Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of eucalyptol and limonene on the photosynthetic abilities in Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyceae)

Abstract: In aquatic ecosystems, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cyanobacteria have allelopathic effects on other algae. Terpenoids are among the key VOCs released from cyanobacteria and are thought to act as the allelopathic agents. However, there is limited information about the specific terpenoid that can act as allelopathic agent. To reveal the allelopathic effects of eucalyptol and limonene, two of the main terpenoids in cyanobacteria VOCs and the impacts of the two compounds on Chlorella vulgaris cell growth, photosynthetic pigment absorption spectra and photosynthetic abilities were investigated. In the treatment with the two compounds, the inhibition on the cell growth was enhanced with increasing the compound concentration, and the whole cells were even killed by 4 mM limonene. Meanwhile, a reduction was found in photosynthetic pigment absorption peaks at 413, 433, 457 and 663 nm. The components of photosynthetic pigments were degraded, and the disappearance of xanthophyll was observed in 1.6 mM limonene treatment. When C. vulgaris was treated with eucalyptol and limonene, the fluorescence intensity from O to P was lower than that in the control, suggesting that the two compounds had inhibitory effects on the donor and acceptor side of photosystem II (PSII). The analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence transient parameters indicated that eucalyptol and limonene can reduce the concentration of PSII reaction centers, inhibit the quantum production and electron transport in PSII, and promote the absorbed light energy to dissipate as heat. Therefore, eucalyptol and limonene might play allelopathic roles in cyanobacterial VOCs by inducing degradation of photosynthetic pigments and reducing photosynthetic abilities in other algae.
Interactions between insect tolerant genetically modified plants and natural enemies

Insect natural enemies play an important role in the regulation of many pest species. The effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on natural enemies and other non-target species need to be evaluated to avoid disruption of natural biological control and ecosystem dynamics. This paper reviews progress with studying effects of GM plants on tritrophic systems involving parasitoids and predators. Experiments at Rothamsted using mixtures of GM and wildtype oilseed rape plants in large cages have shown no differences in parasitism rates of the aphid Myzus persicae by the parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae on GM and untransformed plants. Ongoing experiments are investigating the effect of GM oilseed rape on the parasitisation and host searching behaviour of Cotesia plutellae, a larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella).
Revision of the African silky lacewing genus Zygophlebius Navas (Neuroptera: Psychopsidae)

The southern African psychopsid genus Zygophlebius Navas is revised. Three species are recognized: Z. pseudosilveira sp. n. , Z. zebra (Brauer) and Z. leoninus Navas. Lectotypes are designated for Psychopsis felina Navas and Psychopsis zebra var. weelina Navas, both of which are junior synonyms of Z. leoninus.
Rapid Determination of Glyphosate Injury to Plants and Identification of Glyphosate-Resistant Plants

Drift of glyphosate may cause injury to nontarget plant species. Herbicidal damage caused by glyphosate may be attributed to the herbicides that inhibit acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) or acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase), because the time taken to show herbicidal damage and the visual injury symptoms caused by these three types of herbicides are similar. Glyphosate inhibits the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis which causes accumulation of shikimate in plants. A modified, simpler method of extraction and assay for detection of shikimate in plants has been adapted from previously published procedures. With this assay, rapid accumulation of shikimate was observed in glyphosate-sensitive plants that have been treated with glyphosate. Furthermore, the accumulation of shikimate in herbicide-sensitive plants was only due to glyphosate and not due to an AHAS or an ACCase inhibitor. Therefore, high levels of shikimate in a damaged plant indicate glyphosate injury. With this assay, no accumulation of shikimate was seen in a glyphosate-resistant variety of soybean. Therefore, lack of accumulation of shikimate in a glyphosate-treated weed or crop species indicates that the plant is resistant to glyphosate.
Evaluation of microscopic and macroscopic methods to identify felid hair

