Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of a new marine sand-dwelling dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium quadrilobatum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) with special reference to its endosymbiotic alga

A new sand-dwelling dinoflagellate, Gymnodium quadrilobatum sp. nov., is described from the south coast of Natal, South Africa. The organism contains 20–30 chloroplasts, which are peripherally arranged, and a conspicuous eyespot. The motile cell is directly transformed into a non-motile cell and cell division is restricted to the non-motile phase. The motile cell has a typical gymnodinioid organisation, while the non-motile cell possesses a thick cell wall and develops the characteristic cell shape, which is reminiscent of a four-leaved clover. The chloroplasts of G. quadrilobatum belong to an endosymbiotic alga the cytoplasm of which is separated from the host (dinoflagellate) cytoplasm by a single unit membrane. Other organelles contained in the endosymbiont cytoplasm are the nucleus, ribosomes and mitochondria. The endosymbiont is thought to be a chromophyte alga. The eyespot is bounded by a triple membrane and is situated in the host cytoplasm. On the basis of the similarities in the ultrastructure of.
Evolution of Catechins and Oligomeric Procyanidins during Grape Maturation of Castelão Francês and Touriga Francesa

Quantitative changes in oligomeric procyanidins [dimeric procyanidins (B1, B2, B3, B4), galloylated dimeric (B1-3-0-gallate, B2-3-0-gallate, and B2-3’-0-gallate), trimeric procyanidins (C1, T2)] and monomers [(+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin] in seeds, stems, and skins of maturing Castelao Frances and Touriga Francesa ( Vitis vinifera L.) grapes were measured using reversed-phase high-perfomance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For skins, only dimeric procyanidins (B1, B3, and B4) were detected during maturation. The level of oligomeric procyanidins from seeds, stems, and skins in both grape cultivars studied decreased during ripening, mainly in the first stages of maturation. (+)-Catechin and (-)-epicatechin from seeds in both grape varieties increased during the first stages of ripening, followed by a strong decrease and stabilization. Procyanidins B4 and B2 were the most abundant individual oligomeric procyanidins from seeds in Castelao Frances and Touriga Francesa, respectively, during maturation, while in the case of stems and skins, B1 was the principal oligomeric procyanidin in both grapes cultivars studied.
Comparative phylogeography and species boundaries in Echinolittorina snails in the central Indo‐West Pacific

Aim This study aimed to test monophyly and geographical boundaries in five marine intertidal snail species from the central Indo‐West Pacific. We tested the prediction that phylogenetic breaks between the Indian and Pacific Ocean basins should be more pronounced in continental than oceanic settings, and sought common geographical patterns of interspecific boundaries and intraspecific phylogenetic breaks in the region.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of a pigment–protein complex from Chlorella vulgaris on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in vivo

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of pigments in the natural form of a pigment–protein complex were investigated. Pigment–protein complex (PPC) was isolated from Chlorella vulgaris through thylakoid protein solubilization, anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. PPC possessed a chlorophyll:lutein:protein ratio of 94:153:100 (w/w/w) according to HPLC and spectrophotometric analysis. Various antioxidant evaluation systems were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of PPC in vitro. Results showed that PPC exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 313 μg mL−1. Distinct Fe2+ ion chelating activity, reducing capacity and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity were observed at a concentration of 1 mg mL−1. For the hepatoprotective effects, administration of PPC at different concentrations (50 and 100 mg kg−1 BW) could significantly decrease the carbon tetrachloride-induced elevation of the hepatosomatic index. Increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were attenuated with PPC pretreatment. In addition, PPC effectively restored suppressed hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Moreover, PPC significantly reduced the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). The results obtained from this study clearly verified the hepatoprotective effect of PPC in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo, suggesting that PPC has the potential to be exploited as a dietary supplement against free radical oxidation which could enhance resistivity against oxidative stress in the human body.
Effect of Ginkgo biloba on the labeling of blood elements with technetium-99m: in vitro study

