Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tree rings used to assess time since death of deadwood of different decay classes in beech and silver fir forests in the central Apennines (Molise, Italy)

We investigated the relationship between time since death and morphological characteristics of Abies alba Mill. (European silver fir) and Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) stumps in two forest stands in the central Apennines. At each site, 15 or 16 living trees were selected, and increment cores were collected to build master ring-width chronologies. For both sites, cross sections were collected from stumps. Samples were assigned to visually discernible decay classes, and their death date dendrochronologically determined. Using cross-dating techniques, stumps cross-dated significantly with standard chronologies, and it was possible to assign a year of death to 77% and 69% of sampled A. alba and F. sylvatica stumps, respectively. Analysis of the time since death of the stumps suggests that the two species have similar decay rates, although A. alba was faster in passing from class 2 to class 3. However, this study revealed a continuum through decay classes and showed a high variability in the transition rate from one class to another. Overall, information obtained using dendrochronological techniques was valuable for assessing deadwood decomposition rates. The variability found in stump decomposition rates indicates that existing decay classification schemes, although providing information on decomposition timing, are hardly applicable to these forest stands and that the relationship between qualitatively assessed decay classes and time since death of trees appears to be rather weak.
The phylogeny of the Histeroidea (Coleoptera: Staphyliniformia)

For its size (ca. 4000 species) the Histeridae is one of the most ecologically and morphologically diverse families of beetles. Its mostly predaceous members occupy a wide variety of habitats for which their morphologies may be highly modified. Previous attempts to resolve the phylogeny of the family based on morphological data have left many difficult issues unresolved. This study is the first to utilize either larval or molecular (18S rDNA) data in combination with adult morphology in an attempt to resolve these issues. We compare the performance of optimization alignment with a fixed positional homology approach, over a range of parameter space. Optimizing alignment parameters for combined analyses of 18S and morphology for both approaches resulted in very similar topologies. Contrary to previous hypotheses which held the cylindrical, subcortical forms of the family (e.g., Niponius, Trypanaeus, Trypeticus) to be the most primitive, our analyses find these to be highly specialized forms derived from within other more generalized taxa. Basal lineages within the family instead include Onthophilus, Anapleus, and Dendrophilus, all of which are ovoid, mainly generalist forms.
Antioxidant Activity and Hydroxyl Radical Induced DNA Damage Protection Effect of Aqueous Extract of Curcuma amada ROXB

Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) has been extensively used in South India to make pickles. The present study was aimed at determining the antioxidant activity and DNA protecting activity of aqueous extract of C.amada. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of C.amada was determined by using its Iron chelating capacity and Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The DNA damage protection potential was also determined using Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced damage on herring sperm DNA. Results revealed a strong antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 297.3 µg/ml on iron chelating capacity and IC50 value of 323.8 µg/ml on hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extract also showed a concentration dependent DNA damage protecting effect. These results clearly demonstrates the strong antioxidant and DNA damage protecting potential of C.amada aqueous extract and marks its use as a potential source of natural antioxidant.
Notes on the Process of Digestion in Tsetse-flies

(1) The salivary glands of Glossina contain a powerful anticoagulin, which delays the clotting of blood of mammals, birds, reptiles and batrachians. It was found that when the salivary glands are removed from the living fly, it can still draw blood normally and may live long, but sooner or later large clots form in the narrow anterior portions of the alimentary tract, so that the fly can no longer feed and dies of starvation. The purpose of the anticoagulin is to prevent such clotting and blood coagulation in the crop. (2) The proventriculus and first third of the mesenteron are themselves inert in relation to coagulation of blood, but as removed from the normal fly they contain the anticoagulin which is derived from the salivary secretion. (3) The hinder part of the mesenteron contains a powerful coagulin, the purpose of which is to neutralise the anticoagulin and cause a rapid clotting, in order to retain the fluid meal in the proper region while draining and assimilation take place, probably also to save strain on the sphincter mesenteri and prevent the occasional loss of food through the anus.
Suitability of different egg ages of Ephestia kuehniella (Lep.: Pyralidae) for the development, reproduction and life table parameters of Trichogramma evanescens (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae)

Trichogramma evanescens Westwood is an important biological control agent of lepidopteran pests and is widely distributed throughout Iran and neighboring countries. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs age on the number of parasitized eggs, development time, sex ratio, progeny longevity and fecundity. Understanding this influence is important for developing biological control programs. Mated female parasitoids (24 h age) were provided with 1, 2, 3, and 4-days-old E. kuehniella eggs in no-choice experiments, individually. T. evanescens developed on E. kuehniella eggs of all ages tested, while showing a better adaptation to younger host eggs with significantly faster developmental time, higher survival and more female progeny on 1-day-old eggs. Progeny emerged from 1-day-old eggs had also higher longevity and fecundity than those emerging from other host ages tested. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) values of T. evanescens reared on 1, 2, 3 and 4days-old E. kuehniella eggs were 0.345, 0.322, 0.281 and 0.233 day and the mean generation time (T) was 12.19, 12.13, 12.01 and 11.82 days, respectively. The current study provides useful information to use suitable host age of E. kuehniella for mass production of T. evanescens.
Compensatory feeding and low nutrient assimilation efficiencies lead to high nutrient turnover in nitrogen-limited snails