Hair collected in field surveys is usually identified to species with macroscopic and microscopic characteristics using published guides and reference collections. However, there has been no assessment of the reliability of these characteristics to discriminate between felid and nonfelid hairs. Using museum and private specimens of New Mexico species, I examined hair medullary, scale, and color patterns. I also examined maximum overall hair lengths and tested existing keys. I assigned as felid or eliminated as nonfelid the highest percentage of all sample hairs examined using medullary patterns (78.6%), followed by scale patterns (36.5%) and color patterns (16.7%). Medullary vacuoles, which are considered to be diagnostic of felid hair, were found in only 68.5% of bobcat (Lynx rufus) hairs and only 78.6% of cougar (Puma concolor) hairs. Moreover, vacuoles also were found in coyote (Canis latrans), swift fox (Vulpes velox), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and coati (Nasua narica) hair. Presence of large cells within medullas may be used to identify potential felid hair, although they do occur in many other species. I found 2 scale patterns, 13 color patterns, and maximum overall hair length to be useful to separate felid from nonfelid hair. Color patterns and maximum hair length may be used to discriminate between bobcats and cougars for some hairs. I tested 4 keys using known bobcat and cougar hairs, representing 8 unique bobcat color patterns and 11 unique cougar patterns. One key correctly identified the hair as felid, but identification was based on presence or absence of vacuoles, which can be misleading. Remaining keys used color patterns and identified only one hair correctly. Failure of existing keys and large variation and overlap of hair characteristics strongly suggest that studies using microscopic and macroscopic characteristics for hair identification use controls to quantify reliability of their methods.
Management intensity and temporary conversion to other land‐use types affect plant diversity and species composition of subtropical grasslands in southern Brazil

Questions We investigated the effects of grassland management intensity and temporary conversion to other land uses on abiotic and biotic properties of subtropical grasslands. We used species-rich permanent grasslands of medium management intensity (PG-M) as a reference, and asked the following questions: (1) do permanent grasslands with low and high management intensities (PG-L and PG-H, respectively) have different plant diversity and species composition than reference grasslands; and (2) do secondary grasslands recovering from conversion to arable fields (SG-A) or pine plantations (SG-P) differ from permanent grasslands in their plant species composition and abiotic conditions? Location Highland grasslands, Campos de Cima da Serra, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Methods We analysed variation in plant species composition and diversity among 80 grassland sites, including three types of permanent grassland and two types of secondary grassland. An indicator species analysis was used to identify characteristic species for the different land-use types. We used a linear discriminant analysis to investigate differences in soil conditions among land-use types. Results Both PG-L and PG-H differed from PG-M regarding plant species composition. Although PG-L shared many typical grassland species with PG-M, their communities were generally less diverse. PG-H, on the other hand, not only had fewer species but also deviated from PG-M in species composition. Secondary grasslands on former arable fields and plantations differed from PG-M in species composition and showed lower diversity. Soil conditions of SG-P were similar to those of PG-L and PG-M, but they were distinct from those of PG-H and SG-A. Conclusions All land-use types showed deviations from reference grasslands (PG-M). The decrease in the number of species in PG-L may be reversed if traditional management intensity is re-introduced, whereas strong compositional changes in SG-P may require the re-introduction of grassland species. This is also true for PG-H and SG-A: both showed marked deviations from reference grasslands in biotic and abiotic components. Overall, restoration of altered land-use types to near-natural subtropical grassland seems feasible, but suitable techniques have to be developed.
Study on the Mediterranean coastal seaweed Ulva linza exposed to natural and stressed environmental conditions

