Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative phylogeographies of six species of hinged terrapins (Pelusios spp.) reveal discordant patterns and unexpected differentiation in the P. castaneus/P. chapini complex and P. rhodesianus

Using up to 2117 bp of mitochondrial DNA and up to 2012 bp of nuclear DNA, we analysed phylogeographic differentiation of six widely distributed species of African hinged terrapins (Pelusios spp.) representing different habitat types. Two taxa each live in savannahs or in forests and mesic savannahs, respectively, and the remaining two species occur in intermediate habitats. The species living in forests and mesic savannahs do not enter dry savannahs, whereas the savannah species may occur in dry and wet savannahs and even in semi-arid steppe regions. We found no obvious correlation between habitat type and phylogeographic pattern: one savannah species (P. rhodesianus) shows phylogeographic structure, i.e. pronounced genetic differences among geographically distinct populations, and the other (P. nanus) not. One species inhabiting forests and mesic savannahs (P. carinatus) has phylogeographic structure, the other (P. gabonensis) not. The same pattern is true for the two ecologically intermediate species, with phylogeographic structure present in P. castaneus and absent in P. chapini. Nuclear evidence suggests that the latter two taxa with abutting and partially overlapping ranges are distinct, while mtDNA is only weakly differentiated. Pelusios castaneus shows pronounced phylogeographic structure, which could reflect Pleistocene range interruptions correlated with the fluctuating forest cover in West and Central Africa. Our results do not support the recognition of an extinct subspecies of P. castaneus for the Seychelles. Pelusios carinatus contains two well supported clades, which are separated by the Congo River. This species is closely related to P. rhodesianus, a taxon consisting of two deeply divergent mitochondrial clades. One of these clades is paraphyletic with respect to P. carinatus, but the two clades of P. rhodesianus are not differentiated in the studied nuclear markers and, again, paraphyletic with respect to P. carinatus. Using mtDNA sequences from the type material of P. rhodesianus, we were able to allocate this name to one of the two clades. However, owing to the confusing relationships of P. rhodesianus and P. carinatus, we refrain from taxonomic decisions.
The neotropical genera of Marantaceae. Circumscription and relationships

The delimitation of the neotropical genera of the Marantaceae has been revised, using evidence mainly from the morphology of inflorescences and flowers. It is concluded that the generic concepts of Schumann in “Das Pflanzenreich”, often questioned by 20th century American authors, are essentially sound, but that his grouping of the genera into two tribes is quite artificial. Main deviations from the treatment of Schumann are the rearrangement of the genera, somewhat different stress on diagnostic characters and a much narrower concept of the genus Myrosma. A new genus, Koernickanthe is proposed for the long known species Maranta orbiculata (Koern.) Schum. The genera are arranged into informal groups and the groups and genera recognized are: Maranta group (Maranta L., Monophyllanthe Schum.), Myrosma group (Myrosma L. f., Saranthe (Regel et Koern.) Eichl. , Hylaeanthe Jonker et Jonker, Ctenanthe Eichl. , Stromanthe Sond. ), Calathea group (Calathea G. F. W. Meyer, lschnosiphon Koern., Pleiostachya Schum.), Monotagma group (Monotagma Schum., Koernickanthe gen. nov.) and Thalia“group”(Thalia L.). It is suggested, that each group has its closest affinities with Old World genera and that this indicates that the diversification of the marantaceous stock was far–reaching already before the Old and the New World became effectively isolated. It is further suggested that the early diversification of the family took place in Africa, the flora of which, although poor in species, is morphologically very diverse. Two new combinations are made, viz. Stromanthe stromanthoides (Macbr.) Anderss. and Koernickanthe orbiculata (Koern.) Anderss.
Phytophthora species, new pathogens in landscape and gardens