Ginkgo biloba is the phytoterapic most used in popular medicine in the treatment of cerebral senescence. Red blood cells (RBC) labeled with technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is used for several evaluations in nuclear medicine. This labeling depends on a reducing agent, usually the stannous ion. Any drug, which alters the labeling of the tracer, could be expected to modify the disposition of the radiopharmaceutical. We have evaluated the influence of the Ginkgo biloba extract on the labeling of RBC and plasma proteins with Tc-99m. Blood was withdrawn and incubated with Ginkgo biloba extract (0; 0.004; 0.04; 0.4; 4; 20 and 40 mg/ml). Stannous chloride (1.2 ml/ml) was added and, then, Tc-99m was added. Plasma (P) and blood cells (RBC) were isolated, also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and soluble (SF) and insoluble fractions (IF) separated. The analysis of the results shows that there is a decrease in the radioactivity (from 97.7 ± 0.7 to 49.5 ± 3.9%) in RBC with the drug (4 mg/ml). In the labeling process of RBC with Tc-99m, the stannous and pertechnetate ions pass though the membrane, so, we suggest that the Ginkgo biloba effect can be explained by (i) an inhibition of the transport of these ions, (ii) damage in membrane, (iii) competition with the cited ions for the same binding sites, or (iv) possible generation of reactive oxygen species that could oxidize the stannous ion.
Ionotropic and metabotropic signalling in neuronal development and differentiation

This thesis investigates ionotropic and metabotropic signalling mechanisms in developing neurons from human embryonic stem cell and primary sources. Focus is placed on the measurement of functional activity using primarily whole-cell patchclamp and Ca2+ imaging techniques These signalling mechanisms were investigated in undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells, hESC-derived neurons, fetal primary human neurons and neonatal primary mouse neurons. The results of this research are separated into three chapters. Preliminary work carried out on iPSC-derived neurons is also included as an indication of future direction Chapter 3: P2 Receptors in hESCs Purinergic signalling was shown to be active in undifferentiated hESC populations. Specifically, the activity of P2Y1 receptors was confirmed pharmacologically. This is a novel observation and indicates a mechanism for physiologically relevant signalling molecules to modify [Ca2+]i Chapter 4: Functional Characterisation of hESC-Derived and Primary Neurons Functional characteristics associated with neuronal development were measured in human embryonic stem cells during terminal neuronal differentiation in a chemically-defined medium. The presence and activity of voltage-gated Na+, K+ and Ca2+ channels were recorded, alongside data on neuronal excitability (Vm, iAP induction and threshold and spontaneous electrical activity). These data were also recorded in fetal hWGE- and neonatal mWGE-derived neurons for comparison. hESC-derived neurons were shown to be functionally more similar to fetal hWGEneurons suggesting an immature neuronal phenotype Chapter 5: GABAergic Signalling in hESC-Derived and Primary Neurons GABAergic signalling in hESC-, mWGE- and hWGE-derived neuronal populations was investigated. Focus was placed on hWGE-derived neurons and the developmental state of GABAergic responses. In fetal hWGE-derived neurons, a percentage of cells displayed an ‘inhibitory’ response to GABAAR activation. This is a novel observation with implications in human neuronal development. In vitro modulation of GABAergic signalling was also shown, providing potential tools for future research into this phenomenon Chapter 6: Future Developments and General Discussion iPSC-derived neuronal populations were shown to display basic neuronal functional properties. This work will form the basis of future studies on these cells
Detection and correlates of Chlamydophila pneumoniae among children with acute respiratory infections

Abstract Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Information on etiological agents of ARI in developing countries is still limited. This study conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, was designed to determine the prevalence of several microorganisms in 113 children hospitalized with ARI. Overall, 65 agents were identified; 58 (51.3%) individuals were found to be positive for at least one pathogen, and seven of them were also positive for two agents. Chlamydophila pneumoniae was the most commonly detected agent (n = 32; 28.3%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial and influenza. Positivity for C. pneumoniae, which was the most commonly detected agent, was associated with male sex and with mild disease of the upper respiratory tract.
FEED RESOURCES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS:THE CASE OF UMBULO WHACO WATERSHED IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