Objective: To study Ulva linza (U. linza) as macro-alga exposed to different levels of ionizing radiation from the natural background of radioactivity. Methods: Samples of U. linza were collected from two different habitats at the two terminals of the rocky shore of Abu Qir Bay, Alexandria, Egypt. The western terminal at Abu Qir represented an area of normal background radiation while the eastern terminal at Rosetta represented an area of relatively high background radiation. Distinguishing between the algae grown in areas of relatively high and normal background radiation was investigated by using different indicators. Moreover, the ambient water quality was measured and the concentrations of natural radionuclides ( 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K) bio-accumulated in the tested macro-alga were detected. Results: The algae naturally exposed to radionuclides ( 238 U series, 232 Th series and 40 K) were investigated. Radiation dose rates in U. linza inhabiting in Rosetta and Abu Qir were calculated as 70.12 and 42.67 nGy/h, respectively. Chemical analysis of algal samples demonstrated that total pigment contents were 2.21 and 2.19 mg/g on a fresh weight basis for U. linza inhabiting in Rosetta and Abu Qir, respectively. Fatty acid compositions showed comparable profiles for both algal samples with saturated fatty acids as major component. The results of protein profiles confirmed slight differential expression in protein bands. Sequence-related randomly amplified polymorphic DNA provided evidence that both samples were strongly similar. By using transmission electron microscopy, no obvious ultra structural changes in the examined cells were observed. Conclusions: These experimental results demonstrate that radiation doses are not high enough to cause damage or manifest any significant variation in Ulva tissues. Article history:
Milk and açaí berry pulp improve sensorial acceptability of kefir-fermented milk beverage

Kefir grains are a symbiotic biomass (yeast and bacteria) commonly used to produce milk probiotic fermented beverages. The aim of this study was to produce a mixed beverage of whole milk and acai (Euterpe oleracea) berry pulp fermented by two different kefir cultures: one specific for milk and one specific for sugared water, adapted to milk. Based on the fermentation yield, pH and sensory analysis, the culture adapted to milk obtained the best results in a composition (g 100 g-1) of 70 of whole milk and 30 of acai berry pulp, at room temperature (~25°C), without agitation and fermented for 24 h. The results obtained by this formulation were an increase of 12% in the kefir biomass, 93% of fermentation yield, pH 5.10 and overall sensory acceptance of 7.05.
Influence of Norflurazon Induced Chlorosis on Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Hay Production

Research was conducted in central Georgia to determine the influence of norflurazon on bermudagrass stand and production when applied to newly sprigged bermudagrass and in the spring to dormant bermudagrass. Norflurazon at rates up to 1.12 kg ai/ha on newly sprigged bermudagrass caused moderate chlorosis to the emerging leaves but did not adversely influence stand density or ground cover at 60 and 90 days after treatment (DAT). Norflurazon applied to dormant bermudagrass the spring of 1993 resulted in greater than 50% foliage chlorosis at rates ≥ 1.68 kg/ha. Foliage chlorosis was 94% on bermudagrass treated with 3.36 kg/ha 30 DAT and at spring growth initiation. However, chlorosis level was reduced when bermudagrass began rapid growth. Forage production was not influenced by the early season chlorosis when compared to nontreated areas or areas treated with diuron at 1.12 kg/ha and the weed free check.
Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of Huntingtin

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease. HD has no cure, and patients pass away 10-20 years after the onset of symptoms. The causal mutation for HD is a trinucleotide repeat expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene that leads to a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat expansion in the N-terminal region of the huntingtin protein. Interestingly, there is a threshold of 37 polyQ repeats under which little or no disease exists; and above which, patients invariably show symptoms of HD. The huntingtin protein is a 350 kDa protein with unclear function. As the polyQ stretch expands, its propensity to aggregate increases with polyQ length. Models for polyQ toxicity include formation of aggregates that recruit and sequester essential cellular proteins, or altered function producing improper interactions between mutant huntingtin and other proteins. In both models, soluble expanded polyQ may be an intermediate state that can be targeted by potential therapeutics. In the first study described herein, the conformation of soluble, expanded polyQ was determined to be linear and extended using equilibrium gel filtration and small-angle X-ray scattering. While attempts to purify and crystallize domains of the huntingtin protein were unsuccessful, the aggregation of huntingtin exon 1 was investigated using other biochemical techniques including dynamic light scattering, turbidity analysis, Congo red staining, and thioflavin T fluorescence. Chapter 4 describes crystallization experiments sent to the International Space Station and determination of the X-ray crystal structure of the anti-polyQ Fab MW1. In the final study, multimeric fibronectin type III (FN3) domain proteins were engineered to bind with high avidity to expanded polyQ tracts in mutant huntingtin exon 1. Surface plasmon resonance was used to observe binding of monomeric and multimeric FN3 proteins with huntingtin.
New species of Cryptosporidium (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) from lizards

