Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inferring labrid functional roles through morphological and ecological traits

The functional approach, using morphology and/or ecological traits, allows grouping of species that play similar roles in an ecosystem. Although species may have unique functions, some may overlap in key morphological traits, leading to similar functions (i.e. functional redundancy). To understand the functional roles of southwestern Atlantic labrids, we analyzed 21 species, focusing on morphological characteristics linked to habitat use, feeding habits and swimming ability, and further taking ontogeny into account by analyzing 3 size categories (small, medium and large) that vary in life history aspects. A comprehensive functional analysis using 11 functional traits defined according to 12 morphological measurements was performed to generate a consensus tree that segregated species into 9 functional groups. Body elongation was the most important characteristic separating parrotfishes from wrasses. Small size class was separated from medium and large size class wrasses and parrotfishes through eye size and eye positioning, respectively. Thalassoma noronhanum was grouped with invertivorous species, despite its classification as a planktivore in previous studies. This species, together with Xyrichtys splendens and Scarus zelindae, showed no size-related shifts in functional role with increasing size. Although recognized as members of different trophic guilds, different size classes of different labrid species may play similar functional roles. This suggests the need for taking size and species identity into account when measuring functional diversity and redundancy in reef ecosystems, key features for maintaining the health and robustness (i.e. resistance/resilience) of reef systems.
Observational and experimental evaluation of hemiparasite resistance in trees in the urban afforestation of Santarém, Pará, Brazil

ABSTRACT One of the problems affecting the quality of urban trees is their infestation by mistletoes (aerial hemiparasite plants of the order Santalales). Identification of the main types of trees infested, and of the causes of infestation patterns, can help infestation control and the planning of efficient planting regimes. In this sense, the aim of this study was to evaluate the patterns of hemiparasite infestation in trees in an Amazonian urban environment. We aimed to answer (1) which species of mistletoes occur on urban trees in the city of Santarem, in the Brazilian Amazon; (2) what is the proportion and intensity of infestation on infected trees; and (3) if differences in infestation rates among tree species can be explained by mistletoe-tree compatibility. We assessed mistletoe incidence and intensity of infestation on trees in the main avenues of the city. To evaluate the role of mistletoe-tree compatibility in the observed parasitism patterns, we carried out a seed inoculation experiment with seeds of the most abundant mistletoe,
The Systematics of the Genus Didelphis (Marsupialia: Didelphidae) in Northand Middle America.

Opossums of the genus Didelphls, the largest New World marsupials living today, occur from southern Canada to central Argentina. Karyological data indicate that American marsupials have either 14, 18, or 22 chromosomes. Four genera represented by six species, including the three species of the genus Didelphls, have 22 chromosomes. Five of the six 22-chromosomed species have nearly identical autosomes consisting of three pairs of large and seven pairs of medium-sized acrocentric chromosomes. Didelphls vlrglniana, the only Nearctic member of the genus, is a striking exception, since its autosomes consist of three pairs of large and three pairs of medium-sized subtelocentrics, and four pairs of medium-sized acrocentrics. Differences between the karyotypes of D. virglniana and D. marsupialis are analyzed. A number of features, primarily of cranial morphology and color pattern, determined by studying specimens of knovm karyotype, serve to distinguish D. virglniana and D„ marsupialis. D. vlrglniana is found from southern Ontario to southwestern Nicaragua, and D. marsupialis occurs in South and Central America northward to Taraaulipas in eastern Mexico. They are sympatric at lower elevations in eastern Mexico and Central America. Mexican and Central American populations
Protoscolicidal Effects of Bunium Persicum (Boiss) Against Hydatid Cyst Protoscoleces

Medicinal plants have been used for treatment of various diseases. The potent scolicidal activity of medicinal plants has been also known. Thus, the current study was conducted to investigate the protoscolicidal effects of Bunium Persicum against hydatid cyst protoscoleces. Protoscoleces were collected from sheep's kidney having hydatid cysts. Five concentrations of B. Persicum essential oil (1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 mg/mL) were investigated for 10, 20, 30 and 60 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusive test. Regardless of the time, the rate of dead protoscoleces was increased with increasing the essential oil concentrations. The most rates of dead protoscoleces (100 %) were observed in 15 mg/mL from 10 to 60 minutes. On the basis findings this in vitro study, it can be advised B. Persicum essential oil as an effective natural scolicidal agent. Keyword: Bunium Persicum, Hydatid cyst, Protoscoleces, Scolicidal activity.
Detection of Phytotoxin Produced from Leaf, Neck and Finger Blast Disease Causing Magnaporthe grisea through GC-MS Analysis