Abstract: According to stoichiometric principles, the ratios at which consumers recycle nutrients depend on the elemental compositions of the consumer and its food. However, nutrient assimilation efficiencies and ingestion rates can vary among consumer species and, thus, can affect the rates of consumer-mediated nutrient recycling (CNR). The grazer Theodoxus fluviatilis has high nutrient excretion rates of either P or N, depending on grazer growth limitation, and has a high body N. I examined how a grazer with a high proportion of N in its body tissues can assimilate enough N to maintain that N content despite high N excretion rates by estimating the mass balance for nutrient recycling including nutrient excretion through fecal pellets. I used the snail species Theodoxus fluviatilis and Lymnea peregra fed nutrient-enriched periphyton in a 2-d grazing experiment done in 48 experimental units. I estimated periphyton and grazer nutrient stoichiometry and nutrient excretion rates and ratios in dissolved and fecal-pellet form, and calculated nutrient assimilation efficiencies of the limiting nutrient (N). Theodoxus fluviatilis had higher N excretion rates, lower N assimilation efficiency, and higher ingestion rates than L. peregra. Thus, T. fluviatilis recycled more N by ingesting and processing a larger amount of food per unit time than L. peregra. My study shows that grazers with low nutrient assimilation efficiencies and high nutrient demands can assimilate sufficient nutrients via high ingestion rates. The consequence of this strategy (high ingestion and excretion rates) could be a more rapid nutrient turnover in ecosystems dominated by these grazers.
The Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence in Colorectal Cancer: Scratching the Surface

textabstractColorectal cancer represents not only the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Western world. The sequence of events that describes colorectal cancer development, the so called “adenoma-carcinoma sequence” is characterized by the progressive increase in signal transduction activity and chromosomal instability levels resulting from the accumulation of somatic mutations in specific tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. This thesis aims to describe and illustrate the multiple interactions and mutual influences of defective signal transduction pathways like Wnt, TGF-s and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) in CRC and the mechanisms that are responsible for ‘just-right’ level of genetic instability. Through the generation and molecular analysis of the compounds Apc+/1638N/KRASV12G, Apc+/1638N/Smad4+/E6sad and Apc+/1638N/Tp53-/- mouse models for colorectal cancer, we explored and elucidated the effect of the different signaling transduction cross talk and measured the level of chromosomal instability. First of all we demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo analysis that activated KRAS, via tyrosine phosphorylation of s-catenin, leads to its release from E-cadherin at the adherens junctions, and to its consequent nuclear translocation and increased transcription of Wnt downstream target genes in an Apc-mutant background. Second we characterized Smad4–haploinsufficiency that underlies tumor initiation in the GI tract. Reporter assay analysis showed the presence of TGF-s and BMP signaling defects already in heterozygous cells, and the expression profiling analysis of the Smad4 mutant ES cell lines allowed the identification of a shortlist of Smad4 dosage-related target genes involved in signaling, metabolism and regulation of the transcription. Finally, by Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) Array we observed that loss of the Tp53 tumor suppressor gene, but not KRAS oncogenic activation, results in an increase of chromosomal instability in the Apc-mutant genetic background. Through the comparative analysis of the overall genomic alterations found in human and mouse intestinal adenomas, we identified a subset of syntenic regions likely to encompass rate-limiting genes for intestinal tumor initiation and progression. All these elements clearly contribute to the establishment of the multiple cellular defects necessary to promote tumor progression and malignancy. These important clues relative to the cellular processes underlying tumorigenesis in the gastro-intestinal tract will open new avenues for tailor-made therapeutic approaches.
Pharmacotherapy of yeast infections

The rise of immunocompromised individuals in our society has provoked a significant emergence in the number of patients affected by opportunistic pathogenic yeast. The microorganisms with a major clinical incidence are species from the genera Candida (especially Candida albicans) and Cryptococcus (particularly Cryptococcus neoformans), although there has been a significant increase in other pathogenic yeasts, such as Trichosporon spp. and Rhodotorula spp. In addition, there are an increasing number of patients infected by yeasts that were not previously considered as pathogenic, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The management of these infections is complicated and is highly dependent on the susceptibility profile not only of the species but also of the strain. The available antifungal compounds belong mainly to the polyene, azole and candin families, which show a distinct spectrum of activity. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the use of the main antifungals for treating infections caused by the yeast species with the most significant clinical relevance, including the susceptibility profiles exhibited by these species in vitro.
Evaluating standard treatment options for Pinus radiata plantations in Galicia (north‐western Spain)

