Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeding ecology of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are among the most important nesting areas for the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. In addition, the coastal waters of this oceanic archipelago host many important feeding areas for this species, although little is known about green turtle feeding ecology at these sites. The goal of this study was to identify and quantify the most important items in the diet of the green turtle at the foraging grounds of Bahia Elizabeth, Caleta Derek and Punta Nuñez. Our analysis was based on 65 oesophageal samples from turtles captured in 2006 and 2007. We compared spatial and seasonal composition of diet using non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM). Green turtle diet was composed mainly of the algae species Ulva lactuca, Polysiphonia sp. , Hypnea sp. and Dictyota sp. , and the red mangrove Rhizophora mangle. Turtles also consumed animal matter, mainly cnidarians, albeit to a lesser extent. Content of turtle diets was different among feeding grounds and seasons. The ANOSIM showed that diet composition can differ between foraging grounds using presence/absence of diet items. Even though U. lactuca was the most abundant algae consumed in both seasons, changes in species richness of algae were found between both sampling events, with diet during the warm season more varied than the cold season (χ2 = 16.84, df = 6; P < 0.05).
Prostaglandin E2-dependent production of latent matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cultures of human fetal membranes

Studies in our laboratory have shown that structural changes in cervical biopsied fetal membranes, prior to labour, coincide with differences in the expression of the gelatinase enzyme, latent matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Concurrently, in vivo, there is an increase in the expression of prostaglandins, notably prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which has been shown to regulate the expression of MMPs in other systems. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis (using an in-vitro culture model) that endogenously produced PGE2 has a role in the elevation of MMP-9 described in vivo. Non-infected fetal membranes sampled from women undergoing elective Caesarean section were stimulated with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum (FBS), a known inducer of prostaglandins. This activation resulted in a time-dependent increase in the secretion of PGE2 into the media, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (day 1: 19 9 pg/ml/24 h to 358 54 pg/ml/24 h by day 4). A similar pattern of secretion of latent MMP-9 was observed in parallel with the increase in PGE2 in the same culture media (day 1: 1.63 0.17 ng/ml/24 h to 4.2 1.4 ng/ml/24 h by day 4). When both molecules were compared, a significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation (r 0.623) was observed. Secretion of the tissue inhibitor of MMPs-9 (TIMP-1) was not significantly different between untreated (3.07 0.266 µg/ml/24 h) and FBS-treated (3.85 0.24 µg/ml/24 h) cultures during the first 4 days in culture. Prostaglandin synthesis inhibition studies using indomethacin (100 µmol/l) resulted in a 70‐80% reduction in the activated secretion of latent MMP-9. Direct PGE2 stimulation of cultures resulted in the bell shaped dose‐response curve with concentrations of 1‐100 nmol/l (which are within the range secreted in culture in response to FBS), stimulating significant latent MMP-9 secretion. These results suggest a link between endogenous PGE2 and latent MMP-9 production in human fetal membranes, raising the possibility that PGE2 has a role in the mechanism of fetal membrane structural changes and, hence, in parturitionassociated membrane rupture.
Identification of indigenous Xanthomonas isolates through 16S rRNA gene amplification and SDS PAGE analyses

Characterization of seven Xanthomonas strains comprising four species was done using molecular techniques, that is, 16S rRNA gene amplification and SDS-PAGE analysis. 16S rRNA gene amplification was performed to confirm the identity of strains. The primer sets used in the present study amplified 0.352 Kb and 1.3 Kb sized fragments of rRNA gene in all the strains. The species of the genus Xanthomonas exhibited relatively high levels of overall similarity. SDS-PAGE analysis was done to check the protein profile of the isolates and homogeneous banding pattern was observed that confirmed the authenticity of strains as Xanthomonas. A database of SDS-protein patterns provides a valuable tool for the identification of unknown Xanthomonas.
Mutation in the α-Synuclein Gene Identified in Families with Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a lifetime incidence of approximately 2 percent. A pattern of familial aggregation has been documented for the disorder, and it was recently reported that a PD susceptibility gene in a large Italian kindred is located on the long arm of human chromosome 4. A mutation was identified in the α-synuclein gene, which codes for a presynaptic protein thought to be involved in neuronal plasticity, in the Italian kindred and in three unrelated families of Greek origin with autosomal dominant inheritance for the PD phenotype. This finding of a specific molecular alteration associated with PD will facilitate the detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder.
Embryological Evidence Supports the Transfer of Leitneria floridana to the Family Simaroubaceae1

