Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A two-season impact study on Globularia alypum: adaptive leaf structures and secondary metabolite variations

Abstract A detailed histo-anatomical and phytochemical study on Globularia alypum was carried out to investigate season-induced plant responses related to leaf morphology and content of secondary metabolites (SMs). Leaf tissue analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy showed neither morphological nor significant anatomical adaptions/variations to the coldest and the hottest seasons. Both summer and winter leaf tissue resulted amphistomatic with compact mesophyll and capitate glandular trichomes. Epidermal and mesophyll cells showed a significant accumulation of osmiophilic compounds, further characterized as phenolics by the histochemical screening. Beside the morpho-anatomical similarities in tissue arrangement, SMs production, within and among the different natural product classes, resulted seasonally dependent. In total, 24 SMs belonging to iridoids, flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides were tentatively assigned by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. Among iridoids, (E)-globularicisin showed to be the prevalent constituent, with content up to 70%. Total iridoid production was increased by 48.1% during summer. Similarly, flavonoid anabolism was more active during the same period, although with less remarkable seasonal variation reaching 25.6%. In contrast to the overall higher production of iridoids and flavonoids, a drastic fall (33.5%) of phenylethanoids was observed during summer.
Why resource history matters: age and oviposition history affect oviposition behaviour in exploiters of a mutualism

1. Acceptance of hosts for oviposition is often hardwired in short‐lived insects, but can be dynamic at the individual level due to variation in physiological state determinants such as ageing and prior oviposition. However, the effect of the oviposition history of resources together with time taken to accept less preferred hosts in ageing insects has rarely been investigated.
Reducing crude protein content with supplementation of synthetic lysine and threonine in barley - rapeseed meal - pea diets for growing pigs

This study was conducted to determine the possibility to use synthetic amino acids to lower the nitrogen output from pig production. A performance experiment was carried out with 120triplet-fed growingpigs whose dietary crude protein was reduced from 179 g/feed unit (FU= 0.7 kg starch equivalent) to 160, 140and 122 g/FU, respectively. The diets were supplemented with synthetic lysine and threonine to keep the level of these amino acids constant. Dietary protein reduction did not affect the growth performance or feed conversion ratio of the pigs, but it did linearly increase the portion of fat to lean in the carcass. Significant linear effect was found in back fat (p<0.00l) and side fat thickness (pcO.Ol) and in the proportion of lean in valuable cuts and in whole carcass (p<0.05). However, the change in carcass composition was negligible down to a crude protein level of 140 g/FU. It may, therefore, be concluded that the crude protein content of the diet can be reduced by up to 20% by balancing the dietary protein with synthetic lysine and threonine.
A novel approach to time-slicing areas within biogeographic-area classifications: Wallacea as an example

Abstract. Time-slicing of areas is a novel biogeographic method that helps resolve conflicting area relationships and assess temporal overlap as an explanation for the conflict. The method differs from others currently popular in biogeography in that it does not date nodes before analysis (e.g. divergence dating) to infer area relationships and classification. Here, time-slicing is used as a proof of concept approach to interpret the inter-relationships of Neogene and Palaeogene biotic areas of Wallacea, a well-studied area of biogeographic overlap between South-East Asia and Australasia. We used 18 Palaeogene and 25 Neogene areas within Wallacea, represented in 28 areagrams from 25 published phylogenetic hypotheses. Areas were delimited using palaeogeographical reconstructions and biotic distribution data. Paralogy-free subtree and transparent methods of analysis were used to find a general area cladogram (GA), which was then compared with palaeogeographical reconstructions. Palaeogene areas formed clades different from those of Neogene areas. Area relationships correlated strongly with palaeogeographical reconstructions of the Neogene and the Palaeogene. The new approach demonstrated that Palaeogene and Neogene areas have distinct biogeographic histories. Wallacea is a temporal, as well as a geographic, composite that lies between two inferred barriers of distribution, namely the Palaeogene Wallace’s line and the Neogene Weber’s line.
Citric Acid Production Potential of Aspergillus niger Using Chrysophyllum albidum Peel

