Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cretaceous mycelia preserving fungal polysaccharides: taphonomic and paleoecological potential of microorganisms preserved in fossil resins

The cortices of pieces of Cretaceous amber around the world sometimes are constituted by networks of filamentous structures. Based on their morphological characteristics, such structures have previously been classified in different microorganismal groups. The correct interpretation, however, is of great importance to establish the conditions of the resin’s burial in the forest litters, and can provide important clues regarding the ecology and environmental conditions of Cretaceous resinous forests. Because these networks of filamentous structures present typical fungal morphological features we conducted a study in order to resolve their origin. The cortices of several pieces of Cretaceous amber from Spain were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. This is the first time that Calcofluor white and wheat germ agglutinin conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate have been employed as fungal markers in amber, and their use enabled us to detect preserved polysaccharides in the filamentous structures using confocal laser scanning microscopy. These results provide the first and oldest record of s-1,3 and s-1,4-linked polysaccharides, and specifically N-acetylglucosamine residues from chitin in a fossil fungus preserved in amber, and to demonstrate that the networks of filamentous structures are mycelia composed of profuse hyphae of a resinicolous fungus. This type of mycelium constitutes one of the largest fungal fossil records known. A similar fungal colonization pattern was observed in extant kauri resin from New Zealand. Using taphonomic data, it is demonstrate that the cortices originated during the Cretaceous due to fungal growth in non-solidified resin. The fossil diagenetic degradation sequence of the fungal hyphae and the surrounding amber is described. This degradation changed the microscopic appearance of the hyphae; thus, some of the previously indicated taxonomic features of this microorganism may actually be fossil diagenetic artifacts. The paleoecological implications with regard to fungal trophic requirements and forest environmental conditions are discussed.
Evaluation of Paecilomyces lilacinus for the Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco Nursery

Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is a major commercial crop grown in light soil regions of Karnataka. Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita is a major threat to the successful production causing heavy yield and quality loss. Nematicide like carbofuran is being used against this nematode, but with limited efficacy. Extensive use of pesticides of chemical origin especially in higher doses for nematode control has to be avoided due to higher costs and associated hazards to the environment. Replicated trials were conducted with varied dosage levels of Paecilomyces lilacinus against the nematode in FCV tobacco nursery raised in root-knot nematode sick plots. Results revealed that at the time of final pulling, P. lilacinus @ 30g/m2 recorded significantly increased total healthy transplants count of 857.5/m2 and was on par with P. lilacinus @ 25g/m2 (845.1/m1. Similarly at 60 DAS, applications of P. lilacinus @ 30g/m2 and @ 25g/m2 were on par with each other in recording the significantly reduced RKI of 1.81 and 1.88 respectively. Both the treatments were also on par with combined application P. lilacinus @ 30g/m2 + Carbofuran @ 10g/m2, which recorded the significantly reduced RKI of 1.81 compared to untreated check (3.86).
Testing large‐scale conservation corridors designed for patterns and processes: comparative phylogeography of three tree species

Primary drainage basins and megaherbivore suitability underpin the design of conservation corridors aimed at preserving regional patterns and processes in the Albany Subtropical Thicket (AST) biome. We use comparative phylogeography to investigate the influences of these two features on population‐level processes (long‐distance seed dispersal) of three tree species.
Kinetic Analysis of Xylose Production from Palm Pressed Fiber by Sulfuric Acid

Palm pressed fiber (PPF) is lignocellulosic materials containing xylose and glucose. These high sugars contained in PPF can be used as a substrate for ethanol production by microorganisms. The PPF was delignified using sodium hypochlorite as a pretreatment for sugars production. By using mathematic model, 30.6 g L -1 of xylose and 2.2 g L -1 of glucose was obtained under t he optimum condition of 5 % (v.v -1 ) H 2 SO 4 at 120 oC for 30 min. At this condition, acetic acid and furfural concentrations were produced at 7.2 g L -1 and 0.9 g L -1 , respectively. Kinetic parameters were also investigated in order to predict concentrations of xylose, glucose, acetic acid and furfural in the delignified PPF hydrolysate. Yield of xylose was 85.74% of the initial xylose content.
LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF NOTOPTERUS NOTOPTERUS (PALLAS, 1769) FROM MANCHAR LAKE SINDH, PAKISTAN