Abstract Leitneria floridana Chapm. , a shrub indigenous to North America, was long considered to be the sole member of the family Leitneriaceae, with uncertain affinities in and outside the class Amentiferae. Recent molecular analyses, however, show that the species is closely related to the genera Brucea J. F. Mill. , Soulamea Lam. , and Amaroria A. Gray in the family Simaroubaceae. Here, I report embryological features of L. floridana and provide anatomical corroboration for the molecular simaroubacean affinities of this species. I compared its embryology with those of the families Simaroubaceae, Meliaceae, and Rutaceae, which form a monophyletic clade in the order Sapindales. Comparisons showed that although Leitneria Chapm. resembled all three families embryologically, it fits best within the Simaroubaceae through possession of an unspecialized chalaza, straight and exarillate seeds, a non-multiplicative testa, a non-crystalliferous endotesta, and absence of a fibrous exotegmen. Within the Simaroubaceae, Leitneria also shares with Brucea the synapomorphies of a micropyle formed by an elongate, irregularly folded inner integument and a persistent tegmen composed only of endotegmen. Members of the Simaroubaceae are still poorly known embryologically, but available evidence supports the close affinity of Leitneria and Brucea.
Morphological patterns of fish and their relationships with reservoirs hydrodynamics

The aim of this study was to determine morphologica l patterns of the most abundant fish species found in reservoirs with different hydraulic retention times and stages of colonization, considering habitat strata and fe eding strategies. Samplings were carried out in six Parana State (Bra zil) reservoirs, and morphological data were obtain ed from 15 individuals of 17 fish species. Ecomorphological at tributes that best segregated species, were selecte d using Discriminant Analysis. These selected attributes we re later used in a Principal Components Analysis (P CA). Differences among reservoirs concerning occupation of the ecomorphological space were tested through aof variance (null models). The six reservoirs differed in the occupation of the fish species ecomorpholog ical space and the first two PCA axes explained 66,3% of the total data variability. Thus alterations in water dynami cs could a major factor affecting patterns of fish distributio n in reservoirs.
The Quantile Snapshot Scan: Comparing Quantiles of Spatial Data from Two Snapshots in Time

We introduce the Quantile Snapshot Scan (Qsnap), a spatial scan algorithm which iden-tiﬁes spatial regions that diﬀer the most be-tween two snapshots in time. Qsnap is designed for spatial data with a numeric response and a vector of associated covariates for each spatial data point. Qsnap focuses on diﬀerences involving a speciﬁc quantile of the data distribution. A naive implementation of Qsnap is too computationally expensive for large datasets but our novel incremental update provides an order of magnitude speedup. We demonstrate Qsnap’s eﬀective-ness over an extensive set of experiments on simulated data. In addition, we apply Qsnap to two real-world problems: discovering bird migration paths and identifying regions with dramatic changes in drought conditions.
Co‐expression of endothelial cell and macrophage antigens in Kaposi's sarcoma cells

The histopathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was investigated using immunocytochemistry in 12 skin biopsies obtained from two AIDS patients, nine patients with the classic form, and one organ‐transplant patient. KS cells revealed a peculiar antigenic profile, being characterized by co‐expression of endothelial and macrophage markers. KS cells were stained for von Willebrand factor (vWF); for vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, an endothelial specific adhesion molecule; and for PECAM/CD31. In addition, they expressed the macrophage antigens PAM‐1, CD68, and CD14, and were positive for vitronectin receptor and alpha‐1,5,6/beta‐1 integrins. KS cells were weakly stained for ICAM‐1 in 6 of 12 cases and were negative for VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin.
Algae and stomatocysts associated with carnivorous plants. First report of chrysophyte stomatocysts from Virginia, USA

Wołowski K. , Piątek J. and Płachno B.J. 2011. Algae and stomatocysts associated with carnivorous plants. First report of chrysophyte stomatocysts from Virginia, USA. Phycologia 50: 511–519. DOI: 10.2216/10-94.1 This paper includes data about chrysophyte stomatocysts and algae occurring together with carnivorous plants (Utricularia and Aldrovanda). In the examined material from Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, Virginia, USA, among various groups of algae 12 different morphotypes of chrysophyte stomatocysts were found. Seven of the stomatocysts are reported for the first time from Virginia (stomatocysts 42, 57, 86, 135, 150, 228 and 234). Furthermore, two morphotypes are new to the USA (stomatocysts 142 and 214), and two morphotypes are described as new to science (stomatocysts 2 and 3). The new morphotypes were described on the basis of 11 and five specimens, respectively. All reported morphotypes are briefly described and illustrated using scanning electron microscopy. The list of algal taxa occurring together with stomatocysts and inside the traps of Utricularia purpurea is also presented.
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization of Jamaican montane forest trees