Finger millet blast is the most devastating disease affecting different aerial parts of the plant at all growth stages starting from seedling to grain formation. Magnaporthe grisea being a ubiquitous pathogen with many hosts, understand the basis for host pathogen interaction and role of toxins will be useful in development of resistant varieties and their screening procedures. In this study, the presence of toxic volatile compounds were detected by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) in the culture filtrate of leaf blast, neck blast and finger blast pathogen at different bands indicating various retention factor (Rf). Likewise the several toxic compounds were detected from M. grisea through GC-MS analysis from the semi-purified crude toxin in vitro viz., 1-Hexadecene (CAS), 1Octadecene (CAS), Quinic acid, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acidbis (2-ethylhexyl) ester (CAS) from leaf blast isolate, Hippocasine, Holothurinogenin-2, Neophytadiene, 1,2-Benzene-dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (CAS), à-Patchoulene (CAS), Synaptogenin B, 1-Naphthalenol, decahydro-1,4adimethyl-7-(1-methylethylidene), Zingiberene (CAS) from neck blast isolate and 2H-Pyran-2-one, 6hexyltetrahydro-delta-Hexylvalerolactone from finger blast isolate were detected. Original Research Article Shanmugapackiam et al.; IJBCRR, 19(3): 1-10, 2017; Article no.IJBCRR. 33353 2
Steinernema litchii n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from South Africa

During a survey in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, a Steinernema species was isolated from a soil sample taken from a litchi orchard. Steinernema litchii n. sp. can be separated from other, closely related, species in the glaseri -group by morphological, morphometric and molecular analyses. The infective third-stage juvenile of the new species has a body length of 1054 (953-1146) μ m, distance from head to excretory pore of 78 (64-86) μ m, as well as eight ridges ( i.e. , nine lines) in the mid-body region. The c-ratio of 10 (9-13) is low and the tail is long at 95 (73-105) μ m. First generation males have a spicule length of 86 (76-96) μ m and a gubernaculum length of 65 (59-72) μ m. The tail of the first generation male lacks a mucron; that of the second generation always bears one. The genital papillae total 23 and consist of 11 pairs and an unpaired precloacal papilla. The vulva of S. litchii n. sp. has a slightly asymmetrical protuberance and short, double-flapped epiptygmata. The female has a slightly protuberant postanal swelling. Phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and of the 28S (D2-D3) regions of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) confirmed the close relationship of S. litchii n. sp. to the Karii -clade. Both morphological and molecular evidence support the species status of S. litchii n. sp.
Morphogen dynamics control patterning in a stem cell model of the human embryo

During embryonic development, diffusible signaling molecules called morphogens are thought to determine cell fates in a concentration-dependent manner1–4, and protocols for directed stem cell differentiation are based on this picture5–8. However, in the mammalian embryo, morphogen concentrations change rapidly compared to the time for making cell fate decisions9–12. It is unknown how changing ligand levels are interpreted, and whether the precise timecourse of ligand exposure plays a role in cell fate decisions. Nodal and BMP4 are morphogens crucial for gastrulation in vertebrates13. Each pathway has distinct receptor complexes that phosphorylate specific signal transducers, known as receptor-Smads, which then complex with the shared cofactor Smad4 to activate target genes14. Here we show in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that the response to BMP4 signaling indeed is determined by the ligand concentration, but that unexpectedly, the expression of many mesodermal targets of Activin/Nodal depends on rate of concentration increase. In addition, we use live imaging of hESCs with GFP integrated at the endogenous SMAD4 locus to show that a stem cell model for the human embryo15 generates a wave of Nodal signaling. Cells experience rapidly increasing Nodal specifically in the region of mesendoderm differentiation. We also demonstrate that pulsatile stimulation with Activin induces repeated strong signaling and enhances mesoderm differentiation. Our results break with the paradigm of concentration-dependent differentiation and demonstrate an important role for morphogen dynamics in the cell fate decisions associated with mammalian gastrulation. They suggest a highly dynamic picture of embryonic patterning where some cell fates depend on rapid concentration increase rather than absolute levels, and point to ligand dynamics as a new dimension to optimize protocols for directed stem cell differentiation.
Role of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) gene polymorphisms in lung cancer