A n n o t a t i o n The open of Polish borders on Western Europe in 1990 caused the very fast increase of ornamental plants import, especially seedlings or young cuttings. During the twenty years Phytophthora alni, P. cambivora, P. cinnamomi, P. citricola, P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae var. nicotianae and P. ramorum were found on diseased plants in hardy ornamental nursery stocks. Among them ericaceous and coniferous plants were attacked the most often. Since 2005 Phytophthora root and stem rot was also observed on deciduous plants including, Cotoneaster spp. , Forsythia intermedia, Ligustrum vulgare, Ribes aureum, Syringa vulgaris and perennial plants. Phytophthora cactorum, P. citrophthora and P. cryptogea were the most often isolated species. Some of these species were also detected in nursery water containers. It indicates that Phytophthora spp. may be also spread with water used for plant sprinkling.
Reed canary grass cultivation mitigates greenhouse gas emissions from abandoned peat extraction areas

We studied the impact of reed canary grass (RCG) cultivation on greenhouse gas emission in the following sites of an abandoned peat extraction area in Estonia: a bare soil (BS) site, a nonfertilized Phalaris (nfP) plot, a fertilized Phalaris (fP) plot, and a natural bog (NB) and a fen meadow (FM) as reference areas. The C balance and global warming potential (GWP) were estimated by measuring CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions and aboveground and belowground biomass variations. The high CO2 flux from the nfP and fP sites and the low CO2 emission from the BS are due to the enhancement of mineralization by plant growth on planted sites and inhibited mineralization by the recalcitrant C of BS. The NB site emitted 24 kg CH4 ha−1 yr−1, whereas the almost zero CH4 emission from the Phalaris plots and the BS site was due to the high S concentration in peat, which probably inhibited methanogenesis. The N2O flux varied from <0.1 kg on the Phalaris plots and the NB to 2.64 kg N2O ha−1 yr−1 on the FM. The highest yield of RCG was obtained in autumn (13.9 t and 8.0 t dw ha−1 on the fP and nfP, respectively). By spring, the biomass yield on the fP and nfP plot was 12.7 and 7.9 t dw ha−1, respectively. The C balance of nfP and fP plots was negative in comparison to the BS (−3322, −5983, and 2504 kg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively). This indicates that the cultivation of RCG transformed them from a net source of C into a net sink of C. The GWP for the fP and nfP sites was −5981 and −3885 kg CO2 eq ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The BS site had a total GWP of 2544 kg CO2 eq ha−1 yr−1.
Plasmid transfer by conjugation from Escherichia coli to Gram‐positive bacteria

We have developed a vector strategy that allows transfer of plasmid DNA by conjugation from Escherichia coli to various Gram-positive bacteria in which transformation via natural competence has not been demonstrated. The prototype vector constructed, pAT187, contains the origins of replication of pBR322 and of the broad host range streptococcal plasmid pAMβ1, a kanamycin resistance gene known to be expressed in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and the origin of transfer of the IncP plasmid RK2. This shuttle plasmid can be mobilised efficiently by the self-transferable IncP plasmid pRK212.1 co-resident in the E. coli donors, and was successfully transferred by filter matings at frequencies of 2 × 10−8 to 5 × 10−7 to Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Bacillus thuringiensis, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
Response of the fruit fly parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata to host and host‐habitat volatile cues

Chemical information is crucial to insect parasitoids for successful host location. Here, we evaluated the innate response of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a fruit fly larval parasitoid, to cues from host and host habitat (i.e., fruit infested with host larvae). We first assessed the preference of female parasitoids between oranges infested with Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and non‐infested fruit. Females were highly attracted towards infested oranges on the basis of volatile chemical cues. After this initial experiment, we aimed at revealing the potential sources of volatile cues present in an infested fruit. To this end, we considered five potential sources: (1) punctured fruit; (2) fly feeding, frass, or host‐marking pheromone deposited on the orange surface; (3) larval activity inside the fruit; (4) the larvae themselves; and (5) fungi associated with infestation of oranges. Habitat cues associated with host activity and those produced by rotten oranges or oranges colonized by fungi were highly attractive for female wasps, whereas odours associated with the activity of the adults on the surface of the fruit, and those released by the fruit after being damaged (as happens during fruit fly egg‐laying) were not used as cues by female parasitoids. Once the female had landed on the fruit, direct cues associated with larval activity became important although some indirect signals (e.g., products derived from larval activity inside the fruit) also increased host searching activity. Our findings indicate that naïve D. longicaudata uses chemical cues during host habitat searching and that these cues are produced both by the habitat and by the host larvae.
Influence of rootstocks and pruning times on yield and on nutrient content and extraction in 'Niagara Rosada' grapevine