ABSTRACT Plots in the Jamaican montane forest were fertilized with nitrogen or with phosphorus to test the hypothesis that growth of trees in this natural forest is limited by the supply of N and P from the soil. Once a year from 1983 to 1986, urea was added to one plot (at 150 kg N ha−1 y−1) and triple superphosphate was added to another (at 50 kg P ha−1 y−1). In each of these plots and in two control plots, foliage of four common tree species was collected immediately before each fertilizer addition. Trunk growth was measured in 105 individuals. Foliar N concentrations were not significantly higher in trees fertilized with N compared to control trees. In Dendropanax cf. pendulus and Hedyosmum arborescens fertilization with N resulted in lower P concentrations but only after the third year of fertilization, possibly due to dilution by increased leaf production. Mean trunk diameter growth was significantly higher in the N-fertilized trees than in controls. Mean foliar P concentrations were higher in Podocarpus urbanii and Clethra occidentalis following fertilization with P, but only after two years of fertilization. Trunk diameter growth was greater in the P fertilized plot. Thus growth in some Jamaican montane forest trees was limited by the natural supplies of N and of P.
Subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Caviomorpha, Ctenomyidae) follow the converse to Bergmann's rule

Aim We analysed body‐size variation in relation to latitude, longitude, elevation and environmental variables in Ctenomys (tuco‐tucos), subterranean rodents in the Ctenomyidae (Caviomorpha). We tested the existence of inter‐ and intraspecific size clines to determine if these rodents follow Bergmann's rule, to compare intra‐ and interspecific size trends and to assess the relevance of the subterranean lifestyle on these trends.
Genetic Factors in Parkinsons Disease and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Recent human genetic studies have identified five genes that are linked to Parkinson's disease (PD): α-synuclein, parkin, UCH-L1, DJ-1 and NR4A2. Among these genes, a variety of mutations in the human parkin locus have been found in many PD cases, both familial and sporadic. Parkin appears to be the most prevalent genetic factor in PD. It encodes for a protein-ubiqui tin E3 ligase, whose loss-of- function mutations cause specific degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in substantia nigra in human patients. The accumulation of parkin substrates is thought to be the key factor in the selective death of DA neurons. Rapid progress in the identification of these substrates and the generation of genetic animal models has produced a plethora of knowledge about the biological function of parkin and its role in PD. These studies also offer novel pharmacological targets for the development of more selective therapeutic strategies. In this review, I will summarize results from this fast expanding field and discuss their potential implication in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Construction of a proteomic reference map for analysis of development of etiolated rice seedlings

When rice seedlings grow in darkness, they will be yellow in color and show typical etiolated characters such as elongation of hypocotyls and stem, rolling up of young leaves around the stem tip. To better understand the development of etiolated rice seedlings at the molecule level, a proteomic reference map of etiolated rice seedlings was established by combining Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis (2DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). In this study, a total of 1170 protein spots were detected. 200 protein spots were picked for MALDI-TOFMS analysis, and 162 proteins were chosen for further analysis and construction of the proteomic reference map. As expected, most of the chosen proteins were metabolism and energy metabolismassociated, suggesting that the early stages of development of etiolated rice seedlings involved in complex metabolic activities. We further discussed the potential functions of these proteins in the development of etiolated rice seedlings. Our data also showed that a large number of proteins had not yet been annotated in rice.
Phylogeny of the Diopatra generic complex with a revision of Paradiopatra Ehlres, 1887 (Polychaeta: Onuphidae)

Analysis of 55 morphological characters yielded a phylogenetic reconstruction of the Diopatra complex, currently including three genera (Diopatra, Epidiopatra, and Paradiopatra). The results reject the monophyletic status of the complex and all three genera analysed. It is suggested that several parallel and independent events of paedomorphic evolution took place within the genera Diopatra and Paradiopatra, which led to the recognition of two artificial genera Epidiopatra and Notonuphis. The following taxonomic revisions are proposed: (1) Epidiopatra as a junior synonym of Diopatra; (2) Notonuphis as a junior synonym of Paradiopatra; (3) the Diopatra complex, consisting of two sister genera Diopatra and Paradiopatra, and two basal genera Paxtonia gen. nov. and Protodiopatra gen. nov., erected for two species previously included in Paradiopatra. Reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships within Paradiopatra yields a few reliable clades comprising well-defined groups of species, but supported by homoplastic synapomorphies representing highly adaptive characters. Twenty-six valid species of Paradiopatra, including a new species, Paradiopatra pyricirra sp. nov., are described or re-described and illustrated based on original descriptions and re-examination of type and non-type material. Identification keys to genera included in the Diopatra complex, and to all accepted Paradiopatra species, are presented. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 163, 319–436.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Chrysocoma ciliata L. leaves.