©2017 All right reserved by the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery. Baykara O, Erşen E, Batur Ş, Buyru N. Role of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) gene polymorphisms in lung cancer. Turk Gogus Kalp Dama 2017;25(4):622-6. Cite this article as: ÖZ Amaç: Bu çalışmada GC geninin farklı alellerinin akciğer kanseri etiyolojisindeki rolü araştırıldı. Ça­lış­ma­ pla­nı:­ Çalışmaya akciğer kanserli 77 hasta (73 erkek, 4 kadın; ort. yaş 59.6±9.2 yıl; dağılım 21-72 yıl) ve 25 sağlıklı birey (21 erkek, 4 kadın; ort. yaş 47.3±5.4 yıl; dağılım 23-61 yıl) dahil edildi. Tüm katılımcıların vitamin D bağlayan protein genindeki polimorfizmler polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu-restriksiyon parça uzunluk polimorfizmi yöntemi ile incelendi. Bul gu lar: Hastaların %32.4’ünde 1S-2, %28.6’sında 1F-1S, %28.6’sında 1S-1S, %7.8’inde 1F-2 ve %2.6’sında 1F-1F genotipi bulunurken kontrol grubunda genotip frekansı sırasıyla %28, %24, %36, %4 ve %8 idi (p=0.35). So­nuç:­ Vitamin D bağlayan protein gen polimorfizmleri ve akciğer kanseri arasında herhangi bir ilişki saptanmadı. Anah­tar­ söz­cük­ler: Akciğer kanseri; polimorfizm; vitamin D bağlayan protein. ABSTRACT Background: This study aims to investigate the role of different alleles of GC gene in the etiology of lung cancer. Methods: The study included 77 patients with lung cancer (73 males, 4 females; mean age 59.6±9.2 years; range 21 to 72 years) and 25 healthy individuals (21 males, 4 females; mean age 47.3±5.4 years; range 23 to 61 years). Polymorphisms in vitamin D binding protein gene of all participants were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results:­Of the patients, the genotype 1S-2 was found in 32.4%, 1F-1S in 28.6%, 1S-1S in 28.6%, 1F-2 in 7.8% and 1F-1F in 2.6%, while the genotype frequencies in control group were 28%, 24%, 36%, 4% and 8%, respectively (p=0.35). Conclusion:­ We did not detect any relationship between vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms and lung cancer.
Functional and morphological traits of epiphytic lichens in the Western Carpathian oak forests reflect the influence of air quality and forest history

Abstract We analysed a dataset composed by the frequency of 79 epiphytic lichens recorded on 243 oaks distributed in 29 oak dominated stands of the Western Carpathians, representing areas with high environmental quality up to disturbed environments. Lichen diversity indices (based on total frequencies and on functional and morphological groups) were used as indicators of the response to air quality and forest management. The level of air quality in these categories was a function of NOx, SO2 and particulate matter. From management viewpoint the units were classified as managed (areas subjected to periodic logging) and semi-natural (which currently have the status of National Nature Reserve and where eventual management practices date back to the history). The results showed that higher environmental levels of pollution were associated to the decrease of fruticose and in general pollution sensitive species, while low environmental levels of pollution were associated to the diffusion of common nitrophilous lichens as well as to a higher share of fruticose and in general pollution sensitive species. As far as forest management is concerned, a higher share of fruticose and sensitive species was associated to semi-natural and natural stands, whereas a higher share of foliose (pioneer and tolerant) species was associated to the managed stands.
Effect of water table depth on the yield of seven sugarcane varieties in Puerto Rico

