Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Flavaglines: Synthesis and Pharmacology

1 Therapeutic Innovation Laboratory (UMR 7200), CNRS/University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Pharmacy, 67401 Illkirch cedex, France 2 AAREC Filia Research, 1 place Paul Verlaine, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France 3 Departments of Medical Oncology, Beaujon University Hospital, INSERM U728/APHP, 92110 Clichy, France 4 Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM U981 and Department of Dermato-Oncology, 94805 Villejuif, France 5 Biotechnology and Cell Signaling Laboratory (UMR7242), CNRS/University of Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch cedex, France
The effects of odonate species abundance and diversity on parasitism by water mites (Arrenurus spp.): testing the dilution effect

Water mites (Arrenurus spp.) parasitize adult dragonflies. We collected dragonflies weekly at 11 waterbodies in Greenville Co. and Pickens Co., SC, USA, to: (1) compare parasitism prevalence across species, sites, and sampling periods; (2) test the hypothesis that prevalence correlates with host abundance; (3) test the hypothesis that prevalence is inversely related to host diversity (the “dilution effect”); and (4) test the hypothesis that prevalence and intensity vary with ecological conditions. Parasitism prevalence varied among well-sampled (N > 30) hosts; Perithemis tenera, Plathemis lydia, and Celithemis ornata had no mites, whereas prevalence exceeded 20% for Argia fumipennis, Celithemis elisa, and C. fasciata. Differences among species, however, varied across sites and through time, suggesting patchy or species-specific relationships not captured by our diffuse analysis at the generic level. Prevalence was positively correlated with species abundance and host site occupancy, as expected for generalist parasites. There was no evidence of a dilution effect: there were no significant negative relationships between prevalence and three measures of species richness (observed richness, extrapolated Sest, or CHAO2 estimated richness), considering all odonate species, parasitized species, or only species in the parasitized families Libellulidae or Coenagrionidae. Odonate communities in more pristine sites had higher mean prevalence (18.4 ± 6.0) and median intensity (4.5) than those in disturbed sites (13.1 ± 7.0; 3.0), but only intensities were marginally significantly different. Parasitism by Arrenurus spp. met the criteria for a dilution effect, but did not exhibit this effect as a diffuse community-level response.
Micronutrients’ accumulation in rice after supplemental UV-B irradiation

UV-B-mediated effects in Oryza sativa L. are studied considering micronutrients’ accumulation and the photosynthetic performance. UV-B-irradiated rice leaves showed increasing membrane permeability and an inhibition of Fe accumulation linked to an antagonistic interaction with Mn. An increasing passive Cu uptake is also pointed, whereas Zn contents are associated with a higher root acidification capacity. In UV-B-irradiated leaves, photosynthetic pigments and the rates of the light reactions decreased significantly between the 15th and 28th day after germination. In the leaves grown after UV-B exposure, the electron transport rates coupled to photosystems II and II plus I increased significantly between the 21st and 28th day, whereas the Mehler reactions increased continuously from the 21st day onward. It is concluded that during vegetative growth the nutrient status is mostly linked to the inhibition of roots’ acidification capacity, but after UV-B exposure micronutrients’ accumulation favors this genotype recovery, shielding the photosynthetic light reactions.
Are vigilance, risk from avian predators and group size consequences of habitat structure? a comparison of three species of squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii, S. boliviensis, and S. sciureus)

