Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Episodic disturbances drive nutrient dynamics along freshwater‐to‐estuary gradients in a subtropical wetland

Wetlands are biogeochemically active ecosystems where primary production and respiration interact with physico‐chemical conditions to influence nutrient availability across spatio‐temporal scales. The effect of episodic disturbances on water quality dynamics within wetlands is relatively unknown, especially in large oligotrophic wetlands such as the Everglades. We describe a range of episodic disturbance events and their impacts on the spatio‐temporal dynamics of surface water total N (TN) and total P (TP) concentrations in the Everglades as a means to understand their effect and legacies. Water quality monitoring along the two principal drainages—Taylor Slough (TS) and Shark River Slough (SRS)—has been ongoing since 2000, spanning myriad disturbances ranging from high‐energy storms such as Hurricane Wilma in 2005 to a record cold event in 2010 and large fires. Local events include pulsed rainfall, low marsh stage, and stage recession and recovery (i.e., droughts and subsequent dry‐to‐wet transitions). The deposition of marine‐derived sediment from Hurricane Wilma corresponded with a doubling of TP in SRS mangrove sites (from 0.39 to 0.84 μmol/L) before recovering to pre‐disturbance mean after 5–6 yr. A brief increase in TP within one week of the 2010 cold event was followed by delayed spikes in TN (>1000 μmol/L) and TN:TP exceeding 5000 after one month. In 2008, a large fire in upper SRS prior to the wet season caused a lagged TP pulse at downstream locations SRS2, SRS3, and possibly SRS4. TP also varied negatively with depth/stage in marsh sites and positively with salinity in estuarine sites, reflecting physical concentration or dilution effects. In upper TS, TP varied according to extremes such as high rainfall and low stage relative to normal conditions. Although excess P in the Everglades is generally derived from anthropogenic upland or natural marine sources, episodic disturbance mobilizes internal sources of nutrients along an Everglades freshwater‐to‐estuary continuum, affecting water quality from days to years depending on disturbance type and intensity. The capacity for resilience is high in coastal wetland ecosystems that are exposed to high‐energy tropical storms and other episodic events, even in the highly managed Florida Everglades.
Evaluation of Citrus Tristeza Virus Tolerant Rootstocks Budded with Washington Navel Orange

Several citrus tristeza virus tolerant rootstocks budded with Washington navel orange were evaluated in Aguirre, Carabobo State, Venezuela. Yield results of 7 yr are presented. Other parameters taken into consideration were: canopy volume, efficiency, fruit size, peel width, percent of juice, total soluble solids (TSS), percent acid and TSSIacid ratio. From the preliminary results the most promising rootstocks seem to be Volkamer lemon, Citrus taiwanica and Carrizo citrange. The selection of a single rootstock would not be possible nor recommended due to the different climatic and soil conditions.
The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of bisphenol A on neuronal cells in vitro

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have the potential to cause adverse effects to human health by disrupting normal homeostasis, reproduction, development and behaviour. They can simultaneously act as cytotoxic and genotoxic agents. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-documented EDC, widely used in the manufacturing of plastic and epoxy resins. Humans are regularly exposed to this chemical through ingestion of food and beverages. The adverse effects of BPA on reproduction and development have been thoroughly studied. The potential adverse effect of BPA however, on neuronal development has not been entirely explored. In this study, the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of BPA were investigated on neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). While the cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay, genotoxicity was determined using the comet assay. Time and concentration dependent effects were observed for cellular viability in this cell line following BPA exposure. BPA significantly reduced cell viability at high concentrations (>250 µM) after 24h and (> 100 µM) 48h exposures. Nevertheless, low environmental concentrations were not found to be cytotoxic. No significant increase in DNA damage was observed after a 24h exposure, while 500 nM significantly increased DNA damage after a 48h exposure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed no morphological changes after exposure to BPA. This study provides in vitro evidence of the potential adverse effects of BPA on the nervous system and possible effects on neuronal development. However, further investigation would be required to decide if environmental concentrations are likely to be potentially hazardous to human health.
Comparative effects of graded doses of diaminanzine ace-turate and fixed doses of levamisole in the treatment of albino mice experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Trypanosomosis is a widespread and important disease of animals and humans in tsetse-infested areas of Africa, Nigeria inclusive. To investigate the comparative effects of graded doses of Diaminazine aceturate (DA) and fixed doses of Levamisole in the treatment of albino mice experimentally infected with field isolates of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Thirty adult mice were used and were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 mice each. After infection has been established, 3 groups (A, B and C) were treated with graded doses of DA at 7, 14 and 21mg/kg body weight respectively and a fixed dose of Levamisole at 7.5mg/kg body weight, whereas group D was treated with Levamisole only at the same dose. Group E served as positive (infected untreated) control while group F served a negative (uninfected untreated) control. The following parameters were used to access the efficacy of the drugs: weekly rectal temperature, weight changes, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, clinical signs or survivabilty and parasitaemia. The parasite cleared from groups A, B and C by the 48th hour post treatment, but remained in group D while all the mice in group E died within 65 days PI, those in group D died within 65 days PI, whereas those in Group D died within 35 days post treatment. Relapse infection was only recorded in group A at day 30 post treatment. There was no relapse in group B and C, but more deaths were recorded in group C. The significant reduction (p<0.05) in the weight, PCV and haemoglobin concentration and an increase in rectal temperature following infection was reversed by the treatments in groups A, B and C. The results obtained show that an increased dose of DA at 14mg/kg body weight and Levamisole at 7.5mg/kg body weight proved most effective in the treatment of clinical cases of infection with Trypanosoma brucei brucei.
Performance of sweet potato clones for bioethanol production in different cultivation periods