Notopterus notopterus is commercially important fish and having enormous potential for its nutritive and therapeutic qualities. No attempt has yet been made to determine length-weight relationships in Pakistan. Present study describes the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for N. notopterus from Manchar Lake Sindh, Pakistan for the first time. Fish samples were collected from August 2011 to July 2013 at Manchar Lake District Jamshoro Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 309 specimens (162 males and 147 females) were collected randomly which ranged between 10-30 cm in Total Length (TL) and weight 16.5- 290 g. Length-weight relationship equation was calculated as Log W= 0.0101L3. 0069 (combined population) Log W= 0.0100L3. 0069 (male population) and Log W=0.0101 L3.0066 (female population). The relative condition factor (Kn) values ranged for combined population 0.86 -1.31 (Mean 1.0101±0.15), for male 0.87- 1.29 (Mean 1.0100 ± 0.15) and females 0.85 – 1.33 (Mean 1.0100 ±0.15). The Length-weight relationship and condition factor shows that the growth of N. notopterus is isometric and satisfactory. This is the first report on length-weight relationships and condition factor of N. notopterus from Pakistan.
The Mn/Ca and Mn/Mg ratios in bark as possible causes for the occurrence of Lobarion Lichens on conifers in the dripzone of Populus in western North America

In humid areas of western North America with low levels of air pollution, small scale distribution of epiphytic lichens in coniferous forests varies depending on the presence or the absence of intermixed Populus trees. Goward & Arsenault (2000a) found an increasing abundance of cyanolichens with decreasing distance from Populus. Cyanolichens such as Leptogium saturninum, Lobaria pulmonaria, Nephroma helium, N. helveticum, N. parile, and N. resupinatum were common epiphytes on Picea engelmannii x glauca in the vicinity of Populus. Others more rarely found were Collema furfuraceum, Lobaria hallii, L. scrobiculata, Nephroma isidiosum, Peltigera collina and Pseudocyphellaria anomala. All these lichen species belong to the Lobarion community that usually inhabits bark with a p H > 5 in unmanaged or moderately managed forest sites (Gauslaa 1985; Wolseley & James 2000). Because of these ecological requirements Lobarion lichens are usually absent from coniferous trees that tend to have acidic bark, stemfiow and throughfall, especially in areas with anthropogenic acidic deposition (Gauslaa 1995; Goward & Arsenault 20006; Hauck 2000). If a notable acidic deposition is absent, neighbouring Populus trees are apparently capable of enabling Lobarion lichens to colonize conifers by modifying chemical conditions of the site. In British Columbia, Goward & Arsenault (2000a) attributed the abundant occurrence of Lobarion lichens on Picea engelmannii x glauca to increased Ca concentrations in the bark of trees growing next to Populus. The elevated Ca concentrations were hypothesized to derive from leachates from the Populus trees; Goward & Arsenault (2000a) introduced the term 'dripzone effect' for this mechanism.
Diet of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in Marine Environments of Coastal Belize