A study was conducted to assess the prevailing feed resources and feeding management systems in Umbulo Wacho watershed, southern Ethiopia. The data used in the current study were obtained through individual interviews conducted on 85 randomly selected livestock owners, group discussions with key informants and from secondary sources. In the study area, livestock provide draught power, milk, meat and manure. Cattle were the dominant livestock species and cows comprised 36% of the total number of cattle. The average landholding per household was 0.7 ha, of which 0.1 ha was reported as grazing land. Communal and private grazing lands were gradually shrinking due to the expansion of crop production. This led to the growing practice of tethering and stall-feeding. The annual feed DM yield was only two-third of the DM requirement for livestock kept in the area. Natural pasture, crop residues, crop stubbles, enset by-products and sugarcane top were among the main feed resources. Crop residues were found to be major feed resources for the livestock in the study area, particularly during the dry season in which the biomass of the natural grazing lands is very minimal. Enhancing the quantity and quality of crop-residues will, therefore, be expected to bring about a positive impact on livestock production.
Cooperation of Three Denitrifying Bacteria in Nitrate Removal of Acidic Nitrate- and Uranium-Contaminated Groundwater

In uranium-contaminated aquifers co-contaminated with nitrate, denitrifiers play a critical role in bioremediation. Six strains of denitrifying bacteria belonging to Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, and Castellaniella were isolated from the Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Challenge Site (OR-IFRC), where biostimulation of acidic (pH 3.5–6.5), nitrate-contaminated (up to 140 mM) groundwater occurred. Three isolates were characterized in regards to nitrite tolerance, denitrification kinetic parameters, and growth on different denitrification intermediates. Kinetic and growth experiments showed that Pseudomonas str. GN33#1 reduced NO− 3 most rapidly (Vmax = 15.8 μmol e−·min−1·mg protein−1) and had the fastest generation time (gt) on NO− 3 (2.6 h). Castellaniella str. 4.5A2 was the most low pH and NO− 2 tolerant and grew rapidly on NO− 2 (gt = 4.0 h). Rhizobium str. GN32#2 was also tolerant of low pH values and reduced NO− 2 rapidly (Vmax = 10.6 μmol e−·min−1·mg protein−1) but was far less NO− 2 tolerant than Castellaniella str. 4.5A2. Growth of and denitrification by these three strains incubated together and individually were measured in OR-IFRC groundwater at pHs 5 and 7 to determine whether they cooperate or compete during denitrification. Mixed assemblages reduced NO− 3 more rapidly and more completely than any individual isolate over the course of the experiment. The results described in this article demonstrate 1) that this synthetic assemblage comprised of three physiologically distinct denitrifying bacterial isolates cooperate to achieve more complete levels of denitrification and 2) the importance of pH- and nitrite-tolerant bacteria such as Castellaniella str. 4.5A2 in minimizing NO− 2 accumulation in high-NO− 3 groundwater during bioremediation. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Geomicrobiology Journal to view the free supplemental files.
The effect of seed size, seed treatment, seeding date and depth on Rhizoctonia seedling blight of canola