Summary Standard treatment options for Pinus radiata plantations in north-western Spain are evaluated. The new options are compared with the usual regimes applied on communal forests and private land. Stand development was simulated for each regime using a dynamic stand growth model that includes diameter distributions, generalized height‐diameter relationships and taper functions for estimating product yields. Four different timber grades were estimated for the different thinnings and clearfellings to predict the cash flows. The different standard options were ranked using the criteria net present value of an infinite series of rotations (NPVIS) and internal rate of return (IRR). The proposed management regime for communal forests, which is characterized by lower stand densities and an extended rotation, provides high quality products and could have additional advantages regarding biodiversity and other non-tangible benefits. However, in economic terms, this regime is not superior to the standard regime applied by the Forest Service. The Forest Service variant, which includes high pruning, gives the best economic results. The usual high-density regime encountered in private plantations is not optimal, either in economic or silvicultural terms. The proposed alternative would result in much better wood quality, greater stand stability and higher economic returns.
Surirella fuellebornii (Bacillariophyta) and related taxa: lectotypification and distribution

Surirella bifrons var. intermedia O.Mull. and Surirella fuellebornii O.Mull. , including its infraspecific taxa, were re-evaluated using historical East African material collected in the early 20 th century from which Otto Muller described more than 100 new diatom taxa. In addition, mate- rial from the Hustedt Diatom Collection together with material collected during the past decades in the region of the African Great Lakes was studied. The investigation of the original material of Surirella bifrons Ehrenb. in the Ehrenberg Collection allowed to elevate Surirella bifrons var. inter- media to species rank: Surirella kusberi nom. nov. The variation observed in the material studied supported the abandonment of taxonomic recognition of Surirella fuellebornii f. subconstricta O.Mull. and var. constricta O.Mull. On the other hand, var. tumida Hustedt and var. elliptica O.Mull. are here elevated to species rank: Surirella crawfordii nom. nov. and Surirella friedel- hinziae nom. nov. respectively. Finally, Surirella fuellebornii var. worthingtonii H.Bachm. was found to belong within the variability of Surirella malombae O.Mull.
The Effect of Computational Thinking Module on Achievement in Scienceonal Thinking Modules on Achievement in Science

Computational thinking (CT) is a problem-solving process and argued to be one of the more important skills for the 21st century. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of the Science Module on achievement in science subjects. A quasi-experimental research design was used that involved 67 students in the first form in secondary schools (students aged 13) in the Kunak district of Malaysia. The students were divided into a treatment group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 31). The instrument used in this study was the Science Achievement Test for Matter. The treatment group received an intervention of 3-week instruction using the Science Module and the control group received conventional instruction. Both groups took a pre-test before treatment. After the treatment, a post-test was administered. The study’s results were analyzed with inference statistics and using a t-test. The study revealed that there was a significant improvement in science achievement after using Science Module. The study indicated that the effectiveness of Science Module is an effective step toward enhancing achievement in science and thus should be applied in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teaching and learning to solve complex problems.
ISOLATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF LYCOPENE FROM TOMATO CULTIVATED IN DEZFOUL, IRAN

Lycopene is a pigment principally responsible for the characteristic deep-red color of ripe tomato fruits and products. It, as a natural source of antioxidants, has attracted attentions due to its biological and physicochemical properties. In this study tomato paste prepared from tomato cultivated in Dezfoul (Khozestan) was dehydrated with methanol, then lycopene was extracted with methanol-carbon tetrachloride mixture. Pure lycopene was obtained by twice crystallization of crude product from benzene through addition of boiling methanol. Further purification was achieved using column chromatography with alumina as the adsorbent. Identification of chemical structure of the isolated lycopene was done using UV, IR, NMR and Mass spectroscopy. Average quantity of extracted pure lycopene was calculated as 2.313 mg per 100 g tomato paste.
Effects of water stress and soil type on photosynthesis, leaf water potential and yield of olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali Sfax)