Abstract We studied diet and size-related dietary patterns among American Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) in marine habitats of coastal Belize (1996–1997). Prey items recovered from crocodile (N = 97) stomach contents included insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Based on an overlapping group analysis of percent occurrence, we concluded that hatchlings and small juveniles feed largely on insects and crustaceans, larger juveniles broaden their diet to include fish and nonfish vertebrates, subadults consume increasing amounts of crustaceans with lesser amounts of insects and nonfish vertebrates, and adults subsist primarily on marine crustaceans. Dietary diversity was uniformly low across all size classes but greatest among small and large juveniles. Conversely, hatchlings, subadults, and adults had the most specialized (least diverse) diet owing to reliance upon a limited selection of prey, largely insects (hatchlings) or crustaceans (subadults and adults). Dietary overlap was greatest between adjacent size classes and lowest between the largest and smallest size classes. The high prevalence of freshly ingested prey among all size classes indicates frequent, regular feeding by C. acutus in coastal habitats, perhaps driven by the relatively small size of frequently consumed prey such as crabs. Because crabs have a blood salt content equivalent to the external medium and comprise a large portion of the diet, these prey likely impose a high osmoregulatory burden on C. acutus inhabiting hyperosmotic coastal environments. Contrary to earlier assertions that salt glands in C. acutus lack the excretory capacity to balance salt and water, we suggest populations in coastal Belize rely on these glands in addition to behavioral strategies to maintain osmotic homeostasis.
A temporary tunnel screen as an eco-friendly method for small-scale farmers to protect cabbage crops in Benin

Protecting vegetables with a screen in peri-urban areas of tropical countries could reduce or even prevent often indiscriminate insecticide applications by small-scale farmers. The advantages of such an approach are protection of human health by reducing insecticide sprays, reducing environmental pollution from insecticide residues and increasing effectiveness of crop protection. Tunnel screens are well adapted to farmers cultivating intensively on small plots. Two trials were conducted to test the ability of screened tunnels to protect Brassica oleracea crops. The first was carried out on-station and the second in partnership with three farmers in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa. Tunnel screens impregnated with deltamethrin were found to be particularly well adapted to protect young plants in seedling nurseries against infestations by the aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach). The number of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) and borer Hellula undalis (Fabricius) on cabbages protected with the tunnel screen was significantly lower than that of plots conventionally treated with insecticides. The tunnel screen was not efficient against the armyworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) which laid eggs on the screen. After planting out, the use of a temporary screen from 1700 to 0900h gave better control against pests than the use of a permanent screen possibly due to the impact of natural enemies during the day. The field trials showed that the protection of cabbage with a tunnel screen could be an economically viable method. The costs of pesticides are on average US$ 45 per 100 m2 for one crop cycle compared with US$ 24 per100 m2 for tunnel screen material (assuming that this material can be used for 10 consecutive crop cycles). In addition, there are environmental benefits from a reduction of pesticide use. Farmers will have to cope with the initial investment for the screen material, which is, however, very cost-effective and locally available. Tunnel screens for vegetable protection can be easily combined with other integrated pest-management techniques.
Mannose-binding lectin : The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the innate immune system

The scope of the current thesis is to obtain insight in immunological aspects of transplantation and diabetes. This thesis underscores the current concept of collaboration between the innate and adaptive immune system by showing close interactions between both immune systems. Mannose binding lectin as a major recognition molecule of the lectin pathway and as a key protein of the immune system was studied in relation to its functional characteristics. Appreciating the Jekyll-and-Hyde character of MBL and the fact that MBL serum levels and functionality are under strict genetic control, MBL was studied under distinct pathological conditions. Chapter 2 describes molecular and biological aspects of mannose binding lectin and the interaction of MBL with the adaptive immune system. Chapter 3 focuses on the involvement of MBL in autoimmunity, by studying juvenile type 1 diabetic patients at disease onset. Chapter 4 addresses the role of the liver in production of serum MBL and evaluates the effect of MBL variant alleles on the susceptibility to infection after liver transplantation. Chapter 5 focuses on the effect of the adaptive immune system on islet transplantation, a novel treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Biochemical Changes in Decomposing Leaves of Mangroves

Abstract Nylon bags containing yellow leaves of Rhizophora apiculata and Avicennia marina, were immersed for 80 days from August to October, 1996. the decomposing leaves were collected every 10 days and analysed for dry weight loss and six biochemical parameters: tannins, total amino acids, total sugars, total nitrogen, total lipids and fatty acid profile. the leaf weight initially decreased very rapidly by about 50% of the start in two species of mangroves within 10 days. Similar changes were observed with tannins, total amino acids and sugars. However, the concentration of nitrogen increased significantly with decomposition. There was no significant change in total lipid and fatty acid profile. the highest concentration of fatty acid in the decomposing leaves was palmitic acid (16:0). Unsaturated fatty acids such as, 18:1 w7c and 18:1 w9c were found to be present in decomposing leaves of both species.
The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome and Body Composition in Male Students