Sweet potato is a perennial plant but cultivated as an annual crop. Thus, identifying the best period of cultivation is important for optimizing production, aiming human and animal consumption, as well as ethanol production. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of sweet potato clones grown in different cultivation periods for the production of bioethanol. Plots consisted of three cultivation periods (3, 5 and 7 months), and the subplots of five sweet potato clones (accessions IBP-007, IBP-038, IBP-075, IBP-079 and IBP-149) and the cultivar Brazlândia Rosada, considering a split plot scheme. We studied the root dry mass, starch and amylose content and starch and ethanol yield. Clone IPB-007 showed high values for starch yield (6.63 t/ha) and ethanol yield (4,379 L/ha). For root dry mass (38.32%) and starch (26.70%) and etha,nol yield (176.26 L/t), clone IPB-149 stood out. There was no significant difference for amylose content. Starch content (13.94%) and starch (1.64 t/ha) and ethanol yield (1,034 L/ha and 92.04 L/t) were lower for most of the clones in the three-month period of cultivation. We recommend the five-month period of cultivation and clones IPB-007 and IPB-149
Regulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System by Reactive Oxygen Species

Angiotensin II (Ang II), the major effector of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are critically involved in Ang II-induced effects. Noteworthy, accumulating evidence indicates that ROS also regulate the activation of RAAS, contributing to the fine-tuning of this system under physiological conditions or to the amplification of the deleterious signaling in several pathologies. This chapter aims at giving an overview of the role of ROS in the regulation of expression, secretion and/or activity of several RAAS components.
The Use of Constructed Wetlands for Nitrogen Removal from Agricultural Drainage: a Review

Abstract Diffuse pollution from agricultural drainage is a severe problem for water quality and it is a major reason for eutrophication of both freshwaters and coastal waters. Constructed wetlands were proposed as a suitable tool for removal of nitrogen from agricultural drainage in the early 1990s. Since then constructed wetlands with free water surface have been successfully used in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. The predominant form of nitrogen in agricultural drainage waters is nitrate and therefore denitrification is considered as the major removal process. The literature survey of 41 full-scale constructed wetlands revealed that removed nitrogen amount varied widely between 11 and 13 026 kg N ha-1 per year with the median removal of 426 kg N ha-1 per year. A very close relationship was found between inflow and removed nitrogen loads but the overall percentual efficiency decreases with increasing inflow nitrogen load. It has also been found that nitrogen removal depends on the size of constructed wetland (W) as compared to catchment (C) area. The survey indicated that the W/C greater than 1% does not result in any substantial increase of nitrogen removal. There are still some gaps in our knowledge that need to be evaluated, namely the optimum vegetation maintenance.
Shade, reproductive effort and growth of the endangered native cactus, Opuntia humifusa Raf. in Point Pelee National Park, Canada1

Abstract Opuntia humifusa (eastern prickly pear cactus) is an endangered species in Canada, found principally in only one remaining location nationally, at Point Pelee National Park (PPNP). This study quantifies fruit and flower production in the population, the pad yellowing phenomenon that has been observed, overlying coverage and shade, and a variety of plant size metrics in order to assess the relationships between these factors. A variety of parametric (ANOVA, Pearson product-moment correlation, t tests) and nonparametric (Spearman's rank correlation, Kruskal-Wallis test) statistical analyses were conducted. Pad yellowing, a presumed sign of ill health, was not significantly related to any aspect of plant size or reproduction, and was statistically related only to shade (less yellowing with greater shade). Shade also affects plant height, with taller plants associated with greater shade. Reproductive effort is lower in shadier sites, and shade also appears to delay reproduction to later in the season. Published research generally suggests that increases in sexual reproduction are a sign of stress, suggesting an overall decrease in stress in the cactus population in the Park. However, I observed that reproduction decreased with shade, and increasing shade is known to cause population decline, making the effects of light stress at PPNP difficult to determine.
Soilborne root disease pathogen complexes drive widespread decline of subterranean clover pastures across diverse climatic zones