The effect of water table depth on yield of sugarcane varieties PR 980, PR 1028, PR 1059, PR 1141, PR 64-610, PR 61-632 and PR 64-2705 was studied in lysimeter tanks in the field. Using plastic drains at varying distances and depths, variety PR 980 was studied on a 5-ha farm. Results obtained show that varieties differ in their response to water table conditions. Varieties PR 980, PR 1059, PR 64-610, PR 61-632 and PR 64-2705 yielded significantly more cane and sugar when the water table was lowered. Varieties PR 1028 and PR 1141 did not show statistically significant differences among treatment differentials. Under actual field conditions, using perforated plastic drains, variety PR 980 yielded significantly more sugar than in undrained plots. The results obtained in the lysimeter tanks are in accord with those observed under commercial production.
Impact des paramètres environnementaux sur la synthèse des arômes fermentaires par Saccharomyces cerevisiae en fermentation oenologique

Les aromes fermentaires (alcools superieurs, esters) jouent un role important dans le profil organoleptique des vins jeunes. Leur production depend a la fois de la souche de levure utilisee et des parametres environnementaux. Pour comprendre le role de trois facteurs cles (temperature, azote, lipides) sur la production des aromes fermentaires, nous avons realise une etude comparative entre une souche evoluee aromatique Affinity™ ECA5 et sa souche ancestrale Lalvin EC1118®. Dans un premier temps, les effets combines des trois parametres environnementaux ont ete etudies grâce a un plan experimental de Box-Behnken. L'azote est le facteur ayant la plus grande influence sur la majorite des composes volatils; cependant son effet est different selon la molecule ciblee et les interactions entre facteurs sont importantes. Par ailleurs, si les deux souches repondent dans le meme sens aux changements de conditions de fermentation, les intensites de reponse sont tres differentes. Pour avancer dans la comprehension des mecanismes mis en jeu et en particulier dans l'analyse de l'interaction azote / lipides, nous avons combine des etudes de suivi cinetique precis de la production des aromes fermentaires et une approche transcriptomique. Ces etudes ont revele des differences entre les deux souches dans la chronologie de formation des aromes, suggerant des modifications dans la regulation de leur synthese. En particulier, le rendement de conversion entre alcools superieurs et esters d'acetate est largement superieur chez Affinity™ ECA5, mais diminue fortement apres addition de phytosterols, en lien avec une repression des genes de la voie de synthese des sterols. Ces resultats montrent une gestion differente des lipides par la souche evoluee et suggerent qu'une plus grande disponibilite en acetyl-CoA pourrait etre a l'origine des proprietes aromatiques de cette souche. Enfin, une approche quantitative basee sur la filiation isotopique de sources d'azote marquees 13C a ete realisee. Cette etude confirme le role cle de l'acetyl-CoA dans une gestion differentielle du pool d'α-cetoacides responsable de la surproduction des alcools superieurs chez Affinity™ ECA5. Globalement, ce travail a permis d'identifier les parametres les plus efficaces pour orienter le metabolisme fermentaire vers la production d'aromes ainsi que certains mecanismes impliques. Il a egalement permis de mieux caracteriser le metabolisme de la souche evoluee Affinity™ ECA5. Les connaissances acquises constituent une avancee importante pour une amelioration de la gestion de la nutrition en fermentation œnologique.
Phylogeny of the Agathidinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with a Revised Tribal Classification and the Description of a New Genus

Abstract. The phylogeny of the Agathidinae is analyzed employing 45 agathidine genera, 172 Agathidinae operational taxonomic units, and sequences from the mitochondrial gene COI and the nuclear ribosomal gene 28S. The tribal classification is revised; two new tribes are proposed, i.e., Lytopylini and Agathirsini. Mesocoelini n. stat., is included as a tribe of Agathidinae for the first time. The concepts of Earinini and Agathidinini are revised. Biroia Szépligeti, 1900, is synonymized with Megalagathis Schulz, 1906 (emendation for Megagathis Krechbaumer 1894). A new genus and species from Colombia, Smithagathis davidsmithi Sharkey are erected. The currently recognized 61 genera of Agathidinae are presented in a list which includes their tribal placement. Biroia Szépligeti, 1900, and its junior synonym Isoptronotum Enderlein, 1920 are synonymized with Megalagathis Schulz, 1906, new synonymies. The species of Biroia are moved to Megalagathis as new combinations.
BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF HIPPOCAMPAL GENE EXPRESSION OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPIC FACTOR AND TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR-4 IN DIABETIC RATS EXPOSED TO CHRONIC STRESS: EFFECTS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS