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of rootstocks and pruning times on yield and on nutrient content and extraction by pruned branches and harvested bunches of 'Niagara Rosada' grapevine in subtropical climate. The rootstocks 'IAC 766', 'IAC 572', 'IAC 313', 'IAC 571‑6', and '106‑8 Mgt' were evaluated. Treatments consisted of a combination between five rootstocks and three pruning times. At pruning, fresh and dry matter mass of branches were evaluated to estimate biomass accumulation. At harvest, yield was estimated by weighing of bunches per plant. Branches and bunches were sampled at pruning and at harvest, respectively, for nutrient content analysis. Nutrient content and dry matter mass of branches and bunches were used to estimate total nutrient extraction. 'Niagara Rosada' grapevine grafted onto the 'IAC 572' rootstock had the highest yield and dry matter mass of bunches, which were significantly different from the ones observed in 'Niagara Rosada'/'IAC 313'. 'Niagara Rosada' grafted onto the 'IAC 572' rootstock extracted the largest quantity of K, P, Mg, S, Cu, and Fe, differing from 'IAC 313' and 'IAC 766' in K and P extraction, and from '106‑8 Mgt' in Mg and S extraction. Winter pruning results in higher yield, dry matter accumulation by branches, and total nutrient content and extraction.
Therapeutic Uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.)

Herbs are used medicinally in different countries by around 80 % of people around the world, mostly in the developing countries. They are a source of many potent and powerful drugs, principally due to the common belief that they are without any side effects along with being economical and locally accessible. Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an herb that grows anywhere around the world. Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal plants, originating in India and Northern Africa. Its dried seeds have a wide application as a flavoring additive and are good source of protein, fat, crude fiber, minerals and vitamins. In addition It has a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties. It has been used for numerous indications, including labor induction, aiding digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism and health. Human and animal trials suggest possible hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of oral fenugreek seed powder. Mucilaginous fiber present in fenugreek seeds may bind bile acids to reduce cholesterol and fat absorption. The plant protein in fenugreek might exert a lipid lowering effect. Steroidal saponins, alkaloids and 4-hydroxy-isoleucine may promote glucose metabolism and inhibit absorption of cholesterol. Furthermore some chemical constituents of fenugreek may directly stimulate insulin secretion from B-cells resulting in blood sugar reduction. Its cardioprotective effects are attributed to its modulating effect on blood lipid levels and anti-oxidant properties. In a number of studies, extracts of fenugreek seeds and some of their constituents have shown anticarcinogenic potency. In addition, fenugreek was reported to have gastroprotective effect, antimicrobial activities, anticancer effect, used in treatment of arthritis, reducing weight, increasing milk production and may regulate hyperthyroidism. The aim of this chapter is to review the literatures that investigate the various therapeutic uses of fenugreek.
The effect of water stress and salinity on growth and physiology of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mil.)

Carotenoids like lycopene are important pigments found in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes in plants. They are responsible for the bright colors of fruits and vegetables and perform various functions in photosynthesis. Our research has shown that the application of moderate salt stress on tomato plants can enhance lycopene and potentially other antioxidant concentrations in fruits. The increase in lycopene in response to salt stress in the tomato fruits varied from 20% to 80%. Although the specific biological mechanisms involved in increasing fruit lycopene deposition has not been clearly elucidated, evidence suggests that increasing antioxidant concentrations is a primary physiological response of the plant to salt stress. Additionally drought stress during cultivation increased the antioxidant capacity of tomato fruit while maintaining the lycopene concentration. In addition, the effects of silicium were investigated, added to the nutrient solution either at low concentration or at an increased concentration. The present study clearly indicates that an enhanced silicium supply to tomato increases markedly the lycopene contents, irrespective of the salinity status in the tomato fruit.
Water-stress mitigation by selenium in Trifolium repens L.