Abstract. Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) is an important pasture legume in many regions of Australia, and elsewhere. A survey was undertaken in 2014 to define the levels of soilborne disease and associated pathogens in annual subterranean clover pastures across southern Australia. Most of the 202 samples processed had very severe levels of taproot rot disease (disease index 60–80%) and extremely severe lateral root rot disease (disease index 80–100%). A complex of soilborne root pathogens including Aphanomyces trifolii, Phytophthora clandestina, and one or more of Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spp. was found responsible for severe pre- and post-emergence damping-off and root disease. This is the first study to highlight the high incidence of A. trifolii across southern Australian pastures and the first to highlight the existence of natural synergistic associations in the field between Rhizoctonia and Pythium spp. , Pythium and Fusarium spp. , Pythium spp. and A. trifolii, and P. clandestina and A. trifolii. Nodulation was generally poor, mainly only in the 20–40% nodulation index range. There was no relationship between rainfall zone and tap or lateral root disease level, with root disease equally severe in lower (330 mm) and higher (1000 mm) rainfall zones. This dispels the previous belief that severe root disease in subterranean clover is an issue only in higher rainfall zones. Although overall the relationship between tap and lateral root disease was relatively weak, these two root-disease components were strongly positively expressed within each pathogen’s presence grouping, providing explanation for variability in this relationship across different field situations where soilborne root disease is a major problem. Most producers underestimated the levels and effect of root disease in their pastures. This study established that tap and lateral root diseases are widespread and severe, having devastating impact on the feed gap during autumn–early winter across southern Australia. Severe root disease was independent of the highly variable complex of soilborne pathogens associated with diseased roots, geographic location and rainfall zone. It is evident that soilborne root diseases are the primary factor responsible for widespread decline in subterranean clover productivity of pastures across southern Australia. Implications for disease management and options for extension are discussed.
Bone mineral density, lipid profile and body composition: a comparison of swimmers, runners and controls

The aim of this study was to compare bone mineral density, lipid profile and body composition among swimmers, runners and control group. The study was conducted on three groups of individuals, i.e., swimmers (n=14), runners (n=08), and physically active healthy individuals (controls, n=15). Body composition and bone mineral density were evaluated by DXA, and the lipid profile (total cholesterol TC, HDL cholesterol, LDLcholesterol and triglycerides TG) was analyzed by the automatic spectrophotometric method. Swimmers and runners had a lower percent fat and fat mass and a greater amount of lean mass compared to control (p<0.05). Regarding changes in lipid profile, the swimmers had a higher concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TC and triglycerides than controls (p<0.05), whereas the runners had a lower concentration of HDL-cholesterol and a higher concentration of triglycerides (p<0.05). Despite the body benefits, high-performance sport practice causes a factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Ten Bee Species New to Green Roofs in the Chicago Area

1Plant Biology and Conservation, The Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022. (e-mail: kellyksiazek@u.northwestern.edu). 2Plant Biology and Conservation, The Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022. (e-mail: rebeccatonietto2008@u. northwestern.edu). 3John S. Ascher, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543. (e-mail: dbsajs@nus.edu.sg). *Corresponding author. Ten Bee Species New to Green Roofs in the Chicago Area
Anti‐mutagenicity, hypouricemic and antioxidant activities of alkaloids from vinegar and mei vinegar

The objective of the present experiment was to assess the protective activity of sorghum vinegar (V) and mei vinegar (MV) and its alkaloids by evaluating its antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, and hypouricemic activities. The acetic acid concentration, metallic ions like calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and alkaloid contents (β-carbolines) were much higher in MV than V. MV exhibited better xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity to endorse its antihyperuricemic effect. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity and solubility of urate were substantially ameliorated in MV than V. Both V and MV effectively reduced the mutagenicity induced by mutagenic agents like N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo-[4,5-f]-quinoline on various strains of Salmonella typhimurium namely TA100 and TA102. Based on the outcome of the current study, it indicated that MV might be recommended for treating the uric acid related disorder (gout) along with standard hypouricemic drugs. Practical applications For many year mei vinegar (plum) has been used as a physiological alkaline food and hence recommended for treating various ailments like an ulcer, gastritis, and arthritis (gout). However, the scientific evidence behind vinegar for treating arthritis (gout) was unknown and hence the current study was undertaken to showcase the beneficial activity by checking the antioxidant, antimutagenic and hypouricemic activities of MV and V. Ample amount of studies proved that alkaloids (β-carboline) are the major phytocomponents of fruit or grain vinegar with numerous health promoting properties and hence, we speculate that alkaloids in MV might largely contribute to antioxidant, antimutagenic, and hypouricemic activities. Our results confirm our hypothesis and indicating that MV with higher content of alkaloids showed better beneficial property than V. Therefore, MV can be used as a functional food for curbing uric acid related disorder.
The Survival and Welfare of Hedgehogs (Erinaceus Europaeus) After Release Back Into the Wild