In Tunisia, olives are grown under severe rain-fed, arid conditions. To determine the behaviour of olive trees (cv. Chemlali Sfax) during the severe drought affecting Tunisian arid areas in 2002, a range of physiological parameters were investigated in three adjacent orchards. Two olive orchards were rain-fed, one located on a sandy soil, and the other on a sandy-loam clay soil. A third orchard was also located on sandy soil, but received remedial irrigation (415 mm of water per year; ~40% of olive evapotranspiration). Predawn leaf water potential (Ψpd) did not fall below –1.52 MPa for irrigated olive trees. However, a large decrease in Ψpd was observed for rain-fed olive trees in the same period with Ψpd measured at about –3.2 MPa on sandy soil and –3.6 MPa on sandy-loam clay soil. At the same time, the minimal leaf water potential recorded at midday (Ψmin) decreased to –4.15 MPa and –4.71 MPa in the rain-fed trees for sandy and sandy-loam clay soil, respectively. For irrigated trees, the Ψmin was –1.95 MPa. These results were associated with relative water content, which varied from 80% for irrigated trees to 54 and 43.6%, respectively, for rain-fed trees and trees subjected to severe drought. In August, when the relative water content values were less than 50%, a progressive desiccation in the outer layer of canopy and death of terminal shoots were observed in trees, which grew on the sandy-loam clay soil. Furthermore, low soil water availability also affected (negatively) the net photosynthetic rate in rain-fed orchards (10.3 µmol/m2.s for irrigated trees v. 5.3 µmol/m2.s in rain-fed trees on sandy soil) and stomatal conductance (98.5 mmol/m2.s v. 69.3 mmol/m2.s). However, it improved water use efficiency (7.6 v. 4.7 µmol CO2/mmol H2O), which increased by more than 50% in both groups of rain-fed trees compared with the irrigated ones. We can conclude that olive trees respond to drought by showing significant changes in their physiological and biological mechanisms. These results also help our understanding of how olive trees cope with water stress in the field and how marginal soils can restrict growth and lower yields.
Seed mucilage evolution: diverse molecular mechanisms generate versatile ecological functions for particular environments.

Plant myxodiasporous species have the ability to release a polysaccharidic mucilage upon imbibition of the seed (myxospermy) or the fruit (myxocarpy). This is a widespread capacity in angiosperms providing multiple ecological functions including higher germination efficiency under environmental stresses. It is unclear whether myxodiaspory has one or multiple evolutionary origins and why it was supposedly lost in several species. Here, we summarize recent advances on three main aspects of myxodiaspory. (i) It represents a combination of highly diverse traits at different levels of observation, ranging from the dual tissular origin of mucilage secretory cells to diverse mucilage polysaccharidic composition and ultrastructural organization. (ii) An asymmetrical selection pressure is exerted on myxospermy-related genes that was first identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. The A. thaliana and the flax intra-species mucilage variants show that myxospermy is a fast-evolving trait due to high polymorphism in a few genes directly acting on mucilage establishment. In A. thaliana, these actors are downstream of a master regulatory complex and an original phylogenetic overview provided here illustrates that this complex has sequentially evolved after the common ancestor of seed plants and was fully established in the common ancestor of the rosid clade. (iii) Newly identified myxodiaspory ecological functions indicate new perspectives such as soil micro-organism control and plant establishment support. The ability to secrete mucilage around seeds is widespread among angiosperms. This feature is highly diverse and provides numerous ecological roles. In natural variability, the involved genes show a conservation for master regulators but also a great variability for few direct actors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PGE2 receptor EP1 renders dopaminergic neurons selectively vulnerable to low‐level oxidative stress and direct PGE2 neurotoxicity

Oxidative stress and increased cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) activity are both implicated in the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra (SN) in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of the key products of COX‐2 activity and PGE2 production is increased in PD. However, little is known about its role in the selective death of dopaminergic neurons. Previously, we showed that oxidative stress evoked by low concentrations of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) was selective for dopaminergic neurons in culture and fully dependent on COX‐2 activity. We postulated that this loss was mediated by PGE2 acting through its receptors, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. Using double‐label immunohistochemistry for specific EP receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), we identified EP1 and EP2 receptors on dopaminergic neurons in rat SN. EP2 receptors were also found in non‐dopaminergic neurons of this nucleus, as were EP3 receptors, whereas the EP4 receptor was absent. PGE2, 16‐phenyl tetranor PGE2 (a stable synthetic analogue), and 17‐phenyl trinor PGE2 (an EP1 receptor–selective agonist) were significantly toxic to dopaminergic cells at nanomolar concentrations; EP2‐ and EP3‐selective agonists were not. We challenged dopaminergic neurons in embryonic rat mesencephalic primary neuronal cultures and tested whether these receptors mediate selective 6‐OHDA toxicity. The nonselective EP1–3 receptor antagonist AH‐6809 and two selective EP1 antagonists, SC‐19220 and SC‐51089, completely prevented the 40%–50% loss of dopaminergic neurons caused by exposure to 5 μM 6‐OHDA. Together, these results strongly implicate PGE2 activation of EP1 receptors as a mediator of selective toxicity in this model of dopaminergic cell loss. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.