The production of citric acid using Chrysophyllum albidum an indigenous under-utilized fruit waste peel and genetically characterized strains of Aspergillus niger was carried out. The Chrysophyllum albidum peel was dried, sieved to remove dirt, dry milled and the powder used as substrate for citric acid production. Thirteen fungal isolates were obtained from soil samples and decayed agricultural waste by spread plate technique and screened for citric acid producing capabilities on Czapek dox agar. Citric acid producing capability of the isolates revealed a wide yellow zone around the inoculated colonies. Two (F1 and F3) out of the thirteen isolates exhibited positive reactions and were identified based on their cultural, morphological and molecular characteristics. The fungal species were identified using PCR as Aspergillus niger DTO: 133-E8 and Aspergillus niger DTO: 131-H5. Their cultural/growth optimal conditions were determined through Solid State Fermentation of the substrate using two species of the test organism. The effects of fermentation period examined revealed, Aspergillus niger DTO: 133-E8 which produced the highest amount of citric acid 15.7 ± 0.08 g/l, lower reducing sugar and final pH of 2.1 and 121.5 ± 0.31 g/l respectively after 192 h of growth at 30°C. Aspergillus niger DTO: 131-H5 showed highest amount of citric acid 10.2 ± 0.22 g/l, lower reducing sugar and final pH of 2.4 and 128.5 ± 0.15 g/l respectively after 192 h of growth at 30°C. Maximum concentration of citric acid ranging between 16.3 ± 0.30 g/l and 12.6 ± 0.11 g/l with reducing sugar 125.4 ± 0.11 g/l and 127.2 ± 0.03 g/l was achieved at an initial pH of 5.5. Methanol was used to stimulate citric acid production (0% - 3% (v/v)) and was found to be effective at 2% (v/v) level with 21.2 ± 0.20 g/l of citric acid produced with residual sucrose concentration of 129.5 ± 0.44 g/l. The effect of trace element on citric acid production showed that Cu2+ and Fe2+ stimulated citric acid production; while other ions reduced citric acid production. There was a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the citric acid produced with the various parameters investigated in this research. From the study, it has been found that Chrysophlum albidum is suitable for the cultivation of Aspergillus niger and has great potential for citric acid production and could be exploited to promote certain industrial applications of underutilized fruits in Nigeria. This can be an application of waste to wealth as well as a way of minimizing agro-based environmental pollution for a cleaner environment.
Land‐use intensity indirectly affects ecosystem services mainly through plant functional identity in a temperate forest

1CONICET, Argentina; 2Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro Sede Andina, Mendoza, Argentina; 3Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de Zonas Áridas, Mendoza, Argentina; 4Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina; 5Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany and 6Department of Natural Resource Sciences and McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
Planting spacing affects canopy structure, biomass production and stem roundness in poplar plantations

ABSTRACT To improve the productivity and wood quality of poplar plantations, effects of four planting spacing on canopy characteristics, biomass production and stem roundness in poplar plantations were evaluated over 8 years. Planting spacing influenced canopy characteristics of the plantations, and further affected the understory vegetation and plantation productivity. Understory vegetation biomass and Shannon-Wiener index were negatively correlated with leaf area index, but both diversity indexes and aboveground biomass of understory vegetation were higher in stands with a wider spacing. Tree diameter growth increased with increasing planting spacing, while the increment in plantations of square configurations (5 × 5 m and 6 × 6 m) was higher than those with rectangular configurations (3 × 8 m, 4.5 × 8 m). The highest poplar biomass production was achieved in the plantation with 5 × 5 m spacing at age 8. Moreover, poplar trees showed a tendency with better stem roundness in a square configuration. The results suggest that planting spacing not only affect canopy characteristics, understory vegetation and tree growth but also wood quality, and square configurations (5 × 5 m and 6 × 6 m) could be a better option for poplar plywood timber production at similar sites.
Comprehensive Cell Type Specific Transcriptomics of the Human Kidney