We compared the interactions between vigilance, risk from avian predators, and typical group size for three species of squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii, S. boliviensis, and S. sciureus). Field studies of each species in relatively undisturbed habitats provided data including behavioral interactions between avian predators and squirrel monkeys and the latter's vigilance response, habitat use, group size, population density and within-group food competition. Three hypotheses were examined. The first two identified aspects of the habitat structure exploited by squirrel monkeys and their avian predators as key parameters. (1) The overall success of avian attacks is a function of the density of understory vegetation present to hinder these birds from closely approaching individual troop members. (2) The extent of continuous canopy forest cover within habitats underlies which of two vigilance strategies are exhibited. Preemptive vigilance occurs when monkeys allocate time to visual scrutiny in a manner consistent with the intent of obtaining advance warning on the approach of an avian predator. During reactive vigilance, in contrast, monkeys are not overtly vigilant against an aerial attack until an attack or other stimulus strongly indicative of immediate risk occurs. Preemptive vigilance occurs in open habitats with little canopy, while reactive vigilance predominates when birds can make effective ambush attacks from forest canopy cover. Both hypotheses were supported. Group sizes vary significantly across the three squirrel monkey species with S. boliviensis having the largest and S. sciureus the smallest mean group size. Our third hypothesis examined the premise that group size in social animals reflects a tradeoff between predation risk (whether based on long-term observations or extrapolated from habitat structure) and within-group food competition. The power of this tradeoff mechanism to explain group-size variation was contrasted with a simpler, one parameter model, within-group food competition under an ideal free distribution. The ideal free distribution approach was consistent with the observed ranking of group sizes, whereas the tradeoff model provided mixed results. In retrospect, the weakness of the tradeoff model is not surprising. Changes in the risk incurred by individual members of a squirrel monkey troop as a consequence of variation in group size are likely of much smaller magnitude than the risk exposure resulting from local habitat structure.
Using phylogenetic diversity to identify ancient rain forest refugia and diversification zones in a biodiversity hotspot

The plight of the world's biodiversity hotspots has been paralleled by a debate over how to best prioritize or maximize gain of biodiversity for conservation. Approaches to date have focused on quantifying species, habitat, phylogenetic or other types of diversity. The importance of preserving evolutionary distinctiveness or phylogenetic diversity (PD) has gained popularity due to its ability to identify evolutionary patterns in the landscape that traditional taxon richness measures cannot. Here, we expand upon the application of PD as a biodiversity index and incorporate data on historical biogeography to understand the processes that shaped the assembly of a tropical flora.
Composição e eficiência da utilização biológica de nutrientes em fragmento de Mata Atlântica em Pernambuco.

The vast majority of research on nutrients in natural forest is concentrated in the litter. In Brazil, in Atlantic Forest, some investigations have been conducted in few locations such as Dois Irmaos Forest (PE), Tijuca Forest (RJ) and Salao Dourado Forest (MG). In the present research, the studied area was characterized as remaining of Atlantic Forest classified as slope, ombrofilous forest. The objective was to determine by a phytosociologic study the ten species of most important value (VI) and to evaluate the Ca, Mg, P, K and N nutrients contents in these species leaves, likewise to estimate leaf biomass and the efficiency of biological nutrient utilization, increasing the knowledge about Atlantic Forest residues in Brazil. After determining the ten species of most important value, the largest circumference individuals at 1.30 m from soil surface (CAP) in each specie were sampled and the leaves from the intermediate part of the trees top were collected, making a composed sample, being determined Ca, Mg, P, K and N contents. In this study, the leaf biomass was estimate in each species and, to transform this biomass in kg/ha, the leaf biomasses from the species’ individuals were added in the area. The nutrient contents in leaf biomass from the species (kg/ha) were achieved multiplying the content (g/kg) by leaf biomass (kg/ha) in each specie. The biological utilization efficiency was calculated considering the ratio between the leaf biomass and the nutrient contents from species. The leaves nutrient contents were in a decreasing order N>Ca>K>Mg>P, but in some species the K content was higher than Ca content. The leaf biomass of the ten most important value species was 3.3 t ha -1 which represented 24.5 % of the total spot leaf biomass (13.4 t ha -1 ). Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyerm & Frodin showed the most leaf entrance of Ca e Mg while Helicostylis tomentosa (Poepp. & Endl.) J.F. , Macbr. showed the best results for P, K and N in the spot. The biological utilization efficiency presented the sequence P>Mg>K>Ca>N.
The diet of the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus (Brünnich. 1782) (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Myanmar - conflicts with local people?