This study was designed to examine whether external selenium (Se) may improve the tolerance of Trifolium repens L. to polyethylene glycol (PEG)–induced water deficit, and to determine the physiological mechanisms of the possibly enhanced tolerance. Trifolium repens seedlings were subjected to PEG-induced water deficit alone or combined with 5 μM Na2SeO4 for 24, 48, and 72 h. During the experimental period, the fresh weight (FW) of T. repens seedlings and the relative water content (RWC) of the leaves decreased gradually, and the chlorophyll concentration increased after 24 and 48 h, but decreased after 72 h. The PEG+Se-treated plants had higher FW, RWC, and chlorophyll concentration than the PEG-treated plants. Smaller amounts of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and H2O2 accumulated in PEG+Se-treated plants than in plants treated only with PEG. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased gradually during the water-deficit period, and Se application promoted SOD activity further. Catalase (CAT) activity remained unchanged after 24 and 48 h and insignificantly increased after 72 h of water deficit, whereas ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) activity increased linearly and glutathione reductase (GR) activity increased slightly over the course of treatment. Whereas the Se application exhibited no effect on the CAT activity, seedlings treated with PEG+Se had higher APOX activity during the whole experimental period and a higher GR activity after 48 and 72 h than PEG-treated plants. These results suggest that exogenous Se treatment enhanced T. repens tolerance to PEG-induced water deficit, and this enhancement was related to alleviation of lipid peroxidation and activation of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, APOX, and GR.
PREPARATION, BIODEGRADATION OF COCONUT OIL DRIVEN CHEMICALLY MODIFIED BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN MICROPARTICLES OF ENCAPSULATED CICER ARIETINUM AMYLASE AND STUDY OF THEIR APPLICATION IN WASHING DETERGENTS

In present work, Cicer arietinum amylase was encapsulated by emulsification through covalent coupling by glutaraldehyde into chemically modified bovine serum albumin. Biodegradation of coconut oil driven emulsified bovine serum albumin encapsulated Cicer arietinum amylase was carried out by the alkaline protease for its controlled and sustained release of encapsulated enzyme from prepared microparticles of encapsulated Cicer arietinum amylase and its stability increased up to 6 months as compared to free enzyme. Its biodegradation was carried out by the using different concentration of alkaline protease (5U, 10U, 15U, 20U, 25U, 30U, 35U, 40U). Further, this coconut oil driven chemically modified bovine serum albumin microparticles of encapsulated Cicer arietinum amylase with alkaline protease were used with detergents for washing of stained cloths which have rust, gel pen ink, grease and chocolate strains. These chosen strains are very commonly present on uniforms of school going children which are very tough upon drying, hence, not to be easily vanish with well known brand detergents upon in one wash. But, the mixture solution of coconut oil driven chemically modified bovine serum albumin microparticles of encapsulated Cicer arietinum amylase along with alkaline protease were used with detergents powder for washing of these dry tough strains (rust, gel pen ink, grease and chocolate strains) leads to vanishing these strains very fast with absolute clear results were found as compared to results of washing of stained cloths with detergents only.
Desempenho zootécnico e morfometria intestinal de alevinos de tilápia-do -Nilo alimentados com "Bacillus subtilis" ou mananoligossacarídeo