Hwang, S. F. , Ahmed, H. U. , Turnbull, G. D. , Gossen, B. D. and Strelkov, S. E. 2014. The effect of seed size, seed treatment, seeding date and depth on Rhizoctonia seedling blight of canola. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 311-321. Rhizoctonia solani can have a substantial impact on seedling establishment and productivity of canola (Brassica napus). The effects of seeding date, seeding depth, seed size, and seed treatment on seedling blight of canola were evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions. Early seeding resulted in higher seedling emergence in one trial year and higher seed yield in all trial years relative to a late-seeded treatment. Mid-sized seed (range 0.7-2.0 mm diam.) had greater seedling emergence in R. solani-inoculated growth medium in a greenhouse trial and higher seed yield in one of two field trials compared with smaller seed (<0.7 mm). In the greenhouse study, sowing of large seed resulted in greater plant height and shoot weight compared with sowing of smaller seed. The effect of seeding depth was significant only on shoot dry weight, which increased at a seeding depth of 2.6 cm. Seed treatment with Helix Xtra (thiamethoxam+difenconazole+metalaxyl+fludioxonil), and Prosper FX (clothianidin+carboxin+trifloxystrobin+metalaxyl) resulted in a significant increase in seedling emergence and yield compared with the inoculated control. These results indicate that fungicidal seed treatment can minimize the impact of R. solani on canola.
MORPHOLOGY AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF CAULERPA (CHLOROPHYTA) IN RELATION TO GROWTH FORM

Morphological and photosynthetic performance were analyzed in species of the genus Caulerpa from an exposed coral reef and a sheltered reef lagoon. Morphological characters, such as distance between modules, number of modules, stolon branches and rhizoid clusters per centimeter of stolon, indicated a uniformity among species within a specific habitat. “Guerilla,” or diffusive, growth forms were characteristic for lagoon species and “phalanx,” or compact, growth forms for reef species. Differences in photosynthesis were found between Caulerpa species. Sun‐tolerant species were found on the reef, and both sun‐ and shade‐tolerant species were present in the lagoon. In the lagoon, shade‐tolerant species, such as C. lanuginosa J. Agardh, were found growing in the understory, and sun‐tolerant species, such as C. paspaloides (Bory) Greville, formed the canopy. C. cupressoides (West in Vahl) C. Agardh was the only species found in both environments; it showed higher photosynthetic rates and a compressed morphology when growing on the reef and lower photosynthetic rates and expanded morphology for lagoonal ramets. These results suggest that C. cupressoides possesses a broad phenotypic ability to acclimate to lagoonal and reef settings in comparison to other Caulerpa species, enhancing its ecological success in this particular system.
Bioactivity of Five Essential Oils Against Bruchidius incarnatus (Bohemann, 1833)

In the world, the faba bean beetle Bruchidius incarnatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is an important insect-pest, especially on faba bean Vicia faba (Leguminosae) and it can infest field crops and cause severe damage in storage. Essential oils can be an alternative method to synthetic insecticides for pest management, due to their efficiency and environmental safety. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxicity and repellent activity of essential oils of camphor (Eucalyptus globules), castor (Ricinus communis), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and mustard (Brassica rapa) against B. incarnatus adults. The treatments which contained essential oils at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4% and acetone (control) were applied. All essential oils with 4% concentration repelled the B. incarnatus adult except castor oil. The percentage of repellence was higher when used essential oil of cinnamon with 2 and 4% concentration compared with other essential oils and concentrations. In residual film experiment, the cinnamon oil had the highest toxicity rate on B. incarnatus adult fallowed by clove, camphor, mustard and the lowest effect was by castor oil. Based on our results, I can conclude that essential oils of camphor, cinnamon, clove and mustard have potential for use in the integrated management of B. incarnatus adult.
Chemical composition of some Iberian Mediterranean leguminous shrubs potentially useful for forage in seasonally dry areas

Abstract The chemical composition of herbage produced by legume shrubs was determined to appraise their potential value for forage. Six species were assessed for seasonal variation in the proportion of leaves, and ash content, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and crude protein (CP) concentrations. Hippocrepis balearica, Medicago citrina, Medicago strasseri, and Medicago arborea showed an average ADF content 18%. The chemical composition of Medicago strasseri was very close to that of Medicago arborea throughout the year. In winter and summer, Medicago citrina showed lower ADF and ADL content than Medicago arborea. Therefore, Medicago citrina could be useful as a summer or a winter forage. Hippocrepis balearica showed higher crude protein content in summer and lower ADF content in winter than Medicago arborea, but significantly higher ADL contents (9.7% to 12.5% versus 7.1% to 9.4%). Therefore, Hippocrepis bal.
Northern Spotted Owls: Influence of Prey Base‐‐A Comment