The diet of Pteropus giganteus from three roosts in Mandalay Region, central Myanmar was investigated for over two years by examining feeding remains in and around two villages. It consists of 24 species of fruits, six species of flowers and three of leaves. Of these, 13 species of fruits are eaten by the local people, three of which are also marketed. Two are used in traditional medicine and one for stuffing pillows. Most dietary plants are native, mangoes are seasonally superabundant and are eaten in large numbers. Interviews revealed no evidence of conflict between bats and villagers.
The Importance of marine sediment biodiversity in ecosystem processes

Sedimentary habitats cover most of the ocean bottom and therefore constitute the largest. single ecosystem on earth in spatial coverage, Although only a small fraction of the micro-, meio- and macroscopic benthic organisms that reside in and on sediments have been described and few estimates of total species numbers and biogeographic pattern have been attempted, there is sufficient information on a few species to suggest that sedimentary organisms significantly impact major ecological processes. Benthic organisms contribute to regulation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling, water column processes, pollutant distribution and fate, secondary production, and transport, and stability of sediments. Linkages between groups of organisms and the level of functional redundancy is poorly known, however, there is probably substantial redundancy within groups. There is little evidence that biodiversity per se is necessary for benthic systems to contribute to ecosystem services. but because linkages are so poorly known and predictive knowledge confined to a few species, it is not presently possible to predict exactly how species loss will impact these services and ecosystem health. Thus, a precautionary approach of "assume the worst" is advised, and every effort should be made to curtail the species and genetic diversity loss resulting from fishing, pollution, habitat destruction, introduction of non-native (exotic) species, and global warming. Concurrently, scientists must take advantage of exciting, rapidly evolving technology and a rejuvenated interest in biodiversity to provide more concrete and thorough information on benthos and ecosystem processes. [KEYWORDS: Species-diversity; sea; pollution; richness; mesocosm; samples]
Isolation and Characterization of a Thermophilic Bacterium Which Oxidizes Acetate in Syntrophic Association with a Methanogen and Which Grows Acetogenically on H2-CO2

We previously described a thermophilic (60�C), syntrophic, two-membered culture which converted acetate to methane via a two-step mechanism in which acetate was oxidized to H2 and CO2. While the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanobacterium sp. strain THF in the biculture was readily isolated, we were unable to find a substrate that was suitable for isolation of the acetate-oxidizing member of the biculture. In this study, we found that the biculture grew on ethylene glycol, and an acetate-oxidizing, rod-shaped bacterium (AOR) was isolated from the biculture by dilution into medium containing ethylene glycol as the growth substrate. When the axenic culture of the AOR was recombined with a pure culture of Methanobacterium sp. strain THF, the reconstituted biculture grew on acetate and converted it to CH4. The AOR used ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, formate, pyruvate, glycine-betaine, and H2-CO2 as growth substrates. Acetate was the major fermentation product detected from these substrates, except for 1,2-propanediol, which was converted to 1-propanol and propionate. N,N-Dimethylglycine was also formed from glycine-betaine. Acetate was formed in stoichiometric amounts during growth on H2-CO2, demonstrating that the AOR is an acetogen. This reaction, which was carried out by the pure culture of the AOR in the presence of high partial pressures of H2, was the reverse of the acetate oxidation reaction carried out by the AOR when hydrogen partial pressures were kept low by coculturing it with Methanobacterium sp. strain THF. The DNA base composition of the AOR was 47 mol% guanine plus cytosine, and no cytochromes were detected.
Extension theory and practice: a review

This paper examines strengths and limitations of four major strategies or models in agricultural extension: linear ‘top-down’ transfer of technology; participatory ‘bottom-up’ approaches; one-to-one advice or information exchange; and formal or structured education and training. The main conclusion is that no single model or strategy is likely to be sufficient by itself. Despite criticisms of linear technology transfer models, there is still a need for access to reliable scientific information, just as there is a need to provide for active participation by farmers in research and development processes. One-to-one exchange of information and advice, whether from farmer to farmer or from professional adviser to farmer (and vice versa), will continue to be important. So too will be the lifting of levels of formal education and training among farmers. New information technologies will facilitate some forms of education, training and information exchange, but will need to be supplemented by other extension strategies.
The effects of selenium, zinc and vitamin E supplementation on performance of Broiler Breeder Males