Background: Diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as the two major consequences of metabolic syndrome, can lead to some complications, like fatty liver disease. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on metabolic syndrome and body composition in fasting and non-fasting male students. Methods: This was an outcome research with a quasi-experimental design. A total of 29 male students were selected by convenience sampling method. Those who intended to fast were placed in one group (n=15) and other students in the non-fasting group (n=14). The serum levels of biochemical and hematological factors and atherogenic indexes were measured three days before the fasting month and after Ramadan. The obtained data were analyzed by repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: The present study results suggested that weight (79.96±5.32 vs. 79.16±5.43 kg; P=0.001), body mass index (25.03±2.33 vs. 24.78±2.36 kg/m2; P=0.001), waist circumference (104.86±4.18 vs. 101.86±5.28 cm; P=0.001), hip circumference (96.33±6.58 vs. 95.42±6.14 cm; P=0.002), waist to hip ratio (1.09±0.06 vs. 1.07±0.07 cm; P=0.008), fasting blood glucose (86.46±4.74 vs. 79.93±7.54 mg/dL; P= 0.002), insulin (12.95±6.96 vs. 9.65±4.57 mg/dL; P=0.03), insulin resistance (49.74±2.70 vs. 33.89±1.49; P=0.001), and Triglyceride (TG) levels (75.00±15.15 vs. 67.93±16.26 mg/dL; P=0.03 ) have decreased significantly at the end of fasting period. The HDL-C levels (38.66±4.09 vs. 42.46±5.19 mg/dL; P= 0.004) significantly increased in the fasting group. Conclusion: According to the obtained data, fasting led to some alternations in body composition and serum insulin, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile. Therefore, to benefit from this holy month, it is crucial for male nursing students to include nutrients in their diet during Ramadan.
Species composition and distribution of macroalgae on Atol das Rocas, Brazil, SW Atlantic

This study, performed over the years 1999-2003, analyzed the species composition, spatial distribution and ecological aspects of macroalgal assemblages on Atol das Rocas reef, located 266 km off northeastern Brazil. It is the sole atoll in the South Atlantic and is almost completely built of coralline algae. Forty-seven new occurrences of macroalgae were recorded. Adding these to the previous studies, 143 taxa are now known for the local marine flora, with the Rhodophyta as the dominant group. New finds were mainly on the fore reef and in reef pools. The inner habitats (the reef flat, inter- nal ridge and inner pools) harbored fewer macroalgal species than the outer habitats (the reef front, reef crest crevices and outer pools). Inner habitats are subject to prolonged desic- cation and solar irradiation stress together with abrupt changes in temperature and salinity controlled by the water oscillations of the mesotidal regime within the atoll; the outer habitats are less affected by these short temporal impacts and are mainly governed by oceanic forcing. Atol das Rocas har- bors some species unknown in other Brazilian waters, but these are common in Caribbean reef waters.
Intratree Variation in the Seasonal Distribution and Mortality of Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the Peak to Collapse of an Outbreak