Chrysocoma ciliata L. is one of the South African medicinal plants used for the management of pains, stomach and menstrual disorders by the people of the Eastern Cape. The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the plant through hydrodistillation yielded 1.20% (volume/fresh weight). A total of 37 compounds were identified, constituting 85.28% of the total oil composition. The major components of the oil were the monoterpenes (α-pinene, 7.87%; β-pinene, 42.94%; myrcene, 6.13%, cis-ocimene, 7.23%; allo-ocimene, 1.18%) and sesquiterpenes (trans-beta farnesene, 1.49%; germacrene D, 1.82%; bicyclogermacrene, 2.52%; viridiflorol, 7.70%). The oil inhibited both bacteria and fungi species at relatively low concentrations. The 10 bacteria (five gram-positive and five gram-negative) used were inhibited at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 0.08 - 10.00 mg/ml. Also, the oil suppressed the growth of four fungi species with inhibition zone ranging from 14.50 - 51.24 mm. The presence of monoterpenes as the major constituents of the essential oil from this herb could be responsible for the notable antimicrobial activity observed in this study. Therefore, the essential oil from C. ciliata could be promising natural product for the development of antimicrobial agents. Key words: Chrysocoma ciliata, hydrodistillation, essential oil, antimicrobial activity.
Livestock Grazing, Wildlife Habitat, and Rangeland Values

livestock and wildlife values should be placed within this broader context. Ranchers and conservationists in the West realize that debates over grazing systems and stocking rates are of little consequence if rangelands continue to be lost or fragmented due to subdivision, farming, weed invasion, catastrophic wildfi re, and energy development. However, impacts of domestic grazing that diminish land value via reduced range productivity and wildlife habitat quality can also lead to alternative land uses and habitat conversion. Maintaining the multiple values of western rangelands will require a shift from local to landscape conservation to match the scale of land use change that threatens grazing, rural ways of life, and wildlife habitat. The future of western rangelands is in developing partnerships that help keep sustainable grazing the prevailing land use. Indeed, as rangelands are lost to other land uses, overlapping interests will make conservation partners out of otherwise odd associates—ranchers need open space for grazing and wildlife biologists, managers, and other conservationists want to maintain or enhance the wildlife values on working ranches. In this paper, we review a representative sampling of scientifi c literature to document grazing impacts on wildlife and its habitat to better understand the roles of grazing strategies in wildlife habitat conservation. Further, we explore commonalities between grazing and conservation interests and provide a vision for advancing wildlife and habitat management and conservation.
Nest value mediates reproductive decision making within termite societies

The influences of costs and benefits on social evolution remain poorly understood, despite their importance for explaining social behavior, and continue to fuel high-profile debates. Here, we investigate the effect of a major ecological factor, wood resource—that is, natal nest value—on reproductive decision making in the termite Cryptotermes secundus. Workers continually assess the available wood resources of the colony and adjust their developmental decisions, including investment into competition, accordingly. In particular, workers are more likely to stay and fight for inheritance within resource-rich nests. Comparable responses are seen in social wasps, which evolved sociality independently from the termites, demonstrating convergent evolution. Our results, therefore, indicate a general evolutionary link between resource wealth and societal conflict.
The long-term conservation of forest diversity in New Zealand

The largely endemic flora of New Zealand is a remnant of the Cretaceous flora of Gondwana, supplemented by later additions from Australia and the tropics. Semi-natural plant communities cover about 50% of the country, and a scheme for the protection of supposedly representative areas is in place. Existing reserves do not adequately reflect the patterns of plant species diversity. Many are modified by introduced animals and alien plants. The latter are being actively introduced into New Zealand at the rate of c. 11 species per year. Measures of diversity are discussed and the broad pattern of (gamma) diversity and endemicity in the country is described. A comparison is made between (alpha) diversity levels in Beech Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioidesand Kauri Agathis australisforest. Within each of these two forest types there are similar levels of alpha-diversity over a wide range of latitude. Altitudinal alpha-diversity trends indicate an average loss of 3.4 species per 100 m of altitude. This can be accounted for by the reduction of land surface area with increasing altitude on conical or ridge-shaped mountains. The altitudinal data emphasize the importance of the lowlands in the conservation of bio-diversity. The Holocene history of the forests in New Zealand suggests that the concept of "representativeness" is flawed: forest varies continuously in time and space. It may be possible to create some "living museums" of the past biota of New Zealand, but unless there are radical changes in our ability to eradicate animal pests and introduced plants, the composition of mainland forest reserves in the lowlands will change dramatically over the next few centuries. Conservation effort on saving endangered birds may have been at the expense of long-term "habitat" survival on the mainland.