Riassunto Effetti del selenio, dello zinco e della vitamina E sulle performances riproduttive dei galli – E’ stata verificata l’influenza della aggiunta di micronutrienti sulle performances riproduttive di 100 galli Cobb 500 suddivisi, in modo random, in quattro gruppi: controllo (A), con integrazione di selenio (S), di zinco (Z), di vitamina E (E). Lo sperma, raccolto settimanalmente, è stato analizzato per la valutazione dei principali parametri di qualità. I dati ottenuti evidenziano l’influenza statisticamente significativa dei trattamenti sulla vitalità (99%) e sulla concentrazione (95%). Inoltre, dal confronto delle differenze tra i gruppi, si osservano incrementi statisticamente significativi: 1) S: al 99% per concentrazione e vitalità e al 95% per gli altri parametri; 2) E: al 95% per vitalità e concentrazione; 3) Z: nessuna differenza significativa.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Indian Marsh Fleabane (Pluchea indica (L.) Less)

Ethanolic extracts of various parts of Pluchea indica (L.) Less were analyzed for DPPH radical scavenging capacities, total phenolic contents and antibacterial activities. The results showed that fresh root extract had the most antioxidant activities (0.16  0.001 mg/mL EC50, 20.02  0.177 mg/g TEAC and 15.79  0.008 mg GAE/g total phenolic content). Antioxidative activities of most fresh samples were significantly higher than that of dry samples (P < 0.05). The low antioxidative activities of dry samples might be due to the effect of drying (60 oC for 2 days). In contrast, tea leaves extract exhibited the high antioxidant capacities (0.28  0.012 mg/mL EC50, 11.86  0.519 mg/g TEAC and 3.18  0.012 mg GAE/g total phenolic content) due to the formation of Maillard reaction products during heating at lower temperature for a shorter period (50 oC for 2 hrs). Antibacterial activities assessed by the disc diffusion method showed that all of investigated bacteria were inhibited by the extract of fresh root, fresh twig, dry stem and tea leaves, while the extract of fresh and dry flower, fresh and dry leaves, and dry root showed the less inhibition potential. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of extracts using agar microdilution and disc diffusion method showed significant inhibition activities even at 2 – 16 fold dilutions, with the most effective result in fresh root extract as low as 64 fold dilution. Tea leaves extract also had high inhibitory capacities when the concentrations were 4 - 16 fold dilution. Fresh root extract had the most excellent inhibition potential against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Salmonella typhimurium (0.16, 0.16 and 0.32 mg/mL MICs, respectively). Inhibitory activities against Escherichia coli were very low. The increase in antioxidant activities did increase antibacterial abilities.
Serpúlidos (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) del Caribe noroccidental con claves para la región del Gran Caribe: Salmacina, Ficopomatus, Pomatoceros, Pomatostegus, Protula, Pseudovermilia, Spirobranchus y Vermiliopsis

From the revision of more than 1 250 serpulids, 15 species from the Grand Caribbean Region were identified and characterized. Thirteen species were collected along the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula and eight were found in other localities in the Gulf of Mexico, seven others are from Cuba and comments on type specimens of two species are also included. Three morphometric analyses were made to evaluate some characters. The first on Pomatostegus stellatus (Abildgaard), and related species and subspecies: P. brachysoma Schmarda, P. macrosoma Schmarda, P. s. fruticosa Morch, P. s. pentapoma Morch and P. s. tetrapoma Morch, indicated that they are conspecific. Another one on Spirobranchus de Blainville species: S. dendropoma Morch, S. giganteus (Pallas), S. polycerus (Schmarda) and S. polycerus augeneri ten Hove; indicated that S. giganteus differs from the other three taxa. The third analysis was made on Vermiliopsis annulata (Schmarda) sensu lato; it allowed the recognition of three different forms. Several incomplete specimens might belong to an undescribed genus. Akey for identification of all the species recorded in the Grand Caribbean Region is also included
Hepatic Microsomal Ethanol Oxidation