The human kidney is a complex organ composed of specialized cell types. To better define this cellular complexity, we profiled the individual transcriptomes of 22,469 normal human kidney cells, identifying 27 cell types. We describe three distinct endothelial cell populations, a novel subset of intercalated cells, interstitial macrophage and dendritic cells, and identify numerous novel cell-type-specific markers, many validated using imaging mass cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Receptor-ligand analysis revealed previously unknown intercalated-endothelial and intercalated-distal nephron interactions, suggesting a role in maintenance of vascular integrity and intercalated cell survival. Notably, kidney disease-associated genes were largely expressed in proximal tubules, podocytes, endothelial and myeloid cells, highlighting an underappreciated role for endothelial cells in kidney pathologies. Our analysis also provides a resource of cell type enriched markers, solute carriers, channels and lncRNAs. In summary, this cell-type-specific transcriptome resource provides the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of kidney function and dysfunction at single cell resolution.
Who will become dominant? Investigating the roles of individual behaviour, body size, and environmental predictability in brown trout fry hierarchies

Abstract This paper presents a study investigating performance of brown trout fry, with different behavioural characteristics, in environments differing in food predictability. Based on previous experimental findings, we hypothesised that more active individuals would be favoured by a predictable environment, as compared to an unpredictable environment, as a consequence of being more aggressive and likely to dominate the best feeding stations. This hypothesis was not supported, as more active individuals instead tended to perform better, in terms of growth and survival, in unpredictable environments. However, this effect may stem from initial size differences, as more active fish also tended to be larger. In predictable environments, no trends between activity (or size) and performance were detected. Dominant individuals could be identified based on lighter body colouration in 9 out of 10 rearing tanks, but dominance appeared not to be related to activity score. The results highlight a potential advantage of more active and/or larger fry in unpredictable environments, while performance in predictable environments is likely depending on other phenotypic characteristics. Our general experimental approach can be useful for further developments in the investigation of performance of different ethotypes of brown trout fry.
Effect of Hydrolysis on Allergenicity and Sensory Quality of Whey Protein Concentrate

The modification of cow‟s milk for this purpose is accomplished by the addition of whey and whey proteins such as βlactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin or others become frequent allergens (Jost et al., 1987). The incidence of food induced allergic disease in children has been estimated to be between 0.37. 5 %. Immunologic mechanisms particularly lgE antibodies are responsible for the development of these food allergies in infancy and childhood (Harris et al., 1989; Robert and Zeiger, 1990). Cow‟s milk allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to bovine milk proteins caused by immunological reaction (Bahna, 1980)
Eye-Movement Reinstatement and Neural Reactivation: Testing the Hebbian Theory of Mental Imagery

Half a century ago, Donald Hebb posited that mental imagery is a constructive process that emulates perception. Specifically, Hebb claimed that visual imagery results from the reactivation of neural activity associated with viewing images. He also argued that neural reactivation and imagery benefit from the re-enactment of eye movement patterns that first occurred at viewing (i.e., fixation reinstatement). To investigate these claims, we applied multivariate pattern analyses to functional MRI (fMRI) and eye tracking data collected while healthy participants repeatedly viewed and visualized complex images. We observed that the specificity of neural reactivation correlated positively with vivid imagery and with detailed memory for the stimulus images. Moreover, neural reactivation correlated positively with fixation reinstatement – even when analyses were constrained to fMRI signal from the occipital lobe. These findings support the conception of mental imagery as a simulation of perception, and provide evidence of the supportive role of eye-movement in neural reactivation.
Histological study on the effect of rosuvastatin (Crestor) on the skeletal muscle of adult male albino rats and the possible protective effect of coenzyme Q10