Objective: Depression and diabetes are closely associated in a reciprocal manner, leading to significant morbidity and mortality with an evidence of a pro-inflammatory state underlying pathophysiology of both diseases. Unfortunately, little information is available about the effects of antidepressant drugs on hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) expression in diabetes. Methods: We investigated the effect of chronic administration of fluoxetine (FLU) and imipramine (IMIP) on behavioral, metabolic, and inflammatory abnormalities in diabetic and non-diabetic rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS). Results: Both diabetes and CRS induced depressive-like behavior which was more prominent in diabetic/depressed rats; this was reversed by chronic treatment with FLU and IMIP. Diabetic and non-diabetic rats exposed to CRS showed a significant increase in hippocampal expression of TLR-4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines alongside a decrease in BDNF expression. FLU and IMIP ameliorated these inflammatory abnormalities. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic stress induced a depressive-like behavior associated with an increase in hippocampal expression of TLR-4, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1s with a significant correlation to decreased BDNF expression. FLU and IMIP showed comparable effects regards the improvement of depressive and inflammatory abnormalities associated with DM.
Diatom‐produced allelochemicals trigger trophic cascades in the planktonic food web

Diatoms produce a series of cytotoxic secondary metabolites such as polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) in response to cell injury or stress. However, little information exists on the PUA effects on the pelagic food web. A set of experiments was conducted in the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal Atlantic waters using dissolved PUA (2E,4E‐octadienal and 2E,4E‐heptadienal), natural assemblages of phytoplankton and microzooplankton, and the copepod Acartia tonsa. The results demonstrate that PUA primarily acts as deterrent for microzooplankton herbivory on diatoms, while enhancing herbivory on picophytoplankton. This switch should favor PUA‐producing diatoms by simultaneously reducing direct grazing losses and competition. Additionally, PUA stimulated copepod predation on microzooplankton, particularly on ciliates. Combined, these effects have the potential to disrupt growth‐grazing equilibrium in the pelagic food web and create an opportunity for bloom development.
Individual variation in metabolism and thermal tolerance in juvenile qingbo (Spinibarbus sinensis)

Abstract Studies of individual variation in the physiological performance of animals and their relationship with metabolism may provide insight into how selection influences diversity in phenotypic traits. Thus, the aims of the present study were to investigate variation in thermal tolerance and its relationship with individual metabolism in juvenile qingbo (Spinibarbus sinensis). To fulfill our goal, we first measured the resting metabolic rate (RMR), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), metabolic scope (MS, MMR–RMR) and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) of 40 fish at 25 °C. We then measured the critical thermal minimum (CTmin), lethal thermal minimum (LTmin), critical thermal maximum (CTmax), and lethal thermal maximum (LTmax) of 20 fish. Both MMR and MS were positively correlated with the metabolic recovery rate (MRR) (p = 0.001), indicating that high aerobic metabolic performance individuals possessed an advantage for the recovery of anaerobic metabolism. However, the negative correlation between EPOC and MRR (p = 0.017) indicated a slow recovery of the metabolism of high anaerobic metabolic capacity individuals. The RMR was positively correlated with CTmin and LTmin, whereas all of the metabolic rate parameters (RMR, MMR, and MS) were negatively correlated with CTmax and LTmax (p < 0.05), indicating that high aerobic metabolic performance individuals have a weakened thermal tolerance. These results suggested that there is a trade-off between aerobic metabolic performance and thermal tolerance.
Larval development and emergence in Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Sulzer) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Pyrrhosoma nymphula is a typical ’spring’ species sensu CORBET (1954). It exhibits a synchronised emergence as a consequenceof larvae entering diapause in the final instar in autumn, allowing larvae in earlier instars to catch up with faster growing members of the same cohort (CORBET, 1957a). Although P. nymphula is generally semivoltine in Britain (taking two years to complete one generation) (CORBET, 1957a; MACAN, 1964, 1974; LAWTON. 1970; CORBET 1 Department of Parasitology, University of Queensland. St. Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia