (a taxonomic level that groups related species). Finally, statistics on ecogeographic distribution of wild potatoes, and analytical maps of species richness and series richness are provided.
Scales and consequences of human land transformation on South African avian diversity and structure

Species diversity and community structure indices (richness, diversity and evenness) are typically derived from contemporary biological survey atlases to identify conservation areas or to determine macroecological‐environment relationships. Surprisingly, there are few studies based on national taxa surveys that describe and measure the influence human disturbance patterns may have on these ecological measures. This study uses various spatial statistical methods to examine and model large‐scale spatial structure in diversity, structure indices derived from a comprehensive bird atlas, and composite variables of environment and human land transformation. Data were derived from an atlas of South African birds and segregated into five vegetation biomes. For each sample location, environmental and land‐use data were used to calculate composite environmental gradients in climate, topography and human land transformation. Semivariograms were used to detect large‐scale trends and spatial scale, and Moran's I statistic correlograms to test for large‐scale spatial autocorrelation in detrended diversity indices. Ordinary least squares regressions for all biomes indicated a significant positive relationship between high levels of human transformation and species diversity, whereas high transformation had a significant negative influence on evenness. These same relationships held for the majority of biomes after the effects of environmental gradients were removed. The analysis also shows that in areas with favourable environmental resource levels, diversity for birds increases. These areas also tend to contain a large proportion of highly transformed land, and evenness decreases in the woodland, grassland, Karoo and fynbos biomes. This suggests that high‐intensity transformation may bring in novel resources for birds not normally found in some of the biomes, with some species adept at exploiting these changes and reaching high densities with a tendency for assemblage structure to drift towards single species dominance. The results imply that species data derived from contemporary atlases may begin to demonstrate the effects of human influence on ecological measures rather than only indicating the effects of environmental variation on community structure.
Establishment and early growth of different plant types of Corsican pine ( Pinus nigra var. maritima ) on four sites in Thetford Forest

Summary The field performance of six different plant types of Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. maritima (Ait.) Melville) was compared over the first 4 years after outplanting at four sites in Thetford Forest, East Anglia. The stock types differed in size, age and method of production and included conventional 1-year-old container seedlings raised in Japanese Paper Pots and Rigipots, 1 1 ⁄2- and 2-year old seedlings raised in Japanese Paper Pots, as well as 2-year-old bare-root seedlings which either had or had not been undercut. Survival was high (> 87 per cent) for all types except the non-undercut 2-year-old bare-root seedlings. Height and stem diameter growth were generally low during the first year after planting, but by the end of the second year there were significant differences between individual plant types and sites. Analysis of height increments in the second year suggested that the 1 1 ⁄2-year-old container seedlings raised in paper pots had recovered from planting check, whereas other stock types had not. However, average increments were not great enough to allow these 1 1 ⁄2-year-old seedlings to overtake 2-year-old seedlings which were taller at planting. All stock types had apparently recovered from check in the third and fourth years after planting and were tending to grow on the same growth curve at each site with shorter seedlings producing smaller height increments. Thus initial seedling size and site factors, rather than method of production, were the most important factors determining future growth with the height advantage of taller seedlings at planting being maintained or increased in subsequent years.
DIVERSITY OF RESUPINATE, NON-POROID AGARICOMYCETOUS FUNGI IN THE HIMALAYA AND ADJOINING AREAS

An account of more than 400 taxa belonging to more than 105 genera of the different families and orders of class Agaricomycetes (phylum Basidiomycota, subphylum Agaricomycotina) has been given. These include one genus (Confertextum), 12 species (Byssocorticium microsporum, Confertextum macrosporum, C. microsporum, Corticium mussooriensis, Cylindrobasidium indicus, Leptosporomyces singularis, Tomentella garhwaliana, Vararia himalayana, V. indica, Xylodon mussooriensis, X. subglobosus and one variety (Scytinostroma phaeosarcum var. angustispora) new to science;six genera (Cordochaete, Dendrophlebia, Hallenbergia, Radulomycetopsis, Repetobasidiopsis, Trimitiella), two sub genera (Stereum subgen. Acanthostereum, Stereum subgen. Aculeatostereum), as many as 48 species (Aleurodiscus himalaicus, A. indicus, Athelopsis parvispora, Candelabrochaete himalayana, Ceraceomyces bizonatus, Clavulicium hallenbergii, Conohypha grandispora, Cristinia tubulicystidiata, Dendrophlebia crassispora, Flavophlebia sphaerospora, Fibulomyces cystoideus, Hallenbergia singularisa, Hyphoderma bicystidiata, H. clarusproprietas, H. densustextum, H. hallenbergii, H. parvisporum, H. sikkimia, H. sporulosum, H. subglobosum, Hyphodontia caulicystidiata, H. dhingrae, Leptocorticium indicum, Leucogyrophana thimphina, Paullicorticium indicum, Peniophora hallenbergii, Phlebia crassisubiculata, P. interjacenoides, P. microspora, P. kamengii, P. singularisa, P. thindii, Phlebiopsis darjeelingensis, P. himalayensis, P. mussooriensis, Radulodon indicus, R. acaciae, Radulomycetopsis cystidiata, Repetobasidiopsis grandisporus, Scytinostroma pulverulentum, S. renisporum, Sistotrema angustispora, Sistotremastrum roseum, Stereum peculiare, T. kalatopii, T. unicusa, Trimitiella indica, V. longicystidiata) and 8 varieties (Amphinema byssoides var. macrospores, Botryobasidium subcoronatum var. crassispora, Ceraceomyces sublaevis var. grandisporus, Conohypha albocremea var. angustisporum, Hyphoderma roseocremeum var. minutisporum, H. setigerum var. bicystidium, Tomentella cladii var. grandii, Tubulicium vermifer var. hexasterigmatum) published new taxa and 225 new reports for the Himalaya.
HER-2 and NF-κB as the Targets for Therapy-resistant Breast Cancer

HER-2 (also called ErbB2 or Neu) tyrosine kinase, one of the four members of ErbB receptor family (ErbB1, i.e., EGFR ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4), plays a critical role in the control of diverse cellular functions involved in differentiation, proliferation, migration and cell survival via multiple signal transduction pathways. Overexpression of HER-2, observed in HER-2-positive breast cancer patients, is believed to cause the tumor resistance to an array of anti-cancer agents and poor prognosis. Although HER-2 antibodies have shown growth inhibitory effects, more efficient molecular targets against HER-2-mediated tumor resistance need to be developed. The molecular mechanisms underlying HER-2-mediated tumor resistance, especially the connections between HER-2 and therapy-resistant signaling networks, need to be further investigated. NF-kappaB, a key stress transcription factor that can initiate a pro-survival network, was found to be activated in many cancer cells overexpressing HER-2 and to be responsible for the radiation resistance in HER-2 transfected breast cancer cells. Recent findings in literature and data from this laboratory suggest a possible co-operation between HER-2 and NF-KB in signaling tumor resistance to radiotherapy. This review will discuss the mechanisms of HER-2 mediated NF-kappaB signaling pathway and potential target for therapeutic intervention.