Microsomes from rat liver form hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an NADPH-generating system in proportion to protein concentrations as determined by three independent methods: ferrithiocyanate, cytochrome c peroxidase, and scopoletin fluorescence. Maximal rates observed were about 15 μmol H2O2/g microsomal protein per minute. The oxygen concentration for half-maximal rates was 50 μM. It is suggested that NADPH-dependent hydrogen peroxide formation in microsomes is mainly due to NADPH oxidase; however, partial inhibition by carbon monoxide suggests that about one third arises from the autoxidation of cytochrome P-450. Similarities exist between microsomal acetaldehyde production from ethanol (i.e. the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system of Lieber and DeCarli [4]) and hydrogen peroxide formation: viz. requirement for NADPH and oxygen, identical oxygen concentrations for halfmaximal rates, and sensitivity to carbon monoxide. Microsomal acetaldehyde production in the presence of either an NADPH- or an H2O2-generating system exhibits identical characteristics as follows: (a) ethanol concentration for half-maximal rates (i.e. 12 mM); (b) dependency of maximal rates on rates of hydrogen peroxide formation; (c) competitive inhibition by peroxidatic substrates for catalase, e.g. formate (half-maximal effect: 150 μM); (d) inhibition by catalase inhibitors, e.g. azide (half-maximal effect: 50 μM), with identical azide insensitive rates; (e) diminished acetaldehyde production in microsomes from rats pretreated with aminotriazole or pyrazole with identical residual rates. Moreover, NADPH-dependent acetaldehyde production is suppressed in the presence of an active H2O2-utilizing system. Thus, it is concluded that the NADPH-dependent microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system of Lieber and DeCarli [4] is due to a hydrogen peroxide formation from NADPH and a subsequent peroxidation of ethanol by contaminating catalase. The data indicate that the existence of a unique system in addition to the peroxidatic reaction of catalase as postulated recently [4] is highly doubtful.
Odour‐baited traps influence thrips capture in proximal unbaited traps in the field

Two field experiments examined the distance over which an attractant odour of a volatile chemical could influence thrips capture in proximal traps that were without the odour. In each experiment a star‐shaped array of water traps consisted of a centre trap with or without an odour surrounded by odourless traps at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 m in eight equally spaced radial arms 45° apart. Experiments ran for 47 h (centre trap: ethyl nicotinate) or 7 h (centre trap: ethyl isonicotinate). Each had four replicates. With ethyl nicotinate, more thrips were trapped in the centre‐baited traps than in the unbaited centre traps (63×, 7×, 98× and 200× for total thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman ♀, and Thrips obscuratus Crawford ♀and ♂, respectively) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). More total thrips and T. tabaci♀ were trapped in the centre traps baited with ethyl isonicotinate than in unbaited centre traps (21× for both). For ethyl nicotinate, numbers of T. obscuratus in unbaited traps downwind from the baited centre trap declined by 50% within 0.4 m (♀) and 2 m (♂) and by 95% within 3 m (both ♀ and ♂) based on model predictions. For ethyl isonicotinate, numbers of T. tabaci in unbaited traps downwind from the baited centre trap declined by 50% within 1.3 m and by 95% within 10 m based on model predictions. Wind direction was an important factor in the degree and direction of thrips capture with the highest thrips capture downwind from the centre trap with odour. There was no increase in numbers of T. tabaci in any traps without odour in the ethyl nicotinate‐centred array. Differences in trapping patterns between thrips species and odours indicated that there were thrips species–odour specific interactions. Experiments examining differences between traps with and without a thrips attractant odour need to be designed very carefully to ensure meaningful results especially in enclosed and/or low‐wind indoor situations.