A new Cryptosporidium species, C. saurophilum, is described from Schneider's skinks Eumeces schneideri Daudin, 1802. Oocysts were fully sporulated in fresh faeces and measured 5.0 × 4.7 µm (4.4-5.6 × 4.2-5.2 µm). The new species differs from C. serpentis Levine, 1980 by having smaller oocysts, developing in a different location of intestine, and by the inability to infect snakes.
Carnivoran Evolution: Molecular and morphological evidence for Ailuridae and a review of its genera

Introduction The red panda, Ailurus fulgens , is a peculiar recent carnivoran whose systematic relationships have been disputed since its first description in 1825 (Figure 4.1). While occurring with a single species today, Ailuridae was represented by several genera in the past. Flynn and Nedbal (1998) were the first to place Ailurus in its own family based on molecular evidence. While subsequent analyses of molecular data have confirmed this, paleontological findings of the last 10 years shed much more light on the natural history of Ailuridae and the morphology of its members. Before 1997, Ailuridae consisted of 5 genera with about 16 species. Only two genera belonged to Ailurinae ( Ailurus and Parailurus ). Today, the family contains 9 genera (5 of which are considered to be ailurines) with about 26 species. It now is agreed that the earliest ailurid is Amphictis , the earliest species of which are known from the Late Oligocene (MP 28, about 25 Mya) of Europe. Even though Ailurus today is restricted to Southeast Asia, it is apparent that ailurids were once present in all Northern continents and were most diverse in Europe throughout most of their history. In this chapter, we examine the recent and fossil evidence supporting the assignment of Ailurus fulgens and its ancestors (including Amphictis ) to a distinct family, Ailuridae. We find such an assignment fully justified and corroborated by morphological data. We review all molecular and morphological studies in which Ailurus has been included. While new molecular studies continue to support a family Ailuridae, a review of the morphology of A. fulgens led to the identification of a number of characters which could be traced within the fossil relatives of Ailurus . This survey led to the development of emended diagnoses of all included genera. We also include a list of all ailurid species and resolve some outstanding issues concerning the taxonomy or systematic relationships of several taxa. Finally, we briefly recapitulate the natural history of Ailuridae. We follow Smith and Dodson (2003) for anatomical notation and orientation of dentitions.
A histological study on the possible protective effect of selenium against chromium-induced thyrotoxicity in adult male albino rats

Background Chromium is hazardous for animals and human beings. Hexavalent chromium is highly toxic to life forms because of its carcinogenic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, genotoxic, and immunotoxic effects. Selenium is known for its antioxidant role in living systems, and therefore it is considered an essential element for humans and animals. Aim The present work aims at investigating the possible protective effect of selenium against chromium-induced thyrotoxicity in adult male albino rats. Materials and methods A total of 120 adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups. The control group was given a single dose of sterile PBS daily for five consecutive days; the chromium-treated group was given a single dose of potassium dichromate daily for five consecutive days; and the selenium–chromium-treated group was given a single dose of nanoselenium and a single dose of potassium dichromate daily for five consecutive days. The animals of all groups were sacrificed at the same time and their thyroid glands were rapidly dissected out. The specimens of each group were processed for light and electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical studies. They were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, and inducible nitric oxide synthase for evaluating follicular epithelial cells. Quantitative morphometric, and statistical studies were performed. Results Manifestations of cytotoxicity were visible on light and electron microscopic studies in chromium-treated thyroid sections in the form of disorganized follicles of varying diameters, with a preponderance of smaller over larger follicles. The follicular epithelial cells appeared to be enlarged and had a vacuolated cytoplasm. In addition, irregular shrunken nuclei were noticed. The thyroid gland of selenium–chromium-treated animals showed a near-normal follicular structure. Conclusion Administration of selenium in response to an increased risk of exposure to chromium compounds may protect the human body against their harmful effects.
Essential oil composition and variability of Artemisia herba-alba Asso. growing in Tunisia: comparison and chemometric investigation of different plant organs -