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin drug on the histological structure of the skeletal muscle fiber of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of coenzyme Q10. Background Rosuvastatin has been proven to be effective in improving serum lipid profiles. It decreases the risk for mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. It was reported that some patients treated with various statins have developed symptoms of myopathy. Coenzyme Q10 has a powerful antioxidant activity and affects membrane stability in many tissues, including skeletal muscle. Materials and methods A total of 54 adult male albino rats were used in this study and divided into four groups: group I rats served as negative controls, group II rats served as positive controls, group III rats were treated with rosuvastatin orally for 4 and 12 weeks, and group IV rats were treated with rosuvastatin and Coenzyme Q10 orally for 4 and 12 weeks. The gastrocnemius muscle was dissected and prepared for light and electron microscopic study. Results The light microscopic study of the gastrocnemius muscle of rats treated with a high therapeutic dose of rosuvastatin for 4 and 12 weeks (group III) showed variation in size, mononuclear cellular infiltration, splitting, and focal degeneration of myofibers with increased collagen fiber deposition between muscle fibers. Electron microscopic study showed mitochondrial accumulation between myofibrils and in the subsarcolemmal space, mitochondrial degeneration, and dilatation of sarcoplasmic reticulum cisterna. Coadministration of coenzyme Q10 with rosuvastatin for 4 and 12 weeks ameliorated most of the above-mentioned histological alterations in the rat skeletal muscles. Conclusion Rosuvastatin drug caused skeletal muscle fiber damage. Coenzyme Q10 leads to the protection of the skeletal muscle fibers when given concomitantly with rosuvastatin.
Vector Competence of Aedes sierrensis and Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae) for Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in Northern California

By Jeffrey A. Kurosaka University of the Pacific 2017 Dirofilaria immitis Leidy (dog heartworm) is a life-threatening parasite transmitted by mosquitoes to domestic dogs. Endemic in the eastern United States, cases have become more prevalent over the last few decades. While prevalence in California is generally low, Lake and San Joaquin Counties have reported rates comparable to the East Coast at 3.73% and 0.71%(CAPC 2017), respectively. Aedes sierrensis is thought to be responsible for transmission in California, but in some cases, it exists in inadequate quantities and temporal ranges to explain parasite activity. Based on Huang et al. (2013) and Tran (2016), bloodfeeding patterns, and other vector criteria, Culex pipiens complex and Culiseta incidens were chosen to evaluate for vector competence. Female fieldcaught mosquitoes were reared, infected (2.5-5 mff/μl), and decapitated at 15, 18, or 21 days post infection (dpi). Cs. incidens was reluctant to feed using an artificial feeding system and will require additional trials. On the contrary, trials on Ae. sierrensis and Cx. pipiens complex were both completed successfully. Both species were determined to be competent vectors of D. immitis. Based on our findings, more than half of Ae. sierrensis
Harnessing plant-bacteria-fungi interactions to improve plant growth and degradation of organic pollutants

ABSTRACT Exploiting the potential of bacteria in phytoremediation for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from soils and (ground)water holds great promise. Besides bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and free-living saprotrophs are well known for their strong degradative capacities and plant growth promotion effects, which makes them of high interest for use in different bioremediation strategies. To further increase the efficiency and successes of phytoremediation, interactions between plants and their associated microorganisms, both bacteria and fungi, should be further investigated, in addition to the close interactions between bacteria and fungi. Benefitting from an increased understanding of microbial community structure and assembly allows us to better understand how the holobiont can be modified to improve pollutant degradation and plant growth. In this review, we present an overview of insights in plant-bacteria-fungi interactions and the opportunities of exploiting these tripartite interactions to enhance the effectiveness of phytoremediation of organic pollutants.
Soybean (Glycine max) Tolerance to Preemergence and Postemergence Herbicides