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a probiotic and a prebiotic on growth performance and intestinal morphometry of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experiment had lasted 70 days and it was used 144 fingerlings with initial average weight of 1.1 ± 0.2g and 4.0 ± 0.2cm total length of Chitralada lineage, acquired from a commercial fishfarm. The fish were housed in nine boxes of fiber-cement with a util volume of 200L, distributed in a completely randomized design and feed with a commercial ration, only or supplemented with probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) or prebiotics (mannan-oligosaccharides). It were used the following treatments: commercial diet only, commercial diet + probiotic; commercial diet + prebiotic. There was no difference between the values of final biomass, average weight gain, average daily weight gain, gain in total length, survival index, apparent feed conversion ratio and hepatosomatic index. There was no difference between treatments for intestinal villi number, but the fish that received treatments with the addition of probiotics or prebiotics showed greater villus height and those that received the treatment with the probiotic had even a greater thickness of the villus epithelium, compared with animals feed with ration without additives.
Some chemical composition of walnut (Juglans regia L.) selections from Eastern Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and mineral contents of eighteen walnut genotypes which were newly selected from Hizan (Bitlis) located in Eastern Anatolia. The protein, total fat, total oil (saturated and unsaturated oil) compositions and mineral contents were investigated. It was found that the average value for protein was 18.1% and for total fat was 58.2%. Saturated fatty acids composition values were less than the values of monounsaturated fatty acids composition and polyunsaturated fatty acids composition in all genotypes. Among the identified fatty acids, linoleic acid (50.58 - 66.60%) was the predominant fatty acid followed by oleic acid (14.88 - 28.71%) and linolenic acid (9.16 -16.42%) in all genotypes. The other fatty acids were found in trace contents. The minimum and maximum macronutrient contents of walnut were determined as mg100 g -1 for K (911.0 - 684.3), P (434.7 - 356.2), Ca (756.7 - 388.2), Mg (444.0 - 330.8) and Na (48.9 - 26.1) while minimum and maximum micronutrient contents of walnut were determined for Fe (6.6 - 4.3), Cu (2.8 - 1.8), Mn (5.7 - 2.7) and Zn (4.3 - 2.7). The potassium contents were found to be higher than those of the other minerals in all kernels of the walnuts.
Feeding patterns of the dominant benthic and demersal fish community in a temperate estuary

The diet and feeding relationships of the 12 most abundant benthic and demersal fish species of the Mondego Estuary, Portugal, were studied between June 2003 and May 2006. Fishes were caught during the night using a 2 m beam trawl. The stomach contents were analysed for prey identification, counting and weighing. According to prey importance in diets, three main feeding guilds were identified: (1) invertebrate feeders, (2) invertebrate and fish feeders and (3) plankton and invertebrate feeders. Besides these main feeding guilds, some fishes also presented fractions of algae and zooplankton in their stomach contents. The most abundant prey items were macroinvertebrates, with several polychaetes (Nephtys spp., Capitellidae, Spionidae and Eunicidae), Corophium spp. and Crangon crangon among the dominant prey. Pomatoschistus spp. were the most preyed on fishes. Several fish species showed a tendency for a specialized diet, but almost all also showed some degree of opportunistic feeding by preying on other food resources. High diet overlap was found between some fish species, yet exploitative competition could not be concluded.
How important are climate-induced changes in host availability for population processes in an obligate brood parasite, the European cuckoo?

In recent years, populations of long-distance migrant birds have declined markedly. Resource availability, both on breeding and wintering grounds, is likely to be important particularly since changing climates are affecting the timing and synchrony of such resources. We use novel analytical methods to examine whether large-scale population declines in the brood-parasite common cuckoo Cuculus canorus are the result of changes in the abundance or timing of breeding of its host species. We find that, due to climate-induced changes in the timing of breeding, availability of dunnock Prunella modularis nests has decreased, but that availability of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus has increased. Although there is no evidence that the timing of breeding of cuckoo has changed, these changes are likely to have had only a minimal impact on its population trend, but may explain an increase in the rate of parasitism of reed warbler nests in recent decades.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of hexane degradation in fungal and bacterial biofilters: effective diffusivity and partition aspects

Mathematical modeling in the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds is a valuable tool for performance prediction and in scaling up. Majority of the published models include parameters obtained from fitting experimental data, thus masking their real influence as they are lumped generally. The present work aims to evaluate experimentally some of the most relevant parameters including kinetic constant, partition coefficient in the biofilm, biofilm thickness, superficial area, and effective diffusivity. For the fungal biofilm, all the parameters mentioned above were obtained experimentally; and for the bacterial biofilm, the biofilm thickness and some intrinsic parameters used to obtain the first-order kinetic constant were taken from the literature. These parameters were then incorporated in a mathematical model to describe the steady-state degradation of hexane in bacterial and fungal biofilters operating under continuous mode. Experimentally, the dimensionless partition coefficients (mG) indicated th.