This study was conceived to investigate the composition of four essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation from four parts (leaves, stems, leaves/stems, roots) of Artemisia herba-alba growing wild in the center of Tunisia. Artemisia herba-alba aerial and roots parts were shade dried at room temperature with ventilation. The material was cut into small pieces and subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The GC analyses were accomplished with a HP-5890 Series II instrument. A total of 152 compounds were characterized by GC and GC-MS, representing 91.3-99.7% of the total oil compositions. All four oils are dominated by monoterpene derivatives (68.2-99.5%) and the major volatile constituent was α-thujone (18.2-45.5%). Qualitative and quantitative differences between the four essential oils have been observed for some compounds. The main compounds of the essential oil from the leaves were α-thujone (45.5%), β-thujone (11.4%), trans-sabinyl acetate (10.1%), 1,8-cineole (7.4%) and camphor (6.8%). α-thujone (27.5%) was also the main compound in the essential oil of leaves/stems, followed by camphor (22.9%), 1,8-cineole (8.3%), β-thujone (8.2%) and camphene (5.6%). The essential oil of stems was dominated by α-thujone (28%) followed by β-thujone (11.4%) and chrysantenone (11%). In the essential oil of roots, α-thujone was less represented (18.2%), followed by camphor (14.6%) and curcumen-15-al (14.3%). Curcumen-15-al has been reported for the first time in Artemisia herba-alba oil and should be considered as a new chemotype. The results showed a variation in chemical compositions and yield of the EOs from Artemisia herba-alba. Curcumen-15-al is a new chemotype that was found in Artemisia herba-alba from Tunisia.
Contribution to the Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Seven Eucalyptus Species Essential Oil Harvested of Hajeb’s Layoun Arboreta (Tunisia)

Abstract The dried leaves hydrodistillation of seven species of the genus Eucalyptus Herit. (E. eremophila (Diels) Maiden, E. oleosa F. Muell, E. patellaris F. Muell, E. astringens (Maiden) Maiden, E. striaticalyx W.V. Fitz, E. salubris F. Muell and E. transcontinentalis Maiden) harvested of Hajeb Layoun arboreta (region of Kairouan, Tunisia) in two periods (June 2004 and January 2005), shows that essential oil yields, related to the dry material, vary from 0.1 to 5.3 % according to the species and to the date of harvest. The best yields were recorded in January harvest. 74 components were identified by GC-MS. Contents of the different samples vary according to the species and to the harvest. Main compounds are 1,8-cineole (8.6 – 58.5 %), α-pinene (2.8 – 29.4 %), viridiflorol (1.7 % –23.6 %), limonene (0.4 – 19.7 %) and pinocarvone (0.1 – 8.2 %). E. eremophila presents the most raised yield in essential oil and the best rate in 1,8-Cineole.
Supporting Conservation: The Roles of Flagship Species and Identifiable Victims

Psychological insights into human behavior can have enormous applied value for promoting charitable giving. Nevertheless, the application of these insights to conservation appeals featuring nonhuman animals has scarcely been explored. Although people often donate more when presented with single “identifiable” victims, whether this effect also extends to nonhumans is not known. Similarly, although many conservation appeals feature flagship species, it is unclear whether flagship species generate increased donations. We experimentally investigated how (1) identifiable versus statistical beneficiaries and (2) flagship versus nonflagship species affected donations to a conservation charity. Unexpectedly, subjects did not donate more when presented with single identifiable beneficiaries rather than groups of beneficiaries. Flagship species, on the other hand, increased donation amounts relative to appeals featuring nonflagship species. We discuss how these findings can inform and improve the effectiveness of conservation fundraising appeals.