Field studies were conducted on a Crowley silt loam under weed-free conditions to determine herbicidal tolerance of ‘Centennial’ soybeans. Early season phytotoxicity and mature plant height reductions were caused by imazaquin at 140 g ai/ha applied preemergence (PRE) followed by imazaquin applied postemergence (POE) at both 140 (labeled rate) and 280 g/ha and for metribuzin plus chlorimuron at 360 plus 60 g ai/ha PRE followed by chlorimuron POE at 18 g/ha (double rate). Soybean yields, averaged across 3 yr, were reduced only for metribuzin plus chlorimuron PRE followed by chlorimuron POE at both 9 and 18 g/ha (10 and 15%, respectively).
Chasing the phantom: biogeography and conservation of Vipera latastei-monticola in the Maghreb (North Africa)

The Maghreb region (North Africa) constitutes a major component of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. During the last centuries, a consistent human population growth has led to an unprecedented rate of habitat transformation and loss in the region and thus, threatening its biodiversity. The Western Mediterranean viper Vipera latastei-monticola inhabits humid and subhumid areas in the main mountain ranges of the Maghreb, facing such threatening factors; however, its elusive character and rarity hindered data collection for distinct biological purposes. Here, we study the biogeographical patterns and conservation status of the Maghrebian V. latastei-monticola resulting from recent sampling campaigns in Morocco and Tunisia. We update species distribution, and integrate phylogeographic and ecological niche modelling analyses at both species and lineage level to identify suitable areas, and to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic transformation and level of protection of their suitable space. We identified four highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, including a new lineage endemic to the Western High Atlas, with allopatric distributions and restricted to mountain ranges, supporting the role of mountains as past climatic refugia. Despite the remoteness of suitable areas, we report widespread habitat degradation and identify the low effectiveness of the current protected areas system in preserving the species and lineages range. Our study shows the urgent need to apply management actions for the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species and suggests a revaluation of the specific status of V. monticola , as these populations likely represent an ecotype of V. latastei .
Radioprotective role of α-tocotrienol against oxidative damage in γ-irradiated human blood cultures

Tocotrienols are members of the natural vitamin E family which is considered one of important fat soluble vitamins. The tocotrienols react with free radicals, which are the main cause of oxidation damage to cell membranes, without formation of other free radicals in the process. All natural forms of tocotrienols have the ability to regulate peroxidation reactions and to control free radicals production within the body. This study aimed to assess the antimutagenic and antioxidant ability of α-tocotrienol at a working dose (0.04 mg/ ml) through cytogenetic (Micronucleus test) study and biochemical analysis including Caspase -3, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) activities and Nitric Oxide (NO) concentration in γ-irradiated human blood cultures. The treatment time was 72 hrs post-irradiation with gamma rays at dose of 3 Gy. Triple blood cultures for each blood sample were set up. Ionizing irradiation induces a significant increase in micronuclei (MNi) frequencies, and nucleuplasmic bridge (N bridge) accompanied by a significant rise in Caspase-3 activity and NO concentration. Furthermore, SOD and CAT activities showed significant decrease. αtocotrienol treatment results into a decrease of MNi and N bridges numbers, enhancement of SOD and CAT activities and improvement of both NO and Caspase-3 levels, compared to irradiated cells which not treated with α-tocotrienol. The present results reveal the antimutagenic and the anti-oxidant effects of α-tocotrienol against γirradiation.
Age and growth of the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768)

The present study was designed to compare the life history traits of two Podarcis muralis populations located at sites of different elevation. The age at maturity was similar in both populations, whereas longevity was found to be lower in the lowland one (Derekoy). The males and females of both populations had a similar snout-vent length (SVL) and mean age. Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was weak in the highland population, males being slightly larger than females, whereas a strong male-biased SSD was observed in the lowland one. The growth coefficient ( k ) and growth rates were similar in both populations. This study indicates that the age at maturation (2-3 years) and growth rates (2.37 mm/year) are similar in two populations of P. muralis exposed to different climatic and environmental conditions. Longevity was slightly higher in the highland population (16 years) compared to the lowland one (14 years).