Conflicts between the needs of the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and the maintenance of a timber-based economy in the Pacific Northwest have motivated research on the habitat and area requirements of the owl. The Northern Spotted Owl has been studied extensively throughout its range and consistently has been found to select older forest stands for foraging, roosting, and nesting (reviewed in Thomas et al. [1990]). At least six hypotheses have been proposed to account for selection of older forests by Spotted Owls (Forsman et al. 1977, 1982, 1984, Carey et al. 1990, 1992, Rosenberg and Anthony 1992). Two of these relate to their prey. The prey hypotheses suggest that prey are more available to Spotted Owls by either or both of two mechanisms: (1) prey are simply more abundant in older forests (prey abundance hypothesis), and (2) prey are more efficiently hunted in older forests because of an increase in the ability of owls to forage through more open understory structure (prey availability hypothesis). Carey et al. (1992) recently reported on associations between Spotted Owls and their prey in Oregon and Washington. They concluded that the abundance of prey across a landscape determined the carrying capacity for Spotted Owls and that within-landscape features such as stand age and forest fragmentation affected the abundance and demographic characteristics of prey. Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and dusky-footed and bushy-tailed woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes and N. cinerea, respectively) are the most common prey of the Northern Spotted Owl throughout its range, constituting the majority of the biomass consumed by owls (Forsman et al. 1984). Carey et al. (1992) concluded that northern flying squirrels were more abundant in older forests, populations were more
VECTOR MOSQUITO DIVERSITY AND HABITAT VARIATION IN A SEMI URBANIZED AREA OF KELANIYA IN SRI LANKA

Mosquito larval sampling was performed at 30 locations, maintaining a distance of at least 200 m radius between two locations in a semi-urban area of the city of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. The analysis of similarity test identified the abandoned rice field mud flats as the habitat type revealing the highest diversity of Culex mosquito species, showing the presence C. quinquefasciatus , C. bitaeniorhynchus , C. gelidus and C. whitmorei and one Armigeres species. Culex gelidus and C. whitmorei were restricted to such habitats occupied with live vegetation with high water conductivity and turbidity. Blocked drains were associated with a significantly higher occurrence of C. quinquefasciatus when compared with C. bitaeniorhynchus or Armigeres spp. This study revealed that water quality requirements of the habitat of the culicine mosquito larvae varied among the species. The larval habitats of C. quinquefasciatus were characterized by low dissolved oxygen and high biological oxygen demand compared with those of the other culicine mosquitoes. Such habitats were associated with tubificid worms (Annelida) and chironomid larvae (Diptera). C. quinquefasciatus larval survival rapidly declined at pH level of 9.4.
Morphological diversification of Paleozoic crinoids

Several metrics, including average difference among species, range of occupied morphological space, and number of character-state combinations, are used to investigate morphological diversification in Paleozoic crinoids. Despite several phases of taxonomic diversification, the maximal level of disparity reached in the Ordovician remained essentially unsurpassed. Although new regions in morphological space were occupied after the Devonian, these were not as extensive as those that had been evacuated prior to the Carboniferous. This discordance between extensive total morphological change and limited net change further supports previous arguments for the importance of morphological constraints in crinoid evolution. Major changes in the occupation of morphological space correspond with changes in taxonomic diversity within certain higher taxa. The extent to which advanced cladids (Poteriocrinina) appear to expand into new morphological space is exaggerated by the large number of very similar species in this group. If fewer species are sampled, by considering only those forms that differ from each other by at least some prescribed amount, poteriocrines appear to be less extreme morphologically. In contrast, other groups that seem to occupy unique regions in morphological space continue to do so even if fewer of them are sampled. Major crinoid clades—Camerata and Cladida+Flexibilia—do not show the same evolutionary pattern as Crinoidea, but instead exhibit a more gradual diversification of morphology. This observation provides additional support for the existence of qualitative differences among taxa of different rank.