ABSTRACT A 5-yr ﬁeld study was carried out to assess intratree variations in the distribution, abundance, and mortality of immature spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the peak to collapse of an outbreak. In most years, the highest density of overwintering second-instar (L2) larvae (per square meter of foliage) was located in the lower crown, whereas all subsequent stages (third- to sixth-instar larvae, pupae, and eggs) were at relatively higher densities in the upper crown. In contrast, overall abundance (per branch) throughout the season tended to be highest in the mid-upper to mid-lower crown. Mortality associated with 16 different parasitoid species varied signiﬁcantly among years but varied among crown levels for only a few species. In particular, Apanteles fumiferanae (Viereck), Glypta fumiferanae (Viereck), Smidtia fumiferanae (Tothill), and Trichogramma minutum (Riley) all caused higher mortality in the upper crown of trees. Although infection associated with Nosema fumiferanae (Thomson) and mortality associated with fungal and viral pathogens often varied among crown levels, there was no clear or consistent trend from year to year. In general, trends in spruce budworm density and mortality within the crown were similar throughout all years of our study, despite signiﬁcant variations in herbivore density, foliage availability, and parasitoid and pathogen impact. Our study indicates that intratree patterns of spruce budworm distribution and mortality are likely to remain consistent during an outbreak and further emphasizes the importance of intratree heterogeneity in shaping interactions within plant-herbivore-parasitoid communities.
Fluctuation of Protandry in Eclosion of Anthocharis scolymus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae): Can Males Eclose Optimally Under Evolutionary Equilibrium?

To elucidate the adaptive significance of protandry (males eclosing earlier than females), the eclosion patterns of males and females in a population of the univoltine pierid butterfly Anthocharis scolymus (Butler) were studied by a mark-release-recapture method over 6 yr. We tested whether the findings could be explained by the evolutionarily stable strategy model for optimal male eclosion. Protandry occurred every year and the average protandry for the 6-yr period was not significantly different from the protandry predicted by the model. However, male eclosion patterns fluctuated from year to year; although the male eclosion patterns for 3 yr indicated a fairly close fit to the optimal eclosion predicted by the model, those for the remaining 3 yr were significantly earlier than the model predicted. We discuss the factors that may have caused male eclosion earlier than the prediction of the model.
Genetic risk factors for depression in Alzheimer`s disease patients.

OBJECTIVE Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is often associated with depressive symptoms developing at any time before and after AD onset. The aetiology of depression in AD has not sufficiently been characterized, but biological aspects due to neurodegeneration and/ or genetic risk factors may play a plausible role and may distinguish it from common depressive disorders. METHOD To investigate the possible relationship between genetic risk factors and depression in AD, we assessed genetic polymorphisms reported to be associated with depression (MAOA VNTR, ACE 288bp Insertion/ Deletion, 5HTTLPR, COMT Val158Met, BDNF Val66Met, TPH1 A218C, HTR2A T102C, P2RX7 Q460R, FKBP5 rs1360780 and CRHR1 rs242941) in a cross-sectional study on 246 AD patients with or without clinically significant major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-IV. RESULTS Significant associations between AD and MDD have been found for three polymorphisms mainly in females (TPH1 A218C, MAOA VNTR and BDNF Val66Met) and one polymorphism in the total population only (FKBP5 rs1360780). There was an increased risk of having MDD in homozygous female carriers of the TPH1 A-allele (odds ratio: 4.35) and homozygous carriers of the MAOA VNTR low activity allele 3R (odds ratio: 3.37). CONCLUSION We detected allelic or genotypic associations of MAOA, TPH1, FKBP5 and BDNF in clinically significant MDD in AD. Odds-ratios were generally higher in female AD-patients, which might be due to the composition of the study population. Further studies on the neurotransmitter systems affected by the genetic polymorphisms found to be associated with MDD in AD may help to elucidate the underlying pathomechanisms of MDD.
Phylogeny of the Prolecithophora (Platyhelminthes) Inferred from 18S rDNA Sequences

Complete nuclear 18S rDNA sequences from 14 species of the Prolecithophora were obtained and used, in combination with literature data, to generate the first parsimony‐based hypothesis of the phylogeny of the order Prolecithophora (Platyhelminthes). Bootstrap, parsimony jack‐knife, and Bremer support values were computed and compared. The monophyly of the Prolecithophora sensu stricto and the family Plagiostomidae is strongly supported. The taxa Separata, Combinata, and Plagiostomum are shown to be nonmonophyletic. Cylindrostomidae and Ulianinidae are transferred to Pseudostomidae. The Urastomidae is not part of the Prolecithophora.