The fate of rescued hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) released back to the wild has now been the subject of several follow-up studies. Although subject to various hazards, released hedgehogs have clearly shown essential ‘life-skills’. However, all previous studies have involved releases into hedgehog-rich areas and the observed long-range (> 500m) dispersal movements shown by some subjects, of up to 5km, may be a consequence of local intraspecific competition. This study has reduced a number of potentially confounding subject variables and provides follow-up data on 12 age-matched female hedgehogs with similar histories. A main group (n = 10) was released into a rural woodland area (Surrey, UK) of low natural hedgehog density, and radio-tracked for up to 108 days. A pilot release of two animals in an urban area with an established hedgehog population also took place (tracked for 109 and 131 days respectively). Most of the main group dispersed (up to 3km) from the release site; the two animals in the urban site did not. These data, taken with those from previous studies, suggest that dispersal is not specifically the result of intraspecific competition. Overall survival at week 8 was 42per cent (5 hedgehogs) plus two lost animals. This is comparable with previous studies. However, survival fell to 25 per cent (3 animals) plus two lost animals by week 15. Of seven recorded deaths, only one was the result of a failure to thrive and all other mortalities were accidental: four road deaths, one drowned in a pond and one predation. The study concludes that the hazards of the human environment were the principal threat to the welfare and survival of released hedgehogs in the area.
Wood anatomy and conductivity in lianas, shrubs and trees of Bignoniaceae

This work compares potential xylem hydraulic efficiency among Bignoniaceae lianas, shrubs and trees. Five species from each growth habit were analysed to determine variance among habits based on quantitative and qualitative wood anatomical features. Potential hydraulic conductivity was calculated for each species in order to compare efficiency of water transport. Cambial variants are present in the Bignonieae tribe, as phloem wedges in lianas and phloem arcs in shrubs. Lianas present vessel dimorphism, quantitatively evidenced by the ratio of maximum by minimum vessel diameter of about 20, higher percentage of vessel area and lower percentage of fibres compared with the self-supporting species studied here. Potential hydraulic conductivity is higher in lianas due to the presence of wider vessels and it is hypothesised that the narrow vessels can function as back-up for water conduction when wider vessels are cavitated.
In situ ruminal digestibility of red osier dogwood in finishing beef heifers

Abstract: An in situ study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding red osier dogwood (ROD) on ruminal digestion of barley, ROD, and barley silage in beef heifers. Heifers were fed diets that varied by substituting ROD for barley silage at 0%, 3%, 7%, or 10%. Slowly degradable fraction and effective degradability (ED) of ROD crude protein (CP) linearly (P < 0.02) increased with increasing ROD. The ED of CP of barley and barley silage was reduced (P < 0.01) by feeding ROD. These results indicate that feeding ROD potentially reduces ruminal protein degradability, thereby improving protein efficiency.
Sexual system and sexual dimorphism in the shrimp Periclimenes brevicarpalis (Schenkel, 1902) (Caridea: Palaemonidae), symbiotic with the sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni (Saville-Kent, 1893) in the Gulf of Mannar, India

Little is known about the biology of Indo-West Pacific ornamental crustaceans, including the peacock-tail shrimp Periclimenes brevicarpalis (Schenkel, 1902) (Palaemonidae Rafinesque, 1815), a species that is highly valued by aquarists and marine photographers. We provide information about gender expression and sexual dimorphism in P. brevicarpalis. We studied a population inhabiting the Haddon’s carpet sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India. In the studied population, males attain similar maximum and average body sizes (carapace length) than females. This observation and the absence of transitional individuals exhibiting male (appendices masculinae) and female (eggs underneath the abdomen) reproductive traits, ruled out sequential and simultaneous hermaphroditism in P. brevicarpalis and suggest that this species is gonochoric. Minimal differences in claw size (males > females) were observed between the two sexes. The allometric growth of this structure was greater in females than males. The absence of sexual dimorphism in terms of body size concomitantly with the minimal differences in weaponry observed between the two sexes suggest that the species is monogamous, an inference also supported by the common observation of pairs of shrimps inhabiting the same host individual in the field. Additional studies on the behavioral ecology of P. brevicarpalis